BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In one aspect, a disclosed first method is for amplifying optical signals.","The first method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power.","The first method may include transmitting the optical signal through a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the BRW.","Within the BRW in the first method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","In the first method, the optical pump and the optical signal may be phase locked to each other.","Within the BRW in the first method, the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.","The first method may further include outputting, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first method, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.","In the first method, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.","In another aspect, a disclosed first optical amplifier, includes a BRW including electrodes mounted to the BRW to enable current injection.","In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to receive an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power, and transmit the optical signal through the BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW using the electrodes.","Within the BRW in the first optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission, and the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.","In the first optical amplifier, the optical pump and the optical signal are phase locked to each other.","In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to output, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.","In another aspect, a disclosed second method is for amplifying optical signals.","The second method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.","Within the first BRW in the second method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, where the optical pump does not include the data modulated, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","The second method includes isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, and combining the optical pump isolated with the optical signal.","In the second method, a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal to create a combined signal and the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.","The second method may include transmitting the combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity, while the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may further include isolating the optical signal having the second optical power increased using a second bandpass filter, and measuring the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may include using the second optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.","In a further aspect, a disclosed second optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.","In the second optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK.","In the second optical amplifier, the optical signal is transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW.","Within the first BRW in the second optical amplifier, an optical pump at a pump frequency for the optical signal is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","In the second optical amplifier, the optical pump does not include the data modulated.","In the second optical amplifier, the first stage further includes a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, an optical coupler to combine the optical pump isolated with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate the combined signal, such that the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.","In the second stage, the second optical amplifier includes a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the combined signal.","In the second optical amplifier, the second optical power of the optical signal is increased in the second BRW.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating the optical signal generated by the second BRW, and a photodetector to measure the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may include a feedback control loop using the second optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the second optical power.","In yet another aspect, a disclosed third method is for amplifying optical signals.","The third method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.","Within the first BRW in the third method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","The third method may include isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, applying a phase adjustment to the optical signal received, where the optical signal has a second optical power, and combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal.","The third method may further include transmitting the in-phase combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power, combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment and a phase shift to create a quadrature-phase combined signal, and transmitting the quadrature-phase combined signal through a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter, isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW using a third bandpass filter, combining the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and measuring the third optical power from the amplified optical signal.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include using the third optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the third method, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.","In yet a further aspect, a disclosed third optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.","In the third optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK.","In the first stage of the third optical amplifier, the optical signal may be transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW.","Within the first BRW in the third optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","The first stage of the third optical amplifier may further include a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, and a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, where the optical signal has a second optical power.","The second stage of the third optical amplifier may include a first optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate an in-phase combined signal, a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the in-phase combined signal, while an in-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the second BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control and subject to a phase shift to generate an quadrature-phase combined signal, and a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the quadrature-phase combined signal.","In the second stage of the third amplifier, a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the third BRW In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW, a third bandpass filter for isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and a photodetector to measure the third optical power.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may further include a feedback control loop using the third optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the third optical power.","In the second optical amplifier, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.","Additional disclosed aspects for phase-sensitive optical amplification using a BRW include an optical communication system and an optical transport network, as described herein."],["CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/863,170 filed Sep. 23, 2015, the contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.","BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to optical communication networks and, more particularly, to harmonic generation and phase sensitive amplification using a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW).","Description of the Related Art Telecommunication, cable television and data communication systems use optical networks to rapidly convey large amounts of information between remote points.","In an optical network, information is conveyed in the form of optical signals through optical fibers.","Optical fibers may comprise thin strands of glass capable of communicating the signals over long distances.","Optical networks often employ modulation schemes to convey information in the optical signals over the optical fibers.","Such modulation schemes may include phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), amplitude-shift keying (ASK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).","In PSK, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating the phase of a reference signal, also known as a carrier wave.","The information may be conveyed by modulating the phase of the signal itself using differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) or binary phase shift keying (BPSK).","In QAM, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating both the amplitude and phase of the carrier wave.","PSK may be considered a subset of QAM, wherein the amplitude of the carrier waves is maintained as a constant.","PSK and QAM signals may be represented using a complex plane with real and imaginary axes on a constellation diagram.","The points on the constellation diagram representing symbols carrying information may be positioned with uniform angular spacing around the origin of the diagram.","The number of symbols to be modulated using PSK and QAM may be increased and thus increase the information that can be carried.","The number of signals may be given in multiples of two.","As additional symbols are added, they may be arranged in uniform fashion around the origin.","PSK signals may include such an arrangement in a circle on the constellation diagram, meaning that PSK signals have constant power for all symbols.","QAM signals may have the same angular arrangement as that of PSK signals, but include different amplitude arrangements.","QAM signals may have their symbols arranged around multiple circles, meaning that the QAM signals include different power for different symbols.","This arrangement may decrease the risk of noise as the symbols are separated by as much distance as possible.","A number of symbols “m” may thus be used and denoted “m-PSK” or “m-QAM.” Examples of PSK and QAM with a different number of symbols can include binary PSK (BPSK or 2-PSK) using two phases at 0° and 180° (or 0 and π) on the constellation diagram; or quadrature PSK (QPSK, 4-PSK, or 4-QAM) using four phases at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° (or 0, π/2, π, and 3 π/2).","Phases in such signals may be offset.","Each of 2-PSK and 4-PSK signals may be arranged on the constellation diagram.","M-PSK signals may further be polarized using techniques such as dual-polarization QPSK (DP-QPSK), wherein separate m-PSK signals are multiplexed by orthogonally polarizing the signals.","M-QAM signals may also be polarized using techniques such as dual-polarization 16-QAM (DP-16-QAM), wherein separate m-QAM signals are multiplexed by orthogonally polarizing the signals.","Optical networks may also include various optical elements, such as amplifiers, dispersion compensators, multiplexer/demultiplexer filters, wavelength selective switches, optical switches, couplers, etc.","to perform various operations within the network.","In particular, optical networks may include optical amplifiers for amplifying optical signals to enable a greater reach of the optical signal.","SUMMARY In one aspect, a disclosed first method is for amplifying optical signals.","The first method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power.","The first method may include transmitting the optical signal through a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the BRW.","Within the BRW in the first method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","In the first method, the optical pump and the optical signal may be phase locked to each other.","Within the BRW in the first method, the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.","The first method may further include outputting, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first method, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.","In the first method, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.","In another aspect, a disclosed first optical amplifier, includes a BRW including electrodes mounted to the BRW to enable current injection.","In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to receive an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power, and transmit the optical signal through the BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW using the electrodes.","Within the BRW in the first optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission, and the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.","In the first optical amplifier, the optical pump and the optical signal are phase locked to each other.","In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to output, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.","In another aspect, a disclosed second method is for amplifying optical signals.","The second method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.","Within the first BRW in the second method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, where the optical pump does not include the data modulated, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","The second method includes isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, and combining the optical pump isolated with the optical signal.","In the second method, a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal to create a combined signal and the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.","The second method may include transmitting the combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity, while the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may further include isolating the optical signal having the second optical power increased using a second bandpass filter, and measuring the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may include using the second optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.","In a further aspect, a disclosed second optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.","In the second optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK.","In the second optical amplifier, the optical signal is transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW.","Within the first BRW in the second optical amplifier, an optical pump at a pump frequency for the optical signal is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","In the second optical amplifier, the optical pump does not include the data modulated.","In the second optical amplifier, the first stage further includes a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, an optical coupler to combine the optical pump isolated with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate the combined signal, such that the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.","In the second stage, the second optical amplifier includes a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the combined signal.","In the second optical amplifier, the second optical power of the optical signal is increased in the second BRW.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating the optical signal generated by the second BRW, and a photodetector to measure the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may include a feedback control loop using the second optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the second optical power.","In yet another aspect, a disclosed third method is for amplifying optical signals.","The third method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.","Within the first BRW in the third method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","The third method may include isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, applying a phase adjustment to the optical signal received, where the optical signal has a second optical power, and combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal.","The third method may further include transmitting the in-phase combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power, combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment and a phase shift to create a quadrature-phase combined signal, and transmitting the quadrature-phase combined signal through a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter, isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW using a third bandpass filter, combining the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and measuring the third optical power from the amplified optical signal.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include using the third optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the third method, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.","In yet a further aspect, a disclosed third optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.","In the third optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK.","In the first stage of the third optical amplifier, the optical signal may be transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW.","Within the first BRW in the third optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.","The first stage of the third optical amplifier may further include a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, and a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, where the optical signal has a second optical power.","The second stage of the third optical amplifier may include a first optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate an in-phase combined signal, a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the in-phase combined signal, while an in-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the second BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control and subject to a phase shift to generate an quadrature-phase combined signal, and a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the quadrature-phase combined signal.","In the second stage of the third amplifier, a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the third BRW In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW, a third bandpass filter for isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and a photodetector to measure the third optical power.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may further include a feedback control loop using the third optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the third optical power.","In the second optical amplifier, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.","Additional disclosed aspects for phase-sensitive optical amplification using a BRW include an optical communication system and an optical transport network, as described herein.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical network; FIG.","2 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical amplifier using a BRW; FIG.","3 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical amplifier using two BRWs; FIG.","4 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical amplifier using three BRWs; FIG.","5 is a flow diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a method for BRW phase-sensitive optical amplification; FIG.","6 is a flow diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a method for BRW phase-sensitive optical amplification; and FIGS.","7A and 7B are a flow diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a method for BRW phase-sensitive optical amplification.","DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S) In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter.","It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.","Throughout this disclosure, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the element generically or collectively.","Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), device “12-1” refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices “12” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device “12”.","In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements.","Referring now to the drawings, FIG.","1 illustrates an example embodiment of optical network 101, which may represent an optical communication system.","Optical network 101 may include one or more optical fibers 106 to transport one or more optical signals communicated by components of optical network 101.The network elements of optical network 101, coupled together by fibers 106, may comprise one or more transmitters 102, one or more multiplexers (MUX) 104, one or more optical amplifiers 108, one or more optical add/drop multiplexers (OADM) 110, one or more demultiplexers (DEMUX) 105, and one or more receivers 112.Optical network 101 may comprise a point-to-point optical network with terminal nodes, a ring optical network, a mesh optical network, or any other suitable optical network or combination of optical networks.","Optical network 101 may be used in a short-haul metropolitan network, a long-haul inter-city network, or any other suitable network or combination of networks.","The capacity of optical network 101 may include, for example, 100 Gbit/s, 400 Gbit/s, or 1 Tbit/s.","Optical fibers 106 comprise thin strands of glass capable of communicating the signals over long distances with very low loss.","Optical fibers 106 may comprise a suitable type of fiber selected from a variety of different fibers for optical transmission.","Optical fibers 106 may include any suitable type of fiber, such as a Single-Mode Fiber (SMF), Enhanced Large Effective Area Fiber (E-LEAF), or TrueWave® Reduced Slope (TW-RS) fiber.","Optical network 101 may include devices to transmit optical signals over optical fibers 106.Information may be transmitted and received through optical network 101 by modulation of one or more wavelengths of light to encode the information on the wavelength.","In optical networking, a wavelength of light may also be referred to as a channel that is included in an optical signal (also referred to herein as a “wavelength channel”).","Each channel may carry a certain amount of information through optical network 101.To increase the information capacity and transport capabilities of optical network 101, multiple signals transmitted at multiple channels may be combined into a single wideband optical signal.","The process of communicating information at multiple channels is referred to in optics as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).","Coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) refers to the multiplexing of wavelengths that are widely spaced having low number of channels, usually greater than 20 nm and less than sixteen wavelengths, and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) refers to the multiplexing of wavelengths that are closely spaced having large number of channels, usually less than 0.8 nm spacing and greater than forty wavelengths, into a fiber.","WDM or other multi-wavelength multiplexing transmission techniques are employed in optical networks to increase the aggregate bandwidth per optical fiber.","Without WDM, the bandwidth in optical networks may be limited to the bit-rate of solely one wavelength.","With more bandwidth, optical networks are capable of transmitting greater amounts of information.","Optical network 101 may transmit disparate channels using WDM or some other suitable multi-channel multiplexing technique, and to amplify the multi-channel signal.","Optical network 101 may include one or more optical transmitters (Tx) 102 to transmit optical signals through optical network 101 in specific wavelengths or channels.","Transmitters 102 may comprise a system, apparatus or device to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal and transmit the optical signal.","For example, transmitters 102 may each comprise a laser and a modulator to receive electrical signals and modulate the information contained in the electrical signals onto a beam of light produced by the laser at a particular wavelength, and transmit the beam for carrying the signal throughout optical network 101.Multiplexer 104 may be coupled to transmitters 102 and may be a system, apparatus or device to combine the signals transmitted by transmitters 102, e.g., at respective individual wavelengths, into a WDM signal.","Optical amplifiers 108 may amplify the multi-channeled signals within optical network 101.Optical amplifiers 108 may be positioned before or after certain lengths of fiber 106.Optical amplifiers 108 may comprise a system, apparatus, or device to amplify optical signals.","For example, optical amplifiers 108 may comprise an optical repeater that amplifies the optical signal.","This amplification may be performed with opto-electrical or electro-optical conversion.","In some embodiments, optical amplifiers 108 may comprise an optical fiber doped with a rare-earth element to form a doped fiber amplification element.","When a signal passes through the fiber, external energy may be applied in the form of an optical pump (or simply ‘pump’) to excite the atoms of the doped portion of the optical fiber, which increases the intensity of the optical signal.","As an example, optical amplifiers 108 may comprise an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA).","OADMs 110 may be coupled to optical network 101 via fibers 106.OADMs 110 comprise an add/drop module, which may include a system, apparatus or device to add or drop optical signals (i.e., at individual wavelengths) from fibers 106.After passing through an OADM 110, an optical signal may travel along fibers 106 directly to a destination, or the signal may be passed through one or more additional OADMs 110 and optical amplifiers 108 before reaching a destination.","In certain embodiments of optical network 101, OADM 110 may represent a reconfigurable OADM (ROADM) that is capable of adding or dropping individual or multiple wavelengths of a WDM signal.","The individual or multiple wavelengths may be added or dropped in the optical domain, for example, using a wavelength selective switch (WSS) (not shown) that may be included in a ROADM.","As shown in FIG.","1, optical network 101 may also include one or more demultiplexers 105 at one or more destinations of network 101.Demultiplexer 105 may comprise a system apparatus or device that acts as a demultiplexer by splitting a single composite WDM signal into individual channels at respective wavelengths.","For example, optical network 101 may transmit and carry a forty (40) channel DWDM signal.","Demultiplexer 105 may divide the single, forty channel DWDM signal into forty separate signals according to the forty different channels.","In FIG.","1, optical network 101 may also include receivers 112 coupled to demultiplexer 105.Each receiver 112 may receive optical signals transmitted at a particular wavelength or channel, and may process the optical signals to obtain (e.g., demodulate) the information (i.e., data) that the optical signals contain.","Accordingly, network 101 may include at least one receiver 112 for every channel of the network.","Optical networks, such as optical network 101 in FIG.","1, may employ modulation techniques to convey information in the optical signals over the optical fibers.","Such modulation schemes may include phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), amplitude-shift keying (ASK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), among other examples of modulation techniques.","In PSK, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating the phase of a reference signal, also known as a carrier wave, or simply, a carrier.","The information may be conveyed by modulating the phase of the signal itself using two-level or binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), four-level or quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), multi-level phase-shift keying (M-PSK) and differential phase-shift keying (DPSK).","In QAM, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating both the amplitude and phase of the carrier wave.","PSK may be considered a subset of QAM, wherein the amplitude of the carrier waves is maintained as a constant.","Additionally, polarization division multiplexing (PDM) technology may enable achieving a greater bit rate for information transmission.","PDM transmission comprises modulating information onto various polarization components of an optical signal associated with a channel.","The polarization of an optical signal may refer to the direction of the oscillations of the optical signal.","The term “polarization” may generally refer to the path traced out by the tip of the electric field vector at a point in space, which is perpendicular to the propagation direction of the optical signal.","In an optical network, such as optical network 101 in FIG.","1, it is typical to refer to a management plane, a control plane, and a transport plane (sometimes called the physical layer).","A central management host (not shown) may reside in the management plane and may configure and supervise the components of the control plane.","The management plane includes ultimate control over all transport plane and control plane entities (e.g., network elements).","As an example, the management plane may consist of a central processing center (e.g., the central management host), including one or more processing resources, data storage components, etc.","The management plane may be in electrical communication with the elements of the control plane and may also be in electrical communication with one or more network elements of the transport plane.","The management plane may perform management functions for an overall system and provide coordination between network elements, the control plane, and the transport plane.","As examples, the management plane may include an element management system (EMS) which handles one or more network elements from the perspective of the elements, a network management system (NMS) which handles many devices from the perspective of the network, and an operational support system (OSS) which handles network-wide operations.","Modifications, additions or omissions may be made to optical network 101 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.","For example, optical network 101 may include more or fewer elements than those depicted in FIG.","1.Also, as mentioned above, although depicted as a point-to-point network, optical network 101 may comprise any suitable network topology for transmitting optical signals such as a ring, a mesh, or a hierarchical network topology.","As discussed above, optical amplifiers 108 are used to increase optical power of optical signals in an optical network.","In particular, a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW), which has second order nonlinearity, may be used for parametric amplification of an optical signal.","An optical pump (also referred to simply as ‘pump’ herein) for parametric amplification may be generated within the BRW by inducing lasing at a pump frequency using current injection.","However, when phase sensitive amplification (PSA) by a parametric process is desired, typically an external seed laser is used that is phase locked to the carrier phase of the optical signal.","As will be described in further detail, methods and systems are disclosed herein for a phase-sensitive optical amplifier (PSA) that enables generation of a seed for an optical pump, as well as parametric amplification, using a BRW.","The lasing optical frequency of a BRW can be controlled using various methods.","For example, non-stoichiometric aluminum gallium arsenide AlxGa1-xAs has been used for Bragg reflector layers in a BRW.","By applying band gap engineering, the stoichiometric value for x may be used to design a particular laser frequency in a BRW.","In this manner, a BRW having a gain peak near a second harmonic of a carrier frequency of an optical signal may be engineered, such that a pump frequency is very close to the second harmonic frequency, which is double the carrier frequency (or a second harmonic wavelength at half the carrier wavelength).","Thus, the pump frequency will become locked to the second harmonic frequency.","Then, the amplitude of the pump at the pump frequency will grow due to current injection and stimulated emission.","Further aspects of BRW design, such as a desired longitudinal mode may be used to achieve a particular laser frequency.","Additionally, injection current may be applied to tune the laser frequency as well as a phase matching condition in the BRW.","Accordingly, the lasing frequency of an optical pump generated using a BRW may be engineered and controlled to be close to a second harmonic of the optical signal to be amplified by phase-sensitive amplification.","When the optical signal has a carrier tone, such as an unmodulated carrier wave or modulated with data using on-off-keying, then the second harmonic of the carrier tone will serve as a seed for injection locking of the pump within the BRW.","A ‘seed’ for injection locking refers to a photon donated for injection locking and the seed can result in stimulated emission at the same optical frequency.","Even when the second harmonic generation (SHG) is inefficient and produces a very weak seed in terms of optical power, the seed can serve for injection locking nonetheless.","Once injection locking begins, the optical pump and the optical signal will be inherently phase locked to each other within the BRW.","The optical pump will then begin to perform phase-sensitive amplification of the optical signal within the BRW.","When the optical signal does not have a carrier tone, such as with BPSK or DPSK modulation, the SHG process within the BRW will remove the modulated data and the SHG will be a very monochromatic carrier tone which can serve for injection locking of the optical pump within the BRW.","When the optical signal is modulated using QPSK or DQPSK, a residual carrier may be generated in the optical signal by controlling the amplitude and bias of a QPSK or DQPSK modulator at the transmitter.","As a result, the SHG will also have a residual carrier tone for injection locking of the optical pump within the BRW.","Alternatively, a non-uniform modulation scheme may be used to generate the residual carrier, which may not appear with solely QPSK modulation.","In one exemplary embodiment, QPSK can be used such that 90% of symbols have 0 or 180 degree phase modulation and 10% of symbols have 90 or 270 degree phase modulation, which may generate the residual carrier.","It will be understood that other non-uniform modulation schemes may be used with QPSK or DQPSK modulation.","In another exemplary embodiment, a certain number of the symbols in the optical signal may be modulated using BPSK, such as 90% QPSK and 10% BPSK, which will also create the residual carrier tone in the SHG of the optical signal.","Once generated, the residual carrier tone will promote injection locking of the pump within the BRW.","Referring now to FIG.","2, selected elements of an example embodiment of a BRW amplifier 200 to provide optical phase-sensitive amplification for an optical signal 210 having a carrier tone are depicted.","As shown, BRW amplifier includes BRW 202, which may represent selected elements of an embodiment of amplifier 108 (see FIG.","1).","FIG.","2 is a schematic illustration and is not drawn to scale.","In FIG.","2, BRW 202 is shown in a side view as 202-1 and a facet view as 202-2.Within BRW 202, Bragg reflectors 204 are shown as various material layers, which may be engineered for different applications and lasing frequencies, as described above.","Additionally, electrodes 206 are applied to a top and bottom surface of BRW 202 to enable current injection, shown as electrodes 206-1 and 206-2.Furthermore, front facet 214-1 and rear facet 214-2 are coated with a partial reflective layer that may be transmissive for optical signal 210, but yet reflective for pump 208, such that pump 208 is internally reflected within BRW 202.In facet view 202-2 of BRW 202, ridge waveguide 220 and optical channel 222 where light passes through and is subject to non-linear interactions are shown.","In operation of BRW 202 with optical signal 210 having a carrier tone, as optical signal 210 is introduced, some photons in optical signal 210 are converted to photons of pump 208 by SHG and serve as a seed for injection locking.","Then, the intensity (optical power) of injection locked pump 208 increases by current injection and stimulated emission.","As the intensity of pump 208 increases, photons of pump 208 result in parametric amplification of optical signal 211 within BRW, and result in amplified optical signal 212 being output by BRW 212.Also shown in FIG.","2 are spectra 230 and 232.Spectra 230 shows how optical signal 210 results in seeding of pump 208 by SHG.","Spectra 232 shows parametric amplification of amplified output signal 212 by pump 208.Referring now to FIG.","3, selected elements of an example embodiment of a BRW amplifier 300 to provide optical phase-sensitive amplification for an optical signal 310 being modulated with DPSK or BPSK.","As shown, BRW amplifier 300 includes two BRWs 302-1 and 302-2, and may represent selected elements of an embodiment of amplifier 108 (see FIG.","1).","FIG.","3 is a schematic illustration and is not drawn to scale.","BRW amplifier 300 may include a first stage for generation of a combined signal 320, and a second stage for generation of amplified optical signal 312.In BRW amplifier 300, optical signal 310 is split at beam splitter 301.A first portion of optical signal 310 is directed to BRW 302-1, where pump 208 is generated using injection locking, as described above.","At bandpass filter (BPF) 308-1, the optical signal 310 may be filtered out to generate optical pump 322, which comprises pump 208 isolated from other light frequencies.","Meanwhile, a second portion of optical signal 310 is directed to phase delay 306, which applies a variable phase delay under control of feedback phase-power control 318, as described below, to output phase-locked optical signal 324, since the optical power of amplified optical signal 312 depends on the phase relation between optical pump 322 and optical signal 310 in the optical parametric amplification performed by BRW amplifier 300.Then, phase-locked optical signal 324 is combined with optical pump 322 at optical coupler 304 to generate a combined signal 320, of which phase-locked optical signal 324 is phase locked to optical pump 322.Then, combined signal 320 is directed to a second BRW 302-2.At BRW 302-2 parametric amplification of phase-locked optical signal 324 in combined signal 320 occurs, and so, the optical power of optical signal 310 is increased to generate amplified optical signal 312, after filtering at BPF 308-2 to remove optical pump 322.At optical tap 314, a portion of amplified optical signal 312 may be captured and sent to photodetector 316, which may be a photodiode.","Photodetector 316 may output an electrical signal that is indicative of the optical power of amplified optical signal 312 to feedback phase-power control 318, which may then regulate the output power, for example to a maximum output power, by sending a control signal to phase delay 306 to adjust the phase of optical signal 310 accordingly.","Referring now to FIG.","4, selected elements of an example embodiment of a BRW amplifier 400 to provide optical phase-sensitive amplification for an optical signal 410 being modulated with QPSK-based modulation, such as non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK discussed previously.","As shown, BRW amplifier 400 includes three BRWs 302-1, 302-2 and 302-3, and may represent selected elements of an embodiment of amplifier 108 (see FIG.","1).","FIG.","4 is a schematic illustration and is not drawn to scale.","BRW amplifier 400 may include a first stage for generation of an in-phase combined signal 420-1 and a quadrature-phase combined signal 420-2, and a second stage for generation of amplified optical signal 412.In the first stage of BRW amplifier 400, optical signal 410 is split at beam splitter 401-1.A first portion of optical signal 410 is directed to BRW 302-1, where pump 208 is generated using injection locking, as described above.","At bandpass filter (BPF) 308-1, the optical signal 410 may be filtered out to generate optical pump 418, which includes pump 208 isolated from other light frequencies.","Meanwhile, a second portion of optical signal 410 is directed to phase delay 306, which applies a variable phase delay under control of feedback phase-power control 318, as described above in FIG.","2, to generate phase-locked optical signal 419.Optical pump 418 is then split by beam splitter 401-2, while phase-locked optical signal 419 is split by beam splitter 401-3.At optical coupler 404-1, optical pump 418 is combined with phase-locked optical signal 419 to generate in-phase combined signal 420-1.At optical coupler 404-2, optical pump 418 is combined with phase-locked optical signal 419 that is subject to phase shift 406 (π/2) to generate quadrature-phase combined signal 420-2.In the second stage of BRW amplifier 400, in-phase combined signal 420-1 is directed to BRW 302-2 and BPF 308-2 to generate an in-phase portion of optical signal 410 having increased optical power, while quadrature-phase combined signal 420-2 is directed to BRW 302-3 and BPF 308-3 to generate a quadrature-phase portion of optical signal 410 having increased optical power.","At optical coupler 404-3, the in-phase and quadrature-phase portions are combined to generate amplified optical signal 412.At optical tap 314, a portion of amplified optical signal 412 may be captured and sent to photodetector 316, which may be a photodiode.","Photodetector 316 may output an electrical signal that is indicative of the optical power of amplified optical signal 412 to feedback phase-power control 318, which may then regulate the output power, for example to a maximum output power, by sending a control signal to phase delay 306 to adjust the phase of optical signal 410 to provide phase-locked optical signal 419.Referring now to FIG.","5, a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of method 500 for BRW phase-sensitive amplification, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.","Method 500 may be performed using BRW amplifier 200 in FIG.","2.It is noted that certain operations described in method 500 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.","Method 500 may begin, at step 502, by receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power.","At step 504, the optical signal is transmitted through a BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the BRW, such that an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from SHG from the optical signal, a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injection and stimulated emission, where the optical pump and the optical signal are phase locked to each other within the BRW, and the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.","At step 506, the optical signal having the first optical power increased is output from the BRW.","Referring now to FIG.","6, a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of method 600 for BRW phase-sensitive amplification, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.","Method 600 may be performed using BRW amplifier 300 in FIG.","3.It is noted that certain operations described in method 600 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.","Method 600 may begin at step 602 by receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK.","At step 604, the optical signal is transmitted through a first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW, such that an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from SHG from the optical signal, where the optical pump does not include the data modulated, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injection and stimulated emission.","At step 606, the optical pump is isolated using a first bandpass filter.","At step 608, the optical pump is combined with the optical signal, after a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal, to create a combined signal, the optical signal having a second optical power in the combined signal.","At step 610, the combined signal is transmitted through a second BRW, while the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.","At step 612, the optical signal having the second optical power increased is isolated using a second bandpass filter.","At step 614, the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter is measured.","At step 616, the second optical power is used to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.","Referring now to FIGS.","7A and 7B, a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of methods 700 and 701 for BRW phase-sensitive amplification, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.","Methods 700, 701 may be performed using BRW amplifier 400 in FIG.","4.It is noted that certain operations described in methods 700, 701 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.","In FIG.","7A, method 700 may begin at step 702 by receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK.","In particular embodiments, the non-uniform QPSK may use 90% QPSK and 10% BPSK.","At step 704, the optical signal is transmitted through a first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW such that an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from SHG from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injection and stimulated emission.","At step 706, the optical pump may be isolated using a first bandpass filter.","At step 708, a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal, the optical signal having a second optical power.","At step 710, the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter is combined with the optical signal, after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal.","At step 712, the in-phase combined signal is transmitted through a second BRW to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power.","At step 714, the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter is combined with the optical signal, after phase adjustment and a phase shift, to create a quadrature-phase combined signal.","At step 716, the quadrature-phase combined signal is transmitted through a third BRW to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.","After step 716, method 700 may proceed with method 701 in FIG.","7B.","In FIG.","7B, method 701 may begin at step 718 by isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter.","At step 720, a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW is isolated using a third bandpass filter.","At step 722, the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal are combined to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power.","At step 724, the third optical power is used to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.","As disclosed herein, methods and systems enable amplifying optical signals using a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity to generate an optical pump by injection locking.","The BRW may also be used for parametric amplification of optical signals using the optical pump.","Feedback phase-power control may be performed to maximize output power.","The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.","Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"HARMONIC GENERATION AND PHASE SENSITIVE AMPLIFICATION USING A BRAGG REFLECTION WAVEGUIDE\",\n \"Methods and systems enable amplifying optical signals using a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity to generate an optical pump by injection locking.\",\n \"The BRW may also be used for parametric amplification of optical signals using the optical pump.\",\n \"Feedback phase-power control may be performed to maximize output power.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for amplifying optical signals, comprising: receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using binary phase shift keying or differential phase shift keying; transmitting the optical signal through a first Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW, wherein within the first BRW: an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, wherein the optical pump does not include the data modulated; and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission; isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter; combining the optical pump isolated with the optical signal, wherein a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal to create a combined signal and the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal; and transmitting the combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity, wherein the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: isolating the optical signal having the second optical power increased using a second bandpass filter; and measuring the second optical power output by the second bandpass filter.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 2, further comprising: using the second optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"4.An optical amplifier, comprising: a first stage to generate a combined signal, the first stage further comprising: a first Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using binary phase shift keying or differential phase shift keying, wherein the optical signal is transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW, and wherein within the first BRW: an optical pump at a pump frequency for the optical signal is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, wherein the optical pump does not include the data modulated; and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission; a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW; a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW; an optical coupler to combine the optical pump isolated with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate the combined signal, wherein the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal; and a second stage further comprising: a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the combined signal, wherein the second optical power of the optical signal is increased in the second BRW.\",\n \"5.The optical amplifier of claim 4, wherein the second stage further comprises: a second bandpass filter for isolating the optical signal generated by the second BRW; and a photodetector to measure the second optical power output by the second bandpass filter.\",\n \"6.The optical amplifier of claim 5, further comprising: a feedback control loop using the second optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"7.A method for amplifying optical signals, comprising: receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform quadrature phase shift keying or non-uniform differential quadrature phase shift keying; transmitting the optical signal through a first Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW, wherein within the first BRW: an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal; and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission; isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter; applying a phase adjustment to the optical signal received, wherein the optical signal has a second optical power; combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal; transmitting the in-phase combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power; combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment and a phase shift to create a quadrature-phase combined signal; and transmitting the quadrature-phase combined signal through a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 7, further comprising: isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter; isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW using a third bandpass filter; combining the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power; and measuring the third optical power from the amplified optical signal.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 8, further comprising: using the third optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 7, wherein the non-uniform quadrature phase shift keying comprises quadrature phase shift keying and binary phase shift keying, and wherein the non-uniform differential quadrature phase shift keying comprises differential quadrature phase shift keying and differential phase shift keying.\",\n \"11.An optical amplifier, comprising: a first stage comprising: a first Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform quadrature phase shift keying or non-uniform differential quadrature phase shift keying, wherein the optical signal is transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW, and wherein within the first BRW: an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal; and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission; a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW; and a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, wherein the optical signal has a second optical power; a second stage further comprising: a first optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate an in-phase combined signal; a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the in-phase combined signal, wherein an in-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the second BRW; a second optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control and subject to a phase shift to generate an quadrature-phase combined signal; and a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the quadrature-phase combined signal, wherein a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the third BRW.\",\n \"12.The optical amplifier of claim 11, further comprising: a second bandpass filter for isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW; a third bandpass filter for isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW; a second optical coupler to combine the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power; and a photodetector to measure the third optical power.\",\n \"13.The optical amplifier of claim 12, further comprising: a feedback control loop using the third optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"14.The optical amplifier of claim 11, wherein the non-uniform quadrature phase shift keying comprises quadrature phase shift keying and binary phase shift keying, and wherein the non-uniform differential quadrature phase shift keying comprises differential quadrature phase shift keying and differential phase shift keying.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In one aspect, a disclosed first method is for amplifying optical signals.\",\n \"The first method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power.\",\n \"The first method may include transmitting the optical signal through a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the BRW.\",\n \"Within the BRW in the first method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"In the first method, the optical pump and the optical signal may be phase locked to each other.\",\n \"Within the BRW in the first method, the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.\",\n \"The first method may further include outputting, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first method, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.\",\n \"In the first method, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.\",\n \"In another aspect, a disclosed first optical amplifier, includes a BRW including electrodes mounted to the BRW to enable current injection.\",\n \"In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to receive an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power, and transmit the optical signal through the BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW using the electrodes.\",\n \"Within the BRW in the first optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission, and the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.\",\n \"In the first optical amplifier, the optical pump and the optical signal are phase locked to each other.\",\n \"In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to output, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.\",\n \"In another aspect, a disclosed second method is for amplifying optical signals.\",\n \"The second method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the second method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, where the optical pump does not include the data modulated, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"The second method includes isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, and combining the optical pump isolated with the optical signal.\",\n \"In the second method, a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal to create a combined signal and the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.\",\n \"The second method may include transmitting the combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity, while the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may further include isolating the optical signal having the second optical power increased using a second bandpass filter, and measuring the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may include using the second optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"In a further aspect, a disclosed second optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the optical signal is transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the second optical amplifier, an optical pump at a pump frequency for the optical signal is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the optical pump does not include the data modulated.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the first stage further includes a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, an optical coupler to combine the optical pump isolated with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate the combined signal, such that the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.\",\n \"In the second stage, the second optical amplifier includes a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the combined signal.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the second optical power of the optical signal is increased in the second BRW.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating the optical signal generated by the second BRW, and a photodetector to measure the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may include a feedback control loop using the second optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"In yet another aspect, a disclosed third method is for amplifying optical signals.\",\n \"The third method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the third method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"The third method may include isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, applying a phase adjustment to the optical signal received, where the optical signal has a second optical power, and combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal.\",\n \"The third method may further include transmitting the in-phase combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power, combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment and a phase shift to create a quadrature-phase combined signal, and transmitting the quadrature-phase combined signal through a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter, isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW using a third bandpass filter, combining the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and measuring the third optical power from the amplified optical signal.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include using the third optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the third method, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.\",\n \"In yet a further aspect, a disclosed third optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.\",\n \"In the third optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK.\",\n \"In the first stage of the third optical amplifier, the optical signal may be transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the third optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"The first stage of the third optical amplifier may further include a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, and a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, where the optical signal has a second optical power.\",\n \"The second stage of the third optical amplifier may include a first optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate an in-phase combined signal, a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the in-phase combined signal, while an in-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the second BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control and subject to a phase shift to generate an quadrature-phase combined signal, and a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the quadrature-phase combined signal.\",\n \"In the second stage of the third amplifier, a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the third BRW In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW, a third bandpass filter for isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and a photodetector to measure the third optical power.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may further include a feedback control loop using the third optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.\",\n \"Additional disclosed aspects for phase-sensitive optical amplification using a BRW include an optical communication system and an optical transport network, as described herein.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/863,170 filed Sep. 23, 2015, the contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to optical communication networks and, more particularly, to harmonic generation and phase sensitive amplification using a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW).\",\n \"Description of the Related Art Telecommunication, cable television and data communication systems use optical networks to rapidly convey large amounts of information between remote points.\",\n \"In an optical network, information is conveyed in the form of optical signals through optical fibers.\",\n \"Optical fibers may comprise thin strands of glass capable of communicating the signals over long distances.\",\n \"Optical networks often employ modulation schemes to convey information in the optical signals over the optical fibers.\",\n \"Such modulation schemes may include phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), amplitude-shift keying (ASK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).\",\n \"In PSK, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating the phase of a reference signal, also known as a carrier wave.\",\n \"The information may be conveyed by modulating the phase of the signal itself using differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) or binary phase shift keying (BPSK).\",\n \"In QAM, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating both the amplitude and phase of the carrier wave.\",\n \"PSK may be considered a subset of QAM, wherein the amplitude of the carrier waves is maintained as a constant.\",\n \"PSK and QAM signals may be represented using a complex plane with real and imaginary axes on a constellation diagram.\",\n \"The points on the constellation diagram representing symbols carrying information may be positioned with uniform angular spacing around the origin of the diagram.\",\n \"The number of symbols to be modulated using PSK and QAM may be increased and thus increase the information that can be carried.\",\n \"The number of signals may be given in multiples of two.\",\n \"As additional symbols are added, they may be arranged in uniform fashion around the origin.\",\n \"PSK signals may include such an arrangement in a circle on the constellation diagram, meaning that PSK signals have constant power for all symbols.\",\n \"QAM signals may have the same angular arrangement as that of PSK signals, but include different amplitude arrangements.\",\n \"QAM signals may have their symbols arranged around multiple circles, meaning that the QAM signals include different power for different symbols.\",\n \"This arrangement may decrease the risk of noise as the symbols are separated by as much distance as possible.\",\n \"A number of symbols “m” may thus be used and denoted “m-PSK” or “m-QAM.” Examples of PSK and QAM with a different number of symbols can include binary PSK (BPSK or 2-PSK) using two phases at 0° and 180° (or 0 and π) on the constellation diagram; or quadrature PSK (QPSK, 4-PSK, or 4-QAM) using four phases at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° (or 0, π/2, π, and 3 π/2).\",\n \"Phases in such signals may be offset.\",\n \"Each of 2-PSK and 4-PSK signals may be arranged on the constellation diagram.\",\n \"M-PSK signals may further be polarized using techniques such as dual-polarization QPSK (DP-QPSK), wherein separate m-PSK signals are multiplexed by orthogonally polarizing the signals.\",\n \"M-QAM signals may also be polarized using techniques such as dual-polarization 16-QAM (DP-16-QAM), wherein separate m-QAM signals are multiplexed by orthogonally polarizing the signals.\",\n \"Optical networks may also include various optical elements, such as amplifiers, dispersion compensators, multiplexer/demultiplexer filters, wavelength selective switches, optical switches, couplers, etc.\",\n \"to perform various operations within the network.\",\n \"In particular, optical networks may include optical amplifiers for amplifying optical signals to enable a greater reach of the optical signal.\",\n \"SUMMARY In one aspect, a disclosed first method is for amplifying optical signals.\",\n \"The first method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power.\",\n \"The first method may include transmitting the optical signal through a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the BRW.\",\n \"Within the BRW in the first method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"In the first method, the optical pump and the optical signal may be phase locked to each other.\",\n \"Within the BRW in the first method, the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.\",\n \"The first method may further include outputting, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first method, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.\",\n \"In the first method, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.\",\n \"In another aspect, a disclosed first optical amplifier, includes a BRW including electrodes mounted to the BRW to enable current injection.\",\n \"In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to receive an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power, and transmit the optical signal through the BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW using the electrodes.\",\n \"Within the BRW in the first optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission, and the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.\",\n \"In the first optical amplifier, the optical pump and the optical signal are phase locked to each other.\",\n \"In the first optical amplifier, the BRW is enabled to output, from the BRW, the optical signal having the first optical power increased.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical signal may be a modulated laser beam at the carrier frequency.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the first optical amplifier, the optical pump may be at least partially reflected internally at the BRW.\",\n \"In another aspect, a disclosed second method is for amplifying optical signals.\",\n \"The second method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the second method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, where the optical pump does not include the data modulated, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"The second method includes isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, and combining the optical pump isolated with the optical signal.\",\n \"In the second method, a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal to create a combined signal and the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.\",\n \"The second method may include transmitting the combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity, while the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may further include isolating the optical signal having the second optical power increased using a second bandpass filter, and measuring the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second method may include using the second optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"In a further aspect, a disclosed second optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the optical signal is transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the second optical amplifier, an optical pump at a pump frequency for the optical signal is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the optical pump does not include the data modulated.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the first stage further includes a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, an optical coupler to combine the optical pump isolated with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate the combined signal, such that the optical signal has a second optical power in the combined signal.\",\n \"In the second stage, the second optical amplifier includes a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the combined signal.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the second optical power of the optical signal is increased in the second BRW.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating the optical signal generated by the second BRW, and a photodetector to measure the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may include a feedback control loop using the second optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"In yet another aspect, a disclosed third method is for amplifying optical signals.\",\n \"The third method may include receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK, and transmitting the optical signal through a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the third method, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"The third method may include isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW using a first bandpass filter, applying a phase adjustment to the optical signal received, where the optical signal has a second optical power, and combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal.\",\n \"The third method may further include transmitting the in-phase combined signal through a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power, combining the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal after phase adjustment and a phase shift to create a quadrature-phase combined signal, and transmitting the quadrature-phase combined signal through a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter, isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW using a third bandpass filter, combining the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and measuring the third optical power from the amplified optical signal.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the third method may further include using the third optical power measured to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the third method, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.\",\n \"In yet a further aspect, a disclosed third optical amplifier includes a first stage and a second stage.\",\n \"In the third optical amplifier, the first stage includes a first BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK.\",\n \"In the first stage of the third optical amplifier, the optical signal may be transmitted through the first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW.\",\n \"Within the first BRW in the third optical amplifier, an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from second harmonic generation from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injected and stimulated emission.\",\n \"The first stage of the third optical amplifier may further include a first bandpass filter for isolating the optical pump generated by the first BRW, and a phase delay control applied to the optical signal along a separate optical path from the first BRW, where the optical signal has a second optical power.\",\n \"The second stage of the third optical amplifier may include a first optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control to generate an in-phase combined signal, a second BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the in-phase combined signal, while an in-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the second BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter with the optical signal output from the phase delay control and subject to a phase shift to generate an quadrature-phase combined signal, and a third BRW having second order optical nonlinearity for receiving the quadrature-phase combined signal.\",\n \"In the second stage of the third amplifier, a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power is increased in the third BRW In any of the disclosed embodiments of the second optical amplifier, the second stage may include a second bandpass filter for isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW, a third bandpass filter for isolating a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW, a second optical coupler to combine the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power, and a photodetector to measure the third optical power.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the second optical amplifier may further include a feedback control loop using the third optical power measured to control the phase delay control to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"In the second optical amplifier, the non-uniform QPSK may include QPSK and BPSK, while the non-uniform DQPSK may include DQPSK and DPSK.\",\n \"Additional disclosed aspects for phase-sensitive optical amplification using a BRW include an optical communication system and an optical transport network, as described herein.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical network; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical amplifier using a BRW; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical amplifier using two BRWs; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an optical amplifier using three BRWs; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a flow diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a method for BRW phase-sensitive optical amplification; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a flow diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a method for BRW phase-sensitive optical amplification; and FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B are a flow diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of a method for BRW phase-sensitive optical amplification.\",\n \"DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S) In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter.\",\n \"It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.\",\n \"Throughout this disclosure, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the element generically or collectively.\",\n \"Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), device “12-1” refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices “12” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device “12”.\",\n \"In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements.\",\n \"Referring now to the drawings, FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an example embodiment of optical network 101, which may represent an optical communication system.\",\n \"Optical network 101 may include one or more optical fibers 106 to transport one or more optical signals communicated by components of optical network 101.The network elements of optical network 101, coupled together by fibers 106, may comprise one or more transmitters 102, one or more multiplexers (MUX) 104, one or more optical amplifiers 108, one or more optical add/drop multiplexers (OADM) 110, one or more demultiplexers (DEMUX) 105, and one or more receivers 112.Optical network 101 may comprise a point-to-point optical network with terminal nodes, a ring optical network, a mesh optical network, or any other suitable optical network or combination of optical networks.\",\n \"Optical network 101 may be used in a short-haul metropolitan network, a long-haul inter-city network, or any other suitable network or combination of networks.\",\n \"The capacity of optical network 101 may include, for example, 100 Gbit/s, 400 Gbit/s, or 1 Tbit/s.\",\n \"Optical fibers 106 comprise thin strands of glass capable of communicating the signals over long distances with very low loss.\",\n \"Optical fibers 106 may comprise a suitable type of fiber selected from a variety of different fibers for optical transmission.\",\n \"Optical fibers 106 may include any suitable type of fiber, such as a Single-Mode Fiber (SMF), Enhanced Large Effective Area Fiber (E-LEAF), or TrueWave® Reduced Slope (TW-RS) fiber.\",\n \"Optical network 101 may include devices to transmit optical signals over optical fibers 106.Information may be transmitted and received through optical network 101 by modulation of one or more wavelengths of light to encode the information on the wavelength.\",\n \"In optical networking, a wavelength of light may also be referred to as a channel that is included in an optical signal (also referred to herein as a “wavelength channel”).\",\n \"Each channel may carry a certain amount of information through optical network 101.To increase the information capacity and transport capabilities of optical network 101, multiple signals transmitted at multiple channels may be combined into a single wideband optical signal.\",\n \"The process of communicating information at multiple channels is referred to in optics as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).\",\n \"Coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) refers to the multiplexing of wavelengths that are widely spaced having low number of channels, usually greater than 20 nm and less than sixteen wavelengths, and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) refers to the multiplexing of wavelengths that are closely spaced having large number of channels, usually less than 0.8 nm spacing and greater than forty wavelengths, into a fiber.\",\n \"WDM or other multi-wavelength multiplexing transmission techniques are employed in optical networks to increase the aggregate bandwidth per optical fiber.\",\n \"Without WDM, the bandwidth in optical networks may be limited to the bit-rate of solely one wavelength.\",\n \"With more bandwidth, optical networks are capable of transmitting greater amounts of information.\",\n \"Optical network 101 may transmit disparate channels using WDM or some other suitable multi-channel multiplexing technique, and to amplify the multi-channel signal.\",\n \"Optical network 101 may include one or more optical transmitters (Tx) 102 to transmit optical signals through optical network 101 in specific wavelengths or channels.\",\n \"Transmitters 102 may comprise a system, apparatus or device to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal and transmit the optical signal.\",\n \"For example, transmitters 102 may each comprise a laser and a modulator to receive electrical signals and modulate the information contained in the electrical signals onto a beam of light produced by the laser at a particular wavelength, and transmit the beam for carrying the signal throughout optical network 101.Multiplexer 104 may be coupled to transmitters 102 and may be a system, apparatus or device to combine the signals transmitted by transmitters 102, e.g., at respective individual wavelengths, into a WDM signal.\",\n \"Optical amplifiers 108 may amplify the multi-channeled signals within optical network 101.Optical amplifiers 108 may be positioned before or after certain lengths of fiber 106.Optical amplifiers 108 may comprise a system, apparatus, or device to amplify optical signals.\",\n \"For example, optical amplifiers 108 may comprise an optical repeater that amplifies the optical signal.\",\n \"This amplification may be performed with opto-electrical or electro-optical conversion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, optical amplifiers 108 may comprise an optical fiber doped with a rare-earth element to form a doped fiber amplification element.\",\n \"When a signal passes through the fiber, external energy may be applied in the form of an optical pump (or simply ‘pump’) to excite the atoms of the doped portion of the optical fiber, which increases the intensity of the optical signal.\",\n \"As an example, optical amplifiers 108 may comprise an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA).\",\n \"OADMs 110 may be coupled to optical network 101 via fibers 106.OADMs 110 comprise an add/drop module, which may include a system, apparatus or device to add or drop optical signals (i.e., at individual wavelengths) from fibers 106.After passing through an OADM 110, an optical signal may travel along fibers 106 directly to a destination, or the signal may be passed through one or more additional OADMs 110 and optical amplifiers 108 before reaching a destination.\",\n \"In certain embodiments of optical network 101, OADM 110 may represent a reconfigurable OADM (ROADM) that is capable of adding or dropping individual or multiple wavelengths of a WDM signal.\",\n \"The individual or multiple wavelengths may be added or dropped in the optical domain, for example, using a wavelength selective switch (WSS) (not shown) that may be included in a ROADM.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, optical network 101 may also include one or more demultiplexers 105 at one or more destinations of network 101.Demultiplexer 105 may comprise a system apparatus or device that acts as a demultiplexer by splitting a single composite WDM signal into individual channels at respective wavelengths.\",\n \"For example, optical network 101 may transmit and carry a forty (40) channel DWDM signal.\",\n \"Demultiplexer 105 may divide the single, forty channel DWDM signal into forty separate signals according to the forty different channels.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"1, optical network 101 may also include receivers 112 coupled to demultiplexer 105.Each receiver 112 may receive optical signals transmitted at a particular wavelength or channel, and may process the optical signals to obtain (e.g., demodulate) the information (i.e., data) that the optical signals contain.\",\n \"Accordingly, network 101 may include at least one receiver 112 for every channel of the network.\",\n \"Optical networks, such as optical network 101 in FIG.\",\n \"1, may employ modulation techniques to convey information in the optical signals over the optical fibers.\",\n \"Such modulation schemes may include phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), amplitude-shift keying (ASK), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), among other examples of modulation techniques.\",\n \"In PSK, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating the phase of a reference signal, also known as a carrier wave, or simply, a carrier.\",\n \"The information may be conveyed by modulating the phase of the signal itself using two-level or binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), four-level or quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), multi-level phase-shift keying (M-PSK) and differential phase-shift keying (DPSK).\",\n \"In QAM, the information carried by the optical signal may be conveyed by modulating both the amplitude and phase of the carrier wave.\",\n \"PSK may be considered a subset of QAM, wherein the amplitude of the carrier waves is maintained as a constant.\",\n \"Additionally, polarization division multiplexing (PDM) technology may enable achieving a greater bit rate for information transmission.\",\n \"PDM transmission comprises modulating information onto various polarization components of an optical signal associated with a channel.\",\n \"The polarization of an optical signal may refer to the direction of the oscillations of the optical signal.\",\n \"The term “polarization” may generally refer to the path traced out by the tip of the electric field vector at a point in space, which is perpendicular to the propagation direction of the optical signal.\",\n \"In an optical network, such as optical network 101 in FIG.\",\n \"1, it is typical to refer to a management plane, a control plane, and a transport plane (sometimes called the physical layer).\",\n \"A central management host (not shown) may reside in the management plane and may configure and supervise the components of the control plane.\",\n \"The management plane includes ultimate control over all transport plane and control plane entities (e.g., network elements).\",\n \"As an example, the management plane may consist of a central processing center (e.g., the central management host), including one or more processing resources, data storage components, etc.\",\n \"The management plane may be in electrical communication with the elements of the control plane and may also be in electrical communication with one or more network elements of the transport plane.\",\n \"The management plane may perform management functions for an overall system and provide coordination between network elements, the control plane, and the transport plane.\",\n \"As examples, the management plane may include an element management system (EMS) which handles one or more network elements from the perspective of the elements, a network management system (NMS) which handles many devices from the perspective of the network, and an operational support system (OSS) which handles network-wide operations.\",\n \"Modifications, additions or omissions may be made to optical network 101 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"For example, optical network 101 may include more or fewer elements than those depicted in FIG.\",\n \"1.Also, as mentioned above, although depicted as a point-to-point network, optical network 101 may comprise any suitable network topology for transmitting optical signals such as a ring, a mesh, or a hierarchical network topology.\",\n \"As discussed above, optical amplifiers 108 are used to increase optical power of optical signals in an optical network.\",\n \"In particular, a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW), which has second order nonlinearity, may be used for parametric amplification of an optical signal.\",\n \"An optical pump (also referred to simply as ‘pump’ herein) for parametric amplification may be generated within the BRW by inducing lasing at a pump frequency using current injection.\",\n \"However, when phase sensitive amplification (PSA) by a parametric process is desired, typically an external seed laser is used that is phase locked to the carrier phase of the optical signal.\",\n \"As will be described in further detail, methods and systems are disclosed herein for a phase-sensitive optical amplifier (PSA) that enables generation of a seed for an optical pump, as well as parametric amplification, using a BRW.\",\n \"The lasing optical frequency of a BRW can be controlled using various methods.\",\n \"For example, non-stoichiometric aluminum gallium arsenide AlxGa1-xAs has been used for Bragg reflector layers in a BRW.\",\n \"By applying band gap engineering, the stoichiometric value for x may be used to design a particular laser frequency in a BRW.\",\n \"In this manner, a BRW having a gain peak near a second harmonic of a carrier frequency of an optical signal may be engineered, such that a pump frequency is very close to the second harmonic frequency, which is double the carrier frequency (or a second harmonic wavelength at half the carrier wavelength).\",\n \"Thus, the pump frequency will become locked to the second harmonic frequency.\",\n \"Then, the amplitude of the pump at the pump frequency will grow due to current injection and stimulated emission.\",\n \"Further aspects of BRW design, such as a desired longitudinal mode may be used to achieve a particular laser frequency.\",\n \"Additionally, injection current may be applied to tune the laser frequency as well as a phase matching condition in the BRW.\",\n \"Accordingly, the lasing frequency of an optical pump generated using a BRW may be engineered and controlled to be close to a second harmonic of the optical signal to be amplified by phase-sensitive amplification.\",\n \"When the optical signal has a carrier tone, such as an unmodulated carrier wave or modulated with data using on-off-keying, then the second harmonic of the carrier tone will serve as a seed for injection locking of the pump within the BRW.\",\n \"A ‘seed’ for injection locking refers to a photon donated for injection locking and the seed can result in stimulated emission at the same optical frequency.\",\n \"Even when the second harmonic generation (SHG) is inefficient and produces a very weak seed in terms of optical power, the seed can serve for injection locking nonetheless.\",\n \"Once injection locking begins, the optical pump and the optical signal will be inherently phase locked to each other within the BRW.\",\n \"The optical pump will then begin to perform phase-sensitive amplification of the optical signal within the BRW.\",\n \"When the optical signal does not have a carrier tone, such as with BPSK or DPSK modulation, the SHG process within the BRW will remove the modulated data and the SHG will be a very monochromatic carrier tone which can serve for injection locking of the optical pump within the BRW.\",\n \"When the optical signal is modulated using QPSK or DQPSK, a residual carrier may be generated in the optical signal by controlling the amplitude and bias of a QPSK or DQPSK modulator at the transmitter.\",\n \"As a result, the SHG will also have a residual carrier tone for injection locking of the optical pump within the BRW.\",\n \"Alternatively, a non-uniform modulation scheme may be used to generate the residual carrier, which may not appear with solely QPSK modulation.\",\n \"In one exemplary embodiment, QPSK can be used such that 90% of symbols have 0 or 180 degree phase modulation and 10% of symbols have 90 or 270 degree phase modulation, which may generate the residual carrier.\",\n \"It will be understood that other non-uniform modulation schemes may be used with QPSK or DQPSK modulation.\",\n \"In another exemplary embodiment, a certain number of the symbols in the optical signal may be modulated using BPSK, such as 90% QPSK and 10% BPSK, which will also create the residual carrier tone in the SHG of the optical signal.\",\n \"Once generated, the residual carrier tone will promote injection locking of the pump within the BRW.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"2, selected elements of an example embodiment of a BRW amplifier 200 to provide optical phase-sensitive amplification for an optical signal 210 having a carrier tone are depicted.\",\n \"As shown, BRW amplifier includes BRW 202, which may represent selected elements of an embodiment of amplifier 108 (see FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic illustration and is not drawn to scale.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"2, BRW 202 is shown in a side view as 202-1 and a facet view as 202-2.Within BRW 202, Bragg reflectors 204 are shown as various material layers, which may be engineered for different applications and lasing frequencies, as described above.\",\n \"Additionally, electrodes 206 are applied to a top and bottom surface of BRW 202 to enable current injection, shown as electrodes 206-1 and 206-2.Furthermore, front facet 214-1 and rear facet 214-2 are coated with a partial reflective layer that may be transmissive for optical signal 210, but yet reflective for pump 208, such that pump 208 is internally reflected within BRW 202.In facet view 202-2 of BRW 202, ridge waveguide 220 and optical channel 222 where light passes through and is subject to non-linear interactions are shown.\",\n \"In operation of BRW 202 with optical signal 210 having a carrier tone, as optical signal 210 is introduced, some photons in optical signal 210 are converted to photons of pump 208 by SHG and serve as a seed for injection locking.\",\n \"Then, the intensity (optical power) of injection locked pump 208 increases by current injection and stimulated emission.\",\n \"As the intensity of pump 208 increases, photons of pump 208 result in parametric amplification of optical signal 211 within BRW, and result in amplified optical signal 212 being output by BRW 212.Also shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 are spectra 230 and 232.Spectra 230 shows how optical signal 210 results in seeding of pump 208 by SHG.\",\n \"Spectra 232 shows parametric amplification of amplified output signal 212 by pump 208.Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"3, selected elements of an example embodiment of a BRW amplifier 300 to provide optical phase-sensitive amplification for an optical signal 310 being modulated with DPSK or BPSK.\",\n \"As shown, BRW amplifier 300 includes two BRWs 302-1 and 302-2, and may represent selected elements of an embodiment of amplifier 108 (see FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic illustration and is not drawn to scale.\",\n \"BRW amplifier 300 may include a first stage for generation of a combined signal 320, and a second stage for generation of amplified optical signal 312.In BRW amplifier 300, optical signal 310 is split at beam splitter 301.A first portion of optical signal 310 is directed to BRW 302-1, where pump 208 is generated using injection locking, as described above.\",\n \"At bandpass filter (BPF) 308-1, the optical signal 310 may be filtered out to generate optical pump 322, which comprises pump 208 isolated from other light frequencies.\",\n \"Meanwhile, a second portion of optical signal 310 is directed to phase delay 306, which applies a variable phase delay under control of feedback phase-power control 318, as described below, to output phase-locked optical signal 324, since the optical power of amplified optical signal 312 depends on the phase relation between optical pump 322 and optical signal 310 in the optical parametric amplification performed by BRW amplifier 300.Then, phase-locked optical signal 324 is combined with optical pump 322 at optical coupler 304 to generate a combined signal 320, of which phase-locked optical signal 324 is phase locked to optical pump 322.Then, combined signal 320 is directed to a second BRW 302-2.At BRW 302-2 parametric amplification of phase-locked optical signal 324 in combined signal 320 occurs, and so, the optical power of optical signal 310 is increased to generate amplified optical signal 312, after filtering at BPF 308-2 to remove optical pump 322.At optical tap 314, a portion of amplified optical signal 312 may be captured and sent to photodetector 316, which may be a photodiode.\",\n \"Photodetector 316 may output an electrical signal that is indicative of the optical power of amplified optical signal 312 to feedback phase-power control 318, which may then regulate the output power, for example to a maximum output power, by sending a control signal to phase delay 306 to adjust the phase of optical signal 310 accordingly.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"4, selected elements of an example embodiment of a BRW amplifier 400 to provide optical phase-sensitive amplification for an optical signal 410 being modulated with QPSK-based modulation, such as non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK discussed previously.\",\n \"As shown, BRW amplifier 400 includes three BRWs 302-1, 302-2 and 302-3, and may represent selected elements of an embodiment of amplifier 108 (see FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a schematic illustration and is not drawn to scale.\",\n \"BRW amplifier 400 may include a first stage for generation of an in-phase combined signal 420-1 and a quadrature-phase combined signal 420-2, and a second stage for generation of amplified optical signal 412.In the first stage of BRW amplifier 400, optical signal 410 is split at beam splitter 401-1.A first portion of optical signal 410 is directed to BRW 302-1, where pump 208 is generated using injection locking, as described above.\",\n \"At bandpass filter (BPF) 308-1, the optical signal 410 may be filtered out to generate optical pump 418, which includes pump 208 isolated from other light frequencies.\",\n \"Meanwhile, a second portion of optical signal 410 is directed to phase delay 306, which applies a variable phase delay under control of feedback phase-power control 318, as described above in FIG.\",\n \"2, to generate phase-locked optical signal 419.Optical pump 418 is then split by beam splitter 401-2, while phase-locked optical signal 419 is split by beam splitter 401-3.At optical coupler 404-1, optical pump 418 is combined with phase-locked optical signal 419 to generate in-phase combined signal 420-1.At optical coupler 404-2, optical pump 418 is combined with phase-locked optical signal 419 that is subject to phase shift 406 (π/2) to generate quadrature-phase combined signal 420-2.In the second stage of BRW amplifier 400, in-phase combined signal 420-1 is directed to BRW 302-2 and BPF 308-2 to generate an in-phase portion of optical signal 410 having increased optical power, while quadrature-phase combined signal 420-2 is directed to BRW 302-3 and BPF 308-3 to generate a quadrature-phase portion of optical signal 410 having increased optical power.\",\n \"At optical coupler 404-3, the in-phase and quadrature-phase portions are combined to generate amplified optical signal 412.At optical tap 314, a portion of amplified optical signal 412 may be captured and sent to photodetector 316, which may be a photodiode.\",\n \"Photodetector 316 may output an electrical signal that is indicative of the optical power of amplified optical signal 412 to feedback phase-power control 318, which may then regulate the output power, for example to a maximum output power, by sending a control signal to phase delay 306 to adjust the phase of optical signal 410 to provide phase-locked optical signal 419.Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"5, a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of method 500 for BRW phase-sensitive amplification, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.\",\n \"Method 500 may be performed using BRW amplifier 200 in FIG.\",\n \"2.It is noted that certain operations described in method 500 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.\",\n \"Method 500 may begin, at step 502, by receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal including a carrier frequency and having a first optical power.\",\n \"At step 504, the optical signal is transmitted through a BRW while an electrical current is injected into the BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the BRW, such that an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from SHG from the optical signal, a second optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injection and stimulated emission, where the optical pump and the optical signal are phase locked to each other within the BRW, and the first optical power of the optical signal is increased by optical parametric amplification.\",\n \"At step 506, the optical signal having the first optical power increased is output from the BRW.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"6, a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of method 600 for BRW phase-sensitive amplification, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.\",\n \"Method 600 may be performed using BRW amplifier 300 in FIG.\",\n \"3.It is noted that certain operations described in method 600 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.\",\n \"Method 600 may begin at step 602 by receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using BPSK or DPSK.\",\n \"At step 604, the optical signal is transmitted through a first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW, such that an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from SHG from the optical signal, where the optical pump does not include the data modulated, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injection and stimulated emission.\",\n \"At step 606, the optical pump is isolated using a first bandpass filter.\",\n \"At step 608, the optical pump is combined with the optical signal, after a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal, to create a combined signal, the optical signal having a second optical power in the combined signal.\",\n \"At step 610, the combined signal is transmitted through a second BRW, while the second optical power of the optical signal is increased.\",\n \"At step 612, the optical signal having the second optical power increased is isolated using a second bandpass filter.\",\n \"At step 614, the second optical power generated by the second bandpass filter is measured.\",\n \"At step 616, the second optical power is used to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the second optical power.\",\n \"Referring now to FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B, a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of methods 700 and 701 for BRW phase-sensitive amplification, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.\",\n \"Methods 700, 701 may be performed using BRW amplifier 400 in FIG.\",\n \"4.It is noted that certain operations described in methods 700, 701 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"7A, method 700 may begin at step 702 by receiving an optical signal for amplification, the optical signal being modulated with data using non-uniform QPSK or non-uniform DQPSK.\",\n \"In particular embodiments, the non-uniform QPSK may use 90% QPSK and 10% BPSK.\",\n \"At step 704, the optical signal is transmitted through a first BRW while an electrical current is injected into the first BRW to enable optical gain of a pump frequency within the first BRW such that an optical pump at the pump frequency is injection locked by seed from SHG from the optical signal, and a first optical power of the optical pump is increased by the electrical current injection and stimulated emission.\",\n \"At step 706, the optical pump may be isolated using a first bandpass filter.\",\n \"At step 708, a phase adjustment is applied to the optical signal, the optical signal having a second optical power.\",\n \"At step 710, the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter is combined with the optical signal, after phase adjustment to create an in-phase combined signal.\",\n \"At step 712, the in-phase combined signal is transmitted through a second BRW to increase an in-phase portion of the second optical power.\",\n \"At step 714, the optical pump output by the first bandpass filter is combined with the optical signal, after phase adjustment and a phase shift, to create a quadrature-phase combined signal.\",\n \"At step 716, the quadrature-phase combined signal is transmitted through a third BRW to increase a quadrature-phase portion of the second optical power.\",\n \"After step 716, method 700 may proceed with method 701 in FIG.\",\n \"7B.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"7B, method 701 may begin at step 718 by isolating an in-phase amplified signal generated by the second BRW using a second bandpass filter.\",\n \"At step 720, a quadrature-phase amplified signal generated by the third BRW is isolated using a third bandpass filter.\",\n \"At step 722, the in-phase amplified signal and the quadrature phase amplified signal are combined to generate an amplified optical signal having a third optical power.\",\n \"At step 724, the third optical power is used to perform feedback control of the phase adjustment to maximize the third optical power.\",\n \"As disclosed herein, methods and systems enable amplifying optical signals using a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity to generate an optical pump by injection locking.\",\n \"The BRW may also be used for parametric amplification of optical signals using the optical pump.\",\n \"Feedback phase-power control may be performed to maximize output power.\",\n \"The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875050"}}},{"rowIdx":4494761,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["MULTIPLE-LAYER SPACERS FOR FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS","Structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.","A first spacer is located adjacent to a vertical sidewall of a gate electrode, a second spacer located between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, and a third spacer located between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.","The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer.","The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer.","The third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer."],["1.A method comprising: forming a first spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride adjacent to a vertical sidewall of a gate electrode by a first atomic layer deposition process, the first atomic layer deposition process including: adsorbing silicon on a surface of the gate electrode; adsorbing oxygen on the surface of the gate electrode; and after the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode, adsorbing carbon and nitrogen on the surface of the gate electrode.","2.The method of claim 1 wherein the silicon is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode before the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode.","3.The method of claim 1 wherein the atomic layer deposition process is repeated to form the first spacer with a thickness.","4.The method of claim 1 further comprising: forming a second spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode by a second atomic layer deposition process performed with different processing conditions than the first atomic layer deposition process.","5.The method of claim 4 wherein the first spacer has a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the first spacer.","6.The method of claim 5 wherein the second spacer has a lower atomic percentage of carbon than the first spacer.","7.The method of claim 4 wherein the second spacer has a lower carbon content than the first spacer.","8.The method of claim 4 wherein the first spacer is formed on the surface of the gate electrode before the second spacer is formed on the surface of the gate electrode.","9.The method of claim 4 wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are formed on the surface of the gate electrode in situ in a single deposition tool.","10.The method of claim 4 further comprising: forming a third spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode by a third atomic layer deposition process performed with different processing conditions than the first atomic layer deposition process and different processing conditions than the second atomic layer deposition process.","11.The method of claim 10 wherein the first spacer has a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the second spacer, and the first spacer has a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the third spacer.","12.The method of claim 11 wherein the second spacer is arranged between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode; and the third spacer is arranged between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.","13.The method of claim 10 wherein the first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer, the first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer, and the third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.","14.The method of claim 1 wherein the carbon and nitrogen are simultaneously adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates to semiconductor device fabrication and integrated circuits and, more specifically, to structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistors and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.","Device structures for a field-effect transistor include a source, a drain, a channel situated between the source and drain, and a gate structure including a gate electrode and a gate dielectric separating the gate electrode from the channel.","A gate voltage applied to the gate electrode is used to provide switching that selectively connects the source and drain to each another through the channel.","The channel of a planar field-effect transistor is located beneath the top surface of the substrate on which the gate structure is supported.","A fin-type field-effect transistor (FinFET) is a type of field-effect transistor that is capable of being more densely packed in an integrated circuit than planar field-effect transistors.","A FinFET may include a semiconductor fin, an gate electrode that overlaps a channel in the semiconductor fin, and heavily-doped source/drain regions formed in sections of the semiconductor fin peripheral to the gate structure.","The channel of a FinFET is effectively elevated above the top surface of the substrate so that the gate structure can wrap about multiple sides of the channel.","The wrapped-arrangement between the gate electrode and fin improves control of the channel and reduces the leakage current when the FinFET is in its ‘off’ state.","This, in turn, enables the use of lower threshold voltages and results in better performance and power.","Spacers may be formed adjacent to the sidewalls of the gate electrode with properties intended to boost device performance.","A bi-layer spacer that includes an inner spacer proximate to the sidewalls and an outer spacer separated from the sidewalls by the inner spacer.","The inner spacer may be selected to have a lower dielectric constant than the outer spacer, which tends to boost circuit speed but also tends to reduce its robustness.","The outer spacer may be selected to resist processes that can cause spacer erosion and to thereby protect the inner spacer against erosion.","For example, the etch rate of the outer spacer may be several times lower than the etch rate of the inner spacer when exposed to, for example, dilute hydrofluoric acid.","If the protection afforded by the outer spacer fails, the inner spacer can erode and lead to the formation of avoid that links the gate electrode and the source/drain region normally separated from the gate electrode by the bi-layer spacer.","Improved structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor are needed."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In an embodiment of the invention, a structure includes a gate electrode having a vertical sidewall, a first spacer adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, a second spacer located between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, and a third spacer located between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.","The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer.","The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer.","The third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.","In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes forming a first spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) on a gate electrode by an atomic layer deposition process.","The atomic layer deposition process includes adsorbing silicon on a surface of the gate electrode, adsorbing oxygen on the surface of the gate electrode, and, adsorbing carbon and nitrogen on the surface of the gate electrode after the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode."],["BACKGROUND The present invention relates to semiconductor device fabrication and integrated circuits and, more specifically, to structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistors and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.","Device structures for a field-effect transistor include a source, a drain, a channel situated between the source and drain, and a gate structure including a gate electrode and a gate dielectric separating the gate electrode from the channel.","A gate voltage applied to the gate electrode is used to provide switching that selectively connects the source and drain to each another through the channel.","The channel of a planar field-effect transistor is located beneath the top surface of the substrate on which the gate structure is supported.","A fin-type field-effect transistor (FinFET) is a type of field-effect transistor that is capable of being more densely packed in an integrated circuit than planar field-effect transistors.","A FinFET may include a semiconductor fin, an gate electrode that overlaps a channel in the semiconductor fin, and heavily-doped source/drain regions formed in sections of the semiconductor fin peripheral to the gate structure.","The channel of a FinFET is effectively elevated above the top surface of the substrate so that the gate structure can wrap about multiple sides of the channel.","The wrapped-arrangement between the gate electrode and fin improves control of the channel and reduces the leakage current when the FinFET is in its ‘off’ state.","This, in turn, enables the use of lower threshold voltages and results in better performance and power.","Spacers may be formed adjacent to the sidewalls of the gate electrode with properties intended to boost device performance.","A bi-layer spacer that includes an inner spacer proximate to the sidewalls and an outer spacer separated from the sidewalls by the inner spacer.","The inner spacer may be selected to have a lower dielectric constant than the outer spacer, which tends to boost circuit speed but also tends to reduce its robustness.","The outer spacer may be selected to resist processes that can cause spacer erosion and to thereby protect the inner spacer against erosion.","For example, the etch rate of the outer spacer may be several times lower than the etch rate of the inner spacer when exposed to, for example, dilute hydrofluoric acid.","If the protection afforded by the outer spacer fails, the inner spacer can erode and lead to the formation of avoid that links the gate electrode and the source/drain region normally separated from the gate electrode by the bi-layer spacer.","Improved structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor are needed.","SUMMARY In an embodiment of the invention, a structure includes a gate electrode having a vertical sidewall, a first spacer adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, a second spacer located between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, and a third spacer located between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.","The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer.","The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer.","The third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.","In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes forming a first spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) on a gate electrode by an atomic layer deposition process.","The atomic layer deposition process includes adsorbing silicon on a surface of the gate electrode, adsorbing oxygen on the surface of the gate electrode, and, adsorbing carbon and nitrogen on the surface of the gate electrode after the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the embodiments of the invention.","FIG.","1 is a cross-sectional view of a device structure at an initial stage of a processing method in accordance with embodiments of the invention.","FIG.","2 is a cross-sectional view of the device structure of FIG.","1 at a subsequent stage of the processing method.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to FIG.","1 and in accordance with embodiments of the invention, a fin 10 is formed on a substrate 12.The fin 10 may be formed from the semiconductor material of the substrate 12 by photolithography and etching processes, such as a sidewall imaging transfer (SIT) process that promotes dense packing.","The substrate 12 may be a bulk substrate or a device layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate.","The fin 10 may be used to fabricate a fin-type field-effect transistor (FinFET).","A gate electrode 14 projects vertically from a plane at the top surface of the fin 10 and overlaps with the fin 10.The gate electrode 14 overlaps a central region of the fin 10 and a gate dielectric 17 is disposed between the gate electrode 14 and the fin 10.The gate electrode 14 may be a dummy gate electrode composed of a semiconductor material, such as polysilicon deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and the gate dielectric 17 may be composed of a dielectric material, such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), deposited by CVD.","Alternatively, the gate electrode 14 may be a functional gate electrode composed of a metal, such as aluminum or tungsten, deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) or CVD, and may further include a work function metal layer for adjusting the threshold voltage.","The gate dielectric 17 of the functional gate structure may be comprised of an electrically-insulating material, such as a high-k dielectric material such as hafnium oxide or hafnium oxynitride, silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, or layered combinations of these dielectric materials, deposited by CVD or ALD.","In a replacement metal gate process, a dummy gate electrode may be removed and replaced by a functional gate electrode and gate dielectric following spacer formation as subsequently described.","In an alternative embodiment, the gate electrode 14 and the substrate 12 may be processed to form a planar field-effect transistor instead of a FinFET.","The gate electrode 14 of the planar field-effect transistor may be formed on and project from the top surface of the substrate 12, which will coincide in location with the top surface 11 in FIG.","1, instead of in conjunction with the fin 10.The gate electrode 14 is separated from the top surface of the substrate 12 by the gate dielectric 17.Conformal layers 16, 18, 20 are serially deposited that cover the vertical sidewalls 15 and top surface of the gate electrode 14 and the top surface 11 of the fin 10.The conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be formed by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process in which the deposition of each atomic layer of spacer material, or a fraction thereof, is controlled by alternating and sequential introduction of appropriate gas phase reactants that react in a self-limiting manner to incrementally form or build the conformal layers 16, 18, 20.The conformal layers 16, 18, 20 conform to the non-planar topography arising from the gate electrode 14 and the deposited films have a thickness that is constant regardless of the feature geometry of the underlying gate electrode 14 and fin 10.The inner conformal layer 16 is deposited before the center conformal layer 18 and the outer conformal layer 20, and the central conformal layer 18 is deposited before the outer conformal layer 20.Each of the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be composed of a thin film of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) in which the composition is engineered (i.e., tailored) to provide a specific value for the material dielectric constant (i.e., permittivity or k).","With reference to FIG.","2 in which like reference numerals refer to like features in FIG.","1 and at a subsequent fabrication stage, the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be shaped with an anisotropic etching process, such as reactive ion etching (RIE), that preferentially removes the dielectric material from horizontal surfaces, such as the top surface 11 of the fin 10 and the top surface of the gate electrode 14.The etch chemistry for the etching process removes the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 selective to the materials constituting the fin 10 and gate electrode 14.As used herein, the term “selective” in reference to a material removal process (e.g., etching) denotes that, with an appropriate etchant choice, the material removal rate (i.e., etch rate) for the targeted material is greater than the removal rate for at least another material exposed to the material removal process.","The sections of the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 remaining on the vertical sidewalls of the gate electrode 14 respectively define spacers 22, 24, 26.With continued reference to FIGS.","1 and 2, the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 from which the spacers 22, 24, 26 are formed may be deposited by ALD using different deposition process conditions in order to provide targeted properties, such as dielectric constant, thickness, and etch resistance.","In an embodiment, the center spacer 24 formed from conformal layer 18 may have a larger thickness than either the inner spacer 22 formed from conformal layer 16 or the outer spacer 26 formed from conformal layer 20.The conformal layer 16 used to form the inner spacer 22 may be formed by ALD using a multiple-step sequence in which the gas phase reactants are cyclically introduced in a specific order and with specific deposition conditions.","The ALD deposition is performed in a reaction chamber that is coupled with gas sources providing the gas phase reactants, a purge gas source of an inert gas (e.g., Argon (Ar) or Nitrogen (N2)), and a vacuum source.","Prior to initiating the cyclic deposition process, the reaction chamber may be initially evacuated and/or purged, and the substrate 12 may be heated to a given process temperature, such as a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 680° C. In an initial step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is a silicon-containing precursor, such as the inorganic compound hexachlorodisilane (Si2Cl6).","The silicon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14.In embodiments, the flow rate may 100 sccm to 500 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 500 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 30 seconds.","The amount of silicon that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.","The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.","The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the silicon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is a precursor containing nitrogen (N) and carbon (C).","The nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon and oxygen.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 300 sccm to 800 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 500 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 30 seconds.","The amount of carbon and nitrogen that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.","The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.","The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is an oxygen-containing precursor, such as oxygen (O2).","The oxygen-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 3.0 slm to 6.0 slm, the chamber pressure may be 1 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 8 seconds to 40 seconds.","The amount of oxygen that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.","The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.","The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the oxygen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.","The cyclic process of sequentially introducing the different precursors is repeated to increase of the thickness of the conformal layer and to eventually deposit the conformal layer 16 with a given final thickness.","For example, the final thickness of the conformal layer 16 (and spacer 22) may range from 0.5 nm to 5 nm.","In embodiments, the SiOCN material comprising the conformal layer 16 may have a silicon content of 30 atomic percent to 35 atomic percent, an oxygen content of 38 atomic percent to 62 atomic percent, a carbon content of 1 atomic percent to 18 atomic percent, and a nitrogen content of 10 atomic percent to 16 atomic percent.","After the conformal layer 16 is formed, the conformal layer 18 used to form the center spacer 24 may be formed using a multiple-step sequence in which the gas phase reactants are cyclically introduced in a specific order and with specific deposition conditions.","Prior to initiating the cyclic deposition process, the reaction chamber may be initially evacuated and/or purged, and the substrate 12 may be heated to a given temperature, such as a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 680° C. In an initial step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is the silicon-containing precursor, such as the inorganic compound hexachlorodisilane (Si2Cl6).","The silicon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14.In embodiments, the flow rate may be 100 sccm to 400 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 1000 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 30 seconds.","The amount of silicon that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.","The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.","The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the silicon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is an oxygen-containing precursor, such as oxygen (O2).","The oxygen-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 3000 sccm to 6000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 1 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 5 seconds to 40 seconds.","The amount of adsorbed oxygen is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.","The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.","The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the oxygen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is a precursor containing nitrogen (N) and carbon (C).","The nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon and oxygen.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 300 sccm to 800 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 2000 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 40 seconds.","The amount of adsorbed carbon and nitrogen is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.","The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.","The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.","The cyclic process of sequentially introducing the different precursors is repeated to increase of the thickness of the conformal layer and to eventually deposit the conformal layer 18 with a given final thickness.","For example, the final thickness of the conformal layer 18 (and spacer 24) may range from 7 nm to 12 nm.","In embodiments, the SiOCN material comprising the conformal layer 18 may have a silicon content of 31 atomic percent to 34 atomic percent, an oxygen content of 44 atomic percent to 50 atomic percent, a carbon content of 1 atomic percent to 8 atomic percent, and a nitrogen content of 10 atomic percent to 14 atomic percent.","The carbon content of the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24 may be increased in comparison with the carbon content of the conventional conformal layer and spacer, while the dielectric constant of the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24 may be comparable to or less than the dielectric constant of the conventional conformal layer and spacer.","The dielectric constant of conformal layer 18 and spacer 24 is less than the dielectric constant of conformal layer 16 and spacer 22.However, the conformal layer 16 has an lower etch rate than conformal layer 18 when exposed to an etchant, such as a solution containing hydrofluoric acid or ammonia, or during a chemical oxide removal process.","Flowing the oxygen-containing precursor into the ALD reaction chamber before the nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor and with control over the deposition conditions may be used to promote the generation of oxygen-to-silicon bonds with preference to the formation of carbon-to-silicon bonds and nitrogen-to-silicon bonds.","In particular, the conformal layer 18 includes a higher percentage of oxygen in its composition than the conformal layer 16, which may be accomplished by lengthening the flow time for an equal flow rate.","For example, the flow time at the same flow rate used to form the conformal layer 18 may be a factor of two (2) greater than the flow time used to form the conformal layer 16.In an embodiment, the conformal layer 16 and spacer 22 may have a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24.In an embodiment, the conformal layer 16 and spacer 22 may have a higher atomic percentage of carbon than the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24.In an embodiment, both of the conditions on carbon content and oxygen content may exist.","After the conformal layers 16 and 18 are formed, the conformal layer 20 used to form the outer spacer 26 may be formed using a multiple-step sequence in which the gas phase reactants are cyclically introduced in a specific order and with specific deposition conditions.","Prior to initiating the cyclic deposition process, the reaction chamber may be initially evacuated and/or purged, and the substrate 12 may be heated to a given temperature, such as a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 680° C. In an initial step of the cyclic process, the silicon-containing precursor is initially introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 100 sccm to 400 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 500 mTorr to 2000 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 20 seconds.","After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the silicon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, a carbon-containing precursor is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 500 sccm to 5000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 5 Torr to 40 Torr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 120 seconds.","After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the carbon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the oxygen-containing precursor is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 4000 sccm to 6000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 5 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 20 seconds.","After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the oxygen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.","In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, a nitrogen-containing precursor is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.","In embodiments, the flow rate may be 4000 sccm to 5000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 5 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 20 seconds.","After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the nitrogen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.","The cyclic process of sequentially introducing the different precursors is repeated to increase the thickness of the conformal layer and to eventually deposit the conformal layer 20 with a given final thickness.","For example, the final thickness of the conformal layer 20 (and spacer 26) may range from 1.0 nm to 4 nm.","In embodiments, the SiOCN material comprising the conformal layer 20 may have a silicon content of 36 atomic percent to 40 atomic percent, an oxygen content of 29 atomic percent to 33 atomic percent, a carbon content of 8 atomic percent to 10 atomic percent, and a nitrogen content of 23 atomic percent to 26 atomic percent.","The dielectric constant of conformal layer 20 is greater than the dielectric constant of conformal layer 16 and the dielectric constant of conformal layer 18.In an embodiment, two or more of the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be deposited in situ inside of a single ALD deposition tool with variations in the process conditions used to tailor the film properties (e.g., composition).","The wafer may be loaded onto a boat and placed inside the ALD reaction chamber.","The temperature is ramped up to the targeted process temperature, and the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 are serially deposited with different process conditions.","The temperature is ramped downward, and the boat is removed from the ALD reaction chamber.","This process flow may vary from conventional processes in which multiple tools are required to deposit the different conformal layers due to extreme differences in composition that are needed.","With reference to Tables 1 and 2, the following example illustrates the properties and composition of SiOCN forming the spacers 22, 24 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in comparison with the properties and composition of a conventional inner spacer formed of SiOCN and that would be replaced by the combination of the exemplary inner spacer 22 and exemplary center spacer 24.The cyclic ALD process forming the conventional inner spacer introduced a carbon-containing precursor before the oxygen-containing precursor and a separate nitrogen-containing precursor after the oxygen-containing precursor.","The growth conditions for the spacers are given in Table 1.TABLE 1 Layers Conventional Center Inner Spacer Inner Spacer Spacer Items Sequence Elements Parameters Si->C->O->N Si->C/N->O Si->O->C/N Temper- ° C. 600 630 630 ature Thickness nm 9.0 1.0 9.0 Si Time (s) 12 12 12 Flow (sccm) 100 200 200 Pressure 1000 1000 1000 (mTorr) O Time (s) 14 17 24 Flow (slm) 5 3 5 Pressure (Torr) 9 9 9 C or C/N Time (s) 18/30 15 12 Flow (sccm) 5000/500 500 500 Pressure (Torr) 35/7 7 7 N Time (s) 18 Flow (slm) 4.5 Pressure (Torr) 7 The dielectric constant of the spacers of Table 1 was measured by Hg-Probe measurement.","The measured dielectric contacts are tabulated in Table 2.TABLE 2 Dielectric Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen Silicon Constant (At.","%) (At.","%) (At.","%) (At.","%) Conventional 4.6 1.9 18.9 41.4 37.8 Inner Spacer Inner Spacer 4.5 14 13 41 32 Center 4.3 8.3 12.8 46.2 32.7 Spacer With reference to Table 3, the robustness of the spacers in Tables 1 and 2 was measured for exposure to different etchants commonly used in cleaning processes associated with the formation of a FinFET and under equivalent conditions.","For a given exposure time, the removed spacer thickness was determined and used to calculate an etch rate.","TABLE 3 Etch Rate in dilute Etch Rate during Etch Rate in Hydrofluoric Acid Chemical Oxide Ammonia (Angstroms Removal (Angstroms (Angstroms per minute) per minute) per minute) Conventional 21.9 15.5 17.9 Inner Spacer Inner Spacer 2.5 5.1 7.9 Center 10.7 10.3 15.5 Spacer The methods as described above are used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips.","The resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (e.g., as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form.","In the latter case, the chip is mounted in a single chip package (e.g., a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multichip package (e.g., a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections).","In any case, the chip may be integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either an intermediate product or an end product.","References herein to terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, etc.","are made by way of example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of reference.","The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to a conventional plane of a semiconductor substrate, regardless of its actual three-dimensional spatial orientation.","The terms “vertical” and “normal” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal, as just defined.","The term “lateral” refers to a direction within the horizontal plane.","Terms such as “above” and “below” are used to indicate positioning of elements or structures relative to each other as opposed to relative elevation.","A feature may be “connected” or “coupled” to or with another element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or, instead, one or more intervening elements may be present.","A feature may be “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element if intervening elements are absent.","A feature may be “indirectly connected” or “indirectly coupled” to another element if at least one intervening element is present.","The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.","Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.","The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"MULTIPLE-LAYER SPACERS FOR FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS\",\n \"Structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.\",\n \"A first spacer is located adjacent to a vertical sidewall of a gate electrode, a second spacer located between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, and a third spacer located between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.\",\n \"The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer.\",\n \"The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer.\",\n \"The third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method comprising: forming a first spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride adjacent to a vertical sidewall of a gate electrode by a first atomic layer deposition process, the first atomic layer deposition process including: adsorbing silicon on a surface of the gate electrode; adsorbing oxygen on the surface of the gate electrode; and after the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode, adsorbing carbon and nitrogen on the surface of the gate electrode.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1 wherein the silicon is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode before the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1 wherein the atomic layer deposition process is repeated to form the first spacer with a thickness.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1 further comprising: forming a second spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode by a second atomic layer deposition process performed with different processing conditions than the first atomic layer deposition process.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 4 wherein the first spacer has a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the first spacer.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 5 wherein the second spacer has a lower atomic percentage of carbon than the first spacer.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 4 wherein the second spacer has a lower carbon content than the first spacer.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 4 wherein the first spacer is formed on the surface of the gate electrode before the second spacer is formed on the surface of the gate electrode.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 4 wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are formed on the surface of the gate electrode in situ in a single deposition tool.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 4 further comprising: forming a third spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode by a third atomic layer deposition process performed with different processing conditions than the first atomic layer deposition process and different processing conditions than the second atomic layer deposition process.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10 wherein the first spacer has a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the second spacer, and the first spacer has a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the third spacer.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 11 wherein the second spacer is arranged between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode; and the third spacer is arranged between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 10 wherein the first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer, the first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer, and the third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 1 wherein the carbon and nitrogen are simultaneously adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention relates to semiconductor device fabrication and integrated circuits and, more specifically, to structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistors and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.\",\n \"Device structures for a field-effect transistor include a source, a drain, a channel situated between the source and drain, and a gate structure including a gate electrode and a gate dielectric separating the gate electrode from the channel.\",\n \"A gate voltage applied to the gate electrode is used to provide switching that selectively connects the source and drain to each another through the channel.\",\n \"The channel of a planar field-effect transistor is located beneath the top surface of the substrate on which the gate structure is supported.\",\n \"A fin-type field-effect transistor (FinFET) is a type of field-effect transistor that is capable of being more densely packed in an integrated circuit than planar field-effect transistors.\",\n \"A FinFET may include a semiconductor fin, an gate electrode that overlaps a channel in the semiconductor fin, and heavily-doped source/drain regions formed in sections of the semiconductor fin peripheral to the gate structure.\",\n \"The channel of a FinFET is effectively elevated above the top surface of the substrate so that the gate structure can wrap about multiple sides of the channel.\",\n \"The wrapped-arrangement between the gate electrode and fin improves control of the channel and reduces the leakage current when the FinFET is in its ‘off’ state.\",\n \"This, in turn, enables the use of lower threshold voltages and results in better performance and power.\",\n \"Spacers may be formed adjacent to the sidewalls of the gate electrode with properties intended to boost device performance.\",\n \"A bi-layer spacer that includes an inner spacer proximate to the sidewalls and an outer spacer separated from the sidewalls by the inner spacer.\",\n \"The inner spacer may be selected to have a lower dielectric constant than the outer spacer, which tends to boost circuit speed but also tends to reduce its robustness.\",\n \"The outer spacer may be selected to resist processes that can cause spacer erosion and to thereby protect the inner spacer against erosion.\",\n \"For example, the etch rate of the outer spacer may be several times lower than the etch rate of the inner spacer when exposed to, for example, dilute hydrofluoric acid.\",\n \"If the protection afforded by the outer spacer fails, the inner spacer can erode and lead to the formation of avoid that links the gate electrode and the source/drain region normally separated from the gate electrode by the bi-layer spacer.\",\n \"Improved structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor are needed.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>In an embodiment of the invention, a structure includes a gate electrode having a vertical sidewall, a first spacer adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, a second spacer located between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, and a third spacer located between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.\",\n \"The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer.\",\n \"The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer.\",\n \"The third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.\",\n \"In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes forming a first spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) on a gate electrode by an atomic layer deposition process.\",\n \"The atomic layer deposition process includes adsorbing silicon on a surface of the gate electrode, adsorbing oxygen on the surface of the gate electrode, and, adsorbing carbon and nitrogen on the surface of the gate electrode after the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode.\"\n ],\n [\n \"BACKGROUND The present invention relates to semiconductor device fabrication and integrated circuits and, more specifically, to structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistors and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.\",\n \"Device structures for a field-effect transistor include a source, a drain, a channel situated between the source and drain, and a gate structure including a gate electrode and a gate dielectric separating the gate electrode from the channel.\",\n \"A gate voltage applied to the gate electrode is used to provide switching that selectively connects the source and drain to each another through the channel.\",\n \"The channel of a planar field-effect transistor is located beneath the top surface of the substrate on which the gate structure is supported.\",\n \"A fin-type field-effect transistor (FinFET) is a type of field-effect transistor that is capable of being more densely packed in an integrated circuit than planar field-effect transistors.\",\n \"A FinFET may include a semiconductor fin, an gate electrode that overlaps a channel in the semiconductor fin, and heavily-doped source/drain regions formed in sections of the semiconductor fin peripheral to the gate structure.\",\n \"The channel of a FinFET is effectively elevated above the top surface of the substrate so that the gate structure can wrap about multiple sides of the channel.\",\n \"The wrapped-arrangement between the gate electrode and fin improves control of the channel and reduces the leakage current when the FinFET is in its ‘off’ state.\",\n \"This, in turn, enables the use of lower threshold voltages and results in better performance and power.\",\n \"Spacers may be formed adjacent to the sidewalls of the gate electrode with properties intended to boost device performance.\",\n \"A bi-layer spacer that includes an inner spacer proximate to the sidewalls and an outer spacer separated from the sidewalls by the inner spacer.\",\n \"The inner spacer may be selected to have a lower dielectric constant than the outer spacer, which tends to boost circuit speed but also tends to reduce its robustness.\",\n \"The outer spacer may be selected to resist processes that can cause spacer erosion and to thereby protect the inner spacer against erosion.\",\n \"For example, the etch rate of the outer spacer may be several times lower than the etch rate of the inner spacer when exposed to, for example, dilute hydrofluoric acid.\",\n \"If the protection afforded by the outer spacer fails, the inner spacer can erode and lead to the formation of avoid that links the gate electrode and the source/drain region normally separated from the gate electrode by the bi-layer spacer.\",\n \"Improved structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor are needed.\",\n \"SUMMARY In an embodiment of the invention, a structure includes a gate electrode having a vertical sidewall, a first spacer adjacent to the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, a second spacer located between the first spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode, and a third spacer located between the second spacer and the vertical sidewall of the gate electrode.\",\n \"The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the second spacer.\",\n \"The first spacer has a higher dielectric constant than the third spacer.\",\n \"The third spacer has a lower dielectric constant than the second spacer.\",\n \"In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes forming a first spacer comprised of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) on a gate electrode by an atomic layer deposition process.\",\n \"The atomic layer deposition process includes adsorbing silicon on a surface of the gate electrode, adsorbing oxygen on the surface of the gate electrode, and, adsorbing carbon and nitrogen on the surface of the gate electrode after the oxygen is adsorbed on the surface of the gate electrode.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the embodiments of the invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a cross-sectional view of a device structure at an initial stage of a processing method in accordance with embodiments of the invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a cross-sectional view of the device structure of FIG.\",\n \"1 at a subsequent stage of the processing method.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to FIG.\",\n \"1 and in accordance with embodiments of the invention, a fin 10 is formed on a substrate 12.The fin 10 may be formed from the semiconductor material of the substrate 12 by photolithography and etching processes, such as a sidewall imaging transfer (SIT) process that promotes dense packing.\",\n \"The substrate 12 may be a bulk substrate or a device layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate.\",\n \"The fin 10 may be used to fabricate a fin-type field-effect transistor (FinFET).\",\n \"A gate electrode 14 projects vertically from a plane at the top surface of the fin 10 and overlaps with the fin 10.The gate electrode 14 overlaps a central region of the fin 10 and a gate dielectric 17 is disposed between the gate electrode 14 and the fin 10.The gate electrode 14 may be a dummy gate electrode composed of a semiconductor material, such as polysilicon deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and the gate dielectric 17 may be composed of a dielectric material, such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), deposited by CVD.\",\n \"Alternatively, the gate electrode 14 may be a functional gate electrode composed of a metal, such as aluminum or tungsten, deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) or CVD, and may further include a work function metal layer for adjusting the threshold voltage.\",\n \"The gate dielectric 17 of the functional gate structure may be comprised of an electrically-insulating material, such as a high-k dielectric material such as hafnium oxide or hafnium oxynitride, silicon dioxide, silicon oxynitride, or layered combinations of these dielectric materials, deposited by CVD or ALD.\",\n \"In a replacement metal gate process, a dummy gate electrode may be removed and replaced by a functional gate electrode and gate dielectric following spacer formation as subsequently described.\",\n \"In an alternative embodiment, the gate electrode 14 and the substrate 12 may be processed to form a planar field-effect transistor instead of a FinFET.\",\n \"The gate electrode 14 of the planar field-effect transistor may be formed on and project from the top surface of the substrate 12, which will coincide in location with the top surface 11 in FIG.\",\n \"1, instead of in conjunction with the fin 10.The gate electrode 14 is separated from the top surface of the substrate 12 by the gate dielectric 17.Conformal layers 16, 18, 20 are serially deposited that cover the vertical sidewalls 15 and top surface of the gate electrode 14 and the top surface 11 of the fin 10.The conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be formed by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process in which the deposition of each atomic layer of spacer material, or a fraction thereof, is controlled by alternating and sequential introduction of appropriate gas phase reactants that react in a self-limiting manner to incrementally form or build the conformal layers 16, 18, 20.The conformal layers 16, 18, 20 conform to the non-planar topography arising from the gate electrode 14 and the deposited films have a thickness that is constant regardless of the feature geometry of the underlying gate electrode 14 and fin 10.The inner conformal layer 16 is deposited before the center conformal layer 18 and the outer conformal layer 20, and the central conformal layer 18 is deposited before the outer conformal layer 20.Each of the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be composed of a thin film of silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) in which the composition is engineered (i.e., tailored) to provide a specific value for the material dielectric constant (i.e., permittivity or k).\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"2 in which like reference numerals refer to like features in FIG.\",\n \"1 and at a subsequent fabrication stage, the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be shaped with an anisotropic etching process, such as reactive ion etching (RIE), that preferentially removes the dielectric material from horizontal surfaces, such as the top surface 11 of the fin 10 and the top surface of the gate electrode 14.The etch chemistry for the etching process removes the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 selective to the materials constituting the fin 10 and gate electrode 14.As used herein, the term “selective” in reference to a material removal process (e.g., etching) denotes that, with an appropriate etchant choice, the material removal rate (i.e., etch rate) for the targeted material is greater than the removal rate for at least another material exposed to the material removal process.\",\n \"The sections of the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 remaining on the vertical sidewalls of the gate electrode 14 respectively define spacers 22, 24, 26.With continued reference to FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 from which the spacers 22, 24, 26 are formed may be deposited by ALD using different deposition process conditions in order to provide targeted properties, such as dielectric constant, thickness, and etch resistance.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the center spacer 24 formed from conformal layer 18 may have a larger thickness than either the inner spacer 22 formed from conformal layer 16 or the outer spacer 26 formed from conformal layer 20.The conformal layer 16 used to form the inner spacer 22 may be formed by ALD using a multiple-step sequence in which the gas phase reactants are cyclically introduced in a specific order and with specific deposition conditions.\",\n \"The ALD deposition is performed in a reaction chamber that is coupled with gas sources providing the gas phase reactants, a purge gas source of an inert gas (e.g., Argon (Ar) or Nitrogen (N2)), and a vacuum source.\",\n \"Prior to initiating the cyclic deposition process, the reaction chamber may be initially evacuated and/or purged, and the substrate 12 may be heated to a given process temperature, such as a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 680° C. In an initial step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is a silicon-containing precursor, such as the inorganic compound hexachlorodisilane (Si2Cl6).\",\n \"The silicon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14.In embodiments, the flow rate may 100 sccm to 500 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 500 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 30 seconds.\",\n \"The amount of silicon that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.\",\n \"The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.\",\n \"The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the silicon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is a precursor containing nitrogen (N) and carbon (C).\",\n \"The nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon and oxygen.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 300 sccm to 800 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 500 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 30 seconds.\",\n \"The amount of carbon and nitrogen that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.\",\n \"The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.\",\n \"The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is an oxygen-containing precursor, such as oxygen (O2).\",\n \"The oxygen-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 3.0 slm to 6.0 slm, the chamber pressure may be 1 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 8 seconds to 40 seconds.\",\n \"The amount of oxygen that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.\",\n \"The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.\",\n \"The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the oxygen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.\",\n \"The cyclic process of sequentially introducing the different precursors is repeated to increase of the thickness of the conformal layer and to eventually deposit the conformal layer 16 with a given final thickness.\",\n \"For example, the final thickness of the conformal layer 16 (and spacer 22) may range from 0.5 nm to 5 nm.\",\n \"In embodiments, the SiOCN material comprising the conformal layer 16 may have a silicon content of 30 atomic percent to 35 atomic percent, an oxygen content of 38 atomic percent to 62 atomic percent, a carbon content of 1 atomic percent to 18 atomic percent, and a nitrogen content of 10 atomic percent to 16 atomic percent.\",\n \"After the conformal layer 16 is formed, the conformal layer 18 used to form the center spacer 24 may be formed using a multiple-step sequence in which the gas phase reactants are cyclically introduced in a specific order and with specific deposition conditions.\",\n \"Prior to initiating the cyclic deposition process, the reaction chamber may be initially evacuated and/or purged, and the substrate 12 may be heated to a given temperature, such as a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 680° C. In an initial step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is the silicon-containing precursor, such as the inorganic compound hexachlorodisilane (Si2Cl6).\",\n \"The silicon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14.In embodiments, the flow rate may be 100 sccm to 400 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 1000 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 30 seconds.\",\n \"The amount of silicon that adsorbs on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14 is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.\",\n \"The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.\",\n \"The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the silicon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is an oxygen-containing precursor, such as oxygen (O2).\",\n \"The oxygen-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 3000 sccm to 6000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 1 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 5 seconds to 40 seconds.\",\n \"The amount of adsorbed oxygen is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.\",\n \"The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.\",\n \"The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the oxygen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the gas phase reactant that is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber is a precursor containing nitrogen (N) and carbon (C).\",\n \"The nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor is flowed for a given flow time and at a given flow rate, and permitted to adsorb on the exterior surface of the conformal layer 16 on the gate electrode 14 and combine with the adsorbed silicon and oxygen.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 300 sccm to 800 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 100 mTorr to 2000 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 40 seconds.\",\n \"The amount of adsorbed carbon and nitrogen is dependent, among other deposition conditions, upon the flow rate and flow time as parameters.\",\n \"The adsorbed layer may range in thickness from about 0.1 nm to about 0.3 nm.\",\n \"The reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber.\",\n \"The cyclic process of sequentially introducing the different precursors is repeated to increase of the thickness of the conformal layer and to eventually deposit the conformal layer 18 with a given final thickness.\",\n \"For example, the final thickness of the conformal layer 18 (and spacer 24) may range from 7 nm to 12 nm.\",\n \"In embodiments, the SiOCN material comprising the conformal layer 18 may have a silicon content of 31 atomic percent to 34 atomic percent, an oxygen content of 44 atomic percent to 50 atomic percent, a carbon content of 1 atomic percent to 8 atomic percent, and a nitrogen content of 10 atomic percent to 14 atomic percent.\",\n \"The carbon content of the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24 may be increased in comparison with the carbon content of the conventional conformal layer and spacer, while the dielectric constant of the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24 may be comparable to or less than the dielectric constant of the conventional conformal layer and spacer.\",\n \"The dielectric constant of conformal layer 18 and spacer 24 is less than the dielectric constant of conformal layer 16 and spacer 22.However, the conformal layer 16 has an lower etch rate than conformal layer 18 when exposed to an etchant, such as a solution containing hydrofluoric acid or ammonia, or during a chemical oxide removal process.\",\n \"Flowing the oxygen-containing precursor into the ALD reaction chamber before the nitrogen- and carbon-containing precursor and with control over the deposition conditions may be used to promote the generation of oxygen-to-silicon bonds with preference to the formation of carbon-to-silicon bonds and nitrogen-to-silicon bonds.\",\n \"In particular, the conformal layer 18 includes a higher percentage of oxygen in its composition than the conformal layer 16, which may be accomplished by lengthening the flow time for an equal flow rate.\",\n \"For example, the flow time at the same flow rate used to form the conformal layer 18 may be a factor of two (2) greater than the flow time used to form the conformal layer 16.In an embodiment, the conformal layer 16 and spacer 22 may have a lower atomic percentage of oxygen than the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24.In an embodiment, the conformal layer 16 and spacer 22 may have a higher atomic percentage of carbon than the conformal layer 18 and spacer 24.In an embodiment, both of the conditions on carbon content and oxygen content may exist.\",\n \"After the conformal layers 16 and 18 are formed, the conformal layer 20 used to form the outer spacer 26 may be formed using a multiple-step sequence in which the gas phase reactants are cyclically introduced in a specific order and with specific deposition conditions.\",\n \"Prior to initiating the cyclic deposition process, the reaction chamber may be initially evacuated and/or purged, and the substrate 12 may be heated to a given temperature, such as a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 680° C. In an initial step of the cyclic process, the silicon-containing precursor is initially introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 100 sccm to 400 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 500 mTorr to 2000 mTorr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 20 seconds.\",\n \"After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the silicon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, a carbon-containing precursor is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 500 sccm to 5000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 5 Torr to 40 Torr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 120 seconds.\",\n \"After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the carbon-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, the oxygen-containing precursor is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 4000 sccm to 6000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 5 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 20 seconds.\",\n \"After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the oxygen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.\",\n \"In a subsequent step of the cyclic process, a nitrogen-containing precursor is introduced into the ALD reaction chamber as a gas phase reactant.\",\n \"In embodiments, the flow rate may be 4000 sccm to 5000 sccm, the chamber pressure may be 5 Torr to 10 Torr, and the flow time may be 10 seconds to 20 seconds.\",\n \"After the adsorbed layer is formed, the reaction chamber is evacuated using the vacuum source and purged by a flow of the purge gas to clear the nitrogen-containing precursor from the reaction chamber in anticipation of the next step of the cyclic process.\",\n \"The cyclic process of sequentially introducing the different precursors is repeated to increase the thickness of the conformal layer and to eventually deposit the conformal layer 20 with a given final thickness.\",\n \"For example, the final thickness of the conformal layer 20 (and spacer 26) may range from 1.0 nm to 4 nm.\",\n \"In embodiments, the SiOCN material comprising the conformal layer 20 may have a silicon content of 36 atomic percent to 40 atomic percent, an oxygen content of 29 atomic percent to 33 atomic percent, a carbon content of 8 atomic percent to 10 atomic percent, and a nitrogen content of 23 atomic percent to 26 atomic percent.\",\n \"The dielectric constant of conformal layer 20 is greater than the dielectric constant of conformal layer 16 and the dielectric constant of conformal layer 18.In an embodiment, two or more of the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 may be deposited in situ inside of a single ALD deposition tool with variations in the process conditions used to tailor the film properties (e.g., composition).\",\n \"The wafer may be loaded onto a boat and placed inside the ALD reaction chamber.\",\n \"The temperature is ramped up to the targeted process temperature, and the conformal layers 16, 18, 20 are serially deposited with different process conditions.\",\n \"The temperature is ramped downward, and the boat is removed from the ALD reaction chamber.\",\n \"This process flow may vary from conventional processes in which multiple tools are required to deposit the different conformal layers due to extreme differences in composition that are needed.\",\n \"With reference to Tables 1 and 2, the following example illustrates the properties and composition of SiOCN forming the spacers 22, 24 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in comparison with the properties and composition of a conventional inner spacer formed of SiOCN and that would be replaced by the combination of the exemplary inner spacer 22 and exemplary center spacer 24.The cyclic ALD process forming the conventional inner spacer introduced a carbon-containing precursor before the oxygen-containing precursor and a separate nitrogen-containing precursor after the oxygen-containing precursor.\",\n \"The growth conditions for the spacers are given in Table 1.TABLE 1 Layers Conventional Center Inner Spacer Inner Spacer Spacer Items Sequence Elements Parameters Si->C->O->N Si->C/N->O Si->O->C/N Temper- ° C. 600 630 630 ature Thickness nm 9.0 1.0 9.0 Si Time (s) 12 12 12 Flow (sccm) 100 200 200 Pressure 1000 1000 1000 (mTorr) O Time (s) 14 17 24 Flow (slm) 5 3 5 Pressure (Torr) 9 9 9 C or C/N Time (s) 18/30 15 12 Flow (sccm) 5000/500 500 500 Pressure (Torr) 35/7 7 7 N Time (s) 18 Flow (slm) 4.5 Pressure (Torr) 7 The dielectric constant of the spacers of Table 1 was measured by Hg-Probe measurement.\",\n \"The measured dielectric contacts are tabulated in Table 2.TABLE 2 Dielectric Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen Silicon Constant (At.\",\n \"%) (At.\",\n \"%) (At.\",\n \"%) (At.\",\n \"%) Conventional 4.6 1.9 18.9 41.4 37.8 Inner Spacer Inner Spacer 4.5 14 13 41 32 Center 4.3 8.3 12.8 46.2 32.7 Spacer With reference to Table 3, the robustness of the spacers in Tables 1 and 2 was measured for exposure to different etchants commonly used in cleaning processes associated with the formation of a FinFET and under equivalent conditions.\",\n \"For a given exposure time, the removed spacer thickness was determined and used to calculate an etch rate.\",\n \"TABLE 3 Etch Rate in dilute Etch Rate during Etch Rate in Hydrofluoric Acid Chemical Oxide Ammonia (Angstroms Removal (Angstroms (Angstroms per minute) per minute) per minute) Conventional 21.9 15.5 17.9 Inner Spacer Inner Spacer 2.5 5.1 7.9 Center 10.7 10.3 15.5 Spacer The methods as described above are used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips.\",\n \"The resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (e.g., as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form.\",\n \"In the latter case, the chip is mounted in a single chip package (e.g., a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multichip package (e.g., a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections).\",\n \"In any case, the chip may be integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either an intermediate product or an end product.\",\n \"References herein to terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, etc.\",\n \"are made by way of example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of reference.\",\n \"The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to a conventional plane of a semiconductor substrate, regardless of its actual three-dimensional spatial orientation.\",\n \"The terms “vertical” and “normal” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal, as just defined.\",\n \"The term “lateral” refers to a direction within the horizontal plane.\",\n \"Terms such as “above” and “below” are used to indicate positioning of elements or structures relative to each other as opposed to relative elevation.\",\n \"A feature may be “connected” or “coupled” to or with another element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or, instead, one or more intervening elements may be present.\",\n \"A feature may be “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element if intervening elements are absent.\",\n \"A feature may be “indirectly connected” or “indirectly coupled” to another element if at least one intervening element is present.\",\n \"The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.\",\n \"Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.\",\n \"The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875055"}}},{"rowIdx":4494762,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["DYNAMIC BATCH MANAGEMENT OF SHARED BUFFERS FOR VIRTUAL MACHINES","Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers are disclosed.","A virtualized computer system may include a hypervisor with access to memory and executed by a processor to maintain a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device, adjust a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory, receive an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory by the network device, and provide the incoming network packet to a guest.","In an example, the hypervisor uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of the incoming network packets and dynamically adjusts the size of the pool during the processing by adding or removing memory buffers in response to an event, condition, request, etc."],["1.A computer-implemented method, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by a processor, a plurality of virtual machine guests and a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with one or more virtual machine guests of the plurality of virtual machine guests, and the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and at least one of the one or more virtual machines guests of the plurality of virtual machines; adjusting, by the hypervisor, a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory in association with providing respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests, the memory buffers being adjusted in view of the one or more virtual machine guests, wherein, after the adjusting, the number of memory buffers includes a newly added memory buffer that is not yet mapped to a virtual machine; receiving, by the hypervisor, an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the one or more virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; providing, by the hypervisor, respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests; deferring mapping of the newly added memory buffer to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.","2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing, by the hypervisor, the physical network device with access to store the incoming network packets in the pool of host memory.","3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing, by the physical network device, the incoming network packets in the pool of host memory.","4.The method of claim 1, further comprising: notifying, by the physical network device, the hypervisor that the incoming network packets are stored in the pool of host memory.","5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing, by the hypervisor, each of the one or more virtual machine guests with direct access to the pool of host memory.","6.The method of claim 5, wherein the hypervisor provides at least one of the one or more virtual machine guests with direct access to the pool of host memory in response to a corresponding virtual machine guest performing an operation involving a memory buffer in the pool of host memory.","7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by the hypervisor, that available memory in the pool of host memory is below a threshold.","8.The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting comprises: adding, by the hypervisor, one or more additional memory buffers to the pool of host memory in view of allocating at least one additional virtual machine guest.","9.The method of claim 8, further comprising: initializing, by the hypervisor, the one or more additional memory buffers added to the pool of host memory for processing the respective incoming network packets.","10.The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by the hypervisor, that one or more memory buffers in the pool of host memory are to be reassigned for a different use.","11.The method of claim 10, further comprising: initializing, by the hypervisor, the one or more memory buffers to be reassigned.","12.The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting comprises: removing, by the hypervisor, one or more memory buffers from the pool of host memory in view of deallocating at least one virtual machine guest.","13.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: maintaining, by the hypervisor, a second pool of host memory comprising a second set of one or more memory buffers to store incoming network packets for one or more other virtual machine guests.","14.The method of claim 1, wherein the hypervisor adjusts the number of memory buffers in response to detecting an event.","15.The method of claim 1, wherein the hypervisor adjusts the number of memory buffers in response to detecting a memory condition.","16.The method of claim 1, wherein the hypervisor uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of the incoming network packets to provide respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests.","17.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions recorded thereon, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by the processor, a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with different virtual machine guests, and the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and the virtual machine guests; adjusting, by the hypervisor, a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory; receiving, by the hypervisor, an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; providing, by the hypervisor, incoming network packets to the virtual machine guests; and deferring mapping of a newly added memory buffer of the number of memory buffers to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.","18.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the adjusting comprises: adding, by the hypervisor, one or more additional memory buffers to the pool of host memory in view of a newly allocated virtual machine guest.","19.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the adjusting comprises: removing, by the hypervisor, one or more memory buffers from the pool of host memory in response to deallocating at least one of the virtual machine guests.","20.A computer system, comprising: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory; and a hypervisor hosted by the computer system, having access to the memory and use of the processor to: maintain a pool of the memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with a plurality of virtual machine guests, and the pool of the memory being accessible to the physical network device and the plurality of virtual machine guests; adjust a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of the memory to resize the pool in association with providing respective incoming network packets to the plurality of virtual machine guests, wherein, after adjustment, the number of memory buffers includes a newly added memory buffer that is not yet mapped to a virtual machine; receive an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the plurality of virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; provide the respective incoming network packets to the plurality of virtual machine guests; and defer mapping of the newly added memory buffer of the number of memory buffers to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.","21.A computer-implemented method, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by a processor, a plurality of virtual machine guests and a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with one or more virtual machine guests of the plurality of virtual machine guests, and the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and at least one of the one or more virtual machines guests of the plurality of virtual machines; with the hypervisor, in response to determining that the pool of host memory is greater in size than a threshold value, reducing a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory; receiving, by the hypervisor, an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the one or more virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; providing, by the hypervisor, respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests.","22.The method of claim 21, further comprising, reallocating a removed memory buffer of the number of memory buffers.","23.The method of claim 21, further comprising, adding a new memory buffer to the number of memory buffers in response to determining that the size of the pool of memory is below a threshold.","24.The method of claim 23, further comprising, deferring mapping of the newly added memory buffer to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.","25.A computer-implemented method, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by a processor, a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with one or more virtual machine guests, the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and at least one of the one or more virtual machines guests; adjusting, by the hypervisor, a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory, wherein, after the adjusting, the number of memory buffers includes a newly added memory buffer that is not yet mapped to a virtual machine; deferring mapping of the newly added memory buffer to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Packet processing generally refers to the analysis, modification, and transfer of network packets performed by various computer systems and devices of a communications network.","One type of network packet batch processing is TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO).","In TSO, network packets sharing the same TCP header information are batched together to streamline network packet processing.","Another type of network packet batch processing provides batching of network packets from arbitrary TCP flows.","For example, network packets that do not share the same TCP header information may be batched together to reduce CPU overhead of TCP/IP processing on fast networks.","In general, the unpredictable nature of network traffic generally results suboptimal batch processing of network packets at various times.","Accordingly, improved methods of network packet batch management that are more responsive to changes in network traffic can provide more consistent and better overall performance."],["<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various examples provided herein.","In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.","The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.","FIG.","1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system hosting one or more virtual machines.","FIG.","2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.","FIG.","3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic adjustment of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.","FIG.","4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system.","detailed-description description=\"Detailed Description\" end=\"lead\"?"],["PRIORITY INFORMATION This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/174,637 filed Jun.","6, 2016, and entitled “Dynamic Batch Management for Shared Buffers for Virtual Machines, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/472,584, filed Aug. 29, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in entirety.","TECHNICAL FIELD Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to computer networking, and more specifically, relate to dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in computer systems.","BACKGROUND Packet processing generally refers to the analysis, modification, and transfer of network packets performed by various computer systems and devices of a communications network.","One type of network packet batch processing is TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO).","In TSO, network packets sharing the same TCP header information are batched together to streamline network packet processing.","Another type of network packet batch processing provides batching of network packets from arbitrary TCP flows.","For example, network packets that do not share the same TCP header information may be batched together to reduce CPU overhead of TCP/IP processing on fast networks.","In general, the unpredictable nature of network traffic generally results suboptimal batch processing of network packets at various times.","Accordingly, improved methods of network packet batch management that are more responsive to changes in network traffic can provide more consistent and better overall performance.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various examples provided herein.","In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.","The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.","FIG.","1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system hosting one or more virtual machines.","FIG.","2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.","FIG.","3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic adjustment of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.","FIG.","4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer program products for providing dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in computer systems.","In an example, a memory management module of a hypervisor maintains an area of host memory to store incoming network packets from a network device.","The pool of host memory maintained by the memory management module is accessible to at least one network device and at least one guest.","Further, the memory management module uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of incoming network packets received from one or more network devices.","In an example, the memory management module adjusts a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory.","For example, the memory management module may resize a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets one or more times after an initial set of memory buffers has been allocated to the pool.","In one example, the memory management module detects that a number of available memory buffers in the pool of host memory is below a threshold.","In response, the memory management module may increase the size of the pool of host memory by adding additional memory buffers to the pool.","The memory management module may initialize the additional memory buffers before allocation to the pool of host memory to prevent sharing of private host data.","In an example, the memory management module detects that a number of available memory buffers in the pool of host memory is above a threshold.","In response, the memory management module may decrease the size of the pool of host memory by removing memory buffers allocated to the pool.","The memory management module then may return the memory buffers removed from the pool to a host machine or may use the removed memory buffers for another purpose.","In an example, the memory management module receives an indication that one or more incoming network packets have been stored in the pool of host memory by a network device.","For example, the memory management module may receive a notification from the network device or may detect that incoming packets have been stored in the pool of host memory.","In one example, the memory management module provides incoming network packets stored in the pool of host memory to a guest.","For example, the memory management module may provide the guest with one or more memory addresses or memory address ranges of memory buffers holding incoming network packets for the guest.","Accordingly, the memory management module provides dynamic memory management of a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.","Such dynamic memory management allows flexible reallocation of memory resources during operation of a computer system based on changes in performance.","Further, such dynamic memory management is performed automatically during operation of a computer system without manual intervention by an administrator.","Various illustrations of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various examples described herein.","In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.","The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.","FIG.","1 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a physical computer system, referred to herein as a host machine 100 that hosts one or more virtual machines (VMs) (e.g., VM1 140a, VM2 140b and VM N 140n).","Host machine 100 may be a rackmount server, a workstation, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a game console, a mobile phone, a palm-sized computing device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.","Host machine 100 includes host hardware 105, which includes multiple processors 120, 122, multiple devices 124, 126, host memory 128, multiple network interfaces 130, 132, 134, and other hardware components.","Host memory 128 may include volatile memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory devices (e.g., flash memory), and/or other types of memory devices.","Host hardware 105 also may be coupled to external storage 190 via a direct connection or a local network.","Host machine 100 may be a single machine or multiple host machines arranged in a cluster.","In an example, each processor 120, 122 may be a processor core of a microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), or the like.","Some processors may be different processing cores of a processing device that consists of a single integrated circuit.","Some processors may be components of a multi-chip module (e.g., in which separate microprocessor dies are included in a single package).","Additionally, processors may have distinct dies and packaging, and be connected via circuitry such as discrete circuitry and/or a circuit board.","A “processing device” generally refers to any combination of one or more integrated circuits and/or packages that include one or more processors (e.g., one or more processor cores).","Therefore, the term processing device encompasses a single core CPU, a multi-core CPU and a massively multi-core system that includes many interconnected integrated circuits, each of which may include multiple processor cores.","In one example, processors 120, 122 are processor cores of the same integrated circuit and share a socket.","Processors that share a socket may communicate with one another more efficiently than processors that do not share a socket.","Each of the devices 124, 126 may be a physical device that is internal or external to host machine 100.Examples of internal devices include a graphics card, hardware RAID controller, secondary storage (e.g., hard disk drive, magnetic or optical storage based disks, tapes or hard drives), universal serial bus (USB) devices, internal input/output (I/O) devices, etc.","Examples of external devices include a keyboard, mouse, speaker, external hard drive (e.g., external storage 190), external I/O devices, etc.","Devices 124, 126 communicate with host machine 100 (e.g., notify host machine 100 of events) by generating device interrupts.","Host machine 100 includes multiple network interfaces 130, 132, 134 that connect to host machine 100 to one or more networks.","A network generally refers to any computer or telecommunications data path that allows the exchange of data between computer systems.","Networks may include but are not limited to wired networks, wireless networks, public networks (e.g., the Internet), private networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN)), fibre channel communication, or any combination thereof.","Each network interface 130, 132, 134 allows host machine 100 to send and receive data via one or more networks.","Each network interface 130, 132, 134 may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices, which may be part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) of a network interface.","The processors may perform operations on data within a respective network interface, for example, by preparing packets for transmission over a network, receiving packets from a network, etc.","The memory devices may include read-only memory and/or random access memory for storing instructions to be executed, referenced, or otherwise used by the processors.","Further, each network interface generally has a unique media access control (MAC) address used in switching and in other networking processing.","Host machine 100 includes a hypervisor 160 (also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM)).","In one example (as shown), hypervisor 160 is a component of a host operating system 110.Alternatively, hypervisor 160 may run on top of a host OS 110, or may run directly on host hardware 105 without the use of a host OS 110.Hypervisor 160 manages system resources, including access to host memory 128, devices 124, 126, network interfaces 130, 132, 134, secondary storage, and so on.","Hypervisor 160, though usually implemented in software, may emulate and export a bare machine interface (host hardware 105) to higher-level software.","Such higher-level software may comprise a standard or real-time operating system (OS), may be a highly stripped down operating environment with limited operating system functionality, may not include traditional OS facilities, etc.","Hypervisor 160 presents to other software (i.e., “guest” software) the abstraction of one or more virtual machines (VMs) (e.g., VM 1 140a, VM 2 140b, VM N 140n), which may provide the same or different abstractions to various guest software (e.g., guest operating system, guest applications).","Host machine 100 hosts any number of virtual machines (VMs) (e.g., a single VM, one hundred VMs, etc.).","A virtual machine (e.g., VM 1 140a, VM 2 140b, VM N 140n) is a combination of guest software that uses an underlying emulation of host machine 100 (e.g., as provided by hypervisor 160).","Guest software (e.g., guest 146a, 146b, 146n) may include a guest operating system, guest applications, guest memory, guest device drivers, etc.","Virtual machines 140a, 140b, 140n can be, for example, hardware emulation, full virtualization, para-virtualization, and operating system-level virtualization virtual machines.","Virtual machines 140a, 140b, 140n may have the same or different guest operating systems, such as Linux®, Solaris®, Microsoft® Windows®, etc.","In an example, “containers” may be utilized in addition or as an alternative to virtual machines.","A container (not shown) generally refers to an isolated slice or set of operating system resources.","For example, a container may provide a set of namespace-isolated computer system resources that are neither accessible nor visible to application processes running outside of the container.","Containers may exist on the same host machine 100 as virtual machines and also may be managed by a hypervisor 160.Further, examples presented herein with respect to virtualized computing systems may also be applied to containers.","Thus, a “guest” generally may refer to any virtualized tenant managed by a hypervisor 160, which includes but is not limited to virtual machines and containers.","Guest memory (not shown) generally describes memory allocated to and available for use by a guest 146a, 146b, 146n.","In an example, guest memory may be memory presented to a guest OS by hypervisor 160.In one example, guest memory is mapped to and provided using corresponding memory from a host machine 100 (e.g., host memory 128).","For example, a page (or other unit) of guest memory may be mapped to and provided using a corresponding page (or other unit) of host memory 128.Each virtual machine 146a, 146b, 146n may include multiple virtual processors (e.g., virtual processors 142a and 144a, 142b and 144b, 142n and 144n).","Each virtual processor of a respective virtual machine executes on a specific processor 120, 122 of host machine 100.Hypervisor 160 may control which virtual processors run on which hardware processors 120, 122.For example, one virtual processor may run on a physical processor 120, and a second virtual processor may run on a different physical processor 122 (or vice versa).","Each virtual machine (VM 1 140a, VM2 140b .",".",".","VM N 140n) may include multiple virtual network interfaces (e.g., virtual network interface 1 148a .",".",".","virtual network interface N 148x, virtual interface 1 148b .",".",".","virtual network interface N 148y, virtual network interface 1 148n .",".",".","virtual network interface N 148z).","A virtual network interface generally refers to an emulation of a physical networking interface provided for a virtual machine.","Each network interface (e.g., network interface 1 130, network interface 2 132, network interface N 134) can be used to provide underlying network communication for one or more virtual network interfaces.","Hypervisor 160 includes a network manager 170a.","Host OS 110 also may include a network manager 170b (e.g., additionally or alternatively).","In an example, a network manager 170a, 170b manages interaction between virtual network interfaces (e.g., virtual network interface 1 148a) and physical network interfaces (e.g., network interface 1 130).","In one example, a network manager 170a, 170b creates and maintains network interface mappings between network interfaces, such as between a virtual and a physical network interface.","In an example, a network manager 170a, 170b receives and processes inbound and outbound network packets.","For example, a network manager 170a, 170b may receive inbound network packets from one or more network interfaces (e.g., network interface 1 130 .",".",".","network interface N 134) that are to be delivered to one or more virtual machines (e.g., VM1 140a .",".",".","VM N 140n).","A network manager 170a, 170b also may receive outbound network packets from one or more virtual machines (e.g., VM1 140a .",".",".","VM N 140n) that are to be sent over a network by one or more network interfaces (e.g., network interface 1 130 .",".",".","network interface N 134).","In an example, a network manager 170a, 170b also examines network packets, updates network packets, and forwards network packets to appropriate physical and virtual network interfaces.","The term “network packet” generally refers to a data packet or other formatted data unit that is transferrable over a packet-switched network (e.g., IP packets).","Hypervisor 160 also includes a memory manager 180 and memory mappings 182.In an example, memory manager 180 tracks and manages associations between guest memory (not shown) and host memory 128 using memory mappings 182.For example, memory manager 180 may maintain a table, list or other data structure that associates an address of guest memory (e.g., a guest address) with an address of corresponding host memory 128 (e.g., a host address).","A “guest address” generally may refer to either a virtual or physical guest memory address.","In addition, a “host address” generally may refer to either a virtual or physical host memory address.","FIG.","2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.","The method 200 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.","), software (such as instructions run on a general purpose computer system, dedicated machine, or processing device), firmware, or a combination thereof.","Method 200 begins at block 202 when memory manager 180 maintains a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 allocates and maintains a pool of host memory to store incoming network packets received by a network device.","For example, memory manager 180 may allocate a pool of host memory comprising a plurality of memory buffers to perform batch processing of incoming network packets received by a network device (e.g., network interface 1 130) for one or more guests (e.g., virtual machines and/or containers).","In an example, memory manager 180 provides a network device with access to a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets for guests.","For example, memory manager 180 may associate or map the network device to the pool of host memory to allow the network device to write data in the pool of host memory.","In one example, the network device stores incoming network packets that it receives in the pool of host memory and also notifies memory manager 180 about available incoming network packets stored in the pool.","In an example, memory manager 180 provides one or more guests with access to the pool of host memory.","For example, memory manager 180 may associate or map each of one or more guests to the pool of host memory to allow each guest to access incoming network packets stored in the pool.","In one example, memory manager 180 provides guests with read access to memory buffers in the pool of host memory.","At block 204, memory manager 180 adjusts a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 resizes an existing pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets received by a network device for one or more guests.","For example, memory manager 180 may increase the size of the pool of host memory by adding one or more additional memory buffers to pool.","Memory manager 180 also may decrease the size of the pool of host memory by removing one or more memory buffers allocated to the pool.","In one example, memory manager 180 resizes the pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets one or more times after initial allocation of the pool of host memory.","In an example, memory manager 180 adjusts a number of memory buffers associated with a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets in response to an event, condition, or request.","For example, memory manager 180 may perform an action, detect an event, or receive notification of an event (such as the addition or removal of one or more guests).","In one example, memory manager 180 resizes the pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets by increasing or decreasing a number of memory buffers associated with the pool.","For example, memory manager 180 may increase the size of the memory pool when one or more guests are created or may decrease the size of memory pool when one or more guests are removed.","In an example, memory manager 180 adjusts the number of memory buffers associated with a pool of host memory based on a condition.","In one example, memory manager 180 adds one or more memory buffers to the pool of host memory when detecting that available or free memory buffers in the pool is below a threshold.","Memory manager 180 also may remove one or more memory buffers from the pool of host memory in response to detecting that available or free memory buffers in the pool is above a threshold.","In an example, memory manager 180 adds additional memory buffers to the pool of host memory by mapping (e.g., associating) the additional memory buffers to one or more guests.","Memory manager also may remove memory buffers from the pool of host memory by unmapping (e.g., disassociating) memory buffers in the pool from guests.","In an example, memory manager 180 detects or receives notification that one more memory buffers in the pool of host memory are to be reassigned for a different use.","For example, memory manager 180 may detect or receive notification of a low memory condition involving host machine 100 or a guest.","In response, memory manager 180 then may reduce the size of the pool of host memory by removing one or more memory buffers from the pool so that the freed memory buffers may be reallocated for a different purpose.","For example, memory manager 180 may return memory buffers removed from the pool of host memory to a host machine 100 or reallocate the memory buffers for another use.","At block 206, memory manager 180 receives an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory by the network device.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 detects that an incoming network packet has been stored in the pool of host memory by a network device.","A network device also may notify memory manager 180 that one or more incoming network packets are available in the pool of host memory.","At block 208, memory manager 180 provides the incoming network packet to the guest.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 notifies a guest that an incoming network packet is available for the guest in the pool of host memory.","For example, memory manager 180 may provide a guest with one or more memory addresses or ranges of memory addresses associated with memory buffers in the pool of host memory where incoming network packets for the guest are stored.","In an example, a single memory buffer may store one or more incoming network packets for a guest.","In addition, memory manager 180 may provide one or more of the same memory buffers to different guests having access to the pool memory to allow each guest to receive the same network packets where appropriate.","In one example, memory manager 180 receives a notification from a guest indicating that the guest is finished using one or more memory buffers provided to the guest by memory manager 180.FIG.","3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic adjustment of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.","The method 300 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.","), software (such as instructions run on a general purpose computer system, dedicated machine, or processing device), firmware, or a combination thereof.","Method 300 begins at block 302 when memory manager 180 maintains the pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 maintains a pool of host memory to store incoming network packets from a network device that are to be received by one or more guests (e.g., virtual machines and/or containers).","For example, memory manager 180 may allocate and use the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of incoming network packets for a group of one or more guests having access to the pool.","In an example, memory manager 180 maintains multiple pools of host memory that are each used to perform batch processing of incoming network packets for different groups of guests.","For example, one pool of host memory may be used to perform batch processing of incoming network packets for a first set of one or more guests while another pool of host memory may be used to perform a similar function for a second set of one or more different guests.","In one example, each pool of host memory maintained by memory manager 180 is associated with one or more different network devices, and each network device is associated with a single pool of host memory.","At block 304, memory manager 180 provides the network device with access to store the incoming network packets in the pool of host memory.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 provides one or more network devices with access to a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets for one or more guests.","In one example, memory manager 180 provides a network device with one or more memory addresses or memory address ranges for memory buffers in the pool of host memory where the network device can store incoming network packets that are to be received by one or more guests.","At block 306, memory manager 180 provides the guest with access to the pool of host memory.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 provides one or more guests with access to the pool of host memory by mapping memory buffers in the pool to each guest.","In one example, memory manager 180 maps the memory buffers to each guest to allow guests to share the pool of host memory and to receive incoming network packets stored in the pool.","In an example, memory manager 180 initializes memory buffers in the pool of host memory before providing the memory buffers to a guest.","In one example, memory manager 180 deletes or overwrites data in memory buffers to ensure that memory buffers provided to a guest do not include private host data.","At block 308, memory manager 180 adjusts the number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 increases the size of a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets by adding one or more memory buffers to the pool.","For example, memory manager 180 may increase the size of the pool in response to detecting that an amount of available memory in the pool is below a threshold.","In an example, memory manager 180 adds additional memory buffers to the pool of host and maps the addition memory buffers to each of one or more guests having access to the pool.","In one example, mapping of additional memory buffers to a guest is deferred until the hypervisor 160 detects that a guest attempts to access one or more of the additional memory buffers.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 decreases the size of a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets by removing one or more memory buffers from the pool.","For example, memory manager 180 may decrease the size of the pool in response to detecting that available memory buffers in the pool are above a threshold.","In an example, memory manager 180 unmaps unused memory buffers from the pool of host memory.","Unused memory buffers generally refer to memory buffers that are not in use by a guest or other process.","In one example, memory manager 180 unmaps unused memory buffers from each guest having access to the pool of host memory.","At block 310, memory manager 180 initializes the memory buffers involved in the adjustment to resize the pool of host memory.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 initializes memory buffers added to or removed from a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.","For example, memory manager 180 may initialize the added memory buffers to prevent guests from accessing private host data.","Similarly, memory manager may initialize removed memory buffers to prevent inadvertent disclosure of private guest data.","In one example, memory manager 180 initializes memory buffers by writing over or deleting data stored in the memory buffers.","In some examples, memory manager 180 also may fill the memory buffers with data, such as zeros, ones, random data, or any other data.","In an example, memory manager 180 initializes additional memory buffers prior to associating the memory buffers with a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.","In one example, memory manager initializes the additional memory buffers prior to mapping or providing the additional memory buffers to a guest.","In one example, memory manager 180 initializes unused memory buffers that are to be removed from a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.","For example, memory manager 180 may initialize the memory buffers prior to unmapping the memory buffers from the pool of host memory to prevent sharing of any residual guest data that remains in the memory buffers.","At block 312, memory manager 180 receives an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 detects that incoming network packets provided by a network device are available in the pool of host memory.","In one example, a network device notifies memory manager 180 that incoming network packets are available for guests in the pool of host memory.","At block 314, memory manager 180 provides the incoming network packet to the guest.","In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 provides a guest with incoming network packets by sending the guest one or more memory addresses or memory address ranges for memory buffers holding incoming network packets for the guest.","In one example, memory manager 180 provides one or more of the same memory buffer addresses to different guests that are to receive the same network packets.","In some examples, memory manager 180 receives a guest notification indicating that the guest has finished use of one or more memory buffers provided to the guest by memory manager 180.FIG.","4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system 400 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.","The computer system 400 may correspond, for example, to host machine 100 of FIG.","1.In examples of the present disclosure, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet.","The machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.","The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.","Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines (e.g., computers) that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.","The example computer system 400 includes a processing device 402, a main memory 404 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.","), a static memory 406 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.","), and a secondary memory 416 (e.g., a data storage device), which communicate with each other via a bus 408.The processing device 402 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like.","The processing device may include multiple processors.","The processing device 402 may include a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets.","The processing device 402 also may be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like.","The computer system 400 may further include a network interface device 422.The computer system 400 also may include a video display unit 410 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 412 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 414 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 420 (e.g., a speaker).","The secondary memory 416 may include a machine-readable storage medium (or more specifically a computer-readable storage medium) 424 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 454 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein (e.g., memory manager 425).","The instructions 454 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 404 and/or within the processing device 402 during execution thereof by the computer system 400 (the main memory 404 and the processing device 402 constituting machine-readable storage media).","While the computer-readable storage medium 424 is shown as an example to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions.","The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the operations or methodologies of the present disclosure.","The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media.","The computer system 400 additionally may include a network manager module (not shown) for implementing the functionalities of a memory manager 425 (e.g., memory manager 180).","The modules, components and other features described herein (for example, in relation to FIG.","1) can be implemented as discrete hardware components or integrated in the functionality of hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices.","In addition, the modules can be implemented as firmware or functional circuitry within hardware devices.","Further, the modules can be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and software components, or only in software.","In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth.","It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.","In some instances, well-known structures and devices have been shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.","Some portions of the detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.","An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result.","The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities.","Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.","It has proven convenient at times, for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.","It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.","Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving”, “updating”, “determining”, “storing”, “processing”, “executing”, “modifying”, “creating”, “detecting,” “copying,” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.","Certain examples of the present disclosure also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein.","This apparatus may be constructed for the intended purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer.","Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.","It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.","Many other examples and implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description.","The scope of the disclosure should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"DYNAMIC BATCH MANAGEMENT OF SHARED BUFFERS FOR VIRTUAL MACHINES\",\n \"Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers are disclosed.\",\n \"A virtualized computer system may include a hypervisor with access to memory and executed by a processor to maintain a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device, adjust a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory, receive an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory by the network device, and provide the incoming network packet to a guest.\",\n \"In an example, the hypervisor uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of the incoming network packets and dynamically adjusts the size of the pool during the processing by adding or removing memory buffers in response to an event, condition, request, etc.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A computer-implemented method, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by a processor, a plurality of virtual machine guests and a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with one or more virtual machine guests of the plurality of virtual machine guests, and the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and at least one of the one or more virtual machines guests of the plurality of virtual machines; adjusting, by the hypervisor, a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory in association with providing respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests, the memory buffers being adjusted in view of the one or more virtual machine guests, wherein, after the adjusting, the number of memory buffers includes a newly added memory buffer that is not yet mapped to a virtual machine; receiving, by the hypervisor, an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the one or more virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; providing, by the hypervisor, respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests; deferring mapping of the newly added memory buffer to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing, by the hypervisor, the physical network device with access to store the incoming network packets in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing, by the physical network device, the incoming network packets in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, further comprising: notifying, by the physical network device, the hypervisor that the incoming network packets are stored in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing, by the hypervisor, each of the one or more virtual machine guests with direct access to the pool of host memory.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 5, wherein the hypervisor provides at least one of the one or more virtual machine guests with direct access to the pool of host memory in response to a corresponding virtual machine guest performing an operation involving a memory buffer in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by the hypervisor, that available memory in the pool of host memory is below a threshold.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting comprises: adding, by the hypervisor, one or more additional memory buffers to the pool of host memory in view of allocating at least one additional virtual machine guest.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 8, further comprising: initializing, by the hypervisor, the one or more additional memory buffers added to the pool of host memory for processing the respective incoming network packets.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting, by the hypervisor, that one or more memory buffers in the pool of host memory are to be reassigned for a different use.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10, further comprising: initializing, by the hypervisor, the one or more memory buffers to be reassigned.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting comprises: removing, by the hypervisor, one or more memory buffers from the pool of host memory in view of deallocating at least one virtual machine guest.\",\n \"13.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: maintaining, by the hypervisor, a second pool of host memory comprising a second set of one or more memory buffers to store incoming network packets for one or more other virtual machine guests.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 1, wherein the hypervisor adjusts the number of memory buffers in response to detecting an event.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 1, wherein the hypervisor adjusts the number of memory buffers in response to detecting a memory condition.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 1, wherein the hypervisor uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of the incoming network packets to provide respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests.\",\n \"17.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions recorded thereon, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by the processor, a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with different virtual machine guests, and the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and the virtual machine guests; adjusting, by the hypervisor, a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory; receiving, by the hypervisor, an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; providing, by the hypervisor, incoming network packets to the virtual machine guests; and deferring mapping of a newly added memory buffer of the number of memory buffers to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.\",\n \"18.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the adjusting comprises: adding, by the hypervisor, one or more additional memory buffers to the pool of host memory in view of a newly allocated virtual machine guest.\",\n \"19.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the adjusting comprises: removing, by the hypervisor, one or more memory buffers from the pool of host memory in response to deallocating at least one of the virtual machine guests.\",\n \"20.A computer system, comprising: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory; and a hypervisor hosted by the computer system, having access to the memory and use of the processor to: maintain a pool of the memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with a plurality of virtual machine guests, and the pool of the memory being accessible to the physical network device and the plurality of virtual machine guests; adjust a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of the memory to resize the pool in association with providing respective incoming network packets to the plurality of virtual machine guests, wherein, after adjustment, the number of memory buffers includes a newly added memory buffer that is not yet mapped to a virtual machine; receive an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the plurality of virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; provide the respective incoming network packets to the plurality of virtual machine guests; and defer mapping of the newly added memory buffer of the number of memory buffers to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.\",\n \"21.A computer-implemented method, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by a processor, a plurality of virtual machine guests and a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with one or more virtual machine guests of the plurality of virtual machine guests, and the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and at least one of the one or more virtual machines guests of the plurality of virtual machines; with the hypervisor, in response to determining that the pool of host memory is greater in size than a threshold value, reducing a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory; receiving, by the hypervisor, an indication that the incoming network packets associated with the one or more virtual machine guests are stored in the pool of host memory; providing, by the hypervisor, respective incoming network packets to the one or more virtual machine guests.\",\n \"22.The method of claim 21, further comprising, reallocating a removed memory buffer of the number of memory buffers.\",\n \"23.The method of claim 21, further comprising, adding a new memory buffer to the number of memory buffers in response to determining that the size of the pool of memory is below a threshold.\",\n \"24.The method of claim 23, further comprising, deferring mapping of the newly added memory buffer to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.\",\n \"25.A computer-implemented method, comprising: maintaining, by a hypervisor executed by a processor, a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a physical network device, the plurality of incoming network packets comprising incoming network packets associated with one or more virtual machine guests, the pool of host memory being accessible to the physical network device and at least one of the one or more virtual machines guests; adjusting, by the hypervisor, a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory, wherein, after the adjusting, the number of memory buffers includes a newly added memory buffer that is not yet mapped to a virtual machine; deferring mapping of the newly added memory buffer to one of the plurality of virtual machine guests until the one of the plurality of virtual machines guests attempts to access the newly added memory buffer.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Packet processing generally refers to the analysis, modification, and transfer of network packets performed by various computer systems and devices of a communications network.\",\n \"One type of network packet batch processing is TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO).\",\n \"In TSO, network packets sharing the same TCP header information are batched together to streamline network packet processing.\",\n \"Another type of network packet batch processing provides batching of network packets from arbitrary TCP flows.\",\n \"For example, network packets that do not share the same TCP header information may be batched together to reduce CPU overhead of TCP/IP processing on fast networks.\",\n \"In general, the unpredictable nature of network traffic generally results suboptimal batch processing of network packets at various times.\",\n \"Accordingly, improved methods of network packet batch management that are more responsive to changes in network traffic can provide more consistent and better overall performance.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various examples provided herein.\",\n \"In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.\",\n \"The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system hosting one or more virtual machines.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic adjustment of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system.\",\n \"detailed-description description=\\\"Detailed Description\\\" end=\\\"lead\\\"?\"\n ],\n [\n \"PRIORITY INFORMATION This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/174,637 filed Jun.\",\n \"6, 2016, and entitled “Dynamic Batch Management for Shared Buffers for Virtual Machines, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/472,584, filed Aug. 29, 2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in entirety.\",\n \"TECHNICAL FIELD Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to computer networking, and more specifically, relate to dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in computer systems.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Packet processing generally refers to the analysis, modification, and transfer of network packets performed by various computer systems and devices of a communications network.\",\n \"One type of network packet batch processing is TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO).\",\n \"In TSO, network packets sharing the same TCP header information are batched together to streamline network packet processing.\",\n \"Another type of network packet batch processing provides batching of network packets from arbitrary TCP flows.\",\n \"For example, network packets that do not share the same TCP header information may be batched together to reduce CPU overhead of TCP/IP processing on fast networks.\",\n \"In general, the unpredictable nature of network traffic generally results suboptimal batch processing of network packets at various times.\",\n \"Accordingly, improved methods of network packet batch management that are more responsive to changes in network traffic can provide more consistent and better overall performance.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various examples provided herein.\",\n \"In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.\",\n \"The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system hosting one or more virtual machines.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic adjustment of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer program products for providing dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in computer systems.\",\n \"In an example, a memory management module of a hypervisor maintains an area of host memory to store incoming network packets from a network device.\",\n \"The pool of host memory maintained by the memory management module is accessible to at least one network device and at least one guest.\",\n \"Further, the memory management module uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of incoming network packets received from one or more network devices.\",\n \"In an example, the memory management module adjusts a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory.\",\n \"For example, the memory management module may resize a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets one or more times after an initial set of memory buffers has been allocated to the pool.\",\n \"In one example, the memory management module detects that a number of available memory buffers in the pool of host memory is below a threshold.\",\n \"In response, the memory management module may increase the size of the pool of host memory by adding additional memory buffers to the pool.\",\n \"The memory management module may initialize the additional memory buffers before allocation to the pool of host memory to prevent sharing of private host data.\",\n \"In an example, the memory management module detects that a number of available memory buffers in the pool of host memory is above a threshold.\",\n \"In response, the memory management module may decrease the size of the pool of host memory by removing memory buffers allocated to the pool.\",\n \"The memory management module then may return the memory buffers removed from the pool to a host machine or may use the removed memory buffers for another purpose.\",\n \"In an example, the memory management module receives an indication that one or more incoming network packets have been stored in the pool of host memory by a network device.\",\n \"For example, the memory management module may receive a notification from the network device or may detect that incoming packets have been stored in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In one example, the memory management module provides incoming network packets stored in the pool of host memory to a guest.\",\n \"For example, the memory management module may provide the guest with one or more memory addresses or memory address ranges of memory buffers holding incoming network packets for the guest.\",\n \"Accordingly, the memory management module provides dynamic memory management of a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.\",\n \"Such dynamic memory management allows flexible reallocation of memory resources during operation of a computer system based on changes in performance.\",\n \"Further, such dynamic memory management is performed automatically during operation of a computer system without manual intervention by an administrator.\",\n \"Various illustrations of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various examples described herein.\",\n \"In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.\",\n \"The drawing in which an element first appears is generally indicated by the left-most digit in the corresponding reference number.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a physical computer system, referred to herein as a host machine 100 that hosts one or more virtual machines (VMs) (e.g., VM1 140a, VM2 140b and VM N 140n).\",\n \"Host machine 100 may be a rackmount server, a workstation, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a game console, a mobile phone, a palm-sized computing device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.\",\n \"Host machine 100 includes host hardware 105, which includes multiple processors 120, 122, multiple devices 124, 126, host memory 128, multiple network interfaces 130, 132, 134, and other hardware components.\",\n \"Host memory 128 may include volatile memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory devices (e.g., flash memory), and/or other types of memory devices.\",\n \"Host hardware 105 also may be coupled to external storage 190 via a direct connection or a local network.\",\n \"Host machine 100 may be a single machine or multiple host machines arranged in a cluster.\",\n \"In an example, each processor 120, 122 may be a processor core of a microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), or the like.\",\n \"Some processors may be different processing cores of a processing device that consists of a single integrated circuit.\",\n \"Some processors may be components of a multi-chip module (e.g., in which separate microprocessor dies are included in a single package).\",\n \"Additionally, processors may have distinct dies and packaging, and be connected via circuitry such as discrete circuitry and/or a circuit board.\",\n \"A “processing device” generally refers to any combination of one or more integrated circuits and/or packages that include one or more processors (e.g., one or more processor cores).\",\n \"Therefore, the term processing device encompasses a single core CPU, a multi-core CPU and a massively multi-core system that includes many interconnected integrated circuits, each of which may include multiple processor cores.\",\n \"In one example, processors 120, 122 are processor cores of the same integrated circuit and share a socket.\",\n \"Processors that share a socket may communicate with one another more efficiently than processors that do not share a socket.\",\n \"Each of the devices 124, 126 may be a physical device that is internal or external to host machine 100.Examples of internal devices include a graphics card, hardware RAID controller, secondary storage (e.g., hard disk drive, magnetic or optical storage based disks, tapes or hard drives), universal serial bus (USB) devices, internal input/output (I/O) devices, etc.\",\n \"Examples of external devices include a keyboard, mouse, speaker, external hard drive (e.g., external storage 190), external I/O devices, etc.\",\n \"Devices 124, 126 communicate with host machine 100 (e.g., notify host machine 100 of events) by generating device interrupts.\",\n \"Host machine 100 includes multiple network interfaces 130, 132, 134 that connect to host machine 100 to one or more networks.\",\n \"A network generally refers to any computer or telecommunications data path that allows the exchange of data between computer systems.\",\n \"Networks may include but are not limited to wired networks, wireless networks, public networks (e.g., the Internet), private networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN)), fibre channel communication, or any combination thereof.\",\n \"Each network interface 130, 132, 134 allows host machine 100 to send and receive data via one or more networks.\",\n \"Each network interface 130, 132, 134 may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices, which may be part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) of a network interface.\",\n \"The processors may perform operations on data within a respective network interface, for example, by preparing packets for transmission over a network, receiving packets from a network, etc.\",\n \"The memory devices may include read-only memory and/or random access memory for storing instructions to be executed, referenced, or otherwise used by the processors.\",\n \"Further, each network interface generally has a unique media access control (MAC) address used in switching and in other networking processing.\",\n \"Host machine 100 includes a hypervisor 160 (also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM)).\",\n \"In one example (as shown), hypervisor 160 is a component of a host operating system 110.Alternatively, hypervisor 160 may run on top of a host OS 110, or may run directly on host hardware 105 without the use of a host OS 110.Hypervisor 160 manages system resources, including access to host memory 128, devices 124, 126, network interfaces 130, 132, 134, secondary storage, and so on.\",\n \"Hypervisor 160, though usually implemented in software, may emulate and export a bare machine interface (host hardware 105) to higher-level software.\",\n \"Such higher-level software may comprise a standard or real-time operating system (OS), may be a highly stripped down operating environment with limited operating system functionality, may not include traditional OS facilities, etc.\",\n \"Hypervisor 160 presents to other software (i.e., “guest” software) the abstraction of one or more virtual machines (VMs) (e.g., VM 1 140a, VM 2 140b, VM N 140n), which may provide the same or different abstractions to various guest software (e.g., guest operating system, guest applications).\",\n \"Host machine 100 hosts any number of virtual machines (VMs) (e.g., a single VM, one hundred VMs, etc.).\",\n \"A virtual machine (e.g., VM 1 140a, VM 2 140b, VM N 140n) is a combination of guest software that uses an underlying emulation of host machine 100 (e.g., as provided by hypervisor 160).\",\n \"Guest software (e.g., guest 146a, 146b, 146n) may include a guest operating system, guest applications, guest memory, guest device drivers, etc.\",\n \"Virtual machines 140a, 140b, 140n can be, for example, hardware emulation, full virtualization, para-virtualization, and operating system-level virtualization virtual machines.\",\n \"Virtual machines 140a, 140b, 140n may have the same or different guest operating systems, such as Linux®, Solaris®, Microsoft® Windows®, etc.\",\n \"In an example, “containers” may be utilized in addition or as an alternative to virtual machines.\",\n \"A container (not shown) generally refers to an isolated slice or set of operating system resources.\",\n \"For example, a container may provide a set of namespace-isolated computer system resources that are neither accessible nor visible to application processes running outside of the container.\",\n \"Containers may exist on the same host machine 100 as virtual machines and also may be managed by a hypervisor 160.Further, examples presented herein with respect to virtualized computing systems may also be applied to containers.\",\n \"Thus, a “guest” generally may refer to any virtualized tenant managed by a hypervisor 160, which includes but is not limited to virtual machines and containers.\",\n \"Guest memory (not shown) generally describes memory allocated to and available for use by a guest 146a, 146b, 146n.\",\n \"In an example, guest memory may be memory presented to a guest OS by hypervisor 160.In one example, guest memory is mapped to and provided using corresponding memory from a host machine 100 (e.g., host memory 128).\",\n \"For example, a page (or other unit) of guest memory may be mapped to and provided using a corresponding page (or other unit) of host memory 128.Each virtual machine 146a, 146b, 146n may include multiple virtual processors (e.g., virtual processors 142a and 144a, 142b and 144b, 142n and 144n).\",\n \"Each virtual processor of a respective virtual machine executes on a specific processor 120, 122 of host machine 100.Hypervisor 160 may control which virtual processors run on which hardware processors 120, 122.For example, one virtual processor may run on a physical processor 120, and a second virtual processor may run on a different physical processor 122 (or vice versa).\",\n \"Each virtual machine (VM 1 140a, VM2 140b .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"VM N 140n) may include multiple virtual network interfaces (e.g., virtual network interface 1 148a .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"virtual network interface N 148x, virtual interface 1 148b .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"virtual network interface N 148y, virtual network interface 1 148n .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"virtual network interface N 148z).\",\n \"A virtual network interface generally refers to an emulation of a physical networking interface provided for a virtual machine.\",\n \"Each network interface (e.g., network interface 1 130, network interface 2 132, network interface N 134) can be used to provide underlying network communication for one or more virtual network interfaces.\",\n \"Hypervisor 160 includes a network manager 170a.\",\n \"Host OS 110 also may include a network manager 170b (e.g., additionally or alternatively).\",\n \"In an example, a network manager 170a, 170b manages interaction between virtual network interfaces (e.g., virtual network interface 1 148a) and physical network interfaces (e.g., network interface 1 130).\",\n \"In one example, a network manager 170a, 170b creates and maintains network interface mappings between network interfaces, such as between a virtual and a physical network interface.\",\n \"In an example, a network manager 170a, 170b receives and processes inbound and outbound network packets.\",\n \"For example, a network manager 170a, 170b may receive inbound network packets from one or more network interfaces (e.g., network interface 1 130 .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"network interface N 134) that are to be delivered to one or more virtual machines (e.g., VM1 140a .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"VM N 140n).\",\n \"A network manager 170a, 170b also may receive outbound network packets from one or more virtual machines (e.g., VM1 140a .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"VM N 140n) that are to be sent over a network by one or more network interfaces (e.g., network interface 1 130 .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"network interface N 134).\",\n \"In an example, a network manager 170a, 170b also examines network packets, updates network packets, and forwards network packets to appropriate physical and virtual network interfaces.\",\n \"The term “network packet” generally refers to a data packet or other formatted data unit that is transferrable over a packet-switched network (e.g., IP packets).\",\n \"Hypervisor 160 also includes a memory manager 180 and memory mappings 182.In an example, memory manager 180 tracks and manages associations between guest memory (not shown) and host memory 128 using memory mappings 182.For example, memory manager 180 may maintain a table, list or other data structure that associates an address of guest memory (e.g., a guest address) with an address of corresponding host memory 128 (e.g., a host address).\",\n \"A “guest address” generally may refer to either a virtual or physical guest memory address.\",\n \"In addition, a “host address” generally may refer to either a virtual or physical host memory address.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.\",\n \"The method 200 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.\",\n \"), software (such as instructions run on a general purpose computer system, dedicated machine, or processing device), firmware, or a combination thereof.\",\n \"Method 200 begins at block 202 when memory manager 180 maintains a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 allocates and maintains a pool of host memory to store incoming network packets received by a network device.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may allocate a pool of host memory comprising a plurality of memory buffers to perform batch processing of incoming network packets received by a network device (e.g., network interface 1 130) for one or more guests (e.g., virtual machines and/or containers).\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 provides a network device with access to a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets for guests.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may associate or map the network device to the pool of host memory to allow the network device to write data in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In one example, the network device stores incoming network packets that it receives in the pool of host memory and also notifies memory manager 180 about available incoming network packets stored in the pool.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 provides one or more guests with access to the pool of host memory.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may associate or map each of one or more guests to the pool of host memory to allow each guest to access incoming network packets stored in the pool.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 provides guests with read access to memory buffers in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"At block 204, memory manager 180 adjusts a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 resizes an existing pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets received by a network device for one or more guests.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may increase the size of the pool of host memory by adding one or more additional memory buffers to pool.\",\n \"Memory manager 180 also may decrease the size of the pool of host memory by removing one or more memory buffers allocated to the pool.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 resizes the pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets one or more times after initial allocation of the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 adjusts a number of memory buffers associated with a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets in response to an event, condition, or request.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may perform an action, detect an event, or receive notification of an event (such as the addition or removal of one or more guests).\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 resizes the pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets by increasing or decreasing a number of memory buffers associated with the pool.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may increase the size of the memory pool when one or more guests are created or may decrease the size of memory pool when one or more guests are removed.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 adjusts the number of memory buffers associated with a pool of host memory based on a condition.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 adds one or more memory buffers to the pool of host memory when detecting that available or free memory buffers in the pool is below a threshold.\",\n \"Memory manager 180 also may remove one or more memory buffers from the pool of host memory in response to detecting that available or free memory buffers in the pool is above a threshold.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 adds additional memory buffers to the pool of host memory by mapping (e.g., associating) the additional memory buffers to one or more guests.\",\n \"Memory manager also may remove memory buffers from the pool of host memory by unmapping (e.g., disassociating) memory buffers in the pool from guests.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 detects or receives notification that one more memory buffers in the pool of host memory are to be reassigned for a different use.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may detect or receive notification of a low memory condition involving host machine 100 or a guest.\",\n \"In response, memory manager 180 then may reduce the size of the pool of host memory by removing one or more memory buffers from the pool so that the freed memory buffers may be reallocated for a different purpose.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may return memory buffers removed from the pool of host memory to a host machine 100 or reallocate the memory buffers for another use.\",\n \"At block 206, memory manager 180 receives an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory by the network device.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 detects that an incoming network packet has been stored in the pool of host memory by a network device.\",\n \"A network device also may notify memory manager 180 that one or more incoming network packets are available in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"At block 208, memory manager 180 provides the incoming network packet to the guest.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 notifies a guest that an incoming network packet is available for the guest in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may provide a guest with one or more memory addresses or ranges of memory addresses associated with memory buffers in the pool of host memory where incoming network packets for the guest are stored.\",\n \"In an example, a single memory buffer may store one or more incoming network packets for a guest.\",\n \"In addition, memory manager 180 may provide one or more of the same memory buffers to different guests having access to the pool memory to allow each guest to receive the same network packets where appropriate.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 receives a notification from a guest indicating that the guest is finished using one or more memory buffers provided to the guest by memory manager 180.FIG.\",\n \"3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of dynamic adjustment of shared packet buffers in a virtualized computer system.\",\n \"The method 300 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.\",\n \"), software (such as instructions run on a general purpose computer system, dedicated machine, or processing device), firmware, or a combination thereof.\",\n \"Method 300 begins at block 302 when memory manager 180 maintains the pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 maintains a pool of host memory to store incoming network packets from a network device that are to be received by one or more guests (e.g., virtual machines and/or containers).\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may allocate and use the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of incoming network packets for a group of one or more guests having access to the pool.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 maintains multiple pools of host memory that are each used to perform batch processing of incoming network packets for different groups of guests.\",\n \"For example, one pool of host memory may be used to perform batch processing of incoming network packets for a first set of one or more guests while another pool of host memory may be used to perform a similar function for a second set of one or more different guests.\",\n \"In one example, each pool of host memory maintained by memory manager 180 is associated with one or more different network devices, and each network device is associated with a single pool of host memory.\",\n \"At block 304, memory manager 180 provides the network device with access to store the incoming network packets in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 provides one or more network devices with access to a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets for one or more guests.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 provides a network device with one or more memory addresses or memory address ranges for memory buffers in the pool of host memory where the network device can store incoming network packets that are to be received by one or more guests.\",\n \"At block 306, memory manager 180 provides the guest with access to the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 provides one or more guests with access to the pool of host memory by mapping memory buffers in the pool to each guest.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 maps the memory buffers to each guest to allow guests to share the pool of host memory and to receive incoming network packets stored in the pool.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 initializes memory buffers in the pool of host memory before providing the memory buffers to a guest.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 deletes or overwrites data in memory buffers to ensure that memory buffers provided to a guest do not include private host data.\",\n \"At block 308, memory manager 180 adjusts the number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 increases the size of a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets by adding one or more memory buffers to the pool.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may increase the size of the pool in response to detecting that an amount of available memory in the pool is below a threshold.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 adds additional memory buffers to the pool of host and maps the addition memory buffers to each of one or more guests having access to the pool.\",\n \"In one example, mapping of additional memory buffers to a guest is deferred until the hypervisor 160 detects that a guest attempts to access one or more of the additional memory buffers.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 decreases the size of a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets by removing one or more memory buffers from the pool.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may decrease the size of the pool in response to detecting that available memory buffers in the pool are above a threshold.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 unmaps unused memory buffers from the pool of host memory.\",\n \"Unused memory buffers generally refer to memory buffers that are not in use by a guest or other process.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 unmaps unused memory buffers from each guest having access to the pool of host memory.\",\n \"At block 310, memory manager 180 initializes the memory buffers involved in the adjustment to resize the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 initializes memory buffers added to or removed from a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may initialize the added memory buffers to prevent guests from accessing private host data.\",\n \"Similarly, memory manager may initialize removed memory buffers to prevent inadvertent disclosure of private guest data.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 initializes memory buffers by writing over or deleting data stored in the memory buffers.\",\n \"In some examples, memory manager 180 also may fill the memory buffers with data, such as zeros, ones, random data, or any other data.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 initializes additional memory buffers prior to associating the memory buffers with a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager initializes the additional memory buffers prior to mapping or providing the additional memory buffers to a guest.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 initializes unused memory buffers that are to be removed from a pool of host memory used to perform batch processing of network packets.\",\n \"For example, memory manager 180 may initialize the memory buffers prior to unmapping the memory buffers from the pool of host memory to prevent sharing of any residual guest data that remains in the memory buffers.\",\n \"At block 312, memory manager 180 receives an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 detects that incoming network packets provided by a network device are available in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"In one example, a network device notifies memory manager 180 that incoming network packets are available for guests in the pool of host memory.\",\n \"At block 314, memory manager 180 provides the incoming network packet to the guest.\",\n \"In an example, memory manager 180 of hypervisor 160 provides a guest with incoming network packets by sending the guest one or more memory addresses or memory address ranges for memory buffers holding incoming network packets for the guest.\",\n \"In one example, memory manager 180 provides one or more of the same memory buffer addresses to different guests that are to receive the same network packets.\",\n \"In some examples, memory manager 180 receives a guest notification indicating that the guest has finished use of one or more memory buffers provided to the guest by memory manager 180.FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form of a computer system 400 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.\",\n \"The computer system 400 may correspond, for example, to host machine 100 of FIG.\",\n \"1.In examples of the present disclosure, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a Local Area Network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet.\",\n \"The machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.\",\n \"The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.\",\n \"Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines (e.g., computers) that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.\",\n \"The example computer system 400 includes a processing device 402, a main memory 404 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.\",\n \"), a static memory 406 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.\",\n \"), and a secondary memory 416 (e.g., a data storage device), which communicate with each other via a bus 408.The processing device 402 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like.\",\n \"The processing device may include multiple processors.\",\n \"The processing device 402 may include a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets.\",\n \"The processing device 402 also may be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like.\",\n \"The computer system 400 may further include a network interface device 422.The computer system 400 also may include a video display unit 410 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 412 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 414 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 420 (e.g., a speaker).\",\n \"The secondary memory 416 may include a machine-readable storage medium (or more specifically a computer-readable storage medium) 424 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 454 embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein (e.g., memory manager 425).\",\n \"The instructions 454 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 404 and/or within the processing device 402 during execution thereof by the computer system 400 (the main memory 404 and the processing device 402 constituting machine-readable storage media).\",\n \"While the computer-readable storage medium 424 is shown as an example to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions.\",\n \"The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the operations or methodologies of the present disclosure.\",\n \"The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, and optical and magnetic media.\",\n \"The computer system 400 additionally may include a network manager module (not shown) for implementing the functionalities of a memory manager 425 (e.g., memory manager 180).\",\n \"The modules, components and other features described herein (for example, in relation to FIG.\",\n \"1) can be implemented as discrete hardware components or integrated in the functionality of hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices.\",\n \"In addition, the modules can be implemented as firmware or functional circuitry within hardware devices.\",\n \"Further, the modules can be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and software components, or only in software.\",\n \"In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth.\",\n \"It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.\",\n \"In some instances, well-known structures and devices have been shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.\",\n \"Some portions of the detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.\",\n \"An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result.\",\n \"The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities.\",\n \"Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.\",\n \"It has proven convenient at times, for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.\",\n \"It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.\",\n \"Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving”, “updating”, “determining”, “storing”, “processing”, “executing”, “modifying”, “creating”, “detecting,” “copying,” or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.\",\n \"Certain examples of the present disclosure also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein.\",\n \"This apparatus may be constructed for the intended purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer.\",\n \"Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.\",\n \"It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.\",\n \"Many other examples and implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description.\",\n \"The scope of the disclosure should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875056"}}},{"rowIdx":4494763,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Actuating Catheter Luer Devices","A luer for a catheter is disclosed.","The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.","The proximal housing and the distal housing define a fluid channel, and the proximal housing is slidably attached to the distal housing so that in a closed configuration the proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the stem, and in an open configuration the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the proximal opening.","The luer can be formed integral to a catheter hub."],["1-20.","(canceled) 21.A method of delivering fluid to a patient, the method comprising: placing a catheter at a target site of the patient, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft; at least one lumen; at least one luer, the at least one luer comprising: a proximal housing comprising a proximal opening; a distal housing comprising a stem and a distal opening, the proximal housing being slidably attached to the distal housing; a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the proximal housing; and a fluid channel; attaching a fluid source to the threaded element; sliding the proximal housing away from the distal housing; and delivering fluid to the patient.","22.The method of claim 21, wherein the stem further comprises a stem lumen.","23.The method of claim 22, wherein the stem lumen is fluidly sealed by a first elastomeric valve.","24.The method of claim 23, wherein the elastomeric valve is a duckbill valve.","25.The method of claim 23, wherein the stem lumen is fluidly sealed by a second elastomeric valve.","26.The method of claim 25, wherein the first elastomeric valve is disposed on the proximal end of the stem lumen and the second elastomeric valve is disposed on the distal end of the stem lumen.","27.The method of claim 22, wherein a duckbill valve is disposed distal of the stem lumen and configured to divert fluid away from the stem lumen.","28.The method of claim 22, wherein the stem lumen is configured to accept a medical guide wire or stylet.","29.The method of claim 21, wherein the stem is substantially centered within the fluid channel.","30.The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the distal housing and the proximal housing comprises a translucent material."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Medical devices such as catheters are commonly used by medical professionals for establishing fluid access with a target area within the human body.","Common types of catheters include dialysis catheter peripherally inserted central catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters and drainage catheters.","The type of catheter used on a particular patient is typically based on a number of factors, including the procedure being performed and the area within the human body that needs to be accessed.","One common feature of these types of conventional catheters is that they often have a proximal end configuration that includes a hub, and extension tube, a luer, and a clamp surrounding the extension tube for closing-off fluid access to the catheter lumen between procedures.","Closing fluid access to the catheter lumen while the catheter is not in use is an important safety precaution for minimizing risk of air embolism, exsanguination and contamination.","A conventional dialysis catheter is shown in FIG.","14 .","The main body of the catheter 300 features an elongate shaft 312 having a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316 .","The elongate shaft 312 is typically a dual lumen shaft that terminates at the distal end 316 in a step tip (as shown) or split tip configuration.","The hub 318 provides a transition and bifurcation point for each of the catheter lumens to split off individually into separated tubing at the proximal end 314 of the device.","In addition, the hub 318 often doubles as an anchor point for the catheter, often including one or more attachment elements such as a suture wing for anchoring the device to the body of the patient.","Each separated lumen branches out into a respective extension tube 324 , 326 .","The arterial lumen branches out to a first extension tube 324 , which is surrounded by a clamp 328 .","The proximal end of the arterial lumen extension tube 324 terminates in a luer 320 .","Likewise, the venous lumen branches out to a second extension tube 326 , which is surrounded by a clamp 330 .","The proximal end of the venous lumen extension tube 326 also terminates in a luer 322 .","The clamps 328 , 330 can be closed to seal off the extension tube 324 , 326 lumens.","Problems may arise with the use of extension tubes and clamps to seal off fluid access.","For instance, frequent opening and closing of the clamps can start to weaken the extension tube, which may ultimately require an extension tube repair, or replacement of the entire catheter.","Further, clamps surrounding the extension tube are limited to clamping the extension tube, and do not typically extend to more proximal points on the device, such as the luer.","So even when the clamp is closed, the parts of the extension tube lumen and luer interior that are proximal of the clamp remain exposed to fluid and air communication, giving rise to potential contamination.","It would be desirable to reduce the proximal end weight and bulk of the catheter, while reducing production costs associated with manufacturing the catheter.","Still further, it would be desirable to fluidly seal lumens on the device at point more proximal than conventional extension tube and clamp configurations.","In addition, it would be desirable to close off proximal end fluid access to lumens, without requiring a separate accessory component such as an end cap or other accessory device."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to certain embodiments, the invention is a luer for a catheter.","The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening, and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.","The proximal housing and the distal housing define a fluid channel, and the proximal housing is slidably attached to the distal housing so that in a closed configuration the proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the stem, and in an open configuration the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the proximal opening.","According to another embodiment, the invention is a catheter having an elongate flexible shaft having a first lumen, and a hub having a first luer.","The first luer has a first proximal luer housing comprising a first proximal opening, a first distal luer housing having a first stem and a first distal opening, and a first threaded element disposed on an external surface of the first luer.","The first proximal housing and the first distal housing define a first fluid channel, the first proximal housing is slidably attached to the first distal housing so that in a closed configuration the first proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the first stem, and in an open configuration the first proximal opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel and the first lumen.","The first distal luer housing is formed integral to the hub."],["FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices for establishing fluid access to a target site within a human body.","More specifically, the invention relates to catheters with actuating luers, and integrated luer and hub designs.","BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Medical devices such as catheters are commonly used by medical professionals for establishing fluid access with a target area within the human body.","Common types of catheters include dialysis catheter peripherally inserted central catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters and drainage catheters.","The type of catheter used on a particular patient is typically based on a number of factors, including the procedure being performed and the area within the human body that needs to be accessed.","One common feature of these types of conventional catheters is that they often have a proximal end configuration that includes a hub, and extension tube, a luer, and a clamp surrounding the extension tube for closing-off fluid access to the catheter lumen between procedures.","Closing fluid access to the catheter lumen while the catheter is not in use is an important safety precaution for minimizing risk of air embolism, exsanguination and contamination.","A conventional dialysis catheter is shown in FIG.","14.The main body of the catheter 300 features an elongate shaft 312 having a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316.The elongate shaft 312 is typically a dual lumen shaft that terminates at the distal end 316 in a step tip (as shown) or split tip configuration.","The hub 318 provides a transition and bifurcation point for each of the catheter lumens to split off individually into separated tubing at the proximal end 314 of the device.","In addition, the hub 318 often doubles as an anchor point for the catheter, often including one or more attachment elements such as a suture wing for anchoring the device to the body of the patient.","Each separated lumen branches out into a respective extension tube 324, 326.The arterial lumen branches out to a first extension tube 324, which is surrounded by a clamp 328.The proximal end of the arterial lumen extension tube 324 terminates in a luer 320.Likewise, the venous lumen branches out to a second extension tube 326, which is surrounded by a clamp 330.The proximal end of the venous lumen extension tube 326 also terminates in a luer 322.The clamps 328, 330 can be closed to seal off the extension tube 324, 326 lumens.","Problems may arise with the use of extension tubes and clamps to seal off fluid access.","For instance, frequent opening and closing of the clamps can start to weaken the extension tube, which may ultimately require an extension tube repair, or replacement of the entire catheter.","Further, clamps surrounding the extension tube are limited to clamping the extension tube, and do not typically extend to more proximal points on the device, such as the luer.","So even when the clamp is closed, the parts of the extension tube lumen and luer interior that are proximal of the clamp remain exposed to fluid and air communication, giving rise to potential contamination.","It would be desirable to reduce the proximal end weight and bulk of the catheter, while reducing production costs associated with manufacturing the catheter.","Still further, it would be desirable to fluidly seal lumens on the device at point more proximal than conventional extension tube and clamp configurations.","In addition, it would be desirable to close off proximal end fluid access to lumens, without requiring a separate accessory component such as an end cap or other accessory device.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to certain embodiments, the invention is a luer for a catheter.","The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening, and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.","The proximal housing and the distal housing define a fluid channel, and the proximal housing is slidably attached to the distal housing so that in a closed configuration the proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the stem, and in an open configuration the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the proximal opening.","According to another embodiment, the invention is a catheter having an elongate flexible shaft having a first lumen, and a hub having a first luer.","The first luer has a first proximal luer housing comprising a first proximal opening, a first distal luer housing having a first stem and a first distal opening, and a first threaded element disposed on an external surface of the first luer.","The first proximal housing and the first distal housing define a first fluid channel, the first proximal housing is slidably attached to the first distal housing so that in a closed configuration the first proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the first stem, and in an open configuration the first proximal opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel and the first lumen.","The first distal luer housing is formed integral to the hub.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes and features, will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying figures below, which are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which: FIG.","1 is a side view of a dialysis catheter according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.","2 is a side view of a luer in closed position according to are exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.","3 is side view of the luer shown in FIG.","2 in open position; FIG.","4 is a cross-sectional side view of the luer shown in FIG.","2 in closed position; FIG.","5 is a cross-sectional side view of the luer shown in FIG.","2 in open position; FIG.","6 is a cross-sectional view of the luer shown in FIG.","2 along cross section 6-6 shown in FIG.","5; FIG.","7 is a cross-sectional side view of a luer with an offset stem in open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.","8 is a cross-sectional view of the luer shown in FIG.","7 along cross section 8-8; FIG.","9 is a side view of a luer with a guide wire opening in a lower housing and in closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.","10 is a cross-sectional side view of the luer shown in FIG.","9; FIG.","11 is a side view of a luer with a twisting mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.","12 is a cutaway view of the valve mechanism inside of the luer shown in FIG.","11 in open position; FIG.","13 is a cutaway view of the valve mechanism inside of the luer shown in FIG.","11 in closed position; and FIG.","14 is a side view of a prior art dialysis catheter.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, the examples included therein, and to the Figures and their following description.","The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.","The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention.","The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the devices and methods described herein are merely examples and that variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.","It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.","Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views, in various embodiments, presented herein are improved catheter luer and hub devices.","A first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the dialysis catheter of FIG.","1 The dialysis catheter 10 has a flexible elongate shaft 12 that extends from a proximal end 14 to a distal end 16.The elongate shaft 12 has an arterial lumen 21 for removing blood from the body and a venous lumen 23 for returning blood to the body during a dialysis treatment.","The distal end 16 of the shaft 12 terminates in a step tip configuration offsetting the distal openings of each lumen 21, 23.The step tip configuration is known in a common configuration for minimizing blood recirculation rates during treatment.","The proximal end of the lumens 21, 23 continue through the hub 18, where they bifurcate and extend into fluid communication with a respective luer 20, 22.Each luer can be coded with a label and/or color to indicate whether it is the luer for the arterial lumen or the venous lumen.","The luers 20, 22 are integrally formed with the catheter hub 18.The shaft 12 can be made of a medical grade polymer, such as a medical grade urethane.","The shaft may also include a thromboresistant admixture, such as those polymer and fluoropolymer admixtures disclosed in U.S. Pat.","No.","8,784,402 and U.S. Patent Pub.","No.","2014/0276470, both to Lareau et al., and both of which are incorporated herein by reference.","The luers 20, 22 can be integrally formed with or attached to the hub 18 by a number of methods known in the art.","For instance, the hub 18 and luers 20, 22 can be attached utilizing a chemical bond, such as cyclohexanone, or an adhesive bond, such as a UV curable adhesive.","Injection molding and/or overmolding techniques can also be used to mold the hub 18 and luers 20, 22 as integral components.","The hub and luers can also be manufactured using anti-thrombogenic additives as part of an admixture polymer.","It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that if desired, the luers described herein can also be utilized with extension tubes and will maintain certain advantages described herein for a clampless catheter.","Chemical bonds, adhesive bonds and over-molding techniques described above can be utilized along with techniques known in the art for attaching the luers described herein to extension tubes.","With reference to FIGS.","2 and 3, a luer 20 is shown in closed and open positions respectively according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.","The luer 20 includes a proximal housing 24 and a distal housing 26 that are slidably connected to each other in a mating configuration.","The distal housing may include an element such as a barb 28 for facilitating attachment to a hub or an extension tube.","The proximal housing 24 has a threaded element 32 so that the device can be attached to tubing connections such as tubing connections for dialysis machine or syringes for flushing the device.","The slidable connection between the proximal housing 24 and the distal housing 26 allows medical practitioners to easily slide or “pop” the luer 20 from a closed configuration (shown in FIG.","2) to an open configuration (shown in FIG.","3), using a simple grasping, pulling or pushing motion with one hand.","A cross-sectional view of the luer 20 in closed and open positions respectively is shown in FIGS.","4 and 5.The distal housing 26 includes a stem 30 having a stem lumen 31.The stem lumen 31 is fluidly sealed by a pair of elastomeric duckbill valves 36, 38.The valves 36, 38 are biased shut so that they remain closed when subjected to the positive and negative pressure fluctuations of a dialysis procedure, as well as internal body pressure fluctuations.","Upon the insertion of a guide wire or a stylet into the stem lumen 31, the valves are configured to open, providing compatibility for wire accessories as needed.","In the open position, the proximal opening 46 is in fluid communication with the interior 40 of the proximal housing 24 and the interior 42 of the distal housing 26.A supporting member 44 supports the stem 30, and has openings 43 (as shown in FIG.","6) to allow for fluid communication between the proximal housing 24 interior 40 and the distal housing 26 interior 42.Thus, when in the open configuration, fluid can traverse the interior of the luer housings from the distal opening 48 of the distal housing 26 to the proximal opening 46 of the proximal housing 24.In the closed configuration, fluid cannot traverse to the proximal opening 46 since it is fluidly sealed by the stem 30 protruding through the proximal opening 46.The elastomeric valves 36, 38 can be other types of valves, such as slit valves.","A duckbill valve 38 positioned at the distal end of the stem lumen 31 may be especially advantageous since it diverts fluid away from the stem lumen 31 and towards the openings 43.Since fluid communication through the luer can be easily established via slidable actuation by the user, there is no need for extension tubes and clamps, resulting in less proximal end weight, less materials, streamlined manufacturing and a cost savings.","Further, patient safety outcomes are improved due to the minimization of extension tube fatigue.","In certain embodiments, the luer can be curved up and away from the hub so that when the hub is secured flat to the skin of the patient's body, the luer connection is more easily accessible to the medical provider.","Further, the luer and/or hub can be made from a polymer having translucent properties so that the medical provider can properly verify flashback and fluid flow through the proximal ends of the device lumens.","A cross-sectional view of a luer 120 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.","7.The luer 120 has a proximal housing 124 and a distal housing 126 that are connected in a slidable mating relationship to each other.","The distal housing 126 can have a barb 128 as described in previous embodiments.","As shown with additional reference to FIG.","8, the distal housing 126 also includes a stem 130 that is offset from the center of the luer, allowing fluid to flow through a more central opening 143 as it passes through the interior 140 of the luer 120 between the proximal opening 146 and the distal opening 148.The stem 130 can be supported by a bulked-up to the distal housing 126, further configured to form the stem lumen 131.The offset stem lumen 131 can have a pair of elastomeric valves 136, 138 to fluidly seal the stem lumen 131, while allowing for the traversal of a guide wire or stylet as described in previous embodiments.","The top of the stem 130 can also feature angled walls for diverting fluid towards the interior 140 of the luer 120.An alternative embodiment of the invention with a modified stem and guide wire access structure is shown in closed configuration in FIGS.","9 and 10.The luer 160 features a stem 162 that does not contain any fluid lumens.","The bottom of the stem 164 is geometrically shaped to divert fluid away from the stem, similar to the valve structure shown in the embodiment of FIGS.","4 and 5.A port 166 is provided to allow for the introduction of a guide wire or stylet.","The port 166 can be fluidly sealed by a self-sealing elastomeric member, such as a gasket.","Luers according to certain embodiments of the invention can include a system similar to a tuohy borst valve for closing and opening fluid access through the luer.","In the embodiment shown in FIGS.","11-13, a luer 220 includes a proximal housing 224, a distal housing 226 and a barb 228 on the distal housing 226.A tubing threaded element 232 is formed on the luer 220 for attaching external device tubing, such as tubing for a dialysis machine.","The luer 220 also includes an actuation threaded element 252 and an actuation collar 250 loaded over the threaded element 252.The actuation collar 250 is configured to raise actuation members 270 in the open position as shown in FIG.","12, and to lower actuation members 270 in the dosed position as shown in FIG.","13.The interior of the luer 220 includes an elastomeric insert 260 that has an open lumen 266 in a relaxed configuration.","As the actuation collar 250 is twisted towards a closed position the bottom 272 of the actuation members 270 will push the elastomeric insert 260 along funnel shaped walls 280, closing the lumen wails 262, 264 so that the lumen 266 completely blocks off fluid communication.","To reestablish fluid communication, the actuation collar 250 can be twisted towards an open position, allowing the elastomeric insert 260 to expand and move back up the funnel shaped wags 280, allowing the lumen 266 to expand."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Actuating Catheter Luer Devices\",\n \"A luer for a catheter is disclosed.\",\n \"The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.\",\n \"The proximal housing and the distal housing define a fluid channel, and the proximal housing is slidably attached to the distal housing so that in a closed configuration the proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the stem, and in an open configuration the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the proximal opening.\",\n \"The luer can be formed integral to a catheter hub.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1-20.\",\n \"(canceled) 21.A method of delivering fluid to a patient, the method comprising: placing a catheter at a target site of the patient, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft; at least one lumen; at least one luer, the at least one luer comprising: a proximal housing comprising a proximal opening; a distal housing comprising a stem and a distal opening, the proximal housing being slidably attached to the distal housing; a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the proximal housing; and a fluid channel; attaching a fluid source to the threaded element; sliding the proximal housing away from the distal housing; and delivering fluid to the patient.\",\n \"22.The method of claim 21, wherein the stem further comprises a stem lumen.\",\n \"23.The method of claim 22, wherein the stem lumen is fluidly sealed by a first elastomeric valve.\",\n \"24.The method of claim 23, wherein the elastomeric valve is a duckbill valve.\",\n \"25.The method of claim 23, wherein the stem lumen is fluidly sealed by a second elastomeric valve.\",\n \"26.The method of claim 25, wherein the first elastomeric valve is disposed on the proximal end of the stem lumen and the second elastomeric valve is disposed on the distal end of the stem lumen.\",\n \"27.The method of claim 22, wherein a duckbill valve is disposed distal of the stem lumen and configured to divert fluid away from the stem lumen.\",\n \"28.The method of claim 22, wherein the stem lumen is configured to accept a medical guide wire or stylet.\",\n \"29.The method of claim 21, wherein the stem is substantially centered within the fluid channel.\",\n \"30.The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the distal housing and the proximal housing comprises a translucent material.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Medical devices such as catheters are commonly used by medical professionals for establishing fluid access with a target area within the human body.\",\n \"Common types of catheters include dialysis catheter peripherally inserted central catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters and drainage catheters.\",\n \"The type of catheter used on a particular patient is typically based on a number of factors, including the procedure being performed and the area within the human body that needs to be accessed.\",\n \"One common feature of these types of conventional catheters is that they often have a proximal end configuration that includes a hub, and extension tube, a luer, and a clamp surrounding the extension tube for closing-off fluid access to the catheter lumen between procedures.\",\n \"Closing fluid access to the catheter lumen while the catheter is not in use is an important safety precaution for minimizing risk of air embolism, exsanguination and contamination.\",\n \"A conventional dialysis catheter is shown in FIG.\",\n \"14 .\",\n \"The main body of the catheter 300 features an elongate shaft 312 having a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316 .\",\n \"The elongate shaft 312 is typically a dual lumen shaft that terminates at the distal end 316 in a step tip (as shown) or split tip configuration.\",\n \"The hub 318 provides a transition and bifurcation point for each of the catheter lumens to split off individually into separated tubing at the proximal end 314 of the device.\",\n \"In addition, the hub 318 often doubles as an anchor point for the catheter, often including one or more attachment elements such as a suture wing for anchoring the device to the body of the patient.\",\n \"Each separated lumen branches out into a respective extension tube 324 , 326 .\",\n \"The arterial lumen branches out to a first extension tube 324 , which is surrounded by a clamp 328 .\",\n \"The proximal end of the arterial lumen extension tube 324 terminates in a luer 320 .\",\n \"Likewise, the venous lumen branches out to a second extension tube 326 , which is surrounded by a clamp 330 .\",\n \"The proximal end of the venous lumen extension tube 326 also terminates in a luer 322 .\",\n \"The clamps 328 , 330 can be closed to seal off the extension tube 324 , 326 lumens.\",\n \"Problems may arise with the use of extension tubes and clamps to seal off fluid access.\",\n \"For instance, frequent opening and closing of the clamps can start to weaken the extension tube, which may ultimately require an extension tube repair, or replacement of the entire catheter.\",\n \"Further, clamps surrounding the extension tube are limited to clamping the extension tube, and do not typically extend to more proximal points on the device, such as the luer.\",\n \"So even when the clamp is closed, the parts of the extension tube lumen and luer interior that are proximal of the clamp remain exposed to fluid and air communication, giving rise to potential contamination.\",\n \"It would be desirable to reduce the proximal end weight and bulk of the catheter, while reducing production costs associated with manufacturing the catheter.\",\n \"Still further, it would be desirable to fluidly seal lumens on the device at point more proximal than conventional extension tube and clamp configurations.\",\n \"In addition, it would be desirable to close off proximal end fluid access to lumens, without requiring a separate accessory component such as an end cap or other accessory device.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to certain embodiments, the invention is a luer for a catheter.\",\n \"The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening, and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.\",\n \"The proximal housing and the distal housing define a fluid channel, and the proximal housing is slidably attached to the distal housing so that in a closed configuration the proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the stem, and in an open configuration the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the proximal opening.\",\n \"According to another embodiment, the invention is a catheter having an elongate flexible shaft having a first lumen, and a hub having a first luer.\",\n \"The first luer has a first proximal luer housing comprising a first proximal opening, a first distal luer housing having a first stem and a first distal opening, and a first threaded element disposed on an external surface of the first luer.\",\n \"The first proximal housing and the first distal housing define a first fluid channel, the first proximal housing is slidably attached to the first distal housing so that in a closed configuration the first proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the first stem, and in an open configuration the first proximal opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel and the first lumen.\",\n \"The first distal luer housing is formed integral to the hub.\"\n ],\n [\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices for establishing fluid access to a target site within a human body.\",\n \"More specifically, the invention relates to catheters with actuating luers, and integrated luer and hub designs.\",\n \"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Medical devices such as catheters are commonly used by medical professionals for establishing fluid access with a target area within the human body.\",\n \"Common types of catheters include dialysis catheter peripherally inserted central catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters and drainage catheters.\",\n \"The type of catheter used on a particular patient is typically based on a number of factors, including the procedure being performed and the area within the human body that needs to be accessed.\",\n \"One common feature of these types of conventional catheters is that they often have a proximal end configuration that includes a hub, and extension tube, a luer, and a clamp surrounding the extension tube for closing-off fluid access to the catheter lumen between procedures.\",\n \"Closing fluid access to the catheter lumen while the catheter is not in use is an important safety precaution for minimizing risk of air embolism, exsanguination and contamination.\",\n \"A conventional dialysis catheter is shown in FIG.\",\n \"14.The main body of the catheter 300 features an elongate shaft 312 having a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316.The elongate shaft 312 is typically a dual lumen shaft that terminates at the distal end 316 in a step tip (as shown) or split tip configuration.\",\n \"The hub 318 provides a transition and bifurcation point for each of the catheter lumens to split off individually into separated tubing at the proximal end 314 of the device.\",\n \"In addition, the hub 318 often doubles as an anchor point for the catheter, often including one or more attachment elements such as a suture wing for anchoring the device to the body of the patient.\",\n \"Each separated lumen branches out into a respective extension tube 324, 326.The arterial lumen branches out to a first extension tube 324, which is surrounded by a clamp 328.The proximal end of the arterial lumen extension tube 324 terminates in a luer 320.Likewise, the venous lumen branches out to a second extension tube 326, which is surrounded by a clamp 330.The proximal end of the venous lumen extension tube 326 also terminates in a luer 322.The clamps 328, 330 can be closed to seal off the extension tube 324, 326 lumens.\",\n \"Problems may arise with the use of extension tubes and clamps to seal off fluid access.\",\n \"For instance, frequent opening and closing of the clamps can start to weaken the extension tube, which may ultimately require an extension tube repair, or replacement of the entire catheter.\",\n \"Further, clamps surrounding the extension tube are limited to clamping the extension tube, and do not typically extend to more proximal points on the device, such as the luer.\",\n \"So even when the clamp is closed, the parts of the extension tube lumen and luer interior that are proximal of the clamp remain exposed to fluid and air communication, giving rise to potential contamination.\",\n \"It would be desirable to reduce the proximal end weight and bulk of the catheter, while reducing production costs associated with manufacturing the catheter.\",\n \"Still further, it would be desirable to fluidly seal lumens on the device at point more proximal than conventional extension tube and clamp configurations.\",\n \"In addition, it would be desirable to close off proximal end fluid access to lumens, without requiring a separate accessory component such as an end cap or other accessory device.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to certain embodiments, the invention is a luer for a catheter.\",\n \"The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening, and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.\",\n \"The proximal housing and the distal housing define a fluid channel, and the proximal housing is slidably attached to the distal housing so that in a closed configuration the proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the stem, and in an open configuration the fluid channel is in fluid communication with the proximal opening.\",\n \"According to another embodiment, the invention is a catheter having an elongate flexible shaft having a first lumen, and a hub having a first luer.\",\n \"The first luer has a first proximal luer housing comprising a first proximal opening, a first distal luer housing having a first stem and a first distal opening, and a first threaded element disposed on an external surface of the first luer.\",\n \"The first proximal housing and the first distal housing define a first fluid channel, the first proximal housing is slidably attached to the first distal housing so that in a closed configuration the first proximal opening is fluidly sealed by the first stem, and in an open configuration the first proximal opening is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel and the first lumen.\",\n \"The first distal luer housing is formed integral to the hub.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes and features, will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying figures below, which are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a side view of a dialysis catheter according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a side view of a luer in closed position according to are exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"3 is side view of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 in open position; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a cross-sectional side view of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 in closed position; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a cross-sectional side view of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 in open position; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a cross-sectional view of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 along cross section 6-6 shown in FIG.\",\n \"5; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a cross-sectional side view of a luer with an offset stem in open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a cross-sectional view of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 along cross section 8-8; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a side view of a luer with a guide wire opening in a lower housing and in closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"10 is a cross-sectional side view of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"9; FIG.\",\n \"11 is a side view of a luer with a twisting mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"12 is a cutaway view of the valve mechanism inside of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"11 in open position; FIG.\",\n \"13 is a cutaway view of the valve mechanism inside of the luer shown in FIG.\",\n \"11 in closed position; and FIG.\",\n \"14 is a side view of a prior art dialysis catheter.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, the examples included therein, and to the Figures and their following description.\",\n \"The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.\",\n \"The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention.\",\n \"The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the devices and methods described herein are merely examples and that variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.\",\n \"It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.\",\n \"Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views, in various embodiments, presented herein are improved catheter luer and hub devices.\",\n \"A first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the dialysis catheter of FIG.\",\n \"1 The dialysis catheter 10 has a flexible elongate shaft 12 that extends from a proximal end 14 to a distal end 16.The elongate shaft 12 has an arterial lumen 21 for removing blood from the body and a venous lumen 23 for returning blood to the body during a dialysis treatment.\",\n \"The distal end 16 of the shaft 12 terminates in a step tip configuration offsetting the distal openings of each lumen 21, 23.The step tip configuration is known in a common configuration for minimizing blood recirculation rates during treatment.\",\n \"The proximal end of the lumens 21, 23 continue through the hub 18, where they bifurcate and extend into fluid communication with a respective luer 20, 22.Each luer can be coded with a label and/or color to indicate whether it is the luer for the arterial lumen or the venous lumen.\",\n \"The luers 20, 22 are integrally formed with the catheter hub 18.The shaft 12 can be made of a medical grade polymer, such as a medical grade urethane.\",\n \"The shaft may also include a thromboresistant admixture, such as those polymer and fluoropolymer admixtures disclosed in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"8,784,402 and U.S. Patent Pub.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"2014/0276470, both to Lareau et al., and both of which are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"The luers 20, 22 can be integrally formed with or attached to the hub 18 by a number of methods known in the art.\",\n \"For instance, the hub 18 and luers 20, 22 can be attached utilizing a chemical bond, such as cyclohexanone, or an adhesive bond, such as a UV curable adhesive.\",\n \"Injection molding and/or overmolding techniques can also be used to mold the hub 18 and luers 20, 22 as integral components.\",\n \"The hub and luers can also be manufactured using anti-thrombogenic additives as part of an admixture polymer.\",\n \"It will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that if desired, the luers described herein can also be utilized with extension tubes and will maintain certain advantages described herein for a clampless catheter.\",\n \"Chemical bonds, adhesive bonds and over-molding techniques described above can be utilized along with techniques known in the art for attaching the luers described herein to extension tubes.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3, a luer 20 is shown in closed and open positions respectively according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"The luer 20 includes a proximal housing 24 and a distal housing 26 that are slidably connected to each other in a mating configuration.\",\n \"The distal housing may include an element such as a barb 28 for facilitating attachment to a hub or an extension tube.\",\n \"The proximal housing 24 has a threaded element 32 so that the device can be attached to tubing connections such as tubing connections for dialysis machine or syringes for flushing the device.\",\n \"The slidable connection between the proximal housing 24 and the distal housing 26 allows medical practitioners to easily slide or “pop” the luer 20 from a closed configuration (shown in FIG.\",\n \"2) to an open configuration (shown in FIG.\",\n \"3), using a simple grasping, pulling or pushing motion with one hand.\",\n \"A cross-sectional view of the luer 20 in closed and open positions respectively is shown in FIGS.\",\n \"4 and 5.The distal housing 26 includes a stem 30 having a stem lumen 31.The stem lumen 31 is fluidly sealed by a pair of elastomeric duckbill valves 36, 38.The valves 36, 38 are biased shut so that they remain closed when subjected to the positive and negative pressure fluctuations of a dialysis procedure, as well as internal body pressure fluctuations.\",\n \"Upon the insertion of a guide wire or a stylet into the stem lumen 31, the valves are configured to open, providing compatibility for wire accessories as needed.\",\n \"In the open position, the proximal opening 46 is in fluid communication with the interior 40 of the proximal housing 24 and the interior 42 of the distal housing 26.A supporting member 44 supports the stem 30, and has openings 43 (as shown in FIG.\",\n \"6) to allow for fluid communication between the proximal housing 24 interior 40 and the distal housing 26 interior 42.Thus, when in the open configuration, fluid can traverse the interior of the luer housings from the distal opening 48 of the distal housing 26 to the proximal opening 46 of the proximal housing 24.In the closed configuration, fluid cannot traverse to the proximal opening 46 since it is fluidly sealed by the stem 30 protruding through the proximal opening 46.The elastomeric valves 36, 38 can be other types of valves, such as slit valves.\",\n \"A duckbill valve 38 positioned at the distal end of the stem lumen 31 may be especially advantageous since it diverts fluid away from the stem lumen 31 and towards the openings 43.Since fluid communication through the luer can be easily established via slidable actuation by the user, there is no need for extension tubes and clamps, resulting in less proximal end weight, less materials, streamlined manufacturing and a cost savings.\",\n \"Further, patient safety outcomes are improved due to the minimization of extension tube fatigue.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, the luer can be curved up and away from the hub so that when the hub is secured flat to the skin of the patient's body, the luer connection is more easily accessible to the medical provider.\",\n \"Further, the luer and/or hub can be made from a polymer having translucent properties so that the medical provider can properly verify flashback and fluid flow through the proximal ends of the device lumens.\",\n \"A cross-sectional view of a luer 120 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.The luer 120 has a proximal housing 124 and a distal housing 126 that are connected in a slidable mating relationship to each other.\",\n \"The distal housing 126 can have a barb 128 as described in previous embodiments.\",\n \"As shown with additional reference to FIG.\",\n \"8, the distal housing 126 also includes a stem 130 that is offset from the center of the luer, allowing fluid to flow through a more central opening 143 as it passes through the interior 140 of the luer 120 between the proximal opening 146 and the distal opening 148.The stem 130 can be supported by a bulked-up to the distal housing 126, further configured to form the stem lumen 131.The offset stem lumen 131 can have a pair of elastomeric valves 136, 138 to fluidly seal the stem lumen 131, while allowing for the traversal of a guide wire or stylet as described in previous embodiments.\",\n \"The top of the stem 130 can also feature angled walls for diverting fluid towards the interior 140 of the luer 120.An alternative embodiment of the invention with a modified stem and guide wire access structure is shown in closed configuration in FIGS.\",\n \"9 and 10.The luer 160 features a stem 162 that does not contain any fluid lumens.\",\n \"The bottom of the stem 164 is geometrically shaped to divert fluid away from the stem, similar to the valve structure shown in the embodiment of FIGS.\",\n \"4 and 5.A port 166 is provided to allow for the introduction of a guide wire or stylet.\",\n \"The port 166 can be fluidly sealed by a self-sealing elastomeric member, such as a gasket.\",\n \"Luers according to certain embodiments of the invention can include a system similar to a tuohy borst valve for closing and opening fluid access through the luer.\",\n \"In the embodiment shown in FIGS.\",\n \"11-13, a luer 220 includes a proximal housing 224, a distal housing 226 and a barb 228 on the distal housing 226.A tubing threaded element 232 is formed on the luer 220 for attaching external device tubing, such as tubing for a dialysis machine.\",\n \"The luer 220 also includes an actuation threaded element 252 and an actuation collar 250 loaded over the threaded element 252.The actuation collar 250 is configured to raise actuation members 270 in the open position as shown in FIG.\",\n \"12, and to lower actuation members 270 in the dosed position as shown in FIG.\",\n \"13.The interior of the luer 220 includes an elastomeric insert 260 that has an open lumen 266 in a relaxed configuration.\",\n \"As the actuation collar 250 is twisted towards a closed position the bottom 272 of the actuation members 270 will push the elastomeric insert 260 along funnel shaped walls 280, closing the lumen wails 262, 264 so that the lumen 266 completely blocks off fluid communication.\",\n \"To reestablish fluid communication, the actuation collar 250 can be twisted towards an open position, allowing the elastomeric insert 260 to expand and move back up the funnel shaped wags 280, allowing the lumen 266 to expand.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875057"}}},{"rowIdx":4494764,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["BATTERY-ELECTRIC AND INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE ASSIST HYBRID PROPULSION AND IMPLEMENT DRIVE WORK SYSTEMS","Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.","A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle.","An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame.","The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive.","The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.","The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor."],["1.A lawn maintenance vehicle comprising: a frame; a first axle and a second axle mounted to said frame; a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to said first axle and said second axle; an energy storage device mounted to said frame; an electric motor mounted to said frame, said electric motor includes a motor shaft, said electric motor is in electrical communication with said energy storage device and said energy storage device provides electrical power to said electric motor; a traction drive mounted to said frame, said traction drive is operably connected to said motor shaft, and said traction drive is operably connected to said first and second axles; and an implement, said implement is mounted to said frame.","2.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: a first belt, said first belt transfers mechanical power from said motor shaft to said traction drive, said traction drive rotates said first drive wheel and said second drive wheel; and a second belt, said second belt transfers mechanical power from said motor shaft to said implement.","3.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said electric motor recharges said energy storage device when said lawn maintenance vehicle is decelerating or descending slopes.","4.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said electric motor comprises a brushed direct current (DC) motor.","5.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said traction drive is variable speed and propels said lawn maintenance vehicle in the forward and reverse travel directions.","6.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a belt tensioning mechanism to engage said traction drive.","7.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a clutch to engage said traction drive.","8.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said implement is selected from the group consisting of a spindle driven cutting deck, a snow blower, a rotary broom, and a power assist material collection mechanism.","9.A lawn maintenance vehicle comprising: a frame; a first axle and a second axle mounted to said frame; a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to said first axle and said second axle; an energy storage device mounted to said frame; an electric motor mounted to said frame, said electric motor includes a motor shaft, said electric motor is in electrical communication with said energy storage device and said energy storage device provides electrical power to said electric motor; a traction drive mounted to said frame, said traction drive is operably connected to said motor shaft, and said traction drive is operably connected to said first and second axles; an implement, said implement is mounted to said frame; and an internal combustion engine, said internal combustion engine is operably connected to said electric motor.","10.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, wherein said electric motor recharges said energy storage device when said lawn maintenance vehicle is decelerating or descending slopes.","11.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising a power circuit, said power circuit comprises: a circuit breaker in electrical communication with said electric motor, a key switch in electrical communication with said electric motor; and an electrical path between said electric motor, said key switch, said circuit breaker, and said energy storage device, wherein said power circuit is devoid of a controller.","12.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: a traction drive shaft rotatably connected to said traction drive; a first pulley mounted to said motor shaft, said first pulley is a V-pulley; a second pulley mounted to said traction drive shaft, said second pulley is a V-pulley; and a first belt, said first belt engaging said first pulley and said second pulley to operably connect said motor shaft to said traction drive, wherein said first axle and said second axle connect said first and second drive wheels to said traction drive, wherein said traction drive rotates said first drive wheel and said second drive wheel.","13.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 12, further comprising an engagement device mounted proximally to said first belt at a location between said first pulley and said second pulley, wherein said engagement device regulates the amount of mechanical power transferred from said first pulley to said second pulley.","14.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: an implement shaft rotatably connected to said implement; a third pulley mounted to said motor shaft, said third pulley is a V-pulley; a fourth pulley mounted to said implement shaft, said fourth pulley is a V-pulley; and a second belt engaging said third pulley and said fourth pulley to operably connect said motor shaft to said implement shaft, said second belt transfers mechanical power from said third pulley to said fourth pulley.","15.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: an engine shaft rotatably mounted to said internal combustion engine; a fifth pulley mounted to said motor shaft, wherein said fifth pulley is a V-pulley; a sixth pulley mounted to said engine shaft, wherein said sixth pulley is a V-pulley; and a third belt engaging said fifth pulley and said sixth pulley to operably connect and transfer mechanical power between said motor shaft and said engine shaft, wherein said electric motor operates as a starting motor for said internal combustion engine.","16.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein said internal combustion engine provides supplemental mechanical power to said motor shaft, thereby allowing said electric motor to operate at maximum efficiency.","17.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein said electric motor acts as an electric generator to provide a voltage output to an electric receptacle on said lawn maintenance vehicle.","18.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein said internal combustion engine transfers excess mechanical power to said motor shaft to recharge said energy storage device.","19.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein an engine clutch is mounted proximally to the third belt between said fifth pulley and said sixth pulley."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the disclosure.","This summary is not an extensive overview.","Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope of the disclosure.","The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.","According to one aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.","The electric motor includes a motor shaft.","The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.","The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.","The implement is mounted to the frame.","According to another aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.","The electric motor includes a motor shaft.","The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.","The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.","The implement is mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor."],["This application is a divisional application of application Ser.","No.","14/216,494, filed Mar.","17, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.","Provisional Application No.","61/800,842, filed Mar.","15, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.","BACKGROUND 1.Field of the Disclosure This application relates generally to lawn maintenance vehicles, and more specifically to a lawn maintenance vehicle including an electric motor powering a traction drive device and an implement.","2.Description of Related Art Currently available lawn maintenance vehicles (e.g., garden tractors or riding mowers) are generally provided with combinations of 1) electric traction and implement drive powered by stored energy devices with multiple electric motors, 2) electric traction drives and mechanical implement drives powered by internal combustion engines coupled to generators/alternators, and 3) mechanical traction drive and electrical implement drives powered by internal combustion engines coupled to generators/alternators (sometimes with batteries).","The above configurations typically require expensive traction and implement drive motors and speed/power controllers.","The motors are variable speed which means that they are operated for periods of time at non-optimal efficiencies.","Motors sometime directly drive the implement and/or traction drives, which require that they be robust enough to accommodate the shock and strength requirements.","The motor controllers consume energy that could be used to extend the operating time/range of the machines.","Furthermore, wiring, switching contactors, and connections tend to be complex and expensive.","Internal combustion engines coupled to generators/alternators are also relatively expensive, especially when they are of the higher efficiency ranges.","They also tend to be heavy (adding to the overall machine mass) which negatively affects energy consumption.","Accordingly, improvements to electric lawn maintenance vehicles are desired.","SUMMARY The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the disclosure.","This summary is not an extensive overview.","Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope of the disclosure.","The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.","According to one aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.","The electric motor includes a motor shaft.","The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.","The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.","The implement is mounted to the frame.","According to another aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.","The electric motor includes a motor shaft.","The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.","The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.","The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.","The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.","The implement is mounted to the frame.","The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 is a perspective view of a lawn maintenance vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG.","2 is a partially-exploded perspective view of some components of the lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.","1; FIG.","3 is a detail view of a first axle from the example lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.","1; FIG.","4 is a perspective view of the lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.","1; FIG.","5 is a partially-exploded view of some components, similar to FIG.","2; FIG.","6 is a schematic view of a power circuit of the lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.","1; FIG.","7 is a schematic view similar to FIG.","6, including an internal combustion engine; and FIG.","8 is a schematic bottom view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.","7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described and illustrated in the drawings.","These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present disclosure.","For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices.","Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present disclosure.","Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.","FIG.","1 shows a perspective view of an example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.","While the shown example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is a riding mower, and the remainder of the disclosure is primarily directed to a riding mower, it is to be understood that any number of lawn maintenance vehicles are contemplated by the present disclosure.","The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes a frame 24 which can serve as a platform from which to mount typical components of a lawn maintenance vehicle 20.While only the front portion of the frame 24 can be seen in FIG.","1, the frame 24 can extend toward the rear of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 for substantially the entire length of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.FIG.","2 shows a perspective view of selected components of one example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 with many of the exterior components and the frame 24 removed for clarity.","The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes a first axle 26 and a second axle 28 mounted to the frame 24 (not shown in FIG.","2).","FIG.","3 shows one example of the first axle 26 mounted to the frame 24.In this example, the first axle 26 passes through a traction drive 30 configured to be secured to the frame 24 using threaded fasteners 34.A bracket 36 may also be used to mount the traction drive 30 to the frame 24.The example of FIG.","3 is not meant to be limiting, and any suitable structure or method of mounting the first axle 26 and the second axle 28 to the frame 24 are acceptable.","As shown in FIGS.","1 and 4, the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 also includes a first drive wheel 38 and a second drive wheel 40.The first drive wheel 38 can be mounted to the first axle 26 while the second drive wheel 40 can be mounted to the second axle 28.In the shown examples, the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40 can be the two rear wheels of a riding lawn mower.","However, the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40 can also be the two front wheels of a four-wheeled lawn maintenance vehicle 20 or two wheels of any other configuration of wheeled lawn maintenance vehicles 20.Turning to FIG.","4, the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes an energy storage device 44 mounted to the frame 24.In the shown example, the energy storage device 44 includes a set of four batteries electrically connected in series by conductors 46.While the examples shown in several of the figures and the remainder of the disclosure describe the energy storage device 44 as one or more batteries, it is to be understood that the energy storage device 44 can include any number of suitable energy storage devices including batteries, capacitors, or fuel cells or combinations of these devices in any combination of types, sizes, and capacities.","In one example, the energy storage device 44 can include one or more batteries of the following types: flooded lead-acid, absorbed glass matt, metal-hydride, or lithium ion.","Furthermore, the energy storage device 44 can be mounted to the frame 24 in any suitable configuration.","In the shown example, batteries are secured to a rack 48 that is mounted to the frame 24.The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes an electric motor 50 which is mounted to the frame 24.In the example shown in FIG.","2, the electric motor 50 is mounted with threaded fasteners 34 to a portion of the frame 24, however, any suitable mounting configuration can be used.","Turning to FIG.","5, a side view of selected components of one example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is shown with many of the exterior components and the frame 24 removed for clarity, similar to FIG.","2.The electric motor 50 includes a motor shaft 54.The electric motor 50 is in electrical communication with the energy storage device 44 such that the energy storage device 44 provides electrical power (e.g., current) to the electric motor 50.The described electrical communication can be conduction of electrical power through a circuit, which is not specifically shown in FIG.","5, but is shown schematically in later figures and is discussed below.","Persons having ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that an electrical circuit composed of electrically conductive material can be connected to the electric motor 50 and run between each of the components of the energy storage device 44 and back to the electric motor 50 to provide the electrical communication.","The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes the traction drive 30 mounted to the frame 24.A traction drive shaft 58 is rotatably connected to the traction drive 30 which can serve as an input for mechanical power to the traction drive 30.Various mechanisms can serve as a traction drive 30 for the lawn maintenance vehicle 20, including, but not limited to, a continuously variable transmission, a mechanical, multi-speed transmission with a fixed number of gear ratios, a hydrostatic drive, etc.","Regardless of the type of traction drive 30, the traction drive 30 can include at least one forward gear, a neutral position, and one reverse gear.","As shown in FIG.","2, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the first axle 26 and the second axle 28.This operable connection enables mechanical power input at the traction drive shaft 58 to be transferred through the traction drive 30 and output to the first axle 26 and the second axle 28.The speed and direction of the rotation of the input and the output can be altered within the traction drive 30.For example, the traction drive shaft 58 acting as an input can rotate about a substantially vertical axis while the first axle 26 and the second axle 28 acting as outputs can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis.","Furthermore, the traction drive 30 can alter the output rotation speed and the output rotation direction of the first and second axles 26, 28 given an input of constant rotation speed and one rotation direction.","As such, the traction drive 30 is variable speed and can propel the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 in the forward and reverse travel directions.","In another example, the traction drive 30 can include a differential gear apparatus in addition to the structure described above.","Returning to FIG.","5, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the motor shaft 54 in order to transmit the mechanical power produced by the electric motor 50.Any suitable operable connection between the motor shaft 54 and the traction drive 30 can be used.","In one example, a first pulley 60 is mounted to the motor shaft 54, and the first pulley 60 is a V-pulley.","As illustrated in FIG.","5, a first belt 64, which can be a V-belt, can engage the first pulley 60 on the motor shaft 54 and engage a variator 66 or a multi-speed transmission located between the electric motor 50 and the traction drive 30.A traction drive belt 74 can then engage a different portion of the variator 66 and also engage a second pulley 68 mounted on the traction drive shaft 58.The variator 66 can be controlled by an operator of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 to limit the amount of mechanical power transferred from the electric motor 50 to the traction drive 30.Additionally, the variator 66 can provide an infinite speed range output to the traction drive belt 74 from a constant speed input from the first belt 64.In this described arrangement with a variator 66 located between the electric motor 50 and the traction drive 30, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the motor shaft 54 by the first belt 64, the variator 66, and the traction drive belt 74.In another example, the first belt 64 can operably connect the traction drive 30 to the motor shaft 54 in a more direct way.","In this example, a second pulley 68 is mounted to the traction drive shaft 58, and the second pulley 68 is also a V-pulley.","The first belt 64 engages the first pulley 60 and the second pulley 68 to operably connect the motor shaft 54 to the traction drive 30 through the traction drive shaft 58.As previously discussed, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the first axle 26 and the second axle 28.Because the first axle 26 and the second axle 28 connect the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40 to the traction drive 30, mechanical power produced by the electric motor 50 is transferred to the traction drive 30 which rotates the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40.In this example, having the first belt 64 engage the first pulley 60 of the motor shaft 54 and the second pulley 68 of the traction drive shaft 58 without having an intermediate variator 66 or multi-speed transmission, the traction drive 30 is typically a mechanical multi-speed transmission.","Additionally, other structures can interact with the first belt 64 or the traction drive belt 74 as one of these belts transmits mechanical power to the traction drive 30.In one example, an engagement device, such as a belt tensioning mechanism 76 is mounted proximally to the belt at a location between the first pulley 60 and the second pulley 68.By engaging the belt, the belt tensioning mechanism 76 regulates the amount of mechanical power transferred from the first pulley 60 to the second pulley 68.In one example, the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can engage either the first belt 64 or the traction drive belt 74 in the space between the electric motor 50 and the traction drive 30.As shown in FIGS.","2 and 5, the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can be an engagement pulley 78 that is rotated about a non-central axis that alters the path of the belt.","The belt tensioning mechanism 76 can extend the travel path of the belt, thereby increasing the tension in the belt.","Increasing the tension through movement of the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can serve as an engagement of the traction drive 30.In one example, when the belt tensioning mechanism 76 engages the belt and increases the tension in the belt, mechanical power is transferred through the belt to the traction drive 30 which is then engaged.","Alternatively, when the belt tensioning mechanism 76 disengages the belt and decreases the tension in the belt, little or no mechanical power is transferred through the belt to the traction drive 30 which is then effectively disengaged.","It is to be understood that an infinite range of positions of the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can vary the amount of mechanical power transferred to the traction drive 30 between full transmission of power and no transmission of power.","The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 also includes an implement mounted to the frame 24.While the figures and the remainder of the disclosure describe a spindle driven cutting deck 80 for a riding lawn mower, it is to be understood that any number of implements such as a snow blower, a rotary broom, a power assist material collection mechanism, etc.","may be considered an implement.","As shown in FIG.","5, a third pulley 84 is mounted to the motor shaft 54, and a second belt 86 engages the third pulley 84 which can be a V-pulley.","Returning to FIG.","2, the second belt 86 can engage the third pulley 84 on the motor shaft 54 and take a serpentine path to engage a guide pulley 88 mounted to the implement, two spindle pulleys 90, 94, and another guide pulley 96 before returning to engage the third pulley 84.Through the serpentine path of engagement with the spindle pulleys 90, 94, the second belt 86 transfers mechanical power from the motor shaft 54 to the implement.","In the shown example, the two spindle pulleys 90, 94 are mounted to shafts 98 which, in turn, support mower blades 100.The described serpentine path of the second belt 86 and spindle driven cutting deck 80 are merely one example of structure for transfer of mechanical power to an implement and are not meant to be limiting.","Any suitable belt path and number and position of pulleys and mower blades 100 are considered.","As previously discussed, the second belt 86 can also be used to transfer mechanical power from the motor shaft 54 to any number of other types of implements.","By using belt-driven spindles for the cutting deck 80 in lieu of electric motors with speed controllers for each spindle associated with a mower blade 100, the system becomes more robust at a lower cost with higher efficiencies.","Additionally, the speed of the spindle for different mower blade sizes can be controlled by the pulley size mounted to the spindle, without relying upon expensive motors and controllers that must be configured for each mower blade size and speed/power requirement.","Turning to FIG.","6, a schematic representation of some of the lawn maintenance vehicle components is shown.","The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 can include a power circuit 104 which includes conductors 106 capable of passing electrical impulses to and from the various components of the power circuit 104.The power circuit 104 also includes a circuit breaker 108 and a key switch 110 in electrical communication with the electric motor 50.The conductors 106 can form an electrical path between the electric motor 50, the key switch 110, the circuit breaker 108, and the energy storage device 44.As can be appreciated, an operator can activate the key switch 110 to complete an electrical path about the power circuit 104, enabling the electric motor 50 to draw power from the energy storage device 44.The electric motor 50 can then be a single source of power for the traction drive 30 and the implement.","In one example, the electric motor 50 can be a brushed direct current (DC) motor.","If a brushed DC motor is used, certain efficiencies can be realized.","For example, a brushed DC motor does not require a speed/power controller for proper operation.","As such the power circuit 104 is devoid of a controller, thereby reducing component cost, design considerations, and assembly time.","Another efficiency that can be realized by using a brushed DC motor is the ability to fine-tune the electric motor 50 to a relatively small band of output power.","Without the necessity of the speed/power controller, the brushed DC motor can operate like a self-governing internal combustion engine.","As the loads from the traction drive 30 and/or the implement become larger, the brushed DC motor will simply draw more power from the energy storage device 44 to continuously produce output within the relatively small band of output power.","In other words, if the implement is cutting long, wet grass, forcing the electric motor 50 to operate under a relatively large load, the brushed DC motor will simply draw more current from the energy storage device 44 to maintain speed.","In this configuration, the brushed DC motor will be operating at peak efficiency for all or nearly all of its operating time.","The electric motor 50 is designed to operate at constant speed—either “ON” or “OFF”, without the need for speed and/or power control.","In other examples, the electric motor 50 can be a brushless DC motor or an AC motor.","While not shown in FIG.","6, the brushless DC motor and the AC motor would require a speed controller and/or a power controller to account for variable speeds.","It is to be understood that the use of a single brushed DC motor to operate the implement and the traction drive 30 can minimize other motor issues as well.","For example, as other types of motors approach their maximum load, they tend to lose efficiency and heat up.","The operator may have no indication of the overheating, and the motor can even shut itself off due to the high temperatures.","However, use of the brushed DC motor enables the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 to continue cutting grass without experiencing motor overheating conditions.","The benefits can be more pronounced if each of the mower blades 100 were powered by its own individual motor.","In one example, under relatively heavy load, one or more of the mower blades 100 can heat up and operate less efficiently.","The mower blade may even experience “stall” wherein the mower blade is not rotating fast enough to properly cut the grass.","In this event, the operator is likely unaware of this condition until making the next pass.","However, presented with the heavy loading scenario, the brushed DC motor will simply draw more reserve power (current) from the energy storage device 44 and stay in its peak operating range even under high demand.","The arrangement shown in FIG.","6 also enables the electric motor 50 to recharge the energy storage device 44 when the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is decelerating or descending slopes.","For example, while the electric motor 50 is drawing a reduced current load due to the lack of need to power the traction drive 30, the operable connection between the traction drive 30 and the electric motor 50 (e.g.","the first belt 64) turns the motor shaft 54, enabling the electric motor 50 to generate a current that is delivered to the energy storage device 44 where it is used to re-charge the energy storage device 44.In one example, the key switch 110 can be a double-acting, dual-pole solenoid.","Turning the key switch 110 to one side activates the solenoid to send current to the electric motor 50 and turn over (start) the electric motor 50.Activating the key switch 110 in the opposite direction can activate the opposite pole located in series with a resistor.","This portion of the circuit can brake the load to stop the electric motor 50 in a set time based upon the value of the resistor.","Turning to FIG.","7, another embodiment of an example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is shown schematically.","The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes an internal combustion engine 114 which is operably connected to the electric motor 50.The addition of the internal combustion engine 114 can be offered as a kit for field installation, or installed during initial manufacturing.","In one example, the internal combustion engine 114 can be placed at the front of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 as shown in FIG.","1 by arrow 116.Returning to FIG.","7, the internal combustion engine 114 includes an engine shaft 118 rotatably mounted to the internal combustion engine 114 such that operation of the internal combustion engine 114 rotates the engine shaft 118.A fifth pulley 120, which can be a V-pulley, is mounted to the motor shaft 54.Similarly, a sixth pulley 124, which can be a V-pulley, is mounted to the engine shaft 118.A third belt 126 engages the fifth pulley 120 and the sixth pulley 124 to operably connect and transfer mechanical power between the motor shaft 54 and the engine shaft 118.In one example, the electric motor 50 can serve as the starting device for the internal combustion engine 114 thereby saving the expense, complexity and weight of an engine starting system.","As shown in FIG.","7, the components on the left side of line 128 form the basis for an electric powered lawn maintenance vehicle 20, while the addition of the components on the right side of line 128 to those on the left side of the line 128 create a hybrid lawn maintenance vehicle 20.Turning to FIG.","8, in one example, an engine clutch is mounted proximally to the third belt 126 between the fifth pulley 120 and the sixth pulley 124.In one example, manual engagement of the third belt 126 is accomplished by using an engine clutch such as a tensioning idler 130.The tensioning idler 130 can be selectively controlled by the operator to increase and decrease belt tension as desired.","Motion of the tensioning idler 130 in the direction of arrow 134 is indicated in FIG.","8.In this example, the belt tension is zero until the tensioning idler 130 is moved manually by cables, linkages or other devices so as to engage the third belt 126, increase the length of its travel path, and thereby increase belt tension and to engage the engine.","In this example, engaging the engine refers to creating enough tension in the third belt 126 so that the third belt 126 engages the fifth pulley 120 and the sixth pulley 124 to transfer mechanical power between the motor shaft 54 and the engine shaft 118.In another example, engagement of the third belt 126 can be performed by an engine clutch such as electromagnetic clutches.","In this example, an electro-mechanical clutch is installed onto the internal combustion engine 114, and a spring-loaded idler maintains tension in the third belt 126.The engine clutch engages the internal combustion engine 114 when low power current is applied to the engine clutch.","In a further example, engagement of the third belt 126 can be performed via pneumatic or vacuum engagement clutches and a pulley installed onto the internal combustion engine 114.In this example, tension is zero until the belt idler is moved by pneumatic-or-vacuum devices so as to increase tension in the third belt 126 and thereby engage the engine.","In some instances the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 can use the internal combustion engine 114 in conjunction with the electric components to create a hybrid device for several different purposes.","Firstly, the hybrid mode can be used in order to extend the range and/or operating time of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.In this instance, the internal combustion engine 114 can be operated in conjunction with the electric motor 50 to develop additional power to supplement the electric motor mechanical power delivered to the traction drive 30 and/or the implement.","In effect, the electric motor 50 and the internal combustion engine 114 can run in series to power the traction drive 30 and the implement.","In one example, the internal combustion engine provides supplemental mechanical power to the motor shaft 54.This provision of power to the motor shaft 54 allows the electric motor 50 to operate at maximum efficiency.","For example, under excessive loads, the electric motor 50 may operate at lower efficiency for any number of reasons.","In this event, the internal combustion engine 114 can be selectively engaged to transfer mechanical power through the third belt 126 to the motor shaft 54 such that the electric motor 50 can operate at substantially maximum efficiency while drawing less current from the energy storage device 44.Secondly, in the case of the energy storage device 44 having discharged batteries, the electric motor 50 can be directly driven by the internal combustion engine 114 to operate the traction drive 30 and the implement.","In one example, the internal combustion engine 114 can directly drive the electric motor 50 by the operable connection between the third belt 126, the motor shaft 54 and the engine shaft 118.In this instance, the electric motor 50 is not drawing current from the energy storage device 44, and the internal combustion engine 114 can individually power the machine.","In this instance, the energy storage device 44 (e.g., the batteries) can remain connected to the motor, and the internal combustion engine 114 transfers excess mechanical power to the motor shaft 54 to recharge the energy storage device 44.As the internal combustion engine 114 turns the motor shaft 54, thus operating the electric motor 50, current developed at the electric motor 50 is transferred back to the energy storage device 44 through conductors 106.Thirdly, the hybrid version of lawn maintenance vehicle 20 can be used as a stand-alone power supply.","As an example, the electric motor 50 can be used as a generator powered by the internal combustion engine 114, and both AC and DC electrical power can be made available to the operator.","In one example, the electric motor 50 acts as an electric generator to provide a voltage output to an electric receptacle 136 (best seen schematically in FIG.","7) on said mower.","As a brief summary, while the internal combustion engine 114 is in operation, it can operate with the electric portion of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 to operate in one of three ways: 1) there could be a key switch 110 position to disconnect the batteries from the electric motor 50 (internal combustion engine 114 only power), 2) the electric motor 50 remains connected to the batteries so as to provide supplemental power (the case whereby the implement load slows the engine below a particular, predetermined speed) (internal combustion engine 114 and electric motor 50 power), or 3) the electric motor 50 remains connected to the batteries so as to provide generation to recharge the energy storage device 44, and/or to provide power to an external source (the electric motor 50 becomes a generator as the energy in the energy storage device 44 is depleted).","It is to be understood that control of several variables and design aspects can be implemented to improve the efficiency of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.For example, V-belt design and V-pulley design can be optimized to improve mechanical power transfer between various components of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.Additionally, various aspects of the lawn maintenance vehicle tires, wheel bearings, wheel camber, wheel toe, cutting deck 80 configuration, mower blade design, etc.","can be improved for an overall gain in efficiency in order to optimize the performance of the electric-powered lawn maintenance vehicle 20.The described combination of components can provide many advantages.","The battery-electric lawn maintenance vehicle can provide a single electric motor for traction and implement drives.","The described lawn maintenance vehicle can include an electric motor which operates at a constant speed (either “on” or “off”) with no speed and/or power controllers necessary which can enable the electric motor to operate at peak efficiency within the peak performance range.","The described lawn maintenance vehicle can be a relatively low-cost product to operate and manufacture due to the system simplicity and the system efficiency.","Furthermore, the work system efficiencies can be optimized due to less weight by having fewer components (e.g., no controllers, less wiring), by having a lighter weight (lower capacity) battery system, and by having reduced power consumption due to having no losses from controller or heat management (e.g., cooling fans).","Additional benefits can include battery re-generation when the lawn maintenance vehicle is decelerating and is descending slopes and easy conversion to a hybrid lawn maintenance vehicle by adding an internal combustion engine.","The addition of the internal combustion engine can be offered as a kit for field installation, or installed during initial manufacturing.","Also, the lawn maintenance vehicle implement and traction drive systems can be powered: 1) solely by the electric motor; 2) solely by the internal combustion engine; or 3) by both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine.","Further, the described lawn maintenance vehicle can power a variety of implements without costly electrical interfaces and speed/power controllers, such as snow blowers, rotary brooms, and power assist material collection.","The described lawn maintenance vehicle can accommodate a variety of stored energy device types, sizes and capacities, such as batteries, capacitors, fuel cells.","Additionally, the hybrid version of the lawn maintenance vehicle can be used as a stand-alone power supply.","Accordingly, the electric motor can be used as a generator powered by the internal combustion engine to provide both AC and DC electrical power to the operator.","While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is evident that many alternatives, combinations, modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art.","Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of this invention, as set forth above are intended to be illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense.","Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.","Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description and are intended to be embraced therein.","Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices, processes, and methods that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein.","Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"BATTERY-ELECTRIC AND INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE ASSIST HYBRID PROPULSION AND IMPLEMENT DRIVE WORK SYSTEMS\",\n \"Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.\",\n \"A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle.\",\n \"An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive.\",\n \"The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A lawn maintenance vehicle comprising: a frame; a first axle and a second axle mounted to said frame; a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to said first axle and said second axle; an energy storage device mounted to said frame; an electric motor mounted to said frame, said electric motor includes a motor shaft, said electric motor is in electrical communication with said energy storage device and said energy storage device provides electrical power to said electric motor; a traction drive mounted to said frame, said traction drive is operably connected to said motor shaft, and said traction drive is operably connected to said first and second axles; and an implement, said implement is mounted to said frame.\",\n \"2.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: a first belt, said first belt transfers mechanical power from said motor shaft to said traction drive, said traction drive rotates said first drive wheel and said second drive wheel; and a second belt, said second belt transfers mechanical power from said motor shaft to said implement.\",\n \"3.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said electric motor recharges said energy storage device when said lawn maintenance vehicle is decelerating or descending slopes.\",\n \"4.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said electric motor comprises a brushed direct current (DC) motor.\",\n \"5.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said traction drive is variable speed and propels said lawn maintenance vehicle in the forward and reverse travel directions.\",\n \"6.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a belt tensioning mechanism to engage said traction drive.\",\n \"7.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a clutch to engage said traction drive.\",\n \"8.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 1, wherein said implement is selected from the group consisting of a spindle driven cutting deck, a snow blower, a rotary broom, and a power assist material collection mechanism.\",\n \"9.A lawn maintenance vehicle comprising: a frame; a first axle and a second axle mounted to said frame; a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to said first axle and said second axle; an energy storage device mounted to said frame; an electric motor mounted to said frame, said electric motor includes a motor shaft, said electric motor is in electrical communication with said energy storage device and said energy storage device provides electrical power to said electric motor; a traction drive mounted to said frame, said traction drive is operably connected to said motor shaft, and said traction drive is operably connected to said first and second axles; an implement, said implement is mounted to said frame; and an internal combustion engine, said internal combustion engine is operably connected to said electric motor.\",\n \"10.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, wherein said electric motor recharges said energy storage device when said lawn maintenance vehicle is decelerating or descending slopes.\",\n \"11.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising a power circuit, said power circuit comprises: a circuit breaker in electrical communication with said electric motor, a key switch in electrical communication with said electric motor; and an electrical path between said electric motor, said key switch, said circuit breaker, and said energy storage device, wherein said power circuit is devoid of a controller.\",\n \"12.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: a traction drive shaft rotatably connected to said traction drive; a first pulley mounted to said motor shaft, said first pulley is a V-pulley; a second pulley mounted to said traction drive shaft, said second pulley is a V-pulley; and a first belt, said first belt engaging said first pulley and said second pulley to operably connect said motor shaft to said traction drive, wherein said first axle and said second axle connect said first and second drive wheels to said traction drive, wherein said traction drive rotates said first drive wheel and said second drive wheel.\",\n \"13.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 12, further comprising an engagement device mounted proximally to said first belt at a location between said first pulley and said second pulley, wherein said engagement device regulates the amount of mechanical power transferred from said first pulley to said second pulley.\",\n \"14.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: an implement shaft rotatably connected to said implement; a third pulley mounted to said motor shaft, said third pulley is a V-pulley; a fourth pulley mounted to said implement shaft, said fourth pulley is a V-pulley; and a second belt engaging said third pulley and said fourth pulley to operably connect said motor shaft to said implement shaft, said second belt transfers mechanical power from said third pulley to said fourth pulley.\",\n \"15.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: an engine shaft rotatably mounted to said internal combustion engine; a fifth pulley mounted to said motor shaft, wherein said fifth pulley is a V-pulley; a sixth pulley mounted to said engine shaft, wherein said sixth pulley is a V-pulley; and a third belt engaging said fifth pulley and said sixth pulley to operably connect and transfer mechanical power between said motor shaft and said engine shaft, wherein said electric motor operates as a starting motor for said internal combustion engine.\",\n \"16.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein said internal combustion engine provides supplemental mechanical power to said motor shaft, thereby allowing said electric motor to operate at maximum efficiency.\",\n \"17.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein said electric motor acts as an electric generator to provide a voltage output to an electric receptacle on said lawn maintenance vehicle.\",\n \"18.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein said internal combustion engine transfers excess mechanical power to said motor shaft to recharge said energy storage device.\",\n \"19.The lawn maintenance vehicle of claim 15, wherein an engine clutch is mounted proximally to the third belt between said fifth pulley and said sixth pulley.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the disclosure.\",\n \"This summary is not an extensive overview.\",\n \"Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.\",\n \"According to one aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The electric motor includes a motor shaft.\",\n \"The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.\",\n \"The implement is mounted to the frame.\",\n \"According to another aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The electric motor includes a motor shaft.\",\n \"The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.\",\n \"The implement is mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.\"\n ],\n [\n \"This application is a divisional application of application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/216,494, filed Mar.\",\n \"17, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application No.\",\n \"61/800,842, filed Mar.\",\n \"15, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"BACKGROUND 1.Field of the Disclosure This application relates generally to lawn maintenance vehicles, and more specifically to a lawn maintenance vehicle including an electric motor powering a traction drive device and an implement.\",\n \"2.Description of Related Art Currently available lawn maintenance vehicles (e.g., garden tractors or riding mowers) are generally provided with combinations of 1) electric traction and implement drive powered by stored energy devices with multiple electric motors, 2) electric traction drives and mechanical implement drives powered by internal combustion engines coupled to generators/alternators, and 3) mechanical traction drive and electrical implement drives powered by internal combustion engines coupled to generators/alternators (sometimes with batteries).\",\n \"The above configurations typically require expensive traction and implement drive motors and speed/power controllers.\",\n \"The motors are variable speed which means that they are operated for periods of time at non-optimal efficiencies.\",\n \"Motors sometime directly drive the implement and/or traction drives, which require that they be robust enough to accommodate the shock and strength requirements.\",\n \"The motor controllers consume energy that could be used to extend the operating time/range of the machines.\",\n \"Furthermore, wiring, switching contactors, and connections tend to be complex and expensive.\",\n \"Internal combustion engines coupled to generators/alternators are also relatively expensive, especially when they are of the higher efficiency ranges.\",\n \"They also tend to be heavy (adding to the overall machine mass) which negatively affects energy consumption.\",\n \"Accordingly, improvements to electric lawn maintenance vehicles are desired.\",\n \"SUMMARY The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the disclosure.\",\n \"This summary is not an extensive overview.\",\n \"Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.\",\n \"According to one aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The electric motor includes a motor shaft.\",\n \"The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.\",\n \"The implement is mounted to the frame.\",\n \"According to another aspect, the subject application involves a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the first axle and the second axle.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an energy storage device mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an electric motor mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The electric motor includes a motor shaft.\",\n \"The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle still further includes an implement.\",\n \"The implement is mounted to the frame.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle also includes an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a perspective view of a lawn maintenance vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a partially-exploded perspective view of some components of the lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a detail view of a first axle from the example lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a perspective view of the lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a partially-exploded view of some components, similar to FIG.\",\n \"2; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a schematic view of a power circuit of the lawn maintenance vehicle of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a schematic view similar to FIG.\",\n \"6, including an internal combustion engine; and FIG.\",\n \"8 is a schematic bottom view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.\",\n \"7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present disclosure are described and illustrated in the drawings.\",\n \"These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present disclosure.\",\n \"For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices.\",\n \"Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present disclosure.\",\n \"Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a perspective view of an example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.\",\n \"While the shown example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is a riding mower, and the remainder of the disclosure is primarily directed to a riding mower, it is to be understood that any number of lawn maintenance vehicles are contemplated by the present disclosure.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes a frame 24 which can serve as a platform from which to mount typical components of a lawn maintenance vehicle 20.While only the front portion of the frame 24 can be seen in FIG.\",\n \"1, the frame 24 can extend toward the rear of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 for substantially the entire length of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.FIG.\",\n \"2 shows a perspective view of selected components of one example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 with many of the exterior components and the frame 24 removed for clarity.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes a first axle 26 and a second axle 28 mounted to the frame 24 (not shown in FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 shows one example of the first axle 26 mounted to the frame 24.In this example, the first axle 26 passes through a traction drive 30 configured to be secured to the frame 24 using threaded fasteners 34.A bracket 36 may also be used to mount the traction drive 30 to the frame 24.The example of FIG.\",\n \"3 is not meant to be limiting, and any suitable structure or method of mounting the first axle 26 and the second axle 28 to the frame 24 are acceptable.\",\n \"As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 4, the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 also includes a first drive wheel 38 and a second drive wheel 40.The first drive wheel 38 can be mounted to the first axle 26 while the second drive wheel 40 can be mounted to the second axle 28.In the shown examples, the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40 can be the two rear wheels of a riding lawn mower.\",\n \"However, the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40 can also be the two front wheels of a four-wheeled lawn maintenance vehicle 20 or two wheels of any other configuration of wheeled lawn maintenance vehicles 20.Turning to FIG.\",\n \"4, the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes an energy storage device 44 mounted to the frame 24.In the shown example, the energy storage device 44 includes a set of four batteries electrically connected in series by conductors 46.While the examples shown in several of the figures and the remainder of the disclosure describe the energy storage device 44 as one or more batteries, it is to be understood that the energy storage device 44 can include any number of suitable energy storage devices including batteries, capacitors, or fuel cells or combinations of these devices in any combination of types, sizes, and capacities.\",\n \"In one example, the energy storage device 44 can include one or more batteries of the following types: flooded lead-acid, absorbed glass matt, metal-hydride, or lithium ion.\",\n \"Furthermore, the energy storage device 44 can be mounted to the frame 24 in any suitable configuration.\",\n \"In the shown example, batteries are secured to a rack 48 that is mounted to the frame 24.The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes an electric motor 50 which is mounted to the frame 24.In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, the electric motor 50 is mounted with threaded fasteners 34 to a portion of the frame 24, however, any suitable mounting configuration can be used.\",\n \"Turning to FIG.\",\n \"5, a side view of selected components of one example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is shown with many of the exterior components and the frame 24 removed for clarity, similar to FIG.\",\n \"2.The electric motor 50 includes a motor shaft 54.The electric motor 50 is in electrical communication with the energy storage device 44 such that the energy storage device 44 provides electrical power (e.g., current) to the electric motor 50.The described electrical communication can be conduction of electrical power through a circuit, which is not specifically shown in FIG.\",\n \"5, but is shown schematically in later figures and is discussed below.\",\n \"Persons having ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that an electrical circuit composed of electrically conductive material can be connected to the electric motor 50 and run between each of the components of the energy storage device 44 and back to the electric motor 50 to provide the electrical communication.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes the traction drive 30 mounted to the frame 24.A traction drive shaft 58 is rotatably connected to the traction drive 30 which can serve as an input for mechanical power to the traction drive 30.Various mechanisms can serve as a traction drive 30 for the lawn maintenance vehicle 20, including, but not limited to, a continuously variable transmission, a mechanical, multi-speed transmission with a fixed number of gear ratios, a hydrostatic drive, etc.\",\n \"Regardless of the type of traction drive 30, the traction drive 30 can include at least one forward gear, a neutral position, and one reverse gear.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the first axle 26 and the second axle 28.This operable connection enables mechanical power input at the traction drive shaft 58 to be transferred through the traction drive 30 and output to the first axle 26 and the second axle 28.The speed and direction of the rotation of the input and the output can be altered within the traction drive 30.For example, the traction drive shaft 58 acting as an input can rotate about a substantially vertical axis while the first axle 26 and the second axle 28 acting as outputs can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis.\",\n \"Furthermore, the traction drive 30 can alter the output rotation speed and the output rotation direction of the first and second axles 26, 28 given an input of constant rotation speed and one rotation direction.\",\n \"As such, the traction drive 30 is variable speed and can propel the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 in the forward and reverse travel directions.\",\n \"In another example, the traction drive 30 can include a differential gear apparatus in addition to the structure described above.\",\n \"Returning to FIG.\",\n \"5, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the motor shaft 54 in order to transmit the mechanical power produced by the electric motor 50.Any suitable operable connection between the motor shaft 54 and the traction drive 30 can be used.\",\n \"In one example, a first pulley 60 is mounted to the motor shaft 54, and the first pulley 60 is a V-pulley.\",\n \"As illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5, a first belt 64, which can be a V-belt, can engage the first pulley 60 on the motor shaft 54 and engage a variator 66 or a multi-speed transmission located between the electric motor 50 and the traction drive 30.A traction drive belt 74 can then engage a different portion of the variator 66 and also engage a second pulley 68 mounted on the traction drive shaft 58.The variator 66 can be controlled by an operator of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 to limit the amount of mechanical power transferred from the electric motor 50 to the traction drive 30.Additionally, the variator 66 can provide an infinite speed range output to the traction drive belt 74 from a constant speed input from the first belt 64.In this described arrangement with a variator 66 located between the electric motor 50 and the traction drive 30, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the motor shaft 54 by the first belt 64, the variator 66, and the traction drive belt 74.In another example, the first belt 64 can operably connect the traction drive 30 to the motor shaft 54 in a more direct way.\",\n \"In this example, a second pulley 68 is mounted to the traction drive shaft 58, and the second pulley 68 is also a V-pulley.\",\n \"The first belt 64 engages the first pulley 60 and the second pulley 68 to operably connect the motor shaft 54 to the traction drive 30 through the traction drive shaft 58.As previously discussed, the traction drive 30 is operably connected to the first axle 26 and the second axle 28.Because the first axle 26 and the second axle 28 connect the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40 to the traction drive 30, mechanical power produced by the electric motor 50 is transferred to the traction drive 30 which rotates the first drive wheel 38 and the second drive wheel 40.In this example, having the first belt 64 engage the first pulley 60 of the motor shaft 54 and the second pulley 68 of the traction drive shaft 58 without having an intermediate variator 66 or multi-speed transmission, the traction drive 30 is typically a mechanical multi-speed transmission.\",\n \"Additionally, other structures can interact with the first belt 64 or the traction drive belt 74 as one of these belts transmits mechanical power to the traction drive 30.In one example, an engagement device, such as a belt tensioning mechanism 76 is mounted proximally to the belt at a location between the first pulley 60 and the second pulley 68.By engaging the belt, the belt tensioning mechanism 76 regulates the amount of mechanical power transferred from the first pulley 60 to the second pulley 68.In one example, the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can engage either the first belt 64 or the traction drive belt 74 in the space between the electric motor 50 and the traction drive 30.As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 5, the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can be an engagement pulley 78 that is rotated about a non-central axis that alters the path of the belt.\",\n \"The belt tensioning mechanism 76 can extend the travel path of the belt, thereby increasing the tension in the belt.\",\n \"Increasing the tension through movement of the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can serve as an engagement of the traction drive 30.In one example, when the belt tensioning mechanism 76 engages the belt and increases the tension in the belt, mechanical power is transferred through the belt to the traction drive 30 which is then engaged.\",\n \"Alternatively, when the belt tensioning mechanism 76 disengages the belt and decreases the tension in the belt, little or no mechanical power is transferred through the belt to the traction drive 30 which is then effectively disengaged.\",\n \"It is to be understood that an infinite range of positions of the belt tensioning mechanism 76 can vary the amount of mechanical power transferred to the traction drive 30 between full transmission of power and no transmission of power.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 also includes an implement mounted to the frame 24.While the figures and the remainder of the disclosure describe a spindle driven cutting deck 80 for a riding lawn mower, it is to be understood that any number of implements such as a snow blower, a rotary broom, a power assist material collection mechanism, etc.\",\n \"may be considered an implement.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"5, a third pulley 84 is mounted to the motor shaft 54, and a second belt 86 engages the third pulley 84 which can be a V-pulley.\",\n \"Returning to FIG.\",\n \"2, the second belt 86 can engage the third pulley 84 on the motor shaft 54 and take a serpentine path to engage a guide pulley 88 mounted to the implement, two spindle pulleys 90, 94, and another guide pulley 96 before returning to engage the third pulley 84.Through the serpentine path of engagement with the spindle pulleys 90, 94, the second belt 86 transfers mechanical power from the motor shaft 54 to the implement.\",\n \"In the shown example, the two spindle pulleys 90, 94 are mounted to shafts 98 which, in turn, support mower blades 100.The described serpentine path of the second belt 86 and spindle driven cutting deck 80 are merely one example of structure for transfer of mechanical power to an implement and are not meant to be limiting.\",\n \"Any suitable belt path and number and position of pulleys and mower blades 100 are considered.\",\n \"As previously discussed, the second belt 86 can also be used to transfer mechanical power from the motor shaft 54 to any number of other types of implements.\",\n \"By using belt-driven spindles for the cutting deck 80 in lieu of electric motors with speed controllers for each spindle associated with a mower blade 100, the system becomes more robust at a lower cost with higher efficiencies.\",\n \"Additionally, the speed of the spindle for different mower blade sizes can be controlled by the pulley size mounted to the spindle, without relying upon expensive motors and controllers that must be configured for each mower blade size and speed/power requirement.\",\n \"Turning to FIG.\",\n \"6, a schematic representation of some of the lawn maintenance vehicle components is shown.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 can include a power circuit 104 which includes conductors 106 capable of passing electrical impulses to and from the various components of the power circuit 104.The power circuit 104 also includes a circuit breaker 108 and a key switch 110 in electrical communication with the electric motor 50.The conductors 106 can form an electrical path between the electric motor 50, the key switch 110, the circuit breaker 108, and the energy storage device 44.As can be appreciated, an operator can activate the key switch 110 to complete an electrical path about the power circuit 104, enabling the electric motor 50 to draw power from the energy storage device 44.The electric motor 50 can then be a single source of power for the traction drive 30 and the implement.\",\n \"In one example, the electric motor 50 can be a brushed direct current (DC) motor.\",\n \"If a brushed DC motor is used, certain efficiencies can be realized.\",\n \"For example, a brushed DC motor does not require a speed/power controller for proper operation.\",\n \"As such the power circuit 104 is devoid of a controller, thereby reducing component cost, design considerations, and assembly time.\",\n \"Another efficiency that can be realized by using a brushed DC motor is the ability to fine-tune the electric motor 50 to a relatively small band of output power.\",\n \"Without the necessity of the speed/power controller, the brushed DC motor can operate like a self-governing internal combustion engine.\",\n \"As the loads from the traction drive 30 and/or the implement become larger, the brushed DC motor will simply draw more power from the energy storage device 44 to continuously produce output within the relatively small band of output power.\",\n \"In other words, if the implement is cutting long, wet grass, forcing the electric motor 50 to operate under a relatively large load, the brushed DC motor will simply draw more current from the energy storage device 44 to maintain speed.\",\n \"In this configuration, the brushed DC motor will be operating at peak efficiency for all or nearly all of its operating time.\",\n \"The electric motor 50 is designed to operate at constant speed—either “ON” or “OFF”, without the need for speed and/or power control.\",\n \"In other examples, the electric motor 50 can be a brushless DC motor or an AC motor.\",\n \"While not shown in FIG.\",\n \"6, the brushless DC motor and the AC motor would require a speed controller and/or a power controller to account for variable speeds.\",\n \"It is to be understood that the use of a single brushed DC motor to operate the implement and the traction drive 30 can minimize other motor issues as well.\",\n \"For example, as other types of motors approach their maximum load, they tend to lose efficiency and heat up.\",\n \"The operator may have no indication of the overheating, and the motor can even shut itself off due to the high temperatures.\",\n \"However, use of the brushed DC motor enables the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 to continue cutting grass without experiencing motor overheating conditions.\",\n \"The benefits can be more pronounced if each of the mower blades 100 were powered by its own individual motor.\",\n \"In one example, under relatively heavy load, one or more of the mower blades 100 can heat up and operate less efficiently.\",\n \"The mower blade may even experience “stall” wherein the mower blade is not rotating fast enough to properly cut the grass.\",\n \"In this event, the operator is likely unaware of this condition until making the next pass.\",\n \"However, presented with the heavy loading scenario, the brushed DC motor will simply draw more reserve power (current) from the energy storage device 44 and stay in its peak operating range even under high demand.\",\n \"The arrangement shown in FIG.\",\n \"6 also enables the electric motor 50 to recharge the energy storage device 44 when the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is decelerating or descending slopes.\",\n \"For example, while the electric motor 50 is drawing a reduced current load due to the lack of need to power the traction drive 30, the operable connection between the traction drive 30 and the electric motor 50 (e.g.\",\n \"the first belt 64) turns the motor shaft 54, enabling the electric motor 50 to generate a current that is delivered to the energy storage device 44 where it is used to re-charge the energy storage device 44.In one example, the key switch 110 can be a double-acting, dual-pole solenoid.\",\n \"Turning the key switch 110 to one side activates the solenoid to send current to the electric motor 50 and turn over (start) the electric motor 50.Activating the key switch 110 in the opposite direction can activate the opposite pole located in series with a resistor.\",\n \"This portion of the circuit can brake the load to stop the electric motor 50 in a set time based upon the value of the resistor.\",\n \"Turning to FIG.\",\n \"7, another embodiment of an example lawn maintenance vehicle 20 is shown schematically.\",\n \"The lawn maintenance vehicle 20 includes an internal combustion engine 114 which is operably connected to the electric motor 50.The addition of the internal combustion engine 114 can be offered as a kit for field installation, or installed during initial manufacturing.\",\n \"In one example, the internal combustion engine 114 can be placed at the front of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 by arrow 116.Returning to FIG.\",\n \"7, the internal combustion engine 114 includes an engine shaft 118 rotatably mounted to the internal combustion engine 114 such that operation of the internal combustion engine 114 rotates the engine shaft 118.A fifth pulley 120, which can be a V-pulley, is mounted to the motor shaft 54.Similarly, a sixth pulley 124, which can be a V-pulley, is mounted to the engine shaft 118.A third belt 126 engages the fifth pulley 120 and the sixth pulley 124 to operably connect and transfer mechanical power between the motor shaft 54 and the engine shaft 118.In one example, the electric motor 50 can serve as the starting device for the internal combustion engine 114 thereby saving the expense, complexity and weight of an engine starting system.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"7, the components on the left side of line 128 form the basis for an electric powered lawn maintenance vehicle 20, while the addition of the components on the right side of line 128 to those on the left side of the line 128 create a hybrid lawn maintenance vehicle 20.Turning to FIG.\",\n \"8, in one example, an engine clutch is mounted proximally to the third belt 126 between the fifth pulley 120 and the sixth pulley 124.In one example, manual engagement of the third belt 126 is accomplished by using an engine clutch such as a tensioning idler 130.The tensioning idler 130 can be selectively controlled by the operator to increase and decrease belt tension as desired.\",\n \"Motion of the tensioning idler 130 in the direction of arrow 134 is indicated in FIG.\",\n \"8.In this example, the belt tension is zero until the tensioning idler 130 is moved manually by cables, linkages or other devices so as to engage the third belt 126, increase the length of its travel path, and thereby increase belt tension and to engage the engine.\",\n \"In this example, engaging the engine refers to creating enough tension in the third belt 126 so that the third belt 126 engages the fifth pulley 120 and the sixth pulley 124 to transfer mechanical power between the motor shaft 54 and the engine shaft 118.In another example, engagement of the third belt 126 can be performed by an engine clutch such as electromagnetic clutches.\",\n \"In this example, an electro-mechanical clutch is installed onto the internal combustion engine 114, and a spring-loaded idler maintains tension in the third belt 126.The engine clutch engages the internal combustion engine 114 when low power current is applied to the engine clutch.\",\n \"In a further example, engagement of the third belt 126 can be performed via pneumatic or vacuum engagement clutches and a pulley installed onto the internal combustion engine 114.In this example, tension is zero until the belt idler is moved by pneumatic-or-vacuum devices so as to increase tension in the third belt 126 and thereby engage the engine.\",\n \"In some instances the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 can use the internal combustion engine 114 in conjunction with the electric components to create a hybrid device for several different purposes.\",\n \"Firstly, the hybrid mode can be used in order to extend the range and/or operating time of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.In this instance, the internal combustion engine 114 can be operated in conjunction with the electric motor 50 to develop additional power to supplement the electric motor mechanical power delivered to the traction drive 30 and/or the implement.\",\n \"In effect, the electric motor 50 and the internal combustion engine 114 can run in series to power the traction drive 30 and the implement.\",\n \"In one example, the internal combustion engine provides supplemental mechanical power to the motor shaft 54.This provision of power to the motor shaft 54 allows the electric motor 50 to operate at maximum efficiency.\",\n \"For example, under excessive loads, the electric motor 50 may operate at lower efficiency for any number of reasons.\",\n \"In this event, the internal combustion engine 114 can be selectively engaged to transfer mechanical power through the third belt 126 to the motor shaft 54 such that the electric motor 50 can operate at substantially maximum efficiency while drawing less current from the energy storage device 44.Secondly, in the case of the energy storage device 44 having discharged batteries, the electric motor 50 can be directly driven by the internal combustion engine 114 to operate the traction drive 30 and the implement.\",\n \"In one example, the internal combustion engine 114 can directly drive the electric motor 50 by the operable connection between the third belt 126, the motor shaft 54 and the engine shaft 118.In this instance, the electric motor 50 is not drawing current from the energy storage device 44, and the internal combustion engine 114 can individually power the machine.\",\n \"In this instance, the energy storage device 44 (e.g., the batteries) can remain connected to the motor, and the internal combustion engine 114 transfers excess mechanical power to the motor shaft 54 to recharge the energy storage device 44.As the internal combustion engine 114 turns the motor shaft 54, thus operating the electric motor 50, current developed at the electric motor 50 is transferred back to the energy storage device 44 through conductors 106.Thirdly, the hybrid version of lawn maintenance vehicle 20 can be used as a stand-alone power supply.\",\n \"As an example, the electric motor 50 can be used as a generator powered by the internal combustion engine 114, and both AC and DC electrical power can be made available to the operator.\",\n \"In one example, the electric motor 50 acts as an electric generator to provide a voltage output to an electric receptacle 136 (best seen schematically in FIG.\",\n \"7) on said mower.\",\n \"As a brief summary, while the internal combustion engine 114 is in operation, it can operate with the electric portion of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20 to operate in one of three ways: 1) there could be a key switch 110 position to disconnect the batteries from the electric motor 50 (internal combustion engine 114 only power), 2) the electric motor 50 remains connected to the batteries so as to provide supplemental power (the case whereby the implement load slows the engine below a particular, predetermined speed) (internal combustion engine 114 and electric motor 50 power), or 3) the electric motor 50 remains connected to the batteries so as to provide generation to recharge the energy storage device 44, and/or to provide power to an external source (the electric motor 50 becomes a generator as the energy in the energy storage device 44 is depleted).\",\n \"It is to be understood that control of several variables and design aspects can be implemented to improve the efficiency of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.For example, V-belt design and V-pulley design can be optimized to improve mechanical power transfer between various components of the lawn maintenance vehicle 20.Additionally, various aspects of the lawn maintenance vehicle tires, wheel bearings, wheel camber, wheel toe, cutting deck 80 configuration, mower blade design, etc.\",\n \"can be improved for an overall gain in efficiency in order to optimize the performance of the electric-powered lawn maintenance vehicle 20.The described combination of components can provide many advantages.\",\n \"The battery-electric lawn maintenance vehicle can provide a single electric motor for traction and implement drives.\",\n \"The described lawn maintenance vehicle can include an electric motor which operates at a constant speed (either “on” or “off”) with no speed and/or power controllers necessary which can enable the electric motor to operate at peak efficiency within the peak performance range.\",\n \"The described lawn maintenance vehicle can be a relatively low-cost product to operate and manufacture due to the system simplicity and the system efficiency.\",\n \"Furthermore, the work system efficiencies can be optimized due to less weight by having fewer components (e.g., no controllers, less wiring), by having a lighter weight (lower capacity) battery system, and by having reduced power consumption due to having no losses from controller or heat management (e.g., cooling fans).\",\n \"Additional benefits can include battery re-generation when the lawn maintenance vehicle is decelerating and is descending slopes and easy conversion to a hybrid lawn maintenance vehicle by adding an internal combustion engine.\",\n \"The addition of the internal combustion engine can be offered as a kit for field installation, or installed during initial manufacturing.\",\n \"Also, the lawn maintenance vehicle implement and traction drive systems can be powered: 1) solely by the electric motor; 2) solely by the internal combustion engine; or 3) by both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine.\",\n \"Further, the described lawn maintenance vehicle can power a variety of implements without costly electrical interfaces and speed/power controllers, such as snow blowers, rotary brooms, and power assist material collection.\",\n \"The described lawn maintenance vehicle can accommodate a variety of stored energy device types, sizes and capacities, such as batteries, capacitors, fuel cells.\",\n \"Additionally, the hybrid version of the lawn maintenance vehicle can be used as a stand-alone power supply.\",\n \"Accordingly, the electric motor can be used as a generator powered by the internal combustion engine to provide both AC and DC electrical power to the operator.\",\n \"While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is evident that many alternatives, combinations, modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art.\",\n \"Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of this invention, as set forth above are intended to be illustrative only, and not in a limiting sense.\",\n \"Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.\",\n \"Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description and are intended to be embraced therein.\",\n \"Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices, processes, and methods that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein.\",\n \"Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875058"}}},{"rowIdx":4494765,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS","In a first image formation mode, an image is formed with a first development contrast C1 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a second development contrast C2, which is lower than the first development contrast C1; in a second image formation mode, an image is formed with a third development contrast C3 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a fourth development contrast C4, which is lower than the third development contrast C3; and when ΔC1 (=C2/C1) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=C4/C3) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied."],["1.-27.","(canceled) 28.An image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member that supplies a developer to the image bearing member and develops the electrostatic image; and processing portion that processes image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed on recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus executes: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1 in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=M2/M1) denotes a ratio between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=M4/M3) denotes a ratio between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.","29.An image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member that supplies a developer to the image bearing member and develops the electrostatic image; and processing portion that processes image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed on recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus executes: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=|M2−M1|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=|M4−M3|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.","30.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a control unit that executes the first image formation mode and the second image formation mode.","31.An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developer bearing member that supplies a developer to the image bearing member and develops the electrostatic image; and processing portion that processes image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed on recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus executes: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, wherein, in switching from the first image formation mode and to the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate that is lower than another rate of density increase of a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern.","32.The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing the image bearing member, wherein on the image bearing member, in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern to be developed is lowered by adjusting exposure of an electrostatic image corresponding to the specific dot pattern by the exposing apparatus.","33.The image forming apparatus according to claim 32, wherein in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, exposure of the electrostatic image corresponding to the specific dot pattern is adjusted so that a potential of a portion of the image bearing member corresponding to the specific dot pattern in a case where density of the specific dot pattern is increased at the rate and density of the dot pattern is increased at the another rate becomes lower than when the density of both the specific dot pattern and the dot pattern are increased at the another rate.","34.The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, in the second image formation mode, a difference between a potential of a portion corresponding to the specific dot pattern in a case where density of the specific dot pattern is increased at the rate and density of the dot pattern of the image is increased at the another rate, and a potential of the developer bearing member is smaller than a difference between (i) a potential of a portion corresponding to the specific dot pattern in a case where density of both the specific dot pattern and the dot pattern of the image are increased at the another rate, and (ii) the potential of the developer bearing member.","35.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that the ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.","36.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that a developer volume level of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate that is lower than another rate of a developer volume level increase of a dot of the image other than the specific dot pattern.","37.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing based on the image information, the image information including normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so as to control an exposure amount of the exposing apparatus.","38.The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that the ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.","39.The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that a developer volume level of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate that is lower than another rate of a developer volume level increase of a dot of the image other than the specific dot pattern.","40.The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing based on the image information, the image information including normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so as to control an exposure amount of the exposing apparatus.","41.The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that density of the specific dot pattern is increased at the rate that is lower than the another rate of density increase of a dot of the image other than the specific dot pattern.","42.The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing based on the image information, the image information including normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so as to control an exposure amount of the exposing apparatus."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>However, when the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2013-210489 is adopted with respect to the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","H10-076735 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2001-103282, increased density of an image may cause a dot pattern applied to a sheet of paper to become visible.","Specifically, in an image forming apparatus which forms a visually-unidentifiable dot pattern for identifying a manufacturer or the like on a sheet of paper, when increasing image density by adjusting a peripheral velocity ratio between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, density of the dot pattern also increases.","In this case, there is a risk that a favorable image can no longer be obtained because the increased density causes the dot pattern applied to the sheet of paper to become visually identifiable by a user.","In consideration thereof, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique which enables a favorable image to be obtained even when changing a peripheral velocity ratio between an image bearing member and a developer bearing member during image formation.","In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C 1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C 2 , which is lower than the first development contrast C 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C 3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C 4 , which is lower than the third development contrast C 3 , and when ΔC 1 (=C 2 /C 1 ) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C 2 and the first development contrast C 1 , and ΔC 2 (=C 4 /C 3 ) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C 4 and the third development contrast C 3 , ΔC 2 <ΔC 1 is satisfied.","In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C 1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C 2 which is lower than the first development contrast C 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C 3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C 4 which is lower than the third development contrast C 3 , and when ΔC 1 (=|C 2 −C 1 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second development contrast C 2 and the first development contrast C 1 , and ΔC 2 (=|C 4 −C 3 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth development contrast C 4 and the third development contrast C 3 , ΔC 2 <ΔC 1 is satisfied.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , and the image forming apparatus sets spacing between two adjacent dots among a plurality of dots forming the specific dot pattern in the second image formation mode wider than spacing between the two dots in the first image formation mode.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M 1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M 2 , which is lower than the first developer volume level M 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M 3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M 4 , which is lower than the third developer volume level M 3 , and when ΔM 1 (=M 2 /M 1 ) denotes a ratio between the second developer volume level M 2 and the first developer volume level M 1 , and ΔM 2 (=M 4 /M 3 ) denotes a ratio between the fourth developer volume level M 4 and the third developer volume level M 3 , ΔM 2 <ΔM 1 is satisfied.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M 1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M 2 , which is lower than the first developer volume level M 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M 3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M 4 , which is lower than the third developer volume level M 3 , and when ΔM 1 (=|M 2 −M 1 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second developer volume level M 2 and the first developer volume level M 1 , and ΔM 2 (=|M 4 −M 3 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth developer volume level M 4 and the third developer volume level M 3 , ΔM 2 <ΔM 1 is satisfied.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developer bearing member for supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , wherein, compared to the first image formation mode, in the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate lower than an another rate at which density of a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern is increased.","The present invention enables a favorable image to be obtained even when forming an image by setting a higher peripheral velocity ratio than a prescribed peripheral velocity ratio.","Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings."],["BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic technique.","Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as laser beam printers, an in-line color system is known in which a plurality of image forming stations are arranged in parallel in a movement direction of an intermediate transfer belt.","With an image forming apparatus adopting the in-line color system, first, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a surface of a photosensitive drum in the plurality of image forming stations.","The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed by a developing apparatus as a toner image.","In addition, toner images of respective colors formed at the plurality of image forming stations are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt so as to overlap with each other.","Furthermore, the toner images of the respective colors primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt are secondarily transferred onto a sheet such as a sheet of paper.","Subsequently, as the sheet onto which the toner images have been secondarily transferred is subjected to heat and pressure by a fixing apparatus, the toner images are fixed to the sheet.","In this manner, an image is formed on the sheet.","In this case, density of the image formed on the sheet is desirably consistent with density desired by a user.","In addition, a tinge of the image formed on the sheet is also desirably consistent with a tinge desired by the user.","In consideration thereof, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2013-210489, a color gamut of an image is enlarged and an upper limit value of density of the image is increased by causing a peripheral velocity difference between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller to vary.","In addition, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2013-210489 suppresses toner scattering, image thinning, and the like which are caused when the peripheral velocity difference between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is increased.","Specifically, instead of increasing the peripheral velocity difference between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller by increasing a peripheral velocity of the developing roller, the peripheral velocity difference between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is increased by reducing a peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum.","Accordingly, toner scattering, image thinning, and the like are suppressed.","In addition, recently, the widespread use of image forming apparatuses capable of printing images with high image quality in a stable manner has given rise to a new problem in that paper currency, securities, and the like can be easily printed using a full-color image forming apparatus.","In order to solve this problem, with a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","H10-076735, a regular dot pattern indicating a machine number of an image forming apparatus is applied to a sheet of paper when printing an image.","Accordingly, when, for instance, printed matter resembling paper currency is discovered, a machine number can be deduced from the dot pattern applied to the paper currency and an image forming apparatus used to print the printed matter can be identified.","Furthermore, with a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2001-103282, density in a vicinity of a portion where a dot pattern indicating information related to an image forming apparatus is added on a sheet is detected and the dot pattern is changed in accordance with the density in the vicinity of the portion.","Specifically, when the vicinity of the portion where the dot pattern is added has high density, the dot pattern is made recognizable by reducing spacing among dots constituting the dot pattern.","On the other hand, when the vicinity of the portion where the dot pattern is added has low density, the dot pattern is made less visible by increasing the spacing among the dots constituting the dot pattern.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, when the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2013-210489 is adopted with respect to the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","H10-076735 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.","2001-103282, increased density of an image may cause a dot pattern applied to a sheet of paper to become visible.","Specifically, in an image forming apparatus which forms a visually-unidentifiable dot pattern for identifying a manufacturer or the like on a sheet of paper, when increasing image density by adjusting a peripheral velocity ratio between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, density of the dot pattern also increases.","In this case, there is a risk that a favorable image can no longer be obtained because the increased density causes the dot pattern applied to the sheet of paper to become visually identifiable by a user.","In consideration thereof, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique which enables a favorable image to be obtained even when changing a peripheral velocity ratio between an image bearing member and a developer bearing member during image formation.","In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C2, which is lower than the first development contrast C1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C4, which is lower than the third development contrast C3, and when ΔC1 (=C2/C1) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=C4/C3) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied.","In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C2 which is lower than the first development contrast C1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C4 which is lower than the third development contrast C3, and when ΔC1 (=|C2−C1|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=|C4−C3|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, and the image forming apparatus sets spacing between two adjacent dots among a plurality of dots forming the specific dot pattern in the second image formation mode wider than spacing between the two dots in the first image formation mode.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=M2/M1) denotes a ratio between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=M4/M3) denotes a ratio between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=|M2−M1|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=|M4−M3|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.","In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developer bearing member for supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, wherein, compared to the first image formation mode, in the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate lower than an another rate at which density of a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern is increased.","The present invention enables a favorable image to be obtained even when forming an image by setting a higher peripheral velocity ratio than a prescribed peripheral velocity ratio.","Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG.","2 is a schematic sectional view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment; FIG.","3 is a schematic sectional view of a fixing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG.","4 is a diagram showing a flow of processes executed by an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG.","5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a toner amount laid on a sheet of paper and density of an image according to the first embodiment; FIGS.","6A and 6B are diagrams showing a relationship between potential of a photosensitive drum and a toner amount laid on a recording material; FIG.","7 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a normal image formation mode; FIG.","8 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a wide-color gamut image formation mode; FIG.","9 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a normal image formation mode; FIG.","10 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a wide-color gamut image formation mode; FIG.","11 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a normal image formation mode; and FIG.","12 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a wide-color gamut image formation mode.","DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Modes for carrying out the present invention are illustratively explained in detail below on the basis of embodiment with reference to the drawings.","However, dimensions, materials, and shapes of components described in the embodiments, relative arrangement of the components, and the like should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of an apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions.","That is, the dimensions, the materials, the shapes, and the relative arrangement are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.","First Embodiment <Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 200> The present embodiment enables execution of a normal image formation mode in which an image is formed with normal density and a wide-color gamut image formation mode in which a color gamut of an image is enlarged by changing a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vdr of a photosensitive drum 201 and a peripheral velocity Vd of a developing roller 302.The respective image formation modes differ from each other in the peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member and the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member.","In this case, the peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 is expressed as peripheral velocity ratio=peripheral velocity of developing roller 302÷peripheral velocity of photosensitive drum 201×100(%).","In a portion where the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other, when the photosensitive drum and the developing roller rotate in a same direction as depicted, the peripheral velocity ratio is as follows.","When the photosensitive drum is rotating at 200 mm/sec and the developing roller at 200 mm/sec, the peripheral velocity ratio is 100%.","On the other hand, when the photosensitive drum and the developing roller rotate in different directions in the contact portion, the peripheral velocity ratio is −100%.","In the normal image formation mode, toner as a developer adhered to the developing roller 302 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 201 by an action of a development contrast between a potential of an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 and a potential of the developing roller 302.Accordingly, the electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is developed as a toner image.","On the other hand, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, by increasing the peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302, a toner supply amount per unit area from the developing roller 302 to the photosensitive drum 201 is increased.","Accordingly, due to the action of the development contrast between the potential of an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member and the potential of the developing roller, a maximum amount of toner adherable to the developing roller 302 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 201.Hereinafter, a process cartridge 208 and the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.","FIG.","1 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.","The image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is an in-line system full-color laser printer adopting an intermediate transfer system.","The image forming apparatus 200 is capable of forming a full-color image on a recording material P (for example, recording paper) as a recording medium in accordance with image information.","The image information is input to a CPU 20 provided inside the image forming apparatus 200 from an image reading apparatus (not shown) which is connected to the image forming apparatus 200 or from a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer which is connected to the image forming apparatus 200 so as to be capable of communication.","In addition, as a plurality of image forming portions, the image forming apparatus 200 includes first, second, third, and fourth image forming portions S (SY, SM, SC, and SK) for forming images of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).","In this case, the image forming portion S includes the process cartridge 208 and primary transfer rollers 212 (212Y to 212K) which are arranged so as to oppose the photosensitive drum 201 via an intermediate transfer belt 205.In the present embodiment, the first to fourth image forming portions SY to SK are arranged in a single row in a direction intersecting both vertical and horizontal directions.","Moreover, in the present embodiment, configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming portions SY to SK are substantially the same with the exception of differences in colors of images formed.","Therefore, unless the image forming portions must be distinguished from one another, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K will be omitted and the image forming portions will be collectively described.","However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and, alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which black (K) has a larger shape and the image forming portion thereof is also larger than the other image forming portions.","In addition, a configuration including a fifth image forming portion using white toner or transparent toner is also valid.","As a plurality of image bearing members, the image forming apparatus 200 includes four photosensitive drums 201 which are drum-shaped electrophotographic photoreceptors arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.","The photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is rotationally driven in a direction of an arrow A (clockwise) in FIG.","1 by a driving force of a motor (refer to FIG.","2).","In addition, a charging roller 202 as charging means configured to uniformly charge a surface of the photosensitive drum 201 and a scanner unit 203 configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 201 by irradiating a laser based on image information are arranged in a periphery of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, a developing unit 204 configured to develop an electrostatic image as a toner image and a cleaning blade 206 configured to remove toner as a developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 after the toner image is transferred are arranged in the periphery of the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member.","Furthermore, a preliminary exposure LED 216 configured to eliminate a potential on the photosensitive drum 201 is arranged in the periphery of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 205 for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 to a recording material P as a recording medium is arranged so as to oppose the four photosensitive drums 201.The photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member, the charging roller 202, the developing unit 204, and the cleaning blade 206 are integrally configured as the process cartridge 208.The process cartridge 208 is configured to be attachable and detachable to and from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 200.In addition, in the present embodiment, all of the process cartridges 208 for the respective colors have a same shape, and toners as developers of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are housed in the process cartridges 208.Furthermore, as the toners as developers in the present embodiment, toners having negative-charging characteristics are used.","While the present embodiment is described using a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum and a developing unit are integrally configured, this configuration is not restrictive.","A configuration may be adopted in which a photosensitive unit including a photosensitive drum and a developing unit including a developer bearing member are respectively configured to be separately attachable and detachable to and from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus.","In a similar manner, while the toners according to the present embodiment are one-component developers, two-component developers or magnetic toners may be used depending on the configuration.","The intermediate transfer belt 205 formed by an endless belt is in contact with all of the photosensitive drums 201 and moves in a direction of an arrow B (counterclockwise) in FIG.","1.In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 205 is stretched over a driver roller 209, a secondary transfer opposing roller 210, and a driven roller 211.Four primary transfer rollers 212 are arranged parallel to each other on a side of an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 205 so as to oppose each photosensitive drum 201.Furthermore, a bias having an opposite polarity (in the present embodiment, a positive polarity) to a normal charging polarity of the toners is applied to the primary transfer rollers 212 from a primary transfer bias power supply (not shown).","Accordingly, a toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 205.In addition, a secondary transfer roller 213 is arranged at a position opposing the secondary transfer opposing roller 210 on a side of an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 205.Furthermore, a bias having an opposite polarity to the normal charging polarity of the toners is applied to the secondary transfer roller 213 from a secondary transfer bias power supply (not shown).","Accordingly, a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 205 is transferred onto the recording material P as a recording medium.","<Configuration of Process Cartridge 208> Next, an overall configuration of the process cartridge 208 to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.","2.FIG.","2 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 208 according to the first embodiment.","Specifically, FIG.","2 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 208 as viewed from an axial direction of a center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 201.Moreover, in the present embodiment, configurations and operations of the process cartridges 208 of the respective colors are the same with the exception of types (colors) of toners housed therein.","Obviously, a configuration and operations of each process cartridge can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration.","The process cartridge 208 includes a photoreceptor unit 301 including the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member and the like and the developing unit 204 including the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member and the like.","The photoreceptor unit 301 includes a cleaning frame body 303 which supports various elements in the photoreceptor unit 301.The photosensitive drum 201 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame body 303 via a bearing member (not shown).","In addition, the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow A (clockwise) in FIG.","2 in accordance with an image forming operation as a driving force of a motor (refer to FIG.","2) is transferred to the photoreceptor unit 301.As the photosensitive drum 201 configured to perform a central role of an image forming process, an organic photoreceptor is used in which an outer circumferential surface of an aluminum cylinder is sequentially coated with an undercoat layer, a carrier generation layer, and a carrier transfer layer which are functional membranes.","In addition, the cleaning blade 206 and the charging roller 202 are arranged in the photoreceptor unit 301 so as to come into contact with a circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 201.Furthermore, untransferred toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 by the cleaning blade 206 is housed in the cleaning frame body 303.The charging roller 202 which is charging means is driven so as to follow the photosensitive drum 201 when a roller portion made of conductive rubber is brought into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 201.Prescribed DC voltage is applied to a core of the charging roller 202 and, accordingly, a uniform dark-part potential (Vd) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, as described earlier, the scanner unit 203 as an exposing apparatus exposes the photosensitive drum 201 with laser light which is emitted in correspondence with image data.","Subsequently, as charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 are eliminated by a carrier from the carrier generation layer, the potential of the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 201 drops.","As a result, on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201, a portion exposed by the laser assumes a prescribed light-part potential (V1) and an unexposed portion not exposed by the laser assumes a prescribed dark-part potential (Vd).","Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 201.The developing unit 204 includes the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member (which rotates in a direction of an arrow D), a developing blade 308, and a toner supplying roller 304 (which rotates in a direction of an arrow E).","In addition, the developing unit 204 includes a toner housing chamber 306 which houses the toner as a developer.","The toner as a developer is stirred inside the toner housing chamber 306 by an action (a rotation in a direction of an arrow G) of a stirring member 307.In addition, in the present embodiment, a prescribed DC bias is applied to the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member.","Toner adheres to a light-part potential portion of the photosensitive drum 201 due to a potential difference between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 in a developing portion where the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 come into contact with each other.","Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 201 is visualized.","<Configuration of Fixing Apparatus> FIG.","3 is a schematic sectional view of a fixing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment.","The fixing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment is a fixing apparatus adopting a pressure roller drive system and includes a heating member 410, a cylindrical film 430 which comes into sliding contact with the heating member 410, and a pressure roller 440 which forms a fixing nip portion N with the heating member 410 via the film 430.In addition, the recording material P as a recording medium is sandwiched and conveyed in the fixing nip portion N and, at the same time, heated by heat from the heating member 410.Accordingly, an unfixed image formed on the recording material P as a recording medium is fixed by heating to the recording material P. In a state of being held by a heating member supporter 420, the heating member 410 is in pressure contact with a prescribed pressing force with the pressure roller 440 which is a pressing member via the cylindrical film 430 as a flexible member.","In addition, the pressure roller 440 is rotationally driven in a direction of an arrow H in FIG.","3 by a rotational driving portion 480.As the pressure roller 440 rotates and slidingly moves against an outer circumferential surface of the film 430, the film 430 rotates in a direction of an arrow I in FIG.","3.Specifically, the film 430 rotates in the direction of the arrow I around the heating member supporter 420 holding the heating member 410.In addition, the heating member 410 is electrically heated by a heating member driving circuit 470 as power is supplied to the heating member 410 from a commercial power supply.","Furthermore, the heating member 410 is controlled to a prescribed temperature adjusted for printing.","In this state, the recording material P bearing an unfixed toner image T is sandwiched and conveyed in a direction of an arrow F in the fixing nip portion N. Furthermore, as heat from the heating member 410 is applied to the recording material P via the film 430, the unfixed toner image T is fixed to the recording material P. Subsequently, the recording material P having passed the fixing nip portion N is separated in a curving manner from a surface of the film 430 and then discharged.","Moreover, in the fixing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment, a reference of paper passage of the recording material P is set to a central portion in a longitudinal direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow F of the recording material P) of each member.","As the cylindrical film 430, for example, a thin film cylinder with a thickness of around 30 μm to 100 μm and which uses a polyimide or SUS as a base layer is used.","In addition, releasability from the toner is maintained by coating the base layer with PFA, PTFA and the like via a primer layer.","Furthermore, a slide grease (not shown) is applied between an inner circumferential surface of the film 430 and the heating member supporter 420 and, accordingly, slidability between the film 430 and the heating member supporter 420 is maintained.","The pressure roller 440 is a rotating body in which, for example, an elastic layer such as silicone rubber is formed on a core.","In addition, in the present embodiment, a releasing layer with a thickness of around 10 to 100 μm and which is made of FEP, PFA, or the like is provided on the base layer via a primer layer.","Accordingly, releasability from the toner is maintained.","In addition, the heating member supporter 420 is formed of a highly heat-resistant resin such as PPS, PAI, PI, PEEK, and liquid crystal polymer having a heat insulating property, high heat resistance, and rigidity or a composite material of the resin and ceramics, metal, glass, or the like.","In this case, PPS stands for polyphenylene sulfide, PAI stands for polyamide-imide, PI stands for polyimide, and PEEK stands for polyether ether ketone.","Furthermore, the rotational driving portion 480 includes a motor 481 which rotationally drives the pressure roller 440, a control portion (CPU) 482 which controls rotation of the motor 481, and the like.","As the motor 481, for example, a DC motor or a stepping motor can be used.","<Explanation of Traceable Pattern> In the present embodiment, a dot pattern invisible to the naked eye is formed on the recording material P on which an image is formed.","Accordingly, a machine number of an image forming apparatus which is a manufacturer can be deduced from the applied dot pattern.","Therefore, an image forming apparatus which is a manufacturer having printed paper currency can be identified.","This system is generally referred to as a traceable pattern system.","A traceable pattern is normally formed using yellow toner which has low visibility.","In addition, a traceable pattern indicates various pieces of information on an output device such as a name of a manufacturer, a model name, a machine number, and an output status during output of an image to the recording material P. Moreover, in the present embodiment, a dot pattern formed by a plurality of dots is used as a traceable pattern.","Positions where the dot pattern is added onto an image are obtained by means such as converting, based on a certain rule, information to be superimposed.","Various rules are conceivable for conversion into positional information.","For example, in a conceivable case, a machine number or a model name of a printer main body is expressed by a binary sequence and “1” and “0” are respectively expressed by a presence or an absence of a dot pattern.","However, methods are not particularly limited in the present embodiment.","In addition, in the present embodiment, an image formed on the recording material P by the image forming apparatus 200 is a digital image formed by a plurality of dots.","Furthermore, a traceable pattern is read using a dedicated reading apparatus.","An appropriate process of converting a dot pattern into information is performed in reverse to a process of converting information to be superimposed into the dot pattern.","Accordingly, the machine number or the model name of the printer main body having output printed matter can be identified.","Moreover, in the present embodiment, a toner volume level of a traceable pattern is set to 60% or lower of a toner volume level of portions other than the traceable pattern (portions corresponding to “other than the dot pattern”).","In other words, the toner volume level of a traceable pattern is 60% or lower of the toner volume level of portions where a normal image is formed.","In addition, in the present embodiment, a size of dots constituting a traceable pattern changes depending on laser output.","Specifically, the scanner unit 203 irradiates the photosensitive drum 201 with a laser in accordance with image information converted by a printer driver.","Furthermore, the size of dots constituting a traceable pattern is determined in accordance with output of the laser.","FIG.","4 is a diagram showing a flow of processes executed by the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.","As shown in FIG.","4, a traceable pattern is generated by an additional information generating process which is independent of a normal image information processing process.","The traceable pattern is independent of the normal image information processing process in order to prevent the traceable pattern from being intentionally modified by a user.","In addition, information on the traceable pattern is added to normal image information by an additional information superimposing process which is performed after the normal image information processing process is finished.","In this manner, the traceable pattern is output for each image forming apparatus 200 without being effected by normal image processing processes.","As shown in FIG.","4, image information input from an image input terminal is first converted by a color converting process from RGB (red, green, and blue) information into CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) information.","Next, the CMYK information is corrected by various correcting processes.","For example, since a color expressed in RGB and a color expressed in CMYK do not necessarily match each other, the color expressed in CMYK is corrected so as to approach the color expressed in RGB as much as possible.","In addition, in a pseudo gradation processing process, dithering is performed so as to smooth shading of an image formed on the recording material P as a recording medium.","Furthermore, in the additional information superimposing process, additional information generated by the additional information generating process is added to image information.","In the present embodiment, in the additional information generating process, information on a traceable pattern for identifying an image forming apparatus having printed special paper currency and the like is generated.","Subsequently, image information to which the additional information has been added is output from an image output terminal.","<Normal Image Formation Mode and Wide-Color Gamut Image Formation Mode> In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 is capable of executing a wide-color gamut image formation mode in which a color gamut of an image is enlarged in order to form an image with better image quality.","In the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, by varying a peripheral velocity ratio (a ratio of peripheral velocities) between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302, a toner supply amount conveyed from the developing roller 302 to the photosensitive drum 201 can be increased.","The peripheral velocity ratio (the ratio of peripheral velocities) between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 can be changed by increasing the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 or by reducing the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201.In the present embodiment, on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member, a dark-part potential which refers to a potential of a portion not exposed by a laser is set to −500 [V] and a light-part potential which refers to a potential of a portion exposed by the laser is set to −100 [V].","In addition, in the present embodiment, the light-part potential is acquired by measuring a surface of the photosensitive drum 201 with a potentiometer when forming an image pattern (for example, a solid black image) which causes an image to be formed over the entire recording material P. Furthermore, by setting a developing potential of the developing roller to −350 [V], a difference between the light-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 and a difference between the dark-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 are respectively set to Δ250 [V].","Hereinafter, the difference between the light-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 and the difference between the dark-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 will be referred to as a development contrast.","In addition, with respect to toner to adhere to the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member, in the present embodiment, a toner amount per unit area (hereafter, denoted by M/S) is set to 3.0×10−3 [kg/m2].","Furthermore an electrified charge amount of the toner per unit area (hereafter, denoted by Q/S) is set to −0.15×10−3 [C/m2].","In the present embodiment, the toner supply amount was confirmed by setting the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201 to 0.2 [m/s] (constant) and varying the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 relative to the photosensitive drum 201.Moreover, a peripheral velocity ratio of 100% is assumed to represent a case where the peripheral velocities of the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 are the same and a peripheral velocity ratio of 140% is assumed to represent a case where the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 is 1.4 times the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, since a tinge of an image and density of the image are strongly related to each other, the present embodiment will be described with a focus on image density.","In the present embodiment, the ratio between the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201 and the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 is increased by increasing the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 relative to the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201.A toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is eventually fixed onto the recording material P. FIG.","5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an amount of toner forming an image and density of the image according to the first embodiment.","Moreover, since there is no difference among experiment results of the YMC toners, the experiment results will be described using the cyan toner.","In the case of a peripheral velocity ratio of 120%, density of 1.45 (Macbeth RD-918) generally required in office documents was obtained and a toner volume level on the recording material P was 3.6×10−3 kg/m2.When the peripheral velocity ratio was subsequently increased to 200%, density of 1.72 was obtained and the toner volume level on the recording material P was 6.0×10−3 kg/m2.In consideration thereof, in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode intended for office applications and the like, the peripheral velocity ratio is set to 120% as a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1 so that an image density of 1.45 is attained.","In addition, in the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, the peripheral velocity ratio is set to 200% as a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2 so that an image density of 1.7 or higher is attained.","As a result, when changing the peripheral velocity ratio from 120% to 200%, a ΔE target enlargement amount of 10 or larger was secured for red.","In this case, “a ΔE target enlargement amount of 10 or larger” means that a value of coordinates in the L*a*b* color system increased by 10 or more.","Moreover, red is created by mixing Y and M toners at a ratio of 1:1.The colors were measured using i1pro manufactured by X-Rite, Incorporated.","Measurements were conducted under conditions of a black backing, a D50 light source, and a 2-degree visual field.","In addition, GF-C081 manufactured by Canon Inc. was used as paper for sampling.","Furthermore, the fixing apparatus 400 was configured to convey the recording material P to a nip portion of the film 430 and the pressure roller 440 after a lapse of 10 seconds from a temperature of an outlet of the nip portion of the film 430 and the pressure roller 440 reaching 180° C. <Formation of Traceable Pattern> Conventionally, when confirming a state of a traceable pattern, while the traceable pattern is invisible in the normal image formation mode, there is a risk that the traceable pattern may become visible in the wide-color gamut image formation mode due to increased density of the traceable pattern.","In this case, a criterion of a traceable pattern being “invisible” or “visible” is whether or not the traceable pattern affects an original image (an image excluding the traceable pattern) as seen by the naked eye.","For example, a traceable pattern is “invisible” if the traceable pattern cannot be identified by the naked eye even when the traceable pattern can be identified through a magnifying glass.","In the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, since a larger amount of toner is supplied to dots forming the traceable pattern, density of the traceable pattern is increased.","In addition, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, since a larger amount of toner is supplied to dots forming the traceable pattern, dots forming the traceable pattern become larger than those in the normal image formation mode.","Accordingly, there is a risk that a traceable pattern may become visible in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode.","In consideration thereof, in the present embodiment, when forming an image on the recording material P in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, an amount of laser light is adjusted so that a light-part potential of a portion corresponding to a dot constituting a traceable pattern on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 equals −400 [V].","In other words, exposure of a portion corresponding to a traceable pattern on the photosensitive drum 201 causes a potential of the portion to become lower than a potential of portions other than that corresponding to the traceable pattern by 260 V. In this case, a light-part potential refers to a potential of a portion exposed by the scanner unit 203 as an exposing apparatus on the photosensitive drum 201.In the present embodiment, when toner adheres to the light part, an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 is developed as a toner image.","For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may be provided with a storage portion 500 which stores information on the image forming apparatus 200.The storage portion 500 is, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a memory.","In addition, the storage portion 500 may store, in advance, exposure of a traceable pattern in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode and exposure of a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","In this case, a control portion 600 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 executes a program stored in the storage portion 500 to adjust exposure of a traceable pattern to the set exposure in the normal image formation mode and the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","The control portion 600 adds, to image information, additional information (corresponding to first information) regarding exposure of a traceable pattern in the normal image formation mode or additional information (corresponding to second information) regarding exposure of a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","In addition, based on the image information to which the additional information has been added, the control portion 600 controls exposure by the scanner unit 203 as an exposing apparatus and forms an image on the recording material P. FIG.","6A is a diagram showing potentials on the photosensitive drum 201 of an image portion and a traceable pattern portion in both the normal image formation mode and the wide-color gamut image formation mode according to the first embodiment.","The contrast (development contrast) in the drawing refers to a difference between a developing potential and a light-part potential, and an amount in which toner adheres onto the photosensitive drum is determined in proportion to a magnitude of the contrast.","Since toner on the photosensitive drum is transferred as-is onto the recording material, a toner volume level on the recording material is also determined in proportion to the contrast.","FIG.","6B is a diagram showing toner amounts laid onto the recording material under the respective conditions shown in FIG.","6A.","By comparing FIG.","6B with FIG.","6A, it is shown that the toner volume level on the recording material is determined based on a magnitude of the contrast.","The following table compiles a potential of each portion and a toner volume level on a recording material under respective conditions.","Wide-color gamut image formation Normal image formation mode mode Traceable pattern Traceable pattern Image portion portion Image portion portion D roller peripheral 120% 200% velocity ratio Dark-part potential −500 V −500 V −750 V −750 V Developing −350 V −350 V −580 V −580 V potential Light-part potential −100 V −250 V −180 V −440 V Contrast 250 V 100 V 400 V 140 V Toner volume 0.36 mg/m2 0.15 mg/m2 0.60 mg/m2 0.22 mg/m2 level (on recording material) Let C1 (a first development contrast C1) denote a contrast of the image portion in the normal image formation mode and C2 (a second development contrast C2) denote a contrast of the traceable pattern portion in the normal image formation mode.","In a similar manner, let C3 (a third development contrast C3) denote a contrast of the image portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode and C4 (a fourth development contrast C4) denote a contrast of the traceable pattern portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","By reducing the contrast of the traceable pattern portion in comparison to the image portion in the normal image formation mode, a toner volume level of the traceable pattern portion is lowered than that of the image portion to make the traceable pattern less visible to the naked eye.","In a similar manner, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, the contrast of the traceable pattern portion is smaller than that in the image portion and a toner volume level of the traceable pattern portion is lower.","As a result, even in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, the traceable pattern cannot be identified by the naked eye.","Furthermore, when contrast ratios between the image portion and the traceable pattern portion in the respective modes are denoted by ΔC1=C2/C1 and ΔC2=C4/C3, ΔC1=C2/C1=100V/250V=2/5 and ΔC2=C4/C3=140V/400V=7/20 are satisfied, which in turn satisfy a relationship expressed as ΔC2<ΔC1.Since a toner volume level increases in the wide-color gamut image formation mode and a volume level in a traceable pattern portion increases when a contrast ratio remains similar to that in the normal image formation mode, the settings described above are adopted in order to prevent an occurrence of a state where the traceable pattern becomes identifiable to the naked eye.","By reducing the contrast ratio in the wide-color gamut image formation mode in comparison to the normal image formation mode, a toner volume level of the traceable pattern portion is suppressed to maintain a state where the traceable pattern is invisible to the naked eye.","Moreover, ΔC1 and ΔC2 can be used as “absolute difference values” instead of “ratios”.","For example, it can be expressed that ΔC1=|C2−C1| and ΔC2=|C4−C3|.","In this case, the relationship expressed as ΔC2<ΔC1 is also satisfied.","Due to this effect, in the present embodiment, while a toner volume level in the image portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode is 0.60 mg/m2 which represents an increase of 0.24 mg/m2 from the normal image formation mode, a toner volume level in the traceable pattern portion is 0.22 mg/m2 which represents an increase of only 0.07 mg/m2 from the normal image formation mode.","Therefore, compared to the normal image formation mode, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, the toner volume level in the traceable pattern portion (specific dot pattern), that is density of the traceable pattern portion is increased at a rate (0.15 mg/m2 to 0.22 mg/m2) lower than an another rate (0.36 mg/m2 to 0.60 mg/m2) at which the toner volume level of the image portion (a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern), that is, density of the image portion is increased.","Compared to the toner volume level of the image portion, that is the density of the image portion to be developed, the toner volume level in the traceable pattern portion, that is, the density of the traceable pattern portion to be developed is lowered by adjusting exposure of an electrostatic image corresponding to the traceable pattern portion by the exposing apparatus.","According to adjustment of the exposure amount of the present embodiment in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, a potential of a portion, corresponding to the traceable pattern portion on the photosensitive drum 201 in a case where the toner volume level (density) of the traceable pattern portion is increased at 0.07 mg/m2 (the rate) and the toner volume level (density) of the image portion is increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate), becomes lower than that in a case where the toner volume level (density) of both the traceable pattern portion and the image portion are increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate).","Thus, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, a difference between (A) a potential of a portion corresponding to the traceable pattern portion in a case where the toner volume level (density) of the traceable pattern portion is increased at 0.07 mg/m2 (the rate) and the toner volume level (density) of the image portion is increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate) and (B) a potential of the developing roller 302 is smaller than a difference between (i) a potential of a portion corresponding to the traceable pattern portion in a case where the toner volume level (density) of both the traceable pattern portion and the image portion are increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate) and (ii) the potential of the developing roller 302.Let M1 (a first developer volume level M1) denote a toner volume level in an image portion (a region corresponding to an image) in the normal image formation mode and M2 (a second developer volume level M2) denote a toner volume level in a traceable pattern portion (a region corresponding to a dot pattern) in the normal image formation mode.","In a similar manner, let M3 (a third developer volume level M3) denote a toner volume level in an image portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode and M4 (a fourth developer volume level M4) denote a toner volume level in a traceable pattern portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","When ratios of toner volume levels between the image portion and the traceable pattern portion in the respective modes are denoted by ΔM1=M2/M1 and ΔM2=M4/M3, ΔM1=M2/M1=0.15 mg/m2/0.36 mg/m2=5/12 and ΔM2=M4/M3=0.22 mg/m2/0.60 mg/m2=11/30 are satisfied, which in turn satisfy a relationship expressed as ΔM2<ΔM1.Moreover, ΔM1 and ΔM2 can also be used as “absolute difference values” instead of “ratios”.","For example, it can be expressed that ΔM1=|M2−M1| and ΔM2=|M4−M3|.","In this case, the relationship expressed as ΔM2<ΔM1 is also satisfied.","Moreover, since it is difficult to actually measure a toner volume level in a traceable pattern portion, a measurement of the toner volume levels described herein are substituted by measuring a toner amount when forming a solid image on a recording material under same contrast conditions as a traceable pattern portion.","Normally, when measuring a toner volume level on a recording material, toner is laid onto the recording material under measurement conditions (type of recording material, conditions of respective potentials, and the like) and, without fixing the toner, the toner is collected in an unfixed state and a mass thereof is measured.","At the same time, an area of a range onto which the toner had been laid is measured and the “toner volume level” in the table described earlier is calculated based on the measured mass and area of the toner.","For example, when measuring a toner volume level of an image portion in the normal image formation mode, first, toner is laid onto an appropriate recording material (for example, a sheet of Image Coat Gloss 158 manufactured by Canon Inc.) under same conditions as the image portion (D roller peripheral velocity ratio: 120%, dark-part potential: −500 V, developing potential: −350 V, light-part potential: −100 V, and contrast: 250V).","An area on which toner is to be laid is set in advance to, for example, a rectangle of 20 mm×50==1000 mm2.By collecting the toner laid onto this range and measuring a mass thereof, the toner volume level (in this case, 0.36 mg/m2) in the table described earlier is calculated.","A similar measurement method is used for a toner volume level in the wide-color gamut image formation mode with the exception of changing the D roller peripheral velocity ratio, conditions of respective potentials, and the like to those corresponding to the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Incidentally, since a traceable pattern portion is usually surrounded by an image portion and finely divided on a recording material, a toner volume level of only the toner volume level cannot be measured by a normal print operation.","In consideration thereof, when measuring a toner volume level of a traceable pattern (in this case, the normal image formation mode will continue to be described as an example), the toner volume level of the traceable pattern will be substituted by laying toner onto an appropriate recording material (for example, a sheet of Image Coat Gloss 158 manufactured by Canon Inc.) under same conditions as the traceable pattern portion (D roller peripheral velocity ratio: 120%, dark-part potential: −500 V, developing potential: −350 V, light-part potential: −250 V, and contrast: 100 V) and then measuring a mass of the toner.","A measurement of a toner volume level of a traceable pattern portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode is performed using a similar method by changing the D roller peripheral velocity ratio, conditions of respective potentials, and the like to those corresponding to the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","As described above, in the present embodiment, even in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, a toner volume level on a recording material can be suppressed and a traceable pattern can be prevented from becoming visible by adjusting a contrast on a photosensitive drum.","In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the two modes of a normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode and a wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode are executed.","However, modes are not necessarily limited to the above.","For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may have two wide-color gamut image formation modes, namely, a first wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.7 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 200%) and a second wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.9 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 300%).","In this case, an amount of laser light which irradiates a portion corresponding to a traceable pattern on the photosensitive drum 201 may be respectively set in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode and the second wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Accordingly, in both the first wide-color gamut image formation mode and the second wide-color gamut image formation mode, by adjusting exposure of the portion corresponding to the traceable pattern (by setting a density of the traceable pattern to or below a prescribed density), the traceable pattern can be prevented from becoming visible.","As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, density of a traceable pattern is set lower than the density of the traceable pattern in a case where density of an entire image including the traceable pattern is increased in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Accordingly, a traceable pattern is prevented from becoming visible to a user in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Second Embodiment Parts of the present embodiment which have same functions as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference characters and a description thereof will be omitted.","In the present embodiment, unlike in the first embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, visualization of a traceable pattern is suppressed by increasing spacing between two adjacent dots among a plurality of dots forming the traceable pattern.","In this case, a traceable pattern is normally formed by a plurality of dots.","In addition, in the present embodiment, separate traceable patterns are respectively set in the normal image formation mode and the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","In the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode in which density of an image formed on the recording material P is high (a toner volume level is high), spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set wider than in the normal image formation mode.","In other words, in the present embodiment, shapes of the traceable pattern are changed between the wide-color gamut image formation mode and the normal image formation mode.","On the other hand, in the normal image formation mode in which density of an image formed on the recording material P is not high, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is not widened.","In the present embodiment, a traceable pattern formed on the recording material P can be read using a dedicated reading apparatus.","In addition, in order to make the traceable pattern easily readable by the reading apparatus, in the normal image formation mode, spacing between the dots forming the traceable pattern is set to an appropriate spacing.","In the present embodiment, in the normal image formation mode, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set narrower than in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Specifically, for example, the storage portion 500 stores, in advance, a traceable pattern in the normal image formation and a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","As described above, it is assumed that, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set wider than in the normal image formation mode.","In this case, the control portion 600 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 executes a program stored in the storage portion 500 to form a traceable pattern set in advance on the recording material P in the normal image formation mode and in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","The control portion 600 adds, to image information, additional information on a traceable pattern in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode, or additional information on a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","In addition, based on image information to which the additional information has been added, the control portion 600 controls operations of the image forming apparatus 200 so that the traceable pattern is formed and an image is formed on the recording material P. Moreover, the control portion 600 is, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU and is capable of controlling operations of devices inside the image forming apparatus 200 by executing a program stored in the storage portion 500.FIG.","7 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern A formed in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode.","In addition, FIG.","8 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern B formed in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","For example, let us assume that the traceable pattern formed on the recording material P in the normal image formation mode is the traceable pattern A (refer to FIG.","7).","In the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode, the traceable pattern A is formed on the recording material P on which an image is formed.","In this case, the traceable pattern A formed on the recording material P is invisible.","However, when forming the traceable pattern A in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, there is a risk that a part of the traceable pattern A may become visible due to an increase of a toner amount per unit area of the traceable pattern A.","In the wide-color gamut image formation mode, since a larger amount of toner is laid on the traceable pattern A than in the normal image formation mode, there is a risk that the toner may even spread to blank portions between dots forming the traceable pattern A.","In this case, as the blanks between the dots forming the traceable pattern A become filled, as shown in FIG.","8, a plurality of separate dots may merge into one large dot.","As a result, there is a risk that the traceable pattern A may become visible.","FIG.","9 is a diagram showing the traceable pattern B in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode.","In addition, FIG.","10 is a diagram showing the traceable pattern B in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","In the present embodiment, in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.7 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 200%), spacing between dots forming the traceable pattern B is widened as shown in FIG.","9.In the present embodiment, by widening the spacing between dots forming the traceable pattern B, a plurality of dots forming the traceable pattern B are prevented from merging into one large dot.","As a result, in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode, even when toner is laid in an amount larger than usual on the dots forming the traceable pattern B, since the dots are sufficiently separated from each other, situations where the traceable pattern B becomes visible can be reduced.","For the dots to fulfill their roles as a traceable pattern, independency of the dots constituting the traceable pattern must be secured.","When the dots constituting a traceable pattern are identifiable, the dots have “independency”.","On the other hand, in a case where adjacent dots are connected to each other and the dots are not identifiable, the dots do not have “independency”.","Therefore, in the present embodiment, a dot on which toner is laid is at least not formed adjacent to a dot constituting a traceable pattern.","Generally, a traceable pattern is formed in a size of around 3×3 dots (a square with 3 dots on a side) to 5×5 dots (a square with 5 dots on aside).","Since authentication performance declines when using a large traceable pattern, a size of a traceable pattern is set to a certain size.","In consideration thereof, in the present embodiment, when enlarging the spacing between dots in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, an appropriate size of a traceable pattern is around 10×10 dots (a square with 10 dots on a side).","In addition, FIG.","11 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern C in the normal image formation mode.","Furthermore, FIG.","12 is a diagram showing the traceable pattern C in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","In the present embodiment, in the second wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.9 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 300%), the traceable pattern C is formed on the recording material P. Spacing between dots forming the traceable pattern C is set wider than the dots forming the traceable pattern B.","Therefore, although a toner amount per unit area in the second wide-color gamut image formation mode is larger than a toner amount per unit area in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode, even in the second wide-color gamut image formation mode, the traceable pattern C can be prevented from becoming visible.","As described above, in to the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set wider than in a case where density of an entire image including the traceable pattern is increased by the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Accordingly, a traceable pattern is prevented from becoming visible to a user in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.","Moreover, in the respective embodiments, a color gamut and/or density of an image need not necessarily be changed in accordance with a peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302.For example, a color gamut and/or density of an image may be changed by changing exposure by the scanner unit 203 with respect to the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, in the first embodiment, the exposure by the scanner unit 203 with respect to the photosensitive drum 201 need not necessarily be stored in advance in a storage medium.","For example, density of a traceable pattern may be adjusted by correcting the exposure by the scanner unit 203 with respect to the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member.","Furthermore, in the second embodiment, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern need not necessarily be stored in advance in a storage medium.","For example, the spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern may be widened by correcting the spacing between the dots forming the traceable pattern.","In addition, while the traceable pattern A, the traceable pattern B, and the traceable pattern C are used as traceable patterns in the second embodiment, traceable patterns are not limited thereto.","Instead of being limited to the traceable patterns A to C, traceable patterns may be used without particular limitation as long as a similar effect can be obtained.","While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.","The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.","This application claims the benefits of Japanese Patent Application No.","2016-057714, filed on Mar.","22, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No.","2017-019608, filed on Feb. 6, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS\",\n \"In a first image formation mode, an image is formed with a first development contrast C1 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a second development contrast C2, which is lower than the first development contrast C1; in a second image formation mode, an image is formed with a third development contrast C3 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a fourth development contrast C4, which is lower than the third development contrast C3; and when ΔC1 (=C2/C1) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=C4/C3) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.-27.\",\n \"(canceled) 28.An image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member that supplies a developer to the image bearing member and develops the electrostatic image; and processing portion that processes image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed on recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus executes: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1 in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=M2/M1) denotes a ratio between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=M4/M3) denotes a ratio between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.\",\n \"29.An image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member that supplies a developer to the image bearing member and develops the electrostatic image; and processing portion that processes image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed on recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus executes: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=|M2−M1|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=|M4−M3|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.\",\n \"30.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a control unit that executes the first image formation mode and the second image formation mode.\",\n \"31.An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developer bearing member that supplies a developer to the image bearing member and develops the electrostatic image; and processing portion that processes image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed on recording material, wherein the image forming apparatus executes: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, wherein, in switching from the first image formation mode and to the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate that is lower than another rate of density increase of a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern.\",\n \"32.The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing the image bearing member, wherein on the image bearing member, in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern to be developed is lowered by adjusting exposure of an electrostatic image corresponding to the specific dot pattern by the exposing apparatus.\",\n \"33.The image forming apparatus according to claim 32, wherein in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, exposure of the electrostatic image corresponding to the specific dot pattern is adjusted so that a potential of a portion of the image bearing member corresponding to the specific dot pattern in a case where density of the specific dot pattern is increased at the rate and density of the dot pattern is increased at the another rate becomes lower than when the density of both the specific dot pattern and the dot pattern are increased at the another rate.\",\n \"34.The image forming apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, in the second image formation mode, a difference between a potential of a portion corresponding to the specific dot pattern in a case where density of the specific dot pattern is increased at the rate and density of the dot pattern of the image is increased at the another rate, and a potential of the developer bearing member is smaller than a difference between (i) a potential of a portion corresponding to the specific dot pattern in a case where density of both the specific dot pattern and the dot pattern of the image are increased at the another rate, and (ii) the potential of the developer bearing member.\",\n \"35.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that the ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.\",\n \"36.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that a developer volume level of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate that is lower than another rate of a developer volume level increase of a dot of the image other than the specific dot pattern.\",\n \"37.The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing based on the image information, the image information including normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so as to control an exposure amount of the exposing apparatus.\",\n \"38.The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that the ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.\",\n \"39.The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein, in switching from the first image formation mode to the second image formation mode, the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that a developer volume level of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate that is lower than another rate of a developer volume level increase of a dot of the image other than the specific dot pattern.\",\n \"40.The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing based on the image information, the image information including normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so as to control an exposure amount of the exposing apparatus.\",\n \"41.The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the image information includes normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so that density of the specific dot pattern is increased at the rate that is lower than the another rate of density increase of a dot of the image other than the specific dot pattern.\",\n \"42.The image forming apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising an exposing apparatus that forms the electrostatic image on the image bearing member by exposing based on the image information, the image information including normal image information and additional image information corresponding to the specific pattern, wherein the processing portion adds the additional information to the normal image information so as to control an exposure amount of the exposing apparatus.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>However, when the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2013-210489 is adopted with respect to the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"H10-076735 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2001-103282, increased density of an image may cause a dot pattern applied to a sheet of paper to become visible.\",\n \"Specifically, in an image forming apparatus which forms a visually-unidentifiable dot pattern for identifying a manufacturer or the like on a sheet of paper, when increasing image density by adjusting a peripheral velocity ratio between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, density of the dot pattern also increases.\",\n \"In this case, there is a risk that a favorable image can no longer be obtained because the increased density causes the dot pattern applied to the sheet of paper to become visually identifiable by a user.\",\n \"In consideration thereof, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique which enables a favorable image to be obtained even when changing a peripheral velocity ratio between an image bearing member and a developer bearing member during image formation.\",\n \"In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C 1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C 2 , which is lower than the first development contrast C 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C 3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C 4 , which is lower than the third development contrast C 3 , and when ΔC 1 (=C 2 /C 1 ) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C 2 and the first development contrast C 1 , and ΔC 2 (=C 4 /C 3 ) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C 4 and the third development contrast C 3 , ΔC 2 <ΔC 1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C 1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C 2 which is lower than the first development contrast C 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C 3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C 4 which is lower than the third development contrast C 3 , and when ΔC 1 (=|C 2 −C 1 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second development contrast C 2 and the first development contrast C 1 , and ΔC 2 (=|C 4 −C 3 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth development contrast C 4 and the third development contrast C 3 , ΔC 2 <ΔC 1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , and the image forming apparatus sets spacing between two adjacent dots among a plurality of dots forming the specific dot pattern in the second image formation mode wider than spacing between the two dots in the first image formation mode.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M 1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M 2 , which is lower than the first developer volume level M 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M 3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M 4 , which is lower than the third developer volume level M 3 , and when ΔM 1 (=M 2 /M 1 ) denotes a ratio between the second developer volume level M 2 and the first developer volume level M 1 , and ΔM 2 (=M 4 /M 3 ) denotes a ratio between the fourth developer volume level M 4 and the third developer volume level M 3 , ΔM 2 <ΔM 1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M 1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M 2 , which is lower than the first developer volume level M 1 , in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M 3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M 4 , which is lower than the third developer volume level M 3 , and when ΔM 1 (=|M 2 −M 1 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second developer volume level M 2 and the first developer volume level M 1 , and ΔM 2 (=|M 4 −M 3 |) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth developer volume level M 4 and the third developer volume level M 3 , ΔM 2 <ΔM 1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developer bearing member for supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 ; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 2 , which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV 1 , wherein, compared to the first image formation mode, in the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate lower than an another rate at which density of a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern is increased.\",\n \"The present invention enables a favorable image to be obtained even when forming an image by setting a higher peripheral velocity ratio than a prescribed peripheral velocity ratio.\",\n \"Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.\"\n ],\n [\n \"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic technique.\",\n \"Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as laser beam printers, an in-line color system is known in which a plurality of image forming stations are arranged in parallel in a movement direction of an intermediate transfer belt.\",\n \"With an image forming apparatus adopting the in-line color system, first, an electrostatic latent image is formed on a surface of a photosensitive drum in the plurality of image forming stations.\",\n \"The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed by a developing apparatus as a toner image.\",\n \"In addition, toner images of respective colors formed at the plurality of image forming stations are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt so as to overlap with each other.\",\n \"Furthermore, the toner images of the respective colors primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt are secondarily transferred onto a sheet such as a sheet of paper.\",\n \"Subsequently, as the sheet onto which the toner images have been secondarily transferred is subjected to heat and pressure by a fixing apparatus, the toner images are fixed to the sheet.\",\n \"In this manner, an image is formed on the sheet.\",\n \"In this case, density of the image formed on the sheet is desirably consistent with density desired by a user.\",\n \"In addition, a tinge of the image formed on the sheet is also desirably consistent with a tinge desired by the user.\",\n \"In consideration thereof, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2013-210489, a color gamut of an image is enlarged and an upper limit value of density of the image is increased by causing a peripheral velocity difference between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller to vary.\",\n \"In addition, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2013-210489 suppresses toner scattering, image thinning, and the like which are caused when the peripheral velocity difference between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is increased.\",\n \"Specifically, instead of increasing the peripheral velocity difference between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller by increasing a peripheral velocity of the developing roller, the peripheral velocity difference between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller is increased by reducing a peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum.\",\n \"Accordingly, toner scattering, image thinning, and the like are suppressed.\",\n \"In addition, recently, the widespread use of image forming apparatuses capable of printing images with high image quality in a stable manner has given rise to a new problem in that paper currency, securities, and the like can be easily printed using a full-color image forming apparatus.\",\n \"In order to solve this problem, with a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"H10-076735, a regular dot pattern indicating a machine number of an image forming apparatus is applied to a sheet of paper when printing an image.\",\n \"Accordingly, when, for instance, printed matter resembling paper currency is discovered, a machine number can be deduced from the dot pattern applied to the paper currency and an image forming apparatus used to print the printed matter can be identified.\",\n \"Furthermore, with a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2001-103282, density in a vicinity of a portion where a dot pattern indicating information related to an image forming apparatus is added on a sheet is detected and the dot pattern is changed in accordance with the density in the vicinity of the portion.\",\n \"Specifically, when the vicinity of the portion where the dot pattern is added has high density, the dot pattern is made recognizable by reducing spacing among dots constituting the dot pattern.\",\n \"On the other hand, when the vicinity of the portion where the dot pattern is added has low density, the dot pattern is made less visible by increasing the spacing among the dots constituting the dot pattern.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, when the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2013-210489 is adopted with respect to the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"H10-076735 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.\",\n \"2001-103282, increased density of an image may cause a dot pattern applied to a sheet of paper to become visible.\",\n \"Specifically, in an image forming apparatus which forms a visually-unidentifiable dot pattern for identifying a manufacturer or the like on a sheet of paper, when increasing image density by adjusting a peripheral velocity ratio between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, density of the dot pattern also increases.\",\n \"In this case, there is a risk that a favorable image can no longer be obtained because the increased density causes the dot pattern applied to the sheet of paper to become visually identifiable by a user.\",\n \"In consideration thereof, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique which enables a favorable image to be obtained even when changing a peripheral velocity ratio between an image bearing member and a developer bearing member during image formation.\",\n \"In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C2, which is lower than the first development contrast C1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C4, which is lower than the third development contrast C3, and when ΔC1 (=C2/C1) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=C4/C3) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a first development contrast C1 and forms the specific dot pattern with a second development contrast C2 which is lower than the first development contrast C1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image with a third development contrast C3 and forms the specific dot pattern with a fourth development contrast C4 which is lower than the third development contrast C3, and when ΔC1 (=|C2−C1|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=|C4−C3|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, and the image forming apparatus sets spacing between two adjacent dots among a plurality of dots forming the specific dot pattern in the second image formation mode wider than spacing between the two dots in the first image formation mode.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=M2/M1) denotes a ratio between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=M4/M3) denotes a ratio between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a rotatable image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a rotatable developer bearing member supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, in the first image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a first developer volume level M1 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a second developer volume level M2, which is lower than the first developer volume level M1, in the second image formation mode, the image forming apparatus forms an image by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the image has a third developer volume level M3 and forms the specific dot pattern by supplying the developer to the image bearing member so that a region corresponding to the specific dot pattern has a fourth developer volume level M4, which is lower than the third developer volume level M3, and when ΔM1 (=|M2−M1|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the second developer volume level M2 and the first developer volume level M1, and ΔM2 (=|M4−M3|) denotes an absolute value of a difference between the fourth developer volume level M4 and the third developer volume level M3, ΔM2<ΔM1 is satisfied.\",\n \"In addition, in order to achieve the object described above, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed; a developer bearing member for supplying a developer to the image bearing member and developing the electrostatic image; and processing portion for processing image information so as to add a specific dot pattern to an image to be formed, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of executing: a first image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vd of the developer bearing member and a peripheral velocity Vdr of the image bearing member to a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1; and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed based on the image information by setting the peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr to a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2, which is higher than the first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1, wherein, compared to the first image formation mode, in the second image formation mode, density of the specific dot pattern is increased at a rate lower than an another rate at which density of a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern is increased.\",\n \"The present invention enables a favorable image to be obtained even when forming an image by setting a higher peripheral velocity ratio than a prescribed peripheral velocity ratio.\",\n \"Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic sectional view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic sectional view of a fixing apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a diagram showing a flow of processes executed by an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a toner amount laid on a sheet of paper and density of an image according to the first embodiment; FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B are diagrams showing a relationship between potential of a photosensitive drum and a toner amount laid on a recording material; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a normal image formation mode; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a wide-color gamut image formation mode; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a normal image formation mode; FIG.\",\n \"10 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a wide-color gamut image formation mode; FIG.\",\n \"11 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a normal image formation mode; and FIG.\",\n \"12 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern in a wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Modes for carrying out the present invention are illustratively explained in detail below on the basis of embodiment with reference to the drawings.\",\n \"However, dimensions, materials, and shapes of components described in the embodiments, relative arrangement of the components, and the like should be changed as appropriate according to the configuration of an apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions.\",\n \"That is, the dimensions, the materials, the shapes, and the relative arrangement are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.\",\n \"First Embodiment <Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 200> The present embodiment enables execution of a normal image formation mode in which an image is formed with normal density and a wide-color gamut image formation mode in which a color gamut of an image is enlarged by changing a peripheral velocity ratio Vd/Vdr between a peripheral velocity Vdr of a photosensitive drum 201 and a peripheral velocity Vd of a developing roller 302.The respective image formation modes differ from each other in the peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member and the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member.\",\n \"In this case, the peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 is expressed as peripheral velocity ratio=peripheral velocity of developing roller 302÷peripheral velocity of photosensitive drum 201×100(%).\",\n \"In a portion where the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other, when the photosensitive drum and the developing roller rotate in a same direction as depicted, the peripheral velocity ratio is as follows.\",\n \"When the photosensitive drum is rotating at 200 mm/sec and the developing roller at 200 mm/sec, the peripheral velocity ratio is 100%.\",\n \"On the other hand, when the photosensitive drum and the developing roller rotate in different directions in the contact portion, the peripheral velocity ratio is −100%.\",\n \"In the normal image formation mode, toner as a developer adhered to the developing roller 302 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 201 by an action of a development contrast between a potential of an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 and a potential of the developing roller 302.Accordingly, the electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is developed as a toner image.\",\n \"On the other hand, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, by increasing the peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302, a toner supply amount per unit area from the developing roller 302 to the photosensitive drum 201 is increased.\",\n \"Accordingly, due to the action of the development contrast between the potential of an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member and the potential of the developing roller, a maximum amount of toner adherable to the developing roller 302 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 201.Hereinafter, a process cartridge 208 and the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.\",\n \"The image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is an in-line system full-color laser printer adopting an intermediate transfer system.\",\n \"The image forming apparatus 200 is capable of forming a full-color image on a recording material P (for example, recording paper) as a recording medium in accordance with image information.\",\n \"The image information is input to a CPU 20 provided inside the image forming apparatus 200 from an image reading apparatus (not shown) which is connected to the image forming apparatus 200 or from a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer which is connected to the image forming apparatus 200 so as to be capable of communication.\",\n \"In addition, as a plurality of image forming portions, the image forming apparatus 200 includes first, second, third, and fourth image forming portions S (SY, SM, SC, and SK) for forming images of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).\",\n \"In this case, the image forming portion S includes the process cartridge 208 and primary transfer rollers 212 (212Y to 212K) which are arranged so as to oppose the photosensitive drum 201 via an intermediate transfer belt 205.In the present embodiment, the first to fourth image forming portions SY to SK are arranged in a single row in a direction intersecting both vertical and horizontal directions.\",\n \"Moreover, in the present embodiment, configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming portions SY to SK are substantially the same with the exception of differences in colors of images formed.\",\n \"Therefore, unless the image forming portions must be distinguished from one another, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K will be omitted and the image forming portions will be collectively described.\",\n \"However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and, alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which black (K) has a larger shape and the image forming portion thereof is also larger than the other image forming portions.\",\n \"In addition, a configuration including a fifth image forming portion using white toner or transparent toner is also valid.\",\n \"As a plurality of image bearing members, the image forming apparatus 200 includes four photosensitive drums 201 which are drum-shaped electrophotographic photoreceptors arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.\",\n \"The photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is rotationally driven in a direction of an arrow A (clockwise) in FIG.\",\n \"1 by a driving force of a motor (refer to FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"In addition, a charging roller 202 as charging means configured to uniformly charge a surface of the photosensitive drum 201 and a scanner unit 203 configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 201 by irradiating a laser based on image information are arranged in a periphery of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, a developing unit 204 configured to develop an electrostatic image as a toner image and a cleaning blade 206 configured to remove toner as a developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 after the toner image is transferred are arranged in the periphery of the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member.\",\n \"Furthermore, a preliminary exposure LED 216 configured to eliminate a potential on the photosensitive drum 201 is arranged in the periphery of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 205 for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 to a recording material P as a recording medium is arranged so as to oppose the four photosensitive drums 201.The photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member, the charging roller 202, the developing unit 204, and the cleaning blade 206 are integrally configured as the process cartridge 208.The process cartridge 208 is configured to be attachable and detachable to and from an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 200.In addition, in the present embodiment, all of the process cartridges 208 for the respective colors have a same shape, and toners as developers of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are housed in the process cartridges 208.Furthermore, as the toners as developers in the present embodiment, toners having negative-charging characteristics are used.\",\n \"While the present embodiment is described using a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum and a developing unit are integrally configured, this configuration is not restrictive.\",\n \"A configuration may be adopted in which a photosensitive unit including a photosensitive drum and a developing unit including a developer bearing member are respectively configured to be separately attachable and detachable to and from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus.\",\n \"In a similar manner, while the toners according to the present embodiment are one-component developers, two-component developers or magnetic toners may be used depending on the configuration.\",\n \"The intermediate transfer belt 205 formed by an endless belt is in contact with all of the photosensitive drums 201 and moves in a direction of an arrow B (counterclockwise) in FIG.\",\n \"1.In addition, the intermediate transfer belt 205 is stretched over a driver roller 209, a secondary transfer opposing roller 210, and a driven roller 211.Four primary transfer rollers 212 are arranged parallel to each other on a side of an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 205 so as to oppose each photosensitive drum 201.Furthermore, a bias having an opposite polarity (in the present embodiment, a positive polarity) to a normal charging polarity of the toners is applied to the primary transfer rollers 212 from a primary transfer bias power supply (not shown).\",\n \"Accordingly, a toner image on the photosensitive drum 201 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 205.In addition, a secondary transfer roller 213 is arranged at a position opposing the secondary transfer opposing roller 210 on a side of an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 205.Furthermore, a bias having an opposite polarity to the normal charging polarity of the toners is applied to the secondary transfer roller 213 from a secondary transfer bias power supply (not shown).\",\n \"Accordingly, a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 205 is transferred onto the recording material P as a recording medium.\",\n \"<Configuration of Process Cartridge 208> Next, an overall configuration of the process cartridge 208 to be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.\",\n \"2.FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 208 according to the first embodiment.\",\n \"Specifically, FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 208 as viewed from an axial direction of a center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 201.Moreover, in the present embodiment, configurations and operations of the process cartridges 208 of the respective colors are the same with the exception of types (colors) of toners housed therein.\",\n \"Obviously, a configuration and operations of each process cartridge can be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration.\",\n \"The process cartridge 208 includes a photoreceptor unit 301 including the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member and the like and the developing unit 204 including the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member and the like.\",\n \"The photoreceptor unit 301 includes a cleaning frame body 303 which supports various elements in the photoreceptor unit 301.The photosensitive drum 201 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame body 303 via a bearing member (not shown).\",\n \"In addition, the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow A (clockwise) in FIG.\",\n \"2 in accordance with an image forming operation as a driving force of a motor (refer to FIG.\",\n \"2) is transferred to the photoreceptor unit 301.As the photosensitive drum 201 configured to perform a central role of an image forming process, an organic photoreceptor is used in which an outer circumferential surface of an aluminum cylinder is sequentially coated with an undercoat layer, a carrier generation layer, and a carrier transfer layer which are functional membranes.\",\n \"In addition, the cleaning blade 206 and the charging roller 202 are arranged in the photoreceptor unit 301 so as to come into contact with a circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 201.Furthermore, untransferred toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 by the cleaning blade 206 is housed in the cleaning frame body 303.The charging roller 202 which is charging means is driven so as to follow the photosensitive drum 201 when a roller portion made of conductive rubber is brought into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 201.Prescribed DC voltage is applied to a core of the charging roller 202 and, accordingly, a uniform dark-part potential (Vd) is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, as described earlier, the scanner unit 203 as an exposing apparatus exposes the photosensitive drum 201 with laser light which is emitted in correspondence with image data.\",\n \"Subsequently, as charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 are eliminated by a carrier from the carrier generation layer, the potential of the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 201 drops.\",\n \"As a result, on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201, a portion exposed by the laser assumes a prescribed light-part potential (V1) and an unexposed portion not exposed by the laser assumes a prescribed dark-part potential (Vd).\",\n \"Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 201.The developing unit 204 includes the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member (which rotates in a direction of an arrow D), a developing blade 308, and a toner supplying roller 304 (which rotates in a direction of an arrow E).\",\n \"In addition, the developing unit 204 includes a toner housing chamber 306 which houses the toner as a developer.\",\n \"The toner as a developer is stirred inside the toner housing chamber 306 by an action (a rotation in a direction of an arrow G) of a stirring member 307.In addition, in the present embodiment, a prescribed DC bias is applied to the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member.\",\n \"Toner adheres to a light-part potential portion of the photosensitive drum 201 due to a potential difference between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 in a developing portion where the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 come into contact with each other.\",\n \"Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 201 is visualized.\",\n \"<Configuration of Fixing Apparatus> FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic sectional view of a fixing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment.\",\n \"The fixing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment is a fixing apparatus adopting a pressure roller drive system and includes a heating member 410, a cylindrical film 430 which comes into sliding contact with the heating member 410, and a pressure roller 440 which forms a fixing nip portion N with the heating member 410 via the film 430.In addition, the recording material P as a recording medium is sandwiched and conveyed in the fixing nip portion N and, at the same time, heated by heat from the heating member 410.Accordingly, an unfixed image formed on the recording material P as a recording medium is fixed by heating to the recording material P. In a state of being held by a heating member supporter 420, the heating member 410 is in pressure contact with a prescribed pressing force with the pressure roller 440 which is a pressing member via the cylindrical film 430 as a flexible member.\",\n \"In addition, the pressure roller 440 is rotationally driven in a direction of an arrow H in FIG.\",\n \"3 by a rotational driving portion 480.As the pressure roller 440 rotates and slidingly moves against an outer circumferential surface of the film 430, the film 430 rotates in a direction of an arrow I in FIG.\",\n \"3.Specifically, the film 430 rotates in the direction of the arrow I around the heating member supporter 420 holding the heating member 410.In addition, the heating member 410 is electrically heated by a heating member driving circuit 470 as power is supplied to the heating member 410 from a commercial power supply.\",\n \"Furthermore, the heating member 410 is controlled to a prescribed temperature adjusted for printing.\",\n \"In this state, the recording material P bearing an unfixed toner image T is sandwiched and conveyed in a direction of an arrow F in the fixing nip portion N. Furthermore, as heat from the heating member 410 is applied to the recording material P via the film 430, the unfixed toner image T is fixed to the recording material P. Subsequently, the recording material P having passed the fixing nip portion N is separated in a curving manner from a surface of the film 430 and then discharged.\",\n \"Moreover, in the fixing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment, a reference of paper passage of the recording material P is set to a central portion in a longitudinal direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow F of the recording material P) of each member.\",\n \"As the cylindrical film 430, for example, a thin film cylinder with a thickness of around 30 μm to 100 μm and which uses a polyimide or SUS as a base layer is used.\",\n \"In addition, releasability from the toner is maintained by coating the base layer with PFA, PTFA and the like via a primer layer.\",\n \"Furthermore, a slide grease (not shown) is applied between an inner circumferential surface of the film 430 and the heating member supporter 420 and, accordingly, slidability between the film 430 and the heating member supporter 420 is maintained.\",\n \"The pressure roller 440 is a rotating body in which, for example, an elastic layer such as silicone rubber is formed on a core.\",\n \"In addition, in the present embodiment, a releasing layer with a thickness of around 10 to 100 μm and which is made of FEP, PFA, or the like is provided on the base layer via a primer layer.\",\n \"Accordingly, releasability from the toner is maintained.\",\n \"In addition, the heating member supporter 420 is formed of a highly heat-resistant resin such as PPS, PAI, PI, PEEK, and liquid crystal polymer having a heat insulating property, high heat resistance, and rigidity or a composite material of the resin and ceramics, metal, glass, or the like.\",\n \"In this case, PPS stands for polyphenylene sulfide, PAI stands for polyamide-imide, PI stands for polyimide, and PEEK stands for polyether ether ketone.\",\n \"Furthermore, the rotational driving portion 480 includes a motor 481 which rotationally drives the pressure roller 440, a control portion (CPU) 482 which controls rotation of the motor 481, and the like.\",\n \"As the motor 481, for example, a DC motor or a stepping motor can be used.\",\n \"<Explanation of Traceable Pattern> In the present embodiment, a dot pattern invisible to the naked eye is formed on the recording material P on which an image is formed.\",\n \"Accordingly, a machine number of an image forming apparatus which is a manufacturer can be deduced from the applied dot pattern.\",\n \"Therefore, an image forming apparatus which is a manufacturer having printed paper currency can be identified.\",\n \"This system is generally referred to as a traceable pattern system.\",\n \"A traceable pattern is normally formed using yellow toner which has low visibility.\",\n \"In addition, a traceable pattern indicates various pieces of information on an output device such as a name of a manufacturer, a model name, a machine number, and an output status during output of an image to the recording material P. Moreover, in the present embodiment, a dot pattern formed by a plurality of dots is used as a traceable pattern.\",\n \"Positions where the dot pattern is added onto an image are obtained by means such as converting, based on a certain rule, information to be superimposed.\",\n \"Various rules are conceivable for conversion into positional information.\",\n \"For example, in a conceivable case, a machine number or a model name of a printer main body is expressed by a binary sequence and “1” and “0” are respectively expressed by a presence or an absence of a dot pattern.\",\n \"However, methods are not particularly limited in the present embodiment.\",\n \"In addition, in the present embodiment, an image formed on the recording material P by the image forming apparatus 200 is a digital image formed by a plurality of dots.\",\n \"Furthermore, a traceable pattern is read using a dedicated reading apparatus.\",\n \"An appropriate process of converting a dot pattern into information is performed in reverse to a process of converting information to be superimposed into the dot pattern.\",\n \"Accordingly, the machine number or the model name of the printer main body having output printed matter can be identified.\",\n \"Moreover, in the present embodiment, a toner volume level of a traceable pattern is set to 60% or lower of a toner volume level of portions other than the traceable pattern (portions corresponding to “other than the dot pattern”).\",\n \"In other words, the toner volume level of a traceable pattern is 60% or lower of the toner volume level of portions where a normal image is formed.\",\n \"In addition, in the present embodiment, a size of dots constituting a traceable pattern changes depending on laser output.\",\n \"Specifically, the scanner unit 203 irradiates the photosensitive drum 201 with a laser in accordance with image information converted by a printer driver.\",\n \"Furthermore, the size of dots constituting a traceable pattern is determined in accordance with output of the laser.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a diagram showing a flow of processes executed by the image forming apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"4, a traceable pattern is generated by an additional information generating process which is independent of a normal image information processing process.\",\n \"The traceable pattern is independent of the normal image information processing process in order to prevent the traceable pattern from being intentionally modified by a user.\",\n \"In addition, information on the traceable pattern is added to normal image information by an additional information superimposing process which is performed after the normal image information processing process is finished.\",\n \"In this manner, the traceable pattern is output for each image forming apparatus 200 without being effected by normal image processing processes.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"4, image information input from an image input terminal is first converted by a color converting process from RGB (red, green, and blue) information into CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) information.\",\n \"Next, the CMYK information is corrected by various correcting processes.\",\n \"For example, since a color expressed in RGB and a color expressed in CMYK do not necessarily match each other, the color expressed in CMYK is corrected so as to approach the color expressed in RGB as much as possible.\",\n \"In addition, in a pseudo gradation processing process, dithering is performed so as to smooth shading of an image formed on the recording material P as a recording medium.\",\n \"Furthermore, in the additional information superimposing process, additional information generated by the additional information generating process is added to image information.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, in the additional information generating process, information on a traceable pattern for identifying an image forming apparatus having printed special paper currency and the like is generated.\",\n \"Subsequently, image information to which the additional information has been added is output from an image output terminal.\",\n \"<Normal Image Formation Mode and Wide-Color Gamut Image Formation Mode> In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 200 is capable of executing a wide-color gamut image formation mode in which a color gamut of an image is enlarged in order to form an image with better image quality.\",\n \"In the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, by varying a peripheral velocity ratio (a ratio of peripheral velocities) between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302, a toner supply amount conveyed from the developing roller 302 to the photosensitive drum 201 can be increased.\",\n \"The peripheral velocity ratio (the ratio of peripheral velocities) between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 can be changed by increasing the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 or by reducing the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201.In the present embodiment, on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member, a dark-part potential which refers to a potential of a portion not exposed by a laser is set to −500 [V] and a light-part potential which refers to a potential of a portion exposed by the laser is set to −100 [V].\",\n \"In addition, in the present embodiment, the light-part potential is acquired by measuring a surface of the photosensitive drum 201 with a potentiometer when forming an image pattern (for example, a solid black image) which causes an image to be formed over the entire recording material P. Furthermore, by setting a developing potential of the developing roller to −350 [V], a difference between the light-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 and a difference between the dark-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 are respectively set to Δ250 [V].\",\n \"Hereinafter, the difference between the light-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 and the difference between the dark-part potential of the photosensitive drum 201 and the potential of the developing roller 302 will be referred to as a development contrast.\",\n \"In addition, with respect to toner to adhere to the developing roller 302 as a developer bearing member, in the present embodiment, a toner amount per unit area (hereafter, denoted by M/S) is set to 3.0×10−3 [kg/m2].\",\n \"Furthermore an electrified charge amount of the toner per unit area (hereafter, denoted by Q/S) is set to −0.15×10−3 [C/m2].\",\n \"In the present embodiment, the toner supply amount was confirmed by setting the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201 to 0.2 [m/s] (constant) and varying the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 relative to the photosensitive drum 201.Moreover, a peripheral velocity ratio of 100% is assumed to represent a case where the peripheral velocities of the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302 are the same and a peripheral velocity ratio of 140% is assumed to represent a case where the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 is 1.4 times the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, since a tinge of an image and density of the image are strongly related to each other, the present embodiment will be described with a focus on image density.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, the ratio between the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201 and the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 is increased by increasing the peripheral velocity of the developing roller 302 relative to the peripheral velocity of the photosensitive drum 201.A toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member is eventually fixed onto the recording material P. FIG.\",\n \"5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an amount of toner forming an image and density of the image according to the first embodiment.\",\n \"Moreover, since there is no difference among experiment results of the YMC toners, the experiment results will be described using the cyan toner.\",\n \"In the case of a peripheral velocity ratio of 120%, density of 1.45 (Macbeth RD-918) generally required in office documents was obtained and a toner volume level on the recording material P was 3.6×10−3 kg/m2.When the peripheral velocity ratio was subsequently increased to 200%, density of 1.72 was obtained and the toner volume level on the recording material P was 6.0×10−3 kg/m2.In consideration thereof, in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode intended for office applications and the like, the peripheral velocity ratio is set to 120% as a first peripheral velocity ratio ΔV1 so that an image density of 1.45 is attained.\",\n \"In addition, in the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, the peripheral velocity ratio is set to 200% as a second peripheral velocity ratio ΔV2 so that an image density of 1.7 or higher is attained.\",\n \"As a result, when changing the peripheral velocity ratio from 120% to 200%, a ΔE target enlargement amount of 10 or larger was secured for red.\",\n \"In this case, “a ΔE target enlargement amount of 10 or larger” means that a value of coordinates in the L*a*b* color system increased by 10 or more.\",\n \"Moreover, red is created by mixing Y and M toners at a ratio of 1:1.The colors were measured using i1pro manufactured by X-Rite, Incorporated.\",\n \"Measurements were conducted under conditions of a black backing, a D50 light source, and a 2-degree visual field.\",\n \"In addition, GF-C081 manufactured by Canon Inc. was used as paper for sampling.\",\n \"Furthermore, the fixing apparatus 400 was configured to convey the recording material P to a nip portion of the film 430 and the pressure roller 440 after a lapse of 10 seconds from a temperature of an outlet of the nip portion of the film 430 and the pressure roller 440 reaching 180° C. <Formation of Traceable Pattern> Conventionally, when confirming a state of a traceable pattern, while the traceable pattern is invisible in the normal image formation mode, there is a risk that the traceable pattern may become visible in the wide-color gamut image formation mode due to increased density of the traceable pattern.\",\n \"In this case, a criterion of a traceable pattern being “invisible” or “visible” is whether or not the traceable pattern affects an original image (an image excluding the traceable pattern) as seen by the naked eye.\",\n \"For example, a traceable pattern is “invisible” if the traceable pattern cannot be identified by the naked eye even when the traceable pattern can be identified through a magnifying glass.\",\n \"In the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, since a larger amount of toner is supplied to dots forming the traceable pattern, density of the traceable pattern is increased.\",\n \"In addition, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, since a larger amount of toner is supplied to dots forming the traceable pattern, dots forming the traceable pattern become larger than those in the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"Accordingly, there is a risk that a traceable pattern may become visible in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode.\",\n \"In consideration thereof, in the present embodiment, when forming an image on the recording material P in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, an amount of laser light is adjusted so that a light-part potential of a portion corresponding to a dot constituting a traceable pattern on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 equals −400 [V].\",\n \"In other words, exposure of a portion corresponding to a traceable pattern on the photosensitive drum 201 causes a potential of the portion to become lower than a potential of portions other than that corresponding to the traceable pattern by 260 V. In this case, a light-part potential refers to a potential of a portion exposed by the scanner unit 203 as an exposing apparatus on the photosensitive drum 201.In the present embodiment, when toner adheres to the light part, an electrostatic latent image as an electrostatic image formed on the photosensitive drum 201 is developed as a toner image.\",\n \"For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may be provided with a storage portion 500 which stores information on the image forming apparatus 200.The storage portion 500 is, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a memory.\",\n \"In addition, the storage portion 500 may store, in advance, exposure of a traceable pattern in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode and exposure of a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"In this case, a control portion 600 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 executes a program stored in the storage portion 500 to adjust exposure of a traceable pattern to the set exposure in the normal image formation mode and the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"The control portion 600 adds, to image information, additional information (corresponding to first information) regarding exposure of a traceable pattern in the normal image formation mode or additional information (corresponding to second information) regarding exposure of a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"In addition, based on the image information to which the additional information has been added, the control portion 600 controls exposure by the scanner unit 203 as an exposing apparatus and forms an image on the recording material P. FIG.\",\n \"6A is a diagram showing potentials on the photosensitive drum 201 of an image portion and a traceable pattern portion in both the normal image formation mode and the wide-color gamut image formation mode according to the first embodiment.\",\n \"The contrast (development contrast) in the drawing refers to a difference between a developing potential and a light-part potential, and an amount in which toner adheres onto the photosensitive drum is determined in proportion to a magnitude of the contrast.\",\n \"Since toner on the photosensitive drum is transferred as-is onto the recording material, a toner volume level on the recording material is also determined in proportion to the contrast.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6B is a diagram showing toner amounts laid onto the recording material under the respective conditions shown in FIG.\",\n \"6A.\",\n \"By comparing FIG.\",\n \"6B with FIG.\",\n \"6A, it is shown that the toner volume level on the recording material is determined based on a magnitude of the contrast.\",\n \"The following table compiles a potential of each portion and a toner volume level on a recording material under respective conditions.\",\n \"Wide-color gamut image formation Normal image formation mode mode Traceable pattern Traceable pattern Image portion portion Image portion portion D roller peripheral 120% 200% velocity ratio Dark-part potential −500 V −500 V −750 V −750 V Developing −350 V −350 V −580 V −580 V potential Light-part potential −100 V −250 V −180 V −440 V Contrast 250 V 100 V 400 V 140 V Toner volume 0.36 mg/m2 0.15 mg/m2 0.60 mg/m2 0.22 mg/m2 level (on recording material) Let C1 (a first development contrast C1) denote a contrast of the image portion in the normal image formation mode and C2 (a second development contrast C2) denote a contrast of the traceable pattern portion in the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"In a similar manner, let C3 (a third development contrast C3) denote a contrast of the image portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode and C4 (a fourth development contrast C4) denote a contrast of the traceable pattern portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"By reducing the contrast of the traceable pattern portion in comparison to the image portion in the normal image formation mode, a toner volume level of the traceable pattern portion is lowered than that of the image portion to make the traceable pattern less visible to the naked eye.\",\n \"In a similar manner, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, the contrast of the traceable pattern portion is smaller than that in the image portion and a toner volume level of the traceable pattern portion is lower.\",\n \"As a result, even in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, the traceable pattern cannot be identified by the naked eye.\",\n \"Furthermore, when contrast ratios between the image portion and the traceable pattern portion in the respective modes are denoted by ΔC1=C2/C1 and ΔC2=C4/C3, ΔC1=C2/C1=100V/250V=2/5 and ΔC2=C4/C3=140V/400V=7/20 are satisfied, which in turn satisfy a relationship expressed as ΔC2<ΔC1.Since a toner volume level increases in the wide-color gamut image formation mode and a volume level in a traceable pattern portion increases when a contrast ratio remains similar to that in the normal image formation mode, the settings described above are adopted in order to prevent an occurrence of a state where the traceable pattern becomes identifiable to the naked eye.\",\n \"By reducing the contrast ratio in the wide-color gamut image formation mode in comparison to the normal image formation mode, a toner volume level of the traceable pattern portion is suppressed to maintain a state where the traceable pattern is invisible to the naked eye.\",\n \"Moreover, ΔC1 and ΔC2 can be used as “absolute difference values” instead of “ratios”.\",\n \"For example, it can be expressed that ΔC1=|C2−C1| and ΔC2=|C4−C3|.\",\n \"In this case, the relationship expressed as ΔC2<ΔC1 is also satisfied.\",\n \"Due to this effect, in the present embodiment, while a toner volume level in the image portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode is 0.60 mg/m2 which represents an increase of 0.24 mg/m2 from the normal image formation mode, a toner volume level in the traceable pattern portion is 0.22 mg/m2 which represents an increase of only 0.07 mg/m2 from the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"Therefore, compared to the normal image formation mode, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, the toner volume level in the traceable pattern portion (specific dot pattern), that is density of the traceable pattern portion is increased at a rate (0.15 mg/m2 to 0.22 mg/m2) lower than an another rate (0.36 mg/m2 to 0.60 mg/m2) at which the toner volume level of the image portion (a dot pattern of the image other than the specific dot pattern), that is, density of the image portion is increased.\",\n \"Compared to the toner volume level of the image portion, that is the density of the image portion to be developed, the toner volume level in the traceable pattern portion, that is, the density of the traceable pattern portion to be developed is lowered by adjusting exposure of an electrostatic image corresponding to the traceable pattern portion by the exposing apparatus.\",\n \"According to adjustment of the exposure amount of the present embodiment in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, a potential of a portion, corresponding to the traceable pattern portion on the photosensitive drum 201 in a case where the toner volume level (density) of the traceable pattern portion is increased at 0.07 mg/m2 (the rate) and the toner volume level (density) of the image portion is increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate), becomes lower than that in a case where the toner volume level (density) of both the traceable pattern portion and the image portion are increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate).\",\n \"Thus, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, a difference between (A) a potential of a portion corresponding to the traceable pattern portion in a case where the toner volume level (density) of the traceable pattern portion is increased at 0.07 mg/m2 (the rate) and the toner volume level (density) of the image portion is increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate) and (B) a potential of the developing roller 302 is smaller than a difference between (i) a potential of a portion corresponding to the traceable pattern portion in a case where the toner volume level (density) of both the traceable pattern portion and the image portion are increased at 0.24 mg/m2 (the another rate) and (ii) the potential of the developing roller 302.Let M1 (a first developer volume level M1) denote a toner volume level in an image portion (a region corresponding to an image) in the normal image formation mode and M2 (a second developer volume level M2) denote a toner volume level in a traceable pattern portion (a region corresponding to a dot pattern) in the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"In a similar manner, let M3 (a third developer volume level M3) denote a toner volume level in an image portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode and M4 (a fourth developer volume level M4) denote a toner volume level in a traceable pattern portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"When ratios of toner volume levels between the image portion and the traceable pattern portion in the respective modes are denoted by ΔM1=M2/M1 and ΔM2=M4/M3, ΔM1=M2/M1=0.15 mg/m2/0.36 mg/m2=5/12 and ΔM2=M4/M3=0.22 mg/m2/0.60 mg/m2=11/30 are satisfied, which in turn satisfy a relationship expressed as ΔM2<ΔM1.Moreover, ΔM1 and ΔM2 can also be used as “absolute difference values” instead of “ratios”.\",\n \"For example, it can be expressed that ΔM1=|M2−M1| and ΔM2=|M4−M3|.\",\n \"In this case, the relationship expressed as ΔM2<ΔM1 is also satisfied.\",\n \"Moreover, since it is difficult to actually measure a toner volume level in a traceable pattern portion, a measurement of the toner volume levels described herein are substituted by measuring a toner amount when forming a solid image on a recording material under same contrast conditions as a traceable pattern portion.\",\n \"Normally, when measuring a toner volume level on a recording material, toner is laid onto the recording material under measurement conditions (type of recording material, conditions of respective potentials, and the like) and, without fixing the toner, the toner is collected in an unfixed state and a mass thereof is measured.\",\n \"At the same time, an area of a range onto which the toner had been laid is measured and the “toner volume level” in the table described earlier is calculated based on the measured mass and area of the toner.\",\n \"For example, when measuring a toner volume level of an image portion in the normal image formation mode, first, toner is laid onto an appropriate recording material (for example, a sheet of Image Coat Gloss 158 manufactured by Canon Inc.) under same conditions as the image portion (D roller peripheral velocity ratio: 120%, dark-part potential: −500 V, developing potential: −350 V, light-part potential: −100 V, and contrast: 250V).\",\n \"An area on which toner is to be laid is set in advance to, for example, a rectangle of 20 mm×50==1000 mm2.By collecting the toner laid onto this range and measuring a mass thereof, the toner volume level (in this case, 0.36 mg/m2) in the table described earlier is calculated.\",\n \"A similar measurement method is used for a toner volume level in the wide-color gamut image formation mode with the exception of changing the D roller peripheral velocity ratio, conditions of respective potentials, and the like to those corresponding to the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Incidentally, since a traceable pattern portion is usually surrounded by an image portion and finely divided on a recording material, a toner volume level of only the toner volume level cannot be measured by a normal print operation.\",\n \"In consideration thereof, when measuring a toner volume level of a traceable pattern (in this case, the normal image formation mode will continue to be described as an example), the toner volume level of the traceable pattern will be substituted by laying toner onto an appropriate recording material (for example, a sheet of Image Coat Gloss 158 manufactured by Canon Inc.) under same conditions as the traceable pattern portion (D roller peripheral velocity ratio: 120%, dark-part potential: −500 V, developing potential: −350 V, light-part potential: −250 V, and contrast: 100 V) and then measuring a mass of the toner.\",\n \"A measurement of a toner volume level of a traceable pattern portion in the wide-color gamut image formation mode is performed using a similar method by changing the D roller peripheral velocity ratio, conditions of respective potentials, and the like to those corresponding to the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"As described above, in the present embodiment, even in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, a toner volume level on a recording material can be suppressed and a traceable pattern can be prevented from becoming visible by adjusting a contrast on a photosensitive drum.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the two modes of a normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode and a wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode are executed.\",\n \"However, modes are not necessarily limited to the above.\",\n \"For example, the image forming apparatus 200 may have two wide-color gamut image formation modes, namely, a first wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.7 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 200%) and a second wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.9 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 300%).\",\n \"In this case, an amount of laser light which irradiates a portion corresponding to a traceable pattern on the photosensitive drum 201 may be respectively set in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode and the second wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Accordingly, in both the first wide-color gamut image formation mode and the second wide-color gamut image formation mode, by adjusting exposure of the portion corresponding to the traceable pattern (by setting a density of the traceable pattern to or below a prescribed density), the traceable pattern can be prevented from becoming visible.\",\n \"As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, density of a traceable pattern is set lower than the density of the traceable pattern in a case where density of an entire image including the traceable pattern is increased in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Accordingly, a traceable pattern is prevented from becoming visible to a user in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Second Embodiment Parts of the present embodiment which have same functions as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference characters and a description thereof will be omitted.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, unlike in the first embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, visualization of a traceable pattern is suppressed by increasing spacing between two adjacent dots among a plurality of dots forming the traceable pattern.\",\n \"In this case, a traceable pattern is normally formed by a plurality of dots.\",\n \"In addition, in the present embodiment, separate traceable patterns are respectively set in the normal image formation mode and the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode in which density of an image formed on the recording material P is high (a toner volume level is high), spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set wider than in the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"In other words, in the present embodiment, shapes of the traceable pattern are changed between the wide-color gamut image formation mode and the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"On the other hand, in the normal image formation mode in which density of an image formed on the recording material P is not high, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is not widened.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, a traceable pattern formed on the recording material P can be read using a dedicated reading apparatus.\",\n \"In addition, in order to make the traceable pattern easily readable by the reading apparatus, in the normal image formation mode, spacing between the dots forming the traceable pattern is set to an appropriate spacing.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, in the normal image formation mode, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set narrower than in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Specifically, for example, the storage portion 500 stores, in advance, a traceable pattern in the normal image formation and a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"As described above, it is assumed that, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set wider than in the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"In this case, the control portion 600 provided in the image forming apparatus 200 executes a program stored in the storage portion 500 to form a traceable pattern set in advance on the recording material P in the normal image formation mode and in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"The control portion 600 adds, to image information, additional information on a traceable pattern in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode, or additional information on a traceable pattern in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"In addition, based on image information to which the additional information has been added, the control portion 600 controls operations of the image forming apparatus 200 so that the traceable pattern is formed and an image is formed on the recording material P. Moreover, the control portion 600 is, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU and is capable of controlling operations of devices inside the image forming apparatus 200 by executing a program stored in the storage portion 500.FIG.\",\n \"7 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern A formed in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode.\",\n \"In addition, FIG.\",\n \"8 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern B formed in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"For example, let us assume that the traceable pattern formed on the recording material P in the normal image formation mode is the traceable pattern A (refer to FIG.\",\n \"7).\",\n \"In the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode, the traceable pattern A is formed on the recording material P on which an image is formed.\",\n \"In this case, the traceable pattern A formed on the recording material P is invisible.\",\n \"However, when forming the traceable pattern A in the wide-color gamut image formation mode as a second image formation mode, there is a risk that a part of the traceable pattern A may become visible due to an increase of a toner amount per unit area of the traceable pattern A.\",\n \"In the wide-color gamut image formation mode, since a larger amount of toner is laid on the traceable pattern A than in the normal image formation mode, there is a risk that the toner may even spread to blank portions between dots forming the traceable pattern A.\",\n \"In this case, as the blanks between the dots forming the traceable pattern A become filled, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"8, a plurality of separate dots may merge into one large dot.\",\n \"As a result, there is a risk that the traceable pattern A may become visible.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 is a diagram showing the traceable pattern B in the normal image formation mode as a first image formation mode.\",\n \"In addition, FIG.\",\n \"10 is a diagram showing the traceable pattern B in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.7 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 200%), spacing between dots forming the traceable pattern B is widened as shown in FIG.\",\n \"9.In the present embodiment, by widening the spacing between dots forming the traceable pattern B, a plurality of dots forming the traceable pattern B are prevented from merging into one large dot.\",\n \"As a result, in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode, even when toner is laid in an amount larger than usual on the dots forming the traceable pattern B, since the dots are sufficiently separated from each other, situations where the traceable pattern B becomes visible can be reduced.\",\n \"For the dots to fulfill their roles as a traceable pattern, independency of the dots constituting the traceable pattern must be secured.\",\n \"When the dots constituting a traceable pattern are identifiable, the dots have “independency”.\",\n \"On the other hand, in a case where adjacent dots are connected to each other and the dots are not identifiable, the dots do not have “independency”.\",\n \"Therefore, in the present embodiment, a dot on which toner is laid is at least not formed adjacent to a dot constituting a traceable pattern.\",\n \"Generally, a traceable pattern is formed in a size of around 3×3 dots (a square with 3 dots on a side) to 5×5 dots (a square with 5 dots on aside).\",\n \"Since authentication performance declines when using a large traceable pattern, a size of a traceable pattern is set to a certain size.\",\n \"In consideration thereof, in the present embodiment, when enlarging the spacing between dots in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, an appropriate size of a traceable pattern is around 10×10 dots (a square with 10 dots on a side).\",\n \"In addition, FIG.\",\n \"11 is a diagram showing a traceable pattern C in the normal image formation mode.\",\n \"Furthermore, FIG.\",\n \"12 is a diagram showing the traceable pattern C in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, in the second wide-color gamut image formation mode (density: 1.9 or higher, peripheral velocity ratio: 300%), the traceable pattern C is formed on the recording material P. Spacing between dots forming the traceable pattern C is set wider than the dots forming the traceable pattern B.\",\n \"Therefore, although a toner amount per unit area in the second wide-color gamut image formation mode is larger than a toner amount per unit area in the first wide-color gamut image formation mode, even in the second wide-color gamut image formation mode, the traceable pattern C can be prevented from becoming visible.\",\n \"As described above, in to the present embodiment, in the wide-color gamut image formation mode, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern is set wider than in a case where density of an entire image including the traceable pattern is increased by the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Accordingly, a traceable pattern is prevented from becoming visible to a user in the wide-color gamut image formation mode.\",\n \"Moreover, in the respective embodiments, a color gamut and/or density of an image need not necessarily be changed in accordance with a peripheral velocity ratio between the photosensitive drum 201 and the developing roller 302.For example, a color gamut and/or density of an image may be changed by changing exposure by the scanner unit 203 with respect to the photosensitive drum 201.In addition, in the first embodiment, the exposure by the scanner unit 203 with respect to the photosensitive drum 201 need not necessarily be stored in advance in a storage medium.\",\n \"For example, density of a traceable pattern may be adjusted by correcting the exposure by the scanner unit 203 with respect to the photosensitive drum 201 as an image bearing member.\",\n \"Furthermore, in the second embodiment, spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern need not necessarily be stored in advance in a storage medium.\",\n \"For example, the spacing between dots forming a traceable pattern may be widened by correcting the spacing between the dots forming the traceable pattern.\",\n \"In addition, while the traceable pattern A, the traceable pattern B, and the traceable pattern C are used as traceable patterns in the second embodiment, traceable patterns are not limited thereto.\",\n \"Instead of being limited to the traceable patterns A to C, traceable patterns may be used without particular limitation as long as a similar effect can be obtained.\",\n \"While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.\",\n \"The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.\",\n \"This application claims the benefits of Japanese Patent Application No.\",\n \"2016-057714, filed on Mar.\",\n \"22, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application No.\",\n \"2017-019608, filed on Feb. 6, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875059"}}},{"rowIdx":4494766,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE OF A SHAFT TO A TARGET ZONE","A medical apparatus (1100) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system and an interventional device (300) comprising a shaft (302, 1014, 1120).","The medical apparatus further comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance fiducial marker (306, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1122) attached to the shaft.","The shaft passes through a center point (610, 810, 908, 1006) of the fiducial marker.","The medical apparatus further comprises machine executable instructions (1150, 1152, 1154, 1156, 1158) for execution by a processor.","The instructions cause the processor to acquire (100, 200) magnetic resonance data, to reconstruct (102, 202) a magnetic resonance image (1142), and to receive (104, 204) the selection of a target volume (1118, 1144, 1168).","The instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly: acquire (106, 206) magnetic resonance location data (1146) from the fiducial marker and render (108, 212) a view (1148, 1162) indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone."],["1.A medical interventional device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end that is configured to be inserted into a patient; and a magnetic resonance fiducial marker; wherein the shaft passes through a center point of the fiducial marker wherein the fiducial marker comprises: a toroidal signal volume, and a coil that is wrapped around the toroidal signal volume; wherein, when the toroidal signal volume is exposed to magnetic resonance signals, an electromagnetic field is generated about the toroidal signal volume that causes the coil to generate a signal comprising a local minimum between two local maximums, corresponding to a location of the center point of the fiducial marker.","2.The device of claim 1, wherein the fiducial marker includes one or more features that guide the shaft to the center point of the fiducial marker.","3.The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is hollow to allow entry of a secondary device through the shaft.","4.The device of claim 1, wherein the fiducial marker is detachable from the shaft while the proximal end is inserted in the patient.","5.The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises one of: a needle, a linear ablation probe, a cryoprobe, a laser ablation probe, a biopsy needle, a hollow needle, a microwave probe, and a guide wire delivery system.","6.The device of claim 1, comprising multiple coils wrapped around the toroidal signal volume, each coil of the multiple coils generating a different signal dependent upon the coil's position on the toroidal signal volume.","7.The device of claim 1, wherein the signal that the coil generates also identifies an orientation of the toroidal signal volume.","8.The device of claim 1, further comprising a capacitor that is coupled to the coil so that the signal generated by the coil is a resonant signal.","9.The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a hub that is configured to be situated within the toroidal signal volume.","10.The device of claim 1, comprising a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker having a second center point through which the shaft passes, wherein the second fiducial marker generates a second signal indicative of a location of the second center point.","11.The device of claim 10, wherein the second fiducial marker is configured to be attached to the patient at a point of entry of the shaft into the patient.","12.A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to: acquire a signal generated by a magnetic resonance fiducial marker when the fiducial marker is exposed to magnetic resonance signals, wherein the signal is characteristic of a current generated by a coil that is wrapped around a toroidal signal volume, including a local minimum between two local maximums; determine, from the signal, a location of a center of the toroidal signal volume; render a view of a shaft that is situated at the center of the toroidal signal volume on a display that includes a view of a target zone of a patient exposed to the magnetic resonance signals.","13.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the processor to determine, from the signal, an orientation of the toroidal signal volume, and wherein the view of the shaft is dependent upon the orientation.","14.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the process to repeatedly acquire the signal, determine the location of the center of the toroidal signal volume, and render the view of the shaft at the center of the toroidal signal volume.","15.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the processor to: acquire a second signal generated by a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker, wherein the shaft is situated at the center of the second fiducial marker; and determine, from the second signal, a location of the center of the second fiducial marker; wherein the view of the shaft is dependent upon the location of the center of the second fiducial marker.","16.The medium of claim 15, wherein the second fiducial marker is situated on a surface of the patient, at an entry point of the shaft into the patient.","17.The medium of claim 15, wherein the second signal is characteristic of a current generated by a second coil that is wrapped around the second toroidal signal volume.","18.The medium of claim 17, wherein the second fiducial marker includes a capacitor coupled to the second coil, and the second signal is a resonant signal.","19.The medium of claim 12, wherein the fiducial marker includes a capacitor coupled to the coil, and the signal is a resonant signal.","20.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the processor to acquire a plurality of signals from a plurality of coils wrapped around the toroidal signal volume, and determine a plurality of locations of each coil of the plurality of coils; wherein the view of the shaft is dependent upon the locations of the plurality of coils."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The availability of interactive real-time MRI and MR-conditional instruments has lead to an increasing use of MR-guidance especially in transcutaneous procedures performed with needles or linear ablation probes.","Besides the lack of ionizing radiation MR-guidance offers a number of advantages for such procedures, the most important one being the soft tissue contrast and full tomographic capability of MR, if compared with CT or US.","State-of-the-art clinical MR-guided percutaneous interventions use pre-operative 3D MR images to plan the device path, then stereotactic device guides to align the device with the target and to guide its insertion, which is mostly performed outside the MR bore.","Finally, MR is used to confirm that the device has reached the target.","Because stereotactic procedures are prone to registration errors due to patient motion and needle bending, and because they involve a complicated workflow (patient movement into and out of bore), advanced centers are now practicing so-called free-hand procedures, in which the device is advanced without any physical stereotactic device guide under real-time image guidance inside the MR.","This is facilitated by dedicated MR sequences that visualize the target lesion and the device with high conspicuity and by the availability of open MR systems In Coutts et. at.","“Integrated and Interactive Position Tracking and Imaging of Interventional Tools and Internal Devices Using Small Fiducial Receiver Coils,” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, vol.","40, 1998, pages 908-913, a method of tracking the position of a rigid device within a magnetic resonance scanner is disclosed.","The position tracking is performed by means of two or three small magnetic resonance receiver coils attached to individual receiver channels."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention provides for a medical apparatus, a computer program product, and a magnetic resonance fiducial marker in the independent claims.","Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.","Some embodiments of the invention may be particularly advantageous, because alignment of the imaging slices with needle and/or target lesion may be performed automatically.","Manual adjustment of slices is current practice, but requires that the interventionist communicates the requested slice adjustments to the MR operator outside the MR room, which is not trivial and requires an experienced and well attuned team.","Means to support, automate, and improve the workflow of such free-hand interventions are mandatory to foster a wide-spread use.","The toroidal shape of the fiducial markers of embodiments of the invention allows measurement of the position and/or orientation of the needle axis with only one or two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for point-like markers.","Hence, embodiments of the invention may be compatible with any needle-type device and, additionally, secondary devices can be introduced, e.g.","a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle.","Using individual light markers as the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the mechanical flexibility of wiring, which is essential to allow for uncompromised maneuverability and minute haptic feedback as required when advancing the device into the patient.","The device guide does not require additional attention (holding/steering/aligning etc.)","by the physician and the needle-type devices can be manipulated as usual.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device with reduced weight and/or an interventional device which is more easily controlled with a single hand.","Current interventional devices may have a relatively large size.","The size is caused by the necessity to incorporate at least three markers with sufficient mutual distance to measure the position and orientation of the device with sufficient accuracy.","This is important to achieve proper alignment of the imaging slice with the device.","Even small angular errors can otherwise lead to a displacement between needle and slice inside the patient.","Target lesions can be located as deeply as 20 cm inside the patient.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","A large size of the device is disadvantageous especially when several needles and catheters are applied in one patient close to each other as for HDR brachytherapy.","Embodiments of the invention may reduce the number of wires to the inverventional device with respect to current interventional devices.","Current devices which rely on the use of multiple fiducialmarkers may have clumsy wiring.","The use of several markers in the device results in a heavy and in-flexible connection cable with about 1.5 cm diameter and respectively large and heavy cable traps to avoid dangerous shield currents.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device where the fiducial marker is attached to the shaft or needle of the interventional device.","With some current devices, the size and weight of the device and its wiring and the relative in-flexibility of the wiring have lead to concerns to rigidly attach the needle to the guide itself as initially intended.","Instead, a bar with a V-shaped groove is used to which the interventionist aligns the needle with his second hand.","However, tests have shown that handling of needle and guidance tool with two hands is uncomfortable and for some users even totally unfeasible.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for improved maneuverability and haptics of the interventional device.","Free-hand needle interventions depend on a minute haptic feedback which is required when advancing the needle into the patient.","The interventionist must be able to “feel” the crossing of internal interfaces.","The size of the device, the weight and in-flexibility of the relatively thick cable, and the need to use two hands to maneuver needle and tool vastly hampers maneuverability and haptics.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may reduce the likelihood that a fiducial marker is out of the field of view, or imaging region, of a magnetic resonance imaging system.","In some current implementations, guidance tools of relatively large size are attached/positioned proximally to and about aligned with the needle, such that the overall length of the assembly from needle tip to the most proximal marker is in the order of 30 cm.","The lesion may be as deep as 15 cm inside the patient.","During entry of the needle into the skin, all active tracking markers as well as the lesion should be in the imaging volume of the MR scanner, which is typically a sphere of less than 45 cm diameter.","The patient must be very carefully positioned to achieve this, and even if so, the interesting objects are lying at the edge of the imaging sphere with associated low SNR and geometric distortions.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved orientation independence of the fiducial marker.","Current active markers receive signal from a water-filled bead contained in a solenoid coil.","If the solenoid is aligned with B0, the SNR of the signal drops vastly, because the transverse components of the B1-sensitivity of the solenoid are very small.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an intuitive viewing plane control.","Surprisingly, some interventionists have difficulties to cope with the fact, that they have full 6D control of the scan planes, since the planes stay “rigidly attached” to the tool.","This type of control requires that the operator keeps the tool in a defined position and orientation.","This is very different from the previous situation, where only the needle was held and maneuvered, and the operator at the console was in control of the scan planes.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","The invention may provide for a light-weight and small device guide is that is equipped with a single toroid-shaped active marker.","It may be used in combination with a similarly shaped marker positioned near or adhering to the skin at the device entry point.","The marker with toroidal shape is crossed centrally by the needle-type device to be guided such that the center of gravity of its signal distribution lies on the needle axis.","This allows localizing the respective point on the needle axis with a single marker channel and irrespective of the orientation of the guide with respect to B0.Using only a single such marker at the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the flexibility of wiring.","The scan planes for image guidance are defined to contain the two points defined by the two markers, i.e., the position of the needle hub and of the skin entry point.","Two nearly perpendicular planes are used for guidance as before, e.g.","one para-coronal slice and one para-transverse slice in a liver intervention.","The para-coronal slice is defined as to contain both marker positions and the FH axis.","The para-transverse is defined to contain the AP axis if the needle is mainly advanced in RL direction and vice versa.","The set-up may consist of a light-weight and small guide marker and a skin marker.","Both markers have a central opening to let the needle pass.","Both markers may be equipped with a plug that can be plugged into a socket at the surface coil.","This minimizes cable length and workflow.","Note, that the toroidal shape of the signal volume allows measuring the needle axis with only two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for two point-like markers.","Hence, all needle-type devices can be guided accurately and, in addition, secondary devices can be introduced any time during the procedure with the guide still in use, e.g.","a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle or guidewires as necessary for Seldinger introduction techniques.","A possible workflow for using embodiments of the invention may be: 1.Interventionist defines and marks skin entry point, either with the conventional “finger-pointing method” or by moving the skin marker across the skin.","Finally, the entry point is marked by a pen, prepared for insertion (disinfection, local anesthesia, actually may have been performed earlier) and the skin marker is attached to the prepared entry site.","Note, that using the skin markers together with the known coordinates of the e.g.","target tumor already allows appropriate real-time imaging along the estimated needle path in e.g.","one para-transversal and one para-coronal image slice and thus provides optimal guidance during this interactive planning step.","2.Needle tip is put onto the entry point.","3.Needle shaft is aligned with the planned trajectory by moving the needle hub.","This can be achieved in two ways: a) The MR system tracks the position of the markers and either displays the resulting trajectory as a line on pre-operative images (navigational display).","b) Para-coronal and/or para-transversal real-time slices are acquired defined as described above.","When arrived at the correct trajectory, the needle should aim to the target lesion, which can be confirmed by either the navigational display or the real-time slice(s).","4.Needle is advanced into the body with continuous image control.","This allows to see and adjust for needle deviations, needle bending, physiological motion.","In an alternate workflow the entry point of the needle is defined virtually using a software package and active needle guidance is used to position the needle at the correct entry point and trajectory.","For this workflow both markers are placed on the needle, and the entry point may not have to be marked physically.","In one embodiment, the receive coils can be shaped as simple circular coils around the toroidal signal volume.","This simpler coil set-up is allowable, if it is excluded by the type of intervention, that the circular axis is aligned with B0, which would result in a low signal.","In the liver interventions performed in a 1 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system this is the case, and the simpler coil set-up can be used.","In one embodiment, the skin marker is equipped with such a circular receive coil and lacks an own toroidal signal volume.","Instead, the skin is used as signal source.","In one embodiment, the marker preferably equipped with such a simple circular coil is a disposable device.","In one embodiment, the coil of the skin marker is not wired to an MR receiver, but made resonant with a capacitor and its signal is detected via inductive coupling to the surface coil.","Active decoupling and a difference measurement may be used to reduce global background signal.","The alignment of the marker centers with the needle axis can be based on a sterile approach using single-use small adhesive patches a little bit larger in size than the markers.","The patches will be attached to the markers parallel to the marker plane from both sides so: a.)","They fully encapsulate the marker and thus render the assembly sterile b.)","The adhesive faces touch each other at the bore region of the markers c.) Needle-type devices can be poked through the markers center where the adhesive patches touch each other and the markers thus stay aligned with the needle axis but can be slid along the needle to avoid the FOV problem or to move them to a more favorable position (examples: move marker or marker wiring to different position in case of space limitations occurring during the intervention).","d.) Patches can be removed and markers and needle-type device can be separated while the needle-type device is still inserted.","In one embodiment the circular skin marker features a gap such as to remove the marker easily sideways after complete insertion of the guided device and reuse the active skin marker for consecutive workflow steps.","In one embodiment a multitude of markers with distinct coding (e.g.","via shape, signal .",".",". )","is available during the procedure.","This allows to identify different inserted devices via their transcutaneous port position.","In conjunction with the stored device orientation during insertion, (real-time) imaging planes can be easily recalled/adjusted to the respective device.","In one embodiment, both markers are on the needle instead of 1 on the needle and one on the skin to provide a 1-hand 1-movement workflow where it is no longer required to manually place the skin marker as a separate workflow step.","In one embodiment, a plastic spacer prevents that two markers come too close together to ensure accuracy of the imaged trajectory is maintained.","In one embodiment, the needle insertion depth is calculated from the marker that moves with the needle hub and marker that is held in position by the skin and the known location of the markers with respect to the needle.","Assuming a measurement precision of about 1 mm for the needle coordinates at the position of the two markers, the expected alignment error of the imaging planes will typically be small compared to the width of the image artifact caused by the needle.","Only in a situation when the two markers have to be moved very close together, the tip of a long needle may be missed in the images.","The following two embodiments are proposed to correct this possible misalignment: 1.The described active tracking method using the two markers is combined with a passive tracking method employing detection of the needle pointing direction via image analysis 2.A software tool is used to store a history of needle coordinates during needle progression and to guess the best image plane orientation.","Alternatively or additionally, the target (e.g.","tumor) coordinates which had been determined before the start of the intervention (as mentioned under “workflow” above) can be used as a third marker point when the needle tip approaches the target.","Embodiments of the invention may have the following advantages: The guide marker (magnetic resonance fiducial marker) is small, light-weight, and equipped with minimal wiring.","The marker is centrally attached to the needle.","As a consequence, the interventionist has nearly as fine haptic feedback and freedom to maneuver as with a bare needle.","The “Out-of-FOV-problem” is reduced/solved because the length of the device reduces to the length of the needle.","For very long needles, the guide marker may even be allowed to slide on the needle shaft, bringing it nearer to the isocenter.","The marker orientation problem is solved because there are always two zones within the toroid where the Biot-Savart-field of the toroidal coil is transverse.","In these zones, there is maximum signal.","There is no marker orientation in which the signal vanishes.","The problem of unintuitive scan plane control is solved, since the operator is back to the used way of mainly maneuvering the needle itself with only one hand.","The second hand is free to assist in this or for other purposes.","The large distance between the guide marker and the skin marker during the targeting phase and the phase of initial needle insertion results in a high targeting accuracy.","The large signal volume of the toroidal markers compared to beed-like markers potentially results in a higher accuracy of position measurement.","The markers may be implemented as single-use devices, enabling to generate device-based revenues.","The invention can be applied to all MR-guided transcutaneous interventions performed with linear-shaped devices.","A ‘computer-readable storage medium’ as used herein encompasses any tangible storage medium which may store instructions which are executable by a processor of a computing device.","The computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.","The computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer readable medium.","In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also be able to store data which is able to be accessed by the processor of the computing device.","Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: a floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a solid state hard disk, flash memory, a USB thumb drive, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the register file of the processor.","Examples of optical disks include Compact Disks (CD) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), for example CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R disks.","The term computer readable-storage medium also refers to various types of recording media capable of being accessed by the computer device via a network or communication link.","For example a data may be retrieved over a modem, over the internet, or over a local area network.","References to a computer-readable storage medium should be interpreted as possibly being multiple computer-readable storage mediums.","Various executable components of a program or programs may be stored in different locations.","The computer-readable storage medium may for instance be multiple computer-readable storage medium within the same computer system.","The computer-readable storage medium may also be computer-readable storage medium distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.","‘Computer memory’ or ‘memory’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.","Computer memory is any memory which is directly accessible to a processor.","Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to: RAM memory, registers, and register files.","References to ‘computer memory’ or ‘memory’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple memories.","The memory may for instance be multiple memories within the same computer system.","The memory may also be multiple memories distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.","‘Computer storage’ or ‘storage’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.","Computer storage is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.","Examples of computer storage include, but are not limited to: a hard disk drive, a USB thumb drive, a floppy drive, a smart card, a DVD, a CD-ROM, and a solid state hard drive.","In some embodiments computer storage may also be computer memory or vice versa.","References to ‘computer storage’ or ‘storage’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple storage.","The storage may for instance be multiple storage devices within the same computer system or computing device.","The storage may also be multiple storages distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.","A ‘processor’ as used herein encompasses an electronic component which is able to execute a program or machine executable instruction.","References to the computing device comprising “a processor” should be interpreted as possibly containing more than one processor or processing core.","The processor may for instance be a multi-core processor.","A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed amongst multiple computer systems.","The term computing device should also be interpreted to possibly refer to a collection or network of computing devices each comprising a processor or processors.","Many programs have their instructions performed by multiple processors that may be within the same computing device or which may even be distributed across multiple computing devices.","A ‘user interface’ as used herein is an interface which allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system.","A ‘user interface’ may also be referred to as a ‘human interface device.’ A user interface may provide information or data to the operator and/or receive information or data from the operator.","A user interface may enable input from an operator to be received by the computer and may provide output to the user from the computer.","In other words, the user interface may allow an operator to control or manipulate a computer and the interface may allow the computer indicate the effects of the operator's control or manipulation.","The display of data or information on a display or a graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator.","The receiving of data through a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, graphics tablet, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, gear sticks, steering wheel, pedals, wired glove, dance pad, remote control, and accelerometer are all examples of user interface components which enable the receiving of information or data from an operator.","A ‘hardware interface’ as used herein encompasses a interface which enables the processor of a computer system to interact with and/or control an external computing device and/or apparatus.","A hardware interface may allow a processor to send control signals or instructions to an external computing device and/or apparatus.","A hardware interface may also enable a processor to exchange data with an external computing device and/or apparatus.","Examples of a hardware interface include, but are not limited to: a universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 port, parallel port, IEEE 1284 port, serial port, RS-232 port, IEEE-488 port, Bluetooth connection, Wireless local area network connection, TCP/IP connection, Ethernet connection, control voltage interface, MIDI interface, analog input interface, and digital input interface.","A ‘display’ or ‘display device’ as used herein encompasses an output device or a user interface adapted for displaying images or data.","A display may output visual, audio, and or tactile data.","Examples of a display include, but are not limited to: a computer monitor, a television screen, a touch screen, tactile electronic display, Braille screen, Cathode ray tube (CRT), Storage tube, Bistable display, Electronic paper, Vector display, Flat panel display, Vacuum fluorescent display (VF), Light-emitting diode (LED) displays, Electroluminescent display (ELD), Plasma display panels (PDP), Liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED), a projector, and Head-mounted display.","Magnetic Resonance (MR) data is defined herein as being the recorded measurements of radio frequency signals emitted by atomic spins by the antenna of a Magnetic resonance apparatus during a magnetic resonance imaging scan.","A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image is defined herein as being the reconstructed two or three dimensional visualization of anatomic data contained within the magnetic resonance imaging data.","This visualization can be performed using a computer.","The invention provides for a medical apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.","The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.","For instance the shaft may be a needle or other long narrow structure which is able to be inserted into the subject.","In some embodiments the shaft may be able to pierce the skin or surface of a subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.","In some embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is removable.","For instance the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be able to slide along the shaft and be removed from an end of the shaft.","The first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.","A toroid is a shape which is formed by rotating a two-dimensional shape about an axis.","For instance if a circle is rotated about the axis the toroid is a torus.","Squares, rectangles, ovals or other shapes may also be rotated about the axis.","By saying that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal it is also common to say that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is substantially toroidal or a component of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.","In some embodiments a container which is toroidally-shaped is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In other embodiments a circular or washer-shaped section of circuit board or Teflon is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The shaft passes through a centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The centre point may have a hole or other structure which is used for guiding the shaft through the centre point.","In other embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may comprise paper or a thin layer of plastic which can be pierced by the shaft and the centre point is marked on the paper or the thin plastic.","The medical apparatus further comprises a processor for controlling the medical apparatus.","The medical apparatus further comprises a memory storing machine executable instructions for execution by the processor.","Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.","This may be achieved by the processor controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system and sending appropriate instructions which cause it to acquire the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.","This may be achieved using a software module for reconstructing the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the magnetic resonance image.","The selection of the target volume can be performed manually.","For instance a target volume may be identified using a graphical user interface which selects a region or a portion of the magnetic resonance image as the target volume.","In yet other embodiments the selection of the target volume may be performed automatically by an image segmentation module.","Various models and methods known in the art may be used to identify the location of anatomical structures.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.","This may be achieved in several different ways depending upon how the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is constructed.","For instance various gradient fields may be used to spatially encode magnetically polarizable material within a vessel of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In this case a coil wrapped around the toroidal structure may be used to acquire the magnetic resonance location data.","In yet other embodiments the toroidal structure of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be located in a normal magnetic resonance image.","The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.","The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.","This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the toroidal shape of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker allows its position and/or orientation to be determined.","This greatly reduces the number of magnetic resonance fiducial markers necessary to identify the location of the shaft of the interventional device.","This for instance allows a reduction in the weight of the interventional device and also its size which makes it easier to fit within an imaging zone of the magnetic resonance imaging system.","It may also be more convenient and ergonomic for a physician or other medical professional to use the interventional device.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly re-acquire the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly reconstruct the magnetic resonance image using the re-acquired magnetic resonance data.","The view comprises the magnetic resonance image.","In this embodiment the magnetic resonance data is repeatedly re-acquired and used to display an updated or fresh magnetic resonance image.","This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal or external motion which is in motion during the use of the interventional device.","This may provide for a more accurate use of the interventional device.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly re-determine the location of the target zone using the magnetic resonance data.","For instance an image segmentation module may be used to identify the location of the target zone automatically in some embodiments.","This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal and/or external motion which causes the location of the target zone to change as a function of time.","In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.","This embodiment is advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil can pick up the magnetic resonance signal from the toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume and be used to accurately locate the position and/or orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a resonant coil and capacitor.","In some embodiments, the resonant coil may be toroidally shaped or circularly shaped.","By toroidally-shaped the resonant coil and capacitor may be formed on a substrate, circuit board, or piece of Teflon which is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.","It may also be used to indicate that the coil is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.","This embodiment may be advantageous because it can be used to form a compact magnetic resonance fiducial marker which has its position and/or orientation identified.","In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted for guiding the shaft through a second centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The first centre point is through the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second centre point is the centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The location data is further descriptive of the location of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it is easier to identify the location of the centre point of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker than to identify both its centre point and its orientation.","By simply identifying the location of the first and second centre points the orientation of the shaft of the interventional device is determined.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil.","In this embodiment it is not necessary for the receive coil to surround a magnetic resonance signal volume.","This may be the case if the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is placed on the skin or a surface of the subject.","The subject may then function as the signal volume for the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a second toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.","This embodiment may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil is able to receive magnetic resonance signals from the second signal volume which allows the determination of the location of its centre point and/or its orientation.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.","This embodiment has the same advantages as for the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker that was formed using a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to the surface of the subject.","This may be particularly beneficial because the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of the shaft into the subject.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to an entry point of the shaft.","In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a spacer to separate the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow for more accurate identification of the orientation of the shaft.","For instance as the first and second centre points become closer to each other the margin of error used to calculate the orientation of the shaft becomes larger.","By placing a spacer between the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker the error in the calculated location of the shaft can be kept below a predetermined threshold.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to locate the first centre point and the second centre point using the magnetic resonance location data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to calculate a shaft position and orientation using at least the located first centre point and the located second centre point.","The location data comprises the shaft position and/or orientation.","This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the location of two points of the shaft allow its position and its orientation in space to be determined.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to determine an orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance location data.","For instance the location of the first centre point may be determined.","Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to calculate a shaft position using at least the located first centre point and the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The toroidal shape allows the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be determined in space.","As was mentioned previously this may be very advantageous because it allows the identification of the location and/or orientation of the shaft with a single magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the view is two-dimensional.","By this it is meant that the view is a representation of a two-dimensional slice of the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive a selection of a shaft entry point in the magnetic resonance data.","The shaft entry point may be identified in several different ways.","For instance if it is present the shaft entry point may be identified using the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker if it is attached to a surface or skin of the subject.","The shaft entry point may also be identified in a magnetic resonance image by a physician or operator using a human interface device such as a mouse.","Receiving the selection of the shaft entry point may also be achieved by using image segmentation or recognition to identify the location of where the shaft enters the subject.","The shaft entry point is descriptive of the location where the shaft enters the subject.","The view is determined at least using the shaft entry point.","This embodiment is advantageous because once the shaft has been inserted into the subject the shaft entry point does not change.","The subject may move but the shaft entry point relative to the anatomy of the subject remains constant until the shaft is removed from the subject.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to receive viewing plane offset and angulation commands.","Typically the magnetic resonance data is acquired for a three-dimensional volume.","During the procedure using the interventional device physicians or other healthcare professionals typically prefer to have a two-dimensional slice of the data which they see.","By issuing plane offset and/or angulation commands the physician or healthcare professional can adjust and select which plane they would like to see during the performing of the procedure.","Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to adjust the view using the viewing plane offset and angulation commands.","This embodiment may be particularly advantageous because the view may be selected in some embodiments automatically by identifying the location of the shaft entry point and/or the target zone.","The viewing plane offset and angulation commands can be given relative to the location of the target volume and/or the shaft entry point.","This allows for the adjusting and optimal display of data during the procedure.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to display a projection of the shaft onto the view.","This may be extremely advantageous because the shaft may be out of the plane of the view.","By projecting the shaft onto the view the physician or other healthcare professional is given additional information useful for guiding the shaft to the target zone.","In another embodiment color coding of the shaft is used to visualize which parts of the shaft are in front of, inside of, and/or behind the image plane.","This is particularly useful as it provides additional information and allows a physician to better guide the shaft to the target zone.","For instance a false color map could be used to indicate how far out of the plane a particular portion of the shaft is.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance image is rendered as a three-dimensional image.","This may be a three-dimensional image rendered on a two-dimensional display or the three-dimensional image may be rendered in three dimensions using a three-dimensional display or glasses which show the three-dimensional image to the physician or other healthcare professional.","In another embodiment the medical device further comprises a surface coil for receiving the magnetic resonance data.","This may be particularly advantageous because the surface coil may be placed surrounding the location where the shaft enters the subject's body.","The surface coil then surrounds a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker as it is placed on the surface of the subject.","For certain embodiments, particularly when the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonance coil and capacitor, the surface coil may be used to easily identify the location of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a needle.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a linear ablation probe.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a cryoprobe.","A cryoprobe supplies cryogenic fluid or cools a vicinity of the probe tip to cryogenic temperatures to cool tissues to the point of ablation.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a laser ablation probe.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a biopsy needle.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a hollow needle.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a microwave probe.","The microwave probe is adapted for delivering microwave energy to tissue in the vicinity of the tip of the shaft.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a guide wire delivery system.","The guide wire may for instance be delivered using a hollow needle or other structure.","The guide wire may then be used to deliver another interventional apparatus to the target zone.","In another aspect the invention provides for a computer program product comprising machine executable instructions for execution by a processor of a medical apparatus.","For instance the computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.","The medical apparatus comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.","The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.","The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.","The shaft passes through a first centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the subject.","Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance location marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.","The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.","The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.","In another aspect the invention also provides for a method and a computer-implemented method for performing the aforementioned computer program product.","In another aspect the invention provides for a magnetic resonance fiducial marker adapted to attach to a shaft.","The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.","The shaft is adapted to pass through a centre point of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This embodiment is advantageous because the toroidal magnetic resonance location marker may be used to identify both the location and orientation of the shaft using a single magnetic resonance location marker.","The orientation or location of the shaft is also very easily identified using two magnetic resonance location markers.","For instance the shaft may simply be able to be slid into a slot or hole at the centre point.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a central support for guiding the shaft.","The central support is adapted to be detached from the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This is particularly advantageous because this may allow the magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be removed without removing the shaft from a subject.","For instance if a physician needs to insert a large number of shafts into a subject it may not be advantageous to leave the magnetic resonance fiducial marker in place.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be passed over a hub attached to a distal end of the shaft.","This may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker can be removed without having to remove the shaft.","The magnetic resonance fiducial markers are adapted to be removed from the shaft over the hub as distal end leaving the shaft inserted in the subject.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker has a subject surface adapted for being attached to a subject with an adhesive.","This is advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of where the shaft enters into the subject.","In another embodiment the subject surface is sterile.","For instance the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be delivered in a sterile enclosure or package.","The magnetic resonance fiducial marker may then be placed onto a sterile surface of the subject.","This has the advantage of reducing the possibility of infection.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroid.","The toroid comprises a slot adapted for passing the shaft through the toroid.","In some embodiments it may not be possible to pass the magnetic resonance fiducial marker over a hub.","There for instance could be a slot in the toroidal structure.","If there are coil structures on the toroid, then the coil structures could be adapted such that the removal of the shaft would rip apart or break a section of the coil and allow it to be removed.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil optionally surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.","The advantages of this embodiment have been previously discussed.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.","The advantages of this embodiment have also been previously discussed."],["The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/007,990 filed Sep. 27, 2013, which is the U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C.","§ 371 of International Application No.","PCT/IB2012/051661, filed Apr.","4, 2012, which claims the benefit of EP Application Serial No.","11161457.4 filed Apr.","7, 2011.These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.","TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging, in particular to the use of magnetic resonance to guide a shaft to a target zone within a subject.","BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The availability of interactive real-time MRI and MR-conditional instruments has lead to an increasing use of MR-guidance especially in transcutaneous procedures performed with needles or linear ablation probes.","Besides the lack of ionizing radiation MR-guidance offers a number of advantages for such procedures, the most important one being the soft tissue contrast and full tomographic capability of MR, if compared with CT or US.","State-of-the-art clinical MR-guided percutaneous interventions use pre-operative 3D MR images to plan the device path, then stereotactic device guides to align the device with the target and to guide its insertion, which is mostly performed outside the MR bore.","Finally, MR is used to confirm that the device has reached the target.","Because stereotactic procedures are prone to registration errors due to patient motion and needle bending, and because they involve a complicated workflow (patient movement into and out of bore), advanced centers are now practicing so-called free-hand procedures, in which the device is advanced without any physical stereotactic device guide under real-time image guidance inside the MR.","This is facilitated by dedicated MR sequences that visualize the target lesion and the device with high conspicuity and by the availability of open MR systems In Coutts et. at.","“Integrated and Interactive Position Tracking and Imaging of Interventional Tools and Internal Devices Using Small Fiducial Receiver Coils,” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, vol.","40, 1998, pages 908-913, a method of tracking the position of a rigid device within a magnetic resonance scanner is disclosed.","The position tracking is performed by means of two or three small magnetic resonance receiver coils attached to individual receiver channels.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides for a medical apparatus, a computer program product, and a magnetic resonance fiducial marker in the independent claims.","Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.","Some embodiments of the invention may be particularly advantageous, because alignment of the imaging slices with needle and/or target lesion may be performed automatically.","Manual adjustment of slices is current practice, but requires that the interventionist communicates the requested slice adjustments to the MR operator outside the MR room, which is not trivial and requires an experienced and well attuned team.","Means to support, automate, and improve the workflow of such free-hand interventions are mandatory to foster a wide-spread use.","The toroidal shape of the fiducial markers of embodiments of the invention allows measurement of the position and/or orientation of the needle axis with only one or two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for point-like markers.","Hence, embodiments of the invention may be compatible with any needle-type device and, additionally, secondary devices can be introduced, e.g.","a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle.","Using individual light markers as the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the mechanical flexibility of wiring, which is essential to allow for uncompromised maneuverability and minute haptic feedback as required when advancing the device into the patient.","The device guide does not require additional attention (holding/steering/aligning etc.)","by the physician and the needle-type devices can be manipulated as usual.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device with reduced weight and/or an interventional device which is more easily controlled with a single hand.","Current interventional devices may have a relatively large size.","The size is caused by the necessity to incorporate at least three markers with sufficient mutual distance to measure the position and orientation of the device with sufficient accuracy.","This is important to achieve proper alignment of the imaging slice with the device.","Even small angular errors can otherwise lead to a displacement between needle and slice inside the patient.","Target lesions can be located as deeply as 20 cm inside the patient.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","A large size of the device is disadvantageous especially when several needles and catheters are applied in one patient close to each other as for HDR brachytherapy.","Embodiments of the invention may reduce the number of wires to the inverventional device with respect to current interventional devices.","Current devices which rely on the use of multiple fiducialmarkers may have clumsy wiring.","The use of several markers in the device results in a heavy and in-flexible connection cable with about 1.5 cm diameter and respectively large and heavy cable traps to avoid dangerous shield currents.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device where the fiducial marker is attached to the shaft or needle of the interventional device.","With some current devices, the size and weight of the device and its wiring and the relative in-flexibility of the wiring have lead to concerns to rigidly attach the needle to the guide itself as initially intended.","Instead, a bar with a V-shaped groove is used to which the interventionist aligns the needle with his second hand.","However, tests have shown that handling of needle and guidance tool with two hands is uncomfortable and for some users even totally unfeasible.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for improved maneuverability and haptics of the interventional device.","Free-hand needle interventions depend on a minute haptic feedback which is required when advancing the needle into the patient.","The interventionist must be able to “feel” the crossing of internal interfaces.","The size of the device, the weight and in-flexibility of the relatively thick cable, and the need to use two hands to maneuver needle and tool vastly hampers maneuverability and haptics.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may reduce the likelihood that a fiducial marker is out of the field of view, or imaging region, of a magnetic resonance imaging system.","In some current implementations, guidance tools of relatively large size are attached/positioned proximally to and about aligned with the needle, such that the overall length of the assembly from needle tip to the most proximal marker is in the order of 30 cm.","The lesion may be as deep as 15 cm inside the patient.","During entry of the needle into the skin, all active tracking markers as well as the lesion should be in the imaging volume of the MR scanner, which is typically a sphere of less than 45 cm diameter.","The patient must be very carefully positioned to achieve this, and even if so, the interesting objects are lying at the edge of the imaging sphere with associated low SNR and geometric distortions.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved orientation independence of the fiducial marker.","Current active markers receive signal from a water-filled bead contained in a solenoid coil.","If the solenoid is aligned with B0, the SNR of the signal drops vastly, because the transverse components of the B1-sensitivity of the solenoid are very small.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","Embodiments of the invention may provide for an intuitive viewing plane control.","Surprisingly, some interventionists have difficulties to cope with the fact, that they have full 6D control of the scan planes, since the planes stay “rigidly attached” to the tool.","This type of control requires that the operator keeps the tool in a defined position and orientation.","This is very different from the previous situation, where only the needle was held and maneuvered, and the operator at the console was in control of the scan planes.","Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.","The invention may provide for a light-weight and small device guide is that is equipped with a single toroid-shaped active marker.","It may be used in combination with a similarly shaped marker positioned near or adhering to the skin at the device entry point.","The marker with toroidal shape is crossed centrally by the needle-type device to be guided such that the center of gravity of its signal distribution lies on the needle axis.","This allows localizing the respective point on the needle axis with a single marker channel and irrespective of the orientation of the guide with respect to B0.Using only a single such marker at the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the flexibility of wiring.","The scan planes for image guidance are defined to contain the two points defined by the two markers, i.e., the position of the needle hub and of the skin entry point.","Two nearly perpendicular planes are used for guidance as before, e.g.","one para-coronal slice and one para-transverse slice in a liver intervention.","The para-coronal slice is defined as to contain both marker positions and the FH axis.","The para-transverse is defined to contain the AP axis if the needle is mainly advanced in RL direction and vice versa.","The set-up may consist of a light-weight and small guide marker and a skin marker.","Both markers have a central opening to let the needle pass.","Both markers may be equipped with a plug that can be plugged into a socket at the surface coil.","This minimizes cable length and workflow.","Note, that the toroidal shape of the signal volume allows measuring the needle axis with only two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for two point-like markers.","Hence, all needle-type devices can be guided accurately and, in addition, secondary devices can be introduced any time during the procedure with the guide still in use, e.g.","a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle or guidewires as necessary for Seldinger introduction techniques.","A possible workflow for using embodiments of the invention may be: 1.Interventionist defines and marks skin entry point, either with the conventional “finger-pointing method” or by moving the skin marker across the skin.","Finally, the entry point is marked by a pen, prepared for insertion (disinfection, local anesthesia, actually may have been performed earlier) and the skin marker is attached to the prepared entry site.","Note, that using the skin markers together with the known coordinates of the e.g.","target tumor already allows appropriate real-time imaging along the estimated needle path in e.g.","one para-transversal and one para-coronal image slice and thus provides optimal guidance during this interactive planning step.","2.Needle tip is put onto the entry point.","3.Needle shaft is aligned with the planned trajectory by moving the needle hub.","This can be achieved in two ways: a) The MR system tracks the position of the markers and either displays the resulting trajectory as a line on pre-operative images (navigational display).","b) Para-coronal and/or para-transversal real-time slices are acquired defined as described above.","When arrived at the correct trajectory, the needle should aim to the target lesion, which can be confirmed by either the navigational display or the real-time slice(s).","4.Needle is advanced into the body with continuous image control.","This allows to see and adjust for needle deviations, needle bending, physiological motion.","In an alternate workflow the entry point of the needle is defined virtually using a software package and active needle guidance is used to position the needle at the correct entry point and trajectory.","For this workflow both markers are placed on the needle, and the entry point may not have to be marked physically.","In one embodiment, the receive coils can be shaped as simple circular coils around the toroidal signal volume.","This simpler coil set-up is allowable, if it is excluded by the type of intervention, that the circular axis is aligned with B0, which would result in a low signal.","In the liver interventions performed in a 1 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system this is the case, and the simpler coil set-up can be used.","In one embodiment, the skin marker is equipped with such a circular receive coil and lacks an own toroidal signal volume.","Instead, the skin is used as signal source.","In one embodiment, the marker preferably equipped with such a simple circular coil is a disposable device.","In one embodiment, the coil of the skin marker is not wired to an MR receiver, but made resonant with a capacitor and its signal is detected via inductive coupling to the surface coil.","Active decoupling and a difference measurement may be used to reduce global background signal.","The alignment of the marker centers with the needle axis can be based on a sterile approach using single-use small adhesive patches a little bit larger in size than the markers.","The patches will be attached to the markers parallel to the marker plane from both sides so: a.)","They fully encapsulate the marker and thus render the assembly sterile b.)","The adhesive faces touch each other at the bore region of the markers c.) Needle-type devices can be poked through the markers center where the adhesive patches touch each other and the markers thus stay aligned with the needle axis but can be slid along the needle to avoid the FOV problem or to move them to a more favorable position (examples: move marker or marker wiring to different position in case of space limitations occurring during the intervention).","d.) Patches can be removed and markers and needle-type device can be separated while the needle-type device is still inserted.","In one embodiment the circular skin marker features a gap such as to remove the marker easily sideways after complete insertion of the guided device and reuse the active skin marker for consecutive workflow steps.","In one embodiment a multitude of markers with distinct coding (e.g.","via shape, signal .",".",". )","is available during the procedure.","This allows to identify different inserted devices via their transcutaneous port position.","In conjunction with the stored device orientation during insertion, (real-time) imaging planes can be easily recalled/adjusted to the respective device.","In one embodiment, both markers are on the needle instead of 1 on the needle and one on the skin to provide a 1-hand 1-movement workflow where it is no longer required to manually place the skin marker as a separate workflow step.","In one embodiment, a plastic spacer prevents that two markers come too close together to ensure accuracy of the imaged trajectory is maintained.","In one embodiment, the needle insertion depth is calculated from the marker that moves with the needle hub and marker that is held in position by the skin and the known location of the markers with respect to the needle.","Assuming a measurement precision of about 1 mm for the needle coordinates at the position of the two markers, the expected alignment error of the imaging planes will typically be small compared to the width of the image artifact caused by the needle.","Only in a situation when the two markers have to be moved very close together, the tip of a long needle may be missed in the images.","The following two embodiments are proposed to correct this possible misalignment: 1.The described active tracking method using the two markers is combined with a passive tracking method employing detection of the needle pointing direction via image analysis 2.A software tool is used to store a history of needle coordinates during needle progression and to guess the best image plane orientation.","Alternatively or additionally, the target (e.g.","tumor) coordinates which had been determined before the start of the intervention (as mentioned under “workflow” above) can be used as a third marker point when the needle tip approaches the target.","Embodiments of the invention may have the following advantages: The guide marker (magnetic resonance fiducial marker) is small, light-weight, and equipped with minimal wiring.","The marker is centrally attached to the needle.","As a consequence, the interventionist has nearly as fine haptic feedback and freedom to maneuver as with a bare needle.","The “Out-of-FOV-problem” is reduced/solved because the length of the device reduces to the length of the needle.","For very long needles, the guide marker may even be allowed to slide on the needle shaft, bringing it nearer to the isocenter.","The marker orientation problem is solved because there are always two zones within the toroid where the Biot-Savart-field of the toroidal coil is transverse.","In these zones, there is maximum signal.","There is no marker orientation in which the signal vanishes.","The problem of unintuitive scan plane control is solved, since the operator is back to the used way of mainly maneuvering the needle itself with only one hand.","The second hand is free to assist in this or for other purposes.","The large distance between the guide marker and the skin marker during the targeting phase and the phase of initial needle insertion results in a high targeting accuracy.","The large signal volume of the toroidal markers compared to beed-like markers potentially results in a higher accuracy of position measurement.","The markers may be implemented as single-use devices, enabling to generate device-based revenues.","The invention can be applied to all MR-guided transcutaneous interventions performed with linear-shaped devices.","A ‘computer-readable storage medium’ as used herein encompasses any tangible storage medium which may store instructions which are executable by a processor of a computing device.","The computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.","The computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer readable medium.","In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also be able to store data which is able to be accessed by the processor of the computing device.","Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: a floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a solid state hard disk, flash memory, a USB thumb drive, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the register file of the processor.","Examples of optical disks include Compact Disks (CD) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), for example CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R disks.","The term computer readable-storage medium also refers to various types of recording media capable of being accessed by the computer device via a network or communication link.","For example a data may be retrieved over a modem, over the internet, or over a local area network.","References to a computer-readable storage medium should be interpreted as possibly being multiple computer-readable storage mediums.","Various executable components of a program or programs may be stored in different locations.","The computer-readable storage medium may for instance be multiple computer-readable storage medium within the same computer system.","The computer-readable storage medium may also be computer-readable storage medium distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.","‘Computer memory’ or ‘memory’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.","Computer memory is any memory which is directly accessible to a processor.","Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to: RAM memory, registers, and register files.","References to ‘computer memory’ or ‘memory’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple memories.","The memory may for instance be multiple memories within the same computer system.","The memory may also be multiple memories distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.","‘Computer storage’ or ‘storage’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.","Computer storage is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.","Examples of computer storage include, but are not limited to: a hard disk drive, a USB thumb drive, a floppy drive, a smart card, a DVD, a CD-ROM, and a solid state hard drive.","In some embodiments computer storage may also be computer memory or vice versa.","References to ‘computer storage’ or ‘storage’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple storage.","The storage may for instance be multiple storage devices within the same computer system or computing device.","The storage may also be multiple storages distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.","A ‘processor’ as used herein encompasses an electronic component which is able to execute a program or machine executable instruction.","References to the computing device comprising “a processor” should be interpreted as possibly containing more than one processor or processing core.","The processor may for instance be a multi-core processor.","A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed amongst multiple computer systems.","The term computing device should also be interpreted to possibly refer to a collection or network of computing devices each comprising a processor or processors.","Many programs have their instructions performed by multiple processors that may be within the same computing device or which may even be distributed across multiple computing devices.","A ‘user interface’ as used herein is an interface which allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system.","A ‘user interface’ may also be referred to as a ‘human interface device.’ A user interface may provide information or data to the operator and/or receive information or data from the operator.","A user interface may enable input from an operator to be received by the computer and may provide output to the user from the computer.","In other words, the user interface may allow an operator to control or manipulate a computer and the interface may allow the computer indicate the effects of the operator's control or manipulation.","The display of data or information on a display or a graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator.","The receiving of data through a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, graphics tablet, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, gear sticks, steering wheel, pedals, wired glove, dance pad, remote control, and accelerometer are all examples of user interface components which enable the receiving of information or data from an operator.","A ‘hardware interface’ as used herein encompasses a interface which enables the processor of a computer system to interact with and/or control an external computing device and/or apparatus.","A hardware interface may allow a processor to send control signals or instructions to an external computing device and/or apparatus.","A hardware interface may also enable a processor to exchange data with an external computing device and/or apparatus.","Examples of a hardware interface include, but are not limited to: a universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 port, parallel port, IEEE 1284 port, serial port, RS-232 port, IEEE-488 port, Bluetooth connection, Wireless local area network connection, TCP/IP connection, Ethernet connection, control voltage interface, MIDI interface, analog input interface, and digital input interface.","A ‘display’ or ‘display device’ as used herein encompasses an output device or a user interface adapted for displaying images or data.","A display may output visual, audio, and or tactile data.","Examples of a display include, but are not limited to: a computer monitor, a television screen, a touch screen, tactile electronic display, Braille screen, Cathode ray tube (CRT), Storage tube, Bistable display, Electronic paper, Vector display, Flat panel display, Vacuum fluorescent display (VF), Light-emitting diode (LED) displays, Electroluminescent display (ELD), Plasma display panels (PDP), Liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED), a projector, and Head-mounted display.","Magnetic Resonance (MR) data is defined herein as being the recorded measurements of radio frequency signals emitted by atomic spins by the antenna of a Magnetic resonance apparatus during a magnetic resonance imaging scan.","A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image is defined herein as being the reconstructed two or three dimensional visualization of anatomic data contained within the magnetic resonance imaging data.","This visualization can be performed using a computer.","The invention provides for a medical apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.","The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.","For instance the shaft may be a needle or other long narrow structure which is able to be inserted into the subject.","In some embodiments the shaft may be able to pierce the skin or surface of a subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.","In some embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is removable.","For instance the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be able to slide along the shaft and be removed from an end of the shaft.","The first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.","A toroid is a shape which is formed by rotating a two-dimensional shape about an axis.","For instance if a circle is rotated about the axis the toroid is a torus.","Squares, rectangles, ovals or other shapes may also be rotated about the axis.","By saying that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal it is also common to say that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is substantially toroidal or a component of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.","In some embodiments a container which is toroidally-shaped is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In other embodiments a circular or washer-shaped section of circuit board or Teflon is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The shaft passes through a centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The centre point may have a hole or other structure which is used for guiding the shaft through the centre point.","In other embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may comprise paper or a thin layer of plastic which can be pierced by the shaft and the centre point is marked on the paper or the thin plastic.","The medical apparatus further comprises a processor for controlling the medical apparatus.","The medical apparatus further comprises a memory storing machine executable instructions for execution by the processor.","Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.","This may be achieved by the processor controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system and sending appropriate instructions which cause it to acquire the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.","This may be achieved using a software module for reconstructing the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the magnetic resonance image.","The selection of the target volume can be performed manually.","For instance a target volume may be identified using a graphical user interface which selects a region or a portion of the magnetic resonance image as the target volume.","In yet other embodiments the selection of the target volume may be performed automatically by an image segmentation module.","Various models and methods known in the art may be used to identify the location of anatomical structures.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.","This may be achieved in several different ways depending upon how the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is constructed.","For instance various gradient fields may be used to spatially encode magnetically polarizable material within a vessel of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In this case a coil wrapped around the toroidal structure may be used to acquire the magnetic resonance location data.","In yet other embodiments the toroidal structure of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be located in a normal magnetic resonance image.","The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.","The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.","This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the toroidal shape of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker allows its position and/or orientation to be determined.","This greatly reduces the number of magnetic resonance fiducial markers necessary to identify the location of the shaft of the interventional device.","This for instance allows a reduction in the weight of the interventional device and also its size which makes it easier to fit within an imaging zone of the magnetic resonance imaging system.","It may also be more convenient and ergonomic for a physician or other medical professional to use the interventional device.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly re-acquire the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly reconstruct the magnetic resonance image using the re-acquired magnetic resonance data.","The view comprises the magnetic resonance image.","In this embodiment the magnetic resonance data is repeatedly re-acquired and used to display an updated or fresh magnetic resonance image.","This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal or external motion which is in motion during the use of the interventional device.","This may provide for a more accurate use of the interventional device.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly re-determine the location of the target zone using the magnetic resonance data.","For instance an image segmentation module may be used to identify the location of the target zone automatically in some embodiments.","This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal and/or external motion which causes the location of the target zone to change as a function of time.","In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.","This embodiment is advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil can pick up the magnetic resonance signal from the toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume and be used to accurately locate the position and/or orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a resonant coil and capacitor.","In some embodiments, the resonant coil may be toroidally shaped or circularly shaped.","By toroidally-shaped the resonant coil and capacitor may be formed on a substrate, circuit board, or piece of Teflon which is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.","It may also be used to indicate that the coil is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.","This embodiment may be advantageous because it can be used to form a compact magnetic resonance fiducial marker which has its position and/or orientation identified.","In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted for guiding the shaft through a second centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The first centre point is through the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second centre point is the centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The location data is further descriptive of the location of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it is easier to identify the location of the centre point of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker than to identify both its centre point and its orientation.","By simply identifying the location of the first and second centre points the orientation of the shaft of the interventional device is determined.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil.","In this embodiment it is not necessary for the receive coil to surround a magnetic resonance signal volume.","This may be the case if the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is placed on the skin or a surface of the subject.","The subject may then function as the signal volume for the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a second toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.","This embodiment may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil is able to receive magnetic resonance signals from the second signal volume which allows the determination of the location of its centre point and/or its orientation.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.","This embodiment has the same advantages as for the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker that was formed using a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to the surface of the subject.","This may be particularly beneficial because the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of the shaft into the subject.","In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to an entry point of the shaft.","In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a spacer to separate the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow for more accurate identification of the orientation of the shaft.","For instance as the first and second centre points become closer to each other the margin of error used to calculate the orientation of the shaft becomes larger.","By placing a spacer between the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker the error in the calculated location of the shaft can be kept below a predetermined threshold.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to locate the first centre point and the second centre point using the magnetic resonance location data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to calculate a shaft position and orientation using at least the located first centre point and the located second centre point.","The location data comprises the shaft position and/or orientation.","This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the location of two points of the shaft allow its position and its orientation in space to be determined.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to determine an orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance location data.","For instance the location of the first centre point may be determined.","Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to calculate a shaft position using at least the located first centre point and the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The toroidal shape allows the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be determined in space.","As was mentioned previously this may be very advantageous because it allows the identification of the location and/or orientation of the shaft with a single magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the view is two-dimensional.","By this it is meant that the view is a representation of a two-dimensional slice of the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive a selection of a shaft entry point in the magnetic resonance data.","The shaft entry point may be identified in several different ways.","For instance if it is present the shaft entry point may be identified using the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker if it is attached to a surface or skin of the subject.","The shaft entry point may also be identified in a magnetic resonance image by a physician or operator using a human interface device such as a mouse.","Receiving the selection of the shaft entry point may also be achieved by using image segmentation or recognition to identify the location of where the shaft enters the subject.","The shaft entry point is descriptive of the location where the shaft enters the subject.","The view is determined at least using the shaft entry point.","This embodiment is advantageous because once the shaft has been inserted into the subject the shaft entry point does not change.","The subject may move but the shaft entry point relative to the anatomy of the subject remains constant until the shaft is removed from the subject.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to receive viewing plane offset and angulation commands.","Typically the magnetic resonance data is acquired for a three-dimensional volume.","During the procedure using the interventional device physicians or other healthcare professionals typically prefer to have a two-dimensional slice of the data which they see.","By issuing plane offset and/or angulation commands the physician or healthcare professional can adjust and select which plane they would like to see during the performing of the procedure.","Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to adjust the view using the viewing plane offset and angulation commands.","This embodiment may be particularly advantageous because the view may be selected in some embodiments automatically by identifying the location of the shaft entry point and/or the target zone.","The viewing plane offset and angulation commands can be given relative to the location of the target volume and/or the shaft entry point.","This allows for the adjusting and optimal display of data during the procedure.","In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to display a projection of the shaft onto the view.","This may be extremely advantageous because the shaft may be out of the plane of the view.","By projecting the shaft onto the view the physician or other healthcare professional is given additional information useful for guiding the shaft to the target zone.","In another embodiment color coding of the shaft is used to visualize which parts of the shaft are in front of, inside of, and/or behind the image plane.","This is particularly useful as it provides additional information and allows a physician to better guide the shaft to the target zone.","For instance a false color map could be used to indicate how far out of the plane a particular portion of the shaft is.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance image is rendered as a three-dimensional image.","This may be a three-dimensional image rendered on a two-dimensional display or the three-dimensional image may be rendered in three dimensions using a three-dimensional display or glasses which show the three-dimensional image to the physician or other healthcare professional.","In another embodiment the medical device further comprises a surface coil for receiving the magnetic resonance data.","This may be particularly advantageous because the surface coil may be placed surrounding the location where the shaft enters the subject's body.","The surface coil then surrounds a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker as it is placed on the surface of the subject.","For certain embodiments, particularly when the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonance coil and capacitor, the surface coil may be used to easily identify the location of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a needle.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a linear ablation probe.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a cryoprobe.","A cryoprobe supplies cryogenic fluid or cools a vicinity of the probe tip to cryogenic temperatures to cool tissues to the point of ablation.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a laser ablation probe.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a biopsy needle.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a hollow needle.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a microwave probe.","The microwave probe is adapted for delivering microwave energy to tissue in the vicinity of the tip of the shaft.","In another embodiment the interventional device is a guide wire delivery system.","The guide wire may for instance be delivered using a hollow needle or other structure.","The guide wire may then be used to deliver another interventional apparatus to the target zone.","In another aspect the invention provides for a computer program product comprising machine executable instructions for execution by a processor of a medical apparatus.","For instance the computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.","The medical apparatus comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.","The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.","The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.","The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.","The shaft passes through a first centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the subject.","Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance location marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.","The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.","The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.","In another aspect the invention also provides for a method and a computer-implemented method for performing the aforementioned computer program product.","In another aspect the invention provides for a magnetic resonance fiducial marker adapted to attach to a shaft.","The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.","The shaft is adapted to pass through a centre point of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This embodiment is advantageous because the toroidal magnetic resonance location marker may be used to identify both the location and orientation of the shaft using a single magnetic resonance location marker.","The orientation or location of the shaft is also very easily identified using two magnetic resonance location markers.","For instance the shaft may simply be able to be slid into a slot or hole at the centre point.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a central support for guiding the shaft.","The central support is adapted to be detached from the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","This is particularly advantageous because this may allow the magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be removed without removing the shaft from a subject.","For instance if a physician needs to insert a large number of shafts into a subject it may not be advantageous to leave the magnetic resonance fiducial marker in place.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be passed over a hub attached to a distal end of the shaft.","This may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker can be removed without having to remove the shaft.","The magnetic resonance fiducial markers are adapted to be removed from the shaft over the hub as distal end leaving the shaft inserted in the subject.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker has a subject surface adapted for being attached to a subject with an adhesive.","This is advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of where the shaft enters into the subject.","In another embodiment the subject surface is sterile.","For instance the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be delivered in a sterile enclosure or package.","The magnetic resonance fiducial marker may then be placed onto a sterile surface of the subject.","This has the advantage of reducing the possibility of infection.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroid.","The toroid comprises a slot adapted for passing the shaft through the toroid.","In some embodiments it may not be possible to pass the magnetic resonance fiducial marker over a hub.","There for instance could be a slot in the toroidal structure.","If there are coil structures on the toroid, then the coil structures could be adapted such that the removal of the shaft would rip apart or break a section of the coil and allow it to be removed.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil optionally surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.","The advantages of this embodiment have been previously discussed.","In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.","The advantages of this embodiment have also been previously discussed.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: FIG.","1 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.","2 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.","3 illustrates an interventional device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.","4 shows the interventional device of FIG.","3 in conjunction with a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker; FIG.","5 illustrates a method identifying the location of the center point of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker in one spatial dimension; FIG.","6 illustrates two magnetic resonance fiducial markers according to embodiments of the invention; FIG.","7 illustrates a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.","8 shows a top view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.","9 shows a top and a sectional side view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.","10 shows a sectional side view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; and FIG.","11 illustrates a medical apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Like numbered elements in these figures are either equivalent elements or perform the same function.","Elements which have been discussed previously will not necessarily be discussed in later figures if the function is equivalent.","FIG.","1 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention.","In step 100 magnetic resonance data is acquired.","In step 102 the magnetic resonance image is reconstructed using the magnetic resonance data.","In step 104 the selection of a target volume in the subject is received.","This for instance may be performed manually and the selection may be received from a graphical user interface.","In other embodiments the target volume is identified in the magnetic resonance image automatically using a segmentation module.","Next in step 106 magnetic resonance location data is acquired from the first magnetic resonance location marker.","In step 108 a view is rendered on a display device.","The view indicates the location of the shaft relative to the target volume.","In some embodiments the magnetic resonance image is also displayed on the view.","Steps 106 and 108 are repeated during a procedure using an interventional device.","FIG.","2 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the invention.","In step 200 magnetic resonance data is acquired.","In step 202 the magnetic resonance image is reconstructed using the magnetic resonance data.","In step 204 the selection of a target volume in the magnetic resonance image is received.","In step 206 magnetic resonance location data is acquired from the first magnetic resonance location marker.","Next in step 208 the magnetic resonance data is re-acquired.","In step 210 the magnetic resonance image is reconstructed using the re-acquired magnetic resonance data.","In step 212 a view is rendered on the display device.","The view indicates the location of the shaft relative to the target volume and the magnetic resonance image is displayed as a part of the view.","Steps 206, 208, 210, and 212 are repeated during a procedure using the interventional device comprising a shaft.","FIG.","3 illustrates an interventional device 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.","The interventional device 300 comprises a shaft 302 or needle attached to a hub 304.Mounted on the shaft 302 is a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306.The first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306 comprises a toroidal signal volume 308.There is a coil 310 wrapped around the toroidal signal volume 308.Connected to the coil 310 is a wire 312.The wire may be used for instance to connect to a pre-amplifier or other radio frequency component.","FIG.","4 shows the interventional device 300 of FIG.","3 in conjunction with a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406.In FIG.","3 a side view of the interventional device 300 was shown.","In this FIG.","the interventional device 300 is tipped at an angle.","It can be seen that the hub 304 is able to pass through the centre of the toroidal first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306.This allows for free passage or insertion of a secondary device.","It also allows the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306 to be removed without removing the shaft 302 from a subject.","The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406 could for instance be stuck with an adhesive to the surface of a subject.","The shaft 302 would then be inserted into a centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406.The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406 has a toroidal signal volume 408.There is a coil surrounding the toroidal signal volume 408.A wire 412 is also connected to the coil 410 for the same reasons as the wire 312 is connected to the coil 310.FIG.","5 shows an example of how to identify the location of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 504 using one-dimensional gradient techniques.","In the plot 500 is frequency or alternatively is the spatial location.","A gradient may be applied in a particular direction and a magnetic resonance signal can be measured using the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.","The y-axis is labeled 502 and is the signal magnitude.","506 is a curve plotting the signal as a function of location or as a frequency.","As a single gradient field is used the frequency is equivalent to the location.","It can be seen that the signal has a dip at point 508.This the location of the centre point of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 504.FIG.","6 shows two examples of magnetic resonance fiducial markers 600, 602.In the example shown in FIG.","600 there is a signal volume 604 surrounded by a coil 606.In the embodiment shown in FIG.","602 there are eight solenoid coils which are wired in series 608.FIG.","7 illustrates a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 600.Again there is a signal volume 604 surrounded by a coil 606.The magnetic resonance fiducial marker 600 has a centre point 610 for guiding a shaft.","In this embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 600 is connected directly to a pre-amplifier board 700.The pre-amplifier board has a connection to a power supply board 702 and also a connection 704 for connecting to a radio frequency receiver via a radio frequency cable.","FIG.","8 shows a top view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 800 according to an embodiment of the invention.","The magnetic resonance fiducial marker 800 comprises a signal volume 802 surrounded by a coil 804.There is a central support 806 which has a slot or perforation 808 and a hole 810.The hole 810 is adapted for guiding a shaft.","The slot 808 is through both the signal volume 802 and the central support 806.In the central support 806 there is a break area 812 which can be broken when a shaft is inserted in the hole 810.When the shaft is forced against the break area the shaft can then be moved down the slot 808.Likewise a shaft can be used to apply force to the break area of a coil 814.In this way a shaft can be removed from the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 800 without removing it from a subject.","FIG.","9 shows a top view 900 and a side view 902 of a further embodiment of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to the invention.","In this embodiment there is a substrate 904 which is toroidal in shape.","The substrate 904 is connected to a central support 906.There is a hole 908 in the central support 906 for guiding a shaft.","On the surface of the substrate 904 there is a coil 912 in series with a capacitor 914.The coil 912 and capacitor 914 form a resonant circuit which may be detected by a magnetic resonance imaging system.","The central support 906 in some embodiments may be mounted onto a subject in which case the surface 916 may be a subject surface and may also have an adhesive surface.","FIG.","10 shows a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention.","In this embodiment there is a signal volume 1002.In this embodiment no coil is shown.","There is a central support 1004 which is in the middle of the toroidal signal volume 1002.There is a hole 1006 in the centre of the central support 1004 for guiding a shaft 1014.There is an adhesive 1008 on the bottom of the central support 1004.In some embodiments the adhesive 1008 is also on the signal volume 1002.In yet other embodiments, the adhesive 1008 is only on signal volume 1002.The adhesive 1008 has a subject surface 1010 and is adapted for adhering to the surface of a subject 1012.A shaft 1014 is shown as being inserted through the hole 1006 and a distal end of the shaft 1014 is a hub 1016.In this embodiment the central support 1004 is able to be torn or removed from the signal volume 1002.For instance the adhesive may not be underneath the signal volume 1002 in some embodiments.","When the signal volume 1002 is forcibly removed from the central support 1004 it is able to pass the hub 1016.The central part of the toroidal signal volume 1002 is larger than the circumference of the hub 1016.In this way the marker 1000 can be removed while leaving the shaft 1014 in place.","Having the adhesive 1008 only on the ventral support 1004 is beneficial, because it aids in separating the signal volume from the central support 1004.FIG.","11 shows a medical apparatus 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention.","The medical apparatus 1100 comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system 1102.The magnetic resonance imaging system 1102 comprises an open magnet 1104.In the open magnet two superconducting coils are mounted on top of each other and they produce a magnetic field similar to the way in which a Helmholtz coil would.","The advantage to an open magnet 1104 is that it provides easy access to a subject 1110.The magnet 1104 has a liquid helium cooled cryostat with superconducting coils.","It is also possible to use permanent or resistive magnets.","The use of different types of magnets is also possible for instance it is also possible to use both a split cylindrical magnet and a cylindrical magnet, although both are less convenient to use than an open magnet.","A split cylindrical magnet is similar to a standard cylindrical magnet, except that the cryostat has been split into two sections to allow access to the iso-plane of the magnet.","An open magnet has two magnet sections, one above the other with a space in-between that is large enough to receive a subject: as mentioned above the arrangement of the two sections is similar to that of a Helmholtz coil.","Open magnets are popular, because the subject is less confined.","Inside the cryostat of the cylindrical magnet there is a collection of superconducting coils.","Within the magnet 1104 there is an imaging zone 1108 where the magnetic field is strong and uniform enough to perform magnetic resonance imaging.","On the inside of the magnet 1104 there are magnetic field gradient coils 1106 which are used for acquisition of magnetic resonance data to spatially encode magnetic spins within an imaging zone of the magnet.","The magnetic field gradient coils 1106 are connected to a gradient coil power supply 1107.The magnetic field gradient coil is intended to be representative.","Typically magnetic field gradient coils contain three separate sets of coils for spatially encoding in three orthogonal spatial directions.","A magnetic field gradient power supply supplies current to the magnetic field gradient coils.","The current supplied to the magnetic field coils is controlled as a function of time and may be ramped or pulsed.","A subject 1110 is reposing on a subject support 1112 and is partially within the imaging zone 1108.A surface coil 1114 can be seen as being on the surface of the subject 1110.The surface coil 1114 is a radio frequency antenna for manipulating the orientations of magnetic spins within the imaging zone and for receiving radio transmissions from spins also within the imaging zone.","The surface coil 1114 is connected to a transceiver 1116.The radio frequency transceiver 1116 may be replaced by separate transmit and receive coils and a separate transmitter and receiver.","It is understood that the radio frequency transceiver are simply representative.","The surface coil is intended to represent a dedicated transmit antenna and a dedicated receive antenna.","For instance, the magnetic resonance imaging system may also include a body coil for exciting magnetic spins.","Likewise the transceiver may also represent a separate transmitter and receiver.","The transceiver 1116 is a multiple channel transceiver it is connected to both a magnetic resonance marker 1122 and the surface coil 1114.Within the subject 1110 there is a target zone 1118.A shaft or needle 1120 has been inserted into the subject 1110.There is a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 1122 on the shaft 1120.The magnetic resonance fiducial marker 1122 is also connected to the transceiver 1116.The transceiver 1116 and the gradient coil power supply 1107 are connected to a hardware interface 1126 of a computer system 1124.The computer system further comprises a processor 1128.The processor 1128 uses the hardware interface 1126 to send and receive command signals to the magnetic resonance imaging system 1102.The processor 1128 is able to control the magnetic resonance imaging system 1102 via the hardware interface 1126.The processor 1128 is further connected to a user interface 1130, computer storage 1132, and computer memory 1134.The computer storage 1132 is shown as containing magnetic resonance data 1140.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing a magnetic resonance image 1142 reconstructed from the magnetic resonance data 1140.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing a location 1144 of the target zone 1118.These are coordinates of the target zone 1118.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing magnetic resonance location data 1146.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing an image 1148 which has been rendered and shows the relationship of the shaft 1120 relative to the target zone 1118.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing a control module 1150.The control module 1150 contains computer executable code for controlling the operation and function of the medical apparatus 1100.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing a location identification module 1152.The location identification module 1152 is able to determine the location of magnetic resonance fiducial markers 1122 using magnetic resonance location data 1146.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing an image segmentation module 1154.The image segmentation module 1154 is adapted for locating target zones, shaft entry points, and/or anatomical structures using the magnetic resonance image 1142.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing a rendering module 1156.The rendering module 1156 is used for generating the image 1148 using at a minimum the magnetic resonance location data 1146 and the location of the target zone 1144.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing an image reconstruction module 1158.The image reconstruction module 1158 contains computer executable code for reconstructing the magnetic resonance image 1142 from the magnetic resonance data 1140.As part of the user interface 1130 a graphical user interface 1160 is displayed on a display device.","Within the graphical user interface 1160 is an image 1162.This may be a magnetic resonance image or it may be an image which is generated.","Within the image 1162 is shown the location of a subject 1164.Within the subject 1164 is a target zone 1168.There is a needle 1170 which is also shown with its position relative to the target zone 1168.The point marked 1172 is the shaft entry point 1172 of the shaft 1120 into the subject 1110, 1164.While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.","Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.","In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.","A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.","The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.","A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.","Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE OF A SHAFT TO A TARGET ZONE\",\n \"A medical apparatus (1100) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system and an interventional device (300) comprising a shaft (302, 1014, 1120).\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance fiducial marker (306, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1122) attached to the shaft.\",\n \"The shaft passes through a center point (610, 810, 908, 1006) of the fiducial marker.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises machine executable instructions (1150, 1152, 1154, 1156, 1158) for execution by a processor.\",\n \"The instructions cause the processor to acquire (100, 200) magnetic resonance data, to reconstruct (102, 202) a magnetic resonance image (1142), and to receive (104, 204) the selection of a target volume (1118, 1144, 1168).\",\n \"The instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly: acquire (106, 206) magnetic resonance location data (1146) from the fiducial marker and render (108, 212) a view (1148, 1162) indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A medical interventional device comprising: a shaft having a proximal end that is configured to be inserted into a patient; and a magnetic resonance fiducial marker; wherein the shaft passes through a center point of the fiducial marker wherein the fiducial marker comprises: a toroidal signal volume, and a coil that is wrapped around the toroidal signal volume; wherein, when the toroidal signal volume is exposed to magnetic resonance signals, an electromagnetic field is generated about the toroidal signal volume that causes the coil to generate a signal comprising a local minimum between two local maximums, corresponding to a location of the center point of the fiducial marker.\",\n \"2.The device of claim 1, wherein the fiducial marker includes one or more features that guide the shaft to the center point of the fiducial marker.\",\n \"3.The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is hollow to allow entry of a secondary device through the shaft.\",\n \"4.The device of claim 1, wherein the fiducial marker is detachable from the shaft while the proximal end is inserted in the patient.\",\n \"5.The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises one of: a needle, a linear ablation probe, a cryoprobe, a laser ablation probe, a biopsy needle, a hollow needle, a microwave probe, and a guide wire delivery system.\",\n \"6.The device of claim 1, comprising multiple coils wrapped around the toroidal signal volume, each coil of the multiple coils generating a different signal dependent upon the coil's position on the toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"7.The device of claim 1, wherein the signal that the coil generates also identifies an orientation of the toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"8.The device of claim 1, further comprising a capacitor that is coupled to the coil so that the signal generated by the coil is a resonant signal.\",\n \"9.The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a hub that is configured to be situated within the toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"10.The device of claim 1, comprising a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker having a second center point through which the shaft passes, wherein the second fiducial marker generates a second signal indicative of a location of the second center point.\",\n \"11.The device of claim 10, wherein the second fiducial marker is configured to be attached to the patient at a point of entry of the shaft into the patient.\",\n \"12.A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to: acquire a signal generated by a magnetic resonance fiducial marker when the fiducial marker is exposed to magnetic resonance signals, wherein the signal is characteristic of a current generated by a coil that is wrapped around a toroidal signal volume, including a local minimum between two local maximums; determine, from the signal, a location of a center of the toroidal signal volume; render a view of a shaft that is situated at the center of the toroidal signal volume on a display that includes a view of a target zone of a patient exposed to the magnetic resonance signals.\",\n \"13.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the processor to determine, from the signal, an orientation of the toroidal signal volume, and wherein the view of the shaft is dependent upon the orientation.\",\n \"14.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the process to repeatedly acquire the signal, determine the location of the center of the toroidal signal volume, and render the view of the shaft at the center of the toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"15.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the processor to: acquire a second signal generated by a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker, wherein the shaft is situated at the center of the second fiducial marker; and determine, from the second signal, a location of the center of the second fiducial marker; wherein the view of the shaft is dependent upon the location of the center of the second fiducial marker.\",\n \"16.The medium of claim 15, wherein the second fiducial marker is situated on a surface of the patient, at an entry point of the shaft into the patient.\",\n \"17.The medium of claim 15, wherein the second signal is characteristic of a current generated by a second coil that is wrapped around the second toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"18.The medium of claim 17, wherein the second fiducial marker includes a capacitor coupled to the second coil, and the second signal is a resonant signal.\",\n \"19.The medium of claim 12, wherein the fiducial marker includes a capacitor coupled to the coil, and the signal is a resonant signal.\",\n \"20.The medium of claim 12, wherein the program causes the processor to acquire a plurality of signals from a plurality of coils wrapped around the toroidal signal volume, and determine a plurality of locations of each coil of the plurality of coils; wherein the view of the shaft is dependent upon the locations of the plurality of coils.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The availability of interactive real-time MRI and MR-conditional instruments has lead to an increasing use of MR-guidance especially in transcutaneous procedures performed with needles or linear ablation probes.\",\n \"Besides the lack of ionizing radiation MR-guidance offers a number of advantages for such procedures, the most important one being the soft tissue contrast and full tomographic capability of MR, if compared with CT or US.\",\n \"State-of-the-art clinical MR-guided percutaneous interventions use pre-operative 3D MR images to plan the device path, then stereotactic device guides to align the device with the target and to guide its insertion, which is mostly performed outside the MR bore.\",\n \"Finally, MR is used to confirm that the device has reached the target.\",\n \"Because stereotactic procedures are prone to registration errors due to patient motion and needle bending, and because they involve a complicated workflow (patient movement into and out of bore), advanced centers are now practicing so-called free-hand procedures, in which the device is advanced without any physical stereotactic device guide under real-time image guidance inside the MR.\",\n \"This is facilitated by dedicated MR sequences that visualize the target lesion and the device with high conspicuity and by the availability of open MR systems In Coutts et. at.\",\n \"“Integrated and Interactive Position Tracking and Imaging of Interventional Tools and Internal Devices Using Small Fiducial Receiver Coils,” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, vol.\",\n \"40, 1998, pages 908-913, a method of tracking the position of a rigid device within a magnetic resonance scanner is disclosed.\",\n \"The position tracking is performed by means of two or three small magnetic resonance receiver coils attached to individual receiver channels.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The invention provides for a medical apparatus, a computer program product, and a magnetic resonance fiducial marker in the independent claims.\",\n \"Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.\",\n \"Some embodiments of the invention may be particularly advantageous, because alignment of the imaging slices with needle and/or target lesion may be performed automatically.\",\n \"Manual adjustment of slices is current practice, but requires that the interventionist communicates the requested slice adjustments to the MR operator outside the MR room, which is not trivial and requires an experienced and well attuned team.\",\n \"Means to support, automate, and improve the workflow of such free-hand interventions are mandatory to foster a wide-spread use.\",\n \"The toroidal shape of the fiducial markers of embodiments of the invention allows measurement of the position and/or orientation of the needle axis with only one or two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for point-like markers.\",\n \"Hence, embodiments of the invention may be compatible with any needle-type device and, additionally, secondary devices can be introduced, e.g.\",\n \"a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle.\",\n \"Using individual light markers as the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the mechanical flexibility of wiring, which is essential to allow for uncompromised maneuverability and minute haptic feedback as required when advancing the device into the patient.\",\n \"The device guide does not require additional attention (holding/steering/aligning etc.)\",\n \"by the physician and the needle-type devices can be manipulated as usual.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device with reduced weight and/or an interventional device which is more easily controlled with a single hand.\",\n \"Current interventional devices may have a relatively large size.\",\n \"The size is caused by the necessity to incorporate at least three markers with sufficient mutual distance to measure the position and orientation of the device with sufficient accuracy.\",\n \"This is important to achieve proper alignment of the imaging slice with the device.\",\n \"Even small angular errors can otherwise lead to a displacement between needle and slice inside the patient.\",\n \"Target lesions can be located as deeply as 20 cm inside the patient.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"A large size of the device is disadvantageous especially when several needles and catheters are applied in one patient close to each other as for HDR brachytherapy.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may reduce the number of wires to the inverventional device with respect to current interventional devices.\",\n \"Current devices which rely on the use of multiple fiducialmarkers may have clumsy wiring.\",\n \"The use of several markers in the device results in a heavy and in-flexible connection cable with about 1.5 cm diameter and respectively large and heavy cable traps to avoid dangerous shield currents.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device where the fiducial marker is attached to the shaft or needle of the interventional device.\",\n \"With some current devices, the size and weight of the device and its wiring and the relative in-flexibility of the wiring have lead to concerns to rigidly attach the needle to the guide itself as initially intended.\",\n \"Instead, a bar with a V-shaped groove is used to which the interventionist aligns the needle with his second hand.\",\n \"However, tests have shown that handling of needle and guidance tool with two hands is uncomfortable and for some users even totally unfeasible.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for improved maneuverability and haptics of the interventional device.\",\n \"Free-hand needle interventions depend on a minute haptic feedback which is required when advancing the needle into the patient.\",\n \"The interventionist must be able to “feel” the crossing of internal interfaces.\",\n \"The size of the device, the weight and in-flexibility of the relatively thick cable, and the need to use two hands to maneuver needle and tool vastly hampers maneuverability and haptics.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may reduce the likelihood that a fiducial marker is out of the field of view, or imaging region, of a magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"In some current implementations, guidance tools of relatively large size are attached/positioned proximally to and about aligned with the needle, such that the overall length of the assembly from needle tip to the most proximal marker is in the order of 30 cm.\",\n \"The lesion may be as deep as 15 cm inside the patient.\",\n \"During entry of the needle into the skin, all active tracking markers as well as the lesion should be in the imaging volume of the MR scanner, which is typically a sphere of less than 45 cm diameter.\",\n \"The patient must be very carefully positioned to achieve this, and even if so, the interesting objects are lying at the edge of the imaging sphere with associated low SNR and geometric distortions.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved orientation independence of the fiducial marker.\",\n \"Current active markers receive signal from a water-filled bead contained in a solenoid coil.\",\n \"If the solenoid is aligned with B0, the SNR of the signal drops vastly, because the transverse components of the B1-sensitivity of the solenoid are very small.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an intuitive viewing plane control.\",\n \"Surprisingly, some interventionists have difficulties to cope with the fact, that they have full 6D control of the scan planes, since the planes stay “rigidly attached” to the tool.\",\n \"This type of control requires that the operator keeps the tool in a defined position and orientation.\",\n \"This is very different from the previous situation, where only the needle was held and maneuvered, and the operator at the console was in control of the scan planes.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"The invention may provide for a light-weight and small device guide is that is equipped with a single toroid-shaped active marker.\",\n \"It may be used in combination with a similarly shaped marker positioned near or adhering to the skin at the device entry point.\",\n \"The marker with toroidal shape is crossed centrally by the needle-type device to be guided such that the center of gravity of its signal distribution lies on the needle axis.\",\n \"This allows localizing the respective point on the needle axis with a single marker channel and irrespective of the orientation of the guide with respect to B0.Using only a single such marker at the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the flexibility of wiring.\",\n \"The scan planes for image guidance are defined to contain the two points defined by the two markers, i.e., the position of the needle hub and of the skin entry point.\",\n \"Two nearly perpendicular planes are used for guidance as before, e.g.\",\n \"one para-coronal slice and one para-transverse slice in a liver intervention.\",\n \"The para-coronal slice is defined as to contain both marker positions and the FH axis.\",\n \"The para-transverse is defined to contain the AP axis if the needle is mainly advanced in RL direction and vice versa.\",\n \"The set-up may consist of a light-weight and small guide marker and a skin marker.\",\n \"Both markers have a central opening to let the needle pass.\",\n \"Both markers may be equipped with a plug that can be plugged into a socket at the surface coil.\",\n \"This minimizes cable length and workflow.\",\n \"Note, that the toroidal shape of the signal volume allows measuring the needle axis with only two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for two point-like markers.\",\n \"Hence, all needle-type devices can be guided accurately and, in addition, secondary devices can be introduced any time during the procedure with the guide still in use, e.g.\",\n \"a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle or guidewires as necessary for Seldinger introduction techniques.\",\n \"A possible workflow for using embodiments of the invention may be: 1.Interventionist defines and marks skin entry point, either with the conventional “finger-pointing method” or by moving the skin marker across the skin.\",\n \"Finally, the entry point is marked by a pen, prepared for insertion (disinfection, local anesthesia, actually may have been performed earlier) and the skin marker is attached to the prepared entry site.\",\n \"Note, that using the skin markers together with the known coordinates of the e.g.\",\n \"target tumor already allows appropriate real-time imaging along the estimated needle path in e.g.\",\n \"one para-transversal and one para-coronal image slice and thus provides optimal guidance during this interactive planning step.\",\n \"2.Needle tip is put onto the entry point.\",\n \"3.Needle shaft is aligned with the planned trajectory by moving the needle hub.\",\n \"This can be achieved in two ways: a) The MR system tracks the position of the markers and either displays the resulting trajectory as a line on pre-operative images (navigational display).\",\n \"b) Para-coronal and/or para-transversal real-time slices are acquired defined as described above.\",\n \"When arrived at the correct trajectory, the needle should aim to the target lesion, which can be confirmed by either the navigational display or the real-time slice(s).\",\n \"4.Needle is advanced into the body with continuous image control.\",\n \"This allows to see and adjust for needle deviations, needle bending, physiological motion.\",\n \"In an alternate workflow the entry point of the needle is defined virtually using a software package and active needle guidance is used to position the needle at the correct entry point and trajectory.\",\n \"For this workflow both markers are placed on the needle, and the entry point may not have to be marked physically.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the receive coils can be shaped as simple circular coils around the toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"This simpler coil set-up is allowable, if it is excluded by the type of intervention, that the circular axis is aligned with B0, which would result in a low signal.\",\n \"In the liver interventions performed in a 1 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system this is the case, and the simpler coil set-up can be used.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the skin marker is equipped with such a circular receive coil and lacks an own toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"Instead, the skin is used as signal source.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the marker preferably equipped with such a simple circular coil is a disposable device.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the coil of the skin marker is not wired to an MR receiver, but made resonant with a capacitor and its signal is detected via inductive coupling to the surface coil.\",\n \"Active decoupling and a difference measurement may be used to reduce global background signal.\",\n \"The alignment of the marker centers with the needle axis can be based on a sterile approach using single-use small adhesive patches a little bit larger in size than the markers.\",\n \"The patches will be attached to the markers parallel to the marker plane from both sides so: a.)\",\n \"They fully encapsulate the marker and thus render the assembly sterile b.)\",\n \"The adhesive faces touch each other at the bore region of the markers c.) Needle-type devices can be poked through the markers center where the adhesive patches touch each other and the markers thus stay aligned with the needle axis but can be slid along the needle to avoid the FOV problem or to move them to a more favorable position (examples: move marker or marker wiring to different position in case of space limitations occurring during the intervention).\",\n \"d.) Patches can be removed and markers and needle-type device can be separated while the needle-type device is still inserted.\",\n \"In one embodiment the circular skin marker features a gap such as to remove the marker easily sideways after complete insertion of the guided device and reuse the active skin marker for consecutive workflow steps.\",\n \"In one embodiment a multitude of markers with distinct coding (e.g.\",\n \"via shape, signal .\",\n \".\",\n \". )\",\n \"is available during the procedure.\",\n \"This allows to identify different inserted devices via their transcutaneous port position.\",\n \"In conjunction with the stored device orientation during insertion, (real-time) imaging planes can be easily recalled/adjusted to the respective device.\",\n \"In one embodiment, both markers are on the needle instead of 1 on the needle and one on the skin to provide a 1-hand 1-movement workflow where it is no longer required to manually place the skin marker as a separate workflow step.\",\n \"In one embodiment, a plastic spacer prevents that two markers come too close together to ensure accuracy of the imaged trajectory is maintained.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the needle insertion depth is calculated from the marker that moves with the needle hub and marker that is held in position by the skin and the known location of the markers with respect to the needle.\",\n \"Assuming a measurement precision of about 1 mm for the needle coordinates at the position of the two markers, the expected alignment error of the imaging planes will typically be small compared to the width of the image artifact caused by the needle.\",\n \"Only in a situation when the two markers have to be moved very close together, the tip of a long needle may be missed in the images.\",\n \"The following two embodiments are proposed to correct this possible misalignment: 1.The described active tracking method using the two markers is combined with a passive tracking method employing detection of the needle pointing direction via image analysis 2.A software tool is used to store a history of needle coordinates during needle progression and to guess the best image plane orientation.\",\n \"Alternatively or additionally, the target (e.g.\",\n \"tumor) coordinates which had been determined before the start of the intervention (as mentioned under “workflow” above) can be used as a third marker point when the needle tip approaches the target.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may have the following advantages: The guide marker (magnetic resonance fiducial marker) is small, light-weight, and equipped with minimal wiring.\",\n \"The marker is centrally attached to the needle.\",\n \"As a consequence, the interventionist has nearly as fine haptic feedback and freedom to maneuver as with a bare needle.\",\n \"The “Out-of-FOV-problem” is reduced/solved because the length of the device reduces to the length of the needle.\",\n \"For very long needles, the guide marker may even be allowed to slide on the needle shaft, bringing it nearer to the isocenter.\",\n \"The marker orientation problem is solved because there are always two zones within the toroid where the Biot-Savart-field of the toroidal coil is transverse.\",\n \"In these zones, there is maximum signal.\",\n \"There is no marker orientation in which the signal vanishes.\",\n \"The problem of unintuitive scan plane control is solved, since the operator is back to the used way of mainly maneuvering the needle itself with only one hand.\",\n \"The second hand is free to assist in this or for other purposes.\",\n \"The large distance between the guide marker and the skin marker during the targeting phase and the phase of initial needle insertion results in a high targeting accuracy.\",\n \"The large signal volume of the toroidal markers compared to beed-like markers potentially results in a higher accuracy of position measurement.\",\n \"The markers may be implemented as single-use devices, enabling to generate device-based revenues.\",\n \"The invention can be applied to all MR-guided transcutaneous interventions performed with linear-shaped devices.\",\n \"A ‘computer-readable storage medium’ as used herein encompasses any tangible storage medium which may store instructions which are executable by a processor of a computing device.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer readable medium.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also be able to store data which is able to be accessed by the processor of the computing device.\",\n \"Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: a floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a solid state hard disk, flash memory, a USB thumb drive, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the register file of the processor.\",\n \"Examples of optical disks include Compact Disks (CD) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), for example CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R disks.\",\n \"The term computer readable-storage medium also refers to various types of recording media capable of being accessed by the computer device via a network or communication link.\",\n \"For example a data may be retrieved over a modem, over the internet, or over a local area network.\",\n \"References to a computer-readable storage medium should be interpreted as possibly being multiple computer-readable storage mediums.\",\n \"Various executable components of a program or programs may be stored in different locations.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may for instance be multiple computer-readable storage medium within the same computer system.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may also be computer-readable storage medium distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.\",\n \"‘Computer memory’ or ‘memory’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"Computer memory is any memory which is directly accessible to a processor.\",\n \"Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to: RAM memory, registers, and register files.\",\n \"References to ‘computer memory’ or ‘memory’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple memories.\",\n \"The memory may for instance be multiple memories within the same computer system.\",\n \"The memory may also be multiple memories distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.\",\n \"‘Computer storage’ or ‘storage’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"Computer storage is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"Examples of computer storage include, but are not limited to: a hard disk drive, a USB thumb drive, a floppy drive, a smart card, a DVD, a CD-ROM, and a solid state hard drive.\",\n \"In some embodiments computer storage may also be computer memory or vice versa.\",\n \"References to ‘computer storage’ or ‘storage’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple storage.\",\n \"The storage may for instance be multiple storage devices within the same computer system or computing device.\",\n \"The storage may also be multiple storages distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.\",\n \"A ‘processor’ as used herein encompasses an electronic component which is able to execute a program or machine executable instruction.\",\n \"References to the computing device comprising “a processor” should be interpreted as possibly containing more than one processor or processing core.\",\n \"The processor may for instance be a multi-core processor.\",\n \"A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed amongst multiple computer systems.\",\n \"The term computing device should also be interpreted to possibly refer to a collection or network of computing devices each comprising a processor or processors.\",\n \"Many programs have their instructions performed by multiple processors that may be within the same computing device or which may even be distributed across multiple computing devices.\",\n \"A ‘user interface’ as used herein is an interface which allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system.\",\n \"A ‘user interface’ may also be referred to as a ‘human interface device.’ A user interface may provide information or data to the operator and/or receive information or data from the operator.\",\n \"A user interface may enable input from an operator to be received by the computer and may provide output to the user from the computer.\",\n \"In other words, the user interface may allow an operator to control or manipulate a computer and the interface may allow the computer indicate the effects of the operator's control or manipulation.\",\n \"The display of data or information on a display or a graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator.\",\n \"The receiving of data through a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, graphics tablet, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, gear sticks, steering wheel, pedals, wired glove, dance pad, remote control, and accelerometer are all examples of user interface components which enable the receiving of information or data from an operator.\",\n \"A ‘hardware interface’ as used herein encompasses a interface which enables the processor of a computer system to interact with and/or control an external computing device and/or apparatus.\",\n \"A hardware interface may allow a processor to send control signals or instructions to an external computing device and/or apparatus.\",\n \"A hardware interface may also enable a processor to exchange data with an external computing device and/or apparatus.\",\n \"Examples of a hardware interface include, but are not limited to: a universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 port, parallel port, IEEE 1284 port, serial port, RS-232 port, IEEE-488 port, Bluetooth connection, Wireless local area network connection, TCP/IP connection, Ethernet connection, control voltage interface, MIDI interface, analog input interface, and digital input interface.\",\n \"A ‘display’ or ‘display device’ as used herein encompasses an output device or a user interface adapted for displaying images or data.\",\n \"A display may output visual, audio, and or tactile data.\",\n \"Examples of a display include, but are not limited to: a computer monitor, a television screen, a touch screen, tactile electronic display, Braille screen, Cathode ray tube (CRT), Storage tube, Bistable display, Electronic paper, Vector display, Flat panel display, Vacuum fluorescent display (VF), Light-emitting diode (LED) displays, Electroluminescent display (ELD), Plasma display panels (PDP), Liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED), a projector, and Head-mounted display.\",\n \"Magnetic Resonance (MR) data is defined herein as being the recorded measurements of radio frequency signals emitted by atomic spins by the antenna of a Magnetic resonance apparatus during a magnetic resonance imaging scan.\",\n \"A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image is defined herein as being the reconstructed two or three dimensional visualization of anatomic data contained within the magnetic resonance imaging data.\",\n \"This visualization can be performed using a computer.\",\n \"The invention provides for a medical apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.\",\n \"The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.\",\n \"For instance the shaft may be a needle or other long narrow structure which is able to be inserted into the subject.\",\n \"In some embodiments the shaft may be able to pierce the skin or surface of a subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.\",\n \"In some embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is removable.\",\n \"For instance the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be able to slide along the shaft and be removed from an end of the shaft.\",\n \"The first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.\",\n \"A toroid is a shape which is formed by rotating a two-dimensional shape about an axis.\",\n \"For instance if a circle is rotated about the axis the toroid is a torus.\",\n \"Squares, rectangles, ovals or other shapes may also be rotated about the axis.\",\n \"By saying that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal it is also common to say that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is substantially toroidal or a component of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.\",\n \"In some embodiments a container which is toroidally-shaped is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In other embodiments a circular or washer-shaped section of circuit board or Teflon is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The shaft passes through a centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The centre point may have a hole or other structure which is used for guiding the shaft through the centre point.\",\n \"In other embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may comprise paper or a thin layer of plastic which can be pierced by the shaft and the centre point is marked on the paper or the thin plastic.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a processor for controlling the medical apparatus.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a memory storing machine executable instructions for execution by the processor.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"This may be achieved by the processor controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system and sending appropriate instructions which cause it to acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"This may be achieved using a software module for reconstructing the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"The selection of the target volume can be performed manually.\",\n \"For instance a target volume may be identified using a graphical user interface which selects a region or a portion of the magnetic resonance image as the target volume.\",\n \"In yet other embodiments the selection of the target volume may be performed automatically by an image segmentation module.\",\n \"Various models and methods known in the art may be used to identify the location of anatomical structures.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"This may be achieved in several different ways depending upon how the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is constructed.\",\n \"For instance various gradient fields may be used to spatially encode magnetically polarizable material within a vessel of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In this case a coil wrapped around the toroidal structure may be used to acquire the magnetic resonance location data.\",\n \"In yet other embodiments the toroidal structure of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be located in a normal magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.\",\n \"The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.\",\n \"This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the toroidal shape of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker allows its position and/or orientation to be determined.\",\n \"This greatly reduces the number of magnetic resonance fiducial markers necessary to identify the location of the shaft of the interventional device.\",\n \"This for instance allows a reduction in the weight of the interventional device and also its size which makes it easier to fit within an imaging zone of the magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"It may also be more convenient and ergonomic for a physician or other medical professional to use the interventional device.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly re-acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly reconstruct the magnetic resonance image using the re-acquired magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"The view comprises the magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"In this embodiment the magnetic resonance data is repeatedly re-acquired and used to display an updated or fresh magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal or external motion which is in motion during the use of the interventional device.\",\n \"This may provide for a more accurate use of the interventional device.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly re-determine the location of the target zone using the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"For instance an image segmentation module may be used to identify the location of the target zone automatically in some embodiments.\",\n \"This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal and/or external motion which causes the location of the target zone to change as a function of time.\",\n \"In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"This embodiment is advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil can pick up the magnetic resonance signal from the toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume and be used to accurately locate the position and/or orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the resonant coil may be toroidally shaped or circularly shaped.\",\n \"By toroidally-shaped the resonant coil and capacitor may be formed on a substrate, circuit board, or piece of Teflon which is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.\",\n \"It may also be used to indicate that the coil is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.\",\n \"This embodiment may be advantageous because it can be used to form a compact magnetic resonance fiducial marker which has its position and/or orientation identified.\",\n \"In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted for guiding the shaft through a second centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The first centre point is through the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second centre point is the centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The location data is further descriptive of the location of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it is easier to identify the location of the centre point of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker than to identify both its centre point and its orientation.\",\n \"By simply identifying the location of the first and second centre points the orientation of the shaft of the interventional device is determined.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil.\",\n \"In this embodiment it is not necessary for the receive coil to surround a magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"This may be the case if the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is placed on the skin or a surface of the subject.\",\n \"The subject may then function as the signal volume for the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a second toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"This embodiment may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil is able to receive magnetic resonance signals from the second signal volume which allows the determination of the location of its centre point and/or its orientation.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"This embodiment has the same advantages as for the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker that was formed using a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to the surface of the subject.\",\n \"This may be particularly beneficial because the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of the shaft into the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to an entry point of the shaft.\",\n \"In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a spacer to separate the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow for more accurate identification of the orientation of the shaft.\",\n \"For instance as the first and second centre points become closer to each other the margin of error used to calculate the orientation of the shaft becomes larger.\",\n \"By placing a spacer between the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker the error in the calculated location of the shaft can be kept below a predetermined threshold.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to locate the first centre point and the second centre point using the magnetic resonance location data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to calculate a shaft position and orientation using at least the located first centre point and the located second centre point.\",\n \"The location data comprises the shaft position and/or orientation.\",\n \"This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the location of two points of the shaft allow its position and its orientation in space to be determined.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to determine an orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance location data.\",\n \"For instance the location of the first centre point may be determined.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to calculate a shaft position using at least the located first centre point and the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The toroidal shape allows the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be determined in space.\",\n \"As was mentioned previously this may be very advantageous because it allows the identification of the location and/or orientation of the shaft with a single magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the view is two-dimensional.\",\n \"By this it is meant that the view is a representation of a two-dimensional slice of the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive a selection of a shaft entry point in the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"The shaft entry point may be identified in several different ways.\",\n \"For instance if it is present the shaft entry point may be identified using the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker if it is attached to a surface or skin of the subject.\",\n \"The shaft entry point may also be identified in a magnetic resonance image by a physician or operator using a human interface device such as a mouse.\",\n \"Receiving the selection of the shaft entry point may also be achieved by using image segmentation or recognition to identify the location of where the shaft enters the subject.\",\n \"The shaft entry point is descriptive of the location where the shaft enters the subject.\",\n \"The view is determined at least using the shaft entry point.\",\n \"This embodiment is advantageous because once the shaft has been inserted into the subject the shaft entry point does not change.\",\n \"The subject may move but the shaft entry point relative to the anatomy of the subject remains constant until the shaft is removed from the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to receive viewing plane offset and angulation commands.\",\n \"Typically the magnetic resonance data is acquired for a three-dimensional volume.\",\n \"During the procedure using the interventional device physicians or other healthcare professionals typically prefer to have a two-dimensional slice of the data which they see.\",\n \"By issuing plane offset and/or angulation commands the physician or healthcare professional can adjust and select which plane they would like to see during the performing of the procedure.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to adjust the view using the viewing plane offset and angulation commands.\",\n \"This embodiment may be particularly advantageous because the view may be selected in some embodiments automatically by identifying the location of the shaft entry point and/or the target zone.\",\n \"The viewing plane offset and angulation commands can be given relative to the location of the target volume and/or the shaft entry point.\",\n \"This allows for the adjusting and optimal display of data during the procedure.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to display a projection of the shaft onto the view.\",\n \"This may be extremely advantageous because the shaft may be out of the plane of the view.\",\n \"By projecting the shaft onto the view the physician or other healthcare professional is given additional information useful for guiding the shaft to the target zone.\",\n \"In another embodiment color coding of the shaft is used to visualize which parts of the shaft are in front of, inside of, and/or behind the image plane.\",\n \"This is particularly useful as it provides additional information and allows a physician to better guide the shaft to the target zone.\",\n \"For instance a false color map could be used to indicate how far out of the plane a particular portion of the shaft is.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance image is rendered as a three-dimensional image.\",\n \"This may be a three-dimensional image rendered on a two-dimensional display or the three-dimensional image may be rendered in three dimensions using a three-dimensional display or glasses which show the three-dimensional image to the physician or other healthcare professional.\",\n \"In another embodiment the medical device further comprises a surface coil for receiving the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"This may be particularly advantageous because the surface coil may be placed surrounding the location where the shaft enters the subject's body.\",\n \"The surface coil then surrounds a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker as it is placed on the surface of the subject.\",\n \"For certain embodiments, particularly when the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonance coil and capacitor, the surface coil may be used to easily identify the location of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a needle.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a linear ablation probe.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a cryoprobe.\",\n \"A cryoprobe supplies cryogenic fluid or cools a vicinity of the probe tip to cryogenic temperatures to cool tissues to the point of ablation.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a laser ablation probe.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a biopsy needle.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a hollow needle.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a microwave probe.\",\n \"The microwave probe is adapted for delivering microwave energy to tissue in the vicinity of the tip of the shaft.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a guide wire delivery system.\",\n \"The guide wire may for instance be delivered using a hollow needle or other structure.\",\n \"The guide wire may then be used to deliver another interventional apparatus to the target zone.\",\n \"In another aspect the invention provides for a computer program product comprising machine executable instructions for execution by a processor of a medical apparatus.\",\n \"For instance the computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"The medical apparatus comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.\",\n \"The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.\",\n \"The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.\",\n \"The shaft passes through a first centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the subject.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance location marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.\",\n \"The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.\",\n \"In another aspect the invention also provides for a method and a computer-implemented method for performing the aforementioned computer program product.\",\n \"In another aspect the invention provides for a magnetic resonance fiducial marker adapted to attach to a shaft.\",\n \"The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.\",\n \"The shaft is adapted to pass through a centre point of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This embodiment is advantageous because the toroidal magnetic resonance location marker may be used to identify both the location and orientation of the shaft using a single magnetic resonance location marker.\",\n \"The orientation or location of the shaft is also very easily identified using two magnetic resonance location markers.\",\n \"For instance the shaft may simply be able to be slid into a slot or hole at the centre point.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a central support for guiding the shaft.\",\n \"The central support is adapted to be detached from the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This is particularly advantageous because this may allow the magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be removed without removing the shaft from a subject.\",\n \"For instance if a physician needs to insert a large number of shafts into a subject it may not be advantageous to leave the magnetic resonance fiducial marker in place.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be passed over a hub attached to a distal end of the shaft.\",\n \"This may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker can be removed without having to remove the shaft.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance fiducial markers are adapted to be removed from the shaft over the hub as distal end leaving the shaft inserted in the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker has a subject surface adapted for being attached to a subject with an adhesive.\",\n \"This is advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of where the shaft enters into the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment the subject surface is sterile.\",\n \"For instance the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be delivered in a sterile enclosure or package.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance fiducial marker may then be placed onto a sterile surface of the subject.\",\n \"This has the advantage of reducing the possibility of infection.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroid.\",\n \"The toroid comprises a slot adapted for passing the shaft through the toroid.\",\n \"In some embodiments it may not be possible to pass the magnetic resonance fiducial marker over a hub.\",\n \"There for instance could be a slot in the toroidal structure.\",\n \"If there are coil structures on the toroid, then the coil structures could be adapted such that the removal of the shaft would rip apart or break a section of the coil and allow it to be removed.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil optionally surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"The advantages of this embodiment have been previously discussed.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"The advantages of this embodiment have also been previously discussed.\"\n ],\n [\n \"The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/007,990 filed Sep. 27, 2013, which is the U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C.\",\n \"§ 371 of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/IB2012/051661, filed Apr.\",\n \"4, 2012, which claims the benefit of EP Application Serial No.\",\n \"11161457.4 filed Apr.\",\n \"7, 2011.These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.\",\n \"TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging, in particular to the use of magnetic resonance to guide a shaft to a target zone within a subject.\",\n \"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The availability of interactive real-time MRI and MR-conditional instruments has lead to an increasing use of MR-guidance especially in transcutaneous procedures performed with needles or linear ablation probes.\",\n \"Besides the lack of ionizing radiation MR-guidance offers a number of advantages for such procedures, the most important one being the soft tissue contrast and full tomographic capability of MR, if compared with CT or US.\",\n \"State-of-the-art clinical MR-guided percutaneous interventions use pre-operative 3D MR images to plan the device path, then stereotactic device guides to align the device with the target and to guide its insertion, which is mostly performed outside the MR bore.\",\n \"Finally, MR is used to confirm that the device has reached the target.\",\n \"Because stereotactic procedures are prone to registration errors due to patient motion and needle bending, and because they involve a complicated workflow (patient movement into and out of bore), advanced centers are now practicing so-called free-hand procedures, in which the device is advanced without any physical stereotactic device guide under real-time image guidance inside the MR.\",\n \"This is facilitated by dedicated MR sequences that visualize the target lesion and the device with high conspicuity and by the availability of open MR systems In Coutts et. at.\",\n \"“Integrated and Interactive Position Tracking and Imaging of Interventional Tools and Internal Devices Using Small Fiducial Receiver Coils,” Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, vol.\",\n \"40, 1998, pages 908-913, a method of tracking the position of a rigid device within a magnetic resonance scanner is disclosed.\",\n \"The position tracking is performed by means of two or three small magnetic resonance receiver coils attached to individual receiver channels.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides for a medical apparatus, a computer program product, and a magnetic resonance fiducial marker in the independent claims.\",\n \"Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.\",\n \"Some embodiments of the invention may be particularly advantageous, because alignment of the imaging slices with needle and/or target lesion may be performed automatically.\",\n \"Manual adjustment of slices is current practice, but requires that the interventionist communicates the requested slice adjustments to the MR operator outside the MR room, which is not trivial and requires an experienced and well attuned team.\",\n \"Means to support, automate, and improve the workflow of such free-hand interventions are mandatory to foster a wide-spread use.\",\n \"The toroidal shape of the fiducial markers of embodiments of the invention allows measurement of the position and/or orientation of the needle axis with only one or two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for point-like markers.\",\n \"Hence, embodiments of the invention may be compatible with any needle-type device and, additionally, secondary devices can be introduced, e.g.\",\n \"a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle.\",\n \"Using individual light markers as the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the mechanical flexibility of wiring, which is essential to allow for uncompromised maneuverability and minute haptic feedback as required when advancing the device into the patient.\",\n \"The device guide does not require additional attention (holding/steering/aligning etc.)\",\n \"by the physician and the needle-type devices can be manipulated as usual.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device with reduced weight and/or an interventional device which is more easily controlled with a single hand.\",\n \"Current interventional devices may have a relatively large size.\",\n \"The size is caused by the necessity to incorporate at least three markers with sufficient mutual distance to measure the position and orientation of the device with sufficient accuracy.\",\n \"This is important to achieve proper alignment of the imaging slice with the device.\",\n \"Even small angular errors can otherwise lead to a displacement between needle and slice inside the patient.\",\n \"Target lesions can be located as deeply as 20 cm inside the patient.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"A large size of the device is disadvantageous especially when several needles and catheters are applied in one patient close to each other as for HDR brachytherapy.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may reduce the number of wires to the inverventional device with respect to current interventional devices.\",\n \"Current devices which rely on the use of multiple fiducialmarkers may have clumsy wiring.\",\n \"The use of several markers in the device results in a heavy and in-flexible connection cable with about 1.5 cm diameter and respectively large and heavy cable traps to avoid dangerous shield currents.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an interventional device where the fiducial marker is attached to the shaft or needle of the interventional device.\",\n \"With some current devices, the size and weight of the device and its wiring and the relative in-flexibility of the wiring have lead to concerns to rigidly attach the needle to the guide itself as initially intended.\",\n \"Instead, a bar with a V-shaped groove is used to which the interventionist aligns the needle with his second hand.\",\n \"However, tests have shown that handling of needle and guidance tool with two hands is uncomfortable and for some users even totally unfeasible.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for improved maneuverability and haptics of the interventional device.\",\n \"Free-hand needle interventions depend on a minute haptic feedback which is required when advancing the needle into the patient.\",\n \"The interventionist must be able to “feel” the crossing of internal interfaces.\",\n \"The size of the device, the weight and in-flexibility of the relatively thick cable, and the need to use two hands to maneuver needle and tool vastly hampers maneuverability and haptics.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may reduce the likelihood that a fiducial marker is out of the field of view, or imaging region, of a magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"In some current implementations, guidance tools of relatively large size are attached/positioned proximally to and about aligned with the needle, such that the overall length of the assembly from needle tip to the most proximal marker is in the order of 30 cm.\",\n \"The lesion may be as deep as 15 cm inside the patient.\",\n \"During entry of the needle into the skin, all active tracking markers as well as the lesion should be in the imaging volume of the MR scanner, which is typically a sphere of less than 45 cm diameter.\",\n \"The patient must be very carefully positioned to achieve this, and even if so, the interesting objects are lying at the edge of the imaging sphere with associated low SNR and geometric distortions.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an improved orientation independence of the fiducial marker.\",\n \"Current active markers receive signal from a water-filled bead contained in a solenoid coil.\",\n \"If the solenoid is aligned with B0, the SNR of the signal drops vastly, because the transverse components of the B1-sensitivity of the solenoid are very small.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide for an intuitive viewing plane control.\",\n \"Surprisingly, some interventionists have difficulties to cope with the fact, that they have full 6D control of the scan planes, since the planes stay “rigidly attached” to the tool.\",\n \"This type of control requires that the operator keeps the tool in a defined position and orientation.\",\n \"This is very different from the previous situation, where only the needle was held and maneuvered, and the operator at the console was in control of the scan planes.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may provide a means of overcoming this limitation.\",\n \"The invention may provide for a light-weight and small device guide is that is equipped with a single toroid-shaped active marker.\",\n \"It may be used in combination with a similarly shaped marker positioned near or adhering to the skin at the device entry point.\",\n \"The marker with toroidal shape is crossed centrally by the needle-type device to be guided such that the center of gravity of its signal distribution lies on the needle axis.\",\n \"This allows localizing the respective point on the needle axis with a single marker channel and irrespective of the orientation of the guide with respect to B0.Using only a single such marker at the device guide reduces its size and vastly increases the flexibility of wiring.\",\n \"The scan planes for image guidance are defined to contain the two points defined by the two markers, i.e., the position of the needle hub and of the skin entry point.\",\n \"Two nearly perpendicular planes are used for guidance as before, e.g.\",\n \"one para-coronal slice and one para-transverse slice in a liver intervention.\",\n \"The para-coronal slice is defined as to contain both marker positions and the FH axis.\",\n \"The para-transverse is defined to contain the AP axis if the needle is mainly advanced in RL direction and vice versa.\",\n \"The set-up may consist of a light-weight and small guide marker and a skin marker.\",\n \"Both markers have a central opening to let the needle pass.\",\n \"Both markers may be equipped with a plug that can be plugged into a socket at the surface coil.\",\n \"This minimizes cable length and workflow.\",\n \"Note, that the toroidal shape of the signal volume allows measuring the needle axis with only two markers but without blocking the needle axis as would be the case for two point-like markers.\",\n \"Hence, all needle-type devices can be guided accurately and, in addition, secondary devices can be introduced any time during the procedure with the guide still in use, e.g.\",\n \"a stylet or biopsy device into a hollow needle or guidewires as necessary for Seldinger introduction techniques.\",\n \"A possible workflow for using embodiments of the invention may be: 1.Interventionist defines and marks skin entry point, either with the conventional “finger-pointing method” or by moving the skin marker across the skin.\",\n \"Finally, the entry point is marked by a pen, prepared for insertion (disinfection, local anesthesia, actually may have been performed earlier) and the skin marker is attached to the prepared entry site.\",\n \"Note, that using the skin markers together with the known coordinates of the e.g.\",\n \"target tumor already allows appropriate real-time imaging along the estimated needle path in e.g.\",\n \"one para-transversal and one para-coronal image slice and thus provides optimal guidance during this interactive planning step.\",\n \"2.Needle tip is put onto the entry point.\",\n \"3.Needle shaft is aligned with the planned trajectory by moving the needle hub.\",\n \"This can be achieved in two ways: a) The MR system tracks the position of the markers and either displays the resulting trajectory as a line on pre-operative images (navigational display).\",\n \"b) Para-coronal and/or para-transversal real-time slices are acquired defined as described above.\",\n \"When arrived at the correct trajectory, the needle should aim to the target lesion, which can be confirmed by either the navigational display or the real-time slice(s).\",\n \"4.Needle is advanced into the body with continuous image control.\",\n \"This allows to see and adjust for needle deviations, needle bending, physiological motion.\",\n \"In an alternate workflow the entry point of the needle is defined virtually using a software package and active needle guidance is used to position the needle at the correct entry point and trajectory.\",\n \"For this workflow both markers are placed on the needle, and the entry point may not have to be marked physically.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the receive coils can be shaped as simple circular coils around the toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"This simpler coil set-up is allowable, if it is excluded by the type of intervention, that the circular axis is aligned with B0, which would result in a low signal.\",\n \"In the liver interventions performed in a 1 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system this is the case, and the simpler coil set-up can be used.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the skin marker is equipped with such a circular receive coil and lacks an own toroidal signal volume.\",\n \"Instead, the skin is used as signal source.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the marker preferably equipped with such a simple circular coil is a disposable device.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the coil of the skin marker is not wired to an MR receiver, but made resonant with a capacitor and its signal is detected via inductive coupling to the surface coil.\",\n \"Active decoupling and a difference measurement may be used to reduce global background signal.\",\n \"The alignment of the marker centers with the needle axis can be based on a sterile approach using single-use small adhesive patches a little bit larger in size than the markers.\",\n \"The patches will be attached to the markers parallel to the marker plane from both sides so: a.)\",\n \"They fully encapsulate the marker and thus render the assembly sterile b.)\",\n \"The adhesive faces touch each other at the bore region of the markers c.) Needle-type devices can be poked through the markers center where the adhesive patches touch each other and the markers thus stay aligned with the needle axis but can be slid along the needle to avoid the FOV problem or to move them to a more favorable position (examples: move marker or marker wiring to different position in case of space limitations occurring during the intervention).\",\n \"d.) Patches can be removed and markers and needle-type device can be separated while the needle-type device is still inserted.\",\n \"In one embodiment the circular skin marker features a gap such as to remove the marker easily sideways after complete insertion of the guided device and reuse the active skin marker for consecutive workflow steps.\",\n \"In one embodiment a multitude of markers with distinct coding (e.g.\",\n \"via shape, signal .\",\n \".\",\n \". )\",\n \"is available during the procedure.\",\n \"This allows to identify different inserted devices via their transcutaneous port position.\",\n \"In conjunction with the stored device orientation during insertion, (real-time) imaging planes can be easily recalled/adjusted to the respective device.\",\n \"In one embodiment, both markers are on the needle instead of 1 on the needle and one on the skin to provide a 1-hand 1-movement workflow where it is no longer required to manually place the skin marker as a separate workflow step.\",\n \"In one embodiment, a plastic spacer prevents that two markers come too close together to ensure accuracy of the imaged trajectory is maintained.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the needle insertion depth is calculated from the marker that moves with the needle hub and marker that is held in position by the skin and the known location of the markers with respect to the needle.\",\n \"Assuming a measurement precision of about 1 mm for the needle coordinates at the position of the two markers, the expected alignment error of the imaging planes will typically be small compared to the width of the image artifact caused by the needle.\",\n \"Only in a situation when the two markers have to be moved very close together, the tip of a long needle may be missed in the images.\",\n \"The following two embodiments are proposed to correct this possible misalignment: 1.The described active tracking method using the two markers is combined with a passive tracking method employing detection of the needle pointing direction via image analysis 2.A software tool is used to store a history of needle coordinates during needle progression and to guess the best image plane orientation.\",\n \"Alternatively or additionally, the target (e.g.\",\n \"tumor) coordinates which had been determined before the start of the intervention (as mentioned under “workflow” above) can be used as a third marker point when the needle tip approaches the target.\",\n \"Embodiments of the invention may have the following advantages: The guide marker (magnetic resonance fiducial marker) is small, light-weight, and equipped with minimal wiring.\",\n \"The marker is centrally attached to the needle.\",\n \"As a consequence, the interventionist has nearly as fine haptic feedback and freedom to maneuver as with a bare needle.\",\n \"The “Out-of-FOV-problem” is reduced/solved because the length of the device reduces to the length of the needle.\",\n \"For very long needles, the guide marker may even be allowed to slide on the needle shaft, bringing it nearer to the isocenter.\",\n \"The marker orientation problem is solved because there are always two zones within the toroid where the Biot-Savart-field of the toroidal coil is transverse.\",\n \"In these zones, there is maximum signal.\",\n \"There is no marker orientation in which the signal vanishes.\",\n \"The problem of unintuitive scan plane control is solved, since the operator is back to the used way of mainly maneuvering the needle itself with only one hand.\",\n \"The second hand is free to assist in this or for other purposes.\",\n \"The large distance between the guide marker and the skin marker during the targeting phase and the phase of initial needle insertion results in a high targeting accuracy.\",\n \"The large signal volume of the toroidal markers compared to beed-like markers potentially results in a higher accuracy of position measurement.\",\n \"The markers may be implemented as single-use devices, enabling to generate device-based revenues.\",\n \"The invention can be applied to all MR-guided transcutaneous interventions performed with linear-shaped devices.\",\n \"A ‘computer-readable storage medium’ as used herein encompasses any tangible storage medium which may store instructions which are executable by a processor of a computing device.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer readable medium.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also be able to store data which is able to be accessed by the processor of the computing device.\",\n \"Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: a floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a solid state hard disk, flash memory, a USB thumb drive, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the register file of the processor.\",\n \"Examples of optical disks include Compact Disks (CD) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), for example CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R disks.\",\n \"The term computer readable-storage medium also refers to various types of recording media capable of being accessed by the computer device via a network or communication link.\",\n \"For example a data may be retrieved over a modem, over the internet, or over a local area network.\",\n \"References to a computer-readable storage medium should be interpreted as possibly being multiple computer-readable storage mediums.\",\n \"Various executable components of a program or programs may be stored in different locations.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may for instance be multiple computer-readable storage medium within the same computer system.\",\n \"The computer-readable storage medium may also be computer-readable storage medium distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.\",\n \"‘Computer memory’ or ‘memory’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"Computer memory is any memory which is directly accessible to a processor.\",\n \"Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to: RAM memory, registers, and register files.\",\n \"References to ‘computer memory’ or ‘memory’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple memories.\",\n \"The memory may for instance be multiple memories within the same computer system.\",\n \"The memory may also be multiple memories distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.\",\n \"‘Computer storage’ or ‘storage’ is an example of a computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"Computer storage is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"Examples of computer storage include, but are not limited to: a hard disk drive, a USB thumb drive, a floppy drive, a smart card, a DVD, a CD-ROM, and a solid state hard drive.\",\n \"In some embodiments computer storage may also be computer memory or vice versa.\",\n \"References to ‘computer storage’ or ‘storage’ should be interpreted as possibly being multiple storage.\",\n \"The storage may for instance be multiple storage devices within the same computer system or computing device.\",\n \"The storage may also be multiple storages distributed amongst multiple computer systems or computing devices.\",\n \"A ‘processor’ as used herein encompasses an electronic component which is able to execute a program or machine executable instruction.\",\n \"References to the computing device comprising “a processor” should be interpreted as possibly containing more than one processor or processing core.\",\n \"The processor may for instance be a multi-core processor.\",\n \"A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed amongst multiple computer systems.\",\n \"The term computing device should also be interpreted to possibly refer to a collection or network of computing devices each comprising a processor or processors.\",\n \"Many programs have their instructions performed by multiple processors that may be within the same computing device or which may even be distributed across multiple computing devices.\",\n \"A ‘user interface’ as used herein is an interface which allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system.\",\n \"A ‘user interface’ may also be referred to as a ‘human interface device.’ A user interface may provide information or data to the operator and/or receive information or data from the operator.\",\n \"A user interface may enable input from an operator to be received by the computer and may provide output to the user from the computer.\",\n \"In other words, the user interface may allow an operator to control or manipulate a computer and the interface may allow the computer indicate the effects of the operator's control or manipulation.\",\n \"The display of data or information on a display or a graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator.\",\n \"The receiving of data through a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, graphics tablet, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, gear sticks, steering wheel, pedals, wired glove, dance pad, remote control, and accelerometer are all examples of user interface components which enable the receiving of information or data from an operator.\",\n \"A ‘hardware interface’ as used herein encompasses a interface which enables the processor of a computer system to interact with and/or control an external computing device and/or apparatus.\",\n \"A hardware interface may allow a processor to send control signals or instructions to an external computing device and/or apparatus.\",\n \"A hardware interface may also enable a processor to exchange data with an external computing device and/or apparatus.\",\n \"Examples of a hardware interface include, but are not limited to: a universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 port, parallel port, IEEE 1284 port, serial port, RS-232 port, IEEE-488 port, Bluetooth connection, Wireless local area network connection, TCP/IP connection, Ethernet connection, control voltage interface, MIDI interface, analog input interface, and digital input interface.\",\n \"A ‘display’ or ‘display device’ as used herein encompasses an output device or a user interface adapted for displaying images or data.\",\n \"A display may output visual, audio, and or tactile data.\",\n \"Examples of a display include, but are not limited to: a computer monitor, a television screen, a touch screen, tactile electronic display, Braille screen, Cathode ray tube (CRT), Storage tube, Bistable display, Electronic paper, Vector display, Flat panel display, Vacuum fluorescent display (VF), Light-emitting diode (LED) displays, Electroluminescent display (ELD), Plasma display panels (PDP), Liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED), a projector, and Head-mounted display.\",\n \"Magnetic Resonance (MR) data is defined herein as being the recorded measurements of radio frequency signals emitted by atomic spins by the antenna of a Magnetic resonance apparatus during a magnetic resonance imaging scan.\",\n \"A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image is defined herein as being the reconstructed two or three dimensional visualization of anatomic data contained within the magnetic resonance imaging data.\",\n \"This visualization can be performed using a computer.\",\n \"The invention provides for a medical apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.\",\n \"The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.\",\n \"For instance the shaft may be a needle or other long narrow structure which is able to be inserted into the subject.\",\n \"In some embodiments the shaft may be able to pierce the skin or surface of a subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.\",\n \"In some embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is removable.\",\n \"For instance the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be able to slide along the shaft and be removed from an end of the shaft.\",\n \"The first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.\",\n \"A toroid is a shape which is formed by rotating a two-dimensional shape about an axis.\",\n \"For instance if a circle is rotated about the axis the toroid is a torus.\",\n \"Squares, rectangles, ovals or other shapes may also be rotated about the axis.\",\n \"By saying that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal it is also common to say that the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is substantially toroidal or a component of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is toroidal.\",\n \"In some embodiments a container which is toroidally-shaped is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In other embodiments a circular or washer-shaped section of circuit board or Teflon is used to form the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The shaft passes through a centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The centre point may have a hole or other structure which is used for guiding the shaft through the centre point.\",\n \"In other embodiments the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may comprise paper or a thin layer of plastic which can be pierced by the shaft and the centre point is marked on the paper or the thin plastic.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a processor for controlling the medical apparatus.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a memory storing machine executable instructions for execution by the processor.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"This may be achieved by the processor controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system and sending appropriate instructions which cause it to acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"This may be achieved using a software module for reconstructing the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"The selection of the target volume can be performed manually.\",\n \"For instance a target volume may be identified using a graphical user interface which selects a region or a portion of the magnetic resonance image as the target volume.\",\n \"In yet other embodiments the selection of the target volume may be performed automatically by an image segmentation module.\",\n \"Various models and methods known in the art may be used to identify the location of anatomical structures.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"This may be achieved in several different ways depending upon how the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker is constructed.\",\n \"For instance various gradient fields may be used to spatially encode magnetically polarizable material within a vessel of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In this case a coil wrapped around the toroidal structure may be used to acquire the magnetic resonance location data.\",\n \"In yet other embodiments the toroidal structure of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be located in a normal magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.\",\n \"The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.\",\n \"This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the toroidal shape of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker allows its position and/or orientation to be determined.\",\n \"This greatly reduces the number of magnetic resonance fiducial markers necessary to identify the location of the shaft of the interventional device.\",\n \"This for instance allows a reduction in the weight of the interventional device and also its size which makes it easier to fit within an imaging zone of the magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"It may also be more convenient and ergonomic for a physician or other medical professional to use the interventional device.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly re-acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly reconstruct the magnetic resonance image using the re-acquired magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"The view comprises the magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"In this embodiment the magnetic resonance data is repeatedly re-acquired and used to display an updated or fresh magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal or external motion which is in motion during the use of the interventional device.\",\n \"This may provide for a more accurate use of the interventional device.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly re-determine the location of the target zone using the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"For instance an image segmentation module may be used to identify the location of the target zone automatically in some embodiments.\",\n \"This may be advantageous because the subject may have internal and/or external motion which causes the location of the target zone to change as a function of time.\",\n \"In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"This embodiment is advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil can pick up the magnetic resonance signal from the toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume and be used to accurately locate the position and/or orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the resonant coil may be toroidally shaped or circularly shaped.\",\n \"By toroidally-shaped the resonant coil and capacitor may be formed on a substrate, circuit board, or piece of Teflon which is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.\",\n \"It may also be used to indicate that the coil is toroidal or substantially toroidal in shape.\",\n \"This embodiment may be advantageous because it can be used to form a compact magnetic resonance fiducial marker which has its position and/or orientation identified.\",\n \"In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted for guiding the shaft through a second centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The first centre point is through the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second centre point is the centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The location data is further descriptive of the location of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it is easier to identify the location of the centre point of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker than to identify both its centre point and its orientation.\",\n \"By simply identifying the location of the first and second centre points the orientation of the shaft of the interventional device is determined.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil.\",\n \"In this embodiment it is not necessary for the receive coil to surround a magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"This may be the case if the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is placed on the skin or a surface of the subject.\",\n \"The subject may then function as the signal volume for the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil surrounding a second toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"This embodiment may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance receive coil is able to receive magnetic resonance signals from the second signal volume which allows the determination of the location of its centre point and/or its orientation.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"This embodiment has the same advantages as for the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker that was formed using a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to the surface of the subject.\",\n \"This may be particularly beneficial because the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of the shaft into the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be attached to an entry point of the shaft.\",\n \"In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a spacer to separate the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow for more accurate identification of the orientation of the shaft.\",\n \"For instance as the first and second centre points become closer to each other the margin of error used to calculate the orientation of the shaft becomes larger.\",\n \"By placing a spacer between the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker and the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker the error in the calculated location of the shaft can be kept below a predetermined threshold.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to locate the first centre point and the second centre point using the magnetic resonance location data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to calculate a shaft position and orientation using at least the located first centre point and the located second centre point.\",\n \"The location data comprises the shaft position and/or orientation.\",\n \"This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the location of two points of the shaft allow its position and its orientation in space to be determined.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to determine an orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker using the magnetic resonance location data.\",\n \"For instance the location of the first centre point may be determined.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to calculate a shaft position using at least the located first centre point and the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The toroidal shape allows the orientation of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be determined in space.\",\n \"As was mentioned previously this may be very advantageous because it allows the identification of the location and/or orientation of the shaft with a single magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the view is two-dimensional.\",\n \"By this it is meant that the view is a representation of a two-dimensional slice of the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive a selection of a shaft entry point in the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"The shaft entry point may be identified in several different ways.\",\n \"For instance if it is present the shaft entry point may be identified using the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker if it is attached to a surface or skin of the subject.\",\n \"The shaft entry point may also be identified in a magnetic resonance image by a physician or operator using a human interface device such as a mouse.\",\n \"Receiving the selection of the shaft entry point may also be achieved by using image segmentation or recognition to identify the location of where the shaft enters the subject.\",\n \"The shaft entry point is descriptive of the location where the shaft enters the subject.\",\n \"The view is determined at least using the shaft entry point.\",\n \"This embodiment is advantageous because once the shaft has been inserted into the subject the shaft entry point does not change.\",\n \"The subject may move but the shaft entry point relative to the anatomy of the subject remains constant until the shaft is removed from the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to receive viewing plane offset and angulation commands.\",\n \"Typically the magnetic resonance data is acquired for a three-dimensional volume.\",\n \"During the procedure using the interventional device physicians or other healthcare professionals typically prefer to have a two-dimensional slice of the data which they see.\",\n \"By issuing plane offset and/or angulation commands the physician or healthcare professional can adjust and select which plane they would like to see during the performing of the procedure.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to adjust the view using the viewing plane offset and angulation commands.\",\n \"This embodiment may be particularly advantageous because the view may be selected in some embodiments automatically by identifying the location of the shaft entry point and/or the target zone.\",\n \"The viewing plane offset and angulation commands can be given relative to the location of the target volume and/or the shaft entry point.\",\n \"This allows for the adjusting and optimal display of data during the procedure.\",\n \"In another embodiment execution of the instructions further cause the processor to display a projection of the shaft onto the view.\",\n \"This may be extremely advantageous because the shaft may be out of the plane of the view.\",\n \"By projecting the shaft onto the view the physician or other healthcare professional is given additional information useful for guiding the shaft to the target zone.\",\n \"In another embodiment color coding of the shaft is used to visualize which parts of the shaft are in front of, inside of, and/or behind the image plane.\",\n \"This is particularly useful as it provides additional information and allows a physician to better guide the shaft to the target zone.\",\n \"For instance a false color map could be used to indicate how far out of the plane a particular portion of the shaft is.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance image is rendered as a three-dimensional image.\",\n \"This may be a three-dimensional image rendered on a two-dimensional display or the three-dimensional image may be rendered in three dimensions using a three-dimensional display or glasses which show the three-dimensional image to the physician or other healthcare professional.\",\n \"In another embodiment the medical device further comprises a surface coil for receiving the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"This may be particularly advantageous because the surface coil may be placed surrounding the location where the shaft enters the subject's body.\",\n \"The surface coil then surrounds a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker as it is placed on the surface of the subject.\",\n \"For certain embodiments, particularly when the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonance coil and capacitor, the surface coil may be used to easily identify the location of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a needle.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a linear ablation probe.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a cryoprobe.\",\n \"A cryoprobe supplies cryogenic fluid or cools a vicinity of the probe tip to cryogenic temperatures to cool tissues to the point of ablation.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a laser ablation probe.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a biopsy needle.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a hollow needle.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a microwave probe.\",\n \"The microwave probe is adapted for delivering microwave energy to tissue in the vicinity of the tip of the shaft.\",\n \"In another embodiment the interventional device is a guide wire delivery system.\",\n \"The guide wire may for instance be delivered using a hollow needle or other structure.\",\n \"The guide wire may then be used to deliver another interventional apparatus to the target zone.\",\n \"In another aspect the invention provides for a computer program product comprising machine executable instructions for execution by a processor of a medical apparatus.\",\n \"For instance the computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.\",\n \"The medical apparatus comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from a subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises an interventional device comprising a shaft.\",\n \"The shaft is adapted for being inserted into the subject.\",\n \"The medical apparatus further comprises a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker attached to the shaft.\",\n \"The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.\",\n \"The shaft passes through a first centre point of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the magnetic resonance data into a magnetic resonance image.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to receive the selection of a target volume within the subject.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further cause the processor to repeatedly acquire magnetic resonance location data from the first magnetic resonance location marker using the magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance location data is descriptive of the location of the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"Execution of the instructions further causes the processor to repeatedly render a view indicating the position of the shaft relative to the target zone on a display device.\",\n \"The view is determined using at least the location data and the location of the target volume.\",\n \"In another aspect the invention also provides for a method and a computer-implemented method for performing the aforementioned computer program product.\",\n \"In another aspect the invention provides for a magnetic resonance fiducial marker adapted to attach to a shaft.\",\n \"The first magnetic resonance location marker is toroidal.\",\n \"The shaft is adapted to pass through a centre point of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This embodiment is advantageous because the toroidal magnetic resonance location marker may be used to identify both the location and orientation of the shaft using a single magnetic resonance location marker.\",\n \"The orientation or location of the shaft is also very easily identified using two magnetic resonance location markers.\",\n \"For instance the shaft may simply be able to be slid into a slot or hole at the centre point.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a central support for guiding the shaft.\",\n \"The central support is adapted to be detached from the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"This is particularly advantageous because this may allow the magnetic resonance fiducial marker to be removed without removing the shaft from a subject.\",\n \"For instance if a physician needs to insert a large number of shafts into a subject it may not be advantageous to leave the magnetic resonance fiducial marker in place.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker is adapted to be passed over a hub attached to a distal end of the shaft.\",\n \"This may be advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker can be removed without having to remove the shaft.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance fiducial markers are adapted to be removed from the shaft over the hub as distal end leaving the shaft inserted in the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker has a subject surface adapted for being attached to a subject with an adhesive.\",\n \"This is advantageous because the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be used to identify an entry point of where the shaft enters into the subject.\",\n \"In another embodiment the subject surface is sterile.\",\n \"For instance the magnetic resonance fiducial marker may be delivered in a sterile enclosure or package.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance fiducial marker may then be placed onto a sterile surface of the subject.\",\n \"This has the advantage of reducing the possibility of infection.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroid.\",\n \"The toroid comprises a slot adapted for passing the shaft through the toroid.\",\n \"In some embodiments it may not be possible to pass the magnetic resonance fiducial marker over a hub.\",\n \"There for instance could be a slot in the toroidal structure.\",\n \"If there are coil structures on the toroid, then the coil structures could be adapted such that the removal of the shaft would rip apart or break a section of the coil and allow it to be removed.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance receive coil optionally surrounding a toroidal magnetic resonance signal volume.\",\n \"The advantages of this embodiment have been previously discussed.\",\n \"In another embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker comprises a toroidally-shaped resonant coil and capacitor.\",\n \"The advantages of this embodiment have also been previously discussed.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"2 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an interventional device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"4 shows the interventional device of FIG.\",\n \"3 in conjunction with a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker; FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates a method identifying the location of the center point of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker in one spatial dimension; FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates two magnetic resonance fiducial markers according to embodiments of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"8 shows a top view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"9 shows a top and a sectional side view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"10 shows a sectional side view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to a further embodiment of the invention; and FIG.\",\n \"11 illustrates a medical apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Like numbered elements in these figures are either equivalent elements or perform the same function.\",\n \"Elements which have been discussed previously will not necessarily be discussed in later figures if the function is equivalent.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"In step 100 magnetic resonance data is acquired.\",\n \"In step 102 the magnetic resonance image is reconstructed using the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"In step 104 the selection of a target volume in the subject is received.\",\n \"This for instance may be performed manually and the selection may be received from a graphical user interface.\",\n \"In other embodiments the target volume is identified in the magnetic resonance image automatically using a segmentation module.\",\n \"Next in step 106 magnetic resonance location data is acquired from the first magnetic resonance location marker.\",\n \"In step 108 a view is rendered on a display device.\",\n \"The view indicates the location of the shaft relative to the target volume.\",\n \"In some embodiments the magnetic resonance image is also displayed on the view.\",\n \"Steps 106 and 108 are repeated during a procedure using an interventional device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 shows a flow diagram which illustrates a method according to a further embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"In step 200 magnetic resonance data is acquired.\",\n \"In step 202 the magnetic resonance image is reconstructed using the magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"In step 204 the selection of a target volume in the magnetic resonance image is received.\",\n \"In step 206 magnetic resonance location data is acquired from the first magnetic resonance location marker.\",\n \"Next in step 208 the magnetic resonance data is re-acquired.\",\n \"In step 210 the magnetic resonance image is reconstructed using the re-acquired magnetic resonance data.\",\n \"In step 212 a view is rendered on the display device.\",\n \"The view indicates the location of the shaft relative to the target volume and the magnetic resonance image is displayed as a part of the view.\",\n \"Steps 206, 208, 210, and 212 are repeated during a procedure using the interventional device comprising a shaft.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an interventional device 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"The interventional device 300 comprises a shaft 302 or needle attached to a hub 304.Mounted on the shaft 302 is a first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306.The first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306 comprises a toroidal signal volume 308.There is a coil 310 wrapped around the toroidal signal volume 308.Connected to the coil 310 is a wire 312.The wire may be used for instance to connect to a pre-amplifier or other radio frequency component.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 shows the interventional device 300 of FIG.\",\n \"3 in conjunction with a second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406.In FIG.\",\n \"3 a side view of the interventional device 300 was shown.\",\n \"In this FIG.\",\n \"the interventional device 300 is tipped at an angle.\",\n \"It can be seen that the hub 304 is able to pass through the centre of the toroidal first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306.This allows for free passage or insertion of a secondary device.\",\n \"It also allows the first magnetic resonance fiducial marker 306 to be removed without removing the shaft 302 from a subject.\",\n \"The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406 could for instance be stuck with an adhesive to the surface of a subject.\",\n \"The shaft 302 would then be inserted into a centre point of the second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406.The second magnetic resonance fiducial marker 406 has a toroidal signal volume 408.There is a coil surrounding the toroidal signal volume 408.A wire 412 is also connected to the coil 410 for the same reasons as the wire 312 is connected to the coil 310.FIG.\",\n \"5 shows an example of how to identify the location of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 504 using one-dimensional gradient techniques.\",\n \"In the plot 500 is frequency or alternatively is the spatial location.\",\n \"A gradient may be applied in a particular direction and a magnetic resonance signal can be measured using the magnetic resonance fiducial marker.\",\n \"The y-axis is labeled 502 and is the signal magnitude.\",\n \"506 is a curve plotting the signal as a function of location or as a frequency.\",\n \"As a single gradient field is used the frequency is equivalent to the location.\",\n \"It can be seen that the signal has a dip at point 508.This the location of the centre point of the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 504.FIG.\",\n \"6 shows two examples of magnetic resonance fiducial markers 600, 602.In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"600 there is a signal volume 604 surrounded by a coil 606.In the embodiment shown in FIG.\",\n \"602 there are eight solenoid coils which are wired in series 608.FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 600.Again there is a signal volume 604 surrounded by a coil 606.The magnetic resonance fiducial marker 600 has a centre point 610 for guiding a shaft.\",\n \"In this embodiment the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 600 is connected directly to a pre-amplifier board 700.The pre-amplifier board has a connection to a power supply board 702 and also a connection 704 for connecting to a radio frequency receiver via a radio frequency cable.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 shows a top view of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 800 according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"The magnetic resonance fiducial marker 800 comprises a signal volume 802 surrounded by a coil 804.There is a central support 806 which has a slot or perforation 808 and a hole 810.The hole 810 is adapted for guiding a shaft.\",\n \"The slot 808 is through both the signal volume 802 and the central support 806.In the central support 806 there is a break area 812 which can be broken when a shaft is inserted in the hole 810.When the shaft is forced against the break area the shaft can then be moved down the slot 808.Likewise a shaft can be used to apply force to the break area of a coil 814.In this way a shaft can be removed from the magnetic resonance fiducial marker 800 without removing it from a subject.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 shows a top view 900 and a side view 902 of a further embodiment of a magnetic resonance fiducial marker according to the invention.\",\n \"In this embodiment there is a substrate 904 which is toroidal in shape.\",\n \"The substrate 904 is connected to a central support 906.There is a hole 908 in the central support 906 for guiding a shaft.\",\n \"On the surface of the substrate 904 there is a coil 912 in series with a capacitor 914.The coil 912 and capacitor 914 form a resonant circuit which may be detected by a magnetic resonance imaging system.\",\n \"The central support 906 in some embodiments may be mounted onto a subject in which case the surface 916 may be a subject surface and may also have an adhesive surface.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"10 shows a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"In this embodiment there is a signal volume 1002.In this embodiment no coil is shown.\",\n \"There is a central support 1004 which is in the middle of the toroidal signal volume 1002.There is a hole 1006 in the centre of the central support 1004 for guiding a shaft 1014.There is an adhesive 1008 on the bottom of the central support 1004.In some embodiments the adhesive 1008 is also on the signal volume 1002.In yet other embodiments, the adhesive 1008 is only on signal volume 1002.The adhesive 1008 has a subject surface 1010 and is adapted for adhering to the surface of a subject 1012.A shaft 1014 is shown as being inserted through the hole 1006 and a distal end of the shaft 1014 is a hub 1016.In this embodiment the central support 1004 is able to be torn or removed from the signal volume 1002.For instance the adhesive may not be underneath the signal volume 1002 in some embodiments.\",\n \"When the signal volume 1002 is forcibly removed from the central support 1004 it is able to pass the hub 1016.The central part of the toroidal signal volume 1002 is larger than the circumference of the hub 1016.In this way the marker 1000 can be removed while leaving the shaft 1014 in place.\",\n \"Having the adhesive 1008 only on the ventral support 1004 is beneficial, because it aids in separating the signal volume from the central support 1004.FIG.\",\n \"11 shows a medical apparatus 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"The medical apparatus 1100 comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system 1102.The magnetic resonance imaging system 1102 comprises an open magnet 1104.In the open magnet two superconducting coils are mounted on top of each other and they produce a magnetic field similar to the way in which a Helmholtz coil would.\",\n \"The advantage to an open magnet 1104 is that it provides easy access to a subject 1110.The magnet 1104 has a liquid helium cooled cryostat with superconducting coils.\",\n \"It is also possible to use permanent or resistive magnets.\",\n \"The use of different types of magnets is also possible for instance it is also possible to use both a split cylindrical magnet and a cylindrical magnet, although both are less convenient to use than an open magnet.\",\n \"A split cylindrical magnet is similar to a standard cylindrical magnet, except that the cryostat has been split into two sections to allow access to the iso-plane of the magnet.\",\n \"An open magnet has two magnet sections, one above the other with a space in-between that is large enough to receive a subject: as mentioned above the arrangement of the two sections is similar to that of a Helmholtz coil.\",\n \"Open magnets are popular, because the subject is less confined.\",\n \"Inside the cryostat of the cylindrical magnet there is a collection of superconducting coils.\",\n \"Within the magnet 1104 there is an imaging zone 1108 where the magnetic field is strong and uniform enough to perform magnetic resonance imaging.\",\n \"On the inside of the magnet 1104 there are magnetic field gradient coils 1106 which are used for acquisition of magnetic resonance data to spatially encode magnetic spins within an imaging zone of the magnet.\",\n \"The magnetic field gradient coils 1106 are connected to a gradient coil power supply 1107.The magnetic field gradient coil is intended to be representative.\",\n \"Typically magnetic field gradient coils contain three separate sets of coils for spatially encoding in three orthogonal spatial directions.\",\n \"A magnetic field gradient power supply supplies current to the magnetic field gradient coils.\",\n \"The current supplied to the magnetic field coils is controlled as a function of time and may be ramped or pulsed.\",\n \"A subject 1110 is reposing on a subject support 1112 and is partially within the imaging zone 1108.A surface coil 1114 can be seen as being on the surface of the subject 1110.The surface coil 1114 is a radio frequency antenna for manipulating the orientations of magnetic spins within the imaging zone and for receiving radio transmissions from spins also within the imaging zone.\",\n \"The surface coil 1114 is connected to a transceiver 1116.The radio frequency transceiver 1116 may be replaced by separate transmit and receive coils and a separate transmitter and receiver.\",\n \"It is understood that the radio frequency transceiver are simply representative.\",\n \"The surface coil is intended to represent a dedicated transmit antenna and a dedicated receive antenna.\",\n \"For instance, the magnetic resonance imaging system may also include a body coil for exciting magnetic spins.\",\n \"Likewise the transceiver may also represent a separate transmitter and receiver.\",\n \"The transceiver 1116 is a multiple channel transceiver it is connected to both a magnetic resonance marker 1122 and the surface coil 1114.Within the subject 1110 there is a target zone 1118.A shaft or needle 1120 has been inserted into the subject 1110.There is a magnetic resonance fiducial marker 1122 on the shaft 1120.The magnetic resonance fiducial marker 1122 is also connected to the transceiver 1116.The transceiver 1116 and the gradient coil power supply 1107 are connected to a hardware interface 1126 of a computer system 1124.The computer system further comprises a processor 1128.The processor 1128 uses the hardware interface 1126 to send and receive command signals to the magnetic resonance imaging system 1102.The processor 1128 is able to control the magnetic resonance imaging system 1102 via the hardware interface 1126.The processor 1128 is further connected to a user interface 1130, computer storage 1132, and computer memory 1134.The computer storage 1132 is shown as containing magnetic resonance data 1140.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing a magnetic resonance image 1142 reconstructed from the magnetic resonance data 1140.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing a location 1144 of the target zone 1118.These are coordinates of the target zone 1118.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing magnetic resonance location data 1146.The computer storage 1132 is further shown as containing an image 1148 which has been rendered and shows the relationship of the shaft 1120 relative to the target zone 1118.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing a control module 1150.The control module 1150 contains computer executable code for controlling the operation and function of the medical apparatus 1100.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing a location identification module 1152.The location identification module 1152 is able to determine the location of magnetic resonance fiducial markers 1122 using magnetic resonance location data 1146.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing an image segmentation module 1154.The image segmentation module 1154 is adapted for locating target zones, shaft entry points, and/or anatomical structures using the magnetic resonance image 1142.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing a rendering module 1156.The rendering module 1156 is used for generating the image 1148 using at a minimum the magnetic resonance location data 1146 and the location of the target zone 1144.The computer memory 1134 is further shown as containing an image reconstruction module 1158.The image reconstruction module 1158 contains computer executable code for reconstructing the magnetic resonance image 1142 from the magnetic resonance data 1140.As part of the user interface 1130 a graphical user interface 1160 is displayed on a display device.\",\n \"Within the graphical user interface 1160 is an image 1162.This may be a magnetic resonance image or it may be an image which is generated.\",\n \"Within the image 1162 is shown the location of a subject 1164.Within the subject 1164 is a target zone 1168.There is a needle 1170 which is also shown with its position relative to the target zone 1168.The point marked 1172 is the shaft entry point 1172 of the shaft 1120 into the subject 1110, 1164.While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.\",\n \"Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.\",\n \"In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.\",\n \"A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.\",\n \"The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.\",\n \"A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.\",\n \"Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875063"}}},{"rowIdx":4494767,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Mark and Papermaking Belt Made Therefrom","A textured mask comprising a film.","The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.","The second surface is interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes.","The depth of the cavities can be at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane.","The textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent.","The textured mask can make a correspondingly structured three-dimensional papermaking belt, which can make correspondingly structured three-dimensional fibrous structure."],["1.A textured mask comprising a film, the film having a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, the second surface being interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the first depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane, and a second depth defined by a fourth surface lying in a fourth plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the second depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the third plane, wherein the textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent, wherein portions of the textured mask coated with the opaque masking agent are opaque to UV light radiation, and wherein portions of the textured mask that are not coated with the opaque masking agent remain transparent to radiation and include the portions corresponding to the plurality of cavities.","2.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the first depth is an average depth.","3.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the second depth is an average depth.","4.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the opaque masking agent is an ink.","5.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the first substantially continuously flat surface.","6.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the second surface.","7.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein each cavity has a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at a distance of from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm from the second surface.","8.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein among the plurality of cavities, a cavity can have a depth different from an adjacent cavity, with the various depths among all the cavities being at a distance from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second surface.","9.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the fourth surface has a projected area less than a projected area of the third surface, and is bounded by the area of the third surface.","10.A textured mask comprising a film, the film having a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, the second surface being interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the first depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane, and a second depth defined by a fourth surface lying in a fourth plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the second depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the third plane, and a third depth defined by a fifth surface lying in a fifth plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the third depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the fourth plane, wherein the textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent, wherein portions of the textured mask coated with the opaque masking agent are opaque to UV light radiation, and wherein portions of the textured mask that are not coated with the opaque masking agent remain transparent to radiation and include the portions corresponding to the plurality of cavities.","11.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the first depth is an average depth.","12.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the second depth is an average depth.","13.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the third depth is an average depth.","14.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the opaque masking agent is an ink.","15.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the first substantially continuously flat surface.","16.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the second surface.","17.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein each cavity has a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at a distance of from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm from the second surface.","18.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein among the plurality of cavities, a cavity can have a depth different from an adjacent cavity, with the various depths among all the cavities being at a distance from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second surface.","19.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the fourth surface has a projected area less than a projected area of the third surface, and is bounded by the area of the third surface.","20.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the fifth surface has a projected area less than a projected area of the fourth surface, and is bounded by the area of the fourth surface."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Products made from a fibrous web are used for a variety of purposes.","For example, paper towels, facial tissues, toilet tissues, napkins, and the like are in constant use in modern industrialized societies.","The large demand for such paper products has created a demand for improved versions of the products.","If the paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, toilet tissues, mop heads, and the like are to perform their intended tasks and to find wide acceptance, they must possess certain physical characteristics.","Among the more important of these characteristics are strength, softness, and absorbency.","Strength is the ability of a paper web to retain its physical integrity during use.","Softness is the pleasing tactile sensation consumers perceive when they use the paper for its intended purposes.","Absorbency is the characteristic of the paper that allows the paper to take up and retain fluids, particularly water and aqueous solutions and suspensions.","Important not only is the absolute quantity of fluid a given amount of paper will hold, but also the rate at which the paper will absorb the fluid.","Through-air drying papermaking belts comprising a reinforcing member and a resinous framework, and/or fibrous webs made using these belts are known and described, for example, in the following commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","No.",": 4,514,345, issued Apr.","30, 1985 to Johnson et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","4,637,859 issued Jan. 20, 1987 to Trokhan; and U.S. Pat.","No.","6,660,129 issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.","In the aforementioned belts of prior art the resinous framework is joined to the fluid-permeable reinforcing member (such as, for example, a woven structure, or a felt).","The resinous framework may be continuous, semi-continuous, comprise a plurality of discrete protuberances, or any combination thereof The resinous framework extends outwardly from the reinforcing member to form a web-side of the belt (i.e., the surface upon which the paper web is disposed during a papermaking process), a backside opposite to the web-side, and deflection conduits extending therebetween.","The deflection conduits provide spaces into which papermaking fibers deflect under application of a pressure differential during a papermaking process.","The terms “papermaking belt,” and “forming member,” may be used herein interchangeably.","Paper produced on the papermaking belts disclosed in the aforementioned patents are generally characterized by having at least two physically distinct regions: a region having a first elevation and typically having a relatively high density, and a region extending from the first region to a second elevation and typically having a relatively low density.","This is because papermaking belts on which the paper is produced generally have two distinct regions at two distinct elevations, a first region at a first elevation associated with the resinous framework, and a second region at a second elevation associated with the woven (or felt) reinforcing member.","The first region is typically formed from the fibers that have not been deflected into the deflection conduits, and the second region is typically formed from the fibers deflected into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt.","The papers made using the belts having a continuous resinous framework and a plurality of discrete deflection conduits dispersed therethrough comprise a continuous high-density network region and a plurality of discrete low-density pillows (or domes), dispersed throughout, separated by, and extending from the network region.","The continuous high-density network region is designed primarily to provide strength, while the plurality of the low-density pillows is designed primarily to provide softness and absorbency.","Such belts have been used to produce commercially successful products, such as, for example, BOUNTY® paper towels, CHARMIN® toilet tissue, and PUFFS® facial tissue, all produced and sold by The Procter & Gamble Co. Certain aspects of absorbency of a fibrous structure, as well as its ability to clean more effectively, are highly dependent on its three-dimensional surface area.","By three-dimensional surface area is meant the surface area that includes out-of-plane three-dimensionality such that a sheet of fibrous structure of a given overall two-dimensional size has a three-dimensional surface area greater than its two-dimensional calculated area.","Attempts have been made to increase the three-dimensional surface area by increasing the number and placement of different elevations of a papermaking belt.","That is, for a given fibrous web, the greater the web's three-dimensional surface area the higher the web's absorbency and cleaning performance.","In the three-dimensional structured webs made on the aforementioned papermaking belts, the low-density pillows and the transition areas between the pillows and the relatively high density regions, dispersed throughout the web, increase the web's three-dimensional surface area, thereby increasing the web's absorbency.","However, increasing the web's surface area by increasing the area comprising the relatively low-density pillows would result in decreasing the web's area comprising the relatively high-density network area that imparts the strength.","Attempts to increase absorbency and cleaning performance of absorbent paper products by increasing the three-dimensional surface area include using two layers of a resinous framework of the forming member.","One example of using two layers of a resinous framework is shown in U.S. Pat.","No.","6,660,129 B1, issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.","Cabell et al.","discloses a fibrous structure having at least a first region defining a first plane and having a first elevation, and a second region outwardly extending from the first plane to define a second elevation, wherein the second region comprises a plurality of fibrous pillows.","Due to the nature of the resinous framework on the forming member described in Cabell et al., one feature of a fibrous structure made thereon is fibrous cantilever portions laterally extending at a second elevation.","This is believed to be because of the nature of the process of producing the resinous framework of Cabell et al., which includes randomly dispersed cantilevered portions of the second layer of the resinous framework of Cabell et al.","It is believed that the cantilevered portions can be weakened and fail during prolonged use of the belt, and, as well, fail to produce increased surface area in the finished paper of a type not requiring the cantilevered portions.","There is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having greater absorbency and cleaning performance, particularly cleaning of soils and other solids, due to increased three-dimensional surface area.","Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.","Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a method for making a papermaking belt having a multi-stage, three-dimensional structure in a single pass.","Further, there is an unaddressed need for a three-dimensional mask that can produce a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A textured mask comprising a film is disclosed.","The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.","The second surface is interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes.","The depth of the cavities can be at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane.","The textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent.","The textured mask can make a correspondingly structured three-dimensional papermaking belt, which can make correspondingly structured three-dimensional fibrous structure."],["FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to processes for making strong, soft, absorbent fibrous webs, such as, for example, paper webs.","More particularly, this invention is concerned with structured fibrous webs, equipment used to make such structured fibrous webs, and processes therefor.","BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Products made from a fibrous web are used for a variety of purposes.","For example, paper towels, facial tissues, toilet tissues, napkins, and the like are in constant use in modern industrialized societies.","The large demand for such paper products has created a demand for improved versions of the products.","If the paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, toilet tissues, mop heads, and the like are to perform their intended tasks and to find wide acceptance, they must possess certain physical characteristics.","Among the more important of these characteristics are strength, softness, and absorbency.","Strength is the ability of a paper web to retain its physical integrity during use.","Softness is the pleasing tactile sensation consumers perceive when they use the paper for its intended purposes.","Absorbency is the characteristic of the paper that allows the paper to take up and retain fluids, particularly water and aqueous solutions and suspensions.","Important not only is the absolute quantity of fluid a given amount of paper will hold, but also the rate at which the paper will absorb the fluid.","Through-air drying papermaking belts comprising a reinforcing member and a resinous framework, and/or fibrous webs made using these belts are known and described, for example, in the following commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","No.",": 4,514,345, issued Apr.","30, 1985 to Johnson et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","4,637,859 issued Jan. 20, 1987 to Trokhan; and U.S. Pat.","No.","6,660,129 issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.","In the aforementioned belts of prior art the resinous framework is joined to the fluid-permeable reinforcing member (such as, for example, a woven structure, or a felt).","The resinous framework may be continuous, semi-continuous, comprise a plurality of discrete protuberances, or any combination thereof The resinous framework extends outwardly from the reinforcing member to form a web-side of the belt (i.e., the surface upon which the paper web is disposed during a papermaking process), a backside opposite to the web-side, and deflection conduits extending therebetween.","The deflection conduits provide spaces into which papermaking fibers deflect under application of a pressure differential during a papermaking process.","The terms “papermaking belt,” and “forming member,” may be used herein interchangeably.","Paper produced on the papermaking belts disclosed in the aforementioned patents are generally characterized by having at least two physically distinct regions: a region having a first elevation and typically having a relatively high density, and a region extending from the first region to a second elevation and typically having a relatively low density.","This is because papermaking belts on which the paper is produced generally have two distinct regions at two distinct elevations, a first region at a first elevation associated with the resinous framework, and a second region at a second elevation associated with the woven (or felt) reinforcing member.","The first region is typically formed from the fibers that have not been deflected into the deflection conduits, and the second region is typically formed from the fibers deflected into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt.","The papers made using the belts having a continuous resinous framework and a plurality of discrete deflection conduits dispersed therethrough comprise a continuous high-density network region and a plurality of discrete low-density pillows (or domes), dispersed throughout, separated by, and extending from the network region.","The continuous high-density network region is designed primarily to provide strength, while the plurality of the low-density pillows is designed primarily to provide softness and absorbency.","Such belts have been used to produce commercially successful products, such as, for example, BOUNTY® paper towels, CHARMIN® toilet tissue, and PUFFS® facial tissue, all produced and sold by The Procter & Gamble Co. Certain aspects of absorbency of a fibrous structure, as well as its ability to clean more effectively, are highly dependent on its three-dimensional surface area.","By three-dimensional surface area is meant the surface area that includes out-of-plane three-dimensionality such that a sheet of fibrous structure of a given overall two-dimensional size has a three-dimensional surface area greater than its two-dimensional calculated area.","Attempts have been made to increase the three-dimensional surface area by increasing the number and placement of different elevations of a papermaking belt.","That is, for a given fibrous web, the greater the web's three-dimensional surface area the higher the web's absorbency and cleaning performance.","In the three-dimensional structured webs made on the aforementioned papermaking belts, the low-density pillows and the transition areas between the pillows and the relatively high density regions, dispersed throughout the web, increase the web's three-dimensional surface area, thereby increasing the web's absorbency.","However, increasing the web's surface area by increasing the area comprising the relatively low-density pillows would result in decreasing the web's area comprising the relatively high-density network area that imparts the strength.","Attempts to increase absorbency and cleaning performance of absorbent paper products by increasing the three-dimensional surface area include using two layers of a resinous framework of the forming member.","One example of using two layers of a resinous framework is shown in U.S. Pat.","No.","6,660,129 B1, issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.","Cabell et al.","discloses a fibrous structure having at least a first region defining a first plane and having a first elevation, and a second region outwardly extending from the first plane to define a second elevation, wherein the second region comprises a plurality of fibrous pillows.","Due to the nature of the resinous framework on the forming member described in Cabell et al., one feature of a fibrous structure made thereon is fibrous cantilever portions laterally extending at a second elevation.","This is believed to be because of the nature of the process of producing the resinous framework of Cabell et al., which includes randomly dispersed cantilevered portions of the second layer of the resinous framework of Cabell et al.","It is believed that the cantilevered portions can be weakened and fail during prolonged use of the belt, and, as well, fail to produce increased surface area in the finished paper of a type not requiring the cantilevered portions.","There is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having greater absorbency and cleaning performance, particularly cleaning of soils and other solids, due to increased three-dimensional surface area.","Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.","Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a method for making a papermaking belt having a multi-stage, three-dimensional structure in a single pass.","Further, there is an unaddressed need for a three-dimensional mask that can produce a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A textured mask comprising a film is disclosed.","The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.","The second surface is interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes.","The depth of the cavities can be at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane.","The textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent.","The textured mask can make a correspondingly structured three-dimensional papermaking belt, which can make correspondingly structured three-dimensional fibrous structure.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a plan view of a portion of a papermaking belt of the present invention made by a mask of the present invention.","FIG.","2 is a cross-sectional view of the papermaking belt shown in FIG.","1, taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.","1.FIG.","3 is a plan view of a portion of a papermaking belt of the present invention made by a mask of the present invention.","FIG.","4 is a cross-sectional view of the papermaking belt shown in FIG.","3, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.","3.FIG.","5 is a schematic representation of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIGS.","2 and 4.FIG.","6 is a schematic plan view of representative area representations of papermaking belt of the present invention.","FIG.","7 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of various knuckle configurations of a papermaking belt of the present invention.","FIG.","8 is a schematic plan view of the representative knuckle configurations shown in FIG.","7.FIG.","9 is a schematic elevation view of representative alternative configurations of patterns of knuckles on a papermaking belt of the present invention.","FIG.","10 is a schematic representation of an apparatus and method for making a belt of the present invention.","FIG.","11 is a perspective view of a portion of a mask of the present invention.","FIG.","12 is partially a schematic representation of a cross-section of the mask shown in FIG.","11 and taken along lines 12-12, and is a schematic elevation view of a portion of a mask of the present invention and a portion of a papermaking belt made with it.","FIG.","12a is a schematic elevation view of a portion of a mask of the present invention and a portion of the papermaking belt made with it.","FIG.","12b is a schematic elevation view of a portion of a mask of the present invention and a portion of the papermaking belt made with it.","FIG.","13 is a schematic elevation view of machining operation.","FIG.","14 is a schematic elevation view of nickel plating operation.","FIG.","15 is a perspective view of a portion of an apparatus for making a mask of the present invention.","FIG.","16 is a perspective view of an apparatus and method for coating a mask of the present invention.","FIG.","17 is a schematic elevation view of an apparatus for making a fibrous structure of the present invention.","FIG.","18 is a representative view in elevation of a portion of a fibrous structure that can be made on a papermaking belt of the present invention.","FIG.","19 is an elevation view of a roll of fibrous structure of the present invention.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Papermaking Belt In FIGS.","1-8, various embodiments of a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention are shown.","In general, a papermaking belt 2 comprises a macroscopic, multi-elevational patterned framework, or, simply a “framework,” of cured resin elements 4 commonly referred to as knuckles 6.The papermaking belt 2 can be utilized in a wet laid papermaking process which is typically used for making absorbent fibrous structures, including paper towels and bath tissue.","The papermaking belt 2 can be adapted to any of the various forming wires and papermaking belts utilized by papermakers and can be designed to leave a physical, three-dimensional impression in the finished paper.","Such three-dimensional impressions are well known in the art, particularly in the art of “through air drying” (TAD) processes, with such impressions often being referred to a “knuckles” and “pillows.” Knuckles in a fibrous structure are typically relatively high density and/or three-dimensionally deformed regions formed by the corresponding knuckles 6 of a papermaking belt 2, i.e., the filaments or resinous structures that are raised at a higher elevation than other portions of the belt and are therefore pressed into the paper or permit fiber mobility during the papermaking process to achieve densified and/or three-dimensionally deformed regions.","Likewise, “pillows” are typically relatively low density regions formed in the finished fibrous structure at the relatively uncompressed regions between or around knuckles 6.Further, the pillows in a fibrous structure can exhibit a range of densities relative to one another.","The present invention is an improvement in the art in the making of knuckles 6 on papermaking belt 2 used as a papermaking belt.","The improved papermaking belt is enabled by a mask of the present invention, and can make paper of the present invention.","Patterns of knuckles and pillows can be made generally according to the methods and processes described in U.S. Pat.","No.","6,610,173, issued to Lindsay et al.","on Aug. 26, 2003, or U.S. Pat.","No.","4,514,345 issued to Trokhan on Apr.","30, 1985, together with the improved techniques disclosed herein.","The Lindsay and Trokhan disclosures describe belts that are representative of papermaking belts made with cured resin on a woven reinforcing member, of which the present invention is an improvement.","But further, the present improvement can make papermaking belts useful as a fabric crepe belt as disclosed in U.S. Pat.","No.","7,494,563, issued to Edwards et al.","on Feb. 24, 2009 or U.S. Pat.","No.","8,152,958, issued to Super et al.","on Apr.","10, 2012, as well as belt crepe belts, as described in U.S. Pat.","No.","8,293,072, issued to Super et al on Oct. 23, 2012.When utilized as a fabric crepe belt, a papermaking belt of the present invention can provide the relatively large recessed pockets and three-dimensional knuckle dimensions to redistribute the fiber to a greater degree upon high impact creping in a creping nip between a backing roll and the fabric to form additional bulk in conventional wet press processes.","Likewise, when utilized as a belt in a belt crepe method, a papermaking belt of the present invention can provide three-dimensional fiber enriched dome regions arranged in a repeating pattern corresponding to the pattern of the papermaking belt, as well as the interconnected plurality of surround areas to form additional bulk and local basis weight distribution in a conventional wet press process.","Examples of papermaking belts 2 of the present invention are shown in FIGS.","1 and 3.As shown, a papermaking belt 2 can include cured resin elements 4 forming protuberances, also known as knuckles 6, and deflection conduits, known as pillows or pillow region 12, on a woven reinforcing member 8.The reinforcing member 8 can made of woven filaments 10 as is known in the art of papermaking belts, including resin coated papermaking belts.","The knuckles 6 may be continuous, as shown in FIG.","1 in which case the pillows are discrete pillow regions 12.The papermaking belt structure shown in FIG.","3 includes discrete knuckles 6 and a continuous pillow region 12, also known in the art as a continuous deflection conduit.","The knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt can form relatively high density knuckles in the fibrous structure made thereon in a pattern corresponding to the knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt.","Likewise, the pillow regions 12 of the papermaking belt can form relatively low density pillows or pillow regions in the fibrous structure made thereon in a pattern corresponding to the pillow regions 12 of the papermaking belt.","The papermaking belt 2 may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to: resinous material, metal, metal-impregnated resin, plastic, polymers such as a polyurethane material, or any combination thereof that can form a patterned framework of knuckles.","As used herein, the term “patterned framework” or “framework” does not include a structure that is formed solely by mutually perpendicular interwoven filaments, such as, for example, a forming wire or a similarly formed structure.","Such a structure, comprising a plurality of mutually perpendicular filaments, may be used as a reinforcing member 8 in the papermaking belt 2 of the present invention, as will be discussed below, but does not constitute the framework of knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt 2.If the papermaking belt 2 is made with a resinous material or other material having a pattern that can be distorted when pulled in a machine direction, a reinforcing member 8 is typically used to reinforce the framework of the papermaking belt 2.The reinforcing member 8 may be necessary when the patterned framework comprises a semi-continuous pattern or a pattern comprising a plurality of discrete protuberances, as shown in FIG.","3.The reinforcing member 8 is positioned between the web-side 14 and at least a portion of the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.While the reinforcing member 8 is generally parallel to the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2, a portion of the reinforcing member 8 may extend beyond the backside 22 of the papermaking belt 2, thereby creating surface irregularities in the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 8 may comprise the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.The papermaking belt 2 can be joined to the reinforcing member 8.The reinforcing member 8 has an upper side 18 and a lower side 20 opposite to the upper side 18.The web-side 14 of the papermaking belt 2 and the upper side 18 of the reinforcing member 8 face one direction, and the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 and the lower side 20 of the reinforcing member 8 face the opposite direction.","As defined herein, the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 forms an X-Y plane.","Since the reinforcing member 8 is typically near or adjacent to the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 (e.g., FIGS.","2, 4), it could also be said that in some embodiments the reinforcing member 8, as a whole, defines the X-Y plane.","One skilled in the art will appreciate that the symbols “X,” “Y,” and “Z” designate a system of Cartesian coordinates, wherein mutually perpendicular “X” and “Y” define a reference plane formed by the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 (or by the reinforcing member 8) when the papermaking belt 2 is disposed on a flat surface, and “Z” designates any direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane.","Analogously, the term “Z-dimension” means a dimension, distance, or parameter measured parallel to the Z-direction.","It should be carefully noted, however, that an element that “extends” in the Z-direction does not need itself to be oriented strictly parallel to the Z-direction; the term “extends in the Z-direction” in this context merely indicates that the element extends in a direction which is not parallel to the X-Y plane.","Analogously, an element that “extends in a direction parallel to the X-Y plane” does not need, as a whole, to be parallel to the X-Y plane; such an element can be oriented in the direction that is not parallel to the Z-direction.","One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the reinforcing member 8, as well as the papermaking belt 2 as a whole, does not need to (and indeed cannot in some embodiments) have a planar configuration throughout its length, especially when used in a typical industrial process for making a fibrous structure 500 of the present invention, as shown in FIG.","18.A papermaking belt 2 in the form of an endless belt travels through the equipment in a direction indicated by a directional arrow “B” (FIG.","17).","Therefore, the concept of the papermaking belt 2 being disposed on a flat surface and having the “X-Y” plane is conventionally used herein for the purpose of describing relative geometry of several elements of the generally flexible papermaking belt 2.A person skilled in the art will appreciate that when the papermaking belt 2 curves, the X-Y plane follows the configuration of the papermaking belt 2.In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 8 is substantially fluid-permeable.","The fluid-permeable reinforcing member 8 may comprise a woven screen, or an apertured element, a felt, a film, or any combination thereof.","Various types of the fluid-permeable reinforcing member 8 are described in several commonly assigned US Patents, for example, U.S. Pat.","Nos.","5,275,700 and 5,954,097.The reinforcing member 8 may comprise a felt, also referred to as a “press felt” as is used in conventional papermaking.","The framework may be applied to the reinforcing member 8, as taught by commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","No.","5,549,790, issued Aug. 27, 1996 to Phan; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,556,509, issued Sep. 17, 1996 to Trokhan et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,580,423, issued Dec. 3, 1996 to Ampulski et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,609,725, issued Mar.","11, 1997 to Phan; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,629,052 issued May 13, 1997 to Trokhan et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,637,194, issued Jun.","10, 1997 to Ampulski et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,674,663, issued Oct. 7, 1997 to McFarland et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,693,187 issued Dec. 2, 1997 to Ampulski et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,709,775 issued Jan. 20, 1998 to Trokhan et al., U.S. Pat.","No.","5,795,440 issued Aug. 18, 1998 to Ampulski et al., U.S. Pat.","No.","5,814,190 issued Sep. 29, 1998 to Phan; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,817,377 issued Oct. 6, 1998 to Trokhan et al.","; and U.S. Pat.","No.","5,846,379 issued Dec. 8, 1998 to Ampulski et al.","Alternatively, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member 8 may be fluid-impermeable.","The fluid-impermeable reinforcing member 8 can comprise, for example, a polymeric resinous material, identical to, or different from, the material used for making a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention; a plastic material; a metal; a film, or any other suitable natural or synthetic material; or any combination thereof.","One skilled in the art will appreciate that the fluid-impermeable reinforcing member 8 will cause the papermaking belt 2, as a whole, to be also fluid-impermeable.","If desired, the reinforcing member 8 comprising a Jacquard weave can be utilized.","Illustrative belts having the Jacquard weave can be found in U.S. Pat.","No.","5,429,686 issued Jul.","4, 1995 to Chiu, et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,672,248 issued Sep. 30, 1997 to Wendt, et al.","; U.S. Pat.","No.","5,746,887 issued May 5, 1998 to Wendt, et al.","; and U.S. Pat.","No.","6,017,417 issued Jan. 25, 2000 to Wendt, et al.","It is believed that a Yankeeless process may benefit from using the papermaking belt 2 of the present invention by providing additional three-dimensionality to a fibrous structure during the web formation process.","It is to be understood that the present invention contemplates a papermaking belt 2 previously unachievable with prior techniques.","Specifically, in general, the multi-elevational framework of knuckles of the invention comprises a plurality of Z-direction spatially separated surfaces defined in order spatially with respect to the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.Each surface can be substantially parallel to the X-Y plane.","Further, each successive surface progressing in a Z-direction away from the backside 16 toward a web side 14 has a projected area less than the projected area of the surface adjacent and closer to the backside 16, and is bounded completely by the area of the projected area of the surface adjacent and closer to the backside 16.The concept of projected area and description of the framework of the invention as well as a mask to make the framework and fibrous structures made on the framework is described more fully below.","As shown in FIGS.","1 and 3, and with respect to FIGS.","2 and 4, respectively, knuckles 6 have at least, but not limited to, two portions, a base portion 26 and an extended portion 28.As shown in more detail in FIG.","5, the base portion 26 can define a first surface 30 in a first plane P1, and the extended portion 28 can define a second surface 32 in a second plane P2, with the second plane P2 being spaced a greater distance in the Z-direction from backside 16 than the first plane P1.As shown, the base portion 26 can be a continuous knuckle portion (as shown in FIG.","1) or discontinuous knuckle portion of discrete knuckles (as shown in FIG.","3).","Likewise, in an embodiment of a continuous base portion 26, the extended portion 28 can be correspondingly continuous or discontinuous or semi-continuous.","Although FIGS.","1 and 3 depict a base portion and an extended portion 28 defining only one second surface 32, it is contemplated that additional extended portions can be incorporated, such as a plurality of extended portions each having a surface in a subsequent plane PS, to form additional extended portions extending from extended portion 28, in “wedding cake” style of progressively smaller extended portions, each having a projected area bounded by the projected area of the previous portion.","In an embodiment, the distance in the Z-direction between surfaces can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, or greater, up to about 5 mm.","In an embodiment, therefore, the distance in the first surface 30 to second surface 32 shown in FIG.","5 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm or greater, up to about 5 mm.","By “projected area” is meant an area of a surface as it would be projected in the Z-direction onto an X-Y plane, 44, as shown in FIGS.","5 and 6, and as indicated by arrows 45 in FIG.","5.As shown, the framework of knuckles 6 can be described as having a plurality of multi-stage surfaces.","In FIG.","5 two surfaces are shown, a first surface 30 residing in a first plane P1 and a second surface 32 residing in a second plane P2.While two surfaces are described, the invention is not limited to only two surfaces.","For each surface, the area of the surface can be determined by projecting in a Z-direction as indicated by arrows 45 the surface area of the surface to an X-Y plane, 44.As shown in FIGS.","5 and 6, for example, the area of first surface 30 can be projected to be Area 1, 40 in the X-Y plane, and the area of second surface 32 can be projected to be Area 2, 42 in the X-Y plane.","As can be appreciated from the description herein, Area 2, 42, is smaller than, and fully bounded by Area 1, 40.That is, no part of the portion of the second surface 32 of the framework 20 extends over or beyond the area of first surface 30 in the X-Y plane, as would be the case if any part of the extended portion 28 was cantilevered over base portion 26.Correspondingly, the structure of the framework of knuckles 6 that forms second surface 32 is smaller than, and fully “bounded,” so to speak, in the X-Y dimension, by the structure of the framework that forms the first surface 30.“Draft angles” 46 of sidewalls the Z-direction-oriented three-dimensional features may be present in the structure of the knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt 2, as shown in FIG.","5.Therefore, with respect to a measure of projected areas, the area is projected from the surface in the plane of the surface, as shown in FIG.","5.This technique eliminates any ambiguity introduced by sloping sides of the portions of the structures defining the respective surfaces, and substantially corresponds in size and shape to the transparent portions of a mask used to make the papermaking belt, as disclosed below.","By using projected area as the area dimension, any complexities introduced by draft angles or non-planar surfaces 30, 32 can be eliminated.","For example, if second surface 32 as shown in FIG.","5 were slightly dome shaped or had some irregular surface features, the area for purposes of the present invention can be determined using the projected area.","However, for purposes of the present invention, the actual numerical value of any projected area is not critical to be determined.","The invention is achieved if each successive feature of the knuckle portion has a qualitatively determined smaller projected area than the one before it, again, in “wedding cake” style.","In an embodiment, the extended portion 28 can be designed to have a shape and predetermined position with respect to the base portion 26, such as being fully centrally registered with respect to the base portion 26 in the X-Y dimension, but in any configuration the extended portion 28 does not extend beyond the boundaries of the projected area of the base portion 26 to form a cantilevered, or overhanging, member.","Any other configuration is contemplated, however, and several various embodiments of example configurations of base portions 26 and extended portions 28 are shown schematically in FIGS.","7 and 8.FIG.","7 shows non-limiting representative knuckle shapes in elevation.","Note that the knuckles shown in FIG.","7 can be representative of either a continuous knuckle papermaking belt as shown in FIG.","1, or a discrete knuckle papermaking belt as shown in FIG.","3.FIG.","8 shows exemplary plan views of the knuckles shown in FIG.","7.The knuckles shown in plan view in FIG.","8 are represented as discrete knuckles, but the general geometry can easily be extended to continuous knuckles, or semi-continuous.","As shown in FIG.","8 at 33, extended portion 28 can be substantially centrally positioned on base portion 26.While 33 shows a generally circular shaped base portions 26 and extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be virtually any shape desired, limited only by the mask making process, described below.","At 34, extended portion 28 is offset from center on base portion 26.While 34 shows a generally square shaped base portions 26 and extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be virtually any shape desired.","At 36, extended portion 28 is offset from center on base portion 26 and generally ridge-like.","While 36 shows a generally square shaped base portions 26 and ridge-like extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be any shape desired.","At 38, extended portion 28 is generally conically shaped.","While 38 shows a generally circular shaped base portions 26 and generally circular shaped extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be virtually any shape desired.","In general, as shown in FIG.","9, the knuckles 6, such as discrete knuckles 6 shown in FIG.","3, need not all be substantially identical in shape or size.","For example, in an embodiment, one knuckle 6 can have a first surface 30 at a Z-direction dimension Dz defining a first plane P1, and another knuckle can have a first surface 30 at a different Z-direction dimension Dz defining a second plane P2.Further, in general, the uppermost surface, such as second surface 32 described above at a plane Pn, can have indentations, or a third surface 48, having a portion at a plane P2 in between a first plane P1 and second plane P3.Process for Making Papermaking Belt A process for making the papermaking belt 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIG.","10.Specifically, the process produces a multi-elevational papermaking belt 2, and does so in a single pass through the apparatus described herein with respect to FIG.","10.The papermaking belt 2 can be formed using a forming surface 100.As used herein, the term “forming surface” means a surface of a forming unit structured and configured to support a coating of a suitable curable material, such as, for example, a liquid photosensitive resin.","The curable material can be deposited directly to the forming surface, or it can be deposited to a backing film provided to cover the forming surface to avoid contamination thereof by the liquid curable material.","In the embodiment shown in FIG.","10, a curable material 300, comprising, for example, a liquid photosensitive resin, is deposited to the forming surface 100 covered by a backing film 128.The forming surface 100 is formed by a forming unit comprising a drum 101.If desired, the forming surface may comprise a deformable surface, as described in the commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","No.","5,275,700.When the reinforcing member 8 is pressed into the deformable forming surface during the process of making, the deformable forming surface forms protrusions that exclude the curable material from certain areas which, when cured, will lie along the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.This causes the reinforcing member to extend at least partially beyond the back side of the framework of the papermaking belt 2 to form a so-called “textured” backside 16 having passageways providing texture irregularities therein.","Those texture irregularities are beneficial in some embodiments of the papermaking belt 2, because they prevent formation of a vacuum seal between the backside of the papermaking belt 2 and a surface of the papermaking equipment (such as, for example, a surface of a vacuum box or a surface of a pick-up shoe), thereby creating a “leakage” there between and thus mitigating undesirable consequences of an application of a vacuum pressure in a through-air-drying process of making a fibrous structure 500 of the present invention.","Other methods of creating such a leakage are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","Nos.","5,718,806; 5,741,402; 5,744,007; 5,776,311; and 5,885,421.The leakage can also be created using so-called “differential light transmission techniques” as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","Nos.","5,624,790; 5,554,467; 5,529,664; 5,514,523; and 5,334,289.The papermaking belt is made by applying a coating of photosensitive resin to a reinforcing member that has opaque portions, and then exposing the coating to light of an activating wavelength through a mask having transparent and opaque regions, and also through the reinforcing member 8.Another way of creating backside surface irregularities comprises the use of a textured forming surface, or a textured barrier film, as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","Nos.","5,364,504; 5,260,171; and 5,098,522.The papermaking belt 2 is made by casting a photosensitive resin over and through the reinforcing member while the reinforcing member travels over a textured surface, and then exposing the coating to light of an activating wavelength through a mask which has transparent and opaque regions.","As shown in FIG.","10, a backing film 128 is provided to protect the forming surface 100 and to facilitate removal of the partially completed forming structure from the forming surface 100.In a continuous process of FIG.","10, the backing film 128 is traveling in a direction indicated by directional arrows D3, which is the direction of rotation of drum 101.As an example, in the embodiment of FIG.","10, the backing film 128 is a single-use film, which can be supplied by a supply roll and wound into a take-up roll (not shown) and is typically discarded after the use.","In the embodiment shown in FIG.","10, the process of forming the papermaking belt 2 comprises the following steps.","If the papermaking belt 2 is to have a reinforcing member, then a reinforcing member 8 is provided.","The reinforcing member 8 is supported by the first forming surface 100 such that the lower side 20 of the reinforcing member 8 faces the forming surface 100 and can be in contact therewith or with the first backing film 128 if such backing film is used, as explained above.","Typically, but not necessarily, the reinforcing member 8 is placed in direct contact with the backing film 128.In the continuous process illustrated in FIG.","10, the reinforcing member 8 can be supplied from a supply roll (not shown).","It is also contemplated in the present invention that the reinforcing member 8 may be supplied in the form of an endless belt, as described, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","No.","4,514,345.In FIG.","10, the reinforcing member 8 is traveling in a machine direction MD.","The use herein of the term “machine direction” is consistent with the traditional use of the term in papermaking, where this term refers to a direction which is parallel to the flow of the paper web through the papermaking equipment.","In the context of the continuous process of making the papermaking belt 2, the “machine direction” is a direction parallel to the flow of the coating of the curable material (or the reinforcing member where applicable) during the process of the present invention.","It should be understood that the machine direction is a relative term defined in relation to the movement of the coating at a particular point of the process.","Therefore, the machine direction may (and typically does) change several times during a given process of the present invention.","A term “cross-machine direction” is a direction perpendicular to the machine direction and parallel to the general plane of the papermaking belt 2 being constructed, or the X-Y plane.","A coating of curable material 300, such as, for example, a liquid photosensitive resinous material, is applied to the reinforcing member 8, and specifically, to its upper side 18.Any technique by which the liquid curable material can be applied to the reinforcing member 8 is suitable.","For example, a nozzle 260, schematically shown in FIG.","10, can be used.","Typically, the curable material 300 should be evenly applied throughout a width of the reinforcing member 8 or a portion thereof.","The width of the reinforcing member 8 and a width of the forming surface 100 extend in the cross-machine direction.","If the reinforcing member 8 has voids designed and structured to be penetrated by the curable material 300, such as, for example, the reinforcing member comprising a plurality of interwoven yarns, the curable material should be applied such that a sufficient amount of the curable material can be worked through the first reinforcing member 8 to achieve a secure joining therebetween.","Suitable curable materials that can be readily selected from the many those commercially available.","For example, the curable material may comprise liquid photosensitive resins, such as polymers that can be cured or cross-linked under the influence of a suitable radiation, typically an ultraviolet (UV) light.","References containing more information about liquid photosensitive resins include Green et al., “Photocross-linkable Resin Systems,” J. Macro-Sci.","Revs.","Macro Chem., C21 (2), 187-273 (1981-82); Bayer, “A Review of Ultraviolet Curing Technology,” Tappi Paper Synthetics Conf.","Proc., Sep. 25-27, 1978, pp.","167-172; and Schmidle, “Ultraviolet Curable Flexible Coatings,” J. of Coated Fabrics, 8, 10-20 (July, 1978).","All the preceding three references are incorporated herein by reference.","The next step is optional and comprises controlling a thickness of the coating to a pre-selected value.","In some embodiments, this pre-selected value is dictated by a desired thickness of resin layer and will influence the resulting thickness of the papermaking belt 2.This resulting thickness of the papermaking belt 2 is primarily dictated by the expected use of the papermaking belt 2.For example, when the papermaking belt 2 is to be used in a process for making a fibrous structure, described hereinafter, the papermaking belt 2 is typically from about 0.3 mm to about 10.0 millimeters thick.","Any suitable means for controlling the thickness of the layer 300 can be used in the process.","For example, illustrated in FIG.","10 is the use of a roll 111a.","A clearance between the roll 111a and the forming surface 100, or more specifically between the roll 111a and the backing film 128, can be controlled manually or mechanically, by any conventional means (not shown).","The coating is then cured via UV light radiation through the mask.","The intensity of the radiation and its duration depend upon the degree of curing required in the areas exposed to the radiation.","In the instance of the photosensitive resin, the absolute values of the exposure intensity and time depend upon the chemical nature of the resin, its photo characteristics, the pattern selected, and the thickness of the coating, or of the desired depth of its areas, to be cured.","Further, the intensity of the exposure and the angle of incidence of the curing radiation can have an important effect on the presence or absence of taper in the walls of the pre-selected pattern of the framework to be constructed.","The disclosure of commonly assigned U.S. Pat.","No.","5,962,860, issued Oct. 5, 1999 in the name of Trokhan et al.","for teaching an apparatus for generating controlled radiation for curing a photosensitive resin, comprising a reflector having a plurality of elongate reflective facets that are adjustable such as to direct the curing radiation substantially to a desired direction.","The patent further discloses a radiation management device comprising a mini-reflector juxtaposed with the source of radiation for controlling the direction and intensity of the curing radiation.","The reinforcing member 8 comprising so-called “fugitive tie yarns” may be beneficially used for the second layer 40.Commonly assigned PCT application WO 1999/14425, published on Mar.","25, 1999, and titled Multiple Layer Foraminous Belts With Fugitive Tie Yarns, discloses a belt for supporting a cellulosic fibrous structure in a papermaking process and a method of producing the belt.","The belt comprises a reinforcing member having two layers, a web-contacting first layer and a machine-facing second layer, and a pattern layer comprising a cured photosensitive resin, the pattern layer having a plurality of conduits therethrough.","The two layers of the reinforcing member are joined together by either integral or adjunct tie yarns such that at least a portion of the tie yarns which lies within the conduits is removable after the photosensitive resin has been cured.","These “fugitive” tie yarns are substantially transparent to actinic radiation and can be removed by chemical or mechanical processes when they are no longer needed to stabilize the relationship between the web-facing layer and the machine-facing layer of the reinforcing member.","In particular, the portion of the fugitive tie yarns that lies within the conduits can be removed so that belt properties, such as projected open area, are substantially isotropic across the belt.","A means to remove the fugitive adjunct tie yarns may include a combination of solubilization and mechanical energy provided by showering systems that are part of the belt-making and papermaking processes.","Suitable materials for the fugitive tie yarns comprise those that can be controllably removed by chemical or mechanical means.","Mask A mask 110 is positioned between the coating of the curable material 300 and a source of curing radiation 120.In the instance of a photosensitive resin, the source of curing radiation 120 may comprise, for example, a mercury arc lamp or an LED source.","The mask 110, a portion of which is shown in perspective view in FIG.","11, comprises a relatively thin and flexible structure, typically in the nature of film, having a substantially continuously flat top side 110a and a bottom side 110b opposite to the top side 110a, the bottom side 110b being interrupted from a substantially continuously flat configuration by cavities 116.In this context “top” and “bottom” are used for convenience and relate to the in-use configuration shown in FIG.","10, in which “top” is up, and “bottom” is down.","In general, however, the film has two major surfaces corresponding to the two sides of the relatively thin film mask, either of which could in practice be top or bottom.","In practice the film can be a laminate.","In the exemplary portion shown in FIG.","11, only one cavity 116 corresponding to one knuckle portion of the papermaking belt 2 is shown.","In the exemplary embodiment of a portion of the mask, as shown in FIG.","11, for example, the cavity 116 has a three-dimensional structure that provides a third surface 156 at a depth DM1 (shown in FIG.","12), which enables the three dimensional structure of the corresponding knuckle formed by it, such as one of the discrete knuckles 6 shown in FIG.","3.However, the example described with respect to FIG.","11 is only exemplary, and is not to be limiting.","For example, the third surface 156 (and fourth, fifth surfaces, etc.—as shown in FIGS.","12a and 12b) need not be flat and in a plane substantially parallel to the first or second surfaces.","In an embodiment where the third surface is not flat, average depth measure can be used for depth DM1.As described more fully below, the mask 110 comprises transparent regions 112 and opaque regions 114.As used herein, the term “opacity” and “opaque” mean lack of transparency or translucency in certain areas of the mask 110, and designates those areas' quality of being shaded such as to be impervious or partially impervious to the rays of curing radiation.","The portion of mask 110 shown in FIG.","11 is shown in cross-section in FIG.","12, together with a representative knuckle 6 formed by radiant curing of a curable resin.","As shown, the mask 110 has a topside 110a and a bottom side 110b, with the top and bottom being with respect to the typical orientation in use.","In use, the bottom side 110b is in contact with the curable resin used to form the papermaking belt 2, allowing the curable resin to flow into cavity, which acts as a mold to form a knuckle which takes the shape of the cavity.","As shown, cavity 116 is characterized by defined surfaces similar to the surfaces described with respect to knuckles 6 on the papermaking belt 2.Thus, broadly speaking, the topside 110a of the mask lies in a first mask plane 152, and the bottom side 110b lies in a second mask plane 154.Between the first mask plane 152 and second mask plane 154 can be a plurality of planes corresponding to surfaces in cavity 116.As can be understood, the surfaces in mask 110 correspond virtually identically to the surfaces, i.e., second surface 32, of knuckles 6.Therefore, the number of planes corresponding to surfaces in cavity 116 can be varied according to the desired pattern of knuckles, and the exemplary cavity 116 shown in FIG.","12 has one such mask plane, third mask plane 158, designated as P3 in FIG.","12.But as seen in FIG.","12a, the design of cavity 116 can be modified with other surfaces in mask planes 160, P4 (fourth plane) as desired for the desired knuckle configuration of papermaking belt 2, to form corresponding surfaces 32 of knuckles 6.And as seen in FIG.","12b, the design of cavity 116 can be modified with other surfaces in mask planes 160, P4 (fourth plane), and 162, P5 (fifth plane) as desired for the desired knuckle configuration of papermaking belt 2, to form corresponding surfaces 32 of knuckles 6.The design shown in FIG.","12 corresponds generally to one capable of achieving a knuckle configuration on a papermaking belt 2 as shown in FIG.","5, as well as other patterns, depending, for example, on the opaque pattern applied to mask 110, as described more fully below.","With reference to FIG.","12, in an embodiment having a first mask plane 152 and a generally parallel third mask plane 158, the cavity can define a first step in cavity 116, and a second step plane (shown in cross section in FIGS.","12a and 12b), generally parallel to and spaced from first step plane 156 in a direction away from second mask plane 154.As discussed above with respect to the knuckles 6, each surface portion of cavity 116 defined by a distance progressively away from second mask plane 154 has a projected area less than the projected area of the next adjacent plane in the Z-direction, and is fully bounded by the area of the adjacent plane.","The purpose of the mask 110 is to shield certain areas of the curable material 300, i.e., those areas that are shielded by the opaque regions 114, from exposure to curing radiation and to form a three dimensional knuckle structure.","The three-dimensional structure of the mask serves to mold a substantially identically shaped three-dimensional structure of a knuckle of a papermaking belt, which likewise serves to form the three-dimensional structure of a fibrous structure made on the papermaking belt.","The novel three-dimensional structure of the fibrous structure so formed serves to increase the absorbency and cleaning performance of the fibrous structure by providing relatively more surface area in a given sheet of fibrous structure than was previously possible in prior structures.","One method for providing shielding is to apply an opaque coating, which can be an opaque ink, 118 to in a pattern to form transparent regions of the mask and opaque regions of the mask corresponding to the desired pattern of the resulting papermaking belt 2.The transparent regions 112 of the mask 110 allow other (unshielded or partially shielded) areas of the curable resin to be exposed to and receive the curing radiation which results in hardening, i. e., curing, of these unshielded portions.","The opaque regions can be in a pattern such that the mask has a plurality of transparent regions, the transparent regions corresponding to and being coextensive with the cavities.","The shielded areas of the coating thus form a pre-selected pattern corresponding to the desired pattern of knuckles 6 on the papermaking belt 2.Ink 118 can be applied on either surface of mask 110, that is, on either side 110a or 110b.","As can be understood by the description herein, applying the coating 118 on first surface 110a requires registered application to ensure that light can penetrate the mask through the region of cavity 116.However, applying the coating 118 onto side 110b can be accomplished without registration with a printing process that for example, applies ink from a generally smooth-surface roller to second surface 110b, thereby applying ink to second mask plane 154, but not to third (or fourth, fifth, etc.)","surface 156.In an embodiment, for example, ink 118 can be applied to second mask plane 154 in a gravure coating process.","Additionally, however, in the present invention the mask provides a dimensionally-stable, three-dimensional mold, so to speak, to form the knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt 2 in a corresponding three-dimensional shape.","Prior masks utilized in the formation of papermaking belts, being flat or at the most having a single-elevation, possibly deformable, cavity, are incapable of forming the papermaking belt 2 or the fibrous structures of the present invention.","The three-dimensional structure of the mask 110 can be used to form a papermaking belt having substantially the same three-dimensional geometry, as shown in FIGS.","1, 3 and 5, for example.","A source of curing radiation 120, i.e., a light source, radiates through the non-opaque transparent region 112 to cure a portion of the curable resin, which cured portion can include the base portion 26 and extended portion 28 of knuckles 6.Once the mask is removed, and the uncured resin is washed away, the resulting cured resin forms the patterned framework of knuckles 6, as shown, for example in FIGS.","1 and 3.Thus, the dimensions of the mask features, such as the distance DM1 from the second mask plane 154 and third mask plane 158, translate to the dimensions distance between the first surface 30 of knuckle and second surface 32 of knuckle 6, and ultimately to the three-dimensional structures of the paper formed thereon.","In an embodiment, the distance in the Z-direction between planes, e.g., distance DM1, and the distance between any additional planes, e.g., DM2 (not shown) of the mask can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, or greater, up to about 5 mm.","In an embodiment, therefore, the distance in the Z-direction from first surface 30 to second surface 32 shown in FIG.","5 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm or greater, up to about 5 mm.","The mask 110 of the present invention may have multiple differential opacities, i.e., the mask 110 may have the opaque regions 114 that differ in opacity.","Those differential opacities may comprise discrete opacities and/or gradient opacities.","As used herein, the term “gradient opacity” means an opacity having a gradually changing intensity.","Gradual opacity does not have a defined “border line” therein that would separate one opacity value from the other.","That is, the gradient opacity is a non-monotone opacity, wherein the change in opacity in at least one direction is gradually incremental, as opposed to discrete.","One method of constructing the mask 10 having regions of differential opacities comprises printing a transparent film to form a pattern of opaque regions having a certain initial opacity, and then printing the film a second time to form a pattern of opaque regions having another opacity different from the initial opacity.","For example, first the film can be printed with ink to form regions of the initial opacity, and then printed again to apply the ink to at least several of the regions already having the initial opacity, thereby increasing the opacity of said several regions.","In another method, the differential opacities can be formed in one-step printing, by using a printing roll, such as, for example, a Gravure roll, having a differential-depths pattern therein for receiving ink.","During printing, the ink deposited to the transparent film will have regions of differential intensities, reflecting the differential depths of the roll's pattern.","Other methods of forming opaque regions can be used in the present invention.","Such methods include, but are not limited to, chemical, electromagnetic, laser, heat, lamination of various transmission films, such as by combining multiple layers of film, at least two of the films having a difference in opacity.","In one embodiment, the three-dimensional mask can be formed by the lamination of at least two film layers, with at least one being a flat, smooth film, and at least one being formed with a pattern of apertures, such that when laminated the apertures, in effect, form the cavity 116 of mask 110.The mask 110 can be made in a form of an endless loop (all the details of which are not shown but should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art), or it can be supplied from a supply roll to a take-up roll.","As shown in FIG.","10, the mask 110 travels in the direction indicated by a directional arrow D1, turns under the nip roll 111a where it can be brought into contact with the surface of the coating 300, travels to a mask guide roll 111b in the vicinity of which it can be removed from the contact with the coating 300.The mask 110 can be made of any suitable material which can be provided with opaque and transparent regions.","A material in the nature of a flexible optical film is suitable.","The mask can be made the process described herein schematically in FIGS.","13-16, a process which has the capability of making relatively fine cavities 116 in relatively thin films that have the flexibility and optical clarity to be used as a mask 110 in making a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention.","The first step of the mask-making process, as shown schematically in FIG.","13, is to machine into metal 200, e.g., brass or aluminum, at least one desired repeating pattern for the shape of the of knuckles 6 of papermaking belt 2.The repeating pattern can be machined, such as by milling using a CNC milling machine 210, to form a master tool 212 exhibiting the relatively small dimensions that will be imparted to the resulting mask.","The master tool 212 can be a size determined by the repeating pattern size and in an embodiment can be a rectangular piece being about 2 inches by 4 inches, with a thickness sufficient to exceed the depth of CNC milling and provide physical integrity for electroforming a nickel replica, as described herein.","In an embodiment, the CNC milling can be as deep (i.e., the dimension in the Z-direction) as 500 microns (about 20 mils) per “stage” or depth relative to any previous cutting.","That is, DM1, which corresponds substantially to the same dimension of the mask in FIG.","12, and DM2 (which is a depth to a fourth surface of cavity 116 as described above, and which cavity can make a knuckle shape to make the paper described with respect to FIG.","20 below) can each be from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, or about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm.","Once the desired repeating pattern for the patterned framework is machined into an individual master tool 212, the master tool 212 is immersed in an electrolyte solution 220 and acts as the cathode in an electroforming process 214 to form a nickel replica 216 of the master tool, as depicted schematically in FIG.","14.Once deposited, the nickel replica 216 is removed from the master tool and represents a substantially exact negative image of the desired knuckles 6 in patterned framework repeat unit for papermaking belt 2.In an embodiment, a mask can be produced by casting an optically clear polymer film onto the nickel replica 216, thus forming a virtually exact copy of the cavity 116 or a plurality of cavities 116 in the film mask.","Due to its size, the mask so formed would have limited usefulness in a commercial papermaking operation.","But with an opaque ink coating 118 added in a desired pattern, the mask made from casting on a single nickel replica would have all the structural features for usefulness in making a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention.","In commercial practice, however, it can be beneficial to use multiple nickel replicas of the master tool 212, each mounted to a rotating drum or belt or other continuous support loop, as discussed below with reference to FIG.","15, with the multiple nickel replicas substantially covering the surface of the rotating drum or belt.","The drum or belt size can be sufficient to make a mask having dimensions suitable for the resulting papermaking belt 2.Thus, in an embodiment, a plurality of nickel replicas can be mounted, such as by screwing, joining, adhering, or otherwise connecting onto a drum surface or affixing to seamless belt tool, in a quantity sufficient to cover a rotating drum or belt used to cast masks of the present invention.","If desired, the adjacent nickel replicas can be welded together in a manner to have the resulting pattern appear seamless.","A mask can be cast on an embosser apparatus of the type developed by Avery Dennison Corporation, and described in U.S. Pat.","No.","6,375,776.The process is briefly repeated below with respect to FIG.","15, which is a re-numbered re-production of FIG.","4 of the above-mentioned '776 patent.","The embosser apparatus facilitates a method of continuously forming a multi-layer laminate of thermoplastic polymeric films wherein one surface thereof has a precision pattern of embossed elements thereon and wherein the thermoplastic polymeric films can be dissimilar.","A generally cylindrical seamless metal embossing tool with an outer surface having the reverse of the pattern to be formed on the surface of the sheeting can be used.","The mask is formed by continuously feeding onto a heated embossing tool a plurality of films, including in an embodiment, a superimposed first resinous film and a first carrier film wherein the first resinous film is pressed against the embossing tool and is heated above its glass transition temperature thereby becoming embossed with the pattern, while the first carrier film remains at a temperature below its glass transition temperature.","The first carrier film is then removed, and a second resinous film and second carrier film are superimposed on the unembossed surface of the first resinous film and are heated such that the two resinous films become bonded together.","The resulting laminate is then cooled and is stripped from the embossing tool.","Turning now to FIG.","15, an embosser apparatus capable of making the mask of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 130.It comprises as a principal component, an endless, seamless metal belt or tool 132 which is rotatable about a heating roller 134 and cooling roller 136.The outer surface of the tool 132 is fabricated with a plurality of closely spaced nickel replicas as described above, which are the reverse of the pattern embossed in the mask 110.Spaced sequentially around the heating roller 134, and preferably through a range of about 180 degrees are a plurality of pressure rollers 138, 139, 140, 141 and 142.Each pressure roller can be formed from silicone rubber with a durometer hardness ranging from Shore A 60 to 90.The endless belt can also be a cylindrical drum on which are mounted closely spaced nickel replicas, as described above.","In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the mask is constructed with the aid of apparatus 130 by simultaneously feeding at least one lower layer polymer film 144, such as film, described above, together with at least one specialized carrier film 146 into the embosser 130 between pressure roller 138 and the embossing tool 132.The region of the embosser 130 in which embossing tool 132 is in contact with heating roller 134 functions as a heating station.","The temperature of the heating roller 134 can be set such that the tool 132 is raised to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the film 144.When acrylic is used, the heating roller temperature can be about 425° F., although one skilled in the art will recognize that the optimum temperature of the heating roller will depend on environmental conditions and the particular features of the specific embossing machine used.","Heating of the roller 134 can be accomplished such as by circulating hot oil axially through the roller 134, or by electrically heating roller 134.The film 144 and carrier 146 pass between pressure rollers 138, 139 and 140 and the tool 132 whereupon the desired pattern of the tool 132 is impressed into the film 144.The carrier film 146 can be selected as to have a glass transition temperature higher than that of the film 144 and, therefore, can remain unaffected by the tool 132 as it passes beneath the pressure rollers 138, 139 and 140.After the embossed film 144 and carrier film 146 pass roller 140, the carrier film 146 can be separated from superimposed relationship with film 144 and can be moved onto a wind-up roll (not shown).","However, the film 144 continues to be adhered to the tool 132 and reaches pressure roller 141 at which point a superimposed top layer of polymer film 148 and a standard carrier film 150 can be joined with the film 144 and together pass beneath the rollers 141 and 142 with the film 144.Because the tool 132 is still in contact with the heating roller 134 at this point, the two polymer films 144 and 148 become bonded together.","Like carrier film 146, the carrier film 150 is selected to have a glass transition temperature which is higher than that of both film 144 and film 148.The multi-layer laminate next moves through a cooling station, which can be a generally planar region 122 where the mask is cooled such as by a chilled fluid such as chilled air, and finally exits the embosser 130 at a stripper roller 124, which can strip the mask from the tool (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat.","No.","4,601,861).","While lower layer polymer film 144 and top layer polymer film 148 have been illustrated in FIG.","15 for the sake of simplicity as each comprising a single film layer, the instant invention is not so limited.","Films 144 and 148 can each comprise a plurality of films.","For example, film 144 can comprise a plurality of layers of different polycarbonate films, which layers may have different additives such as colorants and may otherwise differ somewhat from one another.","The various layers of film 144 can be pre-laminated together prior to being fed into apparatus 130, or the layers can be fed into apparatus 130 as separate webs and laminated together as they pass between the nip rollers 138, 139, 140 and heating roller 134.In an embodiment, the plurality of films that make up film 144 can have substantially equivalent refractive indexes and UV transmittance properties.","Similarly, film 148 can comprise a plurality of layers of, for example, different acrylic films, which can be either pre-laminated together, or fed into the apparatus 130 as separate webs and laminated together as they pass between the nip rollers 141, 142 and heating roller 134.Hence, good optical performance and UV transmittance and flexibility can be achieved even if dissimilar polymeric films comprise film 148, provided that the interface between each film layer is optically smooth.","Once the three-dimensional mask 110 is made on the apparatus described with respect to FIG.","15, the film can be selectively coated with an opaque coating to provide for the opaque regions 14 that mask light from the light curable resin during manufacture of the papermaking belt 2.The opaque coating can be an opaque ink applied in known manners, including by hand with an applicator such as a brush or wiper.","As shown in FIG.","16, one method is to apply ink to a roll 360, such as a printing roll, and roll over the mask, thus depositing ink on the contacting areas of the mask.","Cavities 116, being at a lower elevation during this printing process, would not receive ink, and thus would remain substantially transparent.","One advantage of the mask of the present invention is that it facilitates single-pass formation of three-dimensional structures on a patterned framework 20 of papermaking belt 2.This provides commercial advantages in that a papermaking belt 2 having a three-dimensional patterned framework can be made more economically.","Further, the mask of the present invention provides for better registration of the three-dimensional aspects of the patterned framework on papermaking belt 2.These features of the mask, and the papermaking belt 2 produced by the mask, translate into a fibrous structure having three-dimensional features that improve the absorbency and cleaning performance of the fibrous structure.","Process for Making Fibrous Structure With reference to FIG.","17, one exemplary embodiment of the process for producing the fibrous structure 500 of the present invention is described below.","In the description below, the papermaking belt 211 can be the papermaking belt 2 described hererin made by curing UV-curable resin on a reinforcing member 8 utilizing the mask of the invention described above.","The process disclosed herein is a wet-laying papermaking process.","However, it is contemplated that the belt of the present invention can find utility in making air-laid substrates, and other processed known in the art of manufacturing nonwoven materials.","The present invention contemplates the use of a variety of fibers, such as, for example, papermaking cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, or any other suitable fibers, and any combination thereof.","Papermaking fibers useful in the present invention include cellulosic fibers commonly known as wood pulp fibers.","Fibers derived from soft woods (gymnosperms or coniferous trees) and hard woods (angiosperms or deciduous trees) are contemplated for use in this invention.","The particular species of tree from which the fibers are derived is immaterial.","The hardwood and softwood fibers can be blended, or alternatively, can be deposited in layers to provide a stratified web.","U.S. Pat.","No.","4,300,981 issued Nov. 17, 1981 to Carstens and U.S. Pat.","No.","3,994,771 issued Nov. 30, 1976 to Morgan et al.","are each incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing layering of hardwood and softwood fibers.","The wood pulp fibers can be produced from the native wood by any convenient pulping process.","Chemical processes such as sulfite, sulfate (including the Kraft) and soda processes are suitable.","Mechanical processes such as thermomechanical (or Asplund) processes are also suitable.","In addition, the various semi-chemical and chemi-mechanical processes can be used.","Bleached as well as unbleached fibers are contemplated for use.","When the fibrous web of this invention is intended for use in absorbent products such as paper towels, bleached northern softwood Kraft pulp fibers may be used.","Wood pulps useful herein include chemical pulps such as Kraft, sulfite and sulfate pulps as well as mechanical pulps including for example, ground wood, thermomechanical pulps and Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP).","Pulps derived from both deciduous and coniferous trees can be used.","In addition to the various wood pulp fibers, other cellulosic fibers such as cotton linters, rayon, and bagasse can be used in this invention.","Synthetic fibers, such as polymeric fibers, can also be used.","Elastomeric polymers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyolefin, and nylon, can be used.","The polymeric fibers can be produced by spunbond processes, meltblown processes, and other suitable methods known in the art.","It is believed that thin, long, and continuous fibers produces by spunbond and meltblown processes may be beneficially used in the fibrous structure of the present invention, because such fibers are believed to be easily deflectable into the pockets of the papermaking belt of the present invention.","The paper furnish can comprise a variety of additives, including but not limited to fiber binder materials, such as wet strength binder materials, dry strength binder materials, and chemical softening compositions.","Suitable wet strength binders include, but are not limited to, materials such as polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins sold under the trade name of KYMENE™ 557H by Hercules Inc., Wilmington, Del.","Suitable temporary wet strength binders include but are not limited to synthetic polyacrylates.","A suitable temporary wet strength binder is PAREZ™ 750 marketed by American Cyanamid of Stanford, Conn.","Suitable dry strength binders include materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose and cationic polymers such as ACCO™ 711.The CYPRO/ACCO family of dry strength materials are available from CYTEC of Kalamazoo, Mich.","The paper furnish can comprise a debonding agent to inhibit formation of some fiber to fiber bonds as the web is dried.","The debonding agent, in combination with the energy provided to the web by the dry creping process, results in a portion of the web being debulked.","In one embodiment, the debonding agent can be applied to fibers forming an intermediate fiber layer positioned between two or more layers.","The intermediate layer acts as a debonding layer between outer layers of fibers.","The creping energy can therefore debulk a portion of the web along the debonding layer.","Suitable debonding agents include chemical softening compositions such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.","No.","5,279,767 issued Jan. 18, 1994 to Phan et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference Suitable biodegradable chemical softening compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat.","No.","5,312,522 issued May 17, 1994 to Phan et al.","U.S. Pat.","Nos.","5,279,767 and 5,312,522, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.","Such chemical softening compositions can be used as debonding agents for inhibiting fiber to fiber bonding in one or more layers of the fibers making up the web.","One suitable softener for providing debonding of fibers in one or more layers of fibers forming the web 20 is a papermaking additive comprising DiEster Di (Touch Hardened) Tallow Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride.","A suitable softener is ADOGEN® brand papermaking additive available from Witco Company of Greenwich, Conn.","The embryonic web can be typically prepared from an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers, though dispersions in liquids other than water can be used.","The fibers are dispersed in the carrier liquid to have a consistency of from about 0.1 to about 0.3 percent.","Alternatively, and without being limited by theory, it is believed that the present invention is applicable to moist forming operations where the fibers are dispersed in a carrier liquid to have a consistency less than about 50 percent.","Conventional papermaking fibers can be used and the aqueous dispersion can be formed in conventional ways.","Conventional papermaking equipment and processes can be used to form the embryonic web on the Fourdrinier wire.","The association of the embryonic web with the papermaking belt 211 can be accomplished by simple transfer of the web between two moving endless belts as assisted by differential fluid pressure.","The fibers may be deflected into the papermaking belt 211 by the application of differential fluid pressure induced by an applied vacuum.","Any technique, such as the use of a Yankee drum dryer, can be used to dry the intermediate web.","Foreshortening can be accomplished by any conventional technique such as creping.","The plurality of fibers can also be supplied in the form of a moistened fibrous web (not shown), which should preferably be in a condition in which portions of the web could be effectively deflected into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt and the void spaces formed between the suspended portions and the X-Y plane.","In FIG.","17, the embryonic web comprising fibers 501 is transferred from a forming wire to the papermaking belt 211 by a vacuum pick-up shoe 218a.","Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of fibers, or fibrous slurry, can be deposited to the papermaking belt 211 directly (not shown) from a headbox or otherwise.","The papermaking belt 211 in the form of an endless belt travels about rolls 219a, 219b, 219k, 219c, 219d, 219e, and 19f in the direction schematically indicated by the directional arrow “B.” Then, a portion of the fibers 501 is deflected into the deflection portion of the papermaking belt such as to cause some of the deflected fibers or portions thereof to be disposed within the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt, and therefore, to take the shape of the knuckles 6, as shown in FIG.","18.Depending on the process, mechanical, as well as fluid pressure differential, alone or in combination, can be utilized to deflect a portion of the fibers 501 into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt.","For example, in a through-air drying process shown in FIG.","17, a vacuum apparatus 218b, applies a fluid pressure differential to the embryonic web disposed on the papermaking belt 211, thereby deflecting fibers into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt 211.The process of deflection may be continued as another vacuum apparatus 218c applies additional vacuum pressure (or, alternatively, positive pressure) to even further deflect the fibers into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt 211.Finally, a partly-formed fibrous structure associated with the papermaking belt 211 can be separated from the papermaking belt to form the fibrous structure 500 of the present invention.","The process may further comprise a step of impressing the papermaking belt 211 having the fibers therein against a pressing surface, such as, for example, a surface of a Yankee drying drum 228, thereby densifying portions of web.","In FIG.","17, the step of impressing the web against the Yankee drying drum is performed by using the pressure roll 219k.","This also typically includes a step of drying the fibrous structure.","Fibrous Structure When formed utilizing a papermaking belt 2 having a knuckle pattern of the invention, the fibrous structure can exhibit features corresponding to the features of the knuckles of the papermaking belt, as shown in FIG.","18.FIG.","18 shows how a fibrous structure 500 can take the form of the knuckles of the papermaking belt, the outline of which is represented as dashed line 530.As shown, a fibrous structure, which can be a bath tissue, facial tissue, paper towel, or other cellulosic sanitary tissue product (or non-cellulosic, synthetic, nonwoven materials) can be made up of fibers 501 which have been deposited on a papermaking belt having a knuckle configuration as described herein, and represented by nonlimiting example in FIG.","18 as having a plurality of surfaces substantially parallel to an X-Y plane, and separated by a distance in the Z-direction.","The resulting fibrous structure can exhibit a substantially identical, albeit less well defined due to the nature of fibrous webs.","As shown in a representative potential configuration in FIG.","18, a fibrous structure can exhibit a first surface 510 in plane 516 which has a first projected area AF1; a second surface 512 in plane 518 which has a second projected area AF2; and a third surface 514 in plane 520 which has a third projected area AF3.As with the description above relating to the mask and knuckles made thereby, the relationship of projected areas of the various surfaces of the fibrous structure follow the same pattern.","That is, the projected area of each successive surface in a Z-direction from a lower side 540 of the fibrous structure is less than the projected area of any surfaces closer to the lower side 540 of the fibrous structure 500.Thus, in FIG.","18, AF3<AF2<AF1.Moreover, each successive projected area in a Z-direction from lower side 540 is bounded by the projected area any surfaces closer to the lower side 540 of the fibrous structure 500.A fibrous structure of the present invention therefore can have greater surface area per sheet due to the multiple elevations of out-of-plane three-dimensional features.","The specific structure of the out-of-plane three-dimensional features can enable better cleaning and better absorbency.","The fibrous structure can be further processed and converted to consumer goods, for example by joining together single plies to make a multi-ply fibrous structure, and/or by embossing to provided for an embossed fibrous structure, and/or by supplying in roll form to provide for a rolled fibrous structure which can be a roll of sheets separated by perforations as is commonly known in the field of bath tissue and paper towels.","In an embodiment, the fibrous structure is a roll of embossed, multi-ply fibrous structure in the form of bath tissue or paper towels, as shown in FIG.","19.FIG.","19 shows a roll 600 of fibrous structure 500 of the present invention, which can be a multi-ply paper towel, for example.","The fibrous structure can have embossments 602 on the surface of at least one ply, and the rolled product can have a plurality of spaced lines of perforations 604 separating individual sheets.","The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited.","Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.","For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited.","The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment.","Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.","While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.","It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Mark and Papermaking Belt Made Therefrom\",\n \"A textured mask comprising a film.\",\n \"The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.\",\n \"The second surface is interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes.\",\n \"The depth of the cavities can be at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane.\",\n \"The textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent.\",\n \"The textured mask can make a correspondingly structured three-dimensional papermaking belt, which can make correspondingly structured three-dimensional fibrous structure.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A textured mask comprising a film, the film having a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, the second surface being interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the first depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane, and a second depth defined by a fourth surface lying in a fourth plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the second depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the third plane, wherein the textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent, wherein portions of the textured mask coated with the opaque masking agent are opaque to UV light radiation, and wherein portions of the textured mask that are not coated with the opaque masking agent remain transparent to radiation and include the portions corresponding to the plurality of cavities.\",\n \"2.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the first depth is an average depth.\",\n \"3.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the second depth is an average depth.\",\n \"4.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the opaque masking agent is an ink.\",\n \"5.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the first substantially continuously flat surface.\",\n \"6.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the second surface.\",\n \"7.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein each cavity has a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at a distance of from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm from the second surface.\",\n \"8.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein among the plurality of cavities, a cavity can have a depth different from an adjacent cavity, with the various depths among all the cavities being at a distance from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second surface.\",\n \"9.The textured mask of claim 1, wherein the fourth surface has a projected area less than a projected area of the third surface, and is bounded by the area of the third surface.\",\n \"10.A textured mask comprising a film, the film having a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, the second surface being interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the first depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane, and a second depth defined by a fourth surface lying in a fourth plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the second depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the third plane, and a third depth defined by a fifth surface lying in a fifth plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the third depth being at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the fourth plane, wherein the textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent, wherein portions of the textured mask coated with the opaque masking agent are opaque to UV light radiation, and wherein portions of the textured mask that are not coated with the opaque masking agent remain transparent to radiation and include the portions corresponding to the plurality of cavities.\",\n \"11.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the first depth is an average depth.\",\n \"12.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the second depth is an average depth.\",\n \"13.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the third depth is an average depth.\",\n \"14.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the opaque masking agent is an ink.\",\n \"15.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the first substantially continuously flat surface.\",\n \"16.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the opaque masking agent is applied to the second surface.\",\n \"17.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein each cavity has a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at a distance of from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm from the second surface.\",\n \"18.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein among the plurality of cavities, a cavity can have a depth different from an adjacent cavity, with the various depths among all the cavities being at a distance from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second surface.\",\n \"19.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the fourth surface has a projected area less than a projected area of the third surface, and is bounded by the area of the third surface.\",\n \"20.The textured mask of claim 10, wherein the fifth surface has a projected area less than a projected area of the fourth surface, and is bounded by the area of the fourth surface.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Products made from a fibrous web are used for a variety of purposes.\",\n \"For example, paper towels, facial tissues, toilet tissues, napkins, and the like are in constant use in modern industrialized societies.\",\n \"The large demand for such paper products has created a demand for improved versions of the products.\",\n \"If the paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, toilet tissues, mop heads, and the like are to perform their intended tasks and to find wide acceptance, they must possess certain physical characteristics.\",\n \"Among the more important of these characteristics are strength, softness, and absorbency.\",\n \"Strength is the ability of a paper web to retain its physical integrity during use.\",\n \"Softness is the pleasing tactile sensation consumers perceive when they use the paper for its intended purposes.\",\n \"Absorbency is the characteristic of the paper that allows the paper to take up and retain fluids, particularly water and aqueous solutions and suspensions.\",\n \"Important not only is the absolute quantity of fluid a given amount of paper will hold, but also the rate at which the paper will absorb the fluid.\",\n \"Through-air drying papermaking belts comprising a reinforcing member and a resinous framework, and/or fibrous webs made using these belts are known and described, for example, in the following commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \": 4,514,345, issued Apr.\",\n \"30, 1985 to Johnson et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,637,859 issued Jan. 20, 1987 to Trokhan; and U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,660,129 issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.\",\n \"In the aforementioned belts of prior art the resinous framework is joined to the fluid-permeable reinforcing member (such as, for example, a woven structure, or a felt).\",\n \"The resinous framework may be continuous, semi-continuous, comprise a plurality of discrete protuberances, or any combination thereof The resinous framework extends outwardly from the reinforcing member to form a web-side of the belt (i.e., the surface upon which the paper web is disposed during a papermaking process), a backside opposite to the web-side, and deflection conduits extending therebetween.\",\n \"The deflection conduits provide spaces into which papermaking fibers deflect under application of a pressure differential during a papermaking process.\",\n \"The terms “papermaking belt,” and “forming member,” may be used herein interchangeably.\",\n \"Paper produced on the papermaking belts disclosed in the aforementioned patents are generally characterized by having at least two physically distinct regions: a region having a first elevation and typically having a relatively high density, and a region extending from the first region to a second elevation and typically having a relatively low density.\",\n \"This is because papermaking belts on which the paper is produced generally have two distinct regions at two distinct elevations, a first region at a first elevation associated with the resinous framework, and a second region at a second elevation associated with the woven (or felt) reinforcing member.\",\n \"The first region is typically formed from the fibers that have not been deflected into the deflection conduits, and the second region is typically formed from the fibers deflected into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt.\",\n \"The papers made using the belts having a continuous resinous framework and a plurality of discrete deflection conduits dispersed therethrough comprise a continuous high-density network region and a plurality of discrete low-density pillows (or domes), dispersed throughout, separated by, and extending from the network region.\",\n \"The continuous high-density network region is designed primarily to provide strength, while the plurality of the low-density pillows is designed primarily to provide softness and absorbency.\",\n \"Such belts have been used to produce commercially successful products, such as, for example, BOUNTY® paper towels, CHARMIN® toilet tissue, and PUFFS® facial tissue, all produced and sold by The Procter & Gamble Co. Certain aspects of absorbency of a fibrous structure, as well as its ability to clean more effectively, are highly dependent on its three-dimensional surface area.\",\n \"By three-dimensional surface area is meant the surface area that includes out-of-plane three-dimensionality such that a sheet of fibrous structure of a given overall two-dimensional size has a three-dimensional surface area greater than its two-dimensional calculated area.\",\n \"Attempts have been made to increase the three-dimensional surface area by increasing the number and placement of different elevations of a papermaking belt.\",\n \"That is, for a given fibrous web, the greater the web's three-dimensional surface area the higher the web's absorbency and cleaning performance.\",\n \"In the three-dimensional structured webs made on the aforementioned papermaking belts, the low-density pillows and the transition areas between the pillows and the relatively high density regions, dispersed throughout the web, increase the web's three-dimensional surface area, thereby increasing the web's absorbency.\",\n \"However, increasing the web's surface area by increasing the area comprising the relatively low-density pillows would result in decreasing the web's area comprising the relatively high-density network area that imparts the strength.\",\n \"Attempts to increase absorbency and cleaning performance of absorbent paper products by increasing the three-dimensional surface area include using two layers of a resinous framework of the forming member.\",\n \"One example of using two layers of a resinous framework is shown in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,660,129 B1, issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.\",\n \"Cabell et al.\",\n \"discloses a fibrous structure having at least a first region defining a first plane and having a first elevation, and a second region outwardly extending from the first plane to define a second elevation, wherein the second region comprises a plurality of fibrous pillows.\",\n \"Due to the nature of the resinous framework on the forming member described in Cabell et al., one feature of a fibrous structure made thereon is fibrous cantilever portions laterally extending at a second elevation.\",\n \"This is believed to be because of the nature of the process of producing the resinous framework of Cabell et al., which includes randomly dispersed cantilevered portions of the second layer of the resinous framework of Cabell et al.\",\n \"It is believed that the cantilevered portions can be weakened and fail during prolonged use of the belt, and, as well, fail to produce increased surface area in the finished paper of a type not requiring the cantilevered portions.\",\n \"There is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having greater absorbency and cleaning performance, particularly cleaning of soils and other solids, due to increased three-dimensional surface area.\",\n \"Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.\",\n \"Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a method for making a papermaking belt having a multi-stage, three-dimensional structure in a single pass.\",\n \"Further, there is an unaddressed need for a three-dimensional mask that can produce a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>A textured mask comprising a film is disclosed.\",\n \"The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.\",\n \"The second surface is interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes.\",\n \"The depth of the cavities can be at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane.\",\n \"The textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent.\",\n \"The textured mask can make a correspondingly structured three-dimensional papermaking belt, which can make correspondingly structured three-dimensional fibrous structure.\"\n ],\n [\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to processes for making strong, soft, absorbent fibrous webs, such as, for example, paper webs.\",\n \"More particularly, this invention is concerned with structured fibrous webs, equipment used to make such structured fibrous webs, and processes therefor.\",\n \"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Products made from a fibrous web are used for a variety of purposes.\",\n \"For example, paper towels, facial tissues, toilet tissues, napkins, and the like are in constant use in modern industrialized societies.\",\n \"The large demand for such paper products has created a demand for improved versions of the products.\",\n \"If the paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, napkins, toilet tissues, mop heads, and the like are to perform their intended tasks and to find wide acceptance, they must possess certain physical characteristics.\",\n \"Among the more important of these characteristics are strength, softness, and absorbency.\",\n \"Strength is the ability of a paper web to retain its physical integrity during use.\",\n \"Softness is the pleasing tactile sensation consumers perceive when they use the paper for its intended purposes.\",\n \"Absorbency is the characteristic of the paper that allows the paper to take up and retain fluids, particularly water and aqueous solutions and suspensions.\",\n \"Important not only is the absolute quantity of fluid a given amount of paper will hold, but also the rate at which the paper will absorb the fluid.\",\n \"Through-air drying papermaking belts comprising a reinforcing member and a resinous framework, and/or fibrous webs made using these belts are known and described, for example, in the following commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \": 4,514,345, issued Apr.\",\n \"30, 1985 to Johnson et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,637,859 issued Jan. 20, 1987 to Trokhan; and U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,660,129 issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.\",\n \"In the aforementioned belts of prior art the resinous framework is joined to the fluid-permeable reinforcing member (such as, for example, a woven structure, or a felt).\",\n \"The resinous framework may be continuous, semi-continuous, comprise a plurality of discrete protuberances, or any combination thereof The resinous framework extends outwardly from the reinforcing member to form a web-side of the belt (i.e., the surface upon which the paper web is disposed during a papermaking process), a backside opposite to the web-side, and deflection conduits extending therebetween.\",\n \"The deflection conduits provide spaces into which papermaking fibers deflect under application of a pressure differential during a papermaking process.\",\n \"The terms “papermaking belt,” and “forming member,” may be used herein interchangeably.\",\n \"Paper produced on the papermaking belts disclosed in the aforementioned patents are generally characterized by having at least two physically distinct regions: a region having a first elevation and typically having a relatively high density, and a region extending from the first region to a second elevation and typically having a relatively low density.\",\n \"This is because papermaking belts on which the paper is produced generally have two distinct regions at two distinct elevations, a first region at a first elevation associated with the resinous framework, and a second region at a second elevation associated with the woven (or felt) reinforcing member.\",\n \"The first region is typically formed from the fibers that have not been deflected into the deflection conduits, and the second region is typically formed from the fibers deflected into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt.\",\n \"The papers made using the belts having a continuous resinous framework and a plurality of discrete deflection conduits dispersed therethrough comprise a continuous high-density network region and a plurality of discrete low-density pillows (or domes), dispersed throughout, separated by, and extending from the network region.\",\n \"The continuous high-density network region is designed primarily to provide strength, while the plurality of the low-density pillows is designed primarily to provide softness and absorbency.\",\n \"Such belts have been used to produce commercially successful products, such as, for example, BOUNTY® paper towels, CHARMIN® toilet tissue, and PUFFS® facial tissue, all produced and sold by The Procter & Gamble Co. Certain aspects of absorbency of a fibrous structure, as well as its ability to clean more effectively, are highly dependent on its three-dimensional surface area.\",\n \"By three-dimensional surface area is meant the surface area that includes out-of-plane three-dimensionality such that a sheet of fibrous structure of a given overall two-dimensional size has a three-dimensional surface area greater than its two-dimensional calculated area.\",\n \"Attempts have been made to increase the three-dimensional surface area by increasing the number and placement of different elevations of a papermaking belt.\",\n \"That is, for a given fibrous web, the greater the web's three-dimensional surface area the higher the web's absorbency and cleaning performance.\",\n \"In the three-dimensional structured webs made on the aforementioned papermaking belts, the low-density pillows and the transition areas between the pillows and the relatively high density regions, dispersed throughout the web, increase the web's three-dimensional surface area, thereby increasing the web's absorbency.\",\n \"However, increasing the web's surface area by increasing the area comprising the relatively low-density pillows would result in decreasing the web's area comprising the relatively high-density network area that imparts the strength.\",\n \"Attempts to increase absorbency and cleaning performance of absorbent paper products by increasing the three-dimensional surface area include using two layers of a resinous framework of the forming member.\",\n \"One example of using two layers of a resinous framework is shown in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,660,129 B1, issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Cabell et al.\",\n \"Cabell et al.\",\n \"discloses a fibrous structure having at least a first region defining a first plane and having a first elevation, and a second region outwardly extending from the first plane to define a second elevation, wherein the second region comprises a plurality of fibrous pillows.\",\n \"Due to the nature of the resinous framework on the forming member described in Cabell et al., one feature of a fibrous structure made thereon is fibrous cantilever portions laterally extending at a second elevation.\",\n \"This is believed to be because of the nature of the process of producing the resinous framework of Cabell et al., which includes randomly dispersed cantilevered portions of the second layer of the resinous framework of Cabell et al.\",\n \"It is believed that the cantilevered portions can be weakened and fail during prolonged use of the belt, and, as well, fail to produce increased surface area in the finished paper of a type not requiring the cantilevered portions.\",\n \"There is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having greater absorbency and cleaning performance, particularly cleaning of soils and other solids, due to increased three-dimensional surface area.\",\n \"Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.\",\n \"Additionally, there is a continuing unaddressed need for a method for making a papermaking belt having a multi-stage, three-dimensional structure in a single pass.\",\n \"Further, there is an unaddressed need for a three-dimensional mask that can produce a papermaking belt that can produce fibrous structures having distinct three-dimensional features in discrete planes, but which are not cantilevered.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A textured mask comprising a film is disclosed.\",\n \"The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.\",\n \"The second surface is interrupted by a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities having a first depth defined by a third surface lying in a third plane substantially parallel to the first and second planes.\",\n \"The depth of the cavities can be at a distance of from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm from the second plane.\",\n \"The textured mask is at least partially coated with an opaque masking agent.\",\n \"The textured mask can make a correspondingly structured three-dimensional papermaking belt, which can make correspondingly structured three-dimensional fibrous structure.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a plan view of a portion of a papermaking belt of the present invention made by a mask of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a cross-sectional view of the papermaking belt shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.\",\n \"1.FIG.\",\n \"3 is a plan view of a portion of a papermaking belt of the present invention made by a mask of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a cross-sectional view of the papermaking belt shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.\",\n \"3.FIG.\",\n \"5 is a schematic representation of a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 4.FIG.\",\n \"6 is a schematic plan view of representative area representations of papermaking belt of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of various knuckle configurations of a papermaking belt of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 is a schematic plan view of the representative knuckle configurations shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.FIG.\",\n \"9 is a schematic elevation view of representative alternative configurations of patterns of knuckles on a papermaking belt of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"10 is a schematic representation of an apparatus and method for making a belt of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"11 is a perspective view of a portion of a mask of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12 is partially a schematic representation of a cross-section of the mask shown in FIG.\",\n \"11 and taken along lines 12-12, and is a schematic elevation view of a portion of a mask of the present invention and a portion of a papermaking belt made with it.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12a is a schematic elevation view of a portion of a mask of the present invention and a portion of the papermaking belt made with it.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12b is a schematic elevation view of a portion of a mask of the present invention and a portion of the papermaking belt made with it.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"13 is a schematic elevation view of machining operation.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"14 is a schematic elevation view of nickel plating operation.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"15 is a perspective view of a portion of an apparatus for making a mask of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 is a perspective view of an apparatus and method for coating a mask of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"17 is a schematic elevation view of an apparatus for making a fibrous structure of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"18 is a representative view in elevation of a portion of a fibrous structure that can be made on a papermaking belt of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"19 is an elevation view of a roll of fibrous structure of the present invention.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Papermaking Belt In FIGS.\",\n \"1-8, various embodiments of a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention are shown.\",\n \"In general, a papermaking belt 2 comprises a macroscopic, multi-elevational patterned framework, or, simply a “framework,” of cured resin elements 4 commonly referred to as knuckles 6.The papermaking belt 2 can be utilized in a wet laid papermaking process which is typically used for making absorbent fibrous structures, including paper towels and bath tissue.\",\n \"The papermaking belt 2 can be adapted to any of the various forming wires and papermaking belts utilized by papermakers and can be designed to leave a physical, three-dimensional impression in the finished paper.\",\n \"Such three-dimensional impressions are well known in the art, particularly in the art of “through air drying” (TAD) processes, with such impressions often being referred to a “knuckles” and “pillows.” Knuckles in a fibrous structure are typically relatively high density and/or three-dimensionally deformed regions formed by the corresponding knuckles 6 of a papermaking belt 2, i.e., the filaments or resinous structures that are raised at a higher elevation than other portions of the belt and are therefore pressed into the paper or permit fiber mobility during the papermaking process to achieve densified and/or three-dimensionally deformed regions.\",\n \"Likewise, “pillows” are typically relatively low density regions formed in the finished fibrous structure at the relatively uncompressed regions between or around knuckles 6.Further, the pillows in a fibrous structure can exhibit a range of densities relative to one another.\",\n \"The present invention is an improvement in the art in the making of knuckles 6 on papermaking belt 2 used as a papermaking belt.\",\n \"The improved papermaking belt is enabled by a mask of the present invention, and can make paper of the present invention.\",\n \"Patterns of knuckles and pillows can be made generally according to the methods and processes described in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,610,173, issued to Lindsay et al.\",\n \"on Aug. 26, 2003, or U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,514,345 issued to Trokhan on Apr.\",\n \"30, 1985, together with the improved techniques disclosed herein.\",\n \"The Lindsay and Trokhan disclosures describe belts that are representative of papermaking belts made with cured resin on a woven reinforcing member, of which the present invention is an improvement.\",\n \"But further, the present improvement can make papermaking belts useful as a fabric crepe belt as disclosed in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,494,563, issued to Edwards et al.\",\n \"on Feb. 24, 2009 or U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"8,152,958, issued to Super et al.\",\n \"on Apr.\",\n \"10, 2012, as well as belt crepe belts, as described in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"8,293,072, issued to Super et al on Oct. 23, 2012.When utilized as a fabric crepe belt, a papermaking belt of the present invention can provide the relatively large recessed pockets and three-dimensional knuckle dimensions to redistribute the fiber to a greater degree upon high impact creping in a creping nip between a backing roll and the fabric to form additional bulk in conventional wet press processes.\",\n \"Likewise, when utilized as a belt in a belt crepe method, a papermaking belt of the present invention can provide three-dimensional fiber enriched dome regions arranged in a repeating pattern corresponding to the pattern of the papermaking belt, as well as the interconnected plurality of surround areas to form additional bulk and local basis weight distribution in a conventional wet press process.\",\n \"Examples of papermaking belts 2 of the present invention are shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 3.As shown, a papermaking belt 2 can include cured resin elements 4 forming protuberances, also known as knuckles 6, and deflection conduits, known as pillows or pillow region 12, on a woven reinforcing member 8.The reinforcing member 8 can made of woven filaments 10 as is known in the art of papermaking belts, including resin coated papermaking belts.\",\n \"The knuckles 6 may be continuous, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 in which case the pillows are discrete pillow regions 12.The papermaking belt structure shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 includes discrete knuckles 6 and a continuous pillow region 12, also known in the art as a continuous deflection conduit.\",\n \"The knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt can form relatively high density knuckles in the fibrous structure made thereon in a pattern corresponding to the knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt.\",\n \"Likewise, the pillow regions 12 of the papermaking belt can form relatively low density pillows or pillow regions in the fibrous structure made thereon in a pattern corresponding to the pillow regions 12 of the papermaking belt.\",\n \"The papermaking belt 2 may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to: resinous material, metal, metal-impregnated resin, plastic, polymers such as a polyurethane material, or any combination thereof that can form a patterned framework of knuckles.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “patterned framework” or “framework” does not include a structure that is formed solely by mutually perpendicular interwoven filaments, such as, for example, a forming wire or a similarly formed structure.\",\n \"Such a structure, comprising a plurality of mutually perpendicular filaments, may be used as a reinforcing member 8 in the papermaking belt 2 of the present invention, as will be discussed below, but does not constitute the framework of knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt 2.If the papermaking belt 2 is made with a resinous material or other material having a pattern that can be distorted when pulled in a machine direction, a reinforcing member 8 is typically used to reinforce the framework of the papermaking belt 2.The reinforcing member 8 may be necessary when the patterned framework comprises a semi-continuous pattern or a pattern comprising a plurality of discrete protuberances, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3.The reinforcing member 8 is positioned between the web-side 14 and at least a portion of the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.While the reinforcing member 8 is generally parallel to the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2, a portion of the reinforcing member 8 may extend beyond the backside 22 of the papermaking belt 2, thereby creating surface irregularities in the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 8 may comprise the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.The papermaking belt 2 can be joined to the reinforcing member 8.The reinforcing member 8 has an upper side 18 and a lower side 20 opposite to the upper side 18.The web-side 14 of the papermaking belt 2 and the upper side 18 of the reinforcing member 8 face one direction, and the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 and the lower side 20 of the reinforcing member 8 face the opposite direction.\",\n \"As defined herein, the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 forms an X-Y plane.\",\n \"Since the reinforcing member 8 is typically near or adjacent to the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 (e.g., FIGS.\",\n \"2, 4), it could also be said that in some embodiments the reinforcing member 8, as a whole, defines the X-Y plane.\",\n \"One skilled in the art will appreciate that the symbols “X,” “Y,” and “Z” designate a system of Cartesian coordinates, wherein mutually perpendicular “X” and “Y” define a reference plane formed by the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2 (or by the reinforcing member 8) when the papermaking belt 2 is disposed on a flat surface, and “Z” designates any direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane.\",\n \"Analogously, the term “Z-dimension” means a dimension, distance, or parameter measured parallel to the Z-direction.\",\n \"It should be carefully noted, however, that an element that “extends” in the Z-direction does not need itself to be oriented strictly parallel to the Z-direction; the term “extends in the Z-direction” in this context merely indicates that the element extends in a direction which is not parallel to the X-Y plane.\",\n \"Analogously, an element that “extends in a direction parallel to the X-Y plane” does not need, as a whole, to be parallel to the X-Y plane; such an element can be oriented in the direction that is not parallel to the Z-direction.\",\n \"One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the reinforcing member 8, as well as the papermaking belt 2 as a whole, does not need to (and indeed cannot in some embodiments) have a planar configuration throughout its length, especially when used in a typical industrial process for making a fibrous structure 500 of the present invention, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"18.A papermaking belt 2 in the form of an endless belt travels through the equipment in a direction indicated by a directional arrow “B” (FIG.\",\n \"17).\",\n \"Therefore, the concept of the papermaking belt 2 being disposed on a flat surface and having the “X-Y” plane is conventionally used herein for the purpose of describing relative geometry of several elements of the generally flexible papermaking belt 2.A person skilled in the art will appreciate that when the papermaking belt 2 curves, the X-Y plane follows the configuration of the papermaking belt 2.In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 8 is substantially fluid-permeable.\",\n \"The fluid-permeable reinforcing member 8 may comprise a woven screen, or an apertured element, a felt, a film, or any combination thereof.\",\n \"Various types of the fluid-permeable reinforcing member 8 are described in several commonly assigned US Patents, for example, U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"5,275,700 and 5,954,097.The reinforcing member 8 may comprise a felt, also referred to as a “press felt” as is used in conventional papermaking.\",\n \"The framework may be applied to the reinforcing member 8, as taught by commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,549,790, issued Aug. 27, 1996 to Phan; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,556,509, issued Sep. 17, 1996 to Trokhan et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,580,423, issued Dec. 3, 1996 to Ampulski et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,609,725, issued Mar.\",\n \"11, 1997 to Phan; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,629,052 issued May 13, 1997 to Trokhan et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,637,194, issued Jun.\",\n \"10, 1997 to Ampulski et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,674,663, issued Oct. 7, 1997 to McFarland et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,693,187 issued Dec. 2, 1997 to Ampulski et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,709,775 issued Jan. 20, 1998 to Trokhan et al., U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,795,440 issued Aug. 18, 1998 to Ampulski et al., U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,814,190 issued Sep. 29, 1998 to Phan; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,817,377 issued Oct. 6, 1998 to Trokhan et al.\",\n \"; and U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,846,379 issued Dec. 8, 1998 to Ampulski et al.\",\n \"Alternatively, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member 8 may be fluid-impermeable.\",\n \"The fluid-impermeable reinforcing member 8 can comprise, for example, a polymeric resinous material, identical to, or different from, the material used for making a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention; a plastic material; a metal; a film, or any other suitable natural or synthetic material; or any combination thereof.\",\n \"One skilled in the art will appreciate that the fluid-impermeable reinforcing member 8 will cause the papermaking belt 2, as a whole, to be also fluid-impermeable.\",\n \"If desired, the reinforcing member 8 comprising a Jacquard weave can be utilized.\",\n \"Illustrative belts having the Jacquard weave can be found in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,429,686 issued Jul.\",\n \"4, 1995 to Chiu, et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,672,248 issued Sep. 30, 1997 to Wendt, et al.\",\n \"; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,746,887 issued May 5, 1998 to Wendt, et al.\",\n \"; and U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,017,417 issued Jan. 25, 2000 to Wendt, et al.\",\n \"It is believed that a Yankeeless process may benefit from using the papermaking belt 2 of the present invention by providing additional three-dimensionality to a fibrous structure during the web formation process.\",\n \"It is to be understood that the present invention contemplates a papermaking belt 2 previously unachievable with prior techniques.\",\n \"Specifically, in general, the multi-elevational framework of knuckles of the invention comprises a plurality of Z-direction spatially separated surfaces defined in order spatially with respect to the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.Each surface can be substantially parallel to the X-Y plane.\",\n \"Further, each successive surface progressing in a Z-direction away from the backside 16 toward a web side 14 has a projected area less than the projected area of the surface adjacent and closer to the backside 16, and is bounded completely by the area of the projected area of the surface adjacent and closer to the backside 16.The concept of projected area and description of the framework of the invention as well as a mask to make the framework and fibrous structures made on the framework is described more fully below.\",\n \"As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 3, and with respect to FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 4, respectively, knuckles 6 have at least, but not limited to, two portions, a base portion 26 and an extended portion 28.As shown in more detail in FIG.\",\n \"5, the base portion 26 can define a first surface 30 in a first plane P1, and the extended portion 28 can define a second surface 32 in a second plane P2, with the second plane P2 being spaced a greater distance in the Z-direction from backside 16 than the first plane P1.As shown, the base portion 26 can be a continuous knuckle portion (as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1) or discontinuous knuckle portion of discrete knuckles (as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3).\",\n \"Likewise, in an embodiment of a continuous base portion 26, the extended portion 28 can be correspondingly continuous or discontinuous or semi-continuous.\",\n \"Although FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 3 depict a base portion and an extended portion 28 defining only one second surface 32, it is contemplated that additional extended portions can be incorporated, such as a plurality of extended portions each having a surface in a subsequent plane PS, to form additional extended portions extending from extended portion 28, in “wedding cake” style of progressively smaller extended portions, each having a projected area bounded by the projected area of the previous portion.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the distance in the Z-direction between surfaces can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, or greater, up to about 5 mm.\",\n \"In an embodiment, therefore, the distance in the first surface 30 to second surface 32 shown in FIG.\",\n \"5 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm or greater, up to about 5 mm.\",\n \"By “projected area” is meant an area of a surface as it would be projected in the Z-direction onto an X-Y plane, 44, as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6, and as indicated by arrows 45 in FIG.\",\n \"5.As shown, the framework of knuckles 6 can be described as having a plurality of multi-stage surfaces.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"5 two surfaces are shown, a first surface 30 residing in a first plane P1 and a second surface 32 residing in a second plane P2.While two surfaces are described, the invention is not limited to only two surfaces.\",\n \"For each surface, the area of the surface can be determined by projecting in a Z-direction as indicated by arrows 45 the surface area of the surface to an X-Y plane, 44.As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6, for example, the area of first surface 30 can be projected to be Area 1, 40 in the X-Y plane, and the area of second surface 32 can be projected to be Area 2, 42 in the X-Y plane.\",\n \"As can be appreciated from the description herein, Area 2, 42, is smaller than, and fully bounded by Area 1, 40.That is, no part of the portion of the second surface 32 of the framework 20 extends over or beyond the area of first surface 30 in the X-Y plane, as would be the case if any part of the extended portion 28 was cantilevered over base portion 26.Correspondingly, the structure of the framework of knuckles 6 that forms second surface 32 is smaller than, and fully “bounded,” so to speak, in the X-Y dimension, by the structure of the framework that forms the first surface 30.“Draft angles” 46 of sidewalls the Z-direction-oriented three-dimensional features may be present in the structure of the knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt 2, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5.Therefore, with respect to a measure of projected areas, the area is projected from the surface in the plane of the surface, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5.This technique eliminates any ambiguity introduced by sloping sides of the portions of the structures defining the respective surfaces, and substantially corresponds in size and shape to the transparent portions of a mask used to make the papermaking belt, as disclosed below.\",\n \"By using projected area as the area dimension, any complexities introduced by draft angles or non-planar surfaces 30, 32 can be eliminated.\",\n \"For example, if second surface 32 as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5 were slightly dome shaped or had some irregular surface features, the area for purposes of the present invention can be determined using the projected area.\",\n \"However, for purposes of the present invention, the actual numerical value of any projected area is not critical to be determined.\",\n \"The invention is achieved if each successive feature of the knuckle portion has a qualitatively determined smaller projected area than the one before it, again, in “wedding cake” style.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the extended portion 28 can be designed to have a shape and predetermined position with respect to the base portion 26, such as being fully centrally registered with respect to the base portion 26 in the X-Y dimension, but in any configuration the extended portion 28 does not extend beyond the boundaries of the projected area of the base portion 26 to form a cantilevered, or overhanging, member.\",\n \"Any other configuration is contemplated, however, and several various embodiments of example configurations of base portions 26 and extended portions 28 are shown schematically in FIGS.\",\n \"7 and 8.FIG.\",\n \"7 shows non-limiting representative knuckle shapes in elevation.\",\n \"Note that the knuckles shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 can be representative of either a continuous knuckle papermaking belt as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, or a discrete knuckle papermaking belt as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3.FIG.\",\n \"8 shows exemplary plan views of the knuckles shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.The knuckles shown in plan view in FIG.\",\n \"8 are represented as discrete knuckles, but the general geometry can easily be extended to continuous knuckles, or semi-continuous.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"8 at 33, extended portion 28 can be substantially centrally positioned on base portion 26.While 33 shows a generally circular shaped base portions 26 and extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be virtually any shape desired, limited only by the mask making process, described below.\",\n \"At 34, extended portion 28 is offset from center on base portion 26.While 34 shows a generally square shaped base portions 26 and extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be virtually any shape desired.\",\n \"At 36, extended portion 28 is offset from center on base portion 26 and generally ridge-like.\",\n \"While 36 shows a generally square shaped base portions 26 and ridge-like extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be any shape desired.\",\n \"At 38, extended portion 28 is generally conically shaped.\",\n \"While 38 shows a generally circular shaped base portions 26 and generally circular shaped extended portion 28, the shape of either portion can be virtually any shape desired.\",\n \"In general, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"9, the knuckles 6, such as discrete knuckles 6 shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, need not all be substantially identical in shape or size.\",\n \"For example, in an embodiment, one knuckle 6 can have a first surface 30 at a Z-direction dimension Dz defining a first plane P1, and another knuckle can have a first surface 30 at a different Z-direction dimension Dz defining a second plane P2.Further, in general, the uppermost surface, such as second surface 32 described above at a plane Pn, can have indentations, or a third surface 48, having a portion at a plane P2 in between a first plane P1 and second plane P3.Process for Making Papermaking Belt A process for making the papermaking belt 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIG.\",\n \"10.Specifically, the process produces a multi-elevational papermaking belt 2, and does so in a single pass through the apparatus described herein with respect to FIG.\",\n \"10.The papermaking belt 2 can be formed using a forming surface 100.As used herein, the term “forming surface” means a surface of a forming unit structured and configured to support a coating of a suitable curable material, such as, for example, a liquid photosensitive resin.\",\n \"The curable material can be deposited directly to the forming surface, or it can be deposited to a backing film provided to cover the forming surface to avoid contamination thereof by the liquid curable material.\",\n \"In the embodiment shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, a curable material 300, comprising, for example, a liquid photosensitive resin, is deposited to the forming surface 100 covered by a backing film 128.The forming surface 100 is formed by a forming unit comprising a drum 101.If desired, the forming surface may comprise a deformable surface, as described in the commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,275,700.When the reinforcing member 8 is pressed into the deformable forming surface during the process of making, the deformable forming surface forms protrusions that exclude the curable material from certain areas which, when cured, will lie along the backside 16 of the papermaking belt 2.This causes the reinforcing member to extend at least partially beyond the back side of the framework of the papermaking belt 2 to form a so-called “textured” backside 16 having passageways providing texture irregularities therein.\",\n \"Those texture irregularities are beneficial in some embodiments of the papermaking belt 2, because they prevent formation of a vacuum seal between the backside of the papermaking belt 2 and a surface of the papermaking equipment (such as, for example, a surface of a vacuum box or a surface of a pick-up shoe), thereby creating a “leakage” there between and thus mitigating undesirable consequences of an application of a vacuum pressure in a through-air-drying process of making a fibrous structure 500 of the present invention.\",\n \"Other methods of creating such a leakage are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"5,718,806; 5,741,402; 5,744,007; 5,776,311; and 5,885,421.The leakage can also be created using so-called “differential light transmission techniques” as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"5,624,790; 5,554,467; 5,529,664; 5,514,523; and 5,334,289.The papermaking belt is made by applying a coating of photosensitive resin to a reinforcing member that has opaque portions, and then exposing the coating to light of an activating wavelength through a mask having transparent and opaque regions, and also through the reinforcing member 8.Another way of creating backside surface irregularities comprises the use of a textured forming surface, or a textured barrier film, as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"5,364,504; 5,260,171; and 5,098,522.The papermaking belt 2 is made by casting a photosensitive resin over and through the reinforcing member while the reinforcing member travels over a textured surface, and then exposing the coating to light of an activating wavelength through a mask which has transparent and opaque regions.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, a backing film 128 is provided to protect the forming surface 100 and to facilitate removal of the partially completed forming structure from the forming surface 100.In a continuous process of FIG.\",\n \"10, the backing film 128 is traveling in a direction indicated by directional arrows D3, which is the direction of rotation of drum 101.As an example, in the embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"10, the backing film 128 is a single-use film, which can be supplied by a supply roll and wound into a take-up roll (not shown) and is typically discarded after the use.\",\n \"In the embodiment shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, the process of forming the papermaking belt 2 comprises the following steps.\",\n \"If the papermaking belt 2 is to have a reinforcing member, then a reinforcing member 8 is provided.\",\n \"The reinforcing member 8 is supported by the first forming surface 100 such that the lower side 20 of the reinforcing member 8 faces the forming surface 100 and can be in contact therewith or with the first backing film 128 if such backing film is used, as explained above.\",\n \"Typically, but not necessarily, the reinforcing member 8 is placed in direct contact with the backing film 128.In the continuous process illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"10, the reinforcing member 8 can be supplied from a supply roll (not shown).\",\n \"It is also contemplated in the present invention that the reinforcing member 8 may be supplied in the form of an endless belt, as described, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,514,345.In FIG.\",\n \"10, the reinforcing member 8 is traveling in a machine direction MD.\",\n \"The use herein of the term “machine direction” is consistent with the traditional use of the term in papermaking, where this term refers to a direction which is parallel to the flow of the paper web through the papermaking equipment.\",\n \"In the context of the continuous process of making the papermaking belt 2, the “machine direction” is a direction parallel to the flow of the coating of the curable material (or the reinforcing member where applicable) during the process of the present invention.\",\n \"It should be understood that the machine direction is a relative term defined in relation to the movement of the coating at a particular point of the process.\",\n \"Therefore, the machine direction may (and typically does) change several times during a given process of the present invention.\",\n \"A term “cross-machine direction” is a direction perpendicular to the machine direction and parallel to the general plane of the papermaking belt 2 being constructed, or the X-Y plane.\",\n \"A coating of curable material 300, such as, for example, a liquid photosensitive resinous material, is applied to the reinforcing member 8, and specifically, to its upper side 18.Any technique by which the liquid curable material can be applied to the reinforcing member 8 is suitable.\",\n \"For example, a nozzle 260, schematically shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, can be used.\",\n \"Typically, the curable material 300 should be evenly applied throughout a width of the reinforcing member 8 or a portion thereof.\",\n \"The width of the reinforcing member 8 and a width of the forming surface 100 extend in the cross-machine direction.\",\n \"If the reinforcing member 8 has voids designed and structured to be penetrated by the curable material 300, such as, for example, the reinforcing member comprising a plurality of interwoven yarns, the curable material should be applied such that a sufficient amount of the curable material can be worked through the first reinforcing member 8 to achieve a secure joining therebetween.\",\n \"Suitable curable materials that can be readily selected from the many those commercially available.\",\n \"For example, the curable material may comprise liquid photosensitive resins, such as polymers that can be cured or cross-linked under the influence of a suitable radiation, typically an ultraviolet (UV) light.\",\n \"References containing more information about liquid photosensitive resins include Green et al., “Photocross-linkable Resin Systems,” J. Macro-Sci.\",\n \"Revs.\",\n \"Macro Chem., C21 (2), 187-273 (1981-82); Bayer, “A Review of Ultraviolet Curing Technology,” Tappi Paper Synthetics Conf.\",\n \"Proc., Sep. 25-27, 1978, pp.\",\n \"167-172; and Schmidle, “Ultraviolet Curable Flexible Coatings,” J. of Coated Fabrics, 8, 10-20 (July, 1978).\",\n \"All the preceding three references are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"The next step is optional and comprises controlling a thickness of the coating to a pre-selected value.\",\n \"In some embodiments, this pre-selected value is dictated by a desired thickness of resin layer and will influence the resulting thickness of the papermaking belt 2.This resulting thickness of the papermaking belt 2 is primarily dictated by the expected use of the papermaking belt 2.For example, when the papermaking belt 2 is to be used in a process for making a fibrous structure, described hereinafter, the papermaking belt 2 is typically from about 0.3 mm to about 10.0 millimeters thick.\",\n \"Any suitable means for controlling the thickness of the layer 300 can be used in the process.\",\n \"For example, illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"10 is the use of a roll 111a.\",\n \"A clearance between the roll 111a and the forming surface 100, or more specifically between the roll 111a and the backing film 128, can be controlled manually or mechanically, by any conventional means (not shown).\",\n \"The coating is then cured via UV light radiation through the mask.\",\n \"The intensity of the radiation and its duration depend upon the degree of curing required in the areas exposed to the radiation.\",\n \"In the instance of the photosensitive resin, the absolute values of the exposure intensity and time depend upon the chemical nature of the resin, its photo characteristics, the pattern selected, and the thickness of the coating, or of the desired depth of its areas, to be cured.\",\n \"Further, the intensity of the exposure and the angle of incidence of the curing radiation can have an important effect on the presence or absence of taper in the walls of the pre-selected pattern of the framework to be constructed.\",\n \"The disclosure of commonly assigned U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,962,860, issued Oct. 5, 1999 in the name of Trokhan et al.\",\n \"for teaching an apparatus for generating controlled radiation for curing a photosensitive resin, comprising a reflector having a plurality of elongate reflective facets that are adjustable such as to direct the curing radiation substantially to a desired direction.\",\n \"The patent further discloses a radiation management device comprising a mini-reflector juxtaposed with the source of radiation for controlling the direction and intensity of the curing radiation.\",\n \"The reinforcing member 8 comprising so-called “fugitive tie yarns” may be beneficially used for the second layer 40.Commonly assigned PCT application WO 1999/14425, published on Mar.\",\n \"25, 1999, and titled Multiple Layer Foraminous Belts With Fugitive Tie Yarns, discloses a belt for supporting a cellulosic fibrous structure in a papermaking process and a method of producing the belt.\",\n \"The belt comprises a reinforcing member having two layers, a web-contacting first layer and a machine-facing second layer, and a pattern layer comprising a cured photosensitive resin, the pattern layer having a plurality of conduits therethrough.\",\n \"The two layers of the reinforcing member are joined together by either integral or adjunct tie yarns such that at least a portion of the tie yarns which lies within the conduits is removable after the photosensitive resin has been cured.\",\n \"These “fugitive” tie yarns are substantially transparent to actinic radiation and can be removed by chemical or mechanical processes when they are no longer needed to stabilize the relationship between the web-facing layer and the machine-facing layer of the reinforcing member.\",\n \"In particular, the portion of the fugitive tie yarns that lies within the conduits can be removed so that belt properties, such as projected open area, are substantially isotropic across the belt.\",\n \"A means to remove the fugitive adjunct tie yarns may include a combination of solubilization and mechanical energy provided by showering systems that are part of the belt-making and papermaking processes.\",\n \"Suitable materials for the fugitive tie yarns comprise those that can be controllably removed by chemical or mechanical means.\",\n \"Mask A mask 110 is positioned between the coating of the curable material 300 and a source of curing radiation 120.In the instance of a photosensitive resin, the source of curing radiation 120 may comprise, for example, a mercury arc lamp or an LED source.\",\n \"The mask 110, a portion of which is shown in perspective view in FIG.\",\n \"11, comprises a relatively thin and flexible structure, typically in the nature of film, having a substantially continuously flat top side 110a and a bottom side 110b opposite to the top side 110a, the bottom side 110b being interrupted from a substantially continuously flat configuration by cavities 116.In this context “top” and “bottom” are used for convenience and relate to the in-use configuration shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, in which “top” is up, and “bottom” is down.\",\n \"In general, however, the film has two major surfaces corresponding to the two sides of the relatively thin film mask, either of which could in practice be top or bottom.\",\n \"In practice the film can be a laminate.\",\n \"In the exemplary portion shown in FIG.\",\n \"11, only one cavity 116 corresponding to one knuckle portion of the papermaking belt 2 is shown.\",\n \"In the exemplary embodiment of a portion of the mask, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"11, for example, the cavity 116 has a three-dimensional structure that provides a third surface 156 at a depth DM1 (shown in FIG.\",\n \"12), which enables the three dimensional structure of the corresponding knuckle formed by it, such as one of the discrete knuckles 6 shown in FIG.\",\n \"3.However, the example described with respect to FIG.\",\n \"11 is only exemplary, and is not to be limiting.\",\n \"For example, the third surface 156 (and fourth, fifth surfaces, etc.—as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"12a and 12b) need not be flat and in a plane substantially parallel to the first or second surfaces.\",\n \"In an embodiment where the third surface is not flat, average depth measure can be used for depth DM1.As described more fully below, the mask 110 comprises transparent regions 112 and opaque regions 114.As used herein, the term “opacity” and “opaque” mean lack of transparency or translucency in certain areas of the mask 110, and designates those areas' quality of being shaded such as to be impervious or partially impervious to the rays of curing radiation.\",\n \"The portion of mask 110 shown in FIG.\",\n \"11 is shown in cross-section in FIG.\",\n \"12, together with a representative knuckle 6 formed by radiant curing of a curable resin.\",\n \"As shown, the mask 110 has a topside 110a and a bottom side 110b, with the top and bottom being with respect to the typical orientation in use.\",\n \"In use, the bottom side 110b is in contact with the curable resin used to form the papermaking belt 2, allowing the curable resin to flow into cavity, which acts as a mold to form a knuckle which takes the shape of the cavity.\",\n \"As shown, cavity 116 is characterized by defined surfaces similar to the surfaces described with respect to knuckles 6 on the papermaking belt 2.Thus, broadly speaking, the topside 110a of the mask lies in a first mask plane 152, and the bottom side 110b lies in a second mask plane 154.Between the first mask plane 152 and second mask plane 154 can be a plurality of planes corresponding to surfaces in cavity 116.As can be understood, the surfaces in mask 110 correspond virtually identically to the surfaces, i.e., second surface 32, of knuckles 6.Therefore, the number of planes corresponding to surfaces in cavity 116 can be varied according to the desired pattern of knuckles, and the exemplary cavity 116 shown in FIG.\",\n \"12 has one such mask plane, third mask plane 158, designated as P3 in FIG.\",\n \"12.But as seen in FIG.\",\n \"12a, the design of cavity 116 can be modified with other surfaces in mask planes 160, P4 (fourth plane) as desired for the desired knuckle configuration of papermaking belt 2, to form corresponding surfaces 32 of knuckles 6.And as seen in FIG.\",\n \"12b, the design of cavity 116 can be modified with other surfaces in mask planes 160, P4 (fourth plane), and 162, P5 (fifth plane) as desired for the desired knuckle configuration of papermaking belt 2, to form corresponding surfaces 32 of knuckles 6.The design shown in FIG.\",\n \"12 corresponds generally to one capable of achieving a knuckle configuration on a papermaking belt 2 as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5, as well as other patterns, depending, for example, on the opaque pattern applied to mask 110, as described more fully below.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"12, in an embodiment having a first mask plane 152 and a generally parallel third mask plane 158, the cavity can define a first step in cavity 116, and a second step plane (shown in cross section in FIGS.\",\n \"12a and 12b), generally parallel to and spaced from first step plane 156 in a direction away from second mask plane 154.As discussed above with respect to the knuckles 6, each surface portion of cavity 116 defined by a distance progressively away from second mask plane 154 has a projected area less than the projected area of the next adjacent plane in the Z-direction, and is fully bounded by the area of the adjacent plane.\",\n \"The purpose of the mask 110 is to shield certain areas of the curable material 300, i.e., those areas that are shielded by the opaque regions 114, from exposure to curing radiation and to form a three dimensional knuckle structure.\",\n \"The three-dimensional structure of the mask serves to mold a substantially identically shaped three-dimensional structure of a knuckle of a papermaking belt, which likewise serves to form the three-dimensional structure of a fibrous structure made on the papermaking belt.\",\n \"The novel three-dimensional structure of the fibrous structure so formed serves to increase the absorbency and cleaning performance of the fibrous structure by providing relatively more surface area in a given sheet of fibrous structure than was previously possible in prior structures.\",\n \"One method for providing shielding is to apply an opaque coating, which can be an opaque ink, 118 to in a pattern to form transparent regions of the mask and opaque regions of the mask corresponding to the desired pattern of the resulting papermaking belt 2.The transparent regions 112 of the mask 110 allow other (unshielded or partially shielded) areas of the curable resin to be exposed to and receive the curing radiation which results in hardening, i. e., curing, of these unshielded portions.\",\n \"The opaque regions can be in a pattern such that the mask has a plurality of transparent regions, the transparent regions corresponding to and being coextensive with the cavities.\",\n \"The shielded areas of the coating thus form a pre-selected pattern corresponding to the desired pattern of knuckles 6 on the papermaking belt 2.Ink 118 can be applied on either surface of mask 110, that is, on either side 110a or 110b.\",\n \"As can be understood by the description herein, applying the coating 118 on first surface 110a requires registered application to ensure that light can penetrate the mask through the region of cavity 116.However, applying the coating 118 onto side 110b can be accomplished without registration with a printing process that for example, applies ink from a generally smooth-surface roller to second surface 110b, thereby applying ink to second mask plane 154, but not to third (or fourth, fifth, etc.)\",\n \"surface 156.In an embodiment, for example, ink 118 can be applied to second mask plane 154 in a gravure coating process.\",\n \"Additionally, however, in the present invention the mask provides a dimensionally-stable, three-dimensional mold, so to speak, to form the knuckles 6 of the papermaking belt 2 in a corresponding three-dimensional shape.\",\n \"Prior masks utilized in the formation of papermaking belts, being flat or at the most having a single-elevation, possibly deformable, cavity, are incapable of forming the papermaking belt 2 or the fibrous structures of the present invention.\",\n \"The three-dimensional structure of the mask 110 can be used to form a papermaking belt having substantially the same three-dimensional geometry, as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1, 3 and 5, for example.\",\n \"A source of curing radiation 120, i.e., a light source, radiates through the non-opaque transparent region 112 to cure a portion of the curable resin, which cured portion can include the base portion 26 and extended portion 28 of knuckles 6.Once the mask is removed, and the uncured resin is washed away, the resulting cured resin forms the patterned framework of knuckles 6, as shown, for example in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 3.Thus, the dimensions of the mask features, such as the distance DM1 from the second mask plane 154 and third mask plane 158, translate to the dimensions distance between the first surface 30 of knuckle and second surface 32 of knuckle 6, and ultimately to the three-dimensional structures of the paper formed thereon.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the distance in the Z-direction between planes, e.g., distance DM1, and the distance between any additional planes, e.g., DM2 (not shown) of the mask can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, or greater, up to about 5 mm.\",\n \"In an embodiment, therefore, the distance in the Z-direction from first surface 30 to second surface 32 shown in FIG.\",\n \"5 can be from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm or greater, up to about 5 mm.\",\n \"The mask 110 of the present invention may have multiple differential opacities, i.e., the mask 110 may have the opaque regions 114 that differ in opacity.\",\n \"Those differential opacities may comprise discrete opacities and/or gradient opacities.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “gradient opacity” means an opacity having a gradually changing intensity.\",\n \"Gradual opacity does not have a defined “border line” therein that would separate one opacity value from the other.\",\n \"That is, the gradient opacity is a non-monotone opacity, wherein the change in opacity in at least one direction is gradually incremental, as opposed to discrete.\",\n \"One method of constructing the mask 10 having regions of differential opacities comprises printing a transparent film to form a pattern of opaque regions having a certain initial opacity, and then printing the film a second time to form a pattern of opaque regions having another opacity different from the initial opacity.\",\n \"For example, first the film can be printed with ink to form regions of the initial opacity, and then printed again to apply the ink to at least several of the regions already having the initial opacity, thereby increasing the opacity of said several regions.\",\n \"In another method, the differential opacities can be formed in one-step printing, by using a printing roll, such as, for example, a Gravure roll, having a differential-depths pattern therein for receiving ink.\",\n \"During printing, the ink deposited to the transparent film will have regions of differential intensities, reflecting the differential depths of the roll's pattern.\",\n \"Other methods of forming opaque regions can be used in the present invention.\",\n \"Such methods include, but are not limited to, chemical, electromagnetic, laser, heat, lamination of various transmission films, such as by combining multiple layers of film, at least two of the films having a difference in opacity.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the three-dimensional mask can be formed by the lamination of at least two film layers, with at least one being a flat, smooth film, and at least one being formed with a pattern of apertures, such that when laminated the apertures, in effect, form the cavity 116 of mask 110.The mask 110 can be made in a form of an endless loop (all the details of which are not shown but should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art), or it can be supplied from a supply roll to a take-up roll.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, the mask 110 travels in the direction indicated by a directional arrow D1, turns under the nip roll 111a where it can be brought into contact with the surface of the coating 300, travels to a mask guide roll 111b in the vicinity of which it can be removed from the contact with the coating 300.The mask 110 can be made of any suitable material which can be provided with opaque and transparent regions.\",\n \"A material in the nature of a flexible optical film is suitable.\",\n \"The mask can be made the process described herein schematically in FIGS.\",\n \"13-16, a process which has the capability of making relatively fine cavities 116 in relatively thin films that have the flexibility and optical clarity to be used as a mask 110 in making a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention.\",\n \"The first step of the mask-making process, as shown schematically in FIG.\",\n \"13, is to machine into metal 200, e.g., brass or aluminum, at least one desired repeating pattern for the shape of the of knuckles 6 of papermaking belt 2.The repeating pattern can be machined, such as by milling using a CNC milling machine 210, to form a master tool 212 exhibiting the relatively small dimensions that will be imparted to the resulting mask.\",\n \"The master tool 212 can be a size determined by the repeating pattern size and in an embodiment can be a rectangular piece being about 2 inches by 4 inches, with a thickness sufficient to exceed the depth of CNC milling and provide physical integrity for electroforming a nickel replica, as described herein.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the CNC milling can be as deep (i.e., the dimension in the Z-direction) as 500 microns (about 20 mils) per “stage” or depth relative to any previous cutting.\",\n \"That is, DM1, which corresponds substantially to the same dimension of the mask in FIG.\",\n \"12, and DM2 (which is a depth to a fourth surface of cavity 116 as described above, and which cavity can make a knuckle shape to make the paper described with respect to FIG.\",\n \"20 below) can each be from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, or about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm.\",\n \"Once the desired repeating pattern for the patterned framework is machined into an individual master tool 212, the master tool 212 is immersed in an electrolyte solution 220 and acts as the cathode in an electroforming process 214 to form a nickel replica 216 of the master tool, as depicted schematically in FIG.\",\n \"14.Once deposited, the nickel replica 216 is removed from the master tool and represents a substantially exact negative image of the desired knuckles 6 in patterned framework repeat unit for papermaking belt 2.In an embodiment, a mask can be produced by casting an optically clear polymer film onto the nickel replica 216, thus forming a virtually exact copy of the cavity 116 or a plurality of cavities 116 in the film mask.\",\n \"Due to its size, the mask so formed would have limited usefulness in a commercial papermaking operation.\",\n \"But with an opaque ink coating 118 added in a desired pattern, the mask made from casting on a single nickel replica would have all the structural features for usefulness in making a papermaking belt 2 of the present invention.\",\n \"In commercial practice, however, it can be beneficial to use multiple nickel replicas of the master tool 212, each mounted to a rotating drum or belt or other continuous support loop, as discussed below with reference to FIG.\",\n \"15, with the multiple nickel replicas substantially covering the surface of the rotating drum or belt.\",\n \"The drum or belt size can be sufficient to make a mask having dimensions suitable for the resulting papermaking belt 2.Thus, in an embodiment, a plurality of nickel replicas can be mounted, such as by screwing, joining, adhering, or otherwise connecting onto a drum surface or affixing to seamless belt tool, in a quantity sufficient to cover a rotating drum or belt used to cast masks of the present invention.\",\n \"If desired, the adjacent nickel replicas can be welded together in a manner to have the resulting pattern appear seamless.\",\n \"A mask can be cast on an embosser apparatus of the type developed by Avery Dennison Corporation, and described in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,375,776.The process is briefly repeated below with respect to FIG.\",\n \"15, which is a re-numbered re-production of FIG.\",\n \"4 of the above-mentioned '776 patent.\",\n \"The embosser apparatus facilitates a method of continuously forming a multi-layer laminate of thermoplastic polymeric films wherein one surface thereof has a precision pattern of embossed elements thereon and wherein the thermoplastic polymeric films can be dissimilar.\",\n \"A generally cylindrical seamless metal embossing tool with an outer surface having the reverse of the pattern to be formed on the surface of the sheeting can be used.\",\n \"The mask is formed by continuously feeding onto a heated embossing tool a plurality of films, including in an embodiment, a superimposed first resinous film and a first carrier film wherein the first resinous film is pressed against the embossing tool and is heated above its glass transition temperature thereby becoming embossed with the pattern, while the first carrier film remains at a temperature below its glass transition temperature.\",\n \"The first carrier film is then removed, and a second resinous film and second carrier film are superimposed on the unembossed surface of the first resinous film and are heated such that the two resinous films become bonded together.\",\n \"The resulting laminate is then cooled and is stripped from the embossing tool.\",\n \"Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"15, an embosser apparatus capable of making the mask of the invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 130.It comprises as a principal component, an endless, seamless metal belt or tool 132 which is rotatable about a heating roller 134 and cooling roller 136.The outer surface of the tool 132 is fabricated with a plurality of closely spaced nickel replicas as described above, which are the reverse of the pattern embossed in the mask 110.Spaced sequentially around the heating roller 134, and preferably through a range of about 180 degrees are a plurality of pressure rollers 138, 139, 140, 141 and 142.Each pressure roller can be formed from silicone rubber with a durometer hardness ranging from Shore A 60 to 90.The endless belt can also be a cylindrical drum on which are mounted closely spaced nickel replicas, as described above.\",\n \"In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the mask is constructed with the aid of apparatus 130 by simultaneously feeding at least one lower layer polymer film 144, such as film, described above, together with at least one specialized carrier film 146 into the embosser 130 between pressure roller 138 and the embossing tool 132.The region of the embosser 130 in which embossing tool 132 is in contact with heating roller 134 functions as a heating station.\",\n \"The temperature of the heating roller 134 can be set such that the tool 132 is raised to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the film 144.When acrylic is used, the heating roller temperature can be about 425° F., although one skilled in the art will recognize that the optimum temperature of the heating roller will depend on environmental conditions and the particular features of the specific embossing machine used.\",\n \"Heating of the roller 134 can be accomplished such as by circulating hot oil axially through the roller 134, or by electrically heating roller 134.The film 144 and carrier 146 pass between pressure rollers 138, 139 and 140 and the tool 132 whereupon the desired pattern of the tool 132 is impressed into the film 144.The carrier film 146 can be selected as to have a glass transition temperature higher than that of the film 144 and, therefore, can remain unaffected by the tool 132 as it passes beneath the pressure rollers 138, 139 and 140.After the embossed film 144 and carrier film 146 pass roller 140, the carrier film 146 can be separated from superimposed relationship with film 144 and can be moved onto a wind-up roll (not shown).\",\n \"However, the film 144 continues to be adhered to the tool 132 and reaches pressure roller 141 at which point a superimposed top layer of polymer film 148 and a standard carrier film 150 can be joined with the film 144 and together pass beneath the rollers 141 and 142 with the film 144.Because the tool 132 is still in contact with the heating roller 134 at this point, the two polymer films 144 and 148 become bonded together.\",\n \"Like carrier film 146, the carrier film 150 is selected to have a glass transition temperature which is higher than that of both film 144 and film 148.The multi-layer laminate next moves through a cooling station, which can be a generally planar region 122 where the mask is cooled such as by a chilled fluid such as chilled air, and finally exits the embosser 130 at a stripper roller 124, which can strip the mask from the tool (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,601,861).\",\n \"While lower layer polymer film 144 and top layer polymer film 148 have been illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"15 for the sake of simplicity as each comprising a single film layer, the instant invention is not so limited.\",\n \"Films 144 and 148 can each comprise a plurality of films.\",\n \"For example, film 144 can comprise a plurality of layers of different polycarbonate films, which layers may have different additives such as colorants and may otherwise differ somewhat from one another.\",\n \"The various layers of film 144 can be pre-laminated together prior to being fed into apparatus 130, or the layers can be fed into apparatus 130 as separate webs and laminated together as they pass between the nip rollers 138, 139, 140 and heating roller 134.In an embodiment, the plurality of films that make up film 144 can have substantially equivalent refractive indexes and UV transmittance properties.\",\n \"Similarly, film 148 can comprise a plurality of layers of, for example, different acrylic films, which can be either pre-laminated together, or fed into the apparatus 130 as separate webs and laminated together as they pass between the nip rollers 141, 142 and heating roller 134.Hence, good optical performance and UV transmittance and flexibility can be achieved even if dissimilar polymeric films comprise film 148, provided that the interface between each film layer is optically smooth.\",\n \"Once the three-dimensional mask 110 is made on the apparatus described with respect to FIG.\",\n \"15, the film can be selectively coated with an opaque coating to provide for the opaque regions 14 that mask light from the light curable resin during manufacture of the papermaking belt 2.The opaque coating can be an opaque ink applied in known manners, including by hand with an applicator such as a brush or wiper.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"16, one method is to apply ink to a roll 360, such as a printing roll, and roll over the mask, thus depositing ink on the contacting areas of the mask.\",\n \"Cavities 116, being at a lower elevation during this printing process, would not receive ink, and thus would remain substantially transparent.\",\n \"One advantage of the mask of the present invention is that it facilitates single-pass formation of three-dimensional structures on a patterned framework 20 of papermaking belt 2.This provides commercial advantages in that a papermaking belt 2 having a three-dimensional patterned framework can be made more economically.\",\n \"Further, the mask of the present invention provides for better registration of the three-dimensional aspects of the patterned framework on papermaking belt 2.These features of the mask, and the papermaking belt 2 produced by the mask, translate into a fibrous structure having three-dimensional features that improve the absorbency and cleaning performance of the fibrous structure.\",\n \"Process for Making Fibrous Structure With reference to FIG.\",\n \"17, one exemplary embodiment of the process for producing the fibrous structure 500 of the present invention is described below.\",\n \"In the description below, the papermaking belt 211 can be the papermaking belt 2 described hererin made by curing UV-curable resin on a reinforcing member 8 utilizing the mask of the invention described above.\",\n \"The process disclosed herein is a wet-laying papermaking process.\",\n \"However, it is contemplated that the belt of the present invention can find utility in making air-laid substrates, and other processed known in the art of manufacturing nonwoven materials.\",\n \"The present invention contemplates the use of a variety of fibers, such as, for example, papermaking cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers, or any other suitable fibers, and any combination thereof.\",\n \"Papermaking fibers useful in the present invention include cellulosic fibers commonly known as wood pulp fibers.\",\n \"Fibers derived from soft woods (gymnosperms or coniferous trees) and hard woods (angiosperms or deciduous trees) are contemplated for use in this invention.\",\n \"The particular species of tree from which the fibers are derived is immaterial.\",\n \"The hardwood and softwood fibers can be blended, or alternatively, can be deposited in layers to provide a stratified web.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,300,981 issued Nov. 17, 1981 to Carstens and U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"3,994,771 issued Nov. 30, 1976 to Morgan et al.\",\n \"are each incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing layering of hardwood and softwood fibers.\",\n \"The wood pulp fibers can be produced from the native wood by any convenient pulping process.\",\n \"Chemical processes such as sulfite, sulfate (including the Kraft) and soda processes are suitable.\",\n \"Mechanical processes such as thermomechanical (or Asplund) processes are also suitable.\",\n \"In addition, the various semi-chemical and chemi-mechanical processes can be used.\",\n \"Bleached as well as unbleached fibers are contemplated for use.\",\n \"When the fibrous web of this invention is intended for use in absorbent products such as paper towels, bleached northern softwood Kraft pulp fibers may be used.\",\n \"Wood pulps useful herein include chemical pulps such as Kraft, sulfite and sulfate pulps as well as mechanical pulps including for example, ground wood, thermomechanical pulps and Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP).\",\n \"Pulps derived from both deciduous and coniferous trees can be used.\",\n \"In addition to the various wood pulp fibers, other cellulosic fibers such as cotton linters, rayon, and bagasse can be used in this invention.\",\n \"Synthetic fibers, such as polymeric fibers, can also be used.\",\n \"Elastomeric polymers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyolefin, and nylon, can be used.\",\n \"The polymeric fibers can be produced by spunbond processes, meltblown processes, and other suitable methods known in the art.\",\n \"It is believed that thin, long, and continuous fibers produces by spunbond and meltblown processes may be beneficially used in the fibrous structure of the present invention, because such fibers are believed to be easily deflectable into the pockets of the papermaking belt of the present invention.\",\n \"The paper furnish can comprise a variety of additives, including but not limited to fiber binder materials, such as wet strength binder materials, dry strength binder materials, and chemical softening compositions.\",\n \"Suitable wet strength binders include, but are not limited to, materials such as polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins sold under the trade name of KYMENE™ 557H by Hercules Inc., Wilmington, Del.\",\n \"Suitable temporary wet strength binders include but are not limited to synthetic polyacrylates.\",\n \"A suitable temporary wet strength binder is PAREZ™ 750 marketed by American Cyanamid of Stanford, Conn.\",\n \"Suitable dry strength binders include materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose and cationic polymers such as ACCO™ 711.The CYPRO/ACCO family of dry strength materials are available from CYTEC of Kalamazoo, Mich.\",\n \"The paper furnish can comprise a debonding agent to inhibit formation of some fiber to fiber bonds as the web is dried.\",\n \"The debonding agent, in combination with the energy provided to the web by the dry creping process, results in a portion of the web being debulked.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the debonding agent can be applied to fibers forming an intermediate fiber layer positioned between two or more layers.\",\n \"The intermediate layer acts as a debonding layer between outer layers of fibers.\",\n \"The creping energy can therefore debulk a portion of the web along the debonding layer.\",\n \"Suitable debonding agents include chemical softening compositions such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,279,767 issued Jan. 18, 1994 to Phan et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference Suitable biodegradable chemical softening compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,312,522 issued May 17, 1994 to Phan et al.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"5,279,767 and 5,312,522, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"Such chemical softening compositions can be used as debonding agents for inhibiting fiber to fiber bonding in one or more layers of the fibers making up the web.\",\n \"One suitable softener for providing debonding of fibers in one or more layers of fibers forming the web 20 is a papermaking additive comprising DiEster Di (Touch Hardened) Tallow Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride.\",\n \"A suitable softener is ADOGEN® brand papermaking additive available from Witco Company of Greenwich, Conn.\",\n \"The embryonic web can be typically prepared from an aqueous dispersion of papermaking fibers, though dispersions in liquids other than water can be used.\",\n \"The fibers are dispersed in the carrier liquid to have a consistency of from about 0.1 to about 0.3 percent.\",\n \"Alternatively, and without being limited by theory, it is believed that the present invention is applicable to moist forming operations where the fibers are dispersed in a carrier liquid to have a consistency less than about 50 percent.\",\n \"Conventional papermaking fibers can be used and the aqueous dispersion can be formed in conventional ways.\",\n \"Conventional papermaking equipment and processes can be used to form the embryonic web on the Fourdrinier wire.\",\n \"The association of the embryonic web with the papermaking belt 211 can be accomplished by simple transfer of the web between two moving endless belts as assisted by differential fluid pressure.\",\n \"The fibers may be deflected into the papermaking belt 211 by the application of differential fluid pressure induced by an applied vacuum.\",\n \"Any technique, such as the use of a Yankee drum dryer, can be used to dry the intermediate web.\",\n \"Foreshortening can be accomplished by any conventional technique such as creping.\",\n \"The plurality of fibers can also be supplied in the form of a moistened fibrous web (not shown), which should preferably be in a condition in which portions of the web could be effectively deflected into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt and the void spaces formed between the suspended portions and the X-Y plane.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"17, the embryonic web comprising fibers 501 is transferred from a forming wire to the papermaking belt 211 by a vacuum pick-up shoe 218a.\",\n \"Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of fibers, or fibrous slurry, can be deposited to the papermaking belt 211 directly (not shown) from a headbox or otherwise.\",\n \"The papermaking belt 211 in the form of an endless belt travels about rolls 219a, 219b, 219k, 219c, 219d, 219e, and 19f in the direction schematically indicated by the directional arrow “B.” Then, a portion of the fibers 501 is deflected into the deflection portion of the papermaking belt such as to cause some of the deflected fibers or portions thereof to be disposed within the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt, and therefore, to take the shape of the knuckles 6, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"18.Depending on the process, mechanical, as well as fluid pressure differential, alone or in combination, can be utilized to deflect a portion of the fibers 501 into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt.\",\n \"For example, in a through-air drying process shown in FIG.\",\n \"17, a vacuum apparatus 218b, applies a fluid pressure differential to the embryonic web disposed on the papermaking belt 211, thereby deflecting fibers into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt 211.The process of deflection may be continued as another vacuum apparatus 218c applies additional vacuum pressure (or, alternatively, positive pressure) to even further deflect the fibers into the deflection conduits of the papermaking belt 211.Finally, a partly-formed fibrous structure associated with the papermaking belt 211 can be separated from the papermaking belt to form the fibrous structure 500 of the present invention.\",\n \"The process may further comprise a step of impressing the papermaking belt 211 having the fibers therein against a pressing surface, such as, for example, a surface of a Yankee drying drum 228, thereby densifying portions of web.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"17, the step of impressing the web against the Yankee drying drum is performed by using the pressure roll 219k.\",\n \"This also typically includes a step of drying the fibrous structure.\",\n \"Fibrous Structure When formed utilizing a papermaking belt 2 having a knuckle pattern of the invention, the fibrous structure can exhibit features corresponding to the features of the knuckles of the papermaking belt, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"18.FIG.\",\n \"18 shows how a fibrous structure 500 can take the form of the knuckles of the papermaking belt, the outline of which is represented as dashed line 530.As shown, a fibrous structure, which can be a bath tissue, facial tissue, paper towel, or other cellulosic sanitary tissue product (or non-cellulosic, synthetic, nonwoven materials) can be made up of fibers 501 which have been deposited on a papermaking belt having a knuckle configuration as described herein, and represented by nonlimiting example in FIG.\",\n \"18 as having a plurality of surfaces substantially parallel to an X-Y plane, and separated by a distance in the Z-direction.\",\n \"The resulting fibrous structure can exhibit a substantially identical, albeit less well defined due to the nature of fibrous webs.\",\n \"As shown in a representative potential configuration in FIG.\",\n \"18, a fibrous structure can exhibit a first surface 510 in plane 516 which has a first projected area AF1; a second surface 512 in plane 518 which has a second projected area AF2; and a third surface 514 in plane 520 which has a third projected area AF3.As with the description above relating to the mask and knuckles made thereby, the relationship of projected areas of the various surfaces of the fibrous structure follow the same pattern.\",\n \"That is, the projected area of each successive surface in a Z-direction from a lower side 540 of the fibrous structure is less than the projected area of any surfaces closer to the lower side 540 of the fibrous structure 500.Thus, in FIG.\",\n \"18, AF3<AF2<AF1.Moreover, each successive projected area in a Z-direction from lower side 540 is bounded by the projected area any surfaces closer to the lower side 540 of the fibrous structure 500.A fibrous structure of the present invention therefore can have greater surface area per sheet due to the multiple elevations of out-of-plane three-dimensional features.\",\n \"The specific structure of the out-of-plane three-dimensional features can enable better cleaning and better absorbency.\",\n \"The fibrous structure can be further processed and converted to consumer goods, for example by joining together single plies to make a multi-ply fibrous structure, and/or by embossing to provided for an embossed fibrous structure, and/or by supplying in roll form to provide for a rolled fibrous structure which can be a roll of sheets separated by perforations as is commonly known in the field of bath tissue and paper towels.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the fibrous structure is a roll of embossed, multi-ply fibrous structure in the form of bath tissue or paper towels, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"19.FIG.\",\n \"19 shows a roll 600 of fibrous structure 500 of the present invention, which can be a multi-ply paper towel, for example.\",\n \"The fibrous structure can have embossments 602 on the surface of at least one ply, and the rolled product can have a plurality of spaced lines of perforations 604 separating individual sheets.\",\n \"The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited.\",\n \"Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.\",\n \"For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited.\",\n \"The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment.\",\n \"Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.\",\n \"While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875064"}}},{"rowIdx":4494768,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Image Sensor Device","An image sensor device, as well as methods therefor, is disclosed.","This image sensor device includes a substrate having bond pads.","The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between a front side surface and a back side surface thereof.","The front side surface is associated with an optically-activatable surface.","The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface aligned for access via the through substrate channel.","Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface.","A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface and in the through substrate channel.","A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires."],["1.A method for forming an image sensor device, comprising: obtaining a substrate having an image sensor die; plating a conductive layer on a front side surface of the substrate; forming a through channel in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate; bonding wire bond wires to conductive pads located in the channel; the wire bond wires extending in the channel away from the pads; tips of the wire bond wires being located outside of the channel; depositing a molding layer onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel; and forming a redistribution layer coupled to the wire bond wires for electrical conductivity.","2.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: adhering with an adhesive a cover to at least one of the conductive layer or the front side surface, the cover being offset from and over an optically-activatable portion of the image sensor die for defining a gap between an underneath side of the cover and the front side surface; and thinning the substrate prior to forming the through channel.","3.The method according to claim 1, wherein the forming of the through channel comprises drilling the substrate to reveal the conductive pads and stop on the conductive layer.","4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has the image sensor die and an image processor die coupled to one another.","5.The method according to claim 1, wherein the conductive pads are first bond pads obtained with the substrate, the method further comprising: grinding the molding layer and the tips to provide a planarized surface of the molding layer and upper ends of the wire bond wires; and forming second bond pads on the planarized surface for interconnection with the upper ends of the wire bond wires.","6.A method for forming an image sensor device, comprising: obtaining a substrate having an image sensor die; depositing a conductive layer on a front side surface of the substrate; forming a through channel in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate; coupling an image controller die or an image processor die having interconnects to the back side surface of the substrate; bonding wire bond wires to conductive pads located in the channel, the wire bond wires extending in the channel away from the pads with tips of the wire bond wires located outside of the channel and above or at least even with interconnects of the controller die; depositing a molding layer onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel; and forming a redistribution layer coupled to the wire bond wires and the interconnects for electrical conductivity.","7.The method according to claim 6, further comprising: adhering with an adhesive a cover to at least one of the conductive layer or the front side surface, the cover being offset from and over an optically-activatable portion of the image sensor die for defining a gap between an underneath side of the cover and the front side surface; and thinning the substrate for the coupling of the image controller die or the image processor die.","8.The method according to claim 7, wherein the thinning of the substrate comprises forming a die cavity for the coupling of the image controller die or the image processor die at least partially inside the die cavity.","9.The method according to claim 6, wherein the forming of the through channel comprises drilling the substrate to reveal the conductive pads and stop on the conductive layer.","10.The method according to claim 6, wherein the conductive pads are first bond pads obtained with the substrate, the method further comprising: grinding the molding layer, the interconnects and the tips to provide a planarized surface of the molding layer and upper ends of the wire bond wires and the interconnects; and forming second bond pads on the planarized surface for interconnection with the upper ends of the wire bond wires and the interconnects."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Microelectronic assemblies generally include one or more ICs, such as for example one or more packaged dies (“chips”) or one or more dies.","One or more of such ICs may be mounted on a circuit platform, such as a wafer such as in wafer-level-packaging (“WLP”), printed board (“PB”), a printed wiring board (“PWB”), a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a printed wiring assembly (“PWA”), a printed circuit assembly (“PCA”), a package substrate, an interposer, or a chip carrier.","Additionally, one IC may be mounted on another IC.","An interposer may be an IC, and an interposer may be a passive or an active IC, where the latter includes one or more active devices, such as transistors for example, and the former does not include any active device.","Furthermore, an interposer may be formed like a PWB, namely without any circuit elements, such as passive devices including inductors, capacitors and resistors, or active devices.","Additionally, an interposer includes at least one through-substrate-via.","An IC may include conductive elements, such as pathways, traces, tracks, vias, contacts, pads such as contact pads and bond pads, plugs, nodes, or terminals for example, that may be used for making electrical interconnections with a circuit platform.","These arrangements may facilitate electrical connections used to provide functionality of ICs.","An IC may be coupled to a circuit platform by bonding, such as bonding traces or terminals, for example, of such circuit platform to bond pads or exposed ends of pins or posts or the like of an IC.","Additionally, a redistribution layer (“RDL”) may be part of an IC to facilitate a flip-chip configuration, a die stacking configuration, or a more convenient or accessible position of bond pads for example.","Conventionally, an image sensor device, such as for a digital camera, is coupled to a separate controller chip (“controller”), such as to control sensor sensing time (exposure time), thresholds, and/or other features.","An image sensor device may further be coupled to a separate driver chip and a separate image processor chip, as is known.","Such controller may further be coupled to a motor for adjusting focus and/or electronic aperture, among other camera components.","Distance between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto, such as a controller or image sensor for example, of a camera causes an amount of signal propagation delay.","This delay can negatively impact performance of a camera.","Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide a camera with less propagation time between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto."],["<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY <EOH>An apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.","In such an image sensor device, there is a substrate having bond pads.","The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.","The front side surface is associated with an optically-activatable surface.","The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.","The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.","Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.","A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.","A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.","A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.","In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.","A conductive layer is plated on a front side surface of the substrate.","A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.","Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.","The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads with tips of the wire bond wires located outside of the channel.","A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.","A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires for electrical conductivity.","A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.","In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.","A conductive layer is deposited on a front side surface of the substrate.","A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.","An image controller die or an image processor die having interconnects is coupled to the back side surface of the substrate.","Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.","The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads, and tips of the wire bond wires are located outside of the channel and above or at least even with interconnects of the image controller die or the image processor die.","A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.","A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires and the interconnects for electrical conductivity.","Another apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.","In such an image sensor device, there is an image sensor, and a substrate is coupled to the image sensor.","The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.","The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein at least extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.","The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.","Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.","A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.","A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application is a divisional of and hereby claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/945,292, filed Nov. 18, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.","Provisional Application No.","US 62/090,788, filed Dec. 11, 2014, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.","FIELD The following description relates to integrated circuits (“ICs”).","More particularly, the following description relates to an image sensor device.","BACKGROUND Microelectronic assemblies generally include one or more ICs, such as for example one or more packaged dies (“chips”) or one or more dies.","One or more of such ICs may be mounted on a circuit platform, such as a wafer such as in wafer-level-packaging (“WLP”), printed board (“PB”), a printed wiring board (“PWB”), a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a printed wiring assembly (“PWA”), a printed circuit assembly (“PCA”), a package substrate, an interposer, or a chip carrier.","Additionally, one IC may be mounted on another IC.","An interposer may be an IC, and an interposer may be a passive or an active IC, where the latter includes one or more active devices, such as transistors for example, and the former does not include any active device.","Furthermore, an interposer may be formed like a PWB, namely without any circuit elements, such as passive devices including inductors, capacitors and resistors, or active devices.","Additionally, an interposer includes at least one through-substrate-via.","An IC may include conductive elements, such as pathways, traces, tracks, vias, contacts, pads such as contact pads and bond pads, plugs, nodes, or terminals for example, that may be used for making electrical interconnections with a circuit platform.","These arrangements may facilitate electrical connections used to provide functionality of ICs.","An IC may be coupled to a circuit platform by bonding, such as bonding traces or terminals, for example, of such circuit platform to bond pads or exposed ends of pins or posts or the like of an IC.","Additionally, a redistribution layer (“RDL”) may be part of an IC to facilitate a flip-chip configuration, a die stacking configuration, or a more convenient or accessible position of bond pads for example.","Conventionally, an image sensor device, such as for a digital camera, is coupled to a separate controller chip (“controller”), such as to control sensor sensing time (exposure time), thresholds, and/or other features.","An image sensor device may further be coupled to a separate driver chip and a separate image processor chip, as is known.","Such controller may further be coupled to a motor for adjusting focus and/or electronic aperture, among other camera components.","Distance between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto, such as a controller or image sensor for example, of a camera causes an amount of signal propagation delay.","This delay can negatively impact performance of a camera.","Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide a camera with less propagation time between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto.","BRIEF SUMMARY An apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.","In such an image sensor device, there is a substrate having bond pads.","The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.","The front side surface is associated with an optically-activatable surface.","The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.","The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.","Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.","A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.","A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.","A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.","In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.","A conductive layer is plated on a front side surface of the substrate.","A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.","Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.","The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads with tips of the wire bond wires located outside of the channel.","A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.","A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires for electrical conductivity.","A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.","In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.","A conductive layer is deposited on a front side surface of the substrate.","A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.","An image controller die or an image processor die having interconnects is coupled to the back side surface of the substrate.","Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.","The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads, and tips of the wire bond wires are located outside of the channel and above or at least even with interconnects of the image controller die or the image processor die.","A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.","A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires and the interconnects for electrical conductivity.","Another apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.","In such an image sensor device, there is an image sensor, and a substrate is coupled to the image sensor.","The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.","The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein at least extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.","The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.","Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.","A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.","A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) Accompanying drawing(s) show exemplary embodiment(s) in accordance with one or more aspects of exemplary apparatus(es) or method(s).","However, the accompanying drawings should not be taken to limit the scope of the claims, but are for explanation and understanding only.","FIG.","1 is a top-down perspective and cut-away view illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device.","FIG.","2 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary the conventional image sensor device of FIG.","1.FIG.","3 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow, which may be used to form the conventional image sensor device of FIGS.","1 and 2 for a bulk substrate device.","FIG.","4 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow, which may be used to form the conventional image sensor device of FIGS.","1 and 2 though for a substrate-on-insulator substrate device.","FIG.","5 is a top plan view depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device.","FIG.","6 is a bottom plan view depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device.","FIG.","7 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes for sensor dies in a substrate.","FIG.","8 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes in mold cavities.","FIG.","9 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow, which may be used to form the image sensor device of FIG.","7.FIG.","10 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes for an image sensor die in a substrate and with an optional embedded die.","FIG.","11 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting another exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes for an image sensor die in a substrate and with an optional embedded die.","FIG.","12 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow, which may be used to form the image sensor device of FIG.","FIGS.","13 through 15 are cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting respective exemplary “back side” image sensor devices with dicing lanes for sensor dies in a substrate.","FIG.","16 is a block diagram illustratively depicting an exemplary camera system.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of the specific examples described herein.","It should be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other examples or variations of these examples may be practiced without all the specific details given below.","In other instances, well known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of the examples herein.","For ease of illustration, the same number labels are used in different diagrams to refer to the same items; however, in alternative examples the items may be different.","Exemplary apparatus(es) and/or method(s) are described herein.","It should be understood that the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any example or feature described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other examples or features.","Before a detailed description is provided, a more detailed description of the context of the prior art may be useful.","Along those lines, FIG.","1 is a top-down perspective and cut-away view illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device 10.FIG.","2 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting the conventional image sensor device 10 of FIG.","1.FIG.","3 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow 30, which may be used to form the conventional image sensor device 10 of FIGS.","1 and 2.As image sensor device 10 and process flow 30 are known, unnecessary detail in the description thereof is not provided for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","Generally, with reference to FIGS.","1-3, a transparent cover sheet, such as a sheet of glass (“cover glass”) 11 for example, and a large-scale integration (“LSI”) image sensor chip or die (“substrate” or “sensor chip”) 12 having a pixel array 18 are attached to one another with an adhesive 13 defining a cavity 14 between them.","In the cavity 14, there is/are one or more micro lenses (“micro lens”) 22 on one or more color filters (“color filter”) 21.The color filter 21 may be on a front side surface of an LSI image sensor chip or die 12 (“substrate” or “silicon”).","There may be a slight gap between a lower surface of the cover sheet (“cover glass” or “glass”) 11 and an upper surface of the micro lens 22.In process 30, after attaching or bonding at 31, there may be a back-grinding and stress relieving of the substrate 12 at 32, where the glass 11 may be used as a carrier.","The substrate 12 may be flipped over and via etched at 33, followed by formation of via insulation at 34 and via metalization at 35 to form through substrate vias, such as through silicon vias (“TSVs”) 15 for example.","On a back side surface of the substrate 12, via metalization of such TSVs 15 may be passivated at 36 followed by under-bump metalization at 37 to form bond pads 16 including any redistribution layers and then forming of external interconnects (“bumping”) at 38, such as to form back side bumps 17.Because bumps 17 of bumping are interconnected to TSVs 15 of the substrate 12, a separate controller die or chip (not shown in FIGS.","1 and 2) is conventionally coupled alongside of or otherwise spatially removed from a package of image sensor device 10.While process flow 30 is for a bulk silicon substrate 12, one or more other semiconductive material(s) may be used for such substrate 12.Furthermore, rather than a bulk substrate 12, a substrate on insulator wafer may be used, such as for example a silicon on insulator (“SOI”) wafer.","Along those lines, FIG.","4 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow 40, which may be used to form back side illuminated (BSI) image sensor device 10 of FIGS.","1 and 2, though for an SOI device.","This formation may be done with wafer-level packaging (“WLP”).","As process flow 40 is known, unnecessary detail in the description thereof is not provided for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","Operations 45 are for Front-End Of Line (“FEOL”) processing.","At 41, an SOI wafer is obtained.","At 42, gradient implants are implanted into the wafer.","At 43, epitaxial growth and annealing is performed.","At 44, pixel and photo diode processing is performed.","Operations 46 are for Back-End Of Line (“BEOL”) processing.","At 47, bonding to a final carrier is performed.","At 48, the wafer and carrier is flipped over.","At 49, back side grinding or other thinning of the SOI wafer is performed down to the buried oxide layer (“BOX”) to expose a back or underside of the SOI wafer.","This operation at 49 may include laser annealing.","Operations 50 are for forming optical components.","At 51, one or more anti-reflective (“AR”) coatings are deposited.","At 52, color filters are formed.","At 53, microlenses are formed.","Operations 54 are “packaging” operations.","At 55, glass is bonded to the wafer.","At 56, front side grinding or other thinning of the carrier is performed.","At 57, TSVs for a three dimensional package or a WLP are formed followed by formation of bumps.","FIG.","5 is a top plan view depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device 10, and FIG.","6 is a bottom plan view depicting an exemplary image sensor device 10.In FIG.","5, an image sensing portion, such as a pixel array 18 (center box) of an image sensor device 10 is conventionally located in a middle portion of a substrate 12, and so TSVs 15 conventionally are around a perimeter of image sensor device 10 with bond pads coupled to such TSVs.","In other words, because an image sensor device 10 is a sensitive active device during operation, conventionally other circuitry is disposed away from such image sensing portion, such as pixel array 18.However, bumps 17 for coupling to such perimeter of bond pads 16 may be coupled through traces 59 on a back side of such substrate 12 as depicted in FIG.","6.Bumps 17 and the ball grid array (BGA) at the bottom of the image sensor device shown in FIG.","6 is just one example of how the image sensor device is electrically connected to the motherboard.","In another example, the bottom side of the image sensor device is attached to an organic substrate using an adhesive and electrically connected to this organic substrate via wire bonds directly connecting the top of the image sensor to a the organic substrate.","Conventionally, a controller and image processor (not shown) is a separate chip externally coupled to a plurality of bumps 17 of such back side of such substrate 12 as depicted in FIG.","6.Because an image sensor device 10 is conventionally a low-profile device, in the past this has meant having TSVs 15 directly connected to bond pads 16 for direct connection with traces 59 and bumps 17, such as previously described.","To reduce propagation delay between an image sensor device and a controller therefor and provide a low profile device, described below is an image sensor device package having another die embedded with an image sensor device in a common package.","In the example below, a controller die (“controller”) is embedded with an image sensor device in a common package; however, in another implementation, another type of die, e.g.","an image processor die generally used in a camera or other imaging device, may be embedded with an image sensor device in a common package.","FIG.","7 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes 160 for sensor dies 170 in substrate 110, and FIG.","8 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes in mold cavities, such as channels, 140.Image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","7 and 8 are similar.","However, in image sensor device 100 of FIG.","8, rather than dicing in lanes of a wafer of substrate 110 having sensor dies 170, dicing through mold cavities 140, namely spaced apart sensor dies 170 defining mold cavities or channels therebetween, may be used.","Even though an image sensor die 170 is described, other types of integrated circuit dies having input and/or output signal lines proximally disposed to an outer perimeter thereof may be used.","The implementation of FIG.","8 may be for a reconstituted wafer for substrate 110, whereas the implementation of FIG.","7 may be for a wafer-level process or WLP.","Even though either implementation illustratively depicted may be used, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, the implementation associated with FIG.","7 is generally further described though the implementation associated with FIG.","8 may be understood from the following description.","Along those lines, FIG.","9 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow 200, which may be used to form image sensor device 100 of FIG.","7.The description herein is for a wafer-level process (“WLP”) flow, in contrast to a substrate/chip in a mold or a reconstituted wafer process flow.","However, the following description likewise applies to a reconstituted wafer process as shall be apparent to one of skill in the art.","An image sensor wafer or substrate 110 may have multiple image sensor devices to be diced from one another, though only a single image sensor die 170 is illustratively depicted for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","As described hereinbelow, slots, channels and/or vias may be formed in such a wafer from and in a back side thereof.","In an implementation, a molding material may be deposited, including without limitation injected, along a back side surface of such wafer including into dicing lanes thereof.","In another implementation, channels and/or vias are formed in a wafer from a back side thereof; however, these channels and/or vias are not metalized as in a conventional TSV flow.","With simultaneous reference to FIGS.","7 through 9, image sensor devices 100 are further described.","At 201, a substrate 110 may be obtained having image sensor dies 170 and a conductive layer, such as a metal layer, 111 may be deposited or otherwise plated onto an upper surface 115 of substrate 110.Substrate 110 may be an optically sensitive/activatable semiconductor wafer having a plurality of sensor dies 170 formed therein.","This wafer may be a silicon wafer or other semiconductor wafer.","This example implementation is for a “front side” image sensor device 100.Such substrate 110 may have an anti-reflective coating (“ARC”; not shown in this figure for purposes of clarity and not limitation) deposited on upper surface 115, as is known.","A metal interconnect layer, namely metal layer 111, on an upper surface 115 of substrate 110 may be used as an etch stop layer for a “via” etch, or more appropriately a channel etch, as described below in additional detail.","In this example, only one metal layer 111 is depicted for simplicity; however, this or another implementation may have one or more metal layers to effectively connect diodes under pixels to bond pads 131 at the periphery.","Metal layer 111 may be plated on an active upper surface 115 outside of an optically activatable portion or surface of die 170 for physically coupling to bond pads 131 for electrical conductivity, where bond pads 131 are formed in sensor dies 170 at or proximal to an upper surface or front side surface of substrate 110 as part of an image sensor die fabrication process.","For purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, a micro lens 22 and a color filter 21 are illustratively depicted in FIGS.","7 through 9 but not described in unnecessary detail for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","Generally, electrical connections to diodes under pixels may be established though these metal layers interconnecting such pixels to pads 131.Hence, traces or lines of such metal layers may travel to active areas and pixels.","In a front side image sensor die, metal layers are above or on top of diodes, which may obstruct a light path.","However, in a back side image sensor die (“BSI sensor”), diodes may be above or on top of such metal layers, namely metal lines are below such diodes.","Optionally, stud bumps 130 may formed at 201 to be positioned on metal layer 111 portions corresponding to upper bond pads 131 on a surface thereof opposite wire bond wires 150 to provide additional rigidity to upper bond pads 131.A glass or cover glass or other optically suited material (“cover glass”) 11 may be coupled to a substrate 110 with an adhesive 13 at 202, such as to provide an offset for a cavity 14 for a micro lens 22 and a color filter 21.Adhesive 13 may be used to adhere glass cover 11 to at least one of a conductive layer, such as metal layer 111, or a front side surface 115 of substrate 110, where glass cover 11 is offset from and over an optically-activatable portion of a front side surface 115 for defining a gap, such as air cavity 14, between an underneath side of glass cover 11 and such portion of a front side surface 115.Cover glass 11 may be a glass wafer coupled to an image sensor wafer or substrate 110 using adhesive 13.In an implementation, air cavity 14 may be approximately 50 to 100 microns thick or tall.","In another example, no separate cover glass may be coupled to or be a part of an image sensor device.","Adhesive 13 may likewise be around a pixel array area, namely generally proximal to a perimeter of die 170 without being located in a pixel array area.","Thus, adhesive 13 may be deposited or otherwise applied to or put in contact with an upper surface of metal layer 111.Adhesive 13 may provide an offset between an upper surface of metal layer 111 and a lower surface of cover glass 11 to define a cavity 14 therebetween, such as previously described.","At 203, a substrate 110, such as a wafer, may optionally be ground, polished, or otherwise thinned to reduce overall thickness prior to drilling or etching channels or slots therein.","Further at 203, substrate 110 may be drilled or etched or otherwise formed to provide vias and/or channels or slots (“channels”) or mold cavities 140 therein.","This channel etching or drilling may be from a back side surface 212 of a wafer or substrate 110 used to form dies 170 down toward a front side surface of such a wafer or substrate 110.In another implementation, etching may form a chamfered edge along one or more sides of dies 170 of substrate 110.Although, side walls of vias or channels are depicted to be vertical side walls, in another implementation such sidewalls may slanted at an angle with respect to the vertical direction.","For etching, a masking layer may be patterned prior to etching using a mask, and this may add additional costs.","To avoid this additional cost, direct laser drilling may be used to form channels 140 across a back side surface 212 of a wafer or substrate 110 for multiple image sensor dies 170 thereof.","Such channels may be located at or proximal to the peripheries of active areas of image sensor dies 170.Thus, each image sensor die 170 may effectively have a continuous or discontinuous channel 140 around an active area thereof.","Channels 140 may extend from a lower surface of substrate 110 completely through to an upper surface of substrate 110, and thus may be thought of as through-substrate channels 140.Etching or drilling may be used to temporarily expose or reveal surfaces of bond pads 131 generally at the bottom of a channel 140.Whether etching or drilling, metal layer 111, as well as bond pads 131, may be used as a stop layer at 203 for such etching or drilling.","Moreover, such etching or drilling may be selective to material of wire bond wires 150, as well as bond pads 131 and metal layer 111.In this example, bond pads 131 are at least partially disposed within a channel 140.However, for bond pads formed of metal layer 111 for example, a channel 140 may be aligned to bond pads, or vice versa, though at least partially disposed outside a channel 140.Accordingly, generally channels and bond pads are aligned with one another, with such bond pads at or proximal to an upper surface of substrate 110 for access from a lower surface of substrate 110 via a channel 140.At 204, bond pads 131, which may be formed with a bondable metalization, may optionally be oxide and/or metal etched at a bottom of such channels 140.Along those lines, this etching may be to remove oxidation prior to wire bonding.","Optionally, at 204 a metal etch may be used to electrically disconnect two or more bond pads 131 from one another interconnected to one another by metal layer 111.However, generally it may be easier to pattern metal layer 111 and form separate bond pads during a plating/BEOL process.","Thus, wire bond wires 150, bond pads 131, and metal layer 111 may be formed of different materials for selectivity to partially etch metal layer 111, which may partially etch bond pads 131 too, while not significantly removing material of wire bond wires 150.In an example, the top metal layer of metal layers 111 may be formed of aluminum and multiple bottom layers may be formed of copper, as wire bonding on aluminum pads is a conventional process.","Bond pads 131 may be disposed around a pixel array.","A subsequent optional oxide and/or metal etch at a bottom of such channels 140 may be used to enhance subsequent bonding thereto and/or to physically disconnect bond pads 131 from one another due to metal layer 111, as illustratively depicted at operation 204.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that such optional etching is not used in this implementation.","Further at 204, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to upper surfaces of conductive bond pads 131 along bottoms of channels 140 of a wafer or substrate 110.For a WLP, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to bond pads 131 located along the base or bases of such one or more trenches or channels 140.Wire bond wires 150 may be ball bonded or use another type of bonding at 204 to bond pads 131.Wire bond wires 150 may extend vertically away from bond pads 131.After bonding, severing of feed wire of wire bond wires 150 may be performed above channels 140 for having wire bond wires 150 exit channels 140 at the top.","Along those lines, tips 151 of wire bond wires may extend above an upper surface 212 of dies 170 of a wafer or substrate 110, namely, extend above an upper opening 153 of channels 140 to be located outside of channels 140, after severing from a feed wire.","Such a feed wire may be a copper feed wire for copper bond pads 131.Aluminum or gold wires can additionally or alternatively be used.","Optionally, a coated copper wire, e.g.","palladium coated copper wire, or other wire bond wire may be used.","In another example, tips 151 of wire bond wires 150 may be flush with or even below an upper surface 212 of dies 170.Rather than using TSVs plated or filled with a conductive material, such as a metal for example, such vias and/or channels 140 may have wire bond wires 150 extending from a bottom or bottoms thereof.","Wire bond wires 150 may be of an array, and may be known as BVA™ wires, referring to a “free standing” array of wire bonds.","Thus, BVA wire bonds may be disposed in channels 140 with tips 151 extending out of and above such channel openings 153 in a free standing configuration prior to molding.","In another implementation, tips 151 may be even with or below channel openings 153.Another set of bond pads 102, which may be part of or interconnects for a redistribution layer (“RDL”) 120, may be formed over filled channels 140, generally on a same plane as a back side surface of die 170.Moreover, bond pads 120 may be formed in or partially in channels 140 to further reduce overall thickness of image sensor devices 100.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that bond pads 102 are formed as part of an RDL 120, where such RDL 120 is formed on a molding layer 141, including without limitation an epoxy molding compound, as described below in additional detail.","Bond pads 102 may be formed such that they interconnect to tips 151 located above, flushed or below upper surface 212 of a die 170.Along those lines, each die 170 is in a face-up orientation in FIGS.","7 and 8.By having upper ends (lower ends at operation 204) of wire bond wires 150 and associated upper bond pads 131 disposed generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a face-up front face/front side or active surface 115 of substrate 110, connections from substrate 110, or more particularly dies 170 thereof, to upper bond pads 131 may be formed without having to wire bond down to a lower surface.","This common orientation of position may shorten overall wire length for some applications and/or may avoid plating or filling TSVs in substrate 110.Having to wire bond down to a lower surface may be in some package-in-package configurations, such as in U.S. Pat.","No.","8,618,659, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.","At least a portion of wire bond wires 150 may extend in channels 140, which is referred to as mold cavity 140, as a molding material 215 is deposited, injected, or otherwise loaded into such channels 140 at 205.This mold cavity 140 may be in a mold (not shown) in which one or more singulated in-process image sensor devices 100 are loaded, such as for a reconstituted wafer; or for WLP, channels 140 may be formed along perimeters of dies 170 of substrate 110, such as into image sensor dies 170 proximal to one or more sides thereof.","For purposes of clarity by way of example, it shall be assumed that molding for WLP is used for the following description, though the following description generally applies to both implementations.","Deposition of molding material 215 may cover a back side surface or lower surface 212 (an upper surface at operation 205) of die 170 or generally substrate 110, which may include another molding material or coating, to provide molding material (“molding”) layer 141.In an implementation, at 205 a wafer or substrate 110 may be transfer molded with molding material 215 with a mold assist film (not shown) to allow tips 151 to extend above an upper surface of molding layer 141.Molding material 205 and molding layer 141 may be formed of the identical material.","Film assist molding may be used to keep upper ends 151 of wires 150 from being covered with molding material 215 for subsequent interconnection with lower bond pads 102.With upper ends 151 of wires 150 extending above an upper front face surface of substrate 110, in this example implementation molding material 215 may be deposited and then ground back to provide a planarized surface of molding layer 141 and upper ends 151 of wires 150 for formation of lower bond pads 102.In another implementation, tips 151 may be completely covered after molding at 205, and back grinding or polishing of an upper surface of molding layer 141 may temporarily expose upper ends 151 of wire bond wires 150 for physical connection with bond pads 102 to be formed.","To recapitulate, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to upper bond pads 131 at 204 followed by deposition of molding material 215 at 205, and then such upper ends (lower ends with respect to FIGS.","7 and 8) 151 of wire bond wires 150 may subsequently be interconnected to lower bond pads 102, as described below in additional detail.","At 206, bond pads 102 may be formed over upper ends 151 of wire bond wires 150.An RDL 120 may be formed after formation of bond pads 102.RDL 120 may include one or more conductive layers and one or more dielectric layers.","Optionally, bond pads 102 may be formed as part of RDL 120.This inverse orientation effectively converts lower bond pads 102 to base bond pads.","Thus, base bond pads 102 may be generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a back side lower surface of substrate 110, or more particularly image sensor dies 170 thereof for a WLP.","This allows for a face-up configuration of an image sensor die 170 or a substrate 110 with base or lower bond pads 102 being associated with a back side surface of such face-up oriented substrate 110, which is an opposite orientation with respect to that in U.S. Pat.","Pub.","No.","20140175671 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.","As lower bond pads 102 may be formed on molding layer 141, and as RDL 120 may be formed on lower bond pads 102, lower bond pads 102 as well as RDL 120 may not come into direct contact with substrate 110, or more particularly an associated image sensor die 170.In an implementation at 206, traces 103 of RDL 120 may be used to couple a perimeter of lower bond pads 102 to bump pads or receptors 104 for interconnection with associated bumps 101.Accordingly, substrate 110, or more particularly an image sensor die 100, may have a front face up orientation with a shorter wiring path to reduce signal propagation delay for operation of such an image sensor device 100.Optionally, one or more chips or dies may be coupled to RDL 120, generally at a back side of image sensor device 100 to provide a multi-die or multi-chip image sensor module.","Such other chip or die may include an image processor or a controller chip.","One or more operations associated with forming a TSV including forming a dielectric boundary, a barrier layer, a seed layer, and an associated TSV metal plating may be avoided.","Having an RDL 120 on one common surface, namely on only mold material of molding layer 141 in this example implementation and on no other material surface, may provide better reliability in comparison to conventional Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (“FOWLP”), as for example RDL 120 metal is not transitioned between an Si substrate surface, such as of a wafer or substrate 110, and a molding material surface of molding material 215.Furthermore, a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) of molding material 215, or a combination of molding and/or coating layers, of molding layer 141 may more closely correspond to a PCB material.","Moreover, molding layer 141 may have a larger surface area than substrate 110 for purposes of bump pads 104, namely for purposes of “bumping out” for providing a FO capability.","A conventional CMOS image sensor device with TSVs has dimensional restrictions due to locations of such TSVs; however, by avoiding TSVs, these dimensional restrictions may be avoided.","Along those lines, more of an edge area around a perimeter of substrate 110 may be etched to make such additional space available for wire bond wires 150 in comparison to TSVs.","Along those lines, in another implementation, RDL 120 may extend up (down at operation 206) along sidewalls 220 of substrate 110.In an implementation, RDL 120 may be formed partly on molding layer 141 and partly on substrate 110, like in a FOWLP.","FIG.","10 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes 160 for image sensor dies 170 formed in a substrate 110, where image sensor dies respectively have an optional embedded die 300 coupled to thereto.","An embedded die 300 may be a controller die, an image processor die or another chip performing any other functionality that is located in die cavities 301 of corresponding image sensor dies 170.Although only one die 300 and only one cavity 301 is illustratively depicted in FIG.","10, there may be more than one die 300 or more than one cavity 301 at the back side of an image sensor device 100.In another implementation, there may be more than one die in one cavity.","Even though singulation of an image sensor device 100 from a substrate 110 is described herein, in another implementation more than one image sensor die 170 may be used in an image sensor device 100, where such image sensor dies 170 may be coupled to one another after dicing from a substrate 110.Accordingly, such image sensor dies 170 may have a substrate 110 and a glass cover 11 respectively in common with one another after dicing.","FIG.","11 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes 160 for an image sensor die 170 formed in “thinned” substrate 110 with an optional embedded die 300 coupled to image sensor die 170.Even though a single embedded die 300 is illustratively depicted in FIG.","11, in other implementations more than one embedded die may be used.","Furthermore, even though embedded die 300 is described below as a “controller” 300 as associated with a controller for controlling an image sensing device, as described herein, in another implementation embedded die 300 may be a driver or an image processor die.","However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that embedded die 300 is a controller 300.Although only one embedded die 300 is illustratively depicted in FIG.","11, there may be more than one embedded die 300 at the back side of an image sensor device 100.An image sensor device 100 may be provided in a single package with a controller 300 optionally embedded in a packaged image sensor device 100.FIG.","12 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow 400, which may be used to form image sensor device 100 of FIG.","11.Even though the following description is for a WLP process 400, the following description may be used in a reconstituted wafer process as shall be apparent to one of skill in the art from the following description.","With simultaneous reference to FIGS.","7 through 12, image sensor devices 100 are further described.","Along those lines, as details with respect to image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","10 through 12 are the same or similar to image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","7 through 9, some of those same or similar details are not repeated for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","At 201, a metal layer 111 may be deposited or otherwise plated onto an upper surface 115 of substrate 110, such as a wafer having a plurality of sensor dies 170 formed therein, as previously described.","Optionally, metal layer 111 may be patterned to provide bond pads 431 for interconnecting to image sensor die 170.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, a continuous metal layer 111 in cross-section is illustratively depicted.","Again, optionally, stud bumps 130 may formed at 201 to be positioned on metal layer 111 portions corresponding to upper bond pads 431 on a surface thereof opposite wire bond wires 150 to provide additional rigidity to upper bond pads 431.Such substrate 110 may have an anti-reflective coating (“ARC”; not shown in this figure for purposes of clarity and not limitation) deposited on upper surface 115, as is known.","Again, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, a micro lens 22 and a color filter 11 are illustratively depicted in FIGS.","10 through 12 but not described in detail for purpose of clarity and not limitation.","At 202, a glass cover glass 11 may be coupled to a substrate 110 with an adhesive 13, as previously described.","At 203, a substrate 110, such as a wafer, may be ground, polished, or otherwise thinned to reduce overall thickness prior to drilling or etching channels or slots therein, as similarly previously described.","In this implementation, substrate 110 may be thinned for coupling a controller 300 to a sensor die 170 thereof for a low-profile image sensor 100.Further at 203, substrate 110 may be laser drilled or wet or dry etched or otherwise formed to provide through channels 140 therein, as previously described.","For image sensor device 100 of FIG.","10, a controller die cavity 301 may be formed when forming mold cavities 140 at 203, as generally indicated by dashed line 219.Generally, substrate 110 is much thicker than needed for formation of image sensors for image sensor device 100.Most of this thickness is to provide separation of image sensors of image sensor device 100 from heat and/or interfering signals at an interconnect side of image sensor device 100.However, generally there may be about 10 or fewer wires that interconnect to controller 300, and controller 300 may have a limited amount of circuitry generating heat.","Additionally, controller 300 may have a much smaller surface area than an image sensor die 170 of substrate 110.In short, controller 300 may have a small thermal impact.","However, in another implementation, an image processor die 300 may be used.","Furthermore, controller die cavity 301 may be formed off to one side of substrate 110 to reduce possibility for thermal interference with sensors of a pixel array of image sensor die 170.A controller die 300 may be coupled to a back side surface of substrate 110 to be at least partially in controller die cavity 301.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that image sensor device 100 is formed as described with reference to FIG.","12, as previously stated.","Again, channels 140 may be located at or proximal to the peripheries of active areas of image sensor dies 170.Thus, each image sensor die 170 may effectively have a continuous or discontinuous channel 140 around an active area thereof.","Again, whether etching or drilling, metal layer 111 may be used as a stop layer at 203.However, in this example, metal layer 111 is used for providing bond pads, such as bond pads 431.Bond pads 431 may be disposed around a pixel array of sensor die 170.Along those lines, bond pads 431 of metal layer 111 may be formed with a bondable metalization, and a subsequent oxide and/or metal etch at a bottom of such channels 140 may optionally be used to enhance subsequent bonding thereto and/or to optionally physically disconnect bond pads 431 from one another, as illustratively depicted at operation 404.With respect to the former, this etching may be to remove oxidation prior to wire bonding.","However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that such optional etching is not used in this implementation.","At 404, a back side of controller or image processor die 300 may be coupled to a back side of sensor die 170, namely along upper surface 212, with an adhesive 310.Along a front side surface of controller 300, namely upper surface 452, there may be die pads and/or interconnects, generally contacts 302.Additionally, at 404, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to upper surfaces of bond pads 431 along bottoms of channels 140 of a wafer or substrate 110.For a WLP, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to bond pads 431 located along the base or bases of such one or more trenches or channels 140.Wire bond wires 150 may be ball bonded or use another type of bonding at 404 to bond pads 431.Wire bond wires 150 may extend vertically away from bond pads 431.After bonding, severing of feed wire used to form wire bond wires 150 may be performed above channels 140.Along those lines, tips 151 of wire bond wires may extend above or to an upper surface 452 of controllers 300 adhered to corresponding sensor dies 170 of a wafer or substrate 110, namely, extend above an upper opening 153 of channels 140, after severing from a feed wire.","Again, rather than using TSVs plated or filled with a conductive material, such as a metal for example, such vias and/or channels 140 may have wire bond wires 150 extending from a bottom or bottoms thereof.","Wire bond wires 150 may be of an array, and may be known as BVA™ wires.","Thus, BVA wire bonds may be disposed in channels 140 with tips 151 extending out of and above such channel openings 153 in a free standing configuration prior to molding.","In this implementation, tips 151 may be even with or above upper surface 452 of controller 300, and bond pads 102 for an RDL 120 may be formed on a molding layer 141, as described below in additional detail.","Along those lines, image sensor dies 170 are in a face-up orientation in FIGS.","10 and 11, and controllers 300 are in a face-down orientation in those respective figures.","Again, by having upper ends (lower ends at operation 404) of wire bond wires 150 and associated upper bond pads 431 disposed generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a face-up front face or active surface 115 of substrate 110, connections from substrate 110, or more particularly dies 170 thereof, to upper bond pads 431 may be formed without having to wire bond down to a lower surface.","This common orientation of position may shorten overall wire length for some applications and/or may avoid plating or filling TSVs in substrate 110.Additionally, by having one or more embedded dies in an image sensor device in a face-down orientation, such one or more embedded dies, such as controller 300 in the examples of FIGS.","10 and 11, may be directly interconnected to a circuit board, such as a PCB, to shorten signal path length.","Controller or image processor die 300 in FIGS.","10 and 11 may, though need not be, positioned coaxially with respect to a center of a pixel array of image sensor die 170.A portion of lengths of wire bond wires 150 extends in channels 140, which is also referred to as mold cavities 140, as a molding material 215 is deposited, injected, transferred or otherwise loaded into such channels 140 at 405.This mold cavity 140 may be in a mold in which singulated in-process image sensor devices 100 are loaded for molding, such as for a reconstituted wafer; or for a WLP, channels 140 may be formed along perimeters of dies 170 of substrate 110, such as into dies 170 proximal to one or more sides thereof, and such substrate 110 may be loaded into a mold for injection molding of a molding layer 141.For purposes of clarity by way of example, it shall be assumed that molding for WLP is used for the following description, though the following description generally applies to both implementations.","Deposition, including without limitation by injection, of molding material 215 may coat a lower surface (an upper surface at operation 405) of substrate 110, which may include another molding material or coating, to provide molding layer 141.In an implementation, at 205 a wafer or substrate 110 may be transfer molded with molding material 215 with a mold assist film (not shown) to allow tips 151 and contacts 302 to extend above an upper surface of molding layer 141.Generally, tips 151 may be above or even with contacts 302.Film assist molding may be used to reveal tips or upper ends 151 of wires 150 for subsequent interconnection with lower bond pads 102.Such film assist molding may be used to reveal upper end surfaces of contacts 302, as well.","With upper ends 151 of wires 150 extending above an upper surface 452 of controller 300 as in this example implementation, molding material 215 may be injection deposited.","In this or another implementation, a portion of upper ends of wires 150, as well as contacts 302, may be ground or polished back to planarize for physical interconnection with yet to be formed lower bond pads 102.To recapitulate, for an image sensor device 100 of FIG.","11, substrate 110 may be thinned, which may be before or after formation of channels 140 or mold cavities 140.After thinning, a controller 300 and/or one or more other dies may be attached back side surface down to a back side surface up oriented thinned substrate 110, and, after thinning and formation of channels 140 for mold cavities 140, formation and boding of wire bond wires 150 may be performed.","Attachment of controller or image processor die 300 may include using a thermally insulating adhesive 310 to attach controller 300 to a back side surface of a corresponding image sensor die 170 of substrate 110.After attachment of controller 300 and formation of wire bond wires 150, a molding material 215 may be deposited.","Such molding material 215 may be deposited into channels 140 to provide mold cavities 140, as well as into controller or die cavities 301 (if present), and along back side surfaces of image sensor dies 170 of substrates 110 and over a front side surface of controller 300.Wire bond wires 150, along with contacts 302 of controller 300, may extend beyond an upper surface of molding layer 141 by use of a film assisted molding and/or by use of a grinding or polishing operation.","At 406, bond pads 102 may be formed over upper ends 151 of wire bond wires 150.An RDL 120 may be formed after formation of bond pads 102.Optionally, bond pads 102 may be formed as part of RDL 120.Again, image sensor die 170 of FIGS.","10 and 11 is in an inverse orientation, which effectively converts lower bond pads 102 to base bond pads.","Thus, base bond pads 102 may be generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a back side lower surface of substrate 110, or more particularly image sensor die 170.This allows for a face-up configuration of an image sensor die 170 or a substrate 110 with base or lower bond pads 102 being associated with a back side surface of such face-up oriented substrate 110 An RDL 120 may be formed on molding layer 141, as previously described, but with contacts 302 interconnected through such RDL 120 and bump pads 104 to bumps 101, and such contacts 302 may be coupled to wires 150 for controlling image sensors of image sensor device 100.As lower bond pads 102 may be formed on molding layer 141, and as RDL 120 may be formed on lower bond pads 102, lower bond pads 102 as well as RDL 120 may not come into direct contact with substrate 110, or more particularly an associated image sensor die 170.In an implementation at 406, traces 103 of RDL 120 may be used to couple a perimeter of lower bond pads 102 to bump pads or receptors 104 for interconnection with associated bumps 101.Accordingly, substrate 110, or more particularly an image sensor device 100, may have a front face up orientation with a shorter wiring path to reduce signal propagation delay for operation of such an image sensor device 100.Optionally, another chip or die may be coupled to RDL 120, generally at a back side of image sensor device 100 to provide a multi-die or multi-chip image sensor module.","Such other chip or die may include an image processor.","One or more operations associated with a dielectric boundary, a barrier layer, a seed layer, and a metal plating associated with forming a TSV may be avoided.","Having an RDL 120 on one common surface, namely on only mold material of molding layer 141 in this example implementation and on no other material surface, may provide better reliability in comparison to FOWLP, as for example RDL 120 metal is not transitioned between an Si substrate surface, such as of a wafer or substrate 110, and a molding material surface of molding material 215.Furthermore, a CTE of molding material 215, or a combination of molding and/or coating layers, of molding layer 141 may more closely correspond to a PCB material.","Moreover, molding layer 141 may have a larger surface area than substrate 110 for purposes of bump pads 104, namely for purposes of “bumping out”.","A conventional CMOS image sensor device with TSVs has dimensional restrictions due to locations of such TSVs; however, by avoiding TSVs, these dimensional restrictions may be avoided.","Along those lines, more of an edge area around a perimeter of substrate 110 may be etched to make such additional space available for wire bond wires 150 in comparison to TSVs.","Along those lines, in another implementation, RDL 120 may extend up (down at operation 206) along sidewalls 220 of substrate 110.In an implementation, RDL 120 may be formed partly on molding layer 141 and partly on substrate 110, like in a FOWLP.","FIGS.","13 through 15 are cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting respective exemplary “back side” image sensor devices 100 with dicing lanes 160.In these exemplary implementations, back side image sensor devices 100 are illustratively depicted.","In the exemplary image sensor device 100 of FIG.","13, a substrate 110 is used to provide carriers 500.While carrier 500 may be formed of a semiconductor material, such as Si, GaAs, SiGe, or other form of semiconductor wafer, carriers 500 may be formed of other materials, such as glass or a dielectric material for example.","In contrast, in FIGS.","14 and 15 back side image sensor devices 100 are from a substrate 110 formed of a semiconductor material, such as an Si, GaAs, SiGe, or other form of semiconductor wafer, used to provide image processor dies 520.Though the example herein is generally described in terms of CMOS image processor dies 520, other types of image processor dies may be used.","With reference to FIG.","13, a back side image sensor die (“BSI sensor”) 510 is coupled to a substrate 110, where carriers 500, or image processor dies (“IPDs”) 520, are formed from such substrate 110.Even though a BSI sensor 510 is described herein, another type of image sensor may be used in other implementations.","Moreover, even though the term “die” is used throughout herein, it should be understood that a die may be in a wafer or other substrate having multiple dies.","Thus, the term “die” should not be construed to be limited to only after dicing a wafer or substrate, but may include a die yet to be diced.","For purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that carriers 500 are formed of substrate 110, which may be a wafer.","However, in another implementation, IPDs 520 may be formed of substrate 110.As many of the components of image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","7 and 13 are the same or similar, description of those components is generally not repeated below for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","BSI sensor 510 may include BSI bond pads 531 coupled to a BSI metal layer 512, which may be coupled to BSI sensor circuitry 519.A BSI oxide or other dielectric layer 511 of BSI sensor 510 may be on a side (“underside”) of BSI sensor 510.A carrier oxide or other dielectric layer 513 may be deposited on and/or grown from an upper surface 115 of substrate 110.BSI bond pads 531 of BSI sensor 510 may at least be partially in BSI oxide layer 511 and are in channel 140.Bond pads 131 may be formed as previously described.","A BSI oxide layer 511 to carrier oxide layer 513 interface may be an oxide-to-oxide bond interface 529 for coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.","Along those lines, this coupling may be done as a wafer-to-wafer coupling for subsequent dicing via dicing lanes 160.Again, though an oxide-to-oxide interface is described in this example, in another example another type of dielectric-to-dielectric interface may be used, which may or may not include an oxide layer.","After coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, channels 140 may be etched or drilled using a stop on metal etch to reveal BSI bond pads 531, as well as bond pads 131.Along those lines, metal layer 111 may have openings therein for allowing etching through into oxide layers 511 and 513 to reveal BSI bond pads 531, which may further stop on BSI metal layer 512.Wire bonds of wire bond wires 150 may then be bonded on bond pads 131 and 531 in channels 140, as previously described.","Accordingly, channels 140 may be through substrate 110 channels extending at least between front and back side surfaces thereof.","Image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","13 through 15 may be formed as generally described with reference to exemplary process flow 200 of FIG.","9.Generally, an image sensor 510 may be coupled to substrate 110, such as with an oxide-to-oxide bond for example as described herein.","Such image sensor 510 and substrate 110 combination may then be drilled or generally anisotropically etched through substrate 110 and then through oxide layers 513 and 511 with a stop on metal layer 512 for BSI bond pads 531 of FIG.","13.For image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","14 and 15, such anisotropic etching or drilling is likewise through substrate 110, and then through a dielectric layer 524 for a stop on metal layer 523.Of course chemistries may be changed, including changed in situ, for such etching or drilling to account for etching or drilling different materials.","Moreover, even though etching or drilling may be used exclusively, in another implementation a combination of drilling then etching, or vice versa, may be used to form channels 140.With reference to FIG.","14, a BSI sensor 510 is coupled to a substrate 110, where IPDs 520 are formed from such substrate 110.As many of the components of image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","7 and 14 are the same or similar, description of those components is generally not repeated below for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","Image processor die (“IPD”) 520 may include IPD bond pads 541.IPD bond pads 541 may be coupled to either or both of an IPD metal layer 523 or a metal layer 111.An IPD oxide or other dielectric layer 524 may be formed on metal layer 111, and metal layer 111 may be coupled to IPD circuitry of IPD 520.An IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled to or formed as part of metal layer 111.IPD bond pad 541 may be at least partially in IPD oxide layer 524.IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled for electrical conductivity with an IPD metal layer 523, and IPD metal layer 523 may be formed on IPD oxide layer 524.IPD oxide layer 513 may be deposited on IPD metal layer 523.A BSI oxide layer 511 of BSI sensor 510 may be on an underside of BSI sensor 510.Bond pads 131 may be formed as previously described.","BSI sensor 510 may include a BSI metal layer 512 formed between BSI oxide layer 521 and BSI oxide layer 511.A BSI oxide layer 511 to carrier oxide layer 513 interface may be an oxide-to-oxide bond interface, such as previously described, for coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.","Along those lines, this coupling may be done as a wafer-to-wafer coupling for subsequent dicing via dicing lanes 160.Moreover, through substrate vias or TSVs 525 and 526 may be respectively interconnected to metal layers 512 and 523.Along those lines, TSVs 526 may go through a substrate of BSI sensor 510 from an upper surface thereof to a lower surface thereof, as well as through IPD oxide layer 513 to IPD metal layer 523.Accordingly, completion of TSVs 526 may be after coupling of BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.","After coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, channels 140 may be etched or drilled using a stop on metal etch to reveal IPD bond pads 541, as well as bond pads 131.Wire bonds of wire bond wires 150 may then be made on bond pads 131 and 541 in channels 140, as previously described.","With reference to FIG.","15, a BSI sensor 510 is coupled to a substrate 110, where IPDs 520 are formed from such substrate 110.As many of the components of image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.","7, 14 and 15 are the same or similar, description of those components is generally not repeated below for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","IPD 520 may include IPD bond pads 541.IPD bond pads 541 may be coupled to either or both of an IPD metal layer 523 or a metal layer 111.An IPD oxide or other dielectric layer 524 may be formed on metal layer 111, and metal layer 111 may be coupled to IPD circuitry of IPD 520.IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled to or formed as part of metal layer 111.IPD bond pad 541 may be defined, at least in part, in IPD oxide layer 524.IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled for electrical conductivity with an IPD metal layer 523, and IPD metal layer 523 may be formed on IPD oxide layer 524.IPD oxide layer 513 may be deposited on IPD metal layer 523.A BSI oxide layer 511 of BSI sensor 510 may be on an underside of BSI sensor 510.Bond pads 131 may be formed as previously described.","BSI sensor 510 may include a BSI metal layer 512 formed between BSI oxide layer 521 and BSI oxide layer 511.A BSI oxide layer 511 to carrier oxide layer 513 interface may be an oxide-to-oxide bond interface, such as previously described, for coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.","Along those lines, this coupling may be done as a wafer-to-wafer coupling for subsequent dicing via dicing lanes 160.Moreover, metal vias 527 may be respectively interconnected to metal layers 512 and 523.Along those lines, metal vias 527 may go through IPD oxide layer 513 to IPD metal layer 523 and go through BSI oxide layer 511 to BSI metal layer 512.Accordingly, a portion of metal vias 527 may be formed in BSI sensor 510 and another portion of metal vias 527 may be formed in IPD 520, and completion of metal vias 527 may be after coupling of BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, which coupling may include a copper-to-copper bonding of corresponding metal via 527 portions to one another.","After coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, channels 140 may be etched or drilled using a stop on metal etch to reveal IPD bond pads 541, as well as bond pads 131.Wire bonds of wire bond wires 150 may then be made on bond pads 131 and 541 in channels 140, as previously described.","FIG.","16 is a block diagram illustratively depicting an exemplary camera system 550.In camera system 550, an image sensor device 100 is coupled to an image signal processor 501.Other details regarding camera system 550 are well-known, and thus not described for purposes of clarity and not limitation.","While the foregoing describes exemplary embodiment(s) in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention, other and further embodiment(s) in accordance with the one or more aspects of the invention may be devised without departing from the scope thereof, which is determined by the claim(s) that follow and equivalents thereof.","Claim(s) listing steps do not imply any order of the steps.","Trademarks are the property of their respective owners."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Image Sensor Device\",\n \"An image sensor device, as well as methods therefor, is disclosed.\",\n \"This image sensor device includes a substrate having bond pads.\",\n \"The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between a front side surface and a back side surface thereof.\",\n \"The front side surface is associated with an optically-activatable surface.\",\n \"The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface aligned for access via the through substrate channel.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface.\",\n \"A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface and in the through substrate channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for forming an image sensor device, comprising: obtaining a substrate having an image sensor die; plating a conductive layer on a front side surface of the substrate; forming a through channel in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate; bonding wire bond wires to conductive pads located in the channel; the wire bond wires extending in the channel away from the pads; tips of the wire bond wires being located outside of the channel; depositing a molding layer onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel; and forming a redistribution layer coupled to the wire bond wires for electrical conductivity.\",\n \"2.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: adhering with an adhesive a cover to at least one of the conductive layer or the front side surface, the cover being offset from and over an optically-activatable portion of the image sensor die for defining a gap between an underneath side of the cover and the front side surface; and thinning the substrate prior to forming the through channel.\",\n \"3.The method according to claim 1, wherein the forming of the through channel comprises drilling the substrate to reveal the conductive pads and stop on the conductive layer.\",\n \"4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has the image sensor die and an image processor die coupled to one another.\",\n \"5.The method according to claim 1, wherein the conductive pads are first bond pads obtained with the substrate, the method further comprising: grinding the molding layer and the tips to provide a planarized surface of the molding layer and upper ends of the wire bond wires; and forming second bond pads on the planarized surface for interconnection with the upper ends of the wire bond wires.\",\n \"6.A method for forming an image sensor device, comprising: obtaining a substrate having an image sensor die; depositing a conductive layer on a front side surface of the substrate; forming a through channel in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate; coupling an image controller die or an image processor die having interconnects to the back side surface of the substrate; bonding wire bond wires to conductive pads located in the channel, the wire bond wires extending in the channel away from the pads with tips of the wire bond wires located outside of the channel and above or at least even with interconnects of the controller die; depositing a molding layer onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel; and forming a redistribution layer coupled to the wire bond wires and the interconnects for electrical conductivity.\",\n \"7.The method according to claim 6, further comprising: adhering with an adhesive a cover to at least one of the conductive layer or the front side surface, the cover being offset from and over an optically-activatable portion of the image sensor die for defining a gap between an underneath side of the cover and the front side surface; and thinning the substrate for the coupling of the image controller die or the image processor die.\",\n \"8.The method according to claim 7, wherein the thinning of the substrate comprises forming a die cavity for the coupling of the image controller die or the image processor die at least partially inside the die cavity.\",\n \"9.The method according to claim 6, wherein the forming of the through channel comprises drilling the substrate to reveal the conductive pads and stop on the conductive layer.\",\n \"10.The method according to claim 6, wherein the conductive pads are first bond pads obtained with the substrate, the method further comprising: grinding the molding layer, the interconnects and the tips to provide a planarized surface of the molding layer and upper ends of the wire bond wires and the interconnects; and forming second bond pads on the planarized surface for interconnection with the upper ends of the wire bond wires and the interconnects.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Microelectronic assemblies generally include one or more ICs, such as for example one or more packaged dies (“chips”) or one or more dies.\",\n \"One or more of such ICs may be mounted on a circuit platform, such as a wafer such as in wafer-level-packaging (“WLP”), printed board (“PB”), a printed wiring board (“PWB”), a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a printed wiring assembly (“PWA”), a printed circuit assembly (“PCA”), a package substrate, an interposer, or a chip carrier.\",\n \"Additionally, one IC may be mounted on another IC.\",\n \"An interposer may be an IC, and an interposer may be a passive or an active IC, where the latter includes one or more active devices, such as transistors for example, and the former does not include any active device.\",\n \"Furthermore, an interposer may be formed like a PWB, namely without any circuit elements, such as passive devices including inductors, capacitors and resistors, or active devices.\",\n \"Additionally, an interposer includes at least one through-substrate-via.\",\n \"An IC may include conductive elements, such as pathways, traces, tracks, vias, contacts, pads such as contact pads and bond pads, plugs, nodes, or terminals for example, that may be used for making electrical interconnections with a circuit platform.\",\n \"These arrangements may facilitate electrical connections used to provide functionality of ICs.\",\n \"An IC may be coupled to a circuit platform by bonding, such as bonding traces or terminals, for example, of such circuit platform to bond pads or exposed ends of pins or posts or the like of an IC.\",\n \"Additionally, a redistribution layer (“RDL”) may be part of an IC to facilitate a flip-chip configuration, a die stacking configuration, or a more convenient or accessible position of bond pads for example.\",\n \"Conventionally, an image sensor device, such as for a digital camera, is coupled to a separate controller chip (“controller”), such as to control sensor sensing time (exposure time), thresholds, and/or other features.\",\n \"An image sensor device may further be coupled to a separate driver chip and a separate image processor chip, as is known.\",\n \"Such controller may further be coupled to a motor for adjusting focus and/or electronic aperture, among other camera components.\",\n \"Distance between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto, such as a controller or image sensor for example, of a camera causes an amount of signal propagation delay.\",\n \"This delay can negatively impact performance of a camera.\",\n \"Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide a camera with less propagation time between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY <EOH>An apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such an image sensor device, there is a substrate having bond pads.\",\n \"The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.\",\n \"The front side surface is associated with an optically-activatable surface.\",\n \"The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.\",\n \"The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.\",\n \"A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.\",\n \"A conductive layer is plated on a front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.\",\n \"The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads with tips of the wire bond wires located outside of the channel.\",\n \"A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires for electrical conductivity.\",\n \"A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.\",\n \"A conductive layer is deposited on a front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"An image controller die or an image processor die having interconnects is coupled to the back side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.\",\n \"The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads, and tips of the wire bond wires are located outside of the channel and above or at least even with interconnects of the image controller die or the image processor die.\",\n \"A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires and the interconnects for electrical conductivity.\",\n \"Another apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such an image sensor device, there is an image sensor, and a substrate is coupled to the image sensor.\",\n \"The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.\",\n \"The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein at least extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.\",\n \"The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application is a divisional of and hereby claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/945,292, filed Nov. 18, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application No.\",\n \"US 62/090,788, filed Dec. 11, 2014, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.\",\n \"FIELD The following description relates to integrated circuits (“ICs”).\",\n \"More particularly, the following description relates to an image sensor device.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Microelectronic assemblies generally include one or more ICs, such as for example one or more packaged dies (“chips”) or one or more dies.\",\n \"One or more of such ICs may be mounted on a circuit platform, such as a wafer such as in wafer-level-packaging (“WLP”), printed board (“PB”), a printed wiring board (“PWB”), a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a printed wiring assembly (“PWA”), a printed circuit assembly (“PCA”), a package substrate, an interposer, or a chip carrier.\",\n \"Additionally, one IC may be mounted on another IC.\",\n \"An interposer may be an IC, and an interposer may be a passive or an active IC, where the latter includes one or more active devices, such as transistors for example, and the former does not include any active device.\",\n \"Furthermore, an interposer may be formed like a PWB, namely without any circuit elements, such as passive devices including inductors, capacitors and resistors, or active devices.\",\n \"Additionally, an interposer includes at least one through-substrate-via.\",\n \"An IC may include conductive elements, such as pathways, traces, tracks, vias, contacts, pads such as contact pads and bond pads, plugs, nodes, or terminals for example, that may be used for making electrical interconnections with a circuit platform.\",\n \"These arrangements may facilitate electrical connections used to provide functionality of ICs.\",\n \"An IC may be coupled to a circuit platform by bonding, such as bonding traces or terminals, for example, of such circuit platform to bond pads or exposed ends of pins or posts or the like of an IC.\",\n \"Additionally, a redistribution layer (“RDL”) may be part of an IC to facilitate a flip-chip configuration, a die stacking configuration, or a more convenient or accessible position of bond pads for example.\",\n \"Conventionally, an image sensor device, such as for a digital camera, is coupled to a separate controller chip (“controller”), such as to control sensor sensing time (exposure time), thresholds, and/or other features.\",\n \"An image sensor device may further be coupled to a separate driver chip and a separate image processor chip, as is known.\",\n \"Such controller may further be coupled to a motor for adjusting focus and/or electronic aperture, among other camera components.\",\n \"Distance between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto, such as a controller or image sensor for example, of a camera causes an amount of signal propagation delay.\",\n \"This delay can negatively impact performance of a camera.\",\n \"Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide a camera with less propagation time between an image sensor device and a separate chip coupled thereto.\",\n \"BRIEF SUMMARY An apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such an image sensor device, there is a substrate having bond pads.\",\n \"The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.\",\n \"The front side surface is associated with an optically-activatable surface.\",\n \"The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.\",\n \"The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.\",\n \"A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.\",\n \"A conductive layer is plated on a front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.\",\n \"The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads with tips of the wire bond wires located outside of the channel.\",\n \"A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires for electrical conductivity.\",\n \"A method relates generally to forming an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such a method, a substrate having an image sensor die is obtained.\",\n \"A conductive layer is deposited on a front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A through channel is formed in the substrate from a back side surface to the front side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"An image controller die or an image processor die having interconnects is coupled to the back side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to conductive pads located in the channel.\",\n \"The wire bond wires extend in the channel away from the pads, and tips of the wire bond wires are located outside of the channel and above or at least even with interconnects of the image controller die or the image processor die.\",\n \"A molding layer is deposited onto the back side surface of the substrate including into the channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is coupled to the wire bond wires and the interconnects for electrical conductivity.\",\n \"Another apparatus relates generally to an image sensor device.\",\n \"In such an image sensor device, there is an image sensor, and a substrate is coupled to the image sensor.\",\n \"The substrate has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite the front side surface.\",\n \"The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein at least extending between the front side surface and the back side surface.\",\n \"The bond pads are located at or proximal to the front side surface of the substrate aligned for access via the through substrate channel.\",\n \"Wire bond wires are bonded to the bond pads at first ends thereof extending away from the bond pads with second ends of the wire bond wires located outside of an opening of the channel at the back side surface of the substrate.\",\n \"A molding layer is disposed along the back side surface of the substrate and in the through substrate channel.\",\n \"A redistribution layer is in contact with the molding layer and interconnected to the second ends of the wire bond wires.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) Accompanying drawing(s) show exemplary embodiment(s) in accordance with one or more aspects of exemplary apparatus(es) or method(s).\",\n \"However, the accompanying drawings should not be taken to limit the scope of the claims, but are for explanation and understanding only.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a top-down perspective and cut-away view illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary the conventional image sensor device of FIG.\",\n \"1.FIG.\",\n \"3 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow, which may be used to form the conventional image sensor device of FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2 for a bulk substrate device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow, which may be used to form the conventional image sensor device of FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2 though for a substrate-on-insulator substrate device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a top plan view depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 is a bottom plan view depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes for sensor dies in a substrate.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes in mold cavities.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow, which may be used to form the image sensor device of FIG.\",\n \"7.FIG.\",\n \"10 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes for an image sensor die in a substrate and with an optional embedded die.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"11 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting another exemplary image sensor device with dicing lanes for an image sensor die in a substrate and with an optional embedded die.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow, which may be used to form the image sensor device of FIG.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"13 through 15 are cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting respective exemplary “back side” image sensor devices with dicing lanes for sensor dies in a substrate.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 is a block diagram illustratively depicting an exemplary camera system.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of the specific examples described herein.\",\n \"It should be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other examples or variations of these examples may be practiced without all the specific details given below.\",\n \"In other instances, well known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of the examples herein.\",\n \"For ease of illustration, the same number labels are used in different diagrams to refer to the same items; however, in alternative examples the items may be different.\",\n \"Exemplary apparatus(es) and/or method(s) are described herein.\",\n \"It should be understood that the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any example or feature described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other examples or features.\",\n \"Before a detailed description is provided, a more detailed description of the context of the prior art may be useful.\",\n \"Along those lines, FIG.\",\n \"1 is a top-down perspective and cut-away view illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device 10.FIG.\",\n \"2 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting the conventional image sensor device 10 of FIG.\",\n \"1.FIG.\",\n \"3 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow 30, which may be used to form the conventional image sensor device 10 of FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2.As image sensor device 10 and process flow 30 are known, unnecessary detail in the description thereof is not provided for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"Generally, with reference to FIGS.\",\n \"1-3, a transparent cover sheet, such as a sheet of glass (“cover glass”) 11 for example, and a large-scale integration (“LSI”) image sensor chip or die (“substrate” or “sensor chip”) 12 having a pixel array 18 are attached to one another with an adhesive 13 defining a cavity 14 between them.\",\n \"In the cavity 14, there is/are one or more micro lenses (“micro lens”) 22 on one or more color filters (“color filter”) 21.The color filter 21 may be on a front side surface of an LSI image sensor chip or die 12 (“substrate” or “silicon”).\",\n \"There may be a slight gap between a lower surface of the cover sheet (“cover glass” or “glass”) 11 and an upper surface of the micro lens 22.In process 30, after attaching or bonding at 31, there may be a back-grinding and stress relieving of the substrate 12 at 32, where the glass 11 may be used as a carrier.\",\n \"The substrate 12 may be flipped over and via etched at 33, followed by formation of via insulation at 34 and via metalization at 35 to form through substrate vias, such as through silicon vias (“TSVs”) 15 for example.\",\n \"On a back side surface of the substrate 12, via metalization of such TSVs 15 may be passivated at 36 followed by under-bump metalization at 37 to form bond pads 16 including any redistribution layers and then forming of external interconnects (“bumping”) at 38, such as to form back side bumps 17.Because bumps 17 of bumping are interconnected to TSVs 15 of the substrate 12, a separate controller die or chip (not shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2) is conventionally coupled alongside of or otherwise spatially removed from a package of image sensor device 10.While process flow 30 is for a bulk silicon substrate 12, one or more other semiconductive material(s) may be used for such substrate 12.Furthermore, rather than a bulk substrate 12, a substrate on insulator wafer may be used, such as for example a silicon on insulator (“SOI”) wafer.\",\n \"Along those lines, FIG.\",\n \"4 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary conventional process flow 40, which may be used to form back side illuminated (BSI) image sensor device 10 of FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, though for an SOI device.\",\n \"This formation may be done with wafer-level packaging (“WLP”).\",\n \"As process flow 40 is known, unnecessary detail in the description thereof is not provided for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"Operations 45 are for Front-End Of Line (“FEOL”) processing.\",\n \"At 41, an SOI wafer is obtained.\",\n \"At 42, gradient implants are implanted into the wafer.\",\n \"At 43, epitaxial growth and annealing is performed.\",\n \"At 44, pixel and photo diode processing is performed.\",\n \"Operations 46 are for Back-End Of Line (“BEOL”) processing.\",\n \"At 47, bonding to a final carrier is performed.\",\n \"At 48, the wafer and carrier is flipped over.\",\n \"At 49, back side grinding or other thinning of the SOI wafer is performed down to the buried oxide layer (“BOX”) to expose a back or underside of the SOI wafer.\",\n \"This operation at 49 may include laser annealing.\",\n \"Operations 50 are for forming optical components.\",\n \"At 51, one or more anti-reflective (“AR”) coatings are deposited.\",\n \"At 52, color filters are formed.\",\n \"At 53, microlenses are formed.\",\n \"Operations 54 are “packaging” operations.\",\n \"At 55, glass is bonded to the wafer.\",\n \"At 56, front side grinding or other thinning of the carrier is performed.\",\n \"At 57, TSVs for a three dimensional package or a WLP are formed followed by formation of bumps.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a top plan view depicting an exemplary conventional image sensor device 10, and FIG.\",\n \"6 is a bottom plan view depicting an exemplary image sensor device 10.In FIG.\",\n \"5, an image sensing portion, such as a pixel array 18 (center box) of an image sensor device 10 is conventionally located in a middle portion of a substrate 12, and so TSVs 15 conventionally are around a perimeter of image sensor device 10 with bond pads coupled to such TSVs.\",\n \"In other words, because an image sensor device 10 is a sensitive active device during operation, conventionally other circuitry is disposed away from such image sensing portion, such as pixel array 18.However, bumps 17 for coupling to such perimeter of bond pads 16 may be coupled through traces 59 on a back side of such substrate 12 as depicted in FIG.\",\n \"6.Bumps 17 and the ball grid array (BGA) at the bottom of the image sensor device shown in FIG.\",\n \"6 is just one example of how the image sensor device is electrically connected to the motherboard.\",\n \"In another example, the bottom side of the image sensor device is attached to an organic substrate using an adhesive and electrically connected to this organic substrate via wire bonds directly connecting the top of the image sensor to a the organic substrate.\",\n \"Conventionally, a controller and image processor (not shown) is a separate chip externally coupled to a plurality of bumps 17 of such back side of such substrate 12 as depicted in FIG.\",\n \"6.Because an image sensor device 10 is conventionally a low-profile device, in the past this has meant having TSVs 15 directly connected to bond pads 16 for direct connection with traces 59 and bumps 17, such as previously described.\",\n \"To reduce propagation delay between an image sensor device and a controller therefor and provide a low profile device, described below is an image sensor device package having another die embedded with an image sensor device in a common package.\",\n \"In the example below, a controller die (“controller”) is embedded with an image sensor device in a common package; however, in another implementation, another type of die, e.g.\",\n \"an image processor die generally used in a camera or other imaging device, may be embedded with an image sensor device in a common package.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes 160 for sensor dies 170 in substrate 110, and FIG.\",\n \"8 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes in mold cavities, such as channels, 140.Image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"7 and 8 are similar.\",\n \"However, in image sensor device 100 of FIG.\",\n \"8, rather than dicing in lanes of a wafer of substrate 110 having sensor dies 170, dicing through mold cavities 140, namely spaced apart sensor dies 170 defining mold cavities or channels therebetween, may be used.\",\n \"Even though an image sensor die 170 is described, other types of integrated circuit dies having input and/or output signal lines proximally disposed to an outer perimeter thereof may be used.\",\n \"The implementation of FIG.\",\n \"8 may be for a reconstituted wafer for substrate 110, whereas the implementation of FIG.\",\n \"7 may be for a wafer-level process or WLP.\",\n \"Even though either implementation illustratively depicted may be used, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, the implementation associated with FIG.\",\n \"7 is generally further described though the implementation associated with FIG.\",\n \"8 may be understood from the following description.\",\n \"Along those lines, FIG.\",\n \"9 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow 200, which may be used to form image sensor device 100 of FIG.\",\n \"7.The description herein is for a wafer-level process (“WLP”) flow, in contrast to a substrate/chip in a mold or a reconstituted wafer process flow.\",\n \"However, the following description likewise applies to a reconstituted wafer process as shall be apparent to one of skill in the art.\",\n \"An image sensor wafer or substrate 110 may have multiple image sensor devices to be diced from one another, though only a single image sensor die 170 is illustratively depicted for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"As described hereinbelow, slots, channels and/or vias may be formed in such a wafer from and in a back side thereof.\",\n \"In an implementation, a molding material may be deposited, including without limitation injected, along a back side surface of such wafer including into dicing lanes thereof.\",\n \"In another implementation, channels and/or vias are formed in a wafer from a back side thereof; however, these channels and/or vias are not metalized as in a conventional TSV flow.\",\n \"With simultaneous reference to FIGS.\",\n \"7 through 9, image sensor devices 100 are further described.\",\n \"At 201, a substrate 110 may be obtained having image sensor dies 170 and a conductive layer, such as a metal layer, 111 may be deposited or otherwise plated onto an upper surface 115 of substrate 110.Substrate 110 may be an optically sensitive/activatable semiconductor wafer having a plurality of sensor dies 170 formed therein.\",\n \"This wafer may be a silicon wafer or other semiconductor wafer.\",\n \"This example implementation is for a “front side” image sensor device 100.Such substrate 110 may have an anti-reflective coating (“ARC”; not shown in this figure for purposes of clarity and not limitation) deposited on upper surface 115, as is known.\",\n \"A metal interconnect layer, namely metal layer 111, on an upper surface 115 of substrate 110 may be used as an etch stop layer for a “via” etch, or more appropriately a channel etch, as described below in additional detail.\",\n \"In this example, only one metal layer 111 is depicted for simplicity; however, this or another implementation may have one or more metal layers to effectively connect diodes under pixels to bond pads 131 at the periphery.\",\n \"Metal layer 111 may be plated on an active upper surface 115 outside of an optically activatable portion or surface of die 170 for physically coupling to bond pads 131 for electrical conductivity, where bond pads 131 are formed in sensor dies 170 at or proximal to an upper surface or front side surface of substrate 110 as part of an image sensor die fabrication process.\",\n \"For purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, a micro lens 22 and a color filter 21 are illustratively depicted in FIGS.\",\n \"7 through 9 but not described in unnecessary detail for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"Generally, electrical connections to diodes under pixels may be established though these metal layers interconnecting such pixels to pads 131.Hence, traces or lines of such metal layers may travel to active areas and pixels.\",\n \"In a front side image sensor die, metal layers are above or on top of diodes, which may obstruct a light path.\",\n \"However, in a back side image sensor die (“BSI sensor”), diodes may be above or on top of such metal layers, namely metal lines are below such diodes.\",\n \"Optionally, stud bumps 130 may formed at 201 to be positioned on metal layer 111 portions corresponding to upper bond pads 131 on a surface thereof opposite wire bond wires 150 to provide additional rigidity to upper bond pads 131.A glass or cover glass or other optically suited material (“cover glass”) 11 may be coupled to a substrate 110 with an adhesive 13 at 202, such as to provide an offset for a cavity 14 for a micro lens 22 and a color filter 21.Adhesive 13 may be used to adhere glass cover 11 to at least one of a conductive layer, such as metal layer 111, or a front side surface 115 of substrate 110, where glass cover 11 is offset from and over an optically-activatable portion of a front side surface 115 for defining a gap, such as air cavity 14, between an underneath side of glass cover 11 and such portion of a front side surface 115.Cover glass 11 may be a glass wafer coupled to an image sensor wafer or substrate 110 using adhesive 13.In an implementation, air cavity 14 may be approximately 50 to 100 microns thick or tall.\",\n \"In another example, no separate cover glass may be coupled to or be a part of an image sensor device.\",\n \"Adhesive 13 may likewise be around a pixel array area, namely generally proximal to a perimeter of die 170 without being located in a pixel array area.\",\n \"Thus, adhesive 13 may be deposited or otherwise applied to or put in contact with an upper surface of metal layer 111.Adhesive 13 may provide an offset between an upper surface of metal layer 111 and a lower surface of cover glass 11 to define a cavity 14 therebetween, such as previously described.\",\n \"At 203, a substrate 110, such as a wafer, may optionally be ground, polished, or otherwise thinned to reduce overall thickness prior to drilling or etching channels or slots therein.\",\n \"Further at 203, substrate 110 may be drilled or etched or otherwise formed to provide vias and/or channels or slots (“channels”) or mold cavities 140 therein.\",\n \"This channel etching or drilling may be from a back side surface 212 of a wafer or substrate 110 used to form dies 170 down toward a front side surface of such a wafer or substrate 110.In another implementation, etching may form a chamfered edge along one or more sides of dies 170 of substrate 110.Although, side walls of vias or channels are depicted to be vertical side walls, in another implementation such sidewalls may slanted at an angle with respect to the vertical direction.\",\n \"For etching, a masking layer may be patterned prior to etching using a mask, and this may add additional costs.\",\n \"To avoid this additional cost, direct laser drilling may be used to form channels 140 across a back side surface 212 of a wafer or substrate 110 for multiple image sensor dies 170 thereof.\",\n \"Such channels may be located at or proximal to the peripheries of active areas of image sensor dies 170.Thus, each image sensor die 170 may effectively have a continuous or discontinuous channel 140 around an active area thereof.\",\n \"Channels 140 may extend from a lower surface of substrate 110 completely through to an upper surface of substrate 110, and thus may be thought of as through-substrate channels 140.Etching or drilling may be used to temporarily expose or reveal surfaces of bond pads 131 generally at the bottom of a channel 140.Whether etching or drilling, metal layer 111, as well as bond pads 131, may be used as a stop layer at 203 for such etching or drilling.\",\n \"Moreover, such etching or drilling may be selective to material of wire bond wires 150, as well as bond pads 131 and metal layer 111.In this example, bond pads 131 are at least partially disposed within a channel 140.However, for bond pads formed of metal layer 111 for example, a channel 140 may be aligned to bond pads, or vice versa, though at least partially disposed outside a channel 140.Accordingly, generally channels and bond pads are aligned with one another, with such bond pads at or proximal to an upper surface of substrate 110 for access from a lower surface of substrate 110 via a channel 140.At 204, bond pads 131, which may be formed with a bondable metalization, may optionally be oxide and/or metal etched at a bottom of such channels 140.Along those lines, this etching may be to remove oxidation prior to wire bonding.\",\n \"Optionally, at 204 a metal etch may be used to electrically disconnect two or more bond pads 131 from one another interconnected to one another by metal layer 111.However, generally it may be easier to pattern metal layer 111 and form separate bond pads during a plating/BEOL process.\",\n \"Thus, wire bond wires 150, bond pads 131, and metal layer 111 may be formed of different materials for selectivity to partially etch metal layer 111, which may partially etch bond pads 131 too, while not significantly removing material of wire bond wires 150.In an example, the top metal layer of metal layers 111 may be formed of aluminum and multiple bottom layers may be formed of copper, as wire bonding on aluminum pads is a conventional process.\",\n \"Bond pads 131 may be disposed around a pixel array.\",\n \"A subsequent optional oxide and/or metal etch at a bottom of such channels 140 may be used to enhance subsequent bonding thereto and/or to physically disconnect bond pads 131 from one another due to metal layer 111, as illustratively depicted at operation 204.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that such optional etching is not used in this implementation.\",\n \"Further at 204, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to upper surfaces of conductive bond pads 131 along bottoms of channels 140 of a wafer or substrate 110.For a WLP, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to bond pads 131 located along the base or bases of such one or more trenches or channels 140.Wire bond wires 150 may be ball bonded or use another type of bonding at 204 to bond pads 131.Wire bond wires 150 may extend vertically away from bond pads 131.After bonding, severing of feed wire of wire bond wires 150 may be performed above channels 140 for having wire bond wires 150 exit channels 140 at the top.\",\n \"Along those lines, tips 151 of wire bond wires may extend above an upper surface 212 of dies 170 of a wafer or substrate 110, namely, extend above an upper opening 153 of channels 140 to be located outside of channels 140, after severing from a feed wire.\",\n \"Such a feed wire may be a copper feed wire for copper bond pads 131.Aluminum or gold wires can additionally or alternatively be used.\",\n \"Optionally, a coated copper wire, e.g.\",\n \"palladium coated copper wire, or other wire bond wire may be used.\",\n \"In another example, tips 151 of wire bond wires 150 may be flush with or even below an upper surface 212 of dies 170.Rather than using TSVs plated or filled with a conductive material, such as a metal for example, such vias and/or channels 140 may have wire bond wires 150 extending from a bottom or bottoms thereof.\",\n \"Wire bond wires 150 may be of an array, and may be known as BVA™ wires, referring to a “free standing” array of wire bonds.\",\n \"Thus, BVA wire bonds may be disposed in channels 140 with tips 151 extending out of and above such channel openings 153 in a free standing configuration prior to molding.\",\n \"In another implementation, tips 151 may be even with or below channel openings 153.Another set of bond pads 102, which may be part of or interconnects for a redistribution layer (“RDL”) 120, may be formed over filled channels 140, generally on a same plane as a back side surface of die 170.Moreover, bond pads 120 may be formed in or partially in channels 140 to further reduce overall thickness of image sensor devices 100.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that bond pads 102 are formed as part of an RDL 120, where such RDL 120 is formed on a molding layer 141, including without limitation an epoxy molding compound, as described below in additional detail.\",\n \"Bond pads 102 may be formed such that they interconnect to tips 151 located above, flushed or below upper surface 212 of a die 170.Along those lines, each die 170 is in a face-up orientation in FIGS.\",\n \"7 and 8.By having upper ends (lower ends at operation 204) of wire bond wires 150 and associated upper bond pads 131 disposed generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a face-up front face/front side or active surface 115 of substrate 110, connections from substrate 110, or more particularly dies 170 thereof, to upper bond pads 131 may be formed without having to wire bond down to a lower surface.\",\n \"This common orientation of position may shorten overall wire length for some applications and/or may avoid plating or filling TSVs in substrate 110.Having to wire bond down to a lower surface may be in some package-in-package configurations, such as in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"8,618,659, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.\",\n \"At least a portion of wire bond wires 150 may extend in channels 140, which is referred to as mold cavity 140, as a molding material 215 is deposited, injected, or otherwise loaded into such channels 140 at 205.This mold cavity 140 may be in a mold (not shown) in which one or more singulated in-process image sensor devices 100 are loaded, such as for a reconstituted wafer; or for WLP, channels 140 may be formed along perimeters of dies 170 of substrate 110, such as into image sensor dies 170 proximal to one or more sides thereof.\",\n \"For purposes of clarity by way of example, it shall be assumed that molding for WLP is used for the following description, though the following description generally applies to both implementations.\",\n \"Deposition of molding material 215 may cover a back side surface or lower surface 212 (an upper surface at operation 205) of die 170 or generally substrate 110, which may include another molding material or coating, to provide molding material (“molding”) layer 141.In an implementation, at 205 a wafer or substrate 110 may be transfer molded with molding material 215 with a mold assist film (not shown) to allow tips 151 to extend above an upper surface of molding layer 141.Molding material 205 and molding layer 141 may be formed of the identical material.\",\n \"Film assist molding may be used to keep upper ends 151 of wires 150 from being covered with molding material 215 for subsequent interconnection with lower bond pads 102.With upper ends 151 of wires 150 extending above an upper front face surface of substrate 110, in this example implementation molding material 215 may be deposited and then ground back to provide a planarized surface of molding layer 141 and upper ends 151 of wires 150 for formation of lower bond pads 102.In another implementation, tips 151 may be completely covered after molding at 205, and back grinding or polishing of an upper surface of molding layer 141 may temporarily expose upper ends 151 of wire bond wires 150 for physical connection with bond pads 102 to be formed.\",\n \"To recapitulate, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to upper bond pads 131 at 204 followed by deposition of molding material 215 at 205, and then such upper ends (lower ends with respect to FIGS.\",\n \"7 and 8) 151 of wire bond wires 150 may subsequently be interconnected to lower bond pads 102, as described below in additional detail.\",\n \"At 206, bond pads 102 may be formed over upper ends 151 of wire bond wires 150.An RDL 120 may be formed after formation of bond pads 102.RDL 120 may include one or more conductive layers and one or more dielectric layers.\",\n \"Optionally, bond pads 102 may be formed as part of RDL 120.This inverse orientation effectively converts lower bond pads 102 to base bond pads.\",\n \"Thus, base bond pads 102 may be generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a back side lower surface of substrate 110, or more particularly image sensor dies 170 thereof for a WLP.\",\n \"This allows for a face-up configuration of an image sensor die 170 or a substrate 110 with base or lower bond pads 102 being associated with a back side surface of such face-up oriented substrate 110, which is an opposite orientation with respect to that in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Pub.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"20140175671 A1, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.\",\n \"As lower bond pads 102 may be formed on molding layer 141, and as RDL 120 may be formed on lower bond pads 102, lower bond pads 102 as well as RDL 120 may not come into direct contact with substrate 110, or more particularly an associated image sensor die 170.In an implementation at 206, traces 103 of RDL 120 may be used to couple a perimeter of lower bond pads 102 to bump pads or receptors 104 for interconnection with associated bumps 101.Accordingly, substrate 110, or more particularly an image sensor die 100, may have a front face up orientation with a shorter wiring path to reduce signal propagation delay for operation of such an image sensor device 100.Optionally, one or more chips or dies may be coupled to RDL 120, generally at a back side of image sensor device 100 to provide a multi-die or multi-chip image sensor module.\",\n \"Such other chip or die may include an image processor or a controller chip.\",\n \"One or more operations associated with forming a TSV including forming a dielectric boundary, a barrier layer, a seed layer, and an associated TSV metal plating may be avoided.\",\n \"Having an RDL 120 on one common surface, namely on only mold material of molding layer 141 in this example implementation and on no other material surface, may provide better reliability in comparison to conventional Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging (“FOWLP”), as for example RDL 120 metal is not transitioned between an Si substrate surface, such as of a wafer or substrate 110, and a molding material surface of molding material 215.Furthermore, a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) of molding material 215, or a combination of molding and/or coating layers, of molding layer 141 may more closely correspond to a PCB material.\",\n \"Moreover, molding layer 141 may have a larger surface area than substrate 110 for purposes of bump pads 104, namely for purposes of “bumping out” for providing a FO capability.\",\n \"A conventional CMOS image sensor device with TSVs has dimensional restrictions due to locations of such TSVs; however, by avoiding TSVs, these dimensional restrictions may be avoided.\",\n \"Along those lines, more of an edge area around a perimeter of substrate 110 may be etched to make such additional space available for wire bond wires 150 in comparison to TSVs.\",\n \"Along those lines, in another implementation, RDL 120 may extend up (down at operation 206) along sidewalls 220 of substrate 110.In an implementation, RDL 120 may be formed partly on molding layer 141 and partly on substrate 110, like in a FOWLP.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"10 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes 160 for image sensor dies 170 formed in a substrate 110, where image sensor dies respectively have an optional embedded die 300 coupled to thereto.\",\n \"An embedded die 300 may be a controller die, an image processor die or another chip performing any other functionality that is located in die cavities 301 of corresponding image sensor dies 170.Although only one die 300 and only one cavity 301 is illustratively depicted in FIG.\",\n \"10, there may be more than one die 300 or more than one cavity 301 at the back side of an image sensor device 100.In another implementation, there may be more than one die in one cavity.\",\n \"Even though singulation of an image sensor device 100 from a substrate 110 is described herein, in another implementation more than one image sensor die 170 may be used in an image sensor device 100, where such image sensor dies 170 may be coupled to one another after dicing from a substrate 110.Accordingly, such image sensor dies 170 may have a substrate 110 and a glass cover 11 respectively in common with one another after dicing.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"11 is a cross-sectional side view illustratively depicting an exemplary image sensor device 100 with dicing lanes 160 for an image sensor die 170 formed in “thinned” substrate 110 with an optional embedded die 300 coupled to image sensor die 170.Even though a single embedded die 300 is illustratively depicted in FIG.\",\n \"11, in other implementations more than one embedded die may be used.\",\n \"Furthermore, even though embedded die 300 is described below as a “controller” 300 as associated with a controller for controlling an image sensing device, as described herein, in another implementation embedded die 300 may be a driver or an image processor die.\",\n \"However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that embedded die 300 is a controller 300.Although only one embedded die 300 is illustratively depicted in FIG.\",\n \"11, there may be more than one embedded die 300 at the back side of an image sensor device 100.An image sensor device 100 may be provided in a single package with a controller 300 optionally embedded in a packaged image sensor device 100.FIG.\",\n \"12 is a progression of cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting an exemplary process flow 400, which may be used to form image sensor device 100 of FIG.\",\n \"11.Even though the following description is for a WLP process 400, the following description may be used in a reconstituted wafer process as shall be apparent to one of skill in the art from the following description.\",\n \"With simultaneous reference to FIGS.\",\n \"7 through 12, image sensor devices 100 are further described.\",\n \"Along those lines, as details with respect to image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"10 through 12 are the same or similar to image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"7 through 9, some of those same or similar details are not repeated for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"At 201, a metal layer 111 may be deposited or otherwise plated onto an upper surface 115 of substrate 110, such as a wafer having a plurality of sensor dies 170 formed therein, as previously described.\",\n \"Optionally, metal layer 111 may be patterned to provide bond pads 431 for interconnecting to image sensor die 170.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, a continuous metal layer 111 in cross-section is illustratively depicted.\",\n \"Again, optionally, stud bumps 130 may formed at 201 to be positioned on metal layer 111 portions corresponding to upper bond pads 431 on a surface thereof opposite wire bond wires 150 to provide additional rigidity to upper bond pads 431.Such substrate 110 may have an anti-reflective coating (“ARC”; not shown in this figure for purposes of clarity and not limitation) deposited on upper surface 115, as is known.\",\n \"Again, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, a micro lens 22 and a color filter 11 are illustratively depicted in FIGS.\",\n \"10 through 12 but not described in detail for purpose of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"At 202, a glass cover glass 11 may be coupled to a substrate 110 with an adhesive 13, as previously described.\",\n \"At 203, a substrate 110, such as a wafer, may be ground, polished, or otherwise thinned to reduce overall thickness prior to drilling or etching channels or slots therein, as similarly previously described.\",\n \"In this implementation, substrate 110 may be thinned for coupling a controller 300 to a sensor die 170 thereof for a low-profile image sensor 100.Further at 203, substrate 110 may be laser drilled or wet or dry etched or otherwise formed to provide through channels 140 therein, as previously described.\",\n \"For image sensor device 100 of FIG.\",\n \"10, a controller die cavity 301 may be formed when forming mold cavities 140 at 203, as generally indicated by dashed line 219.Generally, substrate 110 is much thicker than needed for formation of image sensors for image sensor device 100.Most of this thickness is to provide separation of image sensors of image sensor device 100 from heat and/or interfering signals at an interconnect side of image sensor device 100.However, generally there may be about 10 or fewer wires that interconnect to controller 300, and controller 300 may have a limited amount of circuitry generating heat.\",\n \"Additionally, controller 300 may have a much smaller surface area than an image sensor die 170 of substrate 110.In short, controller 300 may have a small thermal impact.\",\n \"However, in another implementation, an image processor die 300 may be used.\",\n \"Furthermore, controller die cavity 301 may be formed off to one side of substrate 110 to reduce possibility for thermal interference with sensors of a pixel array of image sensor die 170.A controller die 300 may be coupled to a back side surface of substrate 110 to be at least partially in controller die cavity 301.However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that image sensor device 100 is formed as described with reference to FIG.\",\n \"12, as previously stated.\",\n \"Again, channels 140 may be located at or proximal to the peripheries of active areas of image sensor dies 170.Thus, each image sensor die 170 may effectively have a continuous or discontinuous channel 140 around an active area thereof.\",\n \"Again, whether etching or drilling, metal layer 111 may be used as a stop layer at 203.However, in this example, metal layer 111 is used for providing bond pads, such as bond pads 431.Bond pads 431 may be disposed around a pixel array of sensor die 170.Along those lines, bond pads 431 of metal layer 111 may be formed with a bondable metalization, and a subsequent oxide and/or metal etch at a bottom of such channels 140 may optionally be used to enhance subsequent bonding thereto and/or to optionally physically disconnect bond pads 431 from one another, as illustratively depicted at operation 404.With respect to the former, this etching may be to remove oxidation prior to wire bonding.\",\n \"However, for purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that such optional etching is not used in this implementation.\",\n \"At 404, a back side of controller or image processor die 300 may be coupled to a back side of sensor die 170, namely along upper surface 212, with an adhesive 310.Along a front side surface of controller 300, namely upper surface 452, there may be die pads and/or interconnects, generally contacts 302.Additionally, at 404, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to upper surfaces of bond pads 431 along bottoms of channels 140 of a wafer or substrate 110.For a WLP, wire bond wires 150 may be bonded to bond pads 431 located along the base or bases of such one or more trenches or channels 140.Wire bond wires 150 may be ball bonded or use another type of bonding at 404 to bond pads 431.Wire bond wires 150 may extend vertically away from bond pads 431.After bonding, severing of feed wire used to form wire bond wires 150 may be performed above channels 140.Along those lines, tips 151 of wire bond wires may extend above or to an upper surface 452 of controllers 300 adhered to corresponding sensor dies 170 of a wafer or substrate 110, namely, extend above an upper opening 153 of channels 140, after severing from a feed wire.\",\n \"Again, rather than using TSVs plated or filled with a conductive material, such as a metal for example, such vias and/or channels 140 may have wire bond wires 150 extending from a bottom or bottoms thereof.\",\n \"Wire bond wires 150 may be of an array, and may be known as BVA™ wires.\",\n \"Thus, BVA wire bonds may be disposed in channels 140 with tips 151 extending out of and above such channel openings 153 in a free standing configuration prior to molding.\",\n \"In this implementation, tips 151 may be even with or above upper surface 452 of controller 300, and bond pads 102 for an RDL 120 may be formed on a molding layer 141, as described below in additional detail.\",\n \"Along those lines, image sensor dies 170 are in a face-up orientation in FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11, and controllers 300 are in a face-down orientation in those respective figures.\",\n \"Again, by having upper ends (lower ends at operation 404) of wire bond wires 150 and associated upper bond pads 431 disposed generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a face-up front face or active surface 115 of substrate 110, connections from substrate 110, or more particularly dies 170 thereof, to upper bond pads 431 may be formed without having to wire bond down to a lower surface.\",\n \"This common orientation of position may shorten overall wire length for some applications and/or may avoid plating or filling TSVs in substrate 110.Additionally, by having one or more embedded dies in an image sensor device in a face-down orientation, such one or more embedded dies, such as controller 300 in the examples of FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11, may be directly interconnected to a circuit board, such as a PCB, to shorten signal path length.\",\n \"Controller or image processor die 300 in FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11 may, though need not be, positioned coaxially with respect to a center of a pixel array of image sensor die 170.A portion of lengths of wire bond wires 150 extends in channels 140, which is also referred to as mold cavities 140, as a molding material 215 is deposited, injected, transferred or otherwise loaded into such channels 140 at 405.This mold cavity 140 may be in a mold in which singulated in-process image sensor devices 100 are loaded for molding, such as for a reconstituted wafer; or for a WLP, channels 140 may be formed along perimeters of dies 170 of substrate 110, such as into dies 170 proximal to one or more sides thereof, and such substrate 110 may be loaded into a mold for injection molding of a molding layer 141.For purposes of clarity by way of example, it shall be assumed that molding for WLP is used for the following description, though the following description generally applies to both implementations.\",\n \"Deposition, including without limitation by injection, of molding material 215 may coat a lower surface (an upper surface at operation 405) of substrate 110, which may include another molding material or coating, to provide molding layer 141.In an implementation, at 205 a wafer or substrate 110 may be transfer molded with molding material 215 with a mold assist film (not shown) to allow tips 151 and contacts 302 to extend above an upper surface of molding layer 141.Generally, tips 151 may be above or even with contacts 302.Film assist molding may be used to reveal tips or upper ends 151 of wires 150 for subsequent interconnection with lower bond pads 102.Such film assist molding may be used to reveal upper end surfaces of contacts 302, as well.\",\n \"With upper ends 151 of wires 150 extending above an upper surface 452 of controller 300 as in this example implementation, molding material 215 may be injection deposited.\",\n \"In this or another implementation, a portion of upper ends of wires 150, as well as contacts 302, may be ground or polished back to planarize for physical interconnection with yet to be formed lower bond pads 102.To recapitulate, for an image sensor device 100 of FIG.\",\n \"11, substrate 110 may be thinned, which may be before or after formation of channels 140 or mold cavities 140.After thinning, a controller 300 and/or one or more other dies may be attached back side surface down to a back side surface up oriented thinned substrate 110, and, after thinning and formation of channels 140 for mold cavities 140, formation and boding of wire bond wires 150 may be performed.\",\n \"Attachment of controller or image processor die 300 may include using a thermally insulating adhesive 310 to attach controller 300 to a back side surface of a corresponding image sensor die 170 of substrate 110.After attachment of controller 300 and formation of wire bond wires 150, a molding material 215 may be deposited.\",\n \"Such molding material 215 may be deposited into channels 140 to provide mold cavities 140, as well as into controller or die cavities 301 (if present), and along back side surfaces of image sensor dies 170 of substrates 110 and over a front side surface of controller 300.Wire bond wires 150, along with contacts 302 of controller 300, may extend beyond an upper surface of molding layer 141 by use of a film assisted molding and/or by use of a grinding or polishing operation.\",\n \"At 406, bond pads 102 may be formed over upper ends 151 of wire bond wires 150.An RDL 120 may be formed after formation of bond pads 102.Optionally, bond pads 102 may be formed as part of RDL 120.Again, image sensor die 170 of FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11 is in an inverse orientation, which effectively converts lower bond pads 102 to base bond pads.\",\n \"Thus, base bond pads 102 may be generally in a same or common horizontal plane as a back side lower surface of substrate 110, or more particularly image sensor die 170.This allows for a face-up configuration of an image sensor die 170 or a substrate 110 with base or lower bond pads 102 being associated with a back side surface of such face-up oriented substrate 110 An RDL 120 may be formed on molding layer 141, as previously described, but with contacts 302 interconnected through such RDL 120 and bump pads 104 to bumps 101, and such contacts 302 may be coupled to wires 150 for controlling image sensors of image sensor device 100.As lower bond pads 102 may be formed on molding layer 141, and as RDL 120 may be formed on lower bond pads 102, lower bond pads 102 as well as RDL 120 may not come into direct contact with substrate 110, or more particularly an associated image sensor die 170.In an implementation at 406, traces 103 of RDL 120 may be used to couple a perimeter of lower bond pads 102 to bump pads or receptors 104 for interconnection with associated bumps 101.Accordingly, substrate 110, or more particularly an image sensor device 100, may have a front face up orientation with a shorter wiring path to reduce signal propagation delay for operation of such an image sensor device 100.Optionally, another chip or die may be coupled to RDL 120, generally at a back side of image sensor device 100 to provide a multi-die or multi-chip image sensor module.\",\n \"Such other chip or die may include an image processor.\",\n \"One or more operations associated with a dielectric boundary, a barrier layer, a seed layer, and a metal plating associated with forming a TSV may be avoided.\",\n \"Having an RDL 120 on one common surface, namely on only mold material of molding layer 141 in this example implementation and on no other material surface, may provide better reliability in comparison to FOWLP, as for example RDL 120 metal is not transitioned between an Si substrate surface, such as of a wafer or substrate 110, and a molding material surface of molding material 215.Furthermore, a CTE of molding material 215, or a combination of molding and/or coating layers, of molding layer 141 may more closely correspond to a PCB material.\",\n \"Moreover, molding layer 141 may have a larger surface area than substrate 110 for purposes of bump pads 104, namely for purposes of “bumping out”.\",\n \"A conventional CMOS image sensor device with TSVs has dimensional restrictions due to locations of such TSVs; however, by avoiding TSVs, these dimensional restrictions may be avoided.\",\n \"Along those lines, more of an edge area around a perimeter of substrate 110 may be etched to make such additional space available for wire bond wires 150 in comparison to TSVs.\",\n \"Along those lines, in another implementation, RDL 120 may extend up (down at operation 206) along sidewalls 220 of substrate 110.In an implementation, RDL 120 may be formed partly on molding layer 141 and partly on substrate 110, like in a FOWLP.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"13 through 15 are cross-sectional side views illustratively depicting respective exemplary “back side” image sensor devices 100 with dicing lanes 160.In these exemplary implementations, back side image sensor devices 100 are illustratively depicted.\",\n \"In the exemplary image sensor device 100 of FIG.\",\n \"13, a substrate 110 is used to provide carriers 500.While carrier 500 may be formed of a semiconductor material, such as Si, GaAs, SiGe, or other form of semiconductor wafer, carriers 500 may be formed of other materials, such as glass or a dielectric material for example.\",\n \"In contrast, in FIGS.\",\n \"14 and 15 back side image sensor devices 100 are from a substrate 110 formed of a semiconductor material, such as an Si, GaAs, SiGe, or other form of semiconductor wafer, used to provide image processor dies 520.Though the example herein is generally described in terms of CMOS image processor dies 520, other types of image processor dies may be used.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"13, a back side image sensor die (“BSI sensor”) 510 is coupled to a substrate 110, where carriers 500, or image processor dies (“IPDs”) 520, are formed from such substrate 110.Even though a BSI sensor 510 is described herein, another type of image sensor may be used in other implementations.\",\n \"Moreover, even though the term “die” is used throughout herein, it should be understood that a die may be in a wafer or other substrate having multiple dies.\",\n \"Thus, the term “die” should not be construed to be limited to only after dicing a wafer or substrate, but may include a die yet to be diced.\",\n \"For purposes of clarity by way of example and not limitation, it shall be assumed that carriers 500 are formed of substrate 110, which may be a wafer.\",\n \"However, in another implementation, IPDs 520 may be formed of substrate 110.As many of the components of image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"7 and 13 are the same or similar, description of those components is generally not repeated below for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"BSI sensor 510 may include BSI bond pads 531 coupled to a BSI metal layer 512, which may be coupled to BSI sensor circuitry 519.A BSI oxide or other dielectric layer 511 of BSI sensor 510 may be on a side (“underside”) of BSI sensor 510.A carrier oxide or other dielectric layer 513 may be deposited on and/or grown from an upper surface 115 of substrate 110.BSI bond pads 531 of BSI sensor 510 may at least be partially in BSI oxide layer 511 and are in channel 140.Bond pads 131 may be formed as previously described.\",\n \"A BSI oxide layer 511 to carrier oxide layer 513 interface may be an oxide-to-oxide bond interface 529 for coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.\",\n \"Along those lines, this coupling may be done as a wafer-to-wafer coupling for subsequent dicing via dicing lanes 160.Again, though an oxide-to-oxide interface is described in this example, in another example another type of dielectric-to-dielectric interface may be used, which may or may not include an oxide layer.\",\n \"After coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, channels 140 may be etched or drilled using a stop on metal etch to reveal BSI bond pads 531, as well as bond pads 131.Along those lines, metal layer 111 may have openings therein for allowing etching through into oxide layers 511 and 513 to reveal BSI bond pads 531, which may further stop on BSI metal layer 512.Wire bonds of wire bond wires 150 may then be bonded on bond pads 131 and 531 in channels 140, as previously described.\",\n \"Accordingly, channels 140 may be through substrate 110 channels extending at least between front and back side surfaces thereof.\",\n \"Image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"13 through 15 may be formed as generally described with reference to exemplary process flow 200 of FIG.\",\n \"9.Generally, an image sensor 510 may be coupled to substrate 110, such as with an oxide-to-oxide bond for example as described herein.\",\n \"Such image sensor 510 and substrate 110 combination may then be drilled or generally anisotropically etched through substrate 110 and then through oxide layers 513 and 511 with a stop on metal layer 512 for BSI bond pads 531 of FIG.\",\n \"13.For image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"14 and 15, such anisotropic etching or drilling is likewise through substrate 110, and then through a dielectric layer 524 for a stop on metal layer 523.Of course chemistries may be changed, including changed in situ, for such etching or drilling to account for etching or drilling different materials.\",\n \"Moreover, even though etching or drilling may be used exclusively, in another implementation a combination of drilling then etching, or vice versa, may be used to form channels 140.With reference to FIG.\",\n \"14, a BSI sensor 510 is coupled to a substrate 110, where IPDs 520 are formed from such substrate 110.As many of the components of image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"7 and 14 are the same or similar, description of those components is generally not repeated below for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"Image processor die (“IPD”) 520 may include IPD bond pads 541.IPD bond pads 541 may be coupled to either or both of an IPD metal layer 523 or a metal layer 111.An IPD oxide or other dielectric layer 524 may be formed on metal layer 111, and metal layer 111 may be coupled to IPD circuitry of IPD 520.An IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled to or formed as part of metal layer 111.IPD bond pad 541 may be at least partially in IPD oxide layer 524.IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled for electrical conductivity with an IPD metal layer 523, and IPD metal layer 523 may be formed on IPD oxide layer 524.IPD oxide layer 513 may be deposited on IPD metal layer 523.A BSI oxide layer 511 of BSI sensor 510 may be on an underside of BSI sensor 510.Bond pads 131 may be formed as previously described.\",\n \"BSI sensor 510 may include a BSI metal layer 512 formed between BSI oxide layer 521 and BSI oxide layer 511.A BSI oxide layer 511 to carrier oxide layer 513 interface may be an oxide-to-oxide bond interface, such as previously described, for coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.\",\n \"Along those lines, this coupling may be done as a wafer-to-wafer coupling for subsequent dicing via dicing lanes 160.Moreover, through substrate vias or TSVs 525 and 526 may be respectively interconnected to metal layers 512 and 523.Along those lines, TSVs 526 may go through a substrate of BSI sensor 510 from an upper surface thereof to a lower surface thereof, as well as through IPD oxide layer 513 to IPD metal layer 523.Accordingly, completion of TSVs 526 may be after coupling of BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.\",\n \"After coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, channels 140 may be etched or drilled using a stop on metal etch to reveal IPD bond pads 541, as well as bond pads 131.Wire bonds of wire bond wires 150 may then be made on bond pads 131 and 541 in channels 140, as previously described.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"15, a BSI sensor 510 is coupled to a substrate 110, where IPDs 520 are formed from such substrate 110.As many of the components of image sensor devices 100 of FIGS.\",\n \"7, 14 and 15 are the same or similar, description of those components is generally not repeated below for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"IPD 520 may include IPD bond pads 541.IPD bond pads 541 may be coupled to either or both of an IPD metal layer 523 or a metal layer 111.An IPD oxide or other dielectric layer 524 may be formed on metal layer 111, and metal layer 111 may be coupled to IPD circuitry of IPD 520.IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled to or formed as part of metal layer 111.IPD bond pad 541 may be defined, at least in part, in IPD oxide layer 524.IPD bond pad 541 may be coupled for electrical conductivity with an IPD metal layer 523, and IPD metal layer 523 may be formed on IPD oxide layer 524.IPD oxide layer 513 may be deposited on IPD metal layer 523.A BSI oxide layer 511 of BSI sensor 510 may be on an underside of BSI sensor 510.Bond pads 131 may be formed as previously described.\",\n \"BSI sensor 510 may include a BSI metal layer 512 formed between BSI oxide layer 521 and BSI oxide layer 511.A BSI oxide layer 511 to carrier oxide layer 513 interface may be an oxide-to-oxide bond interface, such as previously described, for coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another.\",\n \"Along those lines, this coupling may be done as a wafer-to-wafer coupling for subsequent dicing via dicing lanes 160.Moreover, metal vias 527 may be respectively interconnected to metal layers 512 and 523.Along those lines, metal vias 527 may go through IPD oxide layer 513 to IPD metal layer 523 and go through BSI oxide layer 511 to BSI metal layer 512.Accordingly, a portion of metal vias 527 may be formed in BSI sensor 510 and another portion of metal vias 527 may be formed in IPD 520, and completion of metal vias 527 may be after coupling of BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, which coupling may include a copper-to-copper bonding of corresponding metal via 527 portions to one another.\",\n \"After coupling BSI sensor 510 and substrate 110 to one another, channels 140 may be etched or drilled using a stop on metal etch to reveal IPD bond pads 541, as well as bond pads 131.Wire bonds of wire bond wires 150 may then be made on bond pads 131 and 541 in channels 140, as previously described.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 is a block diagram illustratively depicting an exemplary camera system 550.In camera system 550, an image sensor device 100 is coupled to an image signal processor 501.Other details regarding camera system 550 are well-known, and thus not described for purposes of clarity and not limitation.\",\n \"While the foregoing describes exemplary embodiment(s) in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention, other and further embodiment(s) in accordance with the one or more aspects of the invention may be devised without departing from the scope thereof, which is determined by the claim(s) that follow and equivalents thereof.\",\n \"Claim(s) listing steps do not imply any order of the steps.\",\n \"Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875067"}}},{"rowIdx":4494769,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["INTEGRATED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD","The present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device, comprising a semiconductor substrate; a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate; a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity."],["1.A method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device, comprising: forming, in a semiconductor substrate, a cavity extending below a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the cavity is delimited by the semiconductor substrate at sidewalls, a bottom portion and a cover portion of the cavity; and forming, at one side of the cavity, a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein forming the cavity comprises using a Silicon-On-Nothing, SON, processing sequence.","3.The method of claim 2, wherein the SON processing sequence comprises forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate; annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient; and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.","4.The method of claim 1, wherein forming the suspension portion comprises forming a single bar of semiconductor material integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.","6.The method of claim 1, wherein forming the suspension portion comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer to apply a biasing stress or strain to the flexibly suspended sensor portion of semiconductor material.","7.A method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device, comprising: forming a cavity into a semiconductor substrate, the cavity comprising a bottom, a cover, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the cover, a respective sidewall comprising a curved transition from the sidewall to the cover; forming a trench tangentially extending to the curved transition of the sidewalls to transform the cover of the cavity into a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity via a remaining suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion.","8.The method of claim 8, wherein the cavity is formed using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon, ESS, technique.","9.The method of claim 8, wherein forming the trench comprises generating an anti-sticking structure from the curved transition at the end of the sensor portion facing the trench.","10.A method of manufacturing a sensor structure, comprising: forming a cavity in a substrate, the cavity having a top portion, a bottom portion and sidewalls delimited by the substrate; and forming at one side of the cavity a suspension portion of the substrate, the suspension portion integrally connected to a sensor portion of the substrate above the cavity, and wherein the sensor portion is configured to deflect up and down about an axis defined by the suspension portion.","11.The method of claim 10, wherein the substrate comprises a semiconductor substrate.","12.The method of claim 10, wherein the cavity has a cavity length along a side thereof, and wherein the suspension portion has a suspension portion length that is smaller than the cavity length.","13.The method of claim 10, further comprising applying a biasing stress to at least a portion of the suspension portion.","14.The method of claim 13, wherein applying the biasing stress comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer.","15.The method of claim 10, further comprising: forming a plurality of comb-like sensor portion tines in the sensor portion; forming a plurality of comb-like substrate tines that alternate and interleave with the comb-like sensor portion tines, wherein the comb-like sensor portion tines are opposite the one side of the cavity having the suspension portion.","16.The method of claim 11, wherein forming the cavity comprises forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate; annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient; and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.","17.The method of claim 16, wherein forming the suspension portion comprises forming a trench tangentially extending down to the sidewalls of the cavity to transform the substrate above the top portion of the cavity into the sensor portion.","18.The method of claim 17, wherein the obtaining of the cavity results in a curved surface at the sidewalls thereof, and wherein forming the trench comprises forming one or more ant-sticking structures from the curved surface at one or more positions along a periphery of the sensor portion.","19.The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate; and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Electronic sensors generally measure a physical quantity and convert the measured physical quantity into a signal that is provided to an electronic instrument (e.g., integrated chip processor).","In recent years, the number of areas using sensors has vastly expanded.","For example, sensors can be found in diverse applications such as chemical agent detection units, medical diagnostic equipment, industrial process controls, pollution monitoring, automobiles, etc.","Semiconductor based integrated sensors, such as acceleration or pressure sensors, for example, are available as mass products in automotive and consumer goods electronics.","Here, among other things, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are desirable, which integrate a simple threshold switch in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).","When migrating to newer semiconductor process technologies, one challenge is to integrate MEMS such that the complexity of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) processes is not unnecessarily increased and existing CMOS integration schemes can be largely retained with minimal development effort.","For sub 130 nm process technologies, for example, topology of frontend-of-line structures plays an important role.","They should not exceed a total thickness of a few hundred nanometers, so as not to interfere a potential Borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) polishing act.","Furthermore, a reduction to possibly few extra acts and the joint use of existing processes is a prerequisite for successful integration.","Another challenge is the interaction between housing and sensor.","In the field of capacitive sensors, the capacitor elements may be subject to considerable stress—depending on the housing type.","Often special housings are used which contribute a significant cost component in the overall system.","It is therefore desirable to provide improved microelectromechanical sensor systems taking into account the above mentioned issues."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device.","The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate and a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate.","Further, the integrated semiconductor device comprises a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion being deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion and the suspension portion are continuous portions of the semiconductor substrate.","That is to say, the sensor portion, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be formed monolithically as one piece.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is configured for an out-of-plane deflection relative to a surface of the semiconductor substrate in response to an out-of-plane excitation applied to the integrated semiconductor device.","In some embodiments, the suspension portion is a single strip of semiconductor material integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity may hence be smaller than an extension of the sensor portion along said side of the cavity.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate may have a width of more than 100 μm and a length of more than 100 μm.","In some embodiments, the suspension portion is at least partially coated with a stress layer configured to apply an offset tensile or compressive stress or strain to the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.","The stress layer may comprise a material with a different lattice constant and/or a different coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the substrate's semiconductor material (for example Silicon, Si).","An example material for the stress layer would be silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ).","In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device is or comprises an accelerometer.","Here, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate constitutes a proof mass configured for an out-of-plane movement in response to an out-of-plane acceleration of the integrated semiconductor device.","In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device further comprises a frame structure formed into the semiconductor substrate such that the frame structure surrounds the sensor portion.","The frame structure is suspended in the cavity laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.","The frame structure and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, the frame structure and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.","In some embodiments related to accelerometers, the sensor portion is a proof mass and comprises a first plurality of comb tines formed into at least one edge of the proof mass.","The frame structure comprises second plurality of comb tines arranged interleaved with the first plurality of comb tines.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion, the frame structure, and the semiconductor substrate are integrally or monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.","The sensor portion and the frame structure are suspended in the cavity via a common single suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the frame structure, and the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.","Consequently, the sensor portion, the frame structure, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion comprises, at an end of the sensor portion merging into the suspension portion, a trench extending substantially parallel to an edge of the sensor portion facing the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.","A distance between the trench and the edge is dependent on the size and mass of the sensor portion.","In some embodiments, it may be less than 10 μm.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is a membrane configured for an out-of-plane oscillation in response to an out-of-plane pressure applied to the integrated semiconductor device.","This may be useful for MEMS microphone applications, for example.","According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides an integrated semiconductor device.","The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate, a continuous sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at a single side of the cavity via a continuous single suspension strip of the semiconductor substrate integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension strip along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","The integrated semiconductor device further includes a continuous frame portion of the semiconductor substrate, the frame portion surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.","The frame portion is suspended in the cavity, via the suspension strip, laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.","The frame portion and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, and the frame portion and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.","The semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, the suspension strip, the frame portion may constitute one continuous piece.","That is, they may be formed monolithically.","According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.","The method includes forming, in a semiconductor substrate, a cavity extending below a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and forming, at one side of the cavity, a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","In some embodiments, forming the cavity comprises using a Silicon-On-Nothing, SON, processing sequence.","The SON processing sequence may include forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate, annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient, and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.","In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises forming a single suspension strip of semiconductor material integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.","In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer to apply a biasing stress or strain to the flexibly suspended sensor portion of semiconductor material.","According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.","The method includes forming a cavity into a semiconductor substrate.","The cavity comprises a bottom, a cover, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the cover.","A respective sidewall comprises a curved transition from the sidewall to the cover.","The method further includes forming a trench which tangentially extends to the curved transition of the sidewalls to transform the cover of the cavity into a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate which is deflectably suspended in the cavity via a remaining suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion.","In some embodiments, the cavity can be formed using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) technique.","In some embodiments, forming the trench includes generating an anti-sticking structure from the curved transition at the end of the sensor portion facing the trench.","Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for implementing MEMS devices, such as MEMS microphones, pressure sensors, or accelerometers, for example.","Due to the suspension of the sensor portion at only one side of the cavity, the sensor portion of the integrated semiconductor device can be made substantially independent of stress applied to the semiconductor substrate and/or a housing and further undesired external mechanical influences.","Furthermore, due to the sensor portion being suspended in the cavity, frontend-of-line structures having low thickness or height become possible."],["CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.","No.","15/208,975 filed on Jul.","13, 2016, which claims priority to German Application number 10 2015 111 676.6 filed on Jul.","17, 2015 and German Application number 10 2016 107 059.9 filed on Apr.","15, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.","FIELD Embodiments generally relate to semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and, more particularly, to integrated sensor devices and related manufacturing methods.","BACKGROUND Electronic sensors generally measure a physical quantity and convert the measured physical quantity into a signal that is provided to an electronic instrument (e.g., integrated chip processor).","In recent years, the number of areas using sensors has vastly expanded.","For example, sensors can be found in diverse applications such as chemical agent detection units, medical diagnostic equipment, industrial process controls, pollution monitoring, automobiles, etc.","Semiconductor based integrated sensors, such as acceleration or pressure sensors, for example, are available as mass products in automotive and consumer goods electronics.","Here, among other things, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are desirable, which integrate a simple threshold switch in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).","When migrating to newer semiconductor process technologies, one challenge is to integrate MEMS such that the complexity of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) processes is not unnecessarily increased and existing CMOS integration schemes can be largely retained with minimal development effort.","For sub 130 nm process technologies, for example, topology of frontend-of-line structures plays an important role.","They should not exceed a total thickness of a few hundred nanometers, so as not to interfere a potential Borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) polishing act.","Furthermore, a reduction to possibly few extra acts and the joint use of existing processes is a prerequisite for successful integration.","Another challenge is the interaction between housing and sensor.","In the field of capacitive sensors, the capacitor elements may be subject to considerable stress—depending on the housing type.","Often special housings are used which contribute a significant cost component in the overall system.","It is therefore desirable to provide improved microelectromechanical sensor systems taking into account the above mentioned issues.","SUMMARY An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device.","The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate and a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate.","Further, the integrated semiconductor device comprises a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion being deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion and the suspension portion are continuous portions of the semiconductor substrate.","That is to say, the sensor portion, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be formed monolithically as one piece.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is configured for an out-of-plane deflection relative to a surface of the semiconductor substrate in response to an out-of-plane excitation applied to the integrated semiconductor device.","In some embodiments, the suspension portion is a single strip of semiconductor material integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity may hence be smaller than an extension of the sensor portion along said side of the cavity.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate may have a width of more than 100 μm and a length of more than 100 μm.","In some embodiments, the suspension portion is at least partially coated with a stress layer configured to apply an offset tensile or compressive stress or strain to the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.","The stress layer may comprise a material with a different lattice constant and/or a different coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the substrate's semiconductor material (for example Silicon, Si).","An example material for the stress layer would be silicon nitride (Si3N4).","In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device is or comprises an accelerometer.","Here, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate constitutes a proof mass configured for an out-of-plane movement in response to an out-of-plane acceleration of the integrated semiconductor device.","In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device further comprises a frame structure formed into the semiconductor substrate such that the frame structure surrounds the sensor portion.","The frame structure is suspended in the cavity laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.","The frame structure and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, the frame structure and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.","In some embodiments related to accelerometers, the sensor portion is a proof mass and comprises a first plurality of comb tines formed into at least one edge of the proof mass.","The frame structure comprises second plurality of comb tines arranged interleaved with the first plurality of comb tines.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion, the frame structure, and the semiconductor substrate are integrally or monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.","The sensor portion and the frame structure are suspended in the cavity via a common single suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the frame structure, and the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.","Consequently, the sensor portion, the frame structure, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion comprises, at an end of the sensor portion merging into the suspension portion, a trench extending substantially parallel to an edge of the sensor portion facing the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.","A distance between the trench and the edge is dependent on the size and mass of the sensor portion.","In some embodiments, it may be less than 10 μm.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is a membrane configured for an out-of-plane oscillation in response to an out-of-plane pressure applied to the integrated semiconductor device.","This may be useful for MEMS microphone applications, for example.","According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides an integrated semiconductor device.","The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate, a continuous sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at a single side of the cavity via a continuous single suspension strip of the semiconductor substrate integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension strip along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","The integrated semiconductor device further includes a continuous frame portion of the semiconductor substrate, the frame portion surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.","The frame portion is suspended in the cavity, via the suspension strip, laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.","The frame portion and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, and the frame portion and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.","The semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, the suspension strip, the frame portion may constitute one continuous piece.","That is, they may be formed monolithically.","According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.","The method includes forming, in a semiconductor substrate, a cavity extending below a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and forming, at one side of the cavity, a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","In some embodiments, forming the cavity comprises using a Silicon-On-Nothing, SON, processing sequence.","The SON processing sequence may include forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate, annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient, and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.","In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises forming a single suspension strip of semiconductor material integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.","In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.","In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer to apply a biasing stress or strain to the flexibly suspended sensor portion of semiconductor material.","According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.","The method includes forming a cavity into a semiconductor substrate.","The cavity comprises a bottom, a cover, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the cover.","A respective sidewall comprises a curved transition from the sidewall to the cover.","The method further includes forming a trench which tangentially extends to the curved transition of the sidewalls to transform the cover of the cavity into a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate which is deflectably suspended in the cavity via a remaining suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion.","In some embodiments, the cavity can be formed using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) technique.","In some embodiments, forming the trench includes generating an anti-sticking structure from the curved transition at the end of the sensor portion facing the trench.","Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for implementing MEMS devices, such as MEMS microphones, pressure sensors, or accelerometers, for example.","Due to the suspension of the sensor portion at only one side of the cavity, the sensor portion of the integrated semiconductor device can be made substantially independent of stress applied to the semiconductor substrate and/or a housing and further undesired external mechanical influences.","Furthermore, due to the sensor portion being suspended in the cavity, frontend-of-line structures having low thickness or height become possible.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of apparatuses and/or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which FIG.","1 shows a perspective view of a conventional out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer; FIG.","2a, b illustrate different views of an integrated semiconductor device according to an example embodiment; FIG.","3a, b illustrate different views of an integrated comb drive accelerometer according to an example embodiment; FIG.","4 shows a biased integrated comb drive accelerometer according to an example embodiment; FIG.","5 illustrates a high-level flowchart of a method for manufacturing integrated semiconductor device according to an embodiment; FIG.","6 shows various principles of forming Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) cavities; and FIG.","7 shows and example of a silicon-on-nothing structure; FIG.","8 shows anti-sticking bumps at a silicon microphone; FIG.","9 illustrates an example process of for formation of MEMS elements with anti-sticking lines; and FIG.","10 shows a top view of an anti sticking structure produced in combination with a comb drive.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are illustrated.","In the figures, the thicknesses of lines, layers and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.","Accordingly, while further embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, some example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and will herein be described in detail.","It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.","Like numbers refer to like or similar elements throughout the description of the figures.","It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.","In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.","Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).","The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of further example embodiments.","As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.","It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.","Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong.","It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, unless expressly defined otherwise herein.","In the following, example embodiments related to acceleration sensors (also referred to as accelerometers) will be described in more detail.","The skilled person having benefit from the present disclosure will appreciate however that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to accelerometers but are also applicable to other kinds of sensors using mechanically deflectable sensor portions, such as pressure sensors or microphones, for example.","Conventional accelerometers operate with a polycrystalline silicon lamination provided on top of a silicon substrate, for example.","Here, layers having thicknesses of typically 5-10 μm are used as the basis of a discrete sensor component.","However, in this form of structuring the layers are not integrable in a conventional CMOS process.","To illustrate the working principle of capacitive accelerometers, FIG.","1 shows a perspective view of a conventional out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer 100.The example comb drive accelerometer 100 includes a proof mass or seismic mass 102, first and second anchors 104 and 106, suspension strips or flexures 108, a stator 110, a row of rotor tines or sense fingers 112, and a row of stator tines 114.The comb drive 100 may be fabricated using conventional MEMS technologies.","The proof mass 102 is suspended above a substrate 120, which can be a semiconductor substrate, so that the proof mass 102 is free to rotate about an axis of rotation (in x-direction) along the flexures 108.The proof mass 102 is suspended by the flexures 108 from two suspension points formed by the first anchor 104 and the second anchor 106.The first anchor 104 and the second anchor 106 are bonded to the substrate 120 using respective support posts 124 and 126.The flexures 108 substantially limit movement of the proof mass 102 in the x- and y-axes, yet permit rotation in the z direction (about the y axis) in response to an out-of-plane acceleration (out of the x-y plane).","The plurality of rotor comb tines 112 are formed along a first end of the proof mass 102.Additional symmetrically arranged rotor comb tines can also be formed along an opposing second end of the proof mass 102 (not shown in FIG.","1).","For illustrative purposes, five rotor comb tines 112 are illustrated, but in practice many more rotor comb tines 112 would be used.","The stator 110 comprises a row of stator comb tines 114 complementary to the rotor comb tines 112.Additional symmetrically arranged stator comb tines could also be formed proximate to rotor comb tines at the opposing second end of the proof mass 102 (not shown in FIG.","1).","For illustrative purposes, only four stator comb tines 114 shown.","In practice many stator comb tines would be used.","In the illustrated example, the stator 110 is bonded to the substrate 120 using support post 128 such that stator comb tines 114 are held in a fixed position relative to the rotor tines 112.The stator comb tines 114 interleave with the rotor comb tines 112 with a gap 116 separating the stator comb tines 114 from the rotor comb tines 112.The gap 116 provides at least two functions.","First, the gap 116 eliminates frictional contact between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines so that the proof mass 102 is free to rotate about its rotation axis in response to accelerations along the z axis.","Second, the separation between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines defined by the gap 116 allows a capacitance to exist when a potential difference is applied across the stator comb tines 114 and the rotor comb tines 112.The capacitance across the gap 116 is a function of the area of overlap between the opposing faces of the rotor and stator tines 112, 114.Because the proof mass 102 can rotate in response to accelerations along the z axis, the area of overlap in the rotor and stator tines 112, 114 can vary.","As the area of overlap varies (in z-direction), so does the value of the capacitance across the gap 116.For example, measurement of this capacitive value may be used in a feedback loop to determine the level of voltage to apply to the rotor and stator tines 112, 114 to maintain the proof mass 104 in an approximately fixed position.","In the conventional example of FIG.","1, the proof mass (or seismic mass) 102, the first and second anchors 104 and 106, the flexures 108, the stator 110, the rotor tines 112, and the stator tines 114 are all formed from an additional polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) layer provided on top of the silicon substrate 120.For example, said polysilicon layer may have a thickness/height of 12 μm or more in some examples.","As has been explained above, the topology of frontend-of-line structures plays an important role for sub 130 nm process technologies employed to date.","They should not exceed a total thickness of a few hundred nanometers, so as not to interfere a potential Borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) polishing act.","Further, if mechanical stress is applied to the substrate 120, the stress may disadvantageously be transferred to the proof mass 102 and/or the stator 110, i.e., the capacitor elements.","Such mechanical stress may even lead to frictional contact between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines so that the proof mass 102 cannot freely rotate.","Embodiments of the present disclosure, which will be explained in the sequel, address these disadvantageous issues of conventional MEMS accelerometers.","FIG.","2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an integrated semiconductor-based sensor device 200 according to an example embodiment.","The integrated semiconductor device 200 comprises a semiconductor substrate 220, such as a semiconductor wafer, for example.","The semiconductor substrate 220 is made of semiconductor material, such as Silicon (Si) or Germanium (Ge), for example.","The substrate 220 may be at least partially doped.","The semiconductor substrate 220 comprises a cavity 230 formed into the semiconductor substrate 220.The semiconductor substrate 220 also comprises a sensor portion 202 formed into the semiconductor substrate 220, wherein the sensor portion 202 is deflectably suspended in the cavity 230 at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion 208 of the semiconductor substrate.","In the illustrated example of FIG.","2a, the suspension portion 208 is located on the left side of the cavity 230.However, the skilled person having benefit from the present disclosure will appreciate that the suspension portion 208 could be located on any side of the cavity 230.The suspension portion 208 interconnects the semiconductor substrate 220 and the sensor portion 202 thereof.","An extension l208 of the suspension portion 208 along the (e.g.","left) side of the cavity 230 is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","This can be better seen in the top view of FIG.","2b.","Likewise, the extension l208 of the suspension portion 208 along the side of the cavity (in y-direction) may also be smaller than an extension of the sensor portion 202 along said side of the cavity.","Such dimensions allow for stability and flexibility of the suspension portion 208 at the same time.","In the illustrated example, the cavity 230 extends below the sensor portion 202 and has a bottom 232 formed by the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.Note, however, that the bottom 232 is optional and may be omitted in other embodiments.","In such cases the cavity 230 compares to a hole formed in the semiconductor substrate 220 and reaching through from a top surface to a bottom surface of the substrate 220.For example, an amplitude of the sensor portion's defection may be increased without the bottom 232.As can be seen from FIG.","2a, a thickness or height h of the example integrated semiconductor device 200 corresponds to a thickness/height of the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.In contrast to the conventional setup of FIG.","1, no additional layers are required on top of the bulk substrate 220.According to embodiments, a top surface of the sensor portion 202 may be located even below or at least coplanar with a top surface of the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.Likewise, a top surface of the suspension portion 208 may be located below or coplanar with the top surface of the semiconductor substrate 220.In the illustrated example, the top surfaces of the semiconductor substrate 220, the suspension portion 208 thereof, and the sensor portion 202 thereof are coplanar.","This may enable small heights/thicknesses of resulting frontend-of-line structures.","Vertical sidewalls of the cavity 230 and vertical sidewalls of the sensor portion 202 suspended therein are separated by a gap 234.Also here the gap 234 may provide at least two functions.","First, the gap 234 may eliminate frictional contact between adjacent sidewalls of the cavity 230 and the sensor portion 202 so that the sensor portion 202 is free to move about its deflection axis in response to excitations along the z axis.","Second, the separation between adjacent sidewalls of the cavity 230 and sidewalls of the sensor portion 202 defined by the gap 234 allows a capacitance to exist when a potential difference is applied across the gap 234.Hence, the integrated semiconductor device 200 can be used for capacitive sensing purposes, for example.","Such sensors include, among others, capacitive MEMS microphones, capacitive MEMS pressure sensors, or MEMS accelerometers.","The sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate 220 is suspended in the cavity 230 so that the sensor portion 202 is free to get mechanically deflected about an axis 240 (in y-direction) along the flexible suspension portion 208.The sensor portion 202 is suspended using the suspension portion 208 protruding from the substrate 220 at substantially one suspension point at one side of the cavity 230.In some embodiments, the suspension portion 208 may be implemented as a single strip or bar of semiconductor material integrally or continuously or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate 220 and the sensor portion 202 thereof.","Further, the suspension portion 208 may be dimensioned to substantially limit movement of the sensor portion 202 in direction of the x- and y-axes, yet permit deflection in the z direction (about the y axis) in response to an out-of-plane excitation (out of the x-y plane).","In other words, the sensor portion 202 of semiconductor substrate 220 may be configured for an out-of-plane deflection (e.g.","normal to the substrate surface) relative to the semiconductor substrate 220 in response to an out-of-plane excitation applied to the integrated semiconductor device 200.In the example embodiment of FIGS.","2a, b, the sensor portion 202 and the suspension portion 208 both are continuous portions of the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.This means that the sensor portion 202, the suspension portion 208, and the remaining semiconductor substrate 220 are monolithically integrated and form one continuous piece of semiconductor material.","In some embodiments, the sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate may have a width w202 of more than 100 μm and a length l202 of more than 100 μm, leading to a surface area of more than 100 μm×100 μm, while the length l208 and width w208 of the suspension portion 208 may be much smaller, respectively.","For example, l208l/l202 may be smaller than ⅕ or even smaller than 1/10.Likewise, w208l/w202 may be smaller than ⅕ or even smaller than 1/10.Consequently, a surface area of the suspension portion 208 may be not more than 10 μm×10 μm in some embodiments.","A thickness or height h208 of the suspension portion 208 may be equal to or smaller than a thickness or height h202 of the sensor portion 202 or the semiconductor substrate.","In some embodiments related to microphones or pressure sensors, the sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate 220 may act as a membrane configured for an out-of-plane oscillation in response to an out-of-plane pressure applied to the integrated semiconductor device.","In other embodiments, which will be described in more detail, the integrated semiconductor device 200 may be an accelerometer, for example.","In this case the sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate constitutes a seismic or proof mass configured for an out-of-plane movement in response to an out-of-plane acceleration of the integrated semiconductor device 200.Turning now to FIG.","3a, it is shown a perspective view of an out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer 300 according to an embodiment.","The example comb drive accelerometer 100 includes an acceleration sensitive proof mass 302 suspended in a cavity 330, which is formed in a bulk semiconductor substrate body 320.The comb drive accelerometer 300 further includes a thin suspension portion (suspension strip/suspension bar) 308, a rigid stator frame 310, a row of rotor tines or sense fingers 312 formed into the proof mass 302, and a row of stator tines 314 formed into the stator frame 310.As will be explained below, the comb drive 300 may be fabricated using Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) process steps.","Note that the proof mass 302, the suspension strip/bar 308, and the stator frame 310 are all obtained from the same bulk semiconductor material.","That is, the bulk semiconductor substrate body 320, the proof mass 302, the suspension bar 308, and the stator frame 310 are one continuous piece of semiconductor material.","The acceleration sensitive proof mass 302 is suspended in the cavity 330, so that the proof mass 302 is free to swing about an axis (in y-direction) along the left side of cavity 330.The proof mass 302 is suspended at the semiconductor substrate body 320 via the suspension bar 308 at precisely one suspension point located where the suspension bar 308 continuously merges into the bulk semiconductor substrate 320.The suspension bar 308 substantially limits movement of the proof mass 302 in the x- and y-direction, yet permits deflection in the z direction (about the y axis) in response to an out-of-plane acceleration (out of the x-y plane).","Deflection may be further improved by an optional trench 303 formed into the proof mass 302 at an end of the proof mass 302 continuously merging into the suspension bar 308.The trench 303 may be obtained by using conventional deep trench etching processing technology, for example.","The trench 303 extends substantially parallel to an edge of the proof mass portion 302 facing the suspension bar portion 308 of the semiconductor substrate.","A distance d between the trench 303 and the edge may be less than 20 μm or less than 10 μm, hence leaving thin strips/bars 305 of semiconductor material of less than 20 μm or less than 10 μm width in x-direction between gap 316 and trench 303.Those bars 305 of semiconductor material act as a torsional spring allowing for better deflection in z-direction.","The rigid stator frame 310 is also monolithically formed into or from the semiconductor substrate 320 and surrounds the deflectable proof mass 302 of semiconductor material.","Via the suspension bar 308 the stator frame 310 is suspended in the cavity 330 laterally between an edge of the proof mass 302 and an edge of the cavity 330.The stator frame 310 and the proof mass portion 302 are separated by a first gap 316.The stator frame 310 and the edge/sidewall of the cavity are separated by a second gap 334.The proof mass 302, the stator frame 310, and the semiconductor substrate 320 are integrally or monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.","The proof mass 302 and the stator frame 310 are suspended in the cavity 330 via suspension bar or strip 308, which is a common single suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate 320 integrally or continuously interconnecting the semiconductor substrate 320, the stator frame 310, and the proof mass portion 302 of the semiconductor substrate.","To increase a capacitance, the proof mass 302 comprises a first electrode with a plurality of rotor comb tines 312 formed into at least one edge of the proof mass.","The rigid stator frame 310 comprises a second electrode with a plurality of stator comb tines 314 arranged interleaved with the first plurality of comb tines 312.The plurality of rotor comb tines 312 are formed along a first (right) end of the proof mass 102 opposed to suspension bar 308.Additional rotor comb tines can also be formed along the lower and/or upper ends of the proof mass 302 (not shown in FIG.","3a).","For illustrative purposes, five rotor comb tines 312 are illustrated, but in practice many more rotor comb tines 312 would be used.","Correspondingly, additional arranged stator comb tines could also be formed proximate to rotor comb tines at the lower and/or upper ends of the proof mass 302 (not shown in FIG.","3a).","For illustrative purposes, only four stator comb tines 314 shown.","In practice many stator comb tines would be used.","In the illustrated example, the stator frame 310 is fixed to the substrate 320 using suspension bar 308 such that stator comb tines 314 are held in a fixed position relative to the rotor tines 312.The stator comb tines 314 interleave with the rotor comb tines 312 with a gap 316 separating the stator comb tines 314 from the rotor comb tines 312.The gap 316 provides at least two functions.","First, the gap 316 eliminates frictional contact between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines so that the proof mass 302 is free to rotate about its rotation axis in response to accelerations along the z axis.","Second, the separation between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines defined by the gap 316 allows a capacitance to exist when a potential difference is applied across the stator comb tines 314 and the rotor comb tines 312.The electrode structures may be created with a proven carbon sacrificial layer process, for example.","The capacitance across gap 316 is a function of the area of overlap between the opposing faces of the rotor and stator tines 312, 314.Because the proof mass 302 can deflect in response to accelerations along the z axis, the area of overlap in the rotor and stator tines 312, 314 can vary.","As the area of overlap varies, so does the value of the capacitance across the gap 316.For example, measurement of this capacitive value may be used in a feedback loop to determine the level of voltage to apply to the rotor and stator tines 312, 314 to maintain the proof mass 302 in an approximately fixed position.","The second gap 334 between stator frame 310 and sidewalls of the cavity 330 in conjunction with the single suspension bar 308 decouples the stator frame 310 and the proof mass 302 from the remaining semiconductor substrate 320 such that mechanical stress applied to the semiconductor substrate 320 can be decoupled from the stator frame 310 and the proof mass 302.FIG.","3b illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer 300.Here, the comb drive accelerometer 300 comprises an optional sealing layer 340 covering at least the deflectable proof mass 302, which is suspended in the cavity 330.Here, the sealing layer 340 comprises a protrusion or chamber 345 allowing the proof mass 302 to swing in and out the cavity 330.The sealing layer 340 may comprise various sealing materials, such as thermoplastic, elastomeric or metallic materials, for example.","Here, silicon oxide, silicon nitride or polysilicon layers are appropriate candidates as well.","In particular, the portions of the cavity 330 extending laterally underneath the proof mass portion 302 of the bulk silicon may be obtained using Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) process techniques.","Vertical portions of the cavity 330 extending vertically between the bulk substrate 320 and the proof mass portion 302 may be obtained using conventional deep trench etching techniques, for example, and may be synergistically combined with forming other similar structures in the semiconductor device 300, such as trenches, transistors or capacitors, for example.","Turning now to FIG.","4, an embodiment of a biased comb drive accelerometer 400 is illustrated.","For the sake of brevity a detailed description of like or similar elements that have been described before will be omitted.","Here, the suspension bar 308 is at least partially coated with a stress layer 409 configured to apply a tensile or compressive stress or strain offset to the proof mass 302.The stress layer 409 may comprise a material with different (larger or smaller) a lattice constant than that of the substrate's semiconductor material (for example Silicon, Si).","An example material for the stress layer would be silicon nitride (Si3N4).","In this way the accelerometer 400 may be biased in a specific direction.","As schematically shown by FIG.","5, embodiments also provide a method 500 for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device according to embodiments.","Method 500 includes forming 510, in a semiconductor substrate 220, 320, a cavity 230, 330 extending below a sensor portion 202, 302 of the semiconductor substrate.","Further, method 500 includes forming 520, at one side of the cavity 230, 330, a suspension portion 208, 308 of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion 202, 302 in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion 208, 308 along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.","Some embodiments use a so-called Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) processing sequence to form the cavity 230, 330 or at least portions thereof and/or to provide further basic structural elements of the integrated semiconductor device 200, 300, 400.In other words, the cavity 230, 330 between the substrate 220, 320 and the sensor portion 202, 302 may be provided by applying a SON processing sequence, an example of which will be explained in more detail below.","A practical method for obtaining SON structures with a desired size and shape may use the so-called Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) formation technique.","It has been shown that a SON structure can be precisely controlled by the initial shape and layout of trenches.","The size of ESS is determined by the size of the initial trench(es).","The desired shapes of ESS, such as spherical, pipe-shaped and plate-shaped, can be fabricated by changing the arrangement of the initial trenches.","Some examples of SON processing make use of the self-organizing recrystallization caused by silicon surface migration.","The initial trench shape patterned on the silicon substrate may be regarded as the most important factor to fabricate a SON structure.","The trench structure transforms so as to minimize the surface energy, when it is annealed in a deoxidizing ambient, such as hydrogen.","Trench transformation by surface migration results in the Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS).","The SON structure can be made of SON sheet layer over ESS by this means.","Typical examples of ESS formation, whose shapes are spherical, pipe-shaped and plate-shaped, are schematically illustrated in FIG.","6.An isolated deep trench 601 may be transformed to a spherical ESS 602, see FIG.","6a.","Formation of the spherical ESS begins at the top and bottom corners of the deep trench, because the radius of curvature of these regions is the smallest.","This result indicates that the diameter of the spherical ESS becomes larger than that of the initial trench.","Thus, trenches 603 closely arranged in a row are transformed to the pipe-shaped ESS 604, due to the combination of the grown spherical ESS at the bottom of each trench, see FIG.","6b.","A plate-shaped ESS 606 can also be fabricated by developing this technique.","By arranging the trenches in a lattice 605, the spherical ESSs at the bottom of all trenches are combined, and they are transformed to a large, thin plate-shaped ESS 606, see FIG.","6c.","In particular, the technique of FIG.","6c may be used for obtaining a SON cavity below the sensor portion 202, 302, for example.","An example of a plate-shaped ESS 706 structure embedded in a semiconductor substrate 720 is shown in FIG.","7, also illustrating an enlarged view of the ESS 706 structure.","It can be seen that the ESS 706 structure comprises rounded edges or corners 708 that are formed during the annealing process.","The ESS technique offers a wide range of chances and opportunities to design and fabricate new devices for micromechanical, optical and sensor applications.","However, concerning process capability and robustness at application, parallel plate configurations may not always be favorable.","Sticking or lamella breakage may occur—especially, when deflection due to external forces or internal stress leads to a touching of two adjacent surfaces.","Such situations can occur in acceleration sensors or silicon microphones, for example.","Therefore, a structuring process can be used to form bump structures, which can be formed in a way that a minimum contact area ensures a detaching when restoring forces act.","An example related to a MEMS microphone 800 is shown in FIG.","8.The MEMS microphone 800 comprises a membrane 802 and a back plate 804.As can be seen from the enlarged portion on the right of FIG.","8, the back plate 804 also comprises, beside perforation holes 806, anti-sticking or stop bumps 806 facing the membrane 802 to prevent in-use sticking.","Some examples of the present disclosure propose to use rounded or curved regions of a silicon-on-nothing cavity to form in-situ processed anti-sticking lines or bumps.","One example semiconductor device 900 is illustrated in FIG.","9.FIG.","9a shows a semiconductor substrate 920 comprising a SON cavity 930 formed into the semiconductor substrate 920, e.g., by using an ESS formation technique.","The SON cavity 930 is delimited by sidewalls 932, a bottom portion 934, and a cover portion 936 of semiconductor substrate.","Due to the ESS formation technique, the sidewalls 932 have curved transitions 938 toward the bottom portion 934 and the cover portion 936.Said differently, corner regions between the sidewalls 932 and the cover portion 936 or the bottom portion 934 are not rectangular but substantially curved or bent.","A curvature radius r of the curved sidewalls 932 can be in the range of h/2, wherein h denotes a height of the cavity 930.A deflectable sensor portion 902 can be obtained from the cover portion 936 by separating the cover portion 936 from the semiconductor substrate 920 except leaving a suspension portion 908 of the semiconductor substrate integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the remaining sensor portion 902.For example, this separation or generation of the sensor portion 902 can be done by forming a vertically extending trench surrounding the sensor portion 902 except the suspension portion 908.In some examples, the vertical trench 940 can be formed as a tangent to the curved sidewalls 932.Thus, the trench 940 for separation of MEMS elements from the surrounding substrate 920 can be positioned at the edge of the rounded portion of the SON cavity 930.In this way, a portion of the curved corner regions 938 remains with the deflectable sensor portion 902 (former cover portion) as anti-sticking or stop bumps 906 at the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench or gap 940.In the illustrated example, the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench 940 has a trumpet-like cross section.","That is to say, a thickness of the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench or gap 940 is larger than a thickness of the remaining deflectable sensor portion 902.For example, a ratio between the thickness of the end of the sensor portion 902 and the thickness of the remaining sensor portion 902 may be in the range from 1.01 to 1.2.Thus, an anti-sticking structure 906 can be generated at the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench or gap 940 using a suited separation of silicon-on-nothing structures.","For example, this can be done by etching a separating trench 940 in the region of the curved edge of the SON cavity 930.FIG.","9c further illustrates providing a sacrificial layer 950 and a sealing layer 960 on top of the semiconductor substrate 920.Sacrificial layer 950 is removed in FIG.","9d.","Some examples may also use a trench shape producing an interlaced comb-drive like structure.","In this way, the contact region may be defined according to the mechanical needs (e.g.","spring constant, etc.).","Furthermore, the region may be used as a capacitive read out structure (comb drive).","A top view such an example with bars 905 of semiconductor material acting as a torsional spring is shown in FIG.","10.Thus, a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device 900 is provided, wherein a cavity 930 is formed into a semiconductor substrate 920, for example using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) technique.","The cavity 930 comprises a bottom 934, a cover 936, and sidewalls 932.A respective sidewall 932 extends from the bottom 934 to the cover 936 and comprises (e.g.","due to annealing) a curved transition (curved or bent corner) 938 from the sidewall 932 to the bottom 934 and/or to the cover 936.A trench 940 can be formed tangentially extending to the curved transition 938 of the sidewalls 932 in order to transform the cover 936 of the cavity 930 into a sensor portion 902 which is deflectably suspended in the cavity 930 via a remaining suspension portion 908 of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate 920 and the sensor portion 902.Thereby, tangentially forming the trench 940 causes a portion of the curved transition 938 to become part of the deflectable sensor portion 902.Thus, the separated portion of the curved or rounded transition 938 forms an anti-sticking structure 906 at the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench 940.To summarize, some embodiments propose integrating an acceleration sensor structure for measuring in the z-direction (normal to the substrate surface) into the substrate.","For this purpose, a Silicon-On-Nothing technology may be used.","A proposed variant uses a comb structure suspended on a frame for capacitive tapping.","Both the acceleration sensitive element 302 and the frame/electrode 310 for signal tapping are hereby suspended from a common point, which may have a size less than 10 μm×10 μm.","Thus seismic elements (or membranes) with an extension of 100 μm×100 μm or more are possible without generating an increased interaction with a housing.","The geometry of the suspension enables a largely free design of spring elements and the seismic mass.","A benefit of the proposed structure is, on the one hand, the ease of integration into a CMOS process.","On the other hand, it provides a very good decoupling of an external stress entry and thus allows the use of low-cost housing options.","The fix or suspension point of the electrode on the mechanically rigid frame structure, the torsion spring and the entire frame structure can be defined with a single lithography and etching process.","The support structure for the counter electrode on the seismic mass (or membrane) can take very diverse forms.","In one embodiment, the frame and the seismic mass (or membrane) may be dielectrically isolated by an oxide layer.","Electrical connections may also be made on the suspension portion.","Some embodiments use a combination of an SON structure (seismic mass) with a counter electrode, which is fixed to a point-like suspended supporting structure.","In this way, the sensor element may be substantially independent of stress applied to the housing and further undesired mechanical influences.","Furthermore, embodiments open up the possibility for monolithic integration of the sensor with an ASIC.","The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the disclosure.","It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within its spirit and scope.","Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.","Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.","Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim may stand on its own as a separate example embodiment.","While each claim may stand on its own as a separate example embodiment, it is to be noted that—although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims—other example embodiments may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent or independent claim.","Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.","Furthermore, it is intended to include also features of a claim to any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.","It is further to be noted that methods disclosed in the specification or in the claims may be implemented by a device having means for performing each of the respective acts of these methods.","Further, it is to be understood that the disclosure of multiple acts or functions disclosed in the specification or claims may not be construed as to be within the specific order.","Therefore, the disclosure of multiple acts or functions will not limit these to a particular order unless such acts or functions are not interchangeable for technical reasons.","Furthermore, in some embodiments a single act may include or may be broken into multiple sub acts.","Such sub acts may be included and part of the disclosure of this single act unless explicitly excluded."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"INTEGRATED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD\",\n \"The present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device, comprising a semiconductor substrate; a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate; a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device, comprising: forming, in a semiconductor substrate, a cavity extending below a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the cavity is delimited by the semiconductor substrate at sidewalls, a bottom portion and a cover portion of the cavity; and forming, at one side of the cavity, a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein forming the cavity comprises using a Silicon-On-Nothing, SON, processing sequence.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 2, wherein the SON processing sequence comprises forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate; annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient; and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, wherein forming the suspension portion comprises forming a single bar of semiconductor material integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 1, wherein forming the suspension portion comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer to apply a biasing stress or strain to the flexibly suspended sensor portion of semiconductor material.\",\n \"7.A method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device, comprising: forming a cavity into a semiconductor substrate, the cavity comprising a bottom, a cover, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the cover, a respective sidewall comprising a curved transition from the sidewall to the cover; forming a trench tangentially extending to the curved transition of the sidewalls to transform the cover of the cavity into a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity via a remaining suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 8, wherein the cavity is formed using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon, ESS, technique.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 8, wherein forming the trench comprises generating an anti-sticking structure from the curved transition at the end of the sensor portion facing the trench.\",\n \"10.A method of manufacturing a sensor structure, comprising: forming a cavity in a substrate, the cavity having a top portion, a bottom portion and sidewalls delimited by the substrate; and forming at one side of the cavity a suspension portion of the substrate, the suspension portion integrally connected to a sensor portion of the substrate above the cavity, and wherein the sensor portion is configured to deflect up and down about an axis defined by the suspension portion.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10, wherein the substrate comprises a semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 10, wherein the cavity has a cavity length along a side thereof, and wherein the suspension portion has a suspension portion length that is smaller than the cavity length.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 10, further comprising applying a biasing stress to at least a portion of the suspension portion.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 13, wherein applying the biasing stress comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 10, further comprising: forming a plurality of comb-like sensor portion tines in the sensor portion; forming a plurality of comb-like substrate tines that alternate and interleave with the comb-like sensor portion tines, wherein the comb-like sensor portion tines are opposite the one side of the cavity having the suspension portion.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 11, wherein forming the cavity comprises forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate; annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient; and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.\",\n \"17.The method of claim 16, wherein forming the suspension portion comprises forming a trench tangentially extending down to the sidewalls of the cavity to transform the substrate above the top portion of the cavity into the sensor portion.\",\n \"18.The method of claim 17, wherein the obtaining of the cavity results in a curved surface at the sidewalls thereof, and wherein forming the trench comprises forming one or more ant-sticking structures from the curved surface at one or more positions along a periphery of the sensor portion.\",\n \"19.The method of claim 11, further comprising: forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate; and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Electronic sensors generally measure a physical quantity and convert the measured physical quantity into a signal that is provided to an electronic instrument (e.g., integrated chip processor).\",\n \"In recent years, the number of areas using sensors has vastly expanded.\",\n \"For example, sensors can be found in diverse applications such as chemical agent detection units, medical diagnostic equipment, industrial process controls, pollution monitoring, automobiles, etc.\",\n \"Semiconductor based integrated sensors, such as acceleration or pressure sensors, for example, are available as mass products in automotive and consumer goods electronics.\",\n \"Here, among other things, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are desirable, which integrate a simple threshold switch in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).\",\n \"When migrating to newer semiconductor process technologies, one challenge is to integrate MEMS such that the complexity of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) processes is not unnecessarily increased and existing CMOS integration schemes can be largely retained with minimal development effort.\",\n \"For sub 130 nm process technologies, for example, topology of frontend-of-line structures plays an important role.\",\n \"They should not exceed a total thickness of a few hundred nanometers, so as not to interfere a potential Borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) polishing act.\",\n \"Furthermore, a reduction to possibly few extra acts and the joint use of existing processes is a prerequisite for successful integration.\",\n \"Another challenge is the interaction between housing and sensor.\",\n \"In the field of capacitive sensors, the capacitor elements may be subject to considerable stress—depending on the housing type.\",\n \"Often special housings are used which contribute a significant cost component in the overall system.\",\n \"It is therefore desirable to provide improved microelectromechanical sensor systems taking into account the above mentioned issues.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate and a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"Further, the integrated semiconductor device comprises a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion being deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion and the suspension portion are continuous portions of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"That is to say, the sensor portion, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be formed monolithically as one piece.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is configured for an out-of-plane deflection relative to a surface of the semiconductor substrate in response to an out-of-plane excitation applied to the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the suspension portion is a single strip of semiconductor material integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity may hence be smaller than an extension of the sensor portion along said side of the cavity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate may have a width of more than 100 μm and a length of more than 100 μm.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the suspension portion is at least partially coated with a stress layer configured to apply an offset tensile or compressive stress or strain to the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"The stress layer may comprise a material with a different lattice constant and/or a different coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the substrate's semiconductor material (for example Silicon, Si).\",\n \"An example material for the stress layer would be silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device is or comprises an accelerometer.\",\n \"Here, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate constitutes a proof mass configured for an out-of-plane movement in response to an out-of-plane acceleration of the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device further comprises a frame structure formed into the semiconductor substrate such that the frame structure surrounds the sensor portion.\",\n \"The frame structure is suspended in the cavity laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.\",\n \"The frame structure and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, the frame structure and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.\",\n \"In some embodiments related to accelerometers, the sensor portion is a proof mass and comprises a first plurality of comb tines formed into at least one edge of the proof mass.\",\n \"The frame structure comprises second plurality of comb tines arranged interleaved with the first plurality of comb tines.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion, the frame structure, and the semiconductor substrate are integrally or monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"The sensor portion and the frame structure are suspended in the cavity via a common single suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the frame structure, and the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"Consequently, the sensor portion, the frame structure, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion comprises, at an end of the sensor portion merging into the suspension portion, a trench extending substantially parallel to an edge of the sensor portion facing the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"A distance between the trench and the edge is dependent on the size and mass of the sensor portion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, it may be less than 10 μm.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is a membrane configured for an out-of-plane oscillation in response to an out-of-plane pressure applied to the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"This may be useful for MEMS microphone applications, for example.\",\n \"According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate, a continuous sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at a single side of the cavity via a continuous single suspension strip of the semiconductor substrate integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension strip along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device further includes a continuous frame portion of the semiconductor substrate, the frame portion surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"The frame portion is suspended in the cavity, via the suspension strip, laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.\",\n \"The frame portion and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, and the frame portion and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.\",\n \"The semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, the suspension strip, the frame portion may constitute one continuous piece.\",\n \"That is, they may be formed monolithically.\",\n \"According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The method includes forming, in a semiconductor substrate, a cavity extending below a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and forming, at one side of the cavity, a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the cavity comprises using a Silicon-On-Nothing, SON, processing sequence.\",\n \"The SON processing sequence may include forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate, annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient, and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises forming a single suspension strip of semiconductor material integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer to apply a biasing stress or strain to the flexibly suspended sensor portion of semiconductor material.\",\n \"According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The method includes forming a cavity into a semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"The cavity comprises a bottom, a cover, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the cover.\",\n \"A respective sidewall comprises a curved transition from the sidewall to the cover.\",\n \"The method further includes forming a trench which tangentially extends to the curved transition of the sidewalls to transform the cover of the cavity into a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate which is deflectably suspended in the cavity via a remaining suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cavity can be formed using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) technique.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the trench includes generating an anti-sticking structure from the curved transition at the end of the sensor portion facing the trench.\",\n \"Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for implementing MEMS devices, such as MEMS microphones, pressure sensors, or accelerometers, for example.\",\n \"Due to the suspension of the sensor portion at only one side of the cavity, the sensor portion of the integrated semiconductor device can be made substantially independent of stress applied to the semiconductor substrate and/or a housing and further undesired external mechanical influences.\",\n \"Furthermore, due to the sensor portion being suspended in the cavity, frontend-of-line structures having low thickness or height become possible.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/208,975 filed on Jul.\",\n \"13, 2016, which claims priority to German Application number 10 2015 111 676.6 filed on Jul.\",\n \"17, 2015 and German Application number 10 2016 107 059.9 filed on Apr.\",\n \"15, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.\",\n \"FIELD Embodiments generally relate to semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and, more particularly, to integrated sensor devices and related manufacturing methods.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Electronic sensors generally measure a physical quantity and convert the measured physical quantity into a signal that is provided to an electronic instrument (e.g., integrated chip processor).\",\n \"In recent years, the number of areas using sensors has vastly expanded.\",\n \"For example, sensors can be found in diverse applications such as chemical agent detection units, medical diagnostic equipment, industrial process controls, pollution monitoring, automobiles, etc.\",\n \"Semiconductor based integrated sensors, such as acceleration or pressure sensors, for example, are available as mass products in automotive and consumer goods electronics.\",\n \"Here, among other things, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are desirable, which integrate a simple threshold switch in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).\",\n \"When migrating to newer semiconductor process technologies, one challenge is to integrate MEMS such that the complexity of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) processes is not unnecessarily increased and existing CMOS integration schemes can be largely retained with minimal development effort.\",\n \"For sub 130 nm process technologies, for example, topology of frontend-of-line structures plays an important role.\",\n \"They should not exceed a total thickness of a few hundred nanometers, so as not to interfere a potential Borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) polishing act.\",\n \"Furthermore, a reduction to possibly few extra acts and the joint use of existing processes is a prerequisite for successful integration.\",\n \"Another challenge is the interaction between housing and sensor.\",\n \"In the field of capacitive sensors, the capacitor elements may be subject to considerable stress—depending on the housing type.\",\n \"Often special housings are used which contribute a significant cost component in the overall system.\",\n \"It is therefore desirable to provide improved microelectromechanical sensor systems taking into account the above mentioned issues.\",\n \"SUMMARY An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate and a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"Further, the integrated semiconductor device comprises a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion being deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion and the suspension portion are continuous portions of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"That is to say, the sensor portion, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be formed monolithically as one piece.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is configured for an out-of-plane deflection relative to a surface of the semiconductor substrate in response to an out-of-plane excitation applied to the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the suspension portion is a single strip of semiconductor material integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"An extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity may hence be smaller than an extension of the sensor portion along said side of the cavity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate may have a width of more than 100 μm and a length of more than 100 μm.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the suspension portion is at least partially coated with a stress layer configured to apply an offset tensile or compressive stress or strain to the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"The stress layer may comprise a material with a different lattice constant and/or a different coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the substrate's semiconductor material (for example Silicon, Si).\",\n \"An example material for the stress layer would be silicon nitride (Si3N4).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device is or comprises an accelerometer.\",\n \"Here, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate constitutes a proof mass configured for an out-of-plane movement in response to an out-of-plane acceleration of the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the integrated semiconductor device further comprises a frame structure formed into the semiconductor substrate such that the frame structure surrounds the sensor portion.\",\n \"The frame structure is suspended in the cavity laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.\",\n \"The frame structure and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, the frame structure and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.\",\n \"In some embodiments related to accelerometers, the sensor portion is a proof mass and comprises a first plurality of comb tines formed into at least one edge of the proof mass.\",\n \"The frame structure comprises second plurality of comb tines arranged interleaved with the first plurality of comb tines.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion, the frame structure, and the semiconductor substrate are integrally or monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"The sensor portion and the frame structure are suspended in the cavity via a common single suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate integrally or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the frame structure, and the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"Consequently, the sensor portion, the frame structure, the suspension portion, and the semiconductor substrate may be monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion comprises, at an end of the sensor portion merging into the suspension portion, a trench extending substantially parallel to an edge of the sensor portion facing the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"A distance between the trench and the edge is dependent on the size and mass of the sensor portion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, it may be less than 10 μm.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate is a membrane configured for an out-of-plane oscillation in response to an out-of-plane pressure applied to the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"This may be useful for MEMS microphone applications, for example.\",\n \"According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate, a continuous sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at a single side of the cavity via a continuous single suspension strip of the semiconductor substrate integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension strip along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device further includes a continuous frame portion of the semiconductor substrate, the frame portion surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"The frame portion is suspended in the cavity, via the suspension strip, laterally between an edge of the sensor portion and an edge of the cavity.\",\n \"The frame portion and the sensor portion are separated by a first gap, and the frame portion and the edge of the cavity are separated by a second gap.\",\n \"The semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, the suspension strip, the frame portion may constitute one continuous piece.\",\n \"That is, they may be formed monolithically.\",\n \"According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The method includes forming, in a semiconductor substrate, a cavity extending below a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and forming, at one side of the cavity, a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the cavity comprises using a Silicon-On-Nothing, SON, processing sequence.\",\n \"The SON processing sequence may include forming one or more trench structures in the semiconductor substrate, annealing the trench structures in a deoxidizing ambient, and obtaining the cavity below the sensor portion from the annealed trench structures.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises forming a single suspension strip of semiconductor material integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming, in the semiconductor substrate, a frame structure surrounding the sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate, and suspending the frame structure in the cavity by integrally (monolithically) interconnecting the semiconductor substrate, the sensor portion, and the frame structure via the suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the suspension portion comprises at least partially coating the suspension portion with a stress layer to apply a biasing stress or strain to the flexibly suspended sensor portion of semiconductor material.\",\n \"According to yet a further aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"The method includes forming a cavity into a semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"The cavity comprises a bottom, a cover, and sidewalls extending from the bottom to the cover.\",\n \"A respective sidewall comprises a curved transition from the sidewall to the cover.\",\n \"The method further includes forming a trench which tangentially extends to the curved transition of the sidewalls to transform the cover of the cavity into a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate which is deflectably suspended in the cavity via a remaining suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cavity can be formed using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) technique.\",\n \"In some embodiments, forming the trench includes generating an anti-sticking structure from the curved transition at the end of the sensor portion facing the trench.\",\n \"Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for implementing MEMS devices, such as MEMS microphones, pressure sensors, or accelerometers, for example.\",\n \"Due to the suspension of the sensor portion at only one side of the cavity, the sensor portion of the integrated semiconductor device can be made substantially independent of stress applied to the semiconductor substrate and/or a housing and further undesired external mechanical influences.\",\n \"Furthermore, due to the sensor portion being suspended in the cavity, frontend-of-line structures having low thickness or height become possible.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of apparatuses and/or methods will be described in the following by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a perspective view of a conventional out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer; FIG.\",\n \"2a, b illustrate different views of an integrated semiconductor device according to an example embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"3a, b illustrate different views of an integrated comb drive accelerometer according to an example embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"4 shows a biased integrated comb drive accelerometer according to an example embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates a high-level flowchart of a method for manufacturing integrated semiconductor device according to an embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"6 shows various principles of forming Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) cavities; and FIG.\",\n \"7 shows and example of a silicon-on-nothing structure; FIG.\",\n \"8 shows anti-sticking bumps at a silicon microphone; FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates an example process of for formation of MEMS elements with anti-sticking lines; and FIG.\",\n \"10 shows a top view of an anti sticking structure produced in combination with a comb drive.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are illustrated.\",\n \"In the figures, the thicknesses of lines, layers and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.\",\n \"Accordingly, while further embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, some example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and will herein be described in detail.\",\n \"It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"Like numbers refer to like or similar elements throughout the description of the figures.\",\n \"It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.\",\n \"In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.\",\n \"Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).\",\n \"The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of further example embodiments.\",\n \"As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.\",\n \"It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.\",\n \"Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong.\",\n \"It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, unless expressly defined otherwise herein.\",\n \"In the following, example embodiments related to acceleration sensors (also referred to as accelerometers) will be described in more detail.\",\n \"The skilled person having benefit from the present disclosure will appreciate however that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to accelerometers but are also applicable to other kinds of sensors using mechanically deflectable sensor portions, such as pressure sensors or microphones, for example.\",\n \"Conventional accelerometers operate with a polycrystalline silicon lamination provided on top of a silicon substrate, for example.\",\n \"Here, layers having thicknesses of typically 5-10 μm are used as the basis of a discrete sensor component.\",\n \"However, in this form of structuring the layers are not integrable in a conventional CMOS process.\",\n \"To illustrate the working principle of capacitive accelerometers, FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a perspective view of a conventional out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer 100.The example comb drive accelerometer 100 includes a proof mass or seismic mass 102, first and second anchors 104 and 106, suspension strips or flexures 108, a stator 110, a row of rotor tines or sense fingers 112, and a row of stator tines 114.The comb drive 100 may be fabricated using conventional MEMS technologies.\",\n \"The proof mass 102 is suspended above a substrate 120, which can be a semiconductor substrate, so that the proof mass 102 is free to rotate about an axis of rotation (in x-direction) along the flexures 108.The proof mass 102 is suspended by the flexures 108 from two suspension points formed by the first anchor 104 and the second anchor 106.The first anchor 104 and the second anchor 106 are bonded to the substrate 120 using respective support posts 124 and 126.The flexures 108 substantially limit movement of the proof mass 102 in the x- and y-axes, yet permit rotation in the z direction (about the y axis) in response to an out-of-plane acceleration (out of the x-y plane).\",\n \"The plurality of rotor comb tines 112 are formed along a first end of the proof mass 102.Additional symmetrically arranged rotor comb tines can also be formed along an opposing second end of the proof mass 102 (not shown in FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"For illustrative purposes, five rotor comb tines 112 are illustrated, but in practice many more rotor comb tines 112 would be used.\",\n \"The stator 110 comprises a row of stator comb tines 114 complementary to the rotor comb tines 112.Additional symmetrically arranged stator comb tines could also be formed proximate to rotor comb tines at the opposing second end of the proof mass 102 (not shown in FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"For illustrative purposes, only four stator comb tines 114 shown.\",\n \"In practice many stator comb tines would be used.\",\n \"In the illustrated example, the stator 110 is bonded to the substrate 120 using support post 128 such that stator comb tines 114 are held in a fixed position relative to the rotor tines 112.The stator comb tines 114 interleave with the rotor comb tines 112 with a gap 116 separating the stator comb tines 114 from the rotor comb tines 112.The gap 116 provides at least two functions.\",\n \"First, the gap 116 eliminates frictional contact between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines so that the proof mass 102 is free to rotate about its rotation axis in response to accelerations along the z axis.\",\n \"Second, the separation between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines defined by the gap 116 allows a capacitance to exist when a potential difference is applied across the stator comb tines 114 and the rotor comb tines 112.The capacitance across the gap 116 is a function of the area of overlap between the opposing faces of the rotor and stator tines 112, 114.Because the proof mass 102 can rotate in response to accelerations along the z axis, the area of overlap in the rotor and stator tines 112, 114 can vary.\",\n \"As the area of overlap varies (in z-direction), so does the value of the capacitance across the gap 116.For example, measurement of this capacitive value may be used in a feedback loop to determine the level of voltage to apply to the rotor and stator tines 112, 114 to maintain the proof mass 104 in an approximately fixed position.\",\n \"In the conventional example of FIG.\",\n \"1, the proof mass (or seismic mass) 102, the first and second anchors 104 and 106, the flexures 108, the stator 110, the rotor tines 112, and the stator tines 114 are all formed from an additional polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) layer provided on top of the silicon substrate 120.For example, said polysilicon layer may have a thickness/height of 12 μm or more in some examples.\",\n \"As has been explained above, the topology of frontend-of-line structures plays an important role for sub 130 nm process technologies employed to date.\",\n \"They should not exceed a total thickness of a few hundred nanometers, so as not to interfere a potential Borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) polishing act.\",\n \"Further, if mechanical stress is applied to the substrate 120, the stress may disadvantageously be transferred to the proof mass 102 and/or the stator 110, i.e., the capacitor elements.\",\n \"Such mechanical stress may even lead to frictional contact between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines so that the proof mass 102 cannot freely rotate.\",\n \"Embodiments of the present disclosure, which will be explained in the sequel, address these disadvantageous issues of conventional MEMS accelerometers.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an integrated semiconductor-based sensor device 200 according to an example embodiment.\",\n \"The integrated semiconductor device 200 comprises a semiconductor substrate 220, such as a semiconductor wafer, for example.\",\n \"The semiconductor substrate 220 is made of semiconductor material, such as Silicon (Si) or Germanium (Ge), for example.\",\n \"The substrate 220 may be at least partially doped.\",\n \"The semiconductor substrate 220 comprises a cavity 230 formed into the semiconductor substrate 220.The semiconductor substrate 220 also comprises a sensor portion 202 formed into the semiconductor substrate 220, wherein the sensor portion 202 is deflectably suspended in the cavity 230 at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion 208 of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"In the illustrated example of FIG.\",\n \"2a, the suspension portion 208 is located on the left side of the cavity 230.However, the skilled person having benefit from the present disclosure will appreciate that the suspension portion 208 could be located on any side of the cavity 230.The suspension portion 208 interconnects the semiconductor substrate 220 and the sensor portion 202 thereof.\",\n \"An extension l208 of the suspension portion 208 along the (e.g.\",\n \"left) side of the cavity 230 is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"This can be better seen in the top view of FIG.\",\n \"2b.\",\n \"Likewise, the extension l208 of the suspension portion 208 along the side of the cavity (in y-direction) may also be smaller than an extension of the sensor portion 202 along said side of the cavity.\",\n \"Such dimensions allow for stability and flexibility of the suspension portion 208 at the same time.\",\n \"In the illustrated example, the cavity 230 extends below the sensor portion 202 and has a bottom 232 formed by the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.Note, however, that the bottom 232 is optional and may be omitted in other embodiments.\",\n \"In such cases the cavity 230 compares to a hole formed in the semiconductor substrate 220 and reaching through from a top surface to a bottom surface of the substrate 220.For example, an amplitude of the sensor portion's defection may be increased without the bottom 232.As can be seen from FIG.\",\n \"2a, a thickness or height h of the example integrated semiconductor device 200 corresponds to a thickness/height of the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.In contrast to the conventional setup of FIG.\",\n \"1, no additional layers are required on top of the bulk substrate 220.According to embodiments, a top surface of the sensor portion 202 may be located even below or at least coplanar with a top surface of the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.Likewise, a top surface of the suspension portion 208 may be located below or coplanar with the top surface of the semiconductor substrate 220.In the illustrated example, the top surfaces of the semiconductor substrate 220, the suspension portion 208 thereof, and the sensor portion 202 thereof are coplanar.\",\n \"This may enable small heights/thicknesses of resulting frontend-of-line structures.\",\n \"Vertical sidewalls of the cavity 230 and vertical sidewalls of the sensor portion 202 suspended therein are separated by a gap 234.Also here the gap 234 may provide at least two functions.\",\n \"First, the gap 234 may eliminate frictional contact between adjacent sidewalls of the cavity 230 and the sensor portion 202 so that the sensor portion 202 is free to move about its deflection axis in response to excitations along the z axis.\",\n \"Second, the separation between adjacent sidewalls of the cavity 230 and sidewalls of the sensor portion 202 defined by the gap 234 allows a capacitance to exist when a potential difference is applied across the gap 234.Hence, the integrated semiconductor device 200 can be used for capacitive sensing purposes, for example.\",\n \"Such sensors include, among others, capacitive MEMS microphones, capacitive MEMS pressure sensors, or MEMS accelerometers.\",\n \"The sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate 220 is suspended in the cavity 230 so that the sensor portion 202 is free to get mechanically deflected about an axis 240 (in y-direction) along the flexible suspension portion 208.The sensor portion 202 is suspended using the suspension portion 208 protruding from the substrate 220 at substantially one suspension point at one side of the cavity 230.In some embodiments, the suspension portion 208 may be implemented as a single strip or bar of semiconductor material integrally or continuously or monolithically interconnecting the semiconductor substrate 220 and the sensor portion 202 thereof.\",\n \"Further, the suspension portion 208 may be dimensioned to substantially limit movement of the sensor portion 202 in direction of the x- and y-axes, yet permit deflection in the z direction (about the y axis) in response to an out-of-plane excitation (out of the x-y plane).\",\n \"In other words, the sensor portion 202 of semiconductor substrate 220 may be configured for an out-of-plane deflection (e.g.\",\n \"normal to the substrate surface) relative to the semiconductor substrate 220 in response to an out-of-plane excitation applied to the integrated semiconductor device 200.In the example embodiment of FIGS.\",\n \"2a, b, the sensor portion 202 and the suspension portion 208 both are continuous portions of the bulk semiconductor substrate 220.This means that the sensor portion 202, the suspension portion 208, and the remaining semiconductor substrate 220 are monolithically integrated and form one continuous piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate may have a width w202 of more than 100 μm and a length l202 of more than 100 μm, leading to a surface area of more than 100 μm×100 μm, while the length l208 and width w208 of the suspension portion 208 may be much smaller, respectively.\",\n \"For example, l208l/l202 may be smaller than ⅕ or even smaller than 1/10.Likewise, w208l/w202 may be smaller than ⅕ or even smaller than 1/10.Consequently, a surface area of the suspension portion 208 may be not more than 10 μm×10 μm in some embodiments.\",\n \"A thickness or height h208 of the suspension portion 208 may be equal to or smaller than a thickness or height h202 of the sensor portion 202 or the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"In some embodiments related to microphones or pressure sensors, the sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate 220 may act as a membrane configured for an out-of-plane oscillation in response to an out-of-plane pressure applied to the integrated semiconductor device.\",\n \"In other embodiments, which will be described in more detail, the integrated semiconductor device 200 may be an accelerometer, for example.\",\n \"In this case the sensor portion 202 of the semiconductor substrate constitutes a seismic or proof mass configured for an out-of-plane movement in response to an out-of-plane acceleration of the integrated semiconductor device 200.Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"3a, it is shown a perspective view of an out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer 300 according to an embodiment.\",\n \"The example comb drive accelerometer 100 includes an acceleration sensitive proof mass 302 suspended in a cavity 330, which is formed in a bulk semiconductor substrate body 320.The comb drive accelerometer 300 further includes a thin suspension portion (suspension strip/suspension bar) 308, a rigid stator frame 310, a row of rotor tines or sense fingers 312 formed into the proof mass 302, and a row of stator tines 314 formed into the stator frame 310.As will be explained below, the comb drive 300 may be fabricated using Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) process steps.\",\n \"Note that the proof mass 302, the suspension strip/bar 308, and the stator frame 310 are all obtained from the same bulk semiconductor material.\",\n \"That is, the bulk semiconductor substrate body 320, the proof mass 302, the suspension bar 308, and the stator frame 310 are one continuous piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"The acceleration sensitive proof mass 302 is suspended in the cavity 330, so that the proof mass 302 is free to swing about an axis (in y-direction) along the left side of cavity 330.The proof mass 302 is suspended at the semiconductor substrate body 320 via the suspension bar 308 at precisely one suspension point located where the suspension bar 308 continuously merges into the bulk semiconductor substrate 320.The suspension bar 308 substantially limits movement of the proof mass 302 in the x- and y-direction, yet permits deflection in the z direction (about the y axis) in response to an out-of-plane acceleration (out of the x-y plane).\",\n \"Deflection may be further improved by an optional trench 303 formed into the proof mass 302 at an end of the proof mass 302 continuously merging into the suspension bar 308.The trench 303 may be obtained by using conventional deep trench etching processing technology, for example.\",\n \"The trench 303 extends substantially parallel to an edge of the proof mass portion 302 facing the suspension bar portion 308 of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"A distance d between the trench 303 and the edge may be less than 20 μm or less than 10 μm, hence leaving thin strips/bars 305 of semiconductor material of less than 20 μm or less than 10 μm width in x-direction between gap 316 and trench 303.Those bars 305 of semiconductor material act as a torsional spring allowing for better deflection in z-direction.\",\n \"The rigid stator frame 310 is also monolithically formed into or from the semiconductor substrate 320 and surrounds the deflectable proof mass 302 of semiconductor material.\",\n \"Via the suspension bar 308 the stator frame 310 is suspended in the cavity 330 laterally between an edge of the proof mass 302 and an edge of the cavity 330.The stator frame 310 and the proof mass portion 302 are separated by a first gap 316.The stator frame 310 and the edge/sidewall of the cavity are separated by a second gap 334.The proof mass 302, the stator frame 310, and the semiconductor substrate 320 are integrally or monolithically formed from one piece of semiconductor material.\",\n \"The proof mass 302 and the stator frame 310 are suspended in the cavity 330 via suspension bar or strip 308, which is a common single suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate 320 integrally or continuously interconnecting the semiconductor substrate 320, the stator frame 310, and the proof mass portion 302 of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"To increase a capacitance, the proof mass 302 comprises a first electrode with a plurality of rotor comb tines 312 formed into at least one edge of the proof mass.\",\n \"The rigid stator frame 310 comprises a second electrode with a plurality of stator comb tines 314 arranged interleaved with the first plurality of comb tines 312.The plurality of rotor comb tines 312 are formed along a first (right) end of the proof mass 102 opposed to suspension bar 308.Additional rotor comb tines can also be formed along the lower and/or upper ends of the proof mass 302 (not shown in FIG.\",\n \"3a).\",\n \"For illustrative purposes, five rotor comb tines 312 are illustrated, but in practice many more rotor comb tines 312 would be used.\",\n \"Correspondingly, additional arranged stator comb tines could also be formed proximate to rotor comb tines at the lower and/or upper ends of the proof mass 302 (not shown in FIG.\",\n \"3a).\",\n \"For illustrative purposes, only four stator comb tines 314 shown.\",\n \"In practice many stator comb tines would be used.\",\n \"In the illustrated example, the stator frame 310 is fixed to the substrate 320 using suspension bar 308 such that stator comb tines 314 are held in a fixed position relative to the rotor tines 312.The stator comb tines 314 interleave with the rotor comb tines 312 with a gap 316 separating the stator comb tines 314 from the rotor comb tines 312.The gap 316 provides at least two functions.\",\n \"First, the gap 316 eliminates frictional contact between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines so that the proof mass 302 is free to rotate about its rotation axis in response to accelerations along the z axis.\",\n \"Second, the separation between adjacent stator and rotor comb tines defined by the gap 316 allows a capacitance to exist when a potential difference is applied across the stator comb tines 314 and the rotor comb tines 312.The electrode structures may be created with a proven carbon sacrificial layer process, for example.\",\n \"The capacitance across gap 316 is a function of the area of overlap between the opposing faces of the rotor and stator tines 312, 314.Because the proof mass 302 can deflect in response to accelerations along the z axis, the area of overlap in the rotor and stator tines 312, 314 can vary.\",\n \"As the area of overlap varies, so does the value of the capacitance across the gap 316.For example, measurement of this capacitive value may be used in a feedback loop to determine the level of voltage to apply to the rotor and stator tines 312, 314 to maintain the proof mass 302 in an approximately fixed position.\",\n \"The second gap 334 between stator frame 310 and sidewalls of the cavity 330 in conjunction with the single suspension bar 308 decouples the stator frame 310 and the proof mass 302 from the remaining semiconductor substrate 320 such that mechanical stress applied to the semiconductor substrate 320 can be decoupled from the stator frame 310 and the proof mass 302.FIG.\",\n \"3b illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the out-of-plane comb drive accelerometer 300.Here, the comb drive accelerometer 300 comprises an optional sealing layer 340 covering at least the deflectable proof mass 302, which is suspended in the cavity 330.Here, the sealing layer 340 comprises a protrusion or chamber 345 allowing the proof mass 302 to swing in and out the cavity 330.The sealing layer 340 may comprise various sealing materials, such as thermoplastic, elastomeric or metallic materials, for example.\",\n \"Here, silicon oxide, silicon nitride or polysilicon layers are appropriate candidates as well.\",\n \"In particular, the portions of the cavity 330 extending laterally underneath the proof mass portion 302 of the bulk silicon may be obtained using Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) process techniques.\",\n \"Vertical portions of the cavity 330 extending vertically between the bulk substrate 320 and the proof mass portion 302 may be obtained using conventional deep trench etching techniques, for example, and may be synergistically combined with forming other similar structures in the semiconductor device 300, such as trenches, transistors or capacitors, for example.\",\n \"Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"4, an embodiment of a biased comb drive accelerometer 400 is illustrated.\",\n \"For the sake of brevity a detailed description of like or similar elements that have been described before will be omitted.\",\n \"Here, the suspension bar 308 is at least partially coated with a stress layer 409 configured to apply a tensile or compressive stress or strain offset to the proof mass 302.The stress layer 409 may comprise a material with different (larger or smaller) a lattice constant than that of the substrate's semiconductor material (for example Silicon, Si).\",\n \"An example material for the stress layer would be silicon nitride (Si3N4).\",\n \"In this way the accelerometer 400 may be biased in a specific direction.\",\n \"As schematically shown by FIG.\",\n \"5, embodiments also provide a method 500 for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device according to embodiments.\",\n \"Method 500 includes forming 510, in a semiconductor substrate 220, 320, a cavity 230, 330 extending below a sensor portion 202, 302 of the semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"Further, method 500 includes forming 520, at one side of the cavity 230, 330, a suspension portion 208, 308 of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspending the sensor portion 202, 302 in the cavity, such that an extension of the suspension portion 208, 308 along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.\",\n \"Some embodiments use a so-called Silicon-On-Nothing (SON) processing sequence to form the cavity 230, 330 or at least portions thereof and/or to provide further basic structural elements of the integrated semiconductor device 200, 300, 400.In other words, the cavity 230, 330 between the substrate 220, 320 and the sensor portion 202, 302 may be provided by applying a SON processing sequence, an example of which will be explained in more detail below.\",\n \"A practical method for obtaining SON structures with a desired size and shape may use the so-called Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) formation technique.\",\n \"It has been shown that a SON structure can be precisely controlled by the initial shape and layout of trenches.\",\n \"The size of ESS is determined by the size of the initial trench(es).\",\n \"The desired shapes of ESS, such as spherical, pipe-shaped and plate-shaped, can be fabricated by changing the arrangement of the initial trenches.\",\n \"Some examples of SON processing make use of the self-organizing recrystallization caused by silicon surface migration.\",\n \"The initial trench shape patterned on the silicon substrate may be regarded as the most important factor to fabricate a SON structure.\",\n \"The trench structure transforms so as to minimize the surface energy, when it is annealed in a deoxidizing ambient, such as hydrogen.\",\n \"Trench transformation by surface migration results in the Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS).\",\n \"The SON structure can be made of SON sheet layer over ESS by this means.\",\n \"Typical examples of ESS formation, whose shapes are spherical, pipe-shaped and plate-shaped, are schematically illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"6.An isolated deep trench 601 may be transformed to a spherical ESS 602, see FIG.\",\n \"6a.\",\n \"Formation of the spherical ESS begins at the top and bottom corners of the deep trench, because the radius of curvature of these regions is the smallest.\",\n \"This result indicates that the diameter of the spherical ESS becomes larger than that of the initial trench.\",\n \"Thus, trenches 603 closely arranged in a row are transformed to the pipe-shaped ESS 604, due to the combination of the grown spherical ESS at the bottom of each trench, see FIG.\",\n \"6b.\",\n \"A plate-shaped ESS 606 can also be fabricated by developing this technique.\",\n \"By arranging the trenches in a lattice 605, the spherical ESSs at the bottom of all trenches are combined, and they are transformed to a large, thin plate-shaped ESS 606, see FIG.\",\n \"6c.\",\n \"In particular, the technique of FIG.\",\n \"6c may be used for obtaining a SON cavity below the sensor portion 202, 302, for example.\",\n \"An example of a plate-shaped ESS 706 structure embedded in a semiconductor substrate 720 is shown in FIG.\",\n \"7, also illustrating an enlarged view of the ESS 706 structure.\",\n \"It can be seen that the ESS 706 structure comprises rounded edges or corners 708 that are formed during the annealing process.\",\n \"The ESS technique offers a wide range of chances and opportunities to design and fabricate new devices for micromechanical, optical and sensor applications.\",\n \"However, concerning process capability and robustness at application, parallel plate configurations may not always be favorable.\",\n \"Sticking or lamella breakage may occur—especially, when deflection due to external forces or internal stress leads to a touching of two adjacent surfaces.\",\n \"Such situations can occur in acceleration sensors or silicon microphones, for example.\",\n \"Therefore, a structuring process can be used to form bump structures, which can be formed in a way that a minimum contact area ensures a detaching when restoring forces act.\",\n \"An example related to a MEMS microphone 800 is shown in FIG.\",\n \"8.The MEMS microphone 800 comprises a membrane 802 and a back plate 804.As can be seen from the enlarged portion on the right of FIG.\",\n \"8, the back plate 804 also comprises, beside perforation holes 806, anti-sticking or stop bumps 806 facing the membrane 802 to prevent in-use sticking.\",\n \"Some examples of the present disclosure propose to use rounded or curved regions of a silicon-on-nothing cavity to form in-situ processed anti-sticking lines or bumps.\",\n \"One example semiconductor device 900 is illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"9.FIG.\",\n \"9a shows a semiconductor substrate 920 comprising a SON cavity 930 formed into the semiconductor substrate 920, e.g., by using an ESS formation technique.\",\n \"The SON cavity 930 is delimited by sidewalls 932, a bottom portion 934, and a cover portion 936 of semiconductor substrate.\",\n \"Due to the ESS formation technique, the sidewalls 932 have curved transitions 938 toward the bottom portion 934 and the cover portion 936.Said differently, corner regions between the sidewalls 932 and the cover portion 936 or the bottom portion 934 are not rectangular but substantially curved or bent.\",\n \"A curvature radius r of the curved sidewalls 932 can be in the range of h/2, wherein h denotes a height of the cavity 930.A deflectable sensor portion 902 can be obtained from the cover portion 936 by separating the cover portion 936 from the semiconductor substrate 920 except leaving a suspension portion 908 of the semiconductor substrate integrally interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the remaining sensor portion 902.For example, this separation or generation of the sensor portion 902 can be done by forming a vertically extending trench surrounding the sensor portion 902 except the suspension portion 908.In some examples, the vertical trench 940 can be formed as a tangent to the curved sidewalls 932.Thus, the trench 940 for separation of MEMS elements from the surrounding substrate 920 can be positioned at the edge of the rounded portion of the SON cavity 930.In this way, a portion of the curved corner regions 938 remains with the deflectable sensor portion 902 (former cover portion) as anti-sticking or stop bumps 906 at the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench or gap 940.In the illustrated example, the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench 940 has a trumpet-like cross section.\",\n \"That is to say, a thickness of the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench or gap 940 is larger than a thickness of the remaining deflectable sensor portion 902.For example, a ratio between the thickness of the end of the sensor portion 902 and the thickness of the remaining sensor portion 902 may be in the range from 1.01 to 1.2.Thus, an anti-sticking structure 906 can be generated at the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench or gap 940 using a suited separation of silicon-on-nothing structures.\",\n \"For example, this can be done by etching a separating trench 940 in the region of the curved edge of the SON cavity 930.FIG.\",\n \"9c further illustrates providing a sacrificial layer 950 and a sealing layer 960 on top of the semiconductor substrate 920.Sacrificial layer 950 is removed in FIG.\",\n \"9d.\",\n \"Some examples may also use a trench shape producing an interlaced comb-drive like structure.\",\n \"In this way, the contact region may be defined according to the mechanical needs (e.g.\",\n \"spring constant, etc.).\",\n \"Furthermore, the region may be used as a capacitive read out structure (comb drive).\",\n \"A top view such an example with bars 905 of semiconductor material acting as a torsional spring is shown in FIG.\",\n \"10.Thus, a method for manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device 900 is provided, wherein a cavity 930 is formed into a semiconductor substrate 920, for example using an Empty-Space-in-Silicon (ESS) technique.\",\n \"The cavity 930 comprises a bottom 934, a cover 936, and sidewalls 932.A respective sidewall 932 extends from the bottom 934 to the cover 936 and comprises (e.g.\",\n \"due to annealing) a curved transition (curved or bent corner) 938 from the sidewall 932 to the bottom 934 and/or to the cover 936.A trench 940 can be formed tangentially extending to the curved transition 938 of the sidewalls 932 in order to transform the cover 936 of the cavity 930 into a sensor portion 902 which is deflectably suspended in the cavity 930 via a remaining suspension portion 908 of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate 920 and the sensor portion 902.Thereby, tangentially forming the trench 940 causes a portion of the curved transition 938 to become part of the deflectable sensor portion 902.Thus, the separated portion of the curved or rounded transition 938 forms an anti-sticking structure 906 at the end of the sensor portion 902 facing the trench 940.To summarize, some embodiments propose integrating an acceleration sensor structure for measuring in the z-direction (normal to the substrate surface) into the substrate.\",\n \"For this purpose, a Silicon-On-Nothing technology may be used.\",\n \"A proposed variant uses a comb structure suspended on a frame for capacitive tapping.\",\n \"Both the acceleration sensitive element 302 and the frame/electrode 310 for signal tapping are hereby suspended from a common point, which may have a size less than 10 μm×10 μm.\",\n \"Thus seismic elements (or membranes) with an extension of 100 μm×100 μm or more are possible without generating an increased interaction with a housing.\",\n \"The geometry of the suspension enables a largely free design of spring elements and the seismic mass.\",\n \"A benefit of the proposed structure is, on the one hand, the ease of integration into a CMOS process.\",\n \"On the other hand, it provides a very good decoupling of an external stress entry and thus allows the use of low-cost housing options.\",\n \"The fix or suspension point of the electrode on the mechanically rigid frame structure, the torsion spring and the entire frame structure can be defined with a single lithography and etching process.\",\n \"The support structure for the counter electrode on the seismic mass (or membrane) can take very diverse forms.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the frame and the seismic mass (or membrane) may be dielectrically isolated by an oxide layer.\",\n \"Electrical connections may also be made on the suspension portion.\",\n \"Some embodiments use a combination of an SON structure (seismic mass) with a counter electrode, which is fixed to a point-like suspended supporting structure.\",\n \"In this way, the sensor element may be substantially independent of stress applied to the housing and further undesired mechanical influences.\",\n \"Furthermore, embodiments open up the possibility for monolithic integration of the sensor with an ASIC.\",\n \"The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the disclosure.\",\n \"It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within its spirit and scope.\",\n \"Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.\",\n \"Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.\",\n \"Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim may stand on its own as a separate example embodiment.\",\n \"While each claim may stand on its own as a separate example embodiment, it is to be noted that—although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims—other example embodiments may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent or independent claim.\",\n \"Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.\",\n \"Furthermore, it is intended to include also features of a claim to any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.\",\n \"It is further to be noted that methods disclosed in the specification or in the claims may be implemented by a device having means for performing each of the respective acts of these methods.\",\n \"Further, it is to be understood that the disclosure of multiple acts or functions disclosed in the specification or claims may not be construed as to be within the specific order.\",\n \"Therefore, the disclosure of multiple acts or functions will not limit these to a particular order unless such acts or functions are not interchangeable for technical reasons.\",\n \"Furthermore, in some embodiments a single act may include or may be broken into multiple sub acts.\",\n \"Such sub acts may be included and part of the disclosure of this single act unless explicitly excluded.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875068"}}},{"rowIdx":4494770,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["SILENCER AND VEHICLE ENGINE INCLUDING SAME","A silencer having an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows.","The silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing, a first chamber is formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure, and the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, where the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber by perforates.","The disclosure further relates to a vehicle engine having the silencer.","The silencer is compact in structure, and has a better broadband silencing effect."],["1.A silencer, comprising: an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows; an additional perforated structure arranged between the central perforated tube and the outer housing; and a first chamber formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure; wherein the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is in fluidic communication with the first chamber by perforates.","2.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the additional perforated structure is configured as an additional perforated tube which is mounted over the central perforated tube.","3.The silencer according to claim 2, wherein the additional perforated tube is disposed concentrically with the central perforated tube.","4.The silencer according to claim 2, wherein the central perforated tube is adapted to be connected with or integrally formed in one piece with a first end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, and the additional perforated tube is adapted to be connected with or integrally formed in one piece with a second end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, wherein the first end pipe section and the second end pipe section are located at axial opposite sides of the central perforated tube.","5.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is configured so as to be completely located radially outside of the first chamber.","6.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is configured so as to only be in a partial circumferential region of the central perforated tube.","7.The silencer according to claim 6, wherein the second chamber is configured as a box-shaped structure which has a radially outward opening, and the outer housing has a cover plate adapted to close the opening.","8.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber and/or the second chamber is separated axially into a plurality of sub-chambers communicated with each other by a perforated member.","9.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the silencer is adapted for use in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine; and the at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of second chambers which are located radially with respect to each other, and the adjacent second chambers are communicated with each other by perforates.","10.The silencer according to claim 2, wherein the additional perforated tube and/or the central perforated tube have/has a circular cross section and/or the first chamber and/or the second chamber have/has an annular cross section.","11.An air inlet system of a vehicle engine, wherein the air inlet system has a silencer as claimed in claim 1.12.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber and the first chamber have the same axial length and are aligned axially with each other."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Small-displacement turbocharged engines are an important development in the direction of energy-efficient vehicles.","A turbocharged engine improves the power and fuel economy of the vehicle, but also introduced a new problem of noise for an air inlet system, thereby severely impacting the rider's comfort of the vehicle.","The howling generated by a turbocharger adopting a mechanical relief valve during instant operation belongs to typical broadband noises.","A conventional silencer has a narrow silencing frequency range and cannot efficiently suppress this type of noise, and also has high cost and large size.","Perforated broadband silencers are widely applied in air inlet systems of turbocharged engines as excellent silencing elements meeting requirements of both silencing and mounting space, and each include a main tube and several annular resonance chambers.","A desirable broadband silencing effect can be achieved by adjusting the width, diameter and number of the annular resonance chambers and the aperture and number of perforates.","When the perforated silencer is used in a turbocharged engine, the diameter of an air flow main tube depends on the tube diameter of the air inlet system, and the outer diameter of the annular resonance chamber is limited by the mounting space of an engine compartment.","Therefore, the design of the perforated silencer having the expected silencing effect may be constrained in various terms including structure and size.","Moreover, it is further required in practice that the perforated silencer has small flow loss.","However, the existing perforated silencer cannot, at times, achieve the expected silencing effect due to limitations such as the mounting space, and is complicated in structure and high in cost."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An objective of the present invention is to provide a silencer having a more compact structure and desirable broadband silencing effect and a corresponding vehicle engine.","According to a first aspect of the present invention, a silencer is provided, including: an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows; where the silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing; a first chamber is formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure; and the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber by perforates.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated structure is configured as an additional perforated tube which is mounted over the central perforated tube.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated tube is disposed concentrically with the central perforated tube; and/or the additional perforated tube and/or the central perforated tube has circular cross section; and/or the first chamber and/or the second chamber has annular cross section.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the central perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a first end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, and the additional perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a second end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, wherein the first end pipe section and the second end pipe section are located at axial opposite sides of the central perforated tube.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to be completely located radially outside of the first chamber; and/or the second chamber and the first chamber have the same axial length and are aligned axially with each other.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to only be in a partial circumferential region of the central perforated tube.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured as a box-shaped structure which has a radially-outward opening, and the outer housing has a cover plate adapted to close the opening.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the first chamber and/or the second chamber is separated axially into a plurality of sub-chambers, communicated with each other via a perforated member.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the silencer is adapted for use in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine; and/or the at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of second chambers which are located radially with respect to each other, and the adjacent second chambers are communicated with each other via perforates.","According to a second aspect of the present invention, an air inlet system of a vehicle engine is provided, where the air inlet system has the silencer.","The silencer of the present invention has a compact structure and better broadband silencing effect, especially when it is used in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine, the broadband noise of the air inlet system can be obviously suppressed.","According to this invention, the silencer and the air inlet system are not limited to an engine of a vehicle but also incorporate a silencer or an air inlet system for a stationary engine, e.g.","a power generator.","The invention is not limited to an exhaust gas turbo charged engine but also incorporates a silencer and an air inlet system for any other engine charged by other devices like mechanical compressors or electrical driven air chargers."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of International Application No.","PCT/EP2016/065117, filed 29 Jun.","2016 and designating the United States, which claims the benefit of China Application No.","CN 201510436110.7, filed 23 Jul.","2015.The entire contents of the aforesaid international application and the aforesaid China application being incorporated herein by reference.","TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a silencer, which includes an outer housing and a central perforated tube through which air flows.","The present invention further relates to a vehicle engine including a silencer.","BACKGROUND Small-displacement turbocharged engines are an important development in the direction of energy-efficient vehicles.","A turbocharged engine improves the power and fuel economy of the vehicle, but also introduced a new problem of noise for an air inlet system, thereby severely impacting the rider's comfort of the vehicle.","The howling generated by a turbocharger adopting a mechanical relief valve during instant operation belongs to typical broadband noises.","A conventional silencer has a narrow silencing frequency range and cannot efficiently suppress this type of noise, and also has high cost and large size.","Perforated broadband silencers are widely applied in air inlet systems of turbocharged engines as excellent silencing elements meeting requirements of both silencing and mounting space, and each include a main tube and several annular resonance chambers.","A desirable broadband silencing effect can be achieved by adjusting the width, diameter and number of the annular resonance chambers and the aperture and number of perforates.","When the perforated silencer is used in a turbocharged engine, the diameter of an air flow main tube depends on the tube diameter of the air inlet system, and the outer diameter of the annular resonance chamber is limited by the mounting space of an engine compartment.","Therefore, the design of the perforated silencer having the expected silencing effect may be constrained in various terms including structure and size.","Moreover, it is further required in practice that the perforated silencer has small flow loss.","However, the existing perforated silencer cannot, at times, achieve the expected silencing effect due to limitations such as the mounting space, and is complicated in structure and high in cost.","SUMMARY An objective of the present invention is to provide a silencer having a more compact structure and desirable broadband silencing effect and a corresponding vehicle engine.","According to a first aspect of the present invention, a silencer is provided, including: an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows; where the silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing; a first chamber is formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure; and the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber by perforates.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated structure is configured as an additional perforated tube which is mounted over the central perforated tube.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated tube is disposed concentrically with the central perforated tube; and/or the additional perforated tube and/or the central perforated tube has circular cross section; and/or the first chamber and/or the second chamber has annular cross section.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the central perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a first end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, and the additional perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a second end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, wherein the first end pipe section and the second end pipe section are located at axial opposite sides of the central perforated tube.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to be completely located radially outside of the first chamber; and/or the second chamber and the first chamber have the same axial length and are aligned axially with each other.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to only be in a partial circumferential region of the central perforated tube.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured as a box-shaped structure which has a radially-outward opening, and the outer housing has a cover plate adapted to close the opening.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the first chamber and/or the second chamber is separated axially into a plurality of sub-chambers, communicated with each other via a perforated member.","According to an optional solution of the present invention, the silencer is adapted for use in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine; and/or the at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of second chambers which are located radially with respect to each other, and the adjacent second chambers are communicated with each other via perforates.","According to a second aspect of the present invention, an air inlet system of a vehicle engine is provided, where the air inlet system has the silencer.","The silencer of the present invention has a compact structure and better broadband silencing effect, especially when it is used in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine, the broadband noise of the air inlet system can be obviously suppressed.","According to this invention, the silencer and the air inlet system are not limited to an engine of a vehicle but also incorporate a silencer or an air inlet system for a stationary engine, e.g.","a power generator.","The invention is not limited to an exhaust gas turbo charged engine but also incorporates a silencer and an air inlet system for any other engine charged by other devices like mechanical compressors or electrical driven air chargers.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and principles, characteristics and advantages of the present invention may be better understood.","The accompanying drawings include: FIG.","1 shows a three-dimensional sectional diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","2 shows some simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating some possible arrangements, position relations and size relations of a first chamber and a second chamber; and FIG.","3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order for the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions and beneficial technical effects of the present invention must be clear and more comprehensive.","The present invention will be further described in detail through the accompanying drawings and multiple embodiments.","It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the present invention, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.","FIG.","1 shows a three-dimensional sectional diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.","As shown in FIG.","1, the silencer 1 mainly includes an outer housing 2, a first perforated tube 3 and a second perforated tube 4 mounted over the first perforated tube 3, where, the outer housing 2 is mounted over the second perforated tube 4.Preferably, the first perforated tube 3 is disposed concentrically with the second perforated tube 4.A first chamber 5 is formed between the first perforated tube 3 and the second perforated tube 4, and a second chamber 6 is formed between the second perforated tube 4 and the outer housing 2, so as to form two chambers communicated with each other by perforates in a radial direction relative to the air flow.","During use, an air inlet silencer is generally mounted on a main pipeline between an air cleaner and a turbocharger, or between the turbocharger and an intercooler.","Preferably, the first perforated tube 3 is made to have a diameter equal to that of the main pipeline.","As shown in FIG.","1, the first perforated tube 3 is integrally formed with a first end pipe section 7 extending outside of the outer housing 2; the second perforated tube 4 is also integrally formed with a second end pipe section 8 extending outside of the outer housing 2.Preferably, the first end pipe section 7, the first perforated tube 3, and the second end pipe section 8 have the same diameters, and are disposed concentrically.","During mounting, the silencer 1 is embedded into a corresponding main pipeline through the first end pipe section 7 and the second end pipe section 8, or the first end pipe section 7 and the second end pipe section 8 are integrally formed with the main pipeline.","In view of the above, the intake silencer has two chambers communicated with each other in the radial direction, and the chambers, together with perforates in the first and second perforated tubes, form a Helmholtz resonance chamber structure.","When the air flow passes through the first perforated tube, the Helmholtz resonance chamber structure may generate an attenuation effect on the broadband noise.","As being proved by experiments, compared with the conventional perforated silencer having only one chamber in the radial direction, the perforated silencer having multiple chambers communicated with each other in the radial direction has a better silencing effect, especially having a desirable silencing effect for any frequency in a broad frequency band.","Moreover, the silencer in such configuration is compact in structure and low in cost, and can be mounted in a limited space.","It is understandable that changes of parameters such as the aperture, the percentage of perforation, the length of the perforated tube and the chamber capacity may also affect the silencing effect to some extent, and the silencer may be further optimized based on these parameters in practice.","To simplify the structure and facilitate mounting, as shown in FIG.","1, the first perforated tube 3 is provided with a first flange 31 and a second flange 32 that extend outward radially, and the second perforated tube 4 is transited to the second end pipe section 8 through a step 41.During mounting, the first flange 31 is pressed against the step 41, an end 42 of the second perforated tube 4 is embedded into a receiving groove 33 formed in the second flange 32, and the outer housing 2 is mounted over the second perforated tube 4, so that one end of the outer housing 2 is attached to the second end pipe section 8 and the step 41, and the other end is connected to the second flange 32.All portions that need to be connected may implement connection by means of, for example, soldering.","Definitely, the first flange 31 may also be omitted, that is, the end of the first perforated tube 3 is directly pressed against the step 41.The silencer needs three members in total, being simple in structure and convenient in mounting, thereby greatly reducing the manufacturing cost.","It should be noted that the silencer 1 shown in FIG.","1 has two chambers communicated with each other in the radial direction relative to the air flow.","Definitely, the number of chambers is not limited to two, and more chambers are available.","On the other hand, the silencer 1 shown in FIG.","1 is provided with two chambers communicated with each other and arranged radially in the whole circumference; however, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.","According to requirements, for example, specific limits of the mounting space, it may also be allowed that two chambers communicated with each other are provided on a part of the circumference.","For example, two chambers may be disposed merely at one side of the first perforated tube 3.For a person skilled in the art, although the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 shown in FIG.","1 are both annular, the first chamber and the second chamber are not limited to these criteria, and any advantageous shape may be designed according to requirements as long as the two chambers (or more chambers) are arranged radially relative to each other and communicated with each other.","According to a preferred embodiment, the second chamber may be designed as a box-shaped structure.","The box-shaped structure has a radially-outward opening and a cover plate for closing the opening.","The cover plate is preferably connected to the opening by snapping, thereby simplifying mounting and manufacturing processes.","Moreover, according to the technical idea of the present invention, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 may also have different axial lengths, and definitely, may also have different dimensions in other directions, as long as the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged at least partially in a radial position relation relative to each other.","To better understand the technical idea of the present invention, FIG.","2 shows some simplified schematic diagrams, for illustrating some possible arrangements, position relations and size relations between the first chamber and the second chamber, where, an arrow indicates a flowing direction of the air flow passing through the first perforated tube.","In a) and b) of FIG.","2, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 are partially staggered in an axial direction of flowing of the air flow, and the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 have different sizes.","In c) of FIG.","2, the first chamber 5 is completely covered by the second chamber 6 in the axial direction, and in d) of FIG.","2, the first chamber 5 completely covers the second chamber 6 in the axial direction.","In e) and f) of FIG.","2, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 are partially overlapped in a radial direction relative to the air flow.","It should be noted that FIG.","2 merely shows some possible arrangement solutions, and they are not exhaustive.","According to actual situations, other suitable arrangement solutions are viable, as long as the first chamber and the second chamber at least partially form a radial position relative to each other.","FIG.","3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where an arrow indicates a flowing direction of an air flow passing through a first perforated tube.","As shown in FIG.","3, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 are both partitioned into multiple sub-chambers by perforated partition plates 10 substantially extending radially and/or axially.","Specifically, the first chamber 5 is partitioned into three sub-chambers 51, 52 and 53, and the second chamber 6 is also partitioned into three sub-chambers 61, 62 and 63.The sub-chamber 51 is axially communicated with the sub-chamber 52, and the sub-chamber 52 is also axially communicated with the sub-chamber 53.Similarly, the sub-chamber 61 is axially communicated with the sub-chamber 62, and the sub-chamber 62 is also axially communicated with the sub-chamber 63.Moreover, the sub-chamber 51 is radially communicated with the sub-chamber 61.Similarly, the sub-chamber 52 is radially communicated with the sub-chamber 62, and the sub-chamber 53 is radially communicated with the sub-chamber 63.It can be seen that the sub-chambers are communicated with one another.","This structure actually can be considered a serial connection of the structure shown in FIG.","1.For persons skilled in the art, the embodiment shown in FIG.","3 is definitely exemplary.","In fact, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 may also adopt other partition manners.","Even some sub-chambers may be omitted according to actual requirements, and some axially adjacent sub-chambers may not be communicated with each other; all these solutions fall within the scope of the present invention.","The basic idea of the perforated silencer of the present invention lies in that multiple chambers communicated with each other and arranged at least partially in a radial position relation relative to each other are provided at least in a partial circumferential region.","By means of this structure, the silencer may achieve a better broadband silencing effect.","Although the perforated silencer is described by using a silencer for an air inlet system of a vehicle engine as an example, for persons skilled in the art, the perforated silencer definitely can be applied to other scenarios that require silencing the air flow.","Specific implementation manners of the present invention are described in detail here; however, they are provided merely for explanation, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.","Various replacements, variations and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"SILENCER AND VEHICLE ENGINE INCLUDING SAME\",\n \"A silencer having an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows.\",\n \"The silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing, a first chamber is formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure, and the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, where the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber by perforates.\",\n \"The disclosure further relates to a vehicle engine having the silencer.\",\n \"The silencer is compact in structure, and has a better broadband silencing effect.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A silencer, comprising: an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows; an additional perforated structure arranged between the central perforated tube and the outer housing; and a first chamber formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure; wherein the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is in fluidic communication with the first chamber by perforates.\",\n \"2.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the additional perforated structure is configured as an additional perforated tube which is mounted over the central perforated tube.\",\n \"3.The silencer according to claim 2, wherein the additional perforated tube is disposed concentrically with the central perforated tube.\",\n \"4.The silencer according to claim 2, wherein the central perforated tube is adapted to be connected with or integrally formed in one piece with a first end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, and the additional perforated tube is adapted to be connected with or integrally formed in one piece with a second end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, wherein the first end pipe section and the second end pipe section are located at axial opposite sides of the central perforated tube.\",\n \"5.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is configured so as to be completely located radially outside of the first chamber.\",\n \"6.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is configured so as to only be in a partial circumferential region of the central perforated tube.\",\n \"7.The silencer according to claim 6, wherein the second chamber is configured as a box-shaped structure which has a radially outward opening, and the outer housing has a cover plate adapted to close the opening.\",\n \"8.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber and/or the second chamber is separated axially into a plurality of sub-chambers communicated with each other by a perforated member.\",\n \"9.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the silencer is adapted for use in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine; and the at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of second chambers which are located radially with respect to each other, and the adjacent second chambers are communicated with each other by perforates.\",\n \"10.The silencer according to claim 2, wherein the additional perforated tube and/or the central perforated tube have/has a circular cross section and/or the first chamber and/or the second chamber have/has an annular cross section.\",\n \"11.An air inlet system of a vehicle engine, wherein the air inlet system has a silencer as claimed in claim 1.12.The silencer according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber and the first chamber have the same axial length and are aligned axially with each other.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Small-displacement turbocharged engines are an important development in the direction of energy-efficient vehicles.\",\n \"A turbocharged engine improves the power and fuel economy of the vehicle, but also introduced a new problem of noise for an air inlet system, thereby severely impacting the rider's comfort of the vehicle.\",\n \"The howling generated by a turbocharger adopting a mechanical relief valve during instant operation belongs to typical broadband noises.\",\n \"A conventional silencer has a narrow silencing frequency range and cannot efficiently suppress this type of noise, and also has high cost and large size.\",\n \"Perforated broadband silencers are widely applied in air inlet systems of turbocharged engines as excellent silencing elements meeting requirements of both silencing and mounting space, and each include a main tube and several annular resonance chambers.\",\n \"A desirable broadband silencing effect can be achieved by adjusting the width, diameter and number of the annular resonance chambers and the aperture and number of perforates.\",\n \"When the perforated silencer is used in a turbocharged engine, the diameter of an air flow main tube depends on the tube diameter of the air inlet system, and the outer diameter of the annular resonance chamber is limited by the mounting space of an engine compartment.\",\n \"Therefore, the design of the perforated silencer having the expected silencing effect may be constrained in various terms including structure and size.\",\n \"Moreover, it is further required in practice that the perforated silencer has small flow loss.\",\n \"However, the existing perforated silencer cannot, at times, achieve the expected silencing effect due to limitations such as the mounting space, and is complicated in structure and high in cost.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An objective of the present invention is to provide a silencer having a more compact structure and desirable broadband silencing effect and a corresponding vehicle engine.\",\n \"According to a first aspect of the present invention, a silencer is provided, including: an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows; where the silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing; a first chamber is formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure; and the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber by perforates.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated structure is configured as an additional perforated tube which is mounted over the central perforated tube.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated tube is disposed concentrically with the central perforated tube; and/or the additional perforated tube and/or the central perforated tube has circular cross section; and/or the first chamber and/or the second chamber has annular cross section.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the central perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a first end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, and the additional perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a second end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, wherein the first end pipe section and the second end pipe section are located at axial opposite sides of the central perforated tube.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to be completely located radially outside of the first chamber; and/or the second chamber and the first chamber have the same axial length and are aligned axially with each other.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to only be in a partial circumferential region of the central perforated tube.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured as a box-shaped structure which has a radially-outward opening, and the outer housing has a cover plate adapted to close the opening.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the first chamber and/or the second chamber is separated axially into a plurality of sub-chambers, communicated with each other via a perforated member.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the silencer is adapted for use in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine; and/or the at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of second chambers which are located radially with respect to each other, and the adjacent second chambers are communicated with each other via perforates.\",\n \"According to a second aspect of the present invention, an air inlet system of a vehicle engine is provided, where the air inlet system has the silencer.\",\n \"The silencer of the present invention has a compact structure and better broadband silencing effect, especially when it is used in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine, the broadband noise of the air inlet system can be obviously suppressed.\",\n \"According to this invention, the silencer and the air inlet system are not limited to an engine of a vehicle but also incorporate a silencer or an air inlet system for a stationary engine, e.g.\",\n \"a power generator.\",\n \"The invention is not limited to an exhaust gas turbo charged engine but also incorporates a silencer and an air inlet system for any other engine charged by other devices like mechanical compressors or electrical driven air chargers.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/EP2016/065117, filed 29 Jun.\",\n \"2016 and designating the United States, which claims the benefit of China Application No.\",\n \"CN 201510436110.7, filed 23 Jul.\",\n \"2015.The entire contents of the aforesaid international application and the aforesaid China application being incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a silencer, which includes an outer housing and a central perforated tube through which air flows.\",\n \"The present invention further relates to a vehicle engine including a silencer.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Small-displacement turbocharged engines are an important development in the direction of energy-efficient vehicles.\",\n \"A turbocharged engine improves the power and fuel economy of the vehicle, but also introduced a new problem of noise for an air inlet system, thereby severely impacting the rider's comfort of the vehicle.\",\n \"The howling generated by a turbocharger adopting a mechanical relief valve during instant operation belongs to typical broadband noises.\",\n \"A conventional silencer has a narrow silencing frequency range and cannot efficiently suppress this type of noise, and also has high cost and large size.\",\n \"Perforated broadband silencers are widely applied in air inlet systems of turbocharged engines as excellent silencing elements meeting requirements of both silencing and mounting space, and each include a main tube and several annular resonance chambers.\",\n \"A desirable broadband silencing effect can be achieved by adjusting the width, diameter and number of the annular resonance chambers and the aperture and number of perforates.\",\n \"When the perforated silencer is used in a turbocharged engine, the diameter of an air flow main tube depends on the tube diameter of the air inlet system, and the outer diameter of the annular resonance chamber is limited by the mounting space of an engine compartment.\",\n \"Therefore, the design of the perforated silencer having the expected silencing effect may be constrained in various terms including structure and size.\",\n \"Moreover, it is further required in practice that the perforated silencer has small flow loss.\",\n \"However, the existing perforated silencer cannot, at times, achieve the expected silencing effect due to limitations such as the mounting space, and is complicated in structure and high in cost.\",\n \"SUMMARY An objective of the present invention is to provide a silencer having a more compact structure and desirable broadband silencing effect and a corresponding vehicle engine.\",\n \"According to a first aspect of the present invention, a silencer is provided, including: an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows; where the silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing; a first chamber is formed between the central perforated tube and the additional perforated structure; and the additional perforated structure is configured such that at least one second chamber is formed, which is at least partially located radially outside of the first chamber, wherein the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber by perforates.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated structure is configured as an additional perforated tube which is mounted over the central perforated tube.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the additional perforated tube is disposed concentrically with the central perforated tube; and/or the additional perforated tube and/or the central perforated tube has circular cross section; and/or the first chamber and/or the second chamber has annular cross section.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the central perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a first end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, and the additional perforated tube is adapted to be connected to or integrally formed with a second end pipe section located axially outside of the outer housing, wherein the first end pipe section and the second end pipe section are located at axial opposite sides of the central perforated tube.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to be completely located radially outside of the first chamber; and/or the second chamber and the first chamber have the same axial length and are aligned axially with each other.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured so as to only be in a partial circumferential region of the central perforated tube.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the second chamber is configured as a box-shaped structure which has a radially-outward opening, and the outer housing has a cover plate adapted to close the opening.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the first chamber and/or the second chamber is separated axially into a plurality of sub-chambers, communicated with each other via a perforated member.\",\n \"According to an optional solution of the present invention, the silencer is adapted for use in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine; and/or the at least one second chamber comprises a plurality of second chambers which are located radially with respect to each other, and the adjacent second chambers are communicated with each other via perforates.\",\n \"According to a second aspect of the present invention, an air inlet system of a vehicle engine is provided, where the air inlet system has the silencer.\",\n \"The silencer of the present invention has a compact structure and better broadband silencing effect, especially when it is used in an air inlet system of a vehicle engine, the broadband noise of the air inlet system can be obviously suppressed.\",\n \"According to this invention, the silencer and the air inlet system are not limited to an engine of a vehicle but also incorporate a silencer or an air inlet system for a stationary engine, e.g.\",\n \"a power generator.\",\n \"The invention is not limited to an exhaust gas turbo charged engine but also incorporates a silencer and an air inlet system for any other engine charged by other devices like mechanical compressors or electrical driven air chargers.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and principles, characteristics and advantages of the present invention may be better understood.\",\n \"The accompanying drawings include: FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a three-dimensional sectional diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"2 shows some simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating some possible arrangements, position relations and size relations of a first chamber and a second chamber; and FIG.\",\n \"3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION In order for the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions and beneficial technical effects of the present invention must be clear and more comprehensive.\",\n \"The present invention will be further described in detail through the accompanying drawings and multiple embodiments.\",\n \"It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the present invention, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a three-dimensional sectional diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, the silencer 1 mainly includes an outer housing 2, a first perforated tube 3 and a second perforated tube 4 mounted over the first perforated tube 3, where, the outer housing 2 is mounted over the second perforated tube 4.Preferably, the first perforated tube 3 is disposed concentrically with the second perforated tube 4.A first chamber 5 is formed between the first perforated tube 3 and the second perforated tube 4, and a second chamber 6 is formed between the second perforated tube 4 and the outer housing 2, so as to form two chambers communicated with each other by perforates in a radial direction relative to the air flow.\",\n \"During use, an air inlet silencer is generally mounted on a main pipeline between an air cleaner and a turbocharger, or between the turbocharger and an intercooler.\",\n \"Preferably, the first perforated tube 3 is made to have a diameter equal to that of the main pipeline.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, the first perforated tube 3 is integrally formed with a first end pipe section 7 extending outside of the outer housing 2; the second perforated tube 4 is also integrally formed with a second end pipe section 8 extending outside of the outer housing 2.Preferably, the first end pipe section 7, the first perforated tube 3, and the second end pipe section 8 have the same diameters, and are disposed concentrically.\",\n \"During mounting, the silencer 1 is embedded into a corresponding main pipeline through the first end pipe section 7 and the second end pipe section 8, or the first end pipe section 7 and the second end pipe section 8 are integrally formed with the main pipeline.\",\n \"In view of the above, the intake silencer has two chambers communicated with each other in the radial direction, and the chambers, together with perforates in the first and second perforated tubes, form a Helmholtz resonance chamber structure.\",\n \"When the air flow passes through the first perforated tube, the Helmholtz resonance chamber structure may generate an attenuation effect on the broadband noise.\",\n \"As being proved by experiments, compared with the conventional perforated silencer having only one chamber in the radial direction, the perforated silencer having multiple chambers communicated with each other in the radial direction has a better silencing effect, especially having a desirable silencing effect for any frequency in a broad frequency band.\",\n \"Moreover, the silencer in such configuration is compact in structure and low in cost, and can be mounted in a limited space.\",\n \"It is understandable that changes of parameters such as the aperture, the percentage of perforation, the length of the perforated tube and the chamber capacity may also affect the silencing effect to some extent, and the silencer may be further optimized based on these parameters in practice.\",\n \"To simplify the structure and facilitate mounting, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, the first perforated tube 3 is provided with a first flange 31 and a second flange 32 that extend outward radially, and the second perforated tube 4 is transited to the second end pipe section 8 through a step 41.During mounting, the first flange 31 is pressed against the step 41, an end 42 of the second perforated tube 4 is embedded into a receiving groove 33 formed in the second flange 32, and the outer housing 2 is mounted over the second perforated tube 4, so that one end of the outer housing 2 is attached to the second end pipe section 8 and the step 41, and the other end is connected to the second flange 32.All portions that need to be connected may implement connection by means of, for example, soldering.\",\n \"Definitely, the first flange 31 may also be omitted, that is, the end of the first perforated tube 3 is directly pressed against the step 41.The silencer needs three members in total, being simple in structure and convenient in mounting, thereby greatly reducing the manufacturing cost.\",\n \"It should be noted that the silencer 1 shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 has two chambers communicated with each other in the radial direction relative to the air flow.\",\n \"Definitely, the number of chambers is not limited to two, and more chambers are available.\",\n \"On the other hand, the silencer 1 shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 is provided with two chambers communicated with each other and arranged radially in the whole circumference; however, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.\",\n \"According to requirements, for example, specific limits of the mounting space, it may also be allowed that two chambers communicated with each other are provided on a part of the circumference.\",\n \"For example, two chambers may be disposed merely at one side of the first perforated tube 3.For a person skilled in the art, although the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 are both annular, the first chamber and the second chamber are not limited to these criteria, and any advantageous shape may be designed according to requirements as long as the two chambers (or more chambers) are arranged radially relative to each other and communicated with each other.\",\n \"According to a preferred embodiment, the second chamber may be designed as a box-shaped structure.\",\n \"The box-shaped structure has a radially-outward opening and a cover plate for closing the opening.\",\n \"The cover plate is preferably connected to the opening by snapping, thereby simplifying mounting and manufacturing processes.\",\n \"Moreover, according to the technical idea of the present invention, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 may also have different axial lengths, and definitely, may also have different dimensions in other directions, as long as the first chamber and the second chamber are arranged at least partially in a radial position relation relative to each other.\",\n \"To better understand the technical idea of the present invention, FIG.\",\n \"2 shows some simplified schematic diagrams, for illustrating some possible arrangements, position relations and size relations between the first chamber and the second chamber, where, an arrow indicates a flowing direction of the air flow passing through the first perforated tube.\",\n \"In a) and b) of FIG.\",\n \"2, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 are partially staggered in an axial direction of flowing of the air flow, and the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 have different sizes.\",\n \"In c) of FIG.\",\n \"2, the first chamber 5 is completely covered by the second chamber 6 in the axial direction, and in d) of FIG.\",\n \"2, the first chamber 5 completely covers the second chamber 6 in the axial direction.\",\n \"In e) and f) of FIG.\",\n \"2, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 are partially overlapped in a radial direction relative to the air flow.\",\n \"It should be noted that FIG.\",\n \"2 merely shows some possible arrangement solutions, and they are not exhaustive.\",\n \"According to actual situations, other suitable arrangement solutions are viable, as long as the first chamber and the second chamber at least partially form a radial position relative to each other.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a perforated broadband silencer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where an arrow indicates a flowing direction of an air flow passing through a first perforated tube.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 are both partitioned into multiple sub-chambers by perforated partition plates 10 substantially extending radially and/or axially.\",\n \"Specifically, the first chamber 5 is partitioned into three sub-chambers 51, 52 and 53, and the second chamber 6 is also partitioned into three sub-chambers 61, 62 and 63.The sub-chamber 51 is axially communicated with the sub-chamber 52, and the sub-chamber 52 is also axially communicated with the sub-chamber 53.Similarly, the sub-chamber 61 is axially communicated with the sub-chamber 62, and the sub-chamber 62 is also axially communicated with the sub-chamber 63.Moreover, the sub-chamber 51 is radially communicated with the sub-chamber 61.Similarly, the sub-chamber 52 is radially communicated with the sub-chamber 62, and the sub-chamber 53 is radially communicated with the sub-chamber 63.It can be seen that the sub-chambers are communicated with one another.\",\n \"This structure actually can be considered a serial connection of the structure shown in FIG.\",\n \"1.For persons skilled in the art, the embodiment shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 is definitely exemplary.\",\n \"In fact, the first chamber 5 and the second chamber 6 may also adopt other partition manners.\",\n \"Even some sub-chambers may be omitted according to actual requirements, and some axially adjacent sub-chambers may not be communicated with each other; all these solutions fall within the scope of the present invention.\",\n \"The basic idea of the perforated silencer of the present invention lies in that multiple chambers communicated with each other and arranged at least partially in a radial position relation relative to each other are provided at least in a partial circumferential region.\",\n \"By means of this structure, the silencer may achieve a better broadband silencing effect.\",\n \"Although the perforated silencer is described by using a silencer for an air inlet system of a vehicle engine as an example, for persons skilled in the art, the perforated silencer definitely can be applied to other scenarios that require silencing the air flow.\",\n \"Specific implementation manners of the present invention are described in detail here; however, they are provided merely for explanation, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.\",\n \"Various replacements, variations and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875074"}}},{"rowIdx":4494771,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["AID REASSIGNMENT METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SAID AID REASSIGNMENT METHOD","Disclosed are an AID reassignment method capable of optimally operating a wireless LAN system, and an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.","The method comprises the steps of: generating a reconnection request frame for an AID reassignment request; transmitting the generated reconnection request frame to the currently associated access point; and receiving a reconnection response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.","Thus, the AID of the currently associated terminal can be dynamically reassigned according to a change in the characteristics of the terminal, thus operating a wireless LAN system in an optimum manner."],["1.A method by a terminal for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment request, the method comprising: establishing, by the terminal, an association with an access point, wherein an AID is assigned to a station by establishing the association; generating, by the terminal to which a first AID has been assigned by the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, a request frame for an AID reassignment request; transmitting the generated request frame to the access point with which the terminal is currently associated; and receiving a response frame including information on a second AID from the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame includes an AID reassignment request element.","3.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame includes second information indicating whether listen interval information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises listen interval information of the terminal according to the second information.","4.The method of claim 1, wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a listen interval of the terminal being changed.","5.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame is a reassociation request frame, and the response frame is a reassociation response frame.","6.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame is an AID assignment request frame for AID change, and the response frame is an AID assignment response frame for AID change.","7.A method by an access point for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment, the method comprising: establishing, by the access point, an association with a station, wherein an AID is assigned to the station by establishing the association; receiving, from a terminal which is currently associated with the access point and a first AID having been assigned to the terminal by the access point, a request frame for AID reassignment request; and transmitting a response frame including information on a second AID to the terminal, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.","8.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame includes an AID reassignment request element.","9.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame includes second information indicating whether listen interval information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises listen interval information of the terminal according to the second information.","10.The method of claim 7, wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a listen interval of the terminal being changed.","11.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame is a reassociation request frame, and the response frame is a reassociation response frame.","12.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame is an AID assignment request frame for AID change, and the response frame is an AID assignment response frame for AID change.","13.A terminal for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment request, the terminal comprising: a transceiver; and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to: establish, by the terminal, an association with an access point, wherein an AID is assigned to a station by establishing the association; generate, when a first AID has been assigned to the terminal by the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, a request frame for an AID reassignment request; transmit, using the transceiver, the generated request frame to the access point with which the terminal is currently associated; and receive, using the transceiver, a response frame including information on a second AID from the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.","14.An access point for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment, the access point comprising: a transceiver; and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to: establish, by the access point, an association with a station, wherein an AID is assigned to the station by establishing the association; receive, using the transceiver, from a terminal which is currently associated with the access point and a first AID having been assigned to the terminal by the access point, a request frame for AID reassignment request; and transmit, using the transceiver, a response frame including information on a second AID to the terminal, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.","15.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame includes an AID reassignment request element.","16.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame includes second information indicating whether listen interval information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises listen interval information of the terminal according to the second information.","17.The access point of claim 14, wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a listen interval of the terminal being changed.","18.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame is a reassociation request frame, and the response frame is a reassociation response frame.","19.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame is an AID assignment request frame for AID change, and the response frame is an AID assignment response frame for AID change."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Accordingly, example embodiments of the present invention are provided to substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.","Example embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which may optimally operate a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to a change in characteristics of a terminal.","Example embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.","In some example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by a terminal, the method includes generating a reassociation request frame for an AID reassignment request, transmitting the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point, and receiving a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.","The generating of the reassociation request frame for the AID reassignment request may include generating the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","The reassociation request frame may further include a service type element, and when the AID reassignment cause field includes the service type change information, the service type element may include a service type that is changed based on the service type change information.","The method may further include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed.","The determining of whether the AID reassignment is needed may include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.","In other example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by an access point, the method includes receiving a reassociation request frame from a currently associated terminal, reassigning an AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame, and transmitting a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal.","The receiving of the reassociation request frame from the currently associated terminal may include receiving the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element from the currently associated terminal.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The reassigning of the AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame may include checking a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and reassigning the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element when the reassociation request frame is checked to be the AID reassignment request.","The reassociation response frame may include at least one of AID reassignment success information, AID reassignment failure information, and information on the reassigned AID.","In still other example embodiments, a terminal includes a transceiving unit and a processing unit configured to generate a reassociation request frame for an association ID (AID) reassignment request; transmit the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point; and receive a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.","The processing unit may generate a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","The processing unit may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of the traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.","In yet still other example embodiments, an access point includes a communication unit and a processing unit configured to reassign an association ID (AID) of a terminal based on a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element received from the terminal through the communication unit and transmit a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal through the communication unit.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The processing unit may check a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and, when the reassociation request frame is checked to be an AID reassignment request, reassign the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM FOR PRIORITY This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/411,302, filed on Dec. 24, 2014, which is a National Stage of International Patent Application No.","PCT/KR2013/005756, filed on Jun.","28, 2013, which claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.","10-2012-0069980, filed on Jun.","28, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.","BACKGROUND 1.Technical Field Example embodiments of the present invention relate in general to a wireless communication technology and more specifically to a method of reassigning an association ID (AID) and an apparatus for performing the same, which allow an optimal operation of a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to a change in characteristics of a terminal.","2.Related Art Various wireless communication techniques are being developed along with the recent development of an information communication technology.","In particular, wireless local area network (WLAN) is a technology that can provide a wireless connection to the Internet in a limited service area such as a home or office building using portable terminals, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and a portable multimedia player (PMP) based on a wireless frequency technology.","Standards for WLAN technology is developed and standardized by IEEE 802.11 working group (WG) in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) 802.11.IEEE 802.11a provides a maximum PHY data rate of 54 Mbps using 5 GHz unlicensed band.","IEEE 802.11b provides a maximum PHY data rate of 11 Mbps by using direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) in 2.4 GHz band.","IEEE 802.11g supports a maximum PHY data rate of 54 Mbps by using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in 2.4 GHz band.","IEEE 802.11n provides a maximum PHY data rate of 300 Mbps using 40 MHz bandwidth with two spatial streams and a maximum PHY data rate of 600 Mbps using 40 MHz bandwidth with four spatial streams.","Along with the wide deployment of WLAN and the diversification of applications using WLAN, new WLAN techniques are increasingly needed to support higher throughput than IEEE 802.11n.","Very high throughput (VHT) WLAN is one of 802.11 WLAN techniques, which is proposed to support a data processing rate of 1 Gbps or more.","In particular, IEEE 802.11ac is developed as a standard for providing a very high throughput on the 5 GHz band, and IEEE 802.11ad is developed as a standard for providing a very high throughput on the 60 GHz band.","In systems based on the WLAN techniques, an access point assigns individual association IDs (AIDs) to terminals in the order in which the terminals are associated with the access point.","However, when 6,000 or more terminals are required to be supported (for example, 802.11ah), the access point groups terminals having similar characteristics and assigns AIDs to the grouped terminals to perform effective management.","That is, the access point may adjust a network traffic amount and a simultaneous channel access amount by grouping a plurality of terminal in units of pages and setting traffic indication map (TIM) elements at different periods.","When the traffic is overloaded at a TIM setting period, AIDs are needed to be reassigned to change some of terminals in a specific page group to another page group.","In addition, when a service type or a traffic characteristic of a terminal is changed, the AID is needed to be correspondingly reassigned.","In order to the above-described need, research is being conducted on an AID assignment request, but a detailed method for AID assignment is not yet revealed.","SUMMARY Accordingly, example embodiments of the present invention are provided to substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.","Example embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which may optimally operate a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to a change in characteristics of a terminal.","Example embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.","In some example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by a terminal, the method includes generating a reassociation request frame for an AID reassignment request, transmitting the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point, and receiving a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.","The generating of the reassociation request frame for the AID reassignment request may include generating the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","The reassociation request frame may further include a service type element, and when the AID reassignment cause field includes the service type change information, the service type element may include a service type that is changed based on the service type change information.","The method may further include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed.","The determining of whether the AID reassignment is needed may include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.","In other example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by an access point, the method includes receiving a reassociation request frame from a currently associated terminal, reassigning an AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame, and transmitting a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal.","The receiving of the reassociation request frame from the currently associated terminal may include receiving the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element from the currently associated terminal.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The reassigning of the AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame may include checking a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and reassigning the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element when the reassociation request frame is checked to be the AID reassignment request.","The reassociation response frame may include at least one of AID reassignment success information, AID reassignment failure information, and information on the reassigned AID.","In still other example embodiments, a terminal includes a transceiving unit and a processing unit configured to generate a reassociation request frame for an association ID (AID) reassignment request; transmit the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point; and receive a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.","The processing unit may generate a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","The processing unit may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of the traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.","In yet still other example embodiments, an access point includes a communication unit and a processing unit configured to reassign an association ID (AID) of a terminal based on a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element received from the terminal through the communication unit and transmit a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal through the communication unit.","The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","The processing unit may check a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and, when the reassociation request frame is checked to be an AID reassignment request, reassign the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Example embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 is a conceptual view showing a configuration of an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","2 is a conceptual view showing an association process for data transmission in a WLAN system; FIG.","3 is a conceptual view showing a TIM element format; FIG.","4 is a conceptual view showing a mechanism of a power save mode in a WLAN system; FIG.","5 is a conceptual view showing a hierarchical AID structure; FIG.","6 is a conceptual view showing a TIM element that is set at different periods from a grouped page; FIG.","7 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure; FIG.","8 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","9 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","10 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment request element format according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","11 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment cause field according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","12 is a conceptual view showing a service type element format according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","13 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by an access point according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","14 is a conceptual view showing a reassignment response frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.","15 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG.","16 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.","DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Since the present invention may be variously modified and have several exemplary embodiments, specific exemplary embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and be described in detail in a detailed description.","However, it should be understood that the particular embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific forms, but rather the present disclosure is meant to cover all modification, similarities, and alternatives which are included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.","It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.","may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.","These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.","For example, a first component may be designated as a second component, and similarly, the second component may be designated as the second component.","The use of the term of ‘and/or’ means that combination of a plurality of related and described items or one items among a plurality of related and described items is included.","When it is mentioned that a certain component is “coupled with” or “connected with” another component, it may be understood that another component can exist between the two components although the component can be directly coupled or connected with the another component.","Meanwhile, when it is mentioned that a certain component is “directly coupled with” or “directly connected with” another component, it has to be understood that another component does not exist between the two components.","In the following description, the technical terms are used only for explaining a specific exemplary embodiment while not limiting the present disclosure.","Singular forms used herein are intended to include plural forms unless explicitly indicated otherwise.","It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or a combination thereof.","Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.","Terms such as terms that are generally used and have been in dictionaries should be construed as having meanings matched with contextual meanings in the art.","In this description, unless defined clearly, terms are not ideally, excessively construed as formal meanings.","Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.","In describing the invention, in order to facilitate the entire understanding of the invention, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.","Throughout this specification, a station (hereinafter also referred to as an STA) is any functional medium including a medium access control (MAC) and wireless-medium physical layer (PHY) interface conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard.","The STA may include an access point (AP) STA and non-AP STA.","The AP STA may be simply referred to as an access point (hereinafter also referred to as an AP), and the non-AP STA is simply referred to as a terminal.","The STA includes a processor and a transceiver, and may further include a user interface, a display device, and so on.","The processor is a functional unit devised to generate a frame to be transmitted through a wireless network or to process a frame received through the wireless network, and performs various functions to control the STA.","The transceiver is functionally connected to the processor and is a functional unit devised to transmit and receive a frame for the STA through the wireless network.","The AP may be called a convergence controller, a base station (BS), a node-B, an eNode0B, a base transceiver system, or a site controller, and may include some or all of functions thereof.","The terminal may be called a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a user terminal (UT), a wireless terminal, an access terminal (AT), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station (SS), a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a mobile node, a mobile, or the like.","Examples of the terminal may include, but are not limited to, a cellular phone, a smart phone with a wireless communication function, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a wireless communication function, a wireless modem, a portable computer with a wireless communication function, an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera with a wireless communication function, a gaming apparatus with a wireless communication function, a home appliance for storing and playing music files with a wireless communication function, an Internet home appliance capable of wireless Internet connection and browsing as well as portable units or terminals incorporating combinations of the functions.","FIG.","1 is a conceptual view showing a configuration of an IEEE 802.11 WLAN system according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","1, the IEEE 802.11 WLAN system includes at least one basic service set (BSS).","The BBS denotes a set of stations STA 1, STA 2 (AP 1), STA 3, STA 4, STA 5 (AP 2) that may be successfully synchronized to communicate with one another, but does not denote a certain region.","The BBS may be classified into an infrastructure BSS and an independent BSS (IBSS).","BBS 1 and BBS 2 denote the infrastructure BSS.","BBS 1 may include a terminal STA 1, an access point STA 2 (AP 1) that provides a distribution service, and a distribution system (DS) that connects a plurality of access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2).","In BSS 1, the access point STA 2 (AP 1) manages the terminal STA 1.BBS 2 may include the terminals STA 3 and STA 4, an access point STA 5 (AP 2) that provides a distribution service, and a distribution system that connects the plurality of access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2).","In BSS 2, the access point STA 5 (AP 2) manages the terminals STA 3 and STA 4.The independent BSS (IBSS) is a BSS that operates in an ad-hoc mode.","Since the IBSS does not include an access point, there is no centralized management entity for performing a central management function.","That is, in the IBSS, terminals are managed in a distributed manner.","The IBSS is a self-contained network, in which all terminals may be mobile terminals and may be disallowed to access the distribution system (DS).","The access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2) provide a connection to the DS through a wireless medium for the associated terminals STA 1, STA 3 and STA 4.In BSS 1 or BSS 2, generally, a communication between the terminals STA 1, STA 3, and STA 4 is made through the access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2).","However, when a direct link is established, a direct communication between the terminals STA 1, STA 3, and STA 4 is enabled.","A plurality of infrastructure BBSs may be interconnected through the DS.","The plurality of BBSs connected to each other through the DS is called an extended service set (ESS).","STAs included in the ESS may communicate with each other, and within the same ESS, a terminal may move from one BSS to another BSS while communicating in a seamless manner.","The DS is a mechanism in which one AP communicates with another AP.","By using the DS, an AP may transmit a frame to terminals that is associated with a BSS managed by the AP, or transmit a frame to a terminal that has moved to another BSS.","In addition, the AP may transmit and receive a frame to and from an external network such as a wired network.","The DS is not necessarily a network and has no limitation in its form as long as a predetermined distribution service specified in the IEEE 802.11 standard can be provided.","For example, the DS may be a wireless network such as a mesh network, or may be a physical structure for interconnecting APs.","An AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below, may be applied to the above IEEE 802.11 WLAN system and also various networks such as a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless body area network (WBAN), and so on.","FIG.","2 is a conceptual view showing an association process for data transmission in a WLAN system.","In order for a terminal STA to transmit and receive data in an infrastructure BSS, first, the terminal STA should be associated with an AP.","Referring to FIG.","2, the association process of the terminal STA in the infrastructure BSS may include: 1) probe step of probing an AP, 2) authentication step of authenticating the probed AP, and 3) association step of associating with the authenticated AP.","First, the terminal STA may probe neighboring APs through the probe process.","The probe process includes a passive scanning method and an active scanning method.","The passive scanning method may be performed by overhearing beacons that are transmitted by the neighboring APs.","On the other hand, the active scanning method may be performed by broadcasting a probe request frame.","Upon receiving the probe request frame, the AP may transmit a probe response frame corresponding to the probe request frame to the terminal STA.","The terminal STA may check the presence of the neighboring APs by receiving the probe response frame.","Subsequently, the terminal STA performs authentication with the probed APs, and may perform the authentication with the plurality of APs.","An authentication algorithm conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard includes an open system algorithm that exchanges two authentication frames and a shared key algorithm that exchanges four authentication frames.","Through a process of exchanging the authentication request frame and the authentication response frame based on the authentication algorithm, the terminal STA may perform authentication with the AP.","Last, the terminal STA selects one AP from among the authenticated plurality of APs and performs an association process with the selected AP.","That is, the terminal STA transmits an association request frame to the selected AP.","Upon receiving the association request frame, the AP transmits the terminal STA to an association response frame corresponding to the association request frame.","As such, through the process of exchanging the association request frame and the association response frame, the terminal STA may perform the association process with the AP.","FIG.","3 is a block diagram showing an element of a traffic indication map (TIM) included in a beacon according to an embodiment of the present invention.","In the IEEE 802.11 WLAN system, when there is data to be transmitted to the terminal, the AP notifies the terminal that there is data to be transmitted using a TIM in a beacon frame that is periodically transmitted.","Referring to FIG.","3, the TIM includes an element ID field, a length field, a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) count field, a DTIM period field, a bitmap control field, and a partial virtual bitmap field.","The length field indicates a length of an information field.","The DTIM count field indicates the number of beacons before the DTIM.","When a DTIM count is 0, a current TIM is the DTIM.","The DTIM count field is composed of 1 octet.","The DTIM period field indicates the number of beacon intervals between consecutive DTIMs.","If all TIMs are the DTIMs, a value of the DTIM period field is 1.The DTIM period field is composed of 1 octet.","The bitmap control field is composed of 1 octet, and a bit number 0 of the bitmap control field denotes a traffic indicator bit that is associated with an association ID (AID) 0.When the bit is set as 1 and the value of the DTIM count field is 0, it can be seen that at least one multicast or broadcast frame is buffered in the AP.","The remaining 7 bits of the bitmap control field form a bitmap offset.","Since the length field of the TIM element format is 1 octet, the partial virtual bitmap may have up to 251 octets, which may represent a total of 2,007 (8×251−1) terminals.","In addition, each bit of the partial virtual bitmap field corresponds to a traffic that is buffered for a specific terminal.","In a case in which an AID of any terminal is N, a bit number N of the partial virtual bitmap field is set as 0 when there is no buffered traffic and the bit number N of the partial virtual bitmap field is set as 1 when there is buffered traffic.","FIG.","4 is a conceptual view showing a data transmission process of an access point according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","4, the AP broadcasts a beacon periodically and may broadcast a beacon including the DTIM at every 3 beacon intervals.","The terminals STA 1 and STA2 periodically wake up from a power save mode (PSM) and receive the beacon, and check the TIM or DTIM included in the beacon to determine whether the data to be transmitted to the terminals is buffered in the AP.","In this case, when there is the buffered data, the terminals STA 1 and STA 2 maintain awake and receive the data from the AP.","When there is no buffered data, the terminals STA 1 and STA 2 return to the PSM (that is, a doze state).","That is, when a bit in the TIM corresponding to an AID of the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 is set as 1, the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 transmits, to the AP, a power save (PS)-Poll frame (or a trigger frame) that informs the AP that the terminal STA is awake and ready to receive data.","The AP may determine that the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 is ready to receive the data by receiving the PS-Poll frame and then may transmit the data or an acknowledgement (ACK) to the terminal STA 1 or STA 2.When the AP transmits the ACK to the terminal STA 1 or STA 2, the AP transmits data to the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 at an appropriate time.","On the other hand, when the bit in the TIM corresponding to the AID of the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 is set as 0, the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 returns to the PSM.","FIG.","5 is a conceptual view showing a hierarchical AID structure, FIG.","6 is a conceptual view showing a TIM element that is set at different periods from a grouped page, and FIG.","7 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure.","Referring to FIG.","5, the hierarchical AID structure may include a page ID, a block index, and an STA bit position index in a sub-block.","Through the above-described hierarchical AID structure, 2,007 terminals or more may be represented and managed as a TIM bitmap.","Referring to FIG.","6, the AP groups a plurality of terminals in units of pages to set a TIM element at different periods according to characteristics of a terminal.","For example, if terminals belonging to Page 1 have a small amount of traffic, the TIM element is set to the DTIM beacon for the terminals belonging to Page 1.In addition, if terminals belonging to Page 2 have a large amount of traffic, the TIM element may be set to every beacon for the terminals belong to Page 2, thus simultaneously controlling the amount of traffic and the amount of channel connection.","However, the AID of the terminal is needed to be reassigned when a service type of the terminal that is grouped in units of pages is changed (for example, the terminal has a different traffic pattern), when a remaining battery life of the terminal is changed, or when a listen interval is needed to be changed.","Typically, the terminal uses the reassociation request frame as shown in FIG.","7 to reassign an AID of the terminal.","However, generally, the reassociation request frame shown in FIG.","7 is a frame that is transmitted by the terminal to connect to an AP of a different basic service set (BSS) in an extended service set (ESS), That is, when the terminal requests an AID reassociation to the currently associated access point, the terminal does not have to transmit a reassociation request frame including all information elements as shown in FIG.","7.FIG.","8 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","8, the terminal 100 determines whether the AID reassignment is currently needed (S810).","Here, the terminal 100 may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal 100.For example, when a transmission traffic amount is significantly reduced, or when a remaining battery life is less than a predetermined amount, the terminal determines that the AID reassignment is needed to wake up at longer intervals than before.","When it is determined through operation S810 that the AID reassignment is needed, the terminal 100 generates a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element (S820).","Here, the terminal 100 generates a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.","In addition, since the reassociation request frame is a frame that is transmitted to a currently associated AP, the reassociation request frame may include a capability field, a listen interval field, a current AP address field, a service set identifier (SSID) field, a supported rates field, and the AID reassignment request element.","In addition, the AID reassignment request element may include an element ID field, a length field, and an AID reassignment cause field.","Here, the AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","In addition, the reassociation request frame may further include a service type element.","As such, when the reassociation request frame further includes the service type element, the terminal 100 may add, to the service type element, a service type that is changed based on the service type change information of the terminal 100 included in the AID reassignment cause field.","The terminal 100 transmits the reassociation request frame generated through operation S820 to a currently associated AP (S830).","Subsequently, the terminal 100 receives, from the AP, a reassignment response frame including the reassigned AID as a response to the reassociation request frame that is transmitted through operation S830 (S840).","The above description of the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention has exemplified the AID reassignment cause in a case in which the service type is changed, the terminal is changed to a low power mode according to a remaining batter situation, or the listen interval is needed to be changed.","However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the AID reassignment cause is not limited as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.","The above-described reassociation request frame structure, an AID reassignment request element format, an AID reassignment cause field, and a service type element format will be described below with reference to FIGS.","9 to 12.FIG.","9 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.","10 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment request element format according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.","11 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment cause field according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.","12 is a conceptual view showing a service type element format according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","9, when it is determined that the reassignment of the AID of the terminal 100 is needed, the terminal 100 transmits a reassociation request frame to the currently associated AP 200.Here, since the AP 200 is the currently associated AP 200, an extended supported rates element, a power capability element, a supported channels element, a robust security network (RSN) element, a quality of service (QoS) capability element, an RM enabled capabilities element, and a mobility domain element may be excluded from the existing reassociation request frame.","In addition, the reassociation request frame that is transmitted by the terminal 100 to the AP 200 may include a capability element, a listen interval element, a current AP address element, an SSID element, and a supported rates element, and may additionally include an AID reassignment request element and a service type element to request AID reassignment.","Referring to FIG.","10, the AID reassignment request element may include 1 octet element ID field, 1 octet length field, and 1 octet AID reassignment cause field.","In particular, as described in FIG.","11, the cause for requesting the AID reassignment may be represented in units of bits in the AID reassignment cause field.","Here, the AID reassignment cause field may include cases in which (1) a service type is changed, that is, a service type of an application layer is changed (for example, the change of the traffic pattern), (2) the terminal is changed to a low power mode according to a remaining battery life, and (3) the listen interval is needed to be changed.","In addition, the AID reassignment cause field may additionally include any case when the AID is needed to be reassigned.","Referring to FIG.","12, when the service type is changed, an AID reassignment cause may add the changed service type to the service type element among the reassociation request frame shown in FIG.","9.Here, the service type element may include an element ID, a length, and a service type.","FIG.","13 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by an access point according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.","14 is a conceptual view showing a reassignment response frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","13, the AP 200 receives a reassociation request frame including the AID reassignment request element from the terminal 100 (S1310).","Here, the AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field that represents a cause for requesting the AID reassignment.","The AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","The AP 200 checks an AP address element, an SSID element, and an AID reassignment request element, which are included in the reassociation request frame received through operation S1310 (S1320) and determines whether the received reassociation request frame is checked to be an AID reassignment request (S1330).","Here, the AP 200 may check that the terminal 100 is the currently associated terminal through the check of the AP address and the SSID and may determine whether the reassociation request frame is an AID reassignment request through the check of the AID reassignment request element.","When the reassociation request frame received through operation S1330 is an AID reassignment request, the AP 200 reassigns an AID of the terminal 100 based on an AID assignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element (S1340).","Specifically, the AP 200 may reassign the AID such that the terminal 100 wakes up at every beacon when the AID assignment cause is that the amount of traffic of the terminal 100 increases.","On the other hand, when the amount of traffic of the terminal 100 decreases, the AP 200 may reassign the AID such that the terminal 100 wakes up at longer intervals than before.","Alternatively, when the remaining batter is almost empty, or when the listen interval is needed to be long, the AP 200 may reassign the AID such that the terminal 100 wakes up at longer intervals than before.","Here, the AP 200 may add the AID reassignment result to the reassignment response frame shown in FIG.","7.That is, the AP 200 may add a success or failure of the AID reassignment succeeds or fails to the status code, and may add the reassigned AID value to the AID field.","Subsequently, the AP 200 transmits, to the terminal 100, the reassociation response frame including the AID that is reassigned through operation S1340 (S1350).","In the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to add some fields to the reassociation request frame and dynamically reassign the AID of the currently associated terminal to optimally operate a WLAN system.","Elements to be described below are elements defined not by physical properties but by functional properties.","Thus, each element may be defined by its function.","Each element may be implemented as hardware and/or a program code and a processing unit for performing its function.","The functions of two or more elements may be implemented to be included in one element.","Accordingly, it should be noted that names of elements in an embodiment to be described below are not given to physically classify the elements but given to imply representative functions performed by the elements, and the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by the names of the elements.","FIG.","15 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","15, the terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a transceiving unit 110 and a processing unit 120.The transceiving unit 110 may perform communication with the AP 200 or another terminal based on a control of the processing unit 120.The processing unit 120 determines whether the AID reassignment is needed.","Here, the processing unit 120 may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on the traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal 100.In addition, when the AID reassignment is determined to be needed, the processing unit generates the reassociation request frame including the AID reassignment request element.","Specifically, the processing unit 120 generates a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.","Here, since the reassociation request frame is a frame that is transmitted to a currently associated AP 200, the reassociation request frame may include a capability field, a listen interval field, a current AP address field, a service set identifier (SSID) field, a supported rates field, and the AID reassignment request element.","In addition, the AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.","Here, the AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","In addition, when the reassociation request frame includes the service type element, the processing unit 120 may add, to the service type element, to a service type that is changed based on the service type change information of the terminal 100 included in the AID reassignment cause field.","The processing unit 120 transmits a generated reassociation request frame to the currently associated AP 200 through the transceiving unit 110.Furthermore, the processing unit 120 receives a reassociation response frame including the AID reassigned from the AP 200 through the transceiving unit 110.The above description of the terminal that performs the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention has exemplified the AID reassignment cause in a case in which the service type is changed, the terminal is changed to a low power mode according to a remaining batter situation, or the listen interval is needed to be changed.","However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the AID reassignment cause is not limited as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.","FIG.","16 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.","Referring to FIG.","16, the AP 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication unit 210 and a processing unit 220.The communication unit 210 may perform communication with nearby terminals based on a control of the processing unit 220.The processing unit 220 receives the reassociation request frame including the AID reassignment request element from the terminal 100 through the communication unit 210.Here, the AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassociation cause field that represents a cause to request the AID reassignment, and the AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.","The processing unit 220 determines whether the received reassociation request frame is the AID reassignment request.","Here, the processing unit 220 may check that the terminal 100 is the currently associated terminal through the check of the AP address and the SSID and may determine whether the reassociation request frame is an AID reassignment request through the check of the AID reassignment request element.","When the received reassociation request frame is an AID reassignment request, the processing unit 220 reassigns an AID of the terminal 100 based on an AID assignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element and generates a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID.","Here, the processing unit 220 may add a success or failure of the AID reassignment succeeds or fails to the status code among the reassociation response frame, and may add the reassigned AID value to the AID field.","In addition, the processing unit 220 transmits the reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal 100 through the communication unit 210.In the AP that performs the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to add some fields to the reassociation request frame and dynamically reassign the AID of the currently associated terminal to optimally operate a WLAN system.","According to the AID reassignment method and the apparatus that performs the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include generating a reassociation request frame by adding an AID reassociation request element when the reassignment of an AID to a terminal is needed, transmitting the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point, and receiving a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.","Accordingly, the AID of the currently associated terminal may be dynamically reassigned according to a change in characteristics of the terminal to optimally operate a WLAN system.","While the example embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"AID REASSIGNMENT METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SAID AID REASSIGNMENT METHOD\",\n \"Disclosed are an AID reassignment method capable of optimally operating a wireless LAN system, and an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.\",\n \"The method comprises the steps of: generating a reconnection request frame for an AID reassignment request; transmitting the generated reconnection request frame to the currently associated access point; and receiving a reconnection response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.\",\n \"Thus, the AID of the currently associated terminal can be dynamically reassigned according to a change in the characteristics of the terminal, thus operating a wireless LAN system in an optimum manner.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method by a terminal for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment request, the method comprising: establishing, by the terminal, an association with an access point, wherein an AID is assigned to a station by establishing the association; generating, by the terminal to which a first AID has been assigned by the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, a request frame for an AID reassignment request; transmitting the generated request frame to the access point with which the terminal is currently associated; and receiving a response frame including information on a second AID from the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame includes an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame includes second information indicating whether listen interval information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises listen interval information of the terminal according to the second information.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a listen interval of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame is a reassociation request frame, and the response frame is a reassociation response frame.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 1, wherein the request frame is an AID assignment request frame for AID change, and the response frame is an AID assignment response frame for AID change.\",\n \"7.A method by an access point for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment, the method comprising: establishing, by the access point, an association with a station, wherein an AID is assigned to the station by establishing the association; receiving, from a terminal which is currently associated with the access point and a first AID having been assigned to the terminal by the access point, a request frame for AID reassignment request; and transmitting a response frame including information on a second AID to the terminal, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame includes an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame includes second information indicating whether listen interval information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises listen interval information of the terminal according to the second information.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 7, wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a listen interval of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame is a reassociation request frame, and the response frame is a reassociation response frame.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 7, wherein the request frame is an AID assignment request frame for AID change, and the response frame is an AID assignment response frame for AID change.\",\n \"13.A terminal for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment request, the terminal comprising: a transceiver; and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to: establish, by the terminal, an association with an access point, wherein an AID is assigned to a station by establishing the association; generate, when a first AID has been assigned to the terminal by the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, a request frame for an AID reassignment request; transmit, using the transceiver, the generated request frame to the access point with which the terminal is currently associated; and receive, using the transceiver, a response frame including information on a second AID from the access point with which the terminal is currently associated, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"14.An access point for performing an association ID (AID) reassignment, the access point comprising: a transceiver; and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to: establish, by the access point, an association with a station, wherein an AID is assigned to the station by establishing the association; receive, using the transceiver, from a terminal which is currently associated with the access point and a first AID having been assigned to the terminal by the access point, a request frame for AID reassignment request; and transmit, using the transceiver, a response frame including information on a second AID to the terminal, wherein the second AID different from the first AID is used as a new AID of the terminal, wherein the request frame includes first information indicating whether service type information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises service type information of the terminal according to the first information, and wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a service type of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"15.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame includes an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"16.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame includes second information indicating whether listen interval information is included in the request frame or not, and comprises listen interval information of the terminal according to the second information.\",\n \"17.The access point of claim 14, wherein the AID reassignment request is performed when a listen interval of the terminal being changed.\",\n \"18.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame is a reassociation request frame, and the response frame is a reassociation response frame.\",\n \"19.The access point of claim 14, wherein the request frame is an AID assignment request frame for AID change, and the response frame is an AID assignment response frame for AID change.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Accordingly, example embodiments of the present invention are provided to substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.\",\n \"Example embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which may optimally operate a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to a change in characteristics of a terminal.\",\n \"Example embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.\",\n \"In some example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by a terminal, the method includes generating a reassociation request frame for an AID reassignment request, transmitting the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point, and receiving a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.\",\n \"The generating of the reassociation request frame for the AID reassignment request may include generating the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"The reassociation request frame may further include a service type element, and when the AID reassignment cause field includes the service type change information, the service type element may include a service type that is changed based on the service type change information.\",\n \"The method may further include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed.\",\n \"The determining of whether the AID reassignment is needed may include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.\",\n \"In other example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by an access point, the method includes receiving a reassociation request frame from a currently associated terminal, reassigning an AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame, and transmitting a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal.\",\n \"The receiving of the reassociation request frame from the currently associated terminal may include receiving the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element from the currently associated terminal.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The reassigning of the AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame may include checking a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and reassigning the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element when the reassociation request frame is checked to be the AID reassignment request.\",\n \"The reassociation response frame may include at least one of AID reassignment success information, AID reassignment failure information, and information on the reassigned AID.\",\n \"In still other example embodiments, a terminal includes a transceiving unit and a processing unit configured to generate a reassociation request frame for an association ID (AID) reassignment request; transmit the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point; and receive a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.\",\n \"The processing unit may generate a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"The processing unit may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of the traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.\",\n \"In yet still other example embodiments, an access point includes a communication unit and a processing unit configured to reassign an association ID (AID) of a terminal based on a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element received from the terminal through the communication unit and transmit a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal through the communication unit.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The processing unit may check a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and, when the reassociation request frame is checked to be an AID reassignment request, reassign the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM FOR PRIORITY This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/411,302, filed on Dec. 24, 2014, which is a National Stage of International Patent Application No.\",\n \"PCT/KR2013/005756, filed on Jun.\",\n \"28, 2013, which claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.\",\n \"10-2012-0069980, filed on Jun.\",\n \"28, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.\",\n \"BACKGROUND 1.Technical Field Example embodiments of the present invention relate in general to a wireless communication technology and more specifically to a method of reassigning an association ID (AID) and an apparatus for performing the same, which allow an optimal operation of a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to a change in characteristics of a terminal.\",\n \"2.Related Art Various wireless communication techniques are being developed along with the recent development of an information communication technology.\",\n \"In particular, wireless local area network (WLAN) is a technology that can provide a wireless connection to the Internet in a limited service area such as a home or office building using portable terminals, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, and a portable multimedia player (PMP) based on a wireless frequency technology.\",\n \"Standards for WLAN technology is developed and standardized by IEEE 802.11 working group (WG) in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (IEEE) 802.11.IEEE 802.11a provides a maximum PHY data rate of 54 Mbps using 5 GHz unlicensed band.\",\n \"IEEE 802.11b provides a maximum PHY data rate of 11 Mbps by using direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) in 2.4 GHz band.\",\n \"IEEE 802.11g supports a maximum PHY data rate of 54 Mbps by using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in 2.4 GHz band.\",\n \"IEEE 802.11n provides a maximum PHY data rate of 300 Mbps using 40 MHz bandwidth with two spatial streams and a maximum PHY data rate of 600 Mbps using 40 MHz bandwidth with four spatial streams.\",\n \"Along with the wide deployment of WLAN and the diversification of applications using WLAN, new WLAN techniques are increasingly needed to support higher throughput than IEEE 802.11n.\",\n \"Very high throughput (VHT) WLAN is one of 802.11 WLAN techniques, which is proposed to support a data processing rate of 1 Gbps or more.\",\n \"In particular, IEEE 802.11ac is developed as a standard for providing a very high throughput on the 5 GHz band, and IEEE 802.11ad is developed as a standard for providing a very high throughput on the 60 GHz band.\",\n \"In systems based on the WLAN techniques, an access point assigns individual association IDs (AIDs) to terminals in the order in which the terminals are associated with the access point.\",\n \"However, when 6,000 or more terminals are required to be supported (for example, 802.11ah), the access point groups terminals having similar characteristics and assigns AIDs to the grouped terminals to perform effective management.\",\n \"That is, the access point may adjust a network traffic amount and a simultaneous channel access amount by grouping a plurality of terminal in units of pages and setting traffic indication map (TIM) elements at different periods.\",\n \"When the traffic is overloaded at a TIM setting period, AIDs are needed to be reassigned to change some of terminals in a specific page group to another page group.\",\n \"In addition, when a service type or a traffic characteristic of a terminal is changed, the AID is needed to be correspondingly reassigned.\",\n \"In order to the above-described need, research is being conducted on an AID assignment request, but a detailed method for AID assignment is not yet revealed.\",\n \"SUMMARY Accordingly, example embodiments of the present invention are provided to substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.\",\n \"Example embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which may optimally operate a wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to a change in characteristics of a terminal.\",\n \"Example embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.\",\n \"In some example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by a terminal, the method includes generating a reassociation request frame for an AID reassignment request, transmitting the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point, and receiving a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.\",\n \"The generating of the reassociation request frame for the AID reassignment request may include generating the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"The reassociation request frame may further include a service type element, and when the AID reassignment cause field includes the service type change information, the service type element may include a service type that is changed based on the service type change information.\",\n \"The method may further include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed.\",\n \"The determining of whether the AID reassignment is needed may include determining whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.\",\n \"In other example embodiments, a method of reassigning an association ID (AID), which is performed by an access point, the method includes receiving a reassociation request frame from a currently associated terminal, reassigning an AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame, and transmitting a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal.\",\n \"The receiving of the reassociation request frame from the currently associated terminal may include receiving the reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element from the currently associated terminal.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The reassigning of the AID of the terminal based on the reassociation request frame may include checking a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and reassigning the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element when the reassociation request frame is checked to be the AID reassignment request.\",\n \"The reassociation response frame may include at least one of AID reassignment success information, AID reassignment failure information, and information on the reassigned AID.\",\n \"In still other example embodiments, a terminal includes a transceiving unit and a processing unit configured to generate a reassociation request frame for an association ID (AID) reassignment request; transmit the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point; and receive a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.\",\n \"The processing unit may generate a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The AID reassignment cause field may include at least one of service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"The processing unit may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on at least one of the traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal.\",\n \"In yet still other example embodiments, an access point includes a communication unit and a processing unit configured to reassign an association ID (AID) of a terminal based on a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element received from the terminal through the communication unit and transmit a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal through the communication unit.\",\n \"The AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The processing unit may check a current AP address, a service set ID (SSID), and the AID reassignment request element included in the reassociation request frame and, when the reassociation request frame is checked to be an AID reassignment request, reassign the AID of the terminal based on the AID reassignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Example embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a conceptual view showing a configuration of an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a conceptual view showing an association process for data transmission in a WLAN system; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a conceptual view showing a TIM element format; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a conceptual view showing a mechanism of a power save mode in a WLAN system; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a conceptual view showing a hierarchical AID structure; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a conceptual view showing a TIM element that is set at different periods from a grouped page; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"10 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment request element format according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"11 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment cause field according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"12 is a conceptual view showing a service type element format according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"13 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by an access point according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"14 is a conceptual view showing a reassignment response frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"15 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG.\",\n \"16 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Since the present invention may be variously modified and have several exemplary embodiments, specific exemplary embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and be described in detail in a detailed description.\",\n \"However, it should be understood that the particular embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific forms, but rather the present disclosure is meant to cover all modification, similarities, and alternatives which are included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.\",\n \"may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.\",\n \"These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.\",\n \"For example, a first component may be designated as a second component, and similarly, the second component may be designated as the second component.\",\n \"The use of the term of ‘and/or’ means that combination of a plurality of related and described items or one items among a plurality of related and described items is included.\",\n \"When it is mentioned that a certain component is “coupled with” or “connected with” another component, it may be understood that another component can exist between the two components although the component can be directly coupled or connected with the another component.\",\n \"Meanwhile, when it is mentioned that a certain component is “directly coupled with” or “directly connected with” another component, it has to be understood that another component does not exist between the two components.\",\n \"In the following description, the technical terms are used only for explaining a specific exemplary embodiment while not limiting the present disclosure.\",\n \"Singular forms used herein are intended to include plural forms unless explicitly indicated otherwise.\",\n \"It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or a combination thereof.\",\n \"Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.\",\n \"Terms such as terms that are generally used and have been in dictionaries should be construed as having meanings matched with contextual meanings in the art.\",\n \"In this description, unless defined clearly, terms are not ideally, excessively construed as formal meanings.\",\n \"Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.\",\n \"In describing the invention, in order to facilitate the entire understanding of the invention, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.\",\n \"Throughout this specification, a station (hereinafter also referred to as an STA) is any functional medium including a medium access control (MAC) and wireless-medium physical layer (PHY) interface conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard.\",\n \"The STA may include an access point (AP) STA and non-AP STA.\",\n \"The AP STA may be simply referred to as an access point (hereinafter also referred to as an AP), and the non-AP STA is simply referred to as a terminal.\",\n \"The STA includes a processor and a transceiver, and may further include a user interface, a display device, and so on.\",\n \"The processor is a functional unit devised to generate a frame to be transmitted through a wireless network or to process a frame received through the wireless network, and performs various functions to control the STA.\",\n \"The transceiver is functionally connected to the processor and is a functional unit devised to transmit and receive a frame for the STA through the wireless network.\",\n \"The AP may be called a convergence controller, a base station (BS), a node-B, an eNode0B, a base transceiver system, or a site controller, and may include some or all of functions thereof.\",\n \"The terminal may be called a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a user terminal (UT), a wireless terminal, an access terminal (AT), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station (SS), a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a mobile node, a mobile, or the like.\",\n \"Examples of the terminal may include, but are not limited to, a cellular phone, a smart phone with a wireless communication function, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a wireless communication function, a wireless modem, a portable computer with a wireless communication function, an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera with a wireless communication function, a gaming apparatus with a wireless communication function, a home appliance for storing and playing music files with a wireless communication function, an Internet home appliance capable of wireless Internet connection and browsing as well as portable units or terminals incorporating combinations of the functions.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a conceptual view showing a configuration of an IEEE 802.11 WLAN system according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"1, the IEEE 802.11 WLAN system includes at least one basic service set (BSS).\",\n \"The BBS denotes a set of stations STA 1, STA 2 (AP 1), STA 3, STA 4, STA 5 (AP 2) that may be successfully synchronized to communicate with one another, but does not denote a certain region.\",\n \"The BBS may be classified into an infrastructure BSS and an independent BSS (IBSS).\",\n \"BBS 1 and BBS 2 denote the infrastructure BSS.\",\n \"BBS 1 may include a terminal STA 1, an access point STA 2 (AP 1) that provides a distribution service, and a distribution system (DS) that connects a plurality of access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2).\",\n \"In BSS 1, the access point STA 2 (AP 1) manages the terminal STA 1.BBS 2 may include the terminals STA 3 and STA 4, an access point STA 5 (AP 2) that provides a distribution service, and a distribution system that connects the plurality of access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2).\",\n \"In BSS 2, the access point STA 5 (AP 2) manages the terminals STA 3 and STA 4.The independent BSS (IBSS) is a BSS that operates in an ad-hoc mode.\",\n \"Since the IBSS does not include an access point, there is no centralized management entity for performing a central management function.\",\n \"That is, in the IBSS, terminals are managed in a distributed manner.\",\n \"The IBSS is a self-contained network, in which all terminals may be mobile terminals and may be disallowed to access the distribution system (DS).\",\n \"The access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2) provide a connection to the DS through a wireless medium for the associated terminals STA 1, STA 3 and STA 4.In BSS 1 or BSS 2, generally, a communication between the terminals STA 1, STA 3, and STA 4 is made through the access points STA 2 (AP 1) and STA 5 (AP 2).\",\n \"However, when a direct link is established, a direct communication between the terminals STA 1, STA 3, and STA 4 is enabled.\",\n \"A plurality of infrastructure BBSs may be interconnected through the DS.\",\n \"The plurality of BBSs connected to each other through the DS is called an extended service set (ESS).\",\n \"STAs included in the ESS may communicate with each other, and within the same ESS, a terminal may move from one BSS to another BSS while communicating in a seamless manner.\",\n \"The DS is a mechanism in which one AP communicates with another AP.\",\n \"By using the DS, an AP may transmit a frame to terminals that is associated with a BSS managed by the AP, or transmit a frame to a terminal that has moved to another BSS.\",\n \"In addition, the AP may transmit and receive a frame to and from an external network such as a wired network.\",\n \"The DS is not necessarily a network and has no limitation in its form as long as a predetermined distribution service specified in the IEEE 802.11 standard can be provided.\",\n \"For example, the DS may be a wireless network such as a mesh network, or may be a physical structure for interconnecting APs.\",\n \"An AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which will be described below, may be applied to the above IEEE 802.11 WLAN system and also various networks such as a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless body area network (WBAN), and so on.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a conceptual view showing an association process for data transmission in a WLAN system.\",\n \"In order for a terminal STA to transmit and receive data in an infrastructure BSS, first, the terminal STA should be associated with an AP.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"2, the association process of the terminal STA in the infrastructure BSS may include: 1) probe step of probing an AP, 2) authentication step of authenticating the probed AP, and 3) association step of associating with the authenticated AP.\",\n \"First, the terminal STA may probe neighboring APs through the probe process.\",\n \"The probe process includes a passive scanning method and an active scanning method.\",\n \"The passive scanning method may be performed by overhearing beacons that are transmitted by the neighboring APs.\",\n \"On the other hand, the active scanning method may be performed by broadcasting a probe request frame.\",\n \"Upon receiving the probe request frame, the AP may transmit a probe response frame corresponding to the probe request frame to the terminal STA.\",\n \"The terminal STA may check the presence of the neighboring APs by receiving the probe response frame.\",\n \"Subsequently, the terminal STA performs authentication with the probed APs, and may perform the authentication with the plurality of APs.\",\n \"An authentication algorithm conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard includes an open system algorithm that exchanges two authentication frames and a shared key algorithm that exchanges four authentication frames.\",\n \"Through a process of exchanging the authentication request frame and the authentication response frame based on the authentication algorithm, the terminal STA may perform authentication with the AP.\",\n \"Last, the terminal STA selects one AP from among the authenticated plurality of APs and performs an association process with the selected AP.\",\n \"That is, the terminal STA transmits an association request frame to the selected AP.\",\n \"Upon receiving the association request frame, the AP transmits the terminal STA to an association response frame corresponding to the association request frame.\",\n \"As such, through the process of exchanging the association request frame and the association response frame, the terminal STA may perform the association process with the AP.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a block diagram showing an element of a traffic indication map (TIM) included in a beacon according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"In the IEEE 802.11 WLAN system, when there is data to be transmitted to the terminal, the AP notifies the terminal that there is data to be transmitted using a TIM in a beacon frame that is periodically transmitted.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"3, the TIM includes an element ID field, a length field, a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) count field, a DTIM period field, a bitmap control field, and a partial virtual bitmap field.\",\n \"The length field indicates a length of an information field.\",\n \"The DTIM count field indicates the number of beacons before the DTIM.\",\n \"When a DTIM count is 0, a current TIM is the DTIM.\",\n \"The DTIM count field is composed of 1 octet.\",\n \"The DTIM period field indicates the number of beacon intervals between consecutive DTIMs.\",\n \"If all TIMs are the DTIMs, a value of the DTIM period field is 1.The DTIM period field is composed of 1 octet.\",\n \"The bitmap control field is composed of 1 octet, and a bit number 0 of the bitmap control field denotes a traffic indicator bit that is associated with an association ID (AID) 0.When the bit is set as 1 and the value of the DTIM count field is 0, it can be seen that at least one multicast or broadcast frame is buffered in the AP.\",\n \"The remaining 7 bits of the bitmap control field form a bitmap offset.\",\n \"Since the length field of the TIM element format is 1 octet, the partial virtual bitmap may have up to 251 octets, which may represent a total of 2,007 (8×251−1) terminals.\",\n \"In addition, each bit of the partial virtual bitmap field corresponds to a traffic that is buffered for a specific terminal.\",\n \"In a case in which an AID of any terminal is N, a bit number N of the partial virtual bitmap field is set as 0 when there is no buffered traffic and the bit number N of the partial virtual bitmap field is set as 1 when there is buffered traffic.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a conceptual view showing a data transmission process of an access point according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"4, the AP broadcasts a beacon periodically and may broadcast a beacon including the DTIM at every 3 beacon intervals.\",\n \"The terminals STA 1 and STA2 periodically wake up from a power save mode (PSM) and receive the beacon, and check the TIM or DTIM included in the beacon to determine whether the data to be transmitted to the terminals is buffered in the AP.\",\n \"In this case, when there is the buffered data, the terminals STA 1 and STA 2 maintain awake and receive the data from the AP.\",\n \"When there is no buffered data, the terminals STA 1 and STA 2 return to the PSM (that is, a doze state).\",\n \"That is, when a bit in the TIM corresponding to an AID of the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 is set as 1, the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 transmits, to the AP, a power save (PS)-Poll frame (or a trigger frame) that informs the AP that the terminal STA is awake and ready to receive data.\",\n \"The AP may determine that the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 is ready to receive the data by receiving the PS-Poll frame and then may transmit the data or an acknowledgement (ACK) to the terminal STA 1 or STA 2.When the AP transmits the ACK to the terminal STA 1 or STA 2, the AP transmits data to the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 at an appropriate time.\",\n \"On the other hand, when the bit in the TIM corresponding to the AID of the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 is set as 0, the terminal STA 1 or STA 2 returns to the PSM.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a conceptual view showing a hierarchical AID structure, FIG.\",\n \"6 is a conceptual view showing a TIM element that is set at different periods from a grouped page, and FIG.\",\n \"7 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"5, the hierarchical AID structure may include a page ID, a block index, and an STA bit position index in a sub-block.\",\n \"Through the above-described hierarchical AID structure, 2,007 terminals or more may be represented and managed as a TIM bitmap.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"6, the AP groups a plurality of terminals in units of pages to set a TIM element at different periods according to characteristics of a terminal.\",\n \"For example, if terminals belonging to Page 1 have a small amount of traffic, the TIM element is set to the DTIM beacon for the terminals belonging to Page 1.In addition, if terminals belonging to Page 2 have a large amount of traffic, the TIM element may be set to every beacon for the terminals belong to Page 2, thus simultaneously controlling the amount of traffic and the amount of channel connection.\",\n \"However, the AID of the terminal is needed to be reassigned when a service type of the terminal that is grouped in units of pages is changed (for example, the terminal has a different traffic pattern), when a remaining battery life of the terminal is changed, or when a listen interval is needed to be changed.\",\n \"Typically, the terminal uses the reassociation request frame as shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 to reassign an AID of the terminal.\",\n \"However, generally, the reassociation request frame shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 is a frame that is transmitted by the terminal to connect to an AP of a different basic service set (BSS) in an extended service set (ESS), That is, when the terminal requests an AID reassociation to the currently associated access point, the terminal does not have to transmit a reassociation request frame including all information elements as shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.FIG.\",\n \"8 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"8, the terminal 100 determines whether the AID reassignment is currently needed (S810).\",\n \"Here, the terminal 100 may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal 100.For example, when a transmission traffic amount is significantly reduced, or when a remaining battery life is less than a predetermined amount, the terminal determines that the AID reassignment is needed to wake up at longer intervals than before.\",\n \"When it is determined through operation S810 that the AID reassignment is needed, the terminal 100 generates a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element (S820).\",\n \"Here, the terminal 100 generates a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"In addition, since the reassociation request frame is a frame that is transmitted to a currently associated AP, the reassociation request frame may include a capability field, a listen interval field, a current AP address field, a service set identifier (SSID) field, a supported rates field, and the AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"In addition, the AID reassignment request element may include an element ID field, a length field, and an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"Here, the AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"In addition, the reassociation request frame may further include a service type element.\",\n \"As such, when the reassociation request frame further includes the service type element, the terminal 100 may add, to the service type element, a service type that is changed based on the service type change information of the terminal 100 included in the AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The terminal 100 transmits the reassociation request frame generated through operation S820 to a currently associated AP (S830).\",\n \"Subsequently, the terminal 100 receives, from the AP, a reassignment response frame including the reassigned AID as a response to the reassociation request frame that is transmitted through operation S830 (S840).\",\n \"The above description of the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention has exemplified the AID reassignment cause in a case in which the service type is changed, the terminal is changed to a low power mode according to a remaining batter situation, or the listen interval is needed to be changed.\",\n \"However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the AID reassignment cause is not limited as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.\",\n \"The above-described reassociation request frame structure, an AID reassignment request element format, an AID reassignment cause field, and a service type element format will be described below with reference to FIGS.\",\n \"9 to 12.FIG.\",\n \"9 is a conceptual view showing a reassociation request frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.\",\n \"10 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment request element format according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.\",\n \"11 is a conceptual view showing an AID reassignment cause field according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.\",\n \"12 is a conceptual view showing a service type element format according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"9, when it is determined that the reassignment of the AID of the terminal 100 is needed, the terminal 100 transmits a reassociation request frame to the currently associated AP 200.Here, since the AP 200 is the currently associated AP 200, an extended supported rates element, a power capability element, a supported channels element, a robust security network (RSN) element, a quality of service (QoS) capability element, an RM enabled capabilities element, and a mobility domain element may be excluded from the existing reassociation request frame.\",\n \"In addition, the reassociation request frame that is transmitted by the terminal 100 to the AP 200 may include a capability element, a listen interval element, a current AP address element, an SSID element, and a supported rates element, and may additionally include an AID reassignment request element and a service type element to request AID reassignment.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"10, the AID reassignment request element may include 1 octet element ID field, 1 octet length field, and 1 octet AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"In particular, as described in FIG.\",\n \"11, the cause for requesting the AID reassignment may be represented in units of bits in the AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"Here, the AID reassignment cause field may include cases in which (1) a service type is changed, that is, a service type of an application layer is changed (for example, the change of the traffic pattern), (2) the terminal is changed to a low power mode according to a remaining battery life, and (3) the listen interval is needed to be changed.\",\n \"In addition, the AID reassignment cause field may additionally include any case when the AID is needed to be reassigned.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"12, when the service type is changed, an AID reassignment cause may add the changed service type to the service type element among the reassociation request frame shown in FIG.\",\n \"9.Here, the service type element may include an element ID, a length, and a service type.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"13 is a flowchart showing a TIM reassignment method performed by an access point according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.\",\n \"14 is a conceptual view showing a reassignment response frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"13, the AP 200 receives a reassociation request frame including the AID reassignment request element from the terminal 100 (S1310).\",\n \"Here, the AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field that represents a cause for requesting the AID reassignment.\",\n \"The AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"The AP 200 checks an AP address element, an SSID element, and an AID reassignment request element, which are included in the reassociation request frame received through operation S1310 (S1320) and determines whether the received reassociation request frame is checked to be an AID reassignment request (S1330).\",\n \"Here, the AP 200 may check that the terminal 100 is the currently associated terminal through the check of the AP address and the SSID and may determine whether the reassociation request frame is an AID reassignment request through the check of the AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"When the reassociation request frame received through operation S1330 is an AID reassignment request, the AP 200 reassigns an AID of the terminal 100 based on an AID assignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element (S1340).\",\n \"Specifically, the AP 200 may reassign the AID such that the terminal 100 wakes up at every beacon when the AID assignment cause is that the amount of traffic of the terminal 100 increases.\",\n \"On the other hand, when the amount of traffic of the terminal 100 decreases, the AP 200 may reassign the AID such that the terminal 100 wakes up at longer intervals than before.\",\n \"Alternatively, when the remaining batter is almost empty, or when the listen interval is needed to be long, the AP 200 may reassign the AID such that the terminal 100 wakes up at longer intervals than before.\",\n \"Here, the AP 200 may add the AID reassignment result to the reassignment response frame shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.That is, the AP 200 may add a success or failure of the AID reassignment succeeds or fails to the status code, and may add the reassigned AID value to the AID field.\",\n \"Subsequently, the AP 200 transmits, to the terminal 100, the reassociation response frame including the AID that is reassigned through operation S1340 (S1350).\",\n \"In the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to add some fields to the reassociation request frame and dynamically reassign the AID of the currently associated terminal to optimally operate a WLAN system.\",\n \"Elements to be described below are elements defined not by physical properties but by functional properties.\",\n \"Thus, each element may be defined by its function.\",\n \"Each element may be implemented as hardware and/or a program code and a processing unit for performing its function.\",\n \"The functions of two or more elements may be implemented to be included in one element.\",\n \"Accordingly, it should be noted that names of elements in an embodiment to be described below are not given to physically classify the elements but given to imply representative functions performed by the elements, and the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by the names of the elements.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"15 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"15, the terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a transceiving unit 110 and a processing unit 120.The transceiving unit 110 may perform communication with the AP 200 or another terminal based on a control of the processing unit 120.The processing unit 120 determines whether the AID reassignment is needed.\",\n \"Here, the processing unit 120 may determine whether the AID reassignment is needed based on the traffic pattern information, battery information, and service type information of the terminal 100.In addition, when the AID reassignment is determined to be needed, the processing unit generates the reassociation request frame including the AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"Specifically, the processing unit 120 generates a reassociation request frame including an AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"Here, since the reassociation request frame is a frame that is transmitted to a currently associated AP 200, the reassociation request frame may include a capability field, a listen interval field, a current AP address field, a service set identifier (SSID) field, a supported rates field, and the AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"In addition, the AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"Here, the AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"In addition, when the reassociation request frame includes the service type element, the processing unit 120 may add, to the service type element, to a service type that is changed based on the service type change information of the terminal 100 included in the AID reassignment cause field.\",\n \"The processing unit 120 transmits a generated reassociation request frame to the currently associated AP 200 through the transceiving unit 110.Furthermore, the processing unit 120 receives a reassociation response frame including the AID reassigned from the AP 200 through the transceiving unit 110.The above description of the terminal that performs the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention has exemplified the AID reassignment cause in a case in which the service type is changed, the terminal is changed to a low power mode according to a remaining batter situation, or the listen interval is needed to be changed.\",\n \"However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the AID reassignment cause is not limited as long as the gist of the present invention is not impaired.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 is a view showing a configuration of a terminal that performs an AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"16, the AP 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication unit 210 and a processing unit 220.The communication unit 210 may perform communication with nearby terminals based on a control of the processing unit 220.The processing unit 220 receives the reassociation request frame including the AID reassignment request element from the terminal 100 through the communication unit 210.Here, the AID reassignment request element may include an AID reassociation cause field that represents a cause to request the AID reassignment, and the AID reassignment cause field may include service type change information, low power mode information, listen interval change information, traffic pattern change information, and remaining battery information.\",\n \"The processing unit 220 determines whether the received reassociation request frame is the AID reassignment request.\",\n \"Here, the processing unit 220 may check that the terminal 100 is the currently associated terminal through the check of the AP address and the SSID and may determine whether the reassociation request frame is an AID reassignment request through the check of the AID reassignment request element.\",\n \"When the received reassociation request frame is an AID reassignment request, the processing unit 220 reassigns an AID of the terminal 100 based on an AID assignment cause included in the AID reassignment request element and generates a reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID.\",\n \"Here, the processing unit 220 may add a success or failure of the AID reassignment succeeds or fails to the status code among the reassociation response frame, and may add the reassigned AID value to the AID field.\",\n \"In addition, the processing unit 220 transmits the reassociation response frame including the reassigned AID to the terminal 100 through the communication unit 210.In the AP that performs the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to add some fields to the reassociation request frame and dynamically reassign the AID of the currently associated terminal to optimally operate a WLAN system.\",\n \"According to the AID reassignment method and the apparatus that performs the AID reassignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include generating a reassociation request frame by adding an AID reassociation request element when the reassignment of an AID to a terminal is needed, transmitting the generated reassociation request frame to a currently associated access point, and receiving a reassociation response frame including AID reassignment information from the access point.\",\n \"Accordingly, the AID of the currently associated terminal may be dynamically reassigned according to a change in characteristics of the terminal to optimally operate a WLAN system.\",\n \"While the example embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875075"}}},{"rowIdx":4494772,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["PIEZOELECTRIC SPEAKERS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES","An electronic device has an exterior housing with a piezoelectric speaker disposed in an opening formed within the housing.","The piezoelectric speaker includes a speaker diaphragm that is secured within the opening with a vibration isolator.","The vibration isolator allows the diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing."],["1.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a first transparent panel positioned opposite a second panel; a piezoelectric receiver attached to an interior surface of the first panel; and circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver, the circuitry configured to cause the piezoelectric receiver to vibrate such that at least a portion of the first panel functions as a speaker diaphragm that produces sound waves external to the electronic device.","2.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the housing further includes a plurality of sidewalls that extend between the first panel and the second panel.","3.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the second panel is transparent.","4.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first panel is glass.","5.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first and the second panels are glass.","6.The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry.","7.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the interior surface of the first panel.","8.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a glass region; a piezoelectric receiver attached to an interior surface of the glass region; circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver, the circuitry configured to cause the piezoelectric receiver to vibrate such that at least a portion of the glass region functions as a speaker diaphragm that produces sound waves external to the electronic device.","9.The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the glass region is a portion of a transparent panel.","10.The electronic device of claim 9 wherein the panel is a first panel and the housing includes a second panel that is positioned opposite the first panel.","11.The electronic device of claim 10 wherein the second panel is glass.","12.The electronic device of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of sidewalls that extend between the first and the second panels.","13.The electronic device of claim 8 further comprising a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry.","14.The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the interior surface of the glass region.","15.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a first transparent panel positioned opposite a second panel and one or more sidewalls extending between the first panel and the second panel; a piezoelectric receiver attached to an interior surface of the first panel; and circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver, the circuitry configured to cause the piezoelectric receiver to vibrate such that at least a portion of the first panel functions as a speaker diaphragm that produces sound waves external to the electronic device.","16.The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the first panel is glass.","17.The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the second panel is glass.","18.The electronic device of claim 15 further comprising a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry.","19.The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the interior surface of the first panel.","20.The electronic device of claim 19 wherein the layer of piezoelectric material moves in response to receiving electrical signals from the circuitry."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Currently there are a wide variety of electronic devices that include one or more speakers located within their exterior housings.","Many of these electronic devices employ traditional voice coil speakers that involve relatively large and complex assemblies.","However, electronic devices are becoming smaller and more feature rich, leaving less room for the relatively large and complex voice coil speakers."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to piezoelectric speakers and to electronic devices that include such speakers.","Piezoelectric speakers according to embodiments of the disclosure can be relatively thin compared to traditional voice coil speakers, which in turn, allows devices that incorporate such piezoelectric speakers to be made smaller and/or enables the devices to have extra room for additional components.","In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.","A piezoelectric speaker, including a diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver, is aligned with and fit within the opening.","A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.","In some embodiments the vibration isolator is disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm and creates a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.","In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.","In some embodiments a plurality of piezoelectric speakers are used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality as compared to a unitary piezoelectric speaker.","In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and in various embodiments the diaphragm and the housing are both made from a transparent material.","In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.","In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a transparent cover disposed over a graphical display of the electronic device.","The transparent cover has an opening formed there through and a piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening.","The piezoelectric speaker can include a speaker diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.","A vibration isolator is coupled between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover to enable the speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the transparent cover.","In some embodiments the speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and is coplanar with the transparent cover.","In various embodiments the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the speaker diaphragm.","In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover creating a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover.","In some embodiments a plurality of vibration isolators are disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm.","In various embodiments there are a plurality of speakers used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality.","Each of the plurality of speakers can each have a separate diaphragm aligned with an opening within the transparent cover.","In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.","In some embodiments an electronic device includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.","A piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening and includes a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.","A speaker driver circuit is configured to transmit electronic signals to the piezoelectric speaker receiver that make the speaker diaphragm vibrate.","A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.","In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the housing to create a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.","In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.","In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material.","In some embodiments the housing is made from a transparent material.","In various embodiments there are a plurality of speaker diaphragms, each aligned with an opening within the housing.","To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures.","It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure.","Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose."],["CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser.","No.","15/132,136, filed Apr.","18, 2016 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.","FIELD The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices that employ speakers within an exterior housing of an electronic device.","More particularly, the present embodiments relate to piezoelectric speakers that are used in electronic devices.","BACKGROUND Currently there are a wide variety of electronic devices that include one or more speakers located within their exterior housings.","Many of these electronic devices employ traditional voice coil speakers that involve relatively large and complex assemblies.","However, electronic devices are becoming smaller and more feature rich, leaving less room for the relatively large and complex voice coil speakers.","SUMMARY Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to piezoelectric speakers and to electronic devices that include such speakers.","Piezoelectric speakers according to embodiments of the disclosure can be relatively thin compared to traditional voice coil speakers, which in turn, allows devices that incorporate such piezoelectric speakers to be made smaller and/or enables the devices to have extra room for additional components.","In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.","A piezoelectric speaker, including a diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver, is aligned with and fit within the opening.","A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.","In some embodiments the vibration isolator is disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm and creates a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.","In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.","In some embodiments a plurality of piezoelectric speakers are used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality as compared to a unitary piezoelectric speaker.","In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and in various embodiments the diaphragm and the housing are both made from a transparent material.","In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.","In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a transparent cover disposed over a graphical display of the electronic device.","The transparent cover has an opening formed there through and a piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening.","The piezoelectric speaker can include a speaker diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.","A vibration isolator is coupled between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover to enable the speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the transparent cover.","In some embodiments the speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and is coplanar with the transparent cover.","In various embodiments the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the speaker diaphragm.","In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover creating a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover.","In some embodiments a plurality of vibration isolators are disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm.","In various embodiments there are a plurality of speakers used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality.","Each of the plurality of speakers can each have a separate diaphragm aligned with an opening within the transparent cover.","In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.","In some embodiments an electronic device includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.","A piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening and includes a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.","A speaker driver circuit is configured to transmit electronic signals to the piezoelectric speaker receiver that make the speaker diaphragm vibrate.","A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.","In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the housing to create a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.","In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.","In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material.","In some embodiments the housing is made from a transparent material.","In various embodiments there are a plurality of speaker diaphragms, each aligned with an opening within the housing.","To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures.","It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure.","Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.","2 is a close up view of a top portion of the electronic device shown in FIG.","1; FIG.","3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiver speaker shown in FIG.","2; FIG.","4 is a close up view of the receiver speaker of the electronic device shown in FIG.","2; FIG.","5 is a close up view of an alternative embodiment of the receiver speaker of the electronic device shown in FIG.","2; FIG.","6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the receiver speaker shown in FIG.","2; FIG.","7 is a close up view of a top portion of an electronic device with two receiver speakers according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.","8 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device with a piezoelectric loudspeaker according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.","9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the loudspeaker shown in FIG.","8; and FIG.","10 is a simplified system diagram of an electronic device with a speaker according to an embodiment of the invention.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to piezoelectric speakers that are used in electronic devices.","For example, in some embodiments an electronic device, such as a smartphone, is equipped with a piezoelectric speaker that is used as a phone receiver.","The electronic device has an exterior housing with an opening that is configured to receive the piezoelectric speaker.","The piezoelectric speaker has a diaphragm that is aligned with the opening and coplanar with an exterior surface of the housing.","A vibration isolator is used to secure the diaphragm to the housing and to isolate the diaphragm from the housing so the diaphragm can vibrate independently from the housing.","A piezoelectric receiver, comprising piezoelectric material, is attached to an interior surface of the diaphragm and is driven by circuitry within the electronic device.","The circuitry within the electronic device supplies electronic signals to the piezoelectric receiver which moves in response, causing the diaphragm to vibrate, creating sound waves the user can hear.","The piezoelectric speaker is relatively thin as compared to traditional voice coil speakers, consuming relatively little space within the electronic device.","In some embodiments, the vibration isolator can be configured to form a watertight seal between the diaphragm and the housing so liquid and/or debris cannot pass into the electronic device through the opening in the housing.","In various embodiments the diaphragm can be made out of the same material as the housing (e.g., glass, zirconia, aluminum, steel, etc.)","and formed to be nearly imperceptible from the remainder of the housing, providing an aesthetically appealing continuous exterior housing.","In another example a combination of different sizes and/or shapes of piezoelectric speakers can be used together to improve the sound quality of the aggregated speaker.","In a further example, a piezoelectric receiver can be mounted to a portion of the electronic device housing so the housing functions as the speaker diaphragm.","In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of piezoelectric speakers for electronic devices according to the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure is provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.","These embodiments are for example only and other embodiments can be employed in other electronic devices such as, but not limited to computers, watches, wearable electronic devices, media players and other devices.","FIG.","1 depicts an illustrative rendering of an electronic device 100, such as a smart phone, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.","Electronic device 100 includes a housing 105 having an exterior surface 110, a receptacle connector 115, a multipurpose button 120 as an input component and a touch screen display 125 as both an input and output component.","Housing 105 may include a transparent cover made from a transparent ceramic, glass or plastic material as a front portion of the housing and the remainder of the housing may be made from a different material such as, for example, metal or plastic.","Electronic device 100 also includes a phone receiver 130 including one or more piezoelectric speakers 135, as described in greater detail below.","Now referring to FIG.","2 a magnified view of a top portion of electronic device 100, including phone receiver 130 is illustrated.","As shown in FIG.","2, phone receiver 130 includes a receiver opening 205 formed through housing 105.A diaphragm 210 of piezoelectric speaker 135 is aligned with and fit into the opening.","In some embodiments diaphragm 210 can have a similar appearance as housing 105 and a gap 215 between the diaphragm and housing 105 can be relatively small such that the diaphragm is nearly imperceptible from the housing, providing an aesthetically appealing continuous exterior housing, as discussed in more detail below.","Section A-A through receiver opening 205, speaker diaphragm 210 and other components within housing 105 is illustrated in FIG.","3.As shown in FIG.","3 receiver opening 205 is formed through the entire thickness of housing 105 and piezoelectric speaker 135 is fit within the opening.","More specifically, piezoelectric speaker 135 includes a piezoelectric speaker diaphragm 210 with a piezoelectric receiver 305 bonded to it.","Speaker diaphragm 210, which can include a substantially flat and thin high modulus of elasticity material, is aligned with opening 205 and positioned substantially flush with exterior surface 110 of housing 105.Piezoelectric receiver 305, which can include a substantially flat and thin piece of piezoelectric material sized slightly smaller than speaker diaphragm 210, is attached to an interior surface 310 of speaker diaphragm 210.A vibration isolator 315 is coupled between piezoelectric speaker diaphragm 210 and housing 105 to hold piezoelectric speaker 135 in place within opening 205 and to isolate the diaphragm from the housing, as described in more detail below.","Piezoelectric speaker 135 functions by receiving electronic signals from circuitry within electronic device 100.More specifically, piezoelectric receiver 305 is made from a piezoelectric material that moves in response to receiving electronic signals.","When piezoelectric receiver 305 moves (i.e., vibrates) it makes diaphragm 210 vibrate which creates sound waves that can be heard by a user.","In some embodiments diaphragm 210 can be arranged to be coplanar with and colored to match exterior surface 110 of housing 105 such that the diaphragm appears to be a portion of the housing, giving electronic device 100 an aesthetically appealing appearance.","For example, in some embodiments housing 105 may have a front portion (also called a transparent cover) made from a transparent material, such as, for example, glass, sapphire, silicon dioxide or zirconia, and diaphragm 210 is made from the same or a similar looking material.","In another example, housing 105 is made from a metal, such as aluminum or steel, and diaphragm 210 is made from the same or a similar looking material.","As discussed above, housing 105 may have a transparent cover disposed over all of or a portion of the housing and the remainder of the housing may be made from a different material such as metal and/or plastic.","These materials are for example only and other materials can be used for housing 105 and diaphragm 210 without departing from the disclosure.","In some embodiments diaphragm 210 may be made from a relatively high modulus of elasticity material that can be above 25 GPa, while in various embodiments it can be above 50 GPa.","In some embodiments, diaphragm 210 can be made to look like a portion of housing 105 by minimizing gap 215 between diaphragm 210 and housing 105.In various embodiments gap 215 can be between 5 microns and 1500 microns while in other embodiments it can be between 5 microns and 100 microns and in some embodiments it can be between 10 microns and 50 microns.","In some embodiments piezoelectric receiver 305 includes a piezoelectric crystalline, polycrystalline material such as, for example: quartz, berlinite, sucrose, topaz, tourmaline, Rochelle salt, barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead zirconate titanate (PZT), potassium niobate (KNbO3), sodium tungstate (Na2WO3), Ba2NaNb5O5, Pb2KNb5O15, Zinc oxide (ZnO)—Wurtzite structure and Group III-V and II-VI materials, or other material.","In some embodiments, vibration isolator 315 is made from a material that enables piezoelectric speaker diaphragm 210 to vibrate independently from housing 105.More specifically, in some embodiments when piezoelectric diaphragm 210 vibrates to generate sound waves, it may be desirable to isolate the diaphragm from surrounding housing 105 so the housing does not also vibrate and broadcast the sound (i.e., acting as a loudspeaker).","By isolating the vibrations to diaphragm 210, a user may be able to privately hear sound from the diaphragm by placing their ear over the diaphragm (i.e., over phone receiver 130 in FIG.","1).","Further, vibration isolator 315 can also improve the acoustic performance of piezoelectric speaker 135 by allowing the majority of the vibrational energy from piezoelectric receiver 305 to be used to make diaphragm 210 vibrate and not be damped or dissipated by housing 105.In some embodiments vibration isolator 315 can be made out of a relatively low modulus of elasticity elastic material, such as, for example: a silicone, a rubber, or an elastomer while other embodiments can be made out of a flexible membrane such as, for example, mylar, polyamide, or other material.","Vibration isolator 315 can be secured to diaphragm 210 and/or housing 105 by the adhesion of the isolator material itself, or with the aid of other materials like an adhesive or a heat activated film.","Similar materials can be used to adhere piezoelectric receiver 305 to diaphragm 210.Myriad materials can be used for vibration isolator 315 and for the adhesion of the isolator without departing from the disclosure.","In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.","3, vibration isolator 315 has an outer surface 320 that is secured to a wall 325 of opening 205 and an upper surface 330 that is secured to interior surface 310 of diaphragm 210, however other embodiments can have vibration isolators that are secured to piezoelectric speaker 135 in a different way.","Now referring to FIG.","4 a close-up plan view of piezoelectric speaker 135 is shown with the dashed lines indicating the planar location of vibration isolator 315.In this embodiment a single vibration isolator 315 is disposed around an entire periphery 405 of speaker diaphragm 210 and can be configured to create a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and housing 105, however other embodiments of the disclosure can include different configurations for the vibration isolator.","For example, referring to FIG.","5, in some embodiments there can be a plurality of individual vibration isolators 505 that are disposed around periphery 405 of speaker diaphragm 210.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.","5 there are six individual vibration isolators 505, however other embodiments can have less or more individual isolators that may be arranged or configured differently than illustrated.","Now referring to FIG.","6, a cross-section of a piezoelectric speaker 135 is illustrated according to another embodiment of the disclosure.","The embodiment shown in FIG.","6 differs from the embodiment discussed above in that a housing 605 of an electronic device includes an opening 610 that does not penetrate the entire thickness of the housing.","Rather, opening 610 is a recess that is formed in an outer surface 615 of housing 605.This embodiment has the benefit of a waterproof housing 605 without relying on vibration isolator 620 to provide a seal.","Thus, this embodiment can be used with a plurality of individual vibration isolators, such as those described above in FIG.","5, without adversely affecting the waterproof performance of the electronic device.","In some embodiments, electronic signals can be coupled to receiver 305 with, for example, wires, a flexible circuit board or conductive traces that could be formed with insert molding or laser direct structuring.","In embodiments where opening 610 is formed in a portion of housing 605 that is a transparent cover, conductive traces may be routed on the inside surface of the transparent cover and conductive vias can transition electrical signals within the recess where wires or a flexible circuit board can couple the electronic signals to the piezoelectric receiver.","In some embodiments the traces and vias can be formed with printable metallic inks having a glass frit such as those used with ceramics.","In other embodiments the traces and vias can be formed with a thin film process, such as electroplating or sputtering and patterned with photolithography.","Other methods can be used without departing from this disclosure.","Now referring to FIG.","7 an embodiment of electronic device 100 is illustrated that uses two separate piezoelectric speakers 705, 710 for phone receiver 715.Using more than one piezoelectric speaker can enable the combination of speakers to, for example, improve the sound quality of receiver 715 and/or simultaneously generate audio for a user while generating active noise cancellation sounds or for other functions.","In this embodiment, left speaker 705 has a relatively larger rectangular diaphragm 720 and right speaker 710 has a relatively smaller circular diaphragm 725, however other embodiments can employ a greater number of piezoelectric speakers having diaphragms of any size and shape.","As an example, left speaker 705 can use larger diaphragm 720 to generate lower frequency audio signals while right speaker 710 can use smaller diaphragm 725 to generate higher frequency audio signals.","Thus, the combination of speakers 705, 710 can be used in aggregate to improve audio quality of phone receiver 715.Now referring to FIG.","8, an isometric rear view of electronic device 100 is illustrated.","In this embodiment a piezoelectric receiver 805 is secured to an inside surface of rear housing 810 such that a portion of the housing acts as the speaker diaphragm.","As compared to the embodiments above, this embodiment can generate louder sounds (i.e., due to the larger diaphragm) and could be used as a loudspeaker or other function such as, for example, tactile feedback to a user.","FIG.","9 illustrates cross-section C-C through piezoelectric receiver 805 and rear housing 810.FIG.","9 also illustrates an exaggerated upper range of motion 905 and a lower range of motion 910 for a portion of rear housing 810 when piezoelectric receiver 805 makes the rear housing vibrate and generate sound waves.","The location at which piezoelectric receiver 805 is mounted to housing 810 in FIG.","8 is just one example of a suitable mounting location.","In other embodiments of the disclosure piezoelectric receiver 805 can be mounted to the electronic device housing at other locations.","Further, the particular portion of housing 810 that piezoelectric receiver 805 is mounted to can be any material including a transparent material including glass or ceramic, a metal or a plastic.","Now referring to FIG.","10 a simplified illustrative block diagram representing an electronic media device 1000 (e.g., such as device 100 in FIG.","1) that includes a piezoelectric speaker 1005 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.","Electronic media device 1000 can also include, among other components, connector receptacle 1010, one or more user input components 1020, one or more output components 1025, control circuitry 1030, graphics circuitry 1035, a bus 1040, a memory 1045, a storage device 1050, communications circuitry 1055 and speaker driver circuitry 1060.Control circuitry 1030 can communicate with the other components of electronic media device 1000 (e.g., via bus 1040) to control the operation of electronic media device 1000.In some embodiments, control circuitry 1030 can execute instructions stored in a memory 1045.Control circuitry 1030 can also be operative to control the performance of electronic media device 1000.Control circuitry 1030 can include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller and a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic media device 1000).","In some embodiments, control circuitry 1030 can also drive the display and process inputs received from input component 1020.Memory 1045 can include one or more different types of memory that can be used to perform device functions.","For example, memory 1045 can include cache, flash memory, ROM, RAM and hybrid types of memory.","Memory 1045 can also store firmware for the device and its applications (e.g., operating system, user interface functions and processor functions).","Storage device 1050 can include one or more suitable storage mediums or mechanisms, such as a magnetic hard drive, flash drive, tape drive, optical drive, permanent memory (such as ROM), semi-permanent memory (such as RAM) or cache.","Storage device 1050 can be used for storing media (e.g., audio and video files), text, pictures, graphics, advertising or any suitable user-specific or global information that can be used by electronic media device 1000.Storage device 1050 can also store programs or applications that can run on control circuitry 1030, can maintain files formatted to be read and edited by one or more of the applications and can store any additional files that can aid the operation of one or more applications (e.g., files with metadata).","It should be understood that any of the information stored on storage device 1050 can instead be stored in memory 1045.Electronic media device 1000 can also include input component 1020 and output component 1025 for providing a user with the ability to interact with electronic media device 1000.For example, input component 1020 and output component 1025 can provide an interface for a user to interact with an application running on control circuitry 1030.Input component 1020 can take a variety of forms, such as a keyboard/keypad, trackpad, mouse, click wheel, button, stylus or touch screen.","Input component 1020 can also include one or more devices for user authentication (e.g., a smart card reader, a fingerprint reader or an iris scanner) as well as an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) or a video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) for recording video or still frames.","Output component 1025 can include any suitable display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch screen display, a projection device, a speaker or any other suitable system for presenting information or media to a user.","Output component 1025 can be controlled by graphics circuitry 1035.Graphics circuitry 1035 can include a video card, such as a video card with 2D, 3D or vector graphics capabilities.","In some embodiments, output component 1025 can also include an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic media device 1000.For example, output component 1025 can include a headset, headphones or ear buds that can be coupled to electronic media device 1000 with a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth headset).","Electronic media device 1000 can have one or more applications (e.g., software applications) stored on storage device 1050 or in memory 1045.Control circuitry 1030 can be configured to execute instructions of the applications from memory 1045.For example, control circuitry 1030 can be configured to execute a media player application that causes full-motion video or audio to be presented or displayed on output component 1025.Other applications resident on electronic media device 1000 can include, for example, a telephony application, a GPS navigator application, a web browser application and a calendar or organizer application.","Electronic media device 1000 can also execute any suitable operating system, such as Mac OS, Apple iOS, Linux or Windows and can include a set of applications stored on storage device 1050 or memory 1045, which applications can be compatible with the operating system running on the device.","In some embodiments, electronic media device 1000 can also include communications circuitry 1055 to connect to one or more communications networks.","Communications circuitry 1055 can be any suitable communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network and to transmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from electronic media device 1000 to other devices within the communications network.","Communications circuitry 1055 can be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband and other cellular protocols, VOIP or any other suitable protocol.","In some embodiments, communications circuitry 1055 can be operative to create a communications network using any suitable communications protocol.","Communications circuitry 1055 can create a short-range communications network using a short-range communications protocol to connect to other devices.","For example, communications circuitry 1055 can be operative to create a local communications network using the Bluetooth protocol to couple with a Bluetooth headset (or any other Bluetooth device).","Communications circuitry 1055 can also include a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC) configured to connect to the Internet or any other public or private network.","For example, electronic media device 1000 can be configured to connect to the Internet via a wireless network, such as a packet radio network, an RF network, a cellular network or any other suitable type of network.","Communication circuitry 1055 can be used to initiate and conduct communications with other communications devices or media devices within a communications network.","Electronic media device 1000 can also include any other component suitable for performing a communications operation.","For example, electronic media device 1000 can include a power supply, an antenna, ports or interfaces for coupling to a host device, a secondary input mechanism (e.g., an ON/OFF switch) or any other suitable component.","Speaker driver circuitry 1060 can include circuitry configured to convert audio signals to signals that are configured to drive one or more piezoelectric speakers 1005.In some embodiments piezoelectric speakers 1005 can be driven with a varying voltage, however other types of signals can be used.","In various embodiments speaker driver circuitry can separate a higher frequency band from a lower frequency band and send the higher frequencies to a first piezoelectric speaker and the lower frequencies to a second piezoelectric speaker.","Other configurations and variations of speaker driver circuitry 1060 and piezoelectric speaker 1005 are within the scope of this disclosure.","Although the electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 100 in FIG.","1) are described and illustrated as one particular electronic device, embodiments of the disclosure are suitable for use with a multiplicity of electronic devices.","For example, any device that receives or transmits audio, video or data signals can be used with the disclosure.","In some instances, embodiments of the disclosure are particularly well suited for use with portable electronic media devices because of their potentially small form factor.","As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that can be used to present human-perceivable media.","Such devices can include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple's iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple's iPhone devices), watches, wearable electronic devices, video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple's iPad devices), laptop or other mobile computers.","Some of these devices can be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output.","For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components of electronic devices are not shown in the figures.","In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to numerous specific details that can vary from implementation to implementation.","The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.","The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the disclosure, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the disclosure, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.","The specific details of particular embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure.","Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom or “top” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures.","It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.","For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a “bottom” surface may then be oriented “above” other elements or features.","The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"PIEZOELECTRIC SPEAKERS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES\",\n \"An electronic device has an exterior housing with a piezoelectric speaker disposed in an opening formed within the housing.\",\n \"The piezoelectric speaker includes a speaker diaphragm that is secured within the opening with a vibration isolator.\",\n \"The vibration isolator allows the diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a first transparent panel positioned opposite a second panel; a piezoelectric receiver attached to an interior surface of the first panel; and circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver, the circuitry configured to cause the piezoelectric receiver to vibrate such that at least a portion of the first panel functions as a speaker diaphragm that produces sound waves external to the electronic device.\",\n \"2.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the housing further includes a plurality of sidewalls that extend between the first panel and the second panel.\",\n \"3.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the second panel is transparent.\",\n \"4.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first panel is glass.\",\n \"5.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first and the second panels are glass.\",\n \"6.The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry.\",\n \"7.The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the interior surface of the first panel.\",\n \"8.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a glass region; a piezoelectric receiver attached to an interior surface of the glass region; circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver, the circuitry configured to cause the piezoelectric receiver to vibrate such that at least a portion of the glass region functions as a speaker diaphragm that produces sound waves external to the electronic device.\",\n \"9.The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the glass region is a portion of a transparent panel.\",\n \"10.The electronic device of claim 9 wherein the panel is a first panel and the housing includes a second panel that is positioned opposite the first panel.\",\n \"11.The electronic device of claim 10 wherein the second panel is glass.\",\n \"12.The electronic device of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of sidewalls that extend between the first and the second panels.\",\n \"13.The electronic device of claim 8 further comprising a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry.\",\n \"14.The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the interior surface of the glass region.\",\n \"15.An electronic device comprising: a housing including a first transparent panel positioned opposite a second panel and one or more sidewalls extending between the first panel and the second panel; a piezoelectric receiver attached to an interior surface of the first panel; and circuitry disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver, the circuitry configured to cause the piezoelectric receiver to vibrate such that at least a portion of the first panel functions as a speaker diaphragm that produces sound waves external to the electronic device.\",\n \"16.The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the first panel is glass.\",\n \"17.The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the second panel is glass.\",\n \"18.The electronic device of claim 15 further comprising a processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry.\",\n \"19.The electronic device of claim 15 wherein the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the interior surface of the first panel.\",\n \"20.The electronic device of claim 19 wherein the layer of piezoelectric material moves in response to receiving electrical signals from the circuitry.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Currently there are a wide variety of electronic devices that include one or more speakers located within their exterior housings.\",\n \"Many of these electronic devices employ traditional voice coil speakers that involve relatively large and complex assemblies.\",\n \"However, electronic devices are becoming smaller and more feature rich, leaving less room for the relatively large and complex voice coil speakers.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to piezoelectric speakers and to electronic devices that include such speakers.\",\n \"Piezoelectric speakers according to embodiments of the disclosure can be relatively thin compared to traditional voice coil speakers, which in turn, allows devices that incorporate such piezoelectric speakers to be made smaller and/or enables the devices to have extra room for additional components.\",\n \"In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.\",\n \"A piezoelectric speaker, including a diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver, is aligned with and fit within the opening.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments the vibration isolator is disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm and creates a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.\",\n \"In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments a plurality of piezoelectric speakers are used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality as compared to a unitary piezoelectric speaker.\",\n \"In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and in various embodiments the diaphragm and the housing are both made from a transparent material.\",\n \"In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.\",\n \"In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a transparent cover disposed over a graphical display of the electronic device.\",\n \"The transparent cover has an opening formed there through and a piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening.\",\n \"The piezoelectric speaker can include a speaker diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is coupled between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover to enable the speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the transparent cover.\",\n \"In some embodiments the speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and is coplanar with the transparent cover.\",\n \"In various embodiments the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover creating a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover.\",\n \"In some embodiments a plurality of vibration isolators are disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"In various embodiments there are a plurality of speakers used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality.\",\n \"Each of the plurality of speakers can each have a separate diaphragm aligned with an opening within the transparent cover.\",\n \"In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.\",\n \"In some embodiments an electronic device includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.\",\n \"A piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening and includes a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"A speaker driver circuit is configured to transmit electronic signals to the piezoelectric speaker receiver that make the speaker diaphragm vibrate.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the housing to create a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.\",\n \"In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material.\",\n \"In some embodiments the housing is made from a transparent material.\",\n \"In various embodiments there are a plurality of speaker diaphragms, each aligned with an opening within the housing.\",\n \"To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures.\",\n \"It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/132,136, filed Apr.\",\n \"18, 2016 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.\",\n \"FIELD The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices that employ speakers within an exterior housing of an electronic device.\",\n \"More particularly, the present embodiments relate to piezoelectric speakers that are used in electronic devices.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Currently there are a wide variety of electronic devices that include one or more speakers located within their exterior housings.\",\n \"Many of these electronic devices employ traditional voice coil speakers that involve relatively large and complex assemblies.\",\n \"However, electronic devices are becoming smaller and more feature rich, leaving less room for the relatively large and complex voice coil speakers.\",\n \"SUMMARY Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to piezoelectric speakers and to electronic devices that include such speakers.\",\n \"Piezoelectric speakers according to embodiments of the disclosure can be relatively thin compared to traditional voice coil speakers, which in turn, allows devices that incorporate such piezoelectric speakers to be made smaller and/or enables the devices to have extra room for additional components.\",\n \"In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.\",\n \"A piezoelectric speaker, including a diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver, is aligned with and fit within the opening.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments the vibration isolator is disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm and creates a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.\",\n \"In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments a plurality of piezoelectric speakers are used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality as compared to a unitary piezoelectric speaker.\",\n \"In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and in various embodiments the diaphragm and the housing are both made from a transparent material.\",\n \"In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.\",\n \"In some embodiments an electronic device according to the disclosure includes a transparent cover disposed over a graphical display of the electronic device.\",\n \"The transparent cover has an opening formed there through and a piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening.\",\n \"The piezoelectric speaker can include a speaker diaphragm and a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is coupled between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover to enable the speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the transparent cover.\",\n \"In some embodiments the speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material and is coplanar with the transparent cover.\",\n \"In various embodiments the piezoelectric receiver includes a layer of piezoelectric material bonded to the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover creating a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the transparent cover.\",\n \"In some embodiments a plurality of vibration isolators are disposed around a periphery of the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"In various embodiments there are a plurality of speakers used together to create an aggregate speaker with improved sound quality.\",\n \"Each of the plurality of speakers can each have a separate diaphragm aligned with an opening within the transparent cover.\",\n \"In some embodiments circuitry is operatively coupled to the piezoelectric receiver and is configured to cause the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate and function as a speaker.\",\n \"In some embodiments an electronic device includes a housing having an exterior surface with an opening formed there through.\",\n \"A piezoelectric speaker is aligned with the opening and includes a piezoelectric receiver attached to the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"A speaker driver circuit is configured to transmit electronic signals to the piezoelectric speaker receiver that make the speaker diaphragm vibrate.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is coupled between the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm and the housing to enable the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm to vibrate independently from the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments the vibration isolator is arranged to cover a gap between the speaker diaphragm and the housing to create a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and the housing.\",\n \"In various embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is coplanar with and colored to match the exterior surface of the housing such that it appears to be a portion of the housing.\",\n \"In some embodiments the piezoelectric speaker diaphragm is made from a transparent material.\",\n \"In some embodiments the housing is made from a transparent material.\",\n \"In various embodiments there are a plurality of speaker diaphragms, each aligned with an opening within the housing.\",\n \"To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures.\",\n \"It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a close up view of a top portion of the electronic device shown in FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiver speaker shown in FIG.\",\n \"2; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a close up view of the receiver speaker of the electronic device shown in FIG.\",\n \"2; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a close up view of an alternative embodiment of the receiver speaker of the electronic device shown in FIG.\",\n \"2; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the receiver speaker shown in FIG.\",\n \"2; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a close up view of a top portion of an electronic device with two receiver speakers according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device with a piezoelectric loudspeaker according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the loudspeaker shown in FIG.\",\n \"8; and FIG.\",\n \"10 is a simplified system diagram of an electronic device with a speaker according to an embodiment of the invention.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to piezoelectric speakers that are used in electronic devices.\",\n \"For example, in some embodiments an electronic device, such as a smartphone, is equipped with a piezoelectric speaker that is used as a phone receiver.\",\n \"The electronic device has an exterior housing with an opening that is configured to receive the piezoelectric speaker.\",\n \"The piezoelectric speaker has a diaphragm that is aligned with the opening and coplanar with an exterior surface of the housing.\",\n \"A vibration isolator is used to secure the diaphragm to the housing and to isolate the diaphragm from the housing so the diaphragm can vibrate independently from the housing.\",\n \"A piezoelectric receiver, comprising piezoelectric material, is attached to an interior surface of the diaphragm and is driven by circuitry within the electronic device.\",\n \"The circuitry within the electronic device supplies electronic signals to the piezoelectric receiver which moves in response, causing the diaphragm to vibrate, creating sound waves the user can hear.\",\n \"The piezoelectric speaker is relatively thin as compared to traditional voice coil speakers, consuming relatively little space within the electronic device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the vibration isolator can be configured to form a watertight seal between the diaphragm and the housing so liquid and/or debris cannot pass into the electronic device through the opening in the housing.\",\n \"In various embodiments the diaphragm can be made out of the same material as the housing (e.g., glass, zirconia, aluminum, steel, etc.)\",\n \"and formed to be nearly imperceptible from the remainder of the housing, providing an aesthetically appealing continuous exterior housing.\",\n \"In another example a combination of different sizes and/or shapes of piezoelectric speakers can be used together to improve the sound quality of the aggregated speaker.\",\n \"In a further example, a piezoelectric receiver can be mounted to a portion of the electronic device housing so the housing functions as the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of piezoelectric speakers for electronic devices according to the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure is provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.\",\n \"These embodiments are for example only and other embodiments can be employed in other electronic devices such as, but not limited to computers, watches, wearable electronic devices, media players and other devices.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 depicts an illustrative rendering of an electronic device 100, such as a smart phone, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.\",\n \"Electronic device 100 includes a housing 105 having an exterior surface 110, a receptacle connector 115, a multipurpose button 120 as an input component and a touch screen display 125 as both an input and output component.\",\n \"Housing 105 may include a transparent cover made from a transparent ceramic, glass or plastic material as a front portion of the housing and the remainder of the housing may be made from a different material such as, for example, metal or plastic.\",\n \"Electronic device 100 also includes a phone receiver 130 including one or more piezoelectric speakers 135, as described in greater detail below.\",\n \"Now referring to FIG.\",\n \"2 a magnified view of a top portion of electronic device 100, including phone receiver 130 is illustrated.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, phone receiver 130 includes a receiver opening 205 formed through housing 105.A diaphragm 210 of piezoelectric speaker 135 is aligned with and fit into the opening.\",\n \"In some embodiments diaphragm 210 can have a similar appearance as housing 105 and a gap 215 between the diaphragm and housing 105 can be relatively small such that the diaphragm is nearly imperceptible from the housing, providing an aesthetically appealing continuous exterior housing, as discussed in more detail below.\",\n \"Section A-A through receiver opening 205, speaker diaphragm 210 and other components within housing 105 is illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"3.As shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 receiver opening 205 is formed through the entire thickness of housing 105 and piezoelectric speaker 135 is fit within the opening.\",\n \"More specifically, piezoelectric speaker 135 includes a piezoelectric speaker diaphragm 210 with a piezoelectric receiver 305 bonded to it.\",\n \"Speaker diaphragm 210, which can include a substantially flat and thin high modulus of elasticity material, is aligned with opening 205 and positioned substantially flush with exterior surface 110 of housing 105.Piezoelectric receiver 305, which can include a substantially flat and thin piece of piezoelectric material sized slightly smaller than speaker diaphragm 210, is attached to an interior surface 310 of speaker diaphragm 210.A vibration isolator 315 is coupled between piezoelectric speaker diaphragm 210 and housing 105 to hold piezoelectric speaker 135 in place within opening 205 and to isolate the diaphragm from the housing, as described in more detail below.\",\n \"Piezoelectric speaker 135 functions by receiving electronic signals from circuitry within electronic device 100.More specifically, piezoelectric receiver 305 is made from a piezoelectric material that moves in response to receiving electronic signals.\",\n \"When piezoelectric receiver 305 moves (i.e., vibrates) it makes diaphragm 210 vibrate which creates sound waves that can be heard by a user.\",\n \"In some embodiments diaphragm 210 can be arranged to be coplanar with and colored to match exterior surface 110 of housing 105 such that the diaphragm appears to be a portion of the housing, giving electronic device 100 an aesthetically appealing appearance.\",\n \"For example, in some embodiments housing 105 may have a front portion (also called a transparent cover) made from a transparent material, such as, for example, glass, sapphire, silicon dioxide or zirconia, and diaphragm 210 is made from the same or a similar looking material.\",\n \"In another example, housing 105 is made from a metal, such as aluminum or steel, and diaphragm 210 is made from the same or a similar looking material.\",\n \"As discussed above, housing 105 may have a transparent cover disposed over all of or a portion of the housing and the remainder of the housing may be made from a different material such as metal and/or plastic.\",\n \"These materials are for example only and other materials can be used for housing 105 and diaphragm 210 without departing from the disclosure.\",\n \"In some embodiments diaphragm 210 may be made from a relatively high modulus of elasticity material that can be above 25 GPa, while in various embodiments it can be above 50 GPa.\",\n \"In some embodiments, diaphragm 210 can be made to look like a portion of housing 105 by minimizing gap 215 between diaphragm 210 and housing 105.In various embodiments gap 215 can be between 5 microns and 1500 microns while in other embodiments it can be between 5 microns and 100 microns and in some embodiments it can be between 10 microns and 50 microns.\",\n \"In some embodiments piezoelectric receiver 305 includes a piezoelectric crystalline, polycrystalline material such as, for example: quartz, berlinite, sucrose, topaz, tourmaline, Rochelle salt, barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead zirconate titanate (PZT), potassium niobate (KNbO3), sodium tungstate (Na2WO3), Ba2NaNb5O5, Pb2KNb5O15, Zinc oxide (ZnO)—Wurtzite structure and Group III-V and II-VI materials, or other material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, vibration isolator 315 is made from a material that enables piezoelectric speaker diaphragm 210 to vibrate independently from housing 105.More specifically, in some embodiments when piezoelectric diaphragm 210 vibrates to generate sound waves, it may be desirable to isolate the diaphragm from surrounding housing 105 so the housing does not also vibrate and broadcast the sound (i.e., acting as a loudspeaker).\",\n \"By isolating the vibrations to diaphragm 210, a user may be able to privately hear sound from the diaphragm by placing their ear over the diaphragm (i.e., over phone receiver 130 in FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"Further, vibration isolator 315 can also improve the acoustic performance of piezoelectric speaker 135 by allowing the majority of the vibrational energy from piezoelectric receiver 305 to be used to make diaphragm 210 vibrate and not be damped or dissipated by housing 105.In some embodiments vibration isolator 315 can be made out of a relatively low modulus of elasticity elastic material, such as, for example: a silicone, a rubber, or an elastomer while other embodiments can be made out of a flexible membrane such as, for example, mylar, polyamide, or other material.\",\n \"Vibration isolator 315 can be secured to diaphragm 210 and/or housing 105 by the adhesion of the isolator material itself, or with the aid of other materials like an adhesive or a heat activated film.\",\n \"Similar materials can be used to adhere piezoelectric receiver 305 to diaphragm 210.Myriad materials can be used for vibration isolator 315 and for the adhesion of the isolator without departing from the disclosure.\",\n \"In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"3, vibration isolator 315 has an outer surface 320 that is secured to a wall 325 of opening 205 and an upper surface 330 that is secured to interior surface 310 of diaphragm 210, however other embodiments can have vibration isolators that are secured to piezoelectric speaker 135 in a different way.\",\n \"Now referring to FIG.\",\n \"4 a close-up plan view of piezoelectric speaker 135 is shown with the dashed lines indicating the planar location of vibration isolator 315.In this embodiment a single vibration isolator 315 is disposed around an entire periphery 405 of speaker diaphragm 210 and can be configured to create a water tight seal between the speaker diaphragm and housing 105, however other embodiments of the disclosure can include different configurations for the vibration isolator.\",\n \"For example, referring to FIG.\",\n \"5, in some embodiments there can be a plurality of individual vibration isolators 505 that are disposed around periphery 405 of speaker diaphragm 210.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5 there are six individual vibration isolators 505, however other embodiments can have less or more individual isolators that may be arranged or configured differently than illustrated.\",\n \"Now referring to FIG.\",\n \"6, a cross-section of a piezoelectric speaker 135 is illustrated according to another embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"The embodiment shown in FIG.\",\n \"6 differs from the embodiment discussed above in that a housing 605 of an electronic device includes an opening 610 that does not penetrate the entire thickness of the housing.\",\n \"Rather, opening 610 is a recess that is formed in an outer surface 615 of housing 605.This embodiment has the benefit of a waterproof housing 605 without relying on vibration isolator 620 to provide a seal.\",\n \"Thus, this embodiment can be used with a plurality of individual vibration isolators, such as those described above in FIG.\",\n \"5, without adversely affecting the waterproof performance of the electronic device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, electronic signals can be coupled to receiver 305 with, for example, wires, a flexible circuit board or conductive traces that could be formed with insert molding or laser direct structuring.\",\n \"In embodiments where opening 610 is formed in a portion of housing 605 that is a transparent cover, conductive traces may be routed on the inside surface of the transparent cover and conductive vias can transition electrical signals within the recess where wires or a flexible circuit board can couple the electronic signals to the piezoelectric receiver.\",\n \"In some embodiments the traces and vias can be formed with printable metallic inks having a glass frit such as those used with ceramics.\",\n \"In other embodiments the traces and vias can be formed with a thin film process, such as electroplating or sputtering and patterned with photolithography.\",\n \"Other methods can be used without departing from this disclosure.\",\n \"Now referring to FIG.\",\n \"7 an embodiment of electronic device 100 is illustrated that uses two separate piezoelectric speakers 705, 710 for phone receiver 715.Using more than one piezoelectric speaker can enable the combination of speakers to, for example, improve the sound quality of receiver 715 and/or simultaneously generate audio for a user while generating active noise cancellation sounds or for other functions.\",\n \"In this embodiment, left speaker 705 has a relatively larger rectangular diaphragm 720 and right speaker 710 has a relatively smaller circular diaphragm 725, however other embodiments can employ a greater number of piezoelectric speakers having diaphragms of any size and shape.\",\n \"As an example, left speaker 705 can use larger diaphragm 720 to generate lower frequency audio signals while right speaker 710 can use smaller diaphragm 725 to generate higher frequency audio signals.\",\n \"Thus, the combination of speakers 705, 710 can be used in aggregate to improve audio quality of phone receiver 715.Now referring to FIG.\",\n \"8, an isometric rear view of electronic device 100 is illustrated.\",\n \"In this embodiment a piezoelectric receiver 805 is secured to an inside surface of rear housing 810 such that a portion of the housing acts as the speaker diaphragm.\",\n \"As compared to the embodiments above, this embodiment can generate louder sounds (i.e., due to the larger diaphragm) and could be used as a loudspeaker or other function such as, for example, tactile feedback to a user.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates cross-section C-C through piezoelectric receiver 805 and rear housing 810.FIG.\",\n \"9 also illustrates an exaggerated upper range of motion 905 and a lower range of motion 910 for a portion of rear housing 810 when piezoelectric receiver 805 makes the rear housing vibrate and generate sound waves.\",\n \"The location at which piezoelectric receiver 805 is mounted to housing 810 in FIG.\",\n \"8 is just one example of a suitable mounting location.\",\n \"In other embodiments of the disclosure piezoelectric receiver 805 can be mounted to the electronic device housing at other locations.\",\n \"Further, the particular portion of housing 810 that piezoelectric receiver 805 is mounted to can be any material including a transparent material including glass or ceramic, a metal or a plastic.\",\n \"Now referring to FIG.\",\n \"10 a simplified illustrative block diagram representing an electronic media device 1000 (e.g., such as device 100 in FIG.\",\n \"1) that includes a piezoelectric speaker 1005 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.\",\n \"Electronic media device 1000 can also include, among other components, connector receptacle 1010, one or more user input components 1020, one or more output components 1025, control circuitry 1030, graphics circuitry 1035, a bus 1040, a memory 1045, a storage device 1050, communications circuitry 1055 and speaker driver circuitry 1060.Control circuitry 1030 can communicate with the other components of electronic media device 1000 (e.g., via bus 1040) to control the operation of electronic media device 1000.In some embodiments, control circuitry 1030 can execute instructions stored in a memory 1045.Control circuitry 1030 can also be operative to control the performance of electronic media device 1000.Control circuitry 1030 can include, for example, a processor, a microcontroller and a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic media device 1000).\",\n \"In some embodiments, control circuitry 1030 can also drive the display and process inputs received from input component 1020.Memory 1045 can include one or more different types of memory that can be used to perform device functions.\",\n \"For example, memory 1045 can include cache, flash memory, ROM, RAM and hybrid types of memory.\",\n \"Memory 1045 can also store firmware for the device and its applications (e.g., operating system, user interface functions and processor functions).\",\n \"Storage device 1050 can include one or more suitable storage mediums or mechanisms, such as a magnetic hard drive, flash drive, tape drive, optical drive, permanent memory (such as ROM), semi-permanent memory (such as RAM) or cache.\",\n \"Storage device 1050 can be used for storing media (e.g., audio and video files), text, pictures, graphics, advertising or any suitable user-specific or global information that can be used by electronic media device 1000.Storage device 1050 can also store programs or applications that can run on control circuitry 1030, can maintain files formatted to be read and edited by one or more of the applications and can store any additional files that can aid the operation of one or more applications (e.g., files with metadata).\",\n \"It should be understood that any of the information stored on storage device 1050 can instead be stored in memory 1045.Electronic media device 1000 can also include input component 1020 and output component 1025 for providing a user with the ability to interact with electronic media device 1000.For example, input component 1020 and output component 1025 can provide an interface for a user to interact with an application running on control circuitry 1030.Input component 1020 can take a variety of forms, such as a keyboard/keypad, trackpad, mouse, click wheel, button, stylus or touch screen.\",\n \"Input component 1020 can also include one or more devices for user authentication (e.g., a smart card reader, a fingerprint reader or an iris scanner) as well as an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) or a video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) for recording video or still frames.\",\n \"Output component 1025 can include any suitable display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a touch screen display, a projection device, a speaker or any other suitable system for presenting information or media to a user.\",\n \"Output component 1025 can be controlled by graphics circuitry 1035.Graphics circuitry 1035 can include a video card, such as a video card with 2D, 3D or vector graphics capabilities.\",\n \"In some embodiments, output component 1025 can also include an audio component that is remotely coupled to electronic media device 1000.For example, output component 1025 can include a headset, headphones or ear buds that can be coupled to electronic media device 1000 with a wire or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth headset).\",\n \"Electronic media device 1000 can have one or more applications (e.g., software applications) stored on storage device 1050 or in memory 1045.Control circuitry 1030 can be configured to execute instructions of the applications from memory 1045.For example, control circuitry 1030 can be configured to execute a media player application that causes full-motion video or audio to be presented or displayed on output component 1025.Other applications resident on electronic media device 1000 can include, for example, a telephony application, a GPS navigator application, a web browser application and a calendar or organizer application.\",\n \"Electronic media device 1000 can also execute any suitable operating system, such as Mac OS, Apple iOS, Linux or Windows and can include a set of applications stored on storage device 1050 or memory 1045, which applications can be compatible with the operating system running on the device.\",\n \"In some embodiments, electronic media device 1000 can also include communications circuitry 1055 to connect to one or more communications networks.\",\n \"Communications circuitry 1055 can be any suitable communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network and to transmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from electronic media device 1000 to other devices within the communications network.\",\n \"Communications circuitry 1055 can be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband and other cellular protocols, VOIP or any other suitable protocol.\",\n \"In some embodiments, communications circuitry 1055 can be operative to create a communications network using any suitable communications protocol.\",\n \"Communications circuitry 1055 can create a short-range communications network using a short-range communications protocol to connect to other devices.\",\n \"For example, communications circuitry 1055 can be operative to create a local communications network using the Bluetooth protocol to couple with a Bluetooth headset (or any other Bluetooth device).\",\n \"Communications circuitry 1055 can also include a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC) configured to connect to the Internet or any other public or private network.\",\n \"For example, electronic media device 1000 can be configured to connect to the Internet via a wireless network, such as a packet radio network, an RF network, a cellular network or any other suitable type of network.\",\n \"Communication circuitry 1055 can be used to initiate and conduct communications with other communications devices or media devices within a communications network.\",\n \"Electronic media device 1000 can also include any other component suitable for performing a communications operation.\",\n \"For example, electronic media device 1000 can include a power supply, an antenna, ports or interfaces for coupling to a host device, a secondary input mechanism (e.g., an ON/OFF switch) or any other suitable component.\",\n \"Speaker driver circuitry 1060 can include circuitry configured to convert audio signals to signals that are configured to drive one or more piezoelectric speakers 1005.In some embodiments piezoelectric speakers 1005 can be driven with a varying voltage, however other types of signals can be used.\",\n \"In various embodiments speaker driver circuitry can separate a higher frequency band from a lower frequency band and send the higher frequencies to a first piezoelectric speaker and the lower frequencies to a second piezoelectric speaker.\",\n \"Other configurations and variations of speaker driver circuitry 1060 and piezoelectric speaker 1005 are within the scope of this disclosure.\",\n \"Although the electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 100 in FIG.\",\n \"1) are described and illustrated as one particular electronic device, embodiments of the disclosure are suitable for use with a multiplicity of electronic devices.\",\n \"For example, any device that receives or transmits audio, video or data signals can be used with the disclosure.\",\n \"In some instances, embodiments of the disclosure are particularly well suited for use with portable electronic media devices because of their potentially small form factor.\",\n \"As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that can be used to present human-perceivable media.\",\n \"Such devices can include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple's iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple's iPhone devices), watches, wearable electronic devices, video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple's iPad devices), laptop or other mobile computers.\",\n \"Some of these devices can be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output.\",\n \"For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components of electronic devices are not shown in the figures.\",\n \"In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to numerous specific details that can vary from implementation to implementation.\",\n \"The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.\",\n \"The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the disclosure, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the disclosure, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.\",\n \"The specific details of particular embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure.\",\n \"Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom or “top” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature's relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures.\",\n \"It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.\",\n \"For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a “bottom” surface may then be oriented “above” other elements or features.\",\n \"The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875080"}}},{"rowIdx":4494773,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Antibody Therapy for Amyloid Beta Disease","The present disclosure relates generally to a protocol to treat or prevent diseases or conditions associated with pathological forms of amyloid beta (Aβ), including Alzheimer's disease.","Enabled herein is a reagent for use in the treatment and prophylaxis of Aβ-associated pathological conditions."],["1.An isolated Fab 2286-like antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 and a C-terminally elongated form thereof, said antibody comprising a modified Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid (E), wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.2.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 herein the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","3.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid selected from arginine, lysine and histidine.","4.The isolated Fab 2886-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.","5.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is arginine.","6.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the C-terminally elongated form of Aβ1-40 is selected from Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.7.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 conjugated to constant regions of light and heavy chains.","8.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 7 comprising a heavy chain variable region selected from SEQ ID NO:9 and 11.9.A mammalianized form of the isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1.10.The mammalianized form of the isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 9 wherein the antibody is humanized.","11.An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an amino acid chain of the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.12.The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 11 comprised within an expression vector.","13.An isolated cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 11 or 12.14.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents and/or excipients.","15.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10 for use in the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease.","16.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 15 wherein the Aβ disease is associated with or characterized by pathogenic forms of Aβ selected from Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42 in tissue or fluid.","17.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 16 wherein the tissue is brain tissue.","18.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 16 wherein the fluid is circulatory blood fluid.","19.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the disease is selected from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.","20.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 19 wherein the vascular disorder is stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).","21.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 19 wherein the disease is Alzheimer's disease.","22.A method of treating or ameliorating symptoms of a neurological condition selected from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, stroke and HCHWA-D or other adverse event of the systemic vasculature in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject, an effective amount of an Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mature heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not gluatimic acid (E) using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE of Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) is at positions 47 to 50 or having one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto.","23.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","24.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid selected from arginine, lysine and histidine.","25.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.","26.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is arginine.","27.A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Alzheimer's disease in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.28.A method of delaying development of a symptom associated with Alzheimer's disease in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.29.A method of inhibiting or suppressing the formation of amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.30.A method of reducing amyloid plaques and/or reducing or slowing Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.31.A method of removing or clearing amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.32.A method of reducing Aβ peptide in a tissue, inhibiting and/or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in a tissue, or inhibiting and/or reducing toxic effects of Aβ peptide in a tissue in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.33.The method of any one of claims 22 to 32 wherein the subject is a human.","34.The method of claim 33 wherein the antibody is intravenously or intracerebrally administered.","35.A kit comprising the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.36.The kit of claim 35 further comprising an antibody labeled with a reporter molecule or enzyme specific to the Fab 2286-like antibody.","37.Use of the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10 in the manufacture of a medicament in the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease.","38.Use of claim 37 wherein the Aβ disease is selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.","39.Use of claim 38 wherein the vascular disorder is stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).","40.Use of claim 37 wherein the Aβ disease is Alzheimer's disease.","41.Use of Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10 in the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease via a peripheral sink.","42.Use of claim 41 wherein the Aβ disease is selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, pre-eclampsia and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.","43.Use of claim 42 wherein the vascular disorder is stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).","44.Use of claim 41 wherein the Aβ disease is Alzheimer's disease.","45.A method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, said method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.","46.The method of claim 45 wherein the Fab 2286-like antibody is labeled with a reporter molecule.","47.The method of claim 45 wherein the Fab 2286-like antibody is identified by a labeled anti-immunoglobulin antibody.","48.The method of claim 45 or 46 or 47 for the detection of a disease selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, pre-eclampsia and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.","49.The method of claim 48 for the detection of Alzheimer's disease.","50.The method of claim 48 for the detection of stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).","51.The method of claim 48 for the detection of pre-eclampsia.","52.The method of claim 51 wherein the toxic form of Aβ is detected in urine.","53.A dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.","54.The dipstick of claim 53 wherein the sample is urine.","55.The dipstick of claim 54 in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.","56.An isolated polynucleotide encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:19 or an amino acid sequence having at least 90% similarity thereto after optimal alignment.","57.The isolated polynucleotide of claim 56 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:18 or a sequence having at lest 90% identity thereto after optimal alignment or a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to the complement of SEQ ID NO:18 under medium or high stringency conditions.","58.The isolated polynucleotide of claim 52 comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO:).","The SEQ ID NOs: correspond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1 (SEQ ID NO:1), <400>2 (SEQ ID NO:2), etc.","A summary of the sequence identifiers is provided in Table 1.A sequence listing is provided after the claims.","The present disclosure teaches the generation of an antibody and derivatives thereof which target Aβ 1-40 and its C-terminally extended forms including Aβ 1-42 and Aβ 1-43 .","The inventors analyzed the molecular basis of antibody engagement with Aβ.","The 3D structure of a Fab binding fragment of the variable domain of Mab 2286 (referred to herein as “Fab 2286”) was determined to near atomic resolution.","Fab 2286 is a chimera comprising the mouse variable region of Mab 2286 transplanted onto a human scaffold.","Fab 2286 comprises V H and V L from Mab 2286 and C H and C L from a human template.","This antibody exhibits similar specificity as Ponezumab to the C-terminus of Aβ 1-40 and does not react with Aβ 1-42 or Aβ 1-43 or other elongated forms such as Aβ 3-42 , Aβ 4-42 , Aβ pyroGln3-42 and Aβ pyroGlu11-42 .","The analysis of chimeric Fab 2286 revealed a hydrophobic cavity in the Fab 2286 surface suitable for binding amyloid beta peptide.","The amino acid sequences of Ponezumab and Fab 2286 show little similarity in the complementarity determining regions, but comparison of the 3D structures (Protein Data Bank entries 3U0T and 3U0W, respectively) revealed some potential spacial similarities for ligand engagement.","Structural analysis of the Ponezumab-Aβ complex revealed a buried Aβ terminal carboxyl location that excluded cross reactivity with C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","A modification is prepared of the proposed Aβ 1-40 C-terminus binding site of Fab 2286 at the glutamic acid (E; Glu) at residue 50 in the heavy variable chain of Fab 2286 [Glu50].","The substitution to another amino acid (Glu500Xaa), wherein Xaa is not glutamic acid, substantially improves affinity for the Aβ 1-40 ligand and enables binding to the C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.","In a particular embodiment, Xaa is arginine.","Accordingly, enabled herein is an antibody that specifically binds to the C-terminal end portion of Aβ 1-40 and to C-terminally extended toxic forms thereof.","In an embodiment, the antibody is a derivative of Fab 2286 and is referred to herein as a “Fab 2286-like antibody”.","Fab 2286 comprises the antigen binding fragment of Mab 2286 grafted onto a human scaffold constant region.","In an embodiment, the instant disclosure teaches a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising an amino acid substitution at glutamic acid (E) in its heavy chain in the amino acid sequence WIGE to generate the sequence WIGX.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an alanine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an arginine.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may have one or more other mutations.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any light and heavy chain constant region and be subject to mammalianization such as humanization (or deimmunization).","In terms of testing the antibody in an animal model, the antibody may, for example, be subject to murinization.","Further enabled herein is a method for treating a disease or condition characterized by the presence of aberrant or toxic forms of Aβ including C-terminally elongated forms (e.g.","Aβ 1-42 , Aβ 1-43 .","Aβ 3-42 , Aβ 3-42 , Aβ 4-42 , Aβ pyroGlu3-42 and Aβ pyroGlu11-42 ) as well as covalently cross-linked pathogenic forms of Aβ multimers.","The method comprises the administration of a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mutation in its heavy chain variable region which enables it to bind to C-terminally elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ.","The mutation is a Glu50Xaa substitution in SEQ ID NO: 1.An example is a Glu500Arg substitution as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2.Other modified forms of the heavy chain which includes the Glu50Arg substitution are provided in SEQ ID NOs:6 and 8.As indicated above, however, the glutamic acid is changed to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is alanine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is arginine.","Diseases and conditions contemplated herein include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).","The subject antibody may also be used to capture and/or detect toxic forms of Aβ associated with the above-listed conditions.","In terms of diagnosis, another condition contemplated herein is pre-eclampsia.","Whilst pre-eclampsia and a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's disease share no clinical features in common, the pre-eclampsia susceptibility gene, STOX-1, is abundantly expressed in the brain and transactivates LRRTM3 in neural cells which promotes elevated Aβ processing.","Hence, the presence of toxic forms of Aβ in urine is potentially indicative of pre-eclampsia.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may act to promote microglial-mediated removal of pathogenic Aβ species in the brain and/or through the “peripheral sink” route to induce an equilibrium shift to remove Aβ from the brain to the blood stream where it is removed by various immune mechanisms.","The treatment may also include ameliorating symptoms or delaying onset of symptoms of an Aβ pathology such as Alzheimer's disease.","Another aspect contemplated herein is a method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, the method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.","The antibody may also be used to capture an Aβ form which is then detected by, for example, another antibody specific for an epitope on Aβ or by an anti-immunoglobulin antibody which binds to the Fab 2286-like antibody.","Diagnostic applications extend to Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]) and pre-eclampsia.","Whilst a blood-based test is proposed for most conditions, for pre-eclampsia, a urine-based test is proposed.","Cerebral spinal fluid may also be tested.","In an embodiment, taught herein is a dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.","In an embodiment, the sample is urine and the condition diagnosed is pre-eclampsia.","TABLE 1 Summary of sequence identifiers SEQUENCE ID NO: DESCRIPTION 1 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286 antibody 2 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain of Fab 2286-like antibody comprising Glu50Arg substitution 3 Amino acid sequence of light chain (hkappa) of Fab 2286 and Fab 2286-like antibody) 4 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 1-28 5 Aniino acid sequence of Aβ 1-40 6 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 1-42 7 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 1-43 8 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 35-40 9 Amino acid sequence, of murinized Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain conjugated to human gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy constant region with Glu50Arg substitution 10 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286 antibody heavy chain variable region 11 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain variable region 12 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 13 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 14 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 15 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 16 Nucleotide sequence of synthetic DNA construct encoding Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 17 Amino acid sequence of Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 18 Nucleotide sequence of murine heavy B encoding Glu to Arg substitution 19 Amino acid sequence of murine heavy B with Glu to Arg substitution 20 Nucleotide sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody 21 Amino acid sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody Amino acid abbreviations used herein are defined in Table 2.TABLE 2 Amino acid three and single letter abbreviations Three-letter One-letter Amino Acid Abbreviation Symbol Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R Asparagine Asn N Aspartic acid Asp D Cysteine Cys C Glutamine Gln Q Ghitamic acid Glu E Glycine Gly G Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Leucine Leu L Lysine Lys K Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P Serine Ser S Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V Pyrrolysine Pyl O Selenocysteine Sec U Any residue Xaa X"],["FILING DATA This application is associated with and claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No.","2013902922, filed on 5 Aug. 2013, entitled “An antibody therapy for amyloid beta disease”, the entire contents of which, are incorporated herein by reference.","BACKGROUND Field The present disclosure relates generally to a protocol to treat or prevent diseases or conditions associated with pathological forms of amyloid beta (Aβ), including Alzheimer's disease.","Enabled herein is a reagent for use in the treatment and prophylaxis and diagnosis of Aβ-associated pathological conditions.","Prior Art Bibliographic details of the publications referred to by author in this specification are collected alphabetically at the end of the description.","Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.","Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder characterized histologically by neuritic plaques found primarily in association with the cortex, limbic system and basal ganglia.","These neuritic plaques comprise a cleavage product of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a type I transmembrane glycoprotein.","The cleavage product of APP is β-amyloid peptide or Aβ.","Incorrect processing of APP can result in pathological forms of Aβ (Tanzi et al.","(1996) Neurobiol Dis 3:159-168; Hardy (1996) Ann Med 28:255-258; Schenk et al.","(1999) Nature 400:173-177).","These pathological forms include Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43 which have been detected as predominant species in the neurite plaques.","Bard et al.","(2000) Nature Medicine 6:916-919 showed that peripheral administration of antibodies directed against Aβ can reduce plaque burden.","Bard et al.","(2003) Proc.","Natl.","Acad.","Sci.","USA 100:2023-2028 subsequently showed that Fc-mediated phagocytosis by microglial cells or macrophages is associated with plaque clearance.","Hence, antibody therapy has the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease.","This is supported by non-Fc-mediated mechanisms being found to be associated with Aβ clearance in immunotherapy (Bacskai et al.","(2002).","J. Neurosci.","22:7873-7878; Das et al.","(2003) J. Neurosci.","23:8532-9538).","One attempt at immunotherapy was the humanized antibody, Bapineuzumab or Bapi, developed by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.","Bapi targets neurotoxic Aβ (Salloway et al.","(2009) Neurology 73:2061-2070) at the extreme N-terminus in a helical conformation (Miles et al.","(2013) Sci Rep 3:1-8) [doi:10.1038/srep01302].","Such Aβ forms with the N-terminal truncations comprise approximately 60% of Aβ deposits in the Alzheimer's diseased brains.","Bapi was, however, shown to be toxic at higher doses.","Another antibody is Solanezumab (Eli Lilly).","This antibody targets monomeric Aβ in the mid-region of the peptide and was partially efficacious in mild cases of Alzheimer's disease (Hardy (2014) N Engl J Med 370(4):377-378).","However, it appears that Solanezumab may be ineffective at reversing the symptoms in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease (Panza et al.","(2014) Expert Opin Biol Ther: 1-12 PMID 24981190).","Crenezumab (Genentech Inc.) also targets the mid-region of Aβ.","It appears to stimulate microglia to a level sufficient to clear Aβ but without inducing an inflammatory response (Adolfsson et al.","(2012) J. Neuroscience 32(28):9677-9689).","Ponezumab (Pfizer) targets the C-terminal end of Aβ1-40 but is unable to bind to elongated forms such as Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.Ponezumab was not efficacious in reducing biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline (Liu et al.","(2014) Mol Neurobiol:PMID 24733588).","Another monoclonal antibody which has the same binding specificity as Ponezumab is referred to as Mab 2286 (Rosenthal et al.","USSN 2011/038861, 2004/0146512 and 2007/0160616).","Mab 2286 also does not bind to Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.There is a need to further develop an immunotherapeutic approach to the treatment of disease conditions associated with toxic Aβ forms and their diagnosis.","SUMMARY Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO:).","The SEQ ID NOs: correspond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1 (SEQ ID NO:1), <400>2 (SEQ ID NO:2), etc.","A summary of the sequence identifiers is provided in Table 1.A sequence listing is provided after the claims.","The present disclosure teaches the generation of an antibody and derivatives thereof which target Aβ1-40 and its C-terminally extended forms including Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.The inventors analyzed the molecular basis of antibody engagement with Aβ.","The 3D structure of a Fab binding fragment of the variable domain of Mab 2286 (referred to herein as “Fab 2286”) was determined to near atomic resolution.","Fab 2286 is a chimera comprising the mouse variable region of Mab 2286 transplanted onto a human scaffold.","Fab 2286 comprises VH and VL from Mab 2286 and CH and CL from a human template.","This antibody exhibits similar specificity as Ponezumab to the C-terminus of Aβ1-40 and does not react with Aβ1-42 or Aβ1-43 or other elongated forms such as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGln3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.The analysis of chimeric Fab 2286 revealed a hydrophobic cavity in the Fab 2286 surface suitable for binding amyloid beta peptide.","The amino acid sequences of Ponezumab and Fab 2286 show little similarity in the complementarity determining regions, but comparison of the 3D structures (Protein Data Bank entries 3U0T and 3U0W, respectively) revealed some potential spacial similarities for ligand engagement.","Structural analysis of the Ponezumab-Aβ complex revealed a buried Aβ terminal carboxyl location that excluded cross reactivity with C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","A modification is prepared of the proposed Aβ1-40 C-terminus binding site of Fab 2286 at the glutamic acid (E; Glu) at residue 50 in the heavy variable chain of Fab 2286 [Glu50].","The substitution to another amino acid (Glu500Xaa), wherein Xaa is not glutamic acid, substantially improves affinity for the Aβ1-40 ligand and enables binding to the C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.","In a particular embodiment, Xaa is arginine.","Accordingly, enabled herein is an antibody that specifically binds to the C-terminal end portion of Aβ1-40 and to C-terminally extended toxic forms thereof.","In an embodiment, the antibody is a derivative of Fab 2286 and is referred to herein as a “Fab 2286-like antibody”.","Fab 2286 comprises the antigen binding fragment of Mab 2286 grafted onto a human scaffold constant region.","In an embodiment, the instant disclosure teaches a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising an amino acid substitution at glutamic acid (E) in its heavy chain in the amino acid sequence WIGE to generate the sequence WIGX.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an alanine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an arginine.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may have one or more other mutations.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any light and heavy chain constant region and be subject to mammalianization such as humanization (or deimmunization).","In terms of testing the antibody in an animal model, the antibody may, for example, be subject to murinization.","Further enabled herein is a method for treating a disease or condition characterized by the presence of aberrant or toxic forms of Aβ including C-terminally elongated forms (e.g.","Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43.Aβ3-42, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42) as well as covalently cross-linked pathogenic forms of Aβ multimers.","The method comprises the administration of a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mutation in its heavy chain variable region which enables it to bind to C-terminally elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ.","The mutation is a Glu50Xaa substitution in SEQ ID NO: 1.An example is a Glu500Arg substitution as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2.Other modified forms of the heavy chain which includes the Glu50Arg substitution are provided in SEQ ID NOs:6 and 8.As indicated above, however, the glutamic acid is changed to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is alanine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is arginine.","Diseases and conditions contemplated herein include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).","The subject antibody may also be used to capture and/or detect toxic forms of Aβ associated with the above-listed conditions.","In terms of diagnosis, another condition contemplated herein is pre-eclampsia.","Whilst pre-eclampsia and a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's disease share no clinical features in common, the pre-eclampsia susceptibility gene, STOX-1, is abundantly expressed in the brain and transactivates LRRTM3 in neural cells which promotes elevated Aβ processing.","Hence, the presence of toxic forms of Aβ in urine is potentially indicative of pre-eclampsia.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may act to promote microglial-mediated removal of pathogenic Aβ species in the brain and/or through the “peripheral sink” route to induce an equilibrium shift to remove Aβ from the brain to the blood stream where it is removed by various immune mechanisms.","The treatment may also include ameliorating symptoms or delaying onset of symptoms of an Aβ pathology such as Alzheimer's disease.","Another aspect contemplated herein is a method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, the method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.","The antibody may also be used to capture an Aβ form which is then detected by, for example, another antibody specific for an epitope on Aβ or by an anti-immunoglobulin antibody which binds to the Fab 2286-like antibody.","Diagnostic applications extend to Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]) and pre-eclampsia.","Whilst a blood-based test is proposed for most conditions, for pre-eclampsia, a urine-based test is proposed.","Cerebral spinal fluid may also be tested.","In an embodiment, taught herein is a dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.","In an embodiment, the sample is urine and the condition diagnosed is pre-eclampsia.","TABLE 1 Summary of sequence identifiers SEQUENCE ID NO: DESCRIPTION 1 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286 antibody 2 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain of Fab 2286-like antibody comprising Glu50Arg substitution 3 Amino acid sequence of light chain (hkappa) of Fab 2286 and Fab 2286-like antibody) 4 Amino acid sequence of Aβ1-28 5 Aniino acid sequence of Aβ1-40 6 Amino acid sequence of Aβ1-42 7 Amino acid sequence of Aβ1-43 8 Amino acid sequence of Aβ35-40 9 Amino acid sequence, of murinized Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain conjugated to human gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy constant region with Glu50Arg substitution 10 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286 antibody heavy chain variable region 11 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain variable region 12 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 13 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 14 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 15 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 16 Nucleotide sequence of synthetic DNA construct encoding Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 17 Amino acid sequence of Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 18 Nucleotide sequence of murine heavy B encoding Glu to Arg substitution 19 Amino acid sequence of murine heavy B with Glu to Arg substitution 20 Nucleotide sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody 21 Amino acid sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody Amino acid abbreviations used herein are defined in Table 2.TABLE 2 Amino acid three and single letter abbreviations Three-letter One-letter Amino Acid Abbreviation Symbol Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R Asparagine Asn N Aspartic acid Asp D Cysteine Cys C Glutamine Gln Q Ghitamic acid Glu E Glycine Gly G Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Leucine Leu L Lysine Lys K Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P Serine Ser S Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V Pyrrolysine Pyl O Selenocysteine Sec U Any residue Xaa X BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Some figures contain color representations or entities.","Color photographs are available from the Patentee upon request or from an appropriate Patent Office.","A fee may be imposed if obtained from a Patent Office.","FIGS.","1A through C are photographical representations of SDS-PAGE analysis of synthetic Aβ preparations.","Detected by (A) Coomassie stain, (B) anti-Aβ40 C-terminus specific Mab 2286 Western Blot and (C) anti-Aβ2-7 specific Mab WO2 Western Blot.","In each panel, lanes represent: (1) Aβ1-40 aged for 21 days at room temperature in PBS; (2) freshly prepared, from 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE)-treated and lyophilized stock, Aβ1-40; (3) Aβ1-42 aged for 21 days at room temperature in phosphile buffered saline (PBS); (4) freshly prepared, from TFE-treated and lyophilized stock, Aβ1-42; (5) 1:1 mixture of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 aged overnight at room temperature in PBS; (6) Aβ1-28 freshly prepared, from TFE-treated and lyophilized stock.","FIG.","2 is a graphical representation of the binding characteristics of Fab 2286 (Aβ Fab wt) and the Fab 2286-like antibody (Aβ Fab mutant) in tissue from a familial Alzheimer's diseased brain and against synthetic peptide Aβ1-42.FIG.","3 is a graphical representation of the binding characteristics of Fab 2286 (Aβ Fab wt) and the Fab 2286-like antibody (Aβ Fab mutant) in tissue from a sporadic Alzheimer's diseased brain and against synthetic peptide Aβ1-42.DETAILED DESCRIPTION Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or method step or group of elements or integers or method steps but not the exclusion of any element or integer or method step or group of elements or integers or method steps.","As used in the subject specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural aspects unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.","Thus, for example, reference to “a mutation” includes a single mutation, as well as two or more mutations; reference to “an antibody” includes a single antibody, as well as two or more antibodies; reference to “the disclosure” includes a single reference to “the disclosure” and includes single and multiple aspects taught by the disclosure; and so forth.","Aspects taught and enabled herein are encompassed by the term “invention”.","All such aspects are enabled within the width of the present invention.","Disclosed herein is an antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 (“Aβ40”) as well as C-terminally elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ, including Aβ1-42 (“Aβ42”) and Aβ1-43 (“Aβ43”) as well as covalently linked multimers thereof.","A “multimer” includes an oligomer.","The antibody comprises a mature heavy chain having the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that in the sequence WIGE, the glutamic acid (E) is substituted for another amino acid residue, i.e.","Glu50Xaa.","In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is arginine such as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2.Other forms are provided in SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11.The amino acid sequence of its light chain is set forth in SEQ ID NO:3.The mature heavy chain is derived from an antigen-binding fragment of Mab 2286 (a Fab 2286 fragment) and the antibody of the present disclosure is referred to as an “Fab 2286-like antibody”.","It is also referred to as “Aβ Fab mutant”.","The Mab 2286 precursor antigen binding fragment is referred to as “Fab 2286” or “Aβ Fab wt”.","The Fab 2286-like antibody differs from Ponezumab and Mab 2286 by its ability to bind to C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","These include Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43 as well as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.The Fab 2286-like antibody may also comprise one or more additional amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions.","In addition, the Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any heavy and light constant regions.","For example, in an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is conjugated to human kappa-1 immunoglobulin (hkappa) light chain and human gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy chain constant regions.","In one example, the heavy chain variable and constant regions (VH+CH) have an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.Furthermore, the antibody may be mammalianized so that it can be administered to a particular mammal such as a mouse, rat, pig, sheep or monkey.","In an embodiment, the mammal is a human and the antibody is humanized or deimmunized.","In terms of testing the antibody in an animal model such as a mouse model, it may also be subject to murinization.","Accordingly, enabled herein is an isolated Fab 2286-like antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 and a C-terminally elongated form thereof, the antibody comprising a modified Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid, wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.Enabled herein is an isolated antibody comprising a mature heavy chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 provided that the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine (R) [50 Arg].","In an embodiment, the amino acid sequence comprises at least 90% similarity to SEQ ID NO:2 provided it still contains the Glu50Arg substitution.","Enabled herein is an isolated antibody comprising a mature heavy chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 provided that the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine (R) [50 Arg].","In an embodiment, the amino acid sequence comprises at least 90% similarity to SEQ ID NO:9 provided it still contains the Glu50Arg substitution.","Enabled herein is an isolated antibody comprising a mature heavy chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:11 or one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11 provided that the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine (R) [50 Arg].","In an embodiment, the amino acid sequence comprises at least 90% similarity to SEQ ID NO:1 provided it contains the Glu50Arg substitution.","To take into account variations in the heavy chain, in the amino acid sequence WIGE of SEQ ID NO:1 (mature heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286), the E is at position 50 and in the Fab 2286-like antibody, the sequence is WIGR (see SEQ ID NO:2, 9 and 11).","This is also referred to herein as a Glu50Arg substitution of the mature heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286.However, the present invention extends to a substitution of E at position 50 to any amino acid residue such as alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine or selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to a basic amino acid residue such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an alanine.","In an embodiment, the substitution is to an arginine.","In an embodiment, the present invention extends to a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the exception that in the sequence WIGE at amino acids 47 to 50, the sequence is selected from WIGA, WIGR, WIGN, WIGD, WIGC, WIGQ, WJGG, WIGH, WIGI, WIGL, WIGK, WIGM, WIGF, WIGP, WIGS, WIGT, WIGW, WIGY, WIGV, WIGO and WIGU.","In an embodiment, the sequence is WIGR, WIGK, WIGH, WIGA or WIGM.","In an embodiment, the seuqnece is WIGR.","Reference to “at least 90%” amino acid sequence similarity means 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% similarity.","By “similarity” includes “identity”.","In a related embodiment, enabled herein is an isolated antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 or C-terminally elongated forms thereof or covalently linked multimers thereof, the antibody comprising a modified form of Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid (E), wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents amino acid residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is alanine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid reisdue at position 50 is arginine.","The present disclosure is instructional on a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mature heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 wherein the Fab 2286-like antibody binds to Aβ1-40 and to C-terminally elongated forms thereof.","Other examples of the heavy chain variable regions are found in SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11.Reference to “C-terminally elongated forms” of Aβ1-40 includes Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.Enabled herein is an isolated polynucleotide encoding an amino acid sequence of a mature heavy chain variable region of an antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 and C-terminally elongated forms thereof or covalently linked multimers thereof, the antibody comprising a modified form of Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is not glutamic acid or comprising one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.The numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents amino acid residues 47 to 50.In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list constiting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine.","Hence, in an embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes SEQ ID NO:2.Cells and vectors comprising the polynucleotide are also enabled herein.","Polynucleotide encoding SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11 are also contemplated herein as well as polynucleotide sequence which have at least 90% identity to the nucleotide sequence encoding each of SEQ ID NO:2, 9 or 11 or a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing under medium or high stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence encoding SEQ ID NO:2, 9 or 11 provided the nucleotide sequence encodes Glu50Arg substitution.","In an embodiment, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO:18 or a nucleotide having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:18 or a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to the complement of SEQ ID NO: 18 under medium or high stringency conditions.","In relation to a nucleotide sequence, “at least 90%” means 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100%.","The term “similarity” as used herein includes exact identity between compared sequences at the nucleotide or amino acid level.","Where there is non-identity at the nucleotide level, “similarity” includes differences between sequences which result in different amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels.","Where there is non-identity at the amino acid level, “similarity” includes amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels.","In an embodiment, nucleotide and sequence comparisons are made at the level of identity rather than similarity.","Terms used to describe sequence relationships between two or more polynucleotides or polypeptides include “reference sequence”, “comparison window”, “sequence similarity”, “sequence identity”, “percentage of sequence similarity”, “percentage of sequence identity”, “substantially similar” and “substantial identity”.","A “reference sequence” is at least 12 but frequently 15 to 18 and often at least 25 or above, such as 30 monomer units, inclusive of nucleotides and amino acid residues, in length.","Because two polynucleotides may each comprise (1) a sequence (i.e.","only a portion of the complete polynucleotide sequence) that is similar between the two polynucleotides, and (2) a sequence that is divergent between the two polynucleotides, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides over a “comparison window” to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity.","A “comparison window” refers to a conceptual segment of typically 12 contiguous residues that is compared to a reference sequence.","The comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e.","gaps) of about 20% or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences.","Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by computerized implementations of algorithms (e.g.","GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package Release 7.0, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive Madison, Wis., USA) or by inspection and the best alignment (i.e.","resulting in the highest percentage homology over the comparison window) generated by any of the various methods selected.","Reference also may be made to the BLAST family of programs as for example disclosed by Altschul et al.","(1997) Nucl.","Acids.","Res.","25:3389.A detailed discussion of sequence analysis can be found in Unit 19.3 of Ausubel et al.","(In: Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1994-1998).","The terms “sequence similarity” and “sequence identity” as used herein refers to the extent that sequences are identical or functionally or structurally similar on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide basis or an amino acid-by-amino acid basis over a window of comparison.","Thus, a “percentage of sequence identity”, for example, is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g.","A, T, C, G, I) or the identical amino acid residue (e.g.","Ala, Pro, Ser, Thr, Gly, Val, Leu, Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn, Gin, Cys and Met) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.","For the purposes of the present invention, “sequence identity” will be understood to mean the “match percentage” calculated by the DNASIS computer program (Version 2.5 for windows; available from Hitachi Software engineering Co., Ltd., South San Francisco, Calif., USA) using standard defaults as used in the reference manual accompanying the software.","Similar comments apply in relation to sequence similarity.","Reference to medium stringency includes and encompasses from at least about 16% v/v to at least about 30%0/v/v formamide and from at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for washing condition.","Reference to high stringency includes and encompasses from at least about 31% v/v to at least about 50% v/v formamide and from at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for washing conditions.","In general, washing is carried out Tm=69.3+0.41 (G+C) % (Marmur and Doty (1962) J. Mol.","Biol.","5:109).","However, the Tm of a duplex DNA decreases by 1° C. with every increase of 1% in the number of mismatch base pairs (Bonner and Laskey (1974) Eur.","J. Biochem.","46:83).","Formamide is optional in these hybridization conditions.","Accordingly, particularly preferred levels of stringency are defined as follows: low stringency is 6×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at 25°-42° C.; a moderate stringency is 2×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature in the range 20° C. to 65° C.; high stringency is 0.1×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature of at least 65° C. The Fab 2286-like antibody disclosed herein is useful in the treatment of a subject with a disease or condition associated with or characterized by the presence of pathogenic or toxic forms of Aβ species.","The C-terminally elongated Aβ species may also be in the form of cerebral deposits.","Such diseases or conditions include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).","Generally, the subject is a human although for testing purposes, non-human mammalian subjects may be tested.","In an example, a humanized antibody is used in humans and a murinize form is used for mice or rats.","In an embodiment, the subject is a companion animal such as a dog or cat (using caninized and felinized antibodies, respectively).","See, for example, SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11.Hence, the instant disclosure teaches a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition associated with or characterized by the presence of a pathogenic form of Aβ comprising a C-terminally elongated species of Aβ, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of an antibody comprising a mature heavy chain having a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid, using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) is at positions 47 to 50 or an amino acid sequence with one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto.","In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is arginine.","In an embodiment, the instant disclosure teaches a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition associated with or characterized by the presence of a pathogenic form of Aβ comprising a C-terminally elongated species of Aβ, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of an antibody comprising a mature heavy chain having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence with one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is R, using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is at positions 47 to 50.The effective amount of antibody includes an amount sufficient for microglia to be stimulated to facilitate removal of pathogenic forms of Aβ to which the antibody binds.","Generally, the antibody does not substantially provoke an inflammatory response, the Fab 2286-like antibody promotes clearance of pathogenic Aβ species.","This can be via microglial removal of Aβ in the brain or via a shift in the equilibrium of Aβ from the brain to the circulatory blood system (“peripheral sink”).","Enabled herein is a method of treating or ameliorating symptoms of a neurological condition selected from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, stroke and HCHWA-D or other adverse event involving amyloidosis in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject, an effective amount of a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mature heavy chain variable region having a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid (E) using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE of Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is at positions 47 to 50 or having one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto.","In an embodiment, the amino acid substitution may also be referred to as Glu50Xaa in the heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286.In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid residue such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.","In a particular embodiment, Xaa is arginine (i.e.","the substitution is Glu50Arg).","The term “Fab 2286-like antibody” means that the Fab 2286 antibody has undergone a modification to the mature heavy chain variable region to substitute the E in the amino acid sequence WIGE at positions 47 to 50 to an R (i.e.","WIGR) [Glu500Arg] or another amino acid [Glu500Xaa], wherein Xaa is not glutamic acid.","One or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions may also be made to the mature heavy chain or a light chain.","The Fab 2286-like antibody, however, binds to A β1-40 and C-terminally elongated forms thereof such as A β1-42 and A β1-43.In addition, the Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any light and heavy chain constant region scaffold.","The original 2286 antibody (VL+CL; VH+CH) is referred to as Mab 2286.In an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is conjugated to heavy and light chain constant regions of any antibody.","The antibody may also bind to covalently bound multimers of these Aβ species.","In an embodiment, the present disclosure teaches a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Alzheimer's disease in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an Fab 2286-like antibody having a modification to its mature heavy chain to substitute an E in the amino acid sequence WIGE to X (WIGX), wherein X is any amino acid except glutamic acid.","In an embodiment, X is R (WIGR).","One or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions may also be made to the heavy or light chain.","In one embodiment, the VL+CL comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.The inventors analyzed the molecular basis of antibody engagement of Aβ epitopes.","The 3D Fab structure (Fab 2286) was determined to near atomic resolution of the variable domain of Mab 2286.Fab 2286 is a chimera comprising the mouse variable region of Mab 2286 transplanted onto a human scaffold.","Fab 2286 is VH and VL from Mab 2286 and CH and CL from a human template.","The analysis revealed a hydrophobic cavity in the Fab 2286 binding site in which the C-terminal region of A β1-40 was modeled.","Data further revealed a buried terminal carboxyl location that excluded cross reactivity with C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","Modification of the glutamic acid (E) at residue 50 by the substitution to another amino acid residue in the mature heavy chain variable region enables binding to the C-terminally elongated Aβ species.","Reference to an “antibody” includes an immunoglobulin molecule which binds to a specific target.","In the case of the Fab 2286-like antibody of the instant disclosure, the specific target is the C-terminal end of A β1-40 or C-terminally elongated Aβ species such as Aβ1-42 and A β1-43 as well as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, A βpyroGlu3-43 and A βpyroGlu11-42.The immunoglobulin binds to the C-terminal end of the elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ.","Further covered herein are fragments of antibodies such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2 and Fv fragments, single chain (ScFv) forms, mutants, fusion proteins comprising a portion of the Fab 2286-like antibody and synthetically modified derivatives.","In an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is conjugated to hkappa-1 light chain and hG1 heavy chain constant regions.","As used herein, an “effective dosage” or “effective amount” of the Fab 2286-like antibody or a pharmaceutical composition comprising same is an amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results.","For prophylactic use, beneficial or desired results include results such as eliminating or reducing the risk, lessening the severity, or delaying the outset of the disease, including biochemical, histological and/or behavioral symptoms of the disease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease.","Such a disease is a disease or condition associated with pathogenic forms of Aβ.","Examples include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).","For therapeutic use, beneficial or desired results include clinical results such as inhibiting, suppressing or reducing the formation of amyloid plaques, reducing, removing, clearing amyloid plaques, improving cognition, reversing or slowing cognitive decline, sequestering or increasing soluble Aβ peptide circulating in biological fluids, decreasing one or more symptoms resulting from the disease (biochemical, histological and/or behavioral), including its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from the disease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat the disease, enhancing effect of another medication, delaying the progression of the disease, and/or prolonging survival of patients.","An effective dosage can be administered in one or more administrations.","For purposes of the present disclosure, an effective dosage of antibody, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient to accomplish prophylactic or therapeutic treatment either directly or indirectly.","As is understood in the clinical context, an effective dosage of the Fab 2286-like antibody or pharmaceutical composition comprising same may or may not be achieved in conjunction with another drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition.","Thus, an “effective dosage” may be considered in the context of administering one or more therapeutic agents, and a single agent may be considered to be given in an effective amount if, in conjunction with one or more other agents, a desirable result may be or is achieved.","As used herein, “treatment” or “treating” is an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired results including clinical results.","For purposes of this disclosure, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: inhibiting, suppressing or reducing the formation of amyloid plaques, reducing, removing, or clearing amyloid plaques, improving cognition, reversing or slowing cognitive decline, sequestering soluble Aβ peptide circulating in biological fluids, reducing Aβ peptide (including soluble, oligomeric and deposited) in a tissue (such as brain), inhibiting, slowing and/or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in the brain, inhibiting, slowing and/or reducing toxic effects of Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain), decreasing symptoms resulting from the disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from the disease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat the disease, delaying the progression of the disease, and/or prolonging survival of patients.","Reference to disease includes Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).","As used herein, “delaying” development of Alzheimer's disease means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, and/or postpone development of the disease or its symptoms.","This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and/or individual being treated.","As is evident to one skilled in the art, a sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass prevention, in that the individual does not develop the disease.","A method that “delays” development of Alzheimer's disease is a method that reduces probability of disease development in a given time frame and/or reduces extent of the disease in a given time frame, when compared to not using the method.","Such comparisons are typically based on clinical studies, using a statistically significant number of subjects.","“Development” of Alzheimer's disease means the onset and/or progression of Alzheimer's disease within an individual.","Alzheimer's disease development can be detectable using standard clinical techniques.","However, development also refers to disease progression that may be initially undetectable.","For purposes of this disclosure, progression refers to the biological course of the disease state, in this case, as determined by a standard neurological examination, patient interview, or may be determined by more specialized testing such as the detection or monitoring of biological markers of the disease.","A variety of these diagnostic tests include, but not limited to, neuroimaging, detecting alterations of levels of specific proteins in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid (e.g.","amyloid peptides and Tau), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).","“Development” includes occurrence, recurrence, and onset.","As used herein “onset” or “occurrence” of Alzheimer's disease includes initial onset and and/or recurrence.","As used herein, administration “in conjunction” includes simultaneous administration and/or administration at different times.","Administration in conjunction also encompasses administration as a co-formulation or administration as separate compositions.","As used herein, administration in conjunction is meant to encompass any circumstance wherein an anti-Aβ antibody and another agent are administered to an individual, which can occur simultaneously and/or separately.","As further enabled herein, it is understood that an anti-A Fab 2286-like antibody and optionally the other agent can be administered at different dosing frequencies or intervals.","For example, an anti-Aβ antibody can be administered weekly, while the other agent can be administered less frequently.","It is understood that the anti-Aβ antibody and the other agent can be administered using the same route of administration or different routes of administration.","An “individual” (alternatively referred to as a “subject”) is a mammal, including a human.","Other mammals include, but are not limited to, farm animals (such as cows), sport animals, companion animals (such as cats, dogs, horses), primates, mice and rats.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any material which, when combined with an active ingredient, allows the ingredient to retain biological activity and is non-reactive with the subject's immune system.","Examples include, but are not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers such as a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions such as oil/water emulsion, and various types of wetting agents.","Diluents for aerosol or parenteral administration include phosphate buffered saline or normal (0.9% /w/v) saline.","Compositions comprising such carriers are formulated by well known conventional methods (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990; and Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed.","Mack Publishing, 2000).","The Fab 2286-like antibody may include additional modifications which include functionally equivalent antibodies which do not significantly affect their properties and variants which have enhanced or decreased activity and/or affinity.","For example, the amino acid sequence of the heavy or light variable region of the Fab 2286-like antibody may be mutated to obtain an antibody with a desired binding affinity to Aβ1-42 of Aβ1-43 peptide.","Modification of polypeptides is routine practice in the art and need not be described in detail herein.","Examples of modified polypeptides include polypeptides with conservative substitutions of amino acid residues, one or more deletions or additions of amino acids which do not significantly deleteriously change the functional activity, or use of chemical analogs.","Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.","Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue or the antibody fused to an epitope tag.","Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antibody of an enzyme or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody or which provides a particular functionality.","Substitution variants have at least one amino acid residue in the antibody molecule removed and a different residue inserted in its place.","The sites of greatest interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable regions, but Fc alterations are also contemplated.","Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 3 under the heading of “conservative substitutions”.","TABLE 3 Amino Acid subiitutions Original Conservative Residue Substitutions Exemplary Substitutions Ala (A) Val Val; Leu; Ile Arg (R) Lys Lys; Gln; Asn Asn (N) Gln Gln; His; Asp; Lys; Arg Asp (D) Glu Glu; Asn Cys (C) Ser Ser; Ala Gln (Q) Asn Asn; Gln Glu (E) Asp Asp; Gln Gly (G) Ala Ala His (H) Arg Asn; Gln; Lys; Arg Ile (I) Leu Leu; Val; Met; Ala; Phe; Norleucine Leu (L) Ile Norleucine; Ile; Val; Met; Ala; Phe Lys (K) Arg Arg; Gln; Asn Met (M) Leu Leu; Phe; Ile Phe (F) Tyr Leu; Val; Ile; Ala; Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S) Thr Thr Thr (T) Ser Ser Trp (W) Tyr Tyr; Phe Tyr (Y) Phe Trp; Phe; Thr; Ser Val (V) Leu Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Ala; Norleucine Substantial modifications in the biological properties of the antibody are accomplished by selecting substitutions that differ significantly in their effect on maintaining: (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation; (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site; or (c) the bulk of the side chain.","Naturally occurring residues are divided into groups based on common side-chain properties: (1) Non-polar: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile; (2) Polar without charge: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gin; (3) Acidic (negatively charged): Asp, Glu; (4) Basic (positively charged): Lys, Arg; (5) Residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and (6) Aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe, His.","As taught herein, the Fab 2286-like antibody comprises a substitution of E to an R in the sequence WIGE in the heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286 (wild type).","Non-conservative substitutions are made by exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.","Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformation of the antibody also may be substituted, generally with serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule and prevent aberrant cross-linking.","Conversely, cysteine bond(s) may be added to the antibody to improve its stability, particularly where the antibody is an antibody fragment such as an Fv fragment.","Amino acid modifications can range from changing or modifying one or more amino acids to complete redesign of a region, such as the variable region.","Changes in the variable region can alter binding affinity and/or specificity.","Modifications also include glycosylated and nonglycosylated polypeptides, as well as polypeptides with other post-translational modifications, such as, for example, glycosylation with different sugars, acetylation, and phosphorylation.","Antibodies are glycosylated at conserved positions in their constant regions (Jefferis and Lund (1997) Chem.","Immunol.","65:111-128; Wright and Morrison (1997) TibTECH 15:26-32).","The oligosaccharide side chains of the immunoglobulins affect the protein's function (Boyd et al.","(1996) Mol.","Immunol.","32:1311-1318; Wittwe and Howard (1990) Biochem.","29:4175-4180) and the intramolecular interaction between portions of the glycoprotein, which can affect the conformation and presented three-dimensional surface of the glycoprotein (Jefferis and Lund (1997) supra; Wyss and Wagner (1996) Current Opin.","Biotech.","7:409-416).","Oligosaccharides may also serve to target a given glycoprotein to certain molecules based upon specific recognition structures.","Glycosylation of antibodies has also been reported to affect antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).","Glycosylation of antibodies is typically either N-linked or O-linked.","N-linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an asparagine residue.","The tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine, asparagine-X-threonine, and asparagine-X-cysteine, where X is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain.","Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a polypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site.","O-linked glycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugars N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or 5-hydroxylysine may also be used.","Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such that it contains one or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences (for N-linked glycosylation sites).","The alteration may also be made by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to the sequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).","The glycosylation pattern of antibodies may also be altered without altering the underlying nucleotide sequence.","Glycosylation largely depends on the host cell used to express the antibody.","Since the cell type used for expression of recombinant glycoproteins, e.g.","antibodies, as potential therapeutics is rarely the native cell, variations in the glycosylation pattern of the antibodies can be expected (see, e.g.","Hse et al.","(1997) J. Biol.","Chem.","272:9062-9070).","The methods taught herein use antibodies (including pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies) that specifically bind to an Aβ peptide at the C-terminal end.","The antibodies are further characterized by any (one or more) of the following characteristics: (a) suppresses formation of amyloid plaques in a subject; (b) reduces amyloid plaques in a subject; (c) treats, prevents, ameliorates one or more symptoms of Alzheimer's disease; (d) improves cognitive function.","The antibodies described herein may exhibit a desirable safety profile, for example, the compositions of Fab 2286-like antibody do not cause significant or unacceptable levels or have a reduced level of any one or more of: bleeding in the brain vasculature (cerebral hemorrhage); meningoencephalitis (including changing magnetic resonance scan); elevated white blood count in cerebral spinal fluid; central nervous system inflammation.","The Fab 2286-like antibodies, polynucleotides encoding amino acid chains of the Fab 2286-like antibody, and pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be used in methods for treating, preventing and inhibiting the development of a disease characterized by aberrant deposition of Aβ peptide in the brain of a subject.","The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of the Fab 2286-like antibody that specifically binds to the Aβ peptide or the Aβ peptide deposit or a polynucleotide encoding a chain of the antibody.","Without limiting the present disclosure to any one hypothesis or mode of action, the Fab 2286-like antibody can act directly in the brain to induce microglial-mediated removal of Aβ or via the “peripheral sink” route.","According to the latter mode of action, the Fab 2286-like antibody does not need to cross the blood-brain barrier to act, but rather, binds Aβ in the blood and shift the equilibrium of Aβ from the CNS to the plasma, where Aβ can be degraded (DeMattos et al.","(2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:8850-8855).","The Fab 2286-like antibodies, polynucleotides encoding an amino acid chain in the antibody, and pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be used in methods for treating, preventing and inhibiting the development of Alzheimer's disease and other diseases associated with altered Aβ or APP expression, or accumulation or deposit of Aβ peptide (collectively termed “Aβ-associated diseases”), such as Down's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, mild cognitive impairment, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, vascular disorder caused by deposit of Aβ peptide in blood vessels (such as stroke and HCHWA-D).","Such methods comprise administering the Fab 2286-like antibodies or a pharmaceutical composition comprising same to the subject.","In prophylactic applications, pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments are administered to a patient susceptible to, or otherwise at risk of, Alzheimer's disease (or other Aβ-associated disease) in an amount sufficient to eliminate or reduce the risk, lessen the severity, or delay the outset of the disease, including biochemical, histological and/or behavioral symptoms of the disease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease.","In therapeutic applications, compositions or medicaments are administered; to a patient suspected of, or already suffering from such a disease in amount sufficient to cure, or at least partially arrest, the symptoms of the disease (biochemical, histological and/or behavioral), including its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes in development of the disease.","The present disclosure teaches a method of delaying development of a symptom associated with Alzheimer's disease (or other Aβ-associated disease) in a subject comprising administering an effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Fab 2286-like antibody described herein to the subject.","Symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease includes, but not limited to, abnormalities of memory, problem solving, language, calculation, visuospatial perception, judgment, and behavior.","This disclosure enables a method of inhibiting or suppressing the formation of amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject.","In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the brain of the subject.","In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the cerebral vasculature of the subject.","In an embodiment, the Aβ accumulation is in the circulatory system of the subject.","The instant disclosure teaches a method of reducing amyloid plaques and/or reducing or slowing Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.","In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the brain of the subject.","In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the cerebral vasculature of the subject.","In an embodiment, the Aβ accumulation is in the circulatory system of the subject.","Further taught herein is a method of removing or clearing amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.","In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the brain of the subject.","In some embodiments, the amyloid plaques are in the cerebral vasculature of the subject.","In an embodiment, the Aβ accumulation is in the circulatory system of the subject.","The present disclosure is instructional for a method of reducing Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain), inhibiting and/or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain), and inhibiting and/or reducing toxic effects of Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain) in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.","Aβ polypeptide may be in soluble, oligomeric, or deposited form.","An oligomeric form of Aβ may be composed of 2 or more (e.g.","2 to 50) Aβ polypeptides, which can be a mixture of inter alia A β1-40, Aβ1-42 and A β1-43 peptides as well as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, A βpyroGlu3-42 and A βpyroGlu11-42 and the like.","The present disclosure teaches a method of improving cognition or reversing cognitive decline associated with diseases associated with amyloid deposit of Aβ in a subject, such as Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering an effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.","Effective dosages and schedules for administering the Fab 2286-like antibody may be determined empirically, and making such determinations is within the skill in the art.","Those skilled in the art will understand that the dosage of antibody that must be administered will vary depending on, for example, the mammal that will receive the antibody, the route of administration, the particular type of antibody used and other drugs being administered to the mammal.","Guidance in selecting appropriate doses for antibody is found in the literature on therapeutic uses of antibodies, e.g., Handbook of Monoclonal Antibodies, Ferrone et al.","eds.","Noges Publications, Park Ridge, N.J. (1985) ch.","22:303-357; Smith et al.","(1977) Antibodies in Human Diagnosis and Therapy, Haber et al.","eds., Raven Press, New York:365-389.A typical daily dosage of the antibody used alone might range from about 1 μg/kg to up to 100 mg/kg of body weight or more per day, depending on the factors mentioned above.","Generally, any of the following doses may be used: a dose of at least about 50 mg/kg body weight; at least about 10 mg/kg body weight; at least about 3 mg/kg body weight; at least about 1 mg/kg body weight; at least about 750 μg/kg body weight; at least about 500 μg/kg body weight; at least about 250 μg/kg body weight; at least about 100 μg/kg body weight; at least about 50 μg/kg body weight; at least about 10 μg/kg body weight; at least about 1 μg/kg body weight, or more, is administered.","Antibodies may be administered at lower doses or less frequent at the beginning of the treatment to avoid potential side effect.","Administration may be by any route including intracerebral and intravenous.","The latter is useful in promoting a “peripheral sink” effect.","In an embodiment, more than one antibody is present.","Such compositions may contain at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five different antibodies which bind to different epitopes on Aβ or which bind to the same epitope but with different binding avidities.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may also be administered to a mammalian subject in combination with effective amounts of one or more other therapeutic agents.","The antibody may be administered sequentially or concurrently with the one or more other therapeutic agents.","The amounts of antibody and therapeutic agent depend, for example, on what type of drugs are used, the pathological condition being treated, and the scheduling and routes of administration but would generally be less than if each were used individually.","Following administration of antibody to the mammal, the mammal's physiological condition can be monitored in various ways well known to the skilled practitioner.","In an embodiment, the mammal is a human, companion animal, simian animal or laboratory test animal such as a mouse or rat.","The instant disclosure further teaches articles of manufacture and kits containing materials useful for treating pathological conditions described herein, such as Alzheimer's disease or other Aβ-associated diseases (such as Down's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, mild cognitive impairment, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, vascular disorder caused by deposit of Aβ peptide in blood vessels [such as stroke and HCHWA-D]), or detecting or purifying Aβ or APP.","The article of manufacture comprises a container with a label.","Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, and test tubes.","The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic.","The container holds a composition having an active agent which is effective for treating pathological conditions or for detecting or purifying Aβ or APP.","The active agent in the composition is an Fab 2286-like antibody and may further include an anti-Fab 2286-like antibody labeled with a reporter molecule or enzyme.","The label on the container indicates that the composition is used for treating pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or detecting or purifying Aβ or APP, and may also indicate directions for either in vivo or in vitro use.","The present disclosure also provides kits comprising the Fab 2286-like antibody and/or polynucleotides encoding amino acid chains of Fab 2286-like antibody.","In an embodiment, the kit disclosed herein comprises the container described above.","In an embodiment, the kit comprises the container described above and a second container comprising a buffer.","It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, syringes, and package inserts with instructions for performing any methods described herein (such as methods for treating Alzheimer's disease, and methods for inhibiting or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in the brain).","In kits to be used for detecting or purifying Aβ or APP, the antibody is typically labeled with a detectable marker, such as, for example, a radioisotope, fluorescent compound, bioluminescent compound, a chemiluminescent compound, metal chelator or enzyme.","In an embodiment, described herein is a composition for use in any of the methods described herein, whether in the context of use as a medicament and/or use for manufacture of a medicament.","Hence, taught herein is a use of an antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 or C-terminally elongated forms thereof or covalently linked multimers thereof, the antibody comprising a modified Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain comprises a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid, wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents amino acid residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or other more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is a basic amino acid residue such as arginine, lysine or histidine.","In an embodiment, the amino acid is alanine.","In a particular embodiment, the amino acid is arginine.","In an embodiment, the Aβ disease is selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).","Another aspect enabled herein is a method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, said method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.","Diagnostic applications include the detection of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.","stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]) as well as pre-eclampsia.","In an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is used to detect Alzheimer's disease, HCHWA-D or pre-eclampsia.","Any immunoassay may be used to capture and/or directly identify a toxic form of Aβ.","Immunoassays are binding assays.","Certain immunoassays contemplated herein are the various types of enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and radioimmunoassays (RIA) known in the art.","However, it will be readily appreciated that detection is not limited to such techniques, and Western blotting, dot blotting, FACS analyses, and the like may also be used.","In an embodiment, the assay is capable of generating quantitative results.","The Fab 2286-like antibody is either labeled with a reporter molecule or the Fab 2286-like antibody is used to bind to or capture the Aβ and a second antibody (directed to Fab 2286-like antibody or a portion of Aβ) labeled with a reporter molecule is used to detect an Fab 2286-like antibody-Aβ complex.","The Fab 2286-like antibody can be used to screen for or capture toxic forms of Aβ.","Techniques for the assays contemplated herein are known in the art and include, for example, sandwich assays and ELISA.","It is within the scope of this invention to include any second antibodies (monoclonal, polyclonal or fragments of antibodies or synthetic antibodies) directed to Fab 2286-like antibody.","Both types of antibodies may be used in detection assays or the Fab 2286-like antibody may be used with a commercially available anti-immunoglobulin antibody.","Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for Fab 2286-like antibody are obtainable by immunization with Fab 2286-like antibodies or antigenic fragments thereof and either type is utilizable for immunoassays.","The methods of obtaining both types of sera are well known in the art.","Polyclonal sera are less preferred but are relatively easily prepared by injection of a suitable laboratory animal with an effective amount of the Fab 2286-like antibody, or antigenic parts thereof, collecting serum from the animal and isolating specific sera by any of the known immunoadsorbent techniques.","Although antibodies produced by this method are utilizable in virtually any type of immunoassay, they are generally less favoured because of the potential heterogeneity of the product.","The use of monoclonal antibodies in an immunoassay is particularly preferred because of the ability to produce them in large quantities and the homogeneity of the product.","The preparation of hybridoma cell lines for monoclonal antibody production derived by fusing an immortal cell line and lymphocytes sensitized against the immunogenic preparation can be done by techniques which are well known to those who are skilled in the art.","Another aspect of the present invention contemplates, therefore, a method for detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a biological sample from a subject.","The method comprising contacting the biological sample with Fab 2286-like antibody for a time and under conditions sufficient for an antibody-polypeptide complex to form, and then detecting the complex.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may be labeled with a reporter molecule and this is detected or a labeled anti-Fab 2286-like antibody or generic labeled anti-immunoglobulin antibody is employed to detect the Fab 2286-like antibody-A complex.","A biological sample includes a blood or cerebral spinal fluid sample.","For the detection of pre-eclampsia, the sample is urine.","A “labeled” antibody means an antibody labeled with a reporter molecule.","By “reporter molecule” as used in the present specification, is meant a molecule which, by its chemical nature, provides an analytically identifiable signal which allows the detection of antigen-bound antibody.","Detection may be either qualitative or quantitative.","The most commonly used reporter molecules in this type of assay are either enzymes, fluorophores or radionuclide containing molecules (i.e.","radioisotopes) and chemiluminescent molecules.","In the case of an enzyme immunoassay, an enzyme is conjugated to a second antibody, generally by means of glutaraldehyde or periodate.","As will be readily recognized, however, a wide variety of different conjugation techniques exist, which are readily available to the skilled artisan.","Alternately, fluorescent compounds, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, may be chemically coupled to antibodies without altering their binding capacity.","When activated by illumination with light of a particular wavelength, the fluorochrome-labeled antibody adsorbs the light energy, inducing a state to excitability in the molecule, followed by emission of the light at a characteristic colour visually detectable with a light microscope.","The fluorescent labeled antibody is allowed to bind to a Fab 2286-like antibody-Aβ complex.","After washing off the unbound reagent, the remaining tertiary complex is then exposed to the light of the appropriate wavelength the fluorescence observed indicates the presence of the hapten of interest.","Immunofluorescene and EIA techniques are both very well established in the art.","However, other reporter molecules, such as radioisotope, chemiluminescent or bioluminescent molecules, may also be employed.","In an embodiment, taught herein is a dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.","In an embodiment, the sample is urine and the condition diagnosed is pre-eclampsia.","EXAMPLES Aspects of the present disclosure are now further described by the following non-limiting Examples.","Materials and Methods Antibody Cloning and Expression and Purification A chimeric antibody was produced incorporating light and heavy chain variable domains of the anti-Aβ murine monoclonal antibody, Mab 2286, described by Rosenthal et al.","(US Patent Application Nos.","2004/046512 and 2007/0160616) conjugated, respectively, to human kappa 1 immunoglobulin (hKappa) light chain and gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy chain constant regions.","Amino acid sequences for the Fab region of the light (VL+CL) [SEQ ID NO:3] and heavy (VH+CH) [SEQ ID NO: 1] chains of Fab 2286 are shown in Table 4.Heavy and light chain constructs were each cloned into the pcDNA 3.1 vector (Invitrogen).","Plasmids were transformed into E. coli (DHS-alpha, Invitrogen) for amplification under ampicillin selection and purified with a PureLink (Trade Mark) HiPure Plasmid Megaprep Kit (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.","Recombinant expression plasmids were then transfected into FreeStyle (Trade Mark) 293-F cells to allow expression of the recombinant chimeric antibody.","FreeStyle (Trade Mark) 293-F cells were cultured in FreeStyle expression medium (Invitrogen), and maintained at 37° C. with an atmosphere of 8% v/v CO2.Transient transfections were performed using 293Fectin transfection reagent (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.","Cultures of 1000 mL were shaken in a Cellbag (Trade Mark) 2L (flow rate: 0.1-0.15 Lpm) on a bioreactor system.","Cultures were supplemented with 0.1% Pluronic F68 (Invitrogen) and 0.5% Lucratone Lupin (Millipore) 4 and 24 hours post transfection, respectively, and the rocking angle adjusted to 9° after 24 hours.","Six days post-transfection the cell culture supernatants were harvested by centrifugation at 1000×g.","Harvested conditioned media was filtered through a 0.22 μm filter and applied to a MabSelect SuRe HiTrap Protein A HP Column (5 ml, Hitrap, GE Life Sciences, Sweden) previously equilibrated with PBS.","Antibody was eluted with 0.1 M sodium citrate pH 3.5 and collected into 10% v/v final volume of 3.0 M Tris pH 8.0.Antibody was buffer exchanged into PBS using a HiLoad desalting column 26/10 (GE Life Sciences, Sweden) and concentrated to 1 mg/mL with a centrifugal concentrator (Amicon ultra, 50 kDa MWCO) for storage at −80° C. For expression and purification of Fab2286-like antibody fragment, synthetic DNA cloned into pcDNA3.1 expression vectors were obtained from Genscript for expression of the heavy and light chains.","The N-terminal signal peptides were incorporated for the heavy chain (MGWSWIFLFL VSGTGGVLSE) and light chain (MESQTQVLMS LLFWVSGTCG).","The heavy chain was expressed as a Hexa-histidine tagged construct, with the tag at the C-terminus of the chain.","DNA constructs were transformed into DHSα E. coli for amplification under ampicillin selection and purified with a PureLink (Trade Mark) HiPure Plasmid Megaprep Kit (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.","Recombinant expression plasmids were then co-transfected into FreeStyle (Trade Mark) 293-F cells (Invitrogen) to allow expression of the recombinant antibody fragment.","293-F cells were cultured in FreeStyle expression medium (Invitrogen), and maintained at 310 K with an atmosphere of 8% v/v CO2.The expression was performed in 4 L batches in a Certomat Ct plus incubator (Sartorius) by doing co-transfection of 1×106 cells/mL with both DNA and 293Fectin transfection reagent (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.","Cultures were supplemented with 5 mL/L of 10% v/v Pluronic F68 (Invitrogen), 5 mg/L Lucratone Lupin (Millipore) 4 hours post transfection, and 5 mg/L of glucose 2 days post-transfection.","The cell culture supernatants were harvested by centrifugation at 500×g, and the media collected for purification.","4 L of harvested media was concentrated to 200 mL by tangental flow filtration system (Millipore Proflux M12).","The concentrated media was centrifuged at 20000×g for 30 minutes before being purified by immobilised-metal affinity chromatography.","The supernatant containing Fab was incubated for 1 hour with equilibrated Ni-NTA affinity resin (Qiagen).","The mixture was washed 4 times with 20 mM Tris pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl and 20 mM imidazole.","The protein of interest was eluted with 20 mM Tris pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl and 500 mM imidazole.","Eluted sample was further purified by size exclusion chromatography with a HiLoad Superdex 200 20/60 run in PBS on an AKTApurifier (GE Healthcare).","Fractions were concentrated to 2 mg/mL with a centrifugal concentrator (Amicon ultra, 10 kDa MWCO).","Purification of Fab Fab fragments were prepared using the Immunopure Fab Preparation kit (Pierce Biotechnology).","IgG (10 mg) was digested with 0.5 mL of the 50% w/v immobilized papain slurry overnight at room temperature.","The immobilized papain was removed by centrifugation (3000×g for 3 minutes) and the supernatant containing the digested sample was loaded onto a 1 mL HiTrap Protein A column (GE Life Sciences, Sweden).","Fractions containing the clean Fab fragments were pooled and dialyzed over night in 20 mM HEPES pH 7.0.The dialyzed sample was concentrated with a Centriprep-10 centrifugal concentrator to 4 mg/mL (10 kDa MWCO, Millipore).","The digestion and purification steps were monitored by SDS-PAGE.","Amyloid-β Peptides Peptides corresponding to residues 1-28 (Aβ28), 1-40 (Aβ40) and 1-42 (Aβ42) of the amyloid-β sequence (1-DAEFRHDSGYEVHHQKLVFFAEDVGSNKGA IIGLMVGGVVIA-42) [SEQ ID NO:6] were obtained from commercial sources: Aβ28 (AnaSpec, San Jose, Calif., USA); Aβ40 and Aβ42 (GenicBio BioTech Co., Shanghai, China).","Each of the Aβ peptides was resuspended in 100% (v/v) 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) and aliquoted to give 100 μg per Eppendorf tube.","All aliquots were freeze-dried for 4 hours and stored at −80° C. until required.","SDS-PAGE and Western Blot Aβ peptides (100 μg) were dissolved in 2 μL of 10 μM NaOH, then made up to a volume of 100 μL with PBS.","Samples of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were prepared in advance and aged at room temperature for either 24 hours or 21 days.","A 1:1 molar ratio of Aβ40 and Aβ42 was also prepared and allowed to age overnight before running on SDS-PAGE.","Aβ28 was used as a negative control and prepared on the day along with fresh samples of Aβ40 and Aβ42.An aliquot of 0.5 μg of all aged and freshly prepared Aβ peptides in non-reducing Lamelii loading dye was run on 12% w/v SDS polyacrilamide gel (NuPage; Invitrogen).","Gels were run in triplicate, one gel was Coomassie stained with InstantBlue (Expedon) and the other two were transferred for 1 hour at 4° C. to nitrocellulose membrane (Millipore).","Following Western transfer, the nitrocellulose membrane was blocked with 3% w/v BSA in PBS with 0.1% v/v Tween-20 (PBS-T) overnight at 4° C. The membrane was incubated with either Mab 2286 (1:5000) or Mab WO2 (1:2000) in 3% v/v BSA, PBS-T for 1 hour at room temperature.","It was then washed four times in PBS-T for 15 minutes each.","The blot was then incubated with 1:5000 Protein A-HRP (Millipore) in PBS-T for 1 hour at room temperature.","It was washed a further four times in PBS-T for 15 minutes.","The membrane was incubated with SuperSignal West Pico chemiluminescent (Pierce) for 5 minutes, exposed for 1 minute to X-ray film (Super RX; Fuji) and developed.","Crystallization Initial crystallization screening resulted in small needles of crystals that were subsequently optimized by a combination of the Additive Screen (Hampton Research) and grid screening varying pH and PEG concentration.","The best crystals were grown in 100 mM citric acid pH 5.5, 20% v/v 2-propanol and 20% w/v PEG 4000.All crystals were grown using by vapor diffusion using 2 μL hanging drops at 22° C. Crystals were soaked in a cryoprotectant (mother liquor plus 15% v/v glycerol) for several minutes prior to mounting in a N2 stream at 100 K. Structure Determination Diffraction data from a single crystal of Fab 2286 were collected on the MX1 beamline of the Australian Synchrotron (Melbourne, Australia) with an ADSC Quantum 210r detector.","Data collection were controlled using Blue-Ice software (McPhillips et al.","(2002) J. Synchroton Radiat 9:401-406).","All diffraction data were acquired from one crystal frozen at 100 K. Data collection statistics are summarized in Table 5.Accession Numbers The coordinates for the Fab 2286 structure have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number 3U0W.","TABLE 4 Amino acid sequences of the chimeric Fab 2286 light and heavy chains Light Chain (hKappa) DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCSASQGISNYLNWFQQKPDGTVKLLIYY TSSLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEPEDIATYYCQQYRKLPYTFGG GTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSFNRGEC (SEQ ID NO: 3) Heavy Chain (hG1) EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKISCAASGFDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGE INPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTAIYYCARQM GYWGQGTTLTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPV TVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNH KPSNTKVDKKVEPKSC (SEQ ID NO: 10) Example 1 Western Blot Analysis Antibody recognition of Aβ peptides is confounded by not only the range of different length peptides produced, but by their propensity to form a range of higher order complexes.","In order to explore the specificity of Mab 2286, a number of different Aβ peptide preparations were examined.","These included denatured and freshly dissolved Aβ28, Aβ40 and Aβ42, which would be mostly monomeric in solution.","The peptides were allowed to oligomerize/aggregate both in isolation and as a mixture of the two most common peptides, Aβ40 and Aβ42, for 24 hours to 21 days.","These were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE and detected by Coomassie stain (FIG.","1A), Western Blot with chimeric anti-Aβ Mab 2286 as the primary antibody (FIG.","1B) and Western Blot with murine anti-Aβ Mab WO2 as the primary antibody (FIG.","1C).","Mab WO2 was used as the reference antibody as the 3-D Aβ recognition epitope was previously determined, which involves the free side chains of Aβ2-7 (Miles et al.","(2008) J Mol Biol 377:181-192).","Consistent with the epitope recognition of Mab WO2, specific bands corresponding to Aβ28, Aβ40 and Aβ42 were detected as well as a range of higher molecular weight Aβ species observed for all of the aged peptides (FIG.","1C), indicating that the aging protocol used was sufficient to generate a number of oligomeric forms.","By contrast, quite strikingly, Mab 2286 was highly selective and sensitive in detecting monomeric Aβ40, with no cross-reactivity with any of the other aggregated forms apart from a minor Aβ40 dimeric species (FIG.","1B, Lane 2).","There was no cross-reactivity with either the Aβ28 or Aβ42 sample (FIG.","1B, Lane 6 and 4 respectively).","Interestingly, no monomeric Aβ40 was detected in the sample that had been left to age for 21 days (FIG.","1B Lane 1), suggesting that all monomeric Aβ40 had reacted to form oligomers/aggregates.","The preparation comprised a mixture of Aβ40 and Aβ42 and was allowed to age overnight.","Under these conditions the level of monomeric Aβ40 detected by Mab 2286 was significantly reduced (FIG.","1B Lane 5) relative to freshly prepared Aβ40 alone (the starting concentration of monomeric Aβ40 is the same as the sample in Lane 2) indicating that it has formed higher molecular weight oligomers in the presence of Aβ42.Rosenthal and co-workers showed that Mab 2286 is specific for Aβ terminating at residue 40.They also showed that single point alanine mutations across the terminal residues (35-MVGGVV-40 [SEQ ID NO:8]) modulated binding affinity (Rosenthal et al.","US Patent Application No.","2007/0160616).","Unlike the N-terminal region of Aβ, the C-terminal region is hydrophobic.","When combined, these data indicate that Mab 2286 recognises the hydrophobic side chains of Aβ40 at the C-terminus that are predominantly available in the monomeric state or available for recruitment from perhaps dimers or higher order complexes.","Example 2 Structure of Fab 2286 High resolution (2 Å) structure of a chimeric form of an antigen binding fragment of Mab 2286 [Fab 2286], was determined (Table 5).","The structure of Fab 2286 reveals that it is a typical immunoglobulin Fab heavy/light chain heterodimer with an elbow angle of 185.2°.","The putative Aβ binding groove in the Fab2286 crystal structure was calculated to be approximately 1900{acute over (Å)}3 using Fred Receptor (v2.2.5, OpenEye Scientific Software, Inc., http://www.eyesopen.com).","TABLE 5 Data collection and refinement statistics Crystal Fab 2286 Data collection Space group P212121 Unit-cell parameters a (Å) 64.0 b (Å) 81.3 c (Å) 108.5 Maximum resolution (Å) 2.0 Total observations 437605 Unique reflections used 39062 Redundancy 11.7 (5.0)[a] Completeness (%) 95.7 (71.7) I/σI 27.9 (2.3) RSYM (%)[b] 9.7 (83.1) Final refinement statistics Resolution (Å) 2.0 Total no.","of atoms 3511 No.","of waters 304 R-factor (%)[c] 18.9 R-free (%)[d] 23.5 r.m.s.d.","bond lengths (Å) 0.021 r.m.s.d.","bond angles (°) 2.0 Mean B-factor Protein m.c.","(s.c.) 28.4 (33.1) Solvent 41.2 Ramathandran regions (%) Favored 90.0 Allowed 9.7 Disallowed 0.3 [a]The values in parentheses are for the highest resolution bin.","[b]RSYM = ΣhklΣi|Ii − <I>|/|<I>|, where Ii is the intensity for the ith measurement of an equivalent reflection with indices h, k, l. [c]R-factor = Σ||Fobs| − |Fcalc||/Σ|Fobs|, where Fobs and Fcalc are the observed and calculated structure factor amplitudes respectively.","[d]R-free was calculated with 5% of the diffraction data that were selected randomly and not used throughout refinement.","Example 3 Generation of Fab 2286-Like Antibody Mab 2286 exhibits specificity for the carboxyl terminus of Aβ40 and shows no significant cross reactivity with C-terminally extended peptides such as Aβ42 and Aβ43.Antibody binding to Aβ40 is not inhibited by Aβ38 in competitive binding assays, and binding is similarly modulated by conservative alanine single point mutations across the mapped residues (35-MVGGVV-40 [SEQ ID NO:8]).","The structure of chimeric Fab 2286 determined herein reveals a mechanism explaining specificity for the Aβ40 C-terminus and involves extensive contacts with the Aβ40 Val39 side chain buried in a hydrophobic pocket at the antibody interface.","With the side chain of Aβ40 Val39 anchored in this way, the side chain of Val40 makes further hydrophobic contacts such that the free carboxyl moiety can hydrogen bond with Asn35(H).","C-terminally extended Aβ peptides would lose this potential hydrogen bond and the additional residues would force the ligand backbone to adopt a conformation that is incompatible with the Aβ binding site.","The Western Blot analysis shown in FIG.","1 indicates that, unlike the N-terminus, this hydrophobic C-terminal epitope is buried in oligomeric/aggregated synthetic Aβ40, as only bands correlating with monomer and dimer molecular weights are detected by the binding fragment of Mab 2286, i.e.","Fab 2286.It is concluded that the epitope of Aβ recognized by Fab 2286 is buried in higher order oligomeric assemblies is consistent with the crystal structures of the peptide reported by Colletier et al.","(2011) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108(41):16938-43.In that work, fibril-like structures of the peptide were shown to exhibit parallel and anti-parallel β-sheet stacked forms.","The two steric zippers reported identify “knobs-in-holes” type packing, with Val39 (and Ile41) constituting the buried ‘knobs’ accommodated by the “holes” enabled by the presence of the glycine residues.","It is known that amyloid plaques in the Alzheimer's diseased brain are mainly composed of C-terminally extended species such as Aβ42 and Aβ43, and these represent significant pathogens in Alzheimer's disease.","According to the “peripheral sink” hypothesis (DeMattos et al.","(2001) supra), anti-Aβ antibodies need not cross the blood brain barrier to act, but rather, bind Aβ in the blood and shift the equilibrium of Aβ from the CNS to the plasma, where Aβ can be degraded.","A His-tagged fusion of Fab 2286 chains was generated using human kappa-1 immunoglobulin (hkappa-1) light chain and gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy chain constant regions.","In the Fab 2286, Glu50 is mutated to Arg (Glu50Arg) on the heavy chain.","The Fab 2286-like antibody produced recognized the hydrophobic C-terminal epitope available in monomeric forms of Aβ, but one which can also accommodate C-terminally extended Aβ peptides which have a greater propensity to aggregate or nucleate/accelerate oligomerization.","Synthetic DNA constructs corresponding to heavy and light chains of Fab 2286 were ordered from Genscript and subcloned into the pcDNA 3.1 vector (Invitrogen) for expression in mammalian cells.","A single point mutation was introduced into the heavy chain protein sequence based on a computational analysis of Fab 2286, an antibody fragment that has only low micromolar affinity for amyloid beta peptide terminating at residue 40.The mutant Fab was designed to recognize Aβ1-40.It also was able to bind toxic C-terminally extended peptides including Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.The resultant mutant Fab not only bound the longer length peptides but also did so with low nanomolar affinity.","FIGS.","2 and 3 compare the Aβ binding profiles between Fab 2286 and the Fab 2286-like antibody Glu50Arg Fab mutant against synthetic Aβ species and against Aβ species in brain tissue affected by familial and sporadic Alzheimer's disease respectively.","Example 4 Generation of Fab 2286-Like Antibody on a Murine Scaffold A murinized form of the Fab 2286-like antibody was generated.","To murinized the antibody, the following seuqences were employed: Monoclonal antibody 2286 (Mab 2286) nucleic acid sequence: heavy chain [variable domain and constant domain 1 (CHI)]; [SEQ ID NO:12]: gaggtgaagcttctcgagtctggaggtggcctggtgcagcctggaggatc cctgaaactctcctgtgcagcctcaggattcgattttagtagatactgga tgaattgggtccggcaggctccagggaaagggctagaatggattggagaa attaatccagatagcagtacgataaactatacgccatctctaaaggataa attcatcatctccagagacaacgccaaaaatacgctgtacctgcaaatga gcaaagtgagatctgaggaeacagccctttattactgtgcaagacaaatg ggctactggggccaaggcaccactctcacagtctcctcagccaaaacgac acccccatctgtctatccactggcccctggatctgctgcccaaactaact ccatggtgaccctgggatgcctggtcaagggctatttccctgagccagtg acagtgacctggaactctggatccctgtccagcggtgtgcacaccttccc agctgtcctgcagtctgacctctacactctgagcagctcagtgactgtcc cctccagcacctggcccagcgagaccgtcacctgcaacgttgcccacccg gccagcagcaccaaggtggacaagaaaattgtgcccagggattgt and the light chain; (SEQ ID NO: 14): gatatccagatgacacagactacatcctccctgtctgcctctctgggaga cagagtcaccatcagttgcagtgcaagtcagggcattagcaattatttaa actggtttcagcagaaaccagatggaactgttaaactcctgatctattac acatcaagtttacactcaggagtcccatcaaggttcagtggcagtgggtc tgggacagattattctctcaccatcagcaacctggaacctgaagatattg ccacttactattgtcagcagtataggaagcttccgtacacgttcggaggg gggaccaagctggaaataaaacgggctgatgctgcaccaactgtatccat cttcccaccatccagtgagcagttaacatctggaggtgcctcagtcgtgt gcttcttgaacaacttctaccccaaagacatcaatgtcaagtggaagatt gatggcagtgaacgacaaaatggcgtcctgaacagttggactgatcagga cagcaaagacagcacctacagcatgagcagcaccctcacgttgaccaagg acgagtatgaacgacataacagctatacctgtgaggccactcacaagaca tcaacttcacccattgtcaagagcttcaacaggaatgagtgt The Mab 2286 amino acid sequence: heavy chain [variable domain and constant domain 1 (CHI)]; [SEQ ID NO: 13]: EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGEDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGE INPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARQM GYWGQGTTLTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLAPGSAAQTNSMVTLGCLVKGYFPEPV TVWNSGSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVPSSTWPSETVTCNVAHP ASSTKVDKKIVPRDC and the light chain; (SEQ ID NO: 15): DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCSASQGISNYLNWFQQKPDGTVKLLIYY TSSLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEPEDIATYYCQQYRKLPYTFGG GTKLEIKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKI DGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKT STSPIVKSFNRNEC The Fc portion from a murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) was added to the heavy chain Fab portion sequence.","The synthetic DNA construct was: Gene name: MurineHeavyA_OPT, Length: 1391 bp.","Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 16): GAGGTCAAACTGCTGGAGAGTGGAGGGGGACTGGTGCAGCCAGGCGGGTC ACTGAAGCTGAGCTGCGCCGCTTCCGGCTTCGACTTTTCCCGGTACTGGA TGAATTGGGTGAGACAGGCTCCCGGAAAAGGCCTGGAGTGGATCGGGGAA ATTAATCCTGATAGCTCCACCATCAACTACACACCAAGTCTGAAGGACAA ATTCATCATTTCACGCGATAACGCAAAGAATACTCTGTATCTGCAGATGT CTAAAGTGCGAAGTGAGGACACCGCACTGTACTATTGTGCAAGACAGATG GGATACTGGGGACAGGGAACCACACTGACCGTGTCTAGTGCTAAGACTAC CCCTCCCAGCGTGTATCCTCTGGCACCTGGCTCCGCAGCACAGACCAATT CTATGGTGACACTGGGCTGTCTGGTCAAGGGGTACTTCCCTGAGCCAGTC ACAGTGACTTGGAACAGCGGCAGCCTGTCAAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTTCC TGCCGTCCTGCAGAGCGATCTGTATACACTGTCCTCTAGTGTCACTGTGC CCTCAAGCACCTGGCCTTCCGAGACCGTGACATGCAACGTCGCCCATCCT GCTTCCTCTACAAAGGTGGACAAGAAAATCGTCCCACGAGATTGCGGCTG TAAACCATGCATTTGTACTGTCCCCGAAGTGAGTTCAGTCTTCATCTTTC CACCCAAGCCAAAAGACGTGCTGACTATTACCCTGACACCCAAGGTCACA TGCGTGGTCGTGGATATCAGCAAAGACGATCCCGAGGTGCAGTTCTCCTG GTTTGTCGACGATGTCGAAGTGCACACAGCCCAGACTCAGCCCAGGGAGG AACAGTTCAATTCTACCTTTCGCTCTGTGAGTGAGCTGCCTATTATGCAT CAGGACTGGCTGAATGGAAAGGAATTCAAATGCAGAGTGAACTCTGCTGC TTTCCCGCTCCTATCGAGAAGACTATTAGCAAGACCAAAGGCAGGCCTAA AGCCCCACAGGTGTACACAATCCCTCCACCCAAGGAACAGATGGCTAAGG ATAAAGTGAGCCTGACATGTATGATCACTGACTTCTTTCCCGAGGATATT ACCGTGGAATGGCAGTGGAACGGGCAGCCCGCAGAGAACTATAAGAATAC ACAGCCTATTATGGACACTGATGGATCATACTTCGTGTATAGCAAGCTGA ACGTCCAGAAATCTAATTGGGAAGCCGGCAACACTTTTACCTGTAGTGTG CTGCATGAAGGACTGCATAACCATCATACTGAAAAGTCACTGTCTCATTC ACCAGGCAAA and the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 17): EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGE INPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARQM GYWGQGTTLTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLAPGSAAQTNSMVTLGCLVKGYFPEPV TVTWNSGSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVPSSTWPSETVTCNVAHP ASSTKVDKKIVPRDCGCKPCICTVPEVSSVFIFPPKPKDVLTITLTPKVT CVVVDISKDDPEVQFSWFVDDVEVHTAQTQPREEQFNSTFRSVSELPIMH QDWLNGKEFKCRVNSAAFPAPIEKTISKTKGRPKAPQVYTIPPPKEQMAK DKSVLTCMITDFFPEDITVEWQWNGQPAENYKNTQPIMDTDGSYFVYSKL NVQKSNWEAGNTFTCSVLHEGLHNHHTEKSLSHSPGK The mutant Fab 2286-like antibody (with the Glu to Arg substitution) was derived from mutagenisis of that sequence yielding: Variant name: Murine Heavy B, Variant sequence (SEQ ID NO: 18): GAGGTCAAACTGCTGGAGAGTGGAGGGGGACTGGTGCAGCCAGGCGGGTC ACTGAAGCTGAGCTGCGCCGCTTCCGCTTCGACTTTTCCCGGTACTGGAT GAATTGGGTGAGACAGGCTCCCGGAAAAGGCCTGGAGTGGATCGGGCGTA TTAATCCTGATAGCTCCACCATCAACTACACACCAAGTCTGAAGGACAAA TTCATCATTTCACGCGATAACGCAAAGAATACTCTGTATCTGCAGATGTC TAAAGTGCGAAGTGAGGACACCGCACTGTACTATTGTGCAAGACAGATGG GATACTGGGGACAGGGAACCACACTGACCGTGTCTAGTGCTAAGACTACC CCTCCCAGCGTGTATCCTCTGGCACCTGGCTCCGCAGCACAGACCAATTC TATGGTGACACTGGGCTGTCTGGTCAAGGGGTACTTCCCTGAGCCAGTCA CAGTGACTTGGAACAGCGGCAGCCTGTCAAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTTCCT GCCGTCCTGCAGAGCGATCTGTATACACTGTCCTCTAGTGTCACTGTGCC CTCAAGCACCTGGCCTTCCGAGACCGTGACATGCAACGTCGCCCATCCTG CTTCCTCTACAAAGGTGGACAAGAAAATCGTCCCACGAGATTGCGGCTGT AAACCATGCATTTGTACTGTCCCCGAAGTGAGTTCAGTCTTCATCTTTCC ACCCAAGCCAAAAGACGTGCTGACTATTACCTGACACCCAAGGTCACATG CGTGGTCGGGATATCAGCAAAGACGATCCCGAGGTGCAGTTCTCCTGGTT TGTCGACGATGTCGAAGTGCACACAGCCCAGACTCAGCCCAGGGAGGAAC AGTTCAATTCTACCTTTCGCTCTGTGAGTGAGCTGCCTATTATGCATCAG GACTGGCTGAATGGAAAGGAATTCAAATGCAGAGTGAACTCTGCTGCATT TCCCGCTCCTATCGAGAAGACTATTAGCAAGACCAAAGGCAGGCCTAAAG CCCCACAGGTGTACACAATCCCTCCACCCAAGGAACAGATGGCTAAGGAT AAAGTGAGCCTGACATGTATGATCACTGACTTCTTTCCCGAGGATATTAC CGTGGAATGGCAGTGGAACGGGCAGCCCGCAGAGAACTATAAGAATACAC AGCCTATTATGGACACTGATGGATCATACTTCGTGTATAGCAAGCTGAAC GTCCAGAAATCTAATTGGGAAGCCGGCAACACTTTTACCTGTAGTGTGCT GCATGAAGGACTGCATAACCATCATACTGAAAAGTCACTGTCTCATTCAC CAGGCAAA and the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:19): EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIG RINPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCAR QMGYWGQGTTLTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLAPGSAAQTNSMVTLGCLVKGYFP EPVTVTWNSGSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVPSSWPSETVTCNV AHPASSTKVDKKIVPRDCGCKPCICTVPEVSSVFIFPPKPKDVLTITLT PKVTCVVVDISKDDPEVQFSWFVDDVEVHTAQTQPREEQFNSTFRSVSE LPIMHQDWLNGKEFKCRVNSAAFPAPIEKTISKTKGRPKAPQVYTIPPP KEQMAKDKVSLTCMITDFFPEDITVEWQWNGQPAENYKNTQPIMDTDGS YFVYSKLNVQKSNWEAGNTFTCSVLHEGLHNHHTEKSLSHSPGK The synthetic DNA light chain construct is: Murine Light_OPT, Length: 725 bp, Sequence (SEQ ID NO:20): GATATTCAGATGACTCAGACTACTTCTTCCCTGTCTGCAAGTCTGGGGGA CCGAGTGACAATCTCATGCAGCGCCTCCCAGGGAATTTCCAACTACCTGA ATTGGTTCCAGCAGAAGCCTGATGGCACAGTGAAACTGCTGATCTACTAT ACTAGCTCCCTGCACAGTGGGGTCCCATCAAGATTTTCTGGAAGTGGCTC AGGGACCGACTATAGCCTGACAATCTCCAACCTGGAGCCAGAAGATATTG CCACTTACTATTGCCAGCAGTACCGGAAGCTGCCCTATCTTTCGGCGGGG GAACCAAGCTGGAGATCAAAAGAGCTGACCGCCGCTCCCACCGTGAGCAT TTTTCCCCCTTCTAGTGAACAGCTGACCTCTGGCGGGGCAAGTGTGGTCT GTTTCCTGAACAACTTCTACCCTAAAGACATCAACGTGAAGTGGAAAATT GATGAAGCGAGAGGCAGAACGGCGTCCTGAATTCCTGGACCGACCAGGAT AGCAAGGACTCCACATATTCTATGTCAAGCACCCTGACACTGACTAAAGA TGAGTACGAACGCCATAATAGCTATACATGTGAAGCTACTCATAAGACCT CTACCTCTCCTATTGTGAAATCTTTTAACCGAAATGAATGT and the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:21): DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCSASQGISNYLNWFQQKPDGTVKLLIY YTSSLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEPEDIATYYCQQYRKLPYTF GGGTKLEIKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVK WKIDGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEA THKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC The murinized Fab 2286-like antibody is used in animal model studies.","Example 5 Animal Model Mouse model protocols for the evaluation of Fab 2286-like antibody are established.","Efficacy of the antibody is tested in Tg2576 mice which over express Aβ40 or other mice which over express elongated forms of Aβ.","To test Fab 2286-lie antibody or a derivative thereof, APP/PSI mice are used.","An anti-AD drug efficacy protocol such as by Kenche et al.","(2013) Angewandle Chemie International Edition 52):3374-3378 is a reliable template to formulate a study design.","These mice generate significant quantities of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the brain and are amyloid positive at around 7-8 months, cognitively impaired at 9-10 months.","Mice are purchased at ˜3 months of age from The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me., USA, and are allowed 2 months for acclimatization at a housing facility.","APP/PSI mice are randomly assigned to different treatment groups, (e.g.","10 mg/kg Fab 2286-like antibody, 10 mg/kg vehicle control).","Behavioral assessment and tissue analysis follow protocols established by Kenche et al.","(2013) supra.","Treatment begins at 5 months before amyloid deposition has begun in three arms of 15 animals each (based on a Power statistical analysis for a significant outcome).","Behavioral assessments begin at 7 months of age by Y-maze and water platform techniques as described by Kenche et al.","(2013) supra.","Weekly dosing is administered by oral gavage until 10 months of age when tissue is collected and subject to immunohistochemical analysis and examined for differential Aβ40/Aβ422 profiles by SELDI-TOF MS and other IP/MS methods.","Example 6 Detection of Pre-Eclanmpsia Urine samples are obtained from healthy women, healthy pregnant women and pregnant women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.","The levels and species of Aβ are determined in each group.","In an alternative, cerebral spinal fluid is tested.","However, a urine sample is far less invasive.","Fab 2286-like antibody is used to either capture the Aβ species which is then detected using a labeled anti-immunoglobulin antibody or the Fab 2286-like antibody is labeled itself.","It is expected that pregnant women with pre-eclampsia will exhibit elevated levels of brain-derived toxic Aβ species comprising C-terminally elongated forms.","The Fab 2286-like antibody may also be used in the development of a dipstick or other similar approach to detect toxic Aβ in urine of pregnant women.","Example 7 Generation of Modified Fab 2286 Heavy Chains Using the techniques disclosed herein or known to the skilled artisan, a range of substitutions is made at amino acid residue 50 in the heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286.The amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 comprises an arginine in place of a glutamic acid at residue 50.This creates the amino acid sequence comprising WIGR.","Other substitutions are selected from WIGA, WIGR, WIGN, WIGD, WIGC, WIGQ, WJGG, WIGH, WIGI, WIGL, WIGK, WIGM, WIGF, WIGP, WIGS, WIGT, WIGW, WIGY, WIGV, WIGO and WIGU.","An antibody comprising any of these substitutions from glutamic acid are readily tested as disclosed herein for the ability to bind to Aβ1-40 or C-terminally elongated forms.","Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described.","It is to be understood that the disclosure contemplates all such variations and modifications.","The disclosure also enables all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features or compositions or compounds.","BIBLIOGRAPHY Adolfsson et al.","(2012) J. Neuroscience 32(28):9677-9689 Altschul et al.","(1997) Nucl.","Acids.","Res.","25:3389 Ausubel et al.","(In: Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1994-1998 Bacskai et al.","(2002) J. Neurosci.","22:7873-7878 Bard et al.","(2000) Nature Medicine 6:916-919 Bard et al.","(2003) Proc.","Natl.","Acad.","Sci.","USA 100:2023-2028 Bonner and Laskey (1974) Eur.","J. Biochem.","46:83 Boyd et al.","(1996) Mol.","Immunol.","32:1311-1318 Colletier et al.","(2011) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108(41): 16938-43 Das et al.","(2003) J. Neurosci.","23:8532-9538 DeMattos et al.","(2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:8850-8855 Hardy (1996) Ann Med 28:255-258 Hardy (2014) N Engl.","Med 370(4):377-378 Handbook of Monoclonal Antibodies, Ferrone et al.","eds.","Noges Publications, Park Ridge, N.J. (1985) ch.","22:303-357 Hse et al.","(1997) J. Biol.","Chem.","272:9062-9070 Jefferis and Lund (1997) Chem.","Immunol.","65:111-128 Kenche et al.","(2013) Angewmulte Chemie International Edition 52:3374-3378 Liu et al.","(2014) Mol Neurobiol:PMID 24733588 Marmur and Doty (1962) J. Mol.","Biol.","5:109 McPhillips et al.","(2002) J. Synchroton Radiat 9:401-406 Miles et al.","(2008) J. Mol Biol 377:181-192 Miles et al.","(2013) Sci Rep 3:1-8 Panza et al.","(2014) Expert Opin Biol Ther: 1-12 PMID 24981190 Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990; and Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed.","Mack Publishing, 2000 Rosenthal et al.","(2004) US Patent Application No.","2004/046512 Rosenthal et al.","(2007) US Patent Application No.","2007/016616 Rosenthal et al.","U.S. Pat.","No.","7,807,165 Salloway et al.","(2009) Neurology 73:2061-2070 Schenk et al.","(1999) Nature 400:173-177 Selkoe (2001) Physiol Rev 81:741-766 Smith et al.","(1977) Antibodies in Human Diagnosis and Therapy, Haber et al.","eds., Raven Press, New York:365-389 Tanzi et al.","(1996) Neurobiol Dis 3:159-168 Wallace et al.","(1996) Protein Eng 8:127-134 Wittwe and Howard (1990) Biochem.","29:4175-4180 Wright and Morrison (1997) TibTECH 15:26-32 Wyss and Wagner (1996) Current Opin.","Biotech.","7:409-416"]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Antibody Therapy for Amyloid Beta Disease\",\n \"The present disclosure relates generally to a protocol to treat or prevent diseases or conditions associated with pathological forms of amyloid beta (Aβ), including Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"Enabled herein is a reagent for use in the treatment and prophylaxis of Aβ-associated pathological conditions.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.An isolated Fab 2286-like antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 and a C-terminally elongated form thereof, said antibody comprising a modified Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid (E), wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.2.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 herein the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"3.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid selected from arginine, lysine and histidine.\",\n \"4.The isolated Fab 2886-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.\",\n \"5.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is arginine.\",\n \"6.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 wherein the C-terminally elongated form of Aβ1-40 is selected from Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.7.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1 conjugated to constant regions of light and heavy chains.\",\n \"8.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 7 comprising a heavy chain variable region selected from SEQ ID NO:9 and 11.9.A mammalianized form of the isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 1.10.The mammalianized form of the isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 9 wherein the antibody is humanized.\",\n \"11.An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an amino acid chain of the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.12.The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 11 comprised within an expression vector.\",\n \"13.An isolated cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 11 or 12.14.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents and/or excipients.\",\n \"15.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10 for use in the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease.\",\n \"16.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 15 wherein the Aβ disease is associated with or characterized by pathogenic forms of Aβ selected from Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42 in tissue or fluid.\",\n \"17.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 16 wherein the tissue is brain tissue.\",\n \"18.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 16 wherein the fluid is circulatory blood fluid.\",\n \"19.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the disease is selected from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.\",\n \"20.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 19 wherein the vascular disorder is stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).\",\n \"21.The isolated Fab 2286-like antibody of claim 19 wherein the disease is Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"22.A method of treating or ameliorating symptoms of a neurological condition selected from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, stroke and HCHWA-D or other adverse event of the systemic vasculature in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject, an effective amount of an Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mature heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not gluatimic acid (E) using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE of Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) is at positions 47 to 50 or having one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto.\",\n \"23.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"24.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid selected from arginine, lysine and histidine.\",\n \"25.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.\",\n \"26.The method of claim 22 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is arginine.\",\n \"27.A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Alzheimer's disease in a subject, said method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.28.A method of delaying development of a symptom associated with Alzheimer's disease in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.29.A method of inhibiting or suppressing the formation of amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.30.A method of reducing amyloid plaques and/or reducing or slowing Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.31.A method of removing or clearing amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.32.A method of reducing Aβ peptide in a tissue, inhibiting and/or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in a tissue, or inhibiting and/or reducing toxic effects of Aβ peptide in a tissue in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.33.The method of any one of claims 22 to 32 wherein the subject is a human.\",\n \"34.The method of claim 33 wherein the antibody is intravenously or intracerebrally administered.\",\n \"35.A kit comprising the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10.36.The kit of claim 35 further comprising an antibody labeled with a reporter molecule or enzyme specific to the Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"37.Use of the antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10 in the manufacture of a medicament in the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease.\",\n \"38.Use of claim 37 wherein the Aβ disease is selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.\",\n \"39.Use of claim 38 wherein the vascular disorder is stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).\",\n \"40.Use of claim 37 wherein the Aβ disease is Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"41.Use of Fab 2286-like antibody of any one of claims 1 to 10 in the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease via a peripheral sink.\",\n \"42.Use of claim 41 wherein the Aβ disease is selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, pre-eclampsia and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.\",\n \"43.Use of claim 42 wherein the vascular disorder is stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).\",\n \"44.Use of claim 41 wherein the Aβ disease is Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"45.A method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, said method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"46.The method of claim 45 wherein the Fab 2286-like antibody is labeled with a reporter molecule.\",\n \"47.The method of claim 45 wherein the Fab 2286-like antibody is identified by a labeled anti-immunoglobulin antibody.\",\n \"48.The method of claim 45 or 46 or 47 for the detection of a disease selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, pre-eclampsia and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels.\",\n \"49.The method of claim 48 for the detection of Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"50.The method of claim 48 for the detection of stroke or hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type (HCHWA-D).\",\n \"51.The method of claim 48 for the detection of pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"52.The method of claim 51 wherein the toxic form of Aβ is detected in urine.\",\n \"53.A dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.\",\n \"54.The dipstick of claim 53 wherein the sample is urine.\",\n \"55.The dipstick of claim 54 in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"56.An isolated polynucleotide encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:19 or an amino acid sequence having at least 90% similarity thereto after optimal alignment.\",\n \"57.The isolated polynucleotide of claim 56 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:18 or a sequence having at lest 90% identity thereto after optimal alignment or a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to the complement of SEQ ID NO:18 under medium or high stringency conditions.\",\n \"58.The isolated polynucleotide of claim 52 comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO:).\",\n \"The SEQ ID NOs: correspond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1 (SEQ ID NO:1), <400>2 (SEQ ID NO:2), etc.\",\n \"A summary of the sequence identifiers is provided in Table 1.A sequence listing is provided after the claims.\",\n \"The present disclosure teaches the generation of an antibody and derivatives thereof which target Aβ 1-40 and its C-terminally extended forms including Aβ 1-42 and Aβ 1-43 .\",\n \"The inventors analyzed the molecular basis of antibody engagement with Aβ.\",\n \"The 3D structure of a Fab binding fragment of the variable domain of Mab 2286 (referred to herein as “Fab 2286”) was determined to near atomic resolution.\",\n \"Fab 2286 is a chimera comprising the mouse variable region of Mab 2286 transplanted onto a human scaffold.\",\n \"Fab 2286 comprises V H and V L from Mab 2286 and C H and C L from a human template.\",\n \"This antibody exhibits similar specificity as Ponezumab to the C-terminus of Aβ 1-40 and does not react with Aβ 1-42 or Aβ 1-43 or other elongated forms such as Aβ 3-42 , Aβ 4-42 , Aβ pyroGln3-42 and Aβ pyroGlu11-42 .\",\n \"The analysis of chimeric Fab 2286 revealed a hydrophobic cavity in the Fab 2286 surface suitable for binding amyloid beta peptide.\",\n \"The amino acid sequences of Ponezumab and Fab 2286 show little similarity in the complementarity determining regions, but comparison of the 3D structures (Protein Data Bank entries 3U0T and 3U0W, respectively) revealed some potential spacial similarities for ligand engagement.\",\n \"Structural analysis of the Ponezumab-Aβ complex revealed a buried Aβ terminal carboxyl location that excluded cross reactivity with C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"A modification is prepared of the proposed Aβ 1-40 C-terminus binding site of Fab 2286 at the glutamic acid (E; Glu) at residue 50 in the heavy variable chain of Fab 2286 [Glu50].\",\n \"The substitution to another amino acid (Glu500Xaa), wherein Xaa is not glutamic acid, substantially improves affinity for the Aβ 1-40 ligand and enables binding to the C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.\",\n \"In a particular embodiment, Xaa is arginine.\",\n \"Accordingly, enabled herein is an antibody that specifically binds to the C-terminal end portion of Aβ 1-40 and to C-terminally extended toxic forms thereof.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the antibody is a derivative of Fab 2286 and is referred to herein as a “Fab 2286-like antibody”.\",\n \"Fab 2286 comprises the antigen binding fragment of Mab 2286 grafted onto a human scaffold constant region.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the instant disclosure teaches a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising an amino acid substitution at glutamic acid (E) in its heavy chain in the amino acid sequence WIGE to generate the sequence WIGX.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an arginine.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may have one or more other mutations.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any light and heavy chain constant region and be subject to mammalianization such as humanization (or deimmunization).\",\n \"In terms of testing the antibody in an animal model, the antibody may, for example, be subject to murinization.\",\n \"Further enabled herein is a method for treating a disease or condition characterized by the presence of aberrant or toxic forms of Aβ including C-terminally elongated forms (e.g.\",\n \"Aβ 1-42 , Aβ 1-43 .\",\n \"Aβ 3-42 , Aβ 3-42 , Aβ 4-42 , Aβ pyroGlu3-42 and Aβ pyroGlu11-42 ) as well as covalently cross-linked pathogenic forms of Aβ multimers.\",\n \"The method comprises the administration of a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mutation in its heavy chain variable region which enables it to bind to C-terminally elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ.\",\n \"The mutation is a Glu50Xaa substitution in SEQ ID NO: 1.An example is a Glu500Arg substitution as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2.Other modified forms of the heavy chain which includes the Glu50Arg substitution are provided in SEQ ID NOs:6 and 8.As indicated above, however, the glutamic acid is changed to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is arginine.\",\n \"Diseases and conditions contemplated herein include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).\",\n \"The subject antibody may also be used to capture and/or detect toxic forms of Aβ associated with the above-listed conditions.\",\n \"In terms of diagnosis, another condition contemplated herein is pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"Whilst pre-eclampsia and a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's disease share no clinical features in common, the pre-eclampsia susceptibility gene, STOX-1, is abundantly expressed in the brain and transactivates LRRTM3 in neural cells which promotes elevated Aβ processing.\",\n \"Hence, the presence of toxic forms of Aβ in urine is potentially indicative of pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may act to promote microglial-mediated removal of pathogenic Aβ species in the brain and/or through the “peripheral sink” route to induce an equilibrium shift to remove Aβ from the brain to the blood stream where it is removed by various immune mechanisms.\",\n \"The treatment may also include ameliorating symptoms or delaying onset of symptoms of an Aβ pathology such as Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"Another aspect contemplated herein is a method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, the method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"The antibody may also be used to capture an Aβ form which is then detected by, for example, another antibody specific for an epitope on Aβ or by an anti-immunoglobulin antibody which binds to the Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"Diagnostic applications extend to Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]) and pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"Whilst a blood-based test is proposed for most conditions, for pre-eclampsia, a urine-based test is proposed.\",\n \"Cerebral spinal fluid may also be tested.\",\n \"In an embodiment, taught herein is a dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the sample is urine and the condition diagnosed is pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"TABLE 1 Summary of sequence identifiers SEQUENCE ID NO: DESCRIPTION 1 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286 antibody 2 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain of Fab 2286-like antibody comprising Glu50Arg substitution 3 Amino acid sequence of light chain (hkappa) of Fab 2286 and Fab 2286-like antibody) 4 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 1-28 5 Aniino acid sequence of Aβ 1-40 6 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 1-42 7 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 1-43 8 Amino acid sequence of Aβ 35-40 9 Amino acid sequence, of murinized Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain conjugated to human gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy constant region with Glu50Arg substitution 10 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286 antibody heavy chain variable region 11 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain variable region 12 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 13 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 14 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 15 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 16 Nucleotide sequence of synthetic DNA construct encoding Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 17 Amino acid sequence of Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 18 Nucleotide sequence of murine heavy B encoding Glu to Arg substitution 19 Amino acid sequence of murine heavy B with Glu to Arg substitution 20 Nucleotide sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody 21 Amino acid sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody Amino acid abbreviations used herein are defined in Table 2.TABLE 2 Amino acid three and single letter abbreviations Three-letter One-letter Amino Acid Abbreviation Symbol Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R Asparagine Asn N Aspartic acid Asp D Cysteine Cys C Glutamine Gln Q Ghitamic acid Glu E Glycine Gly G Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Leucine Leu L Lysine Lys K Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P Serine Ser S Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V Pyrrolysine Pyl O Selenocysteine Sec U Any residue Xaa X\"\n ],\n [\n \"FILING DATA This application is associated with and claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No.\",\n \"2013902922, filed on 5 Aug. 2013, entitled “An antibody therapy for amyloid beta disease”, the entire contents of which, are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Field The present disclosure relates generally to a protocol to treat or prevent diseases or conditions associated with pathological forms of amyloid beta (Aβ), including Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"Enabled herein is a reagent for use in the treatment and prophylaxis and diagnosis of Aβ-associated pathological conditions.\",\n \"Prior Art Bibliographic details of the publications referred to by author in this specification are collected alphabetically at the end of the description.\",\n \"Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.\",\n \"Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder characterized histologically by neuritic plaques found primarily in association with the cortex, limbic system and basal ganglia.\",\n \"These neuritic plaques comprise a cleavage product of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a type I transmembrane glycoprotein.\",\n \"The cleavage product of APP is β-amyloid peptide or Aβ.\",\n \"Incorrect processing of APP can result in pathological forms of Aβ (Tanzi et al.\",\n \"(1996) Neurobiol Dis 3:159-168; Hardy (1996) Ann Med 28:255-258; Schenk et al.\",\n \"(1999) Nature 400:173-177).\",\n \"These pathological forms include Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43 which have been detected as predominant species in the neurite plaques.\",\n \"Bard et al.\",\n \"(2000) Nature Medicine 6:916-919 showed that peripheral administration of antibodies directed against Aβ can reduce plaque burden.\",\n \"Bard et al.\",\n \"(2003) Proc.\",\n \"Natl.\",\n \"Acad.\",\n \"Sci.\",\n \"USA 100:2023-2028 subsequently showed that Fc-mediated phagocytosis by microglial cells or macrophages is associated with plaque clearance.\",\n \"Hence, antibody therapy has the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"This is supported by non-Fc-mediated mechanisms being found to be associated with Aβ clearance in immunotherapy (Bacskai et al.\",\n \"(2002).\",\n \"J. Neurosci.\",\n \"22:7873-7878; Das et al.\",\n \"(2003) J. Neurosci.\",\n \"23:8532-9538).\",\n \"One attempt at immunotherapy was the humanized antibody, Bapineuzumab or Bapi, developed by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.\",\n \"Bapi targets neurotoxic Aβ (Salloway et al.\",\n \"(2009) Neurology 73:2061-2070) at the extreme N-terminus in a helical conformation (Miles et al.\",\n \"(2013) Sci Rep 3:1-8) [doi:10.1038/srep01302].\",\n \"Such Aβ forms with the N-terminal truncations comprise approximately 60% of Aβ deposits in the Alzheimer's diseased brains.\",\n \"Bapi was, however, shown to be toxic at higher doses.\",\n \"Another antibody is Solanezumab (Eli Lilly).\",\n \"This antibody targets monomeric Aβ in the mid-region of the peptide and was partially efficacious in mild cases of Alzheimer's disease (Hardy (2014) N Engl J Med 370(4):377-378).\",\n \"However, it appears that Solanezumab may be ineffective at reversing the symptoms in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease (Panza et al.\",\n \"(2014) Expert Opin Biol Ther: 1-12 PMID 24981190).\",\n \"Crenezumab (Genentech Inc.) also targets the mid-region of Aβ.\",\n \"It appears to stimulate microglia to a level sufficient to clear Aβ but without inducing an inflammatory response (Adolfsson et al.\",\n \"(2012) J. Neuroscience 32(28):9677-9689).\",\n \"Ponezumab (Pfizer) targets the C-terminal end of Aβ1-40 but is unable to bind to elongated forms such as Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.Ponezumab was not efficacious in reducing biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline (Liu et al.\",\n \"(2014) Mol Neurobiol:PMID 24733588).\",\n \"Another monoclonal antibody which has the same binding specificity as Ponezumab is referred to as Mab 2286 (Rosenthal et al.\",\n \"USSN 2011/038861, 2004/0146512 and 2007/0160616).\",\n \"Mab 2286 also does not bind to Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.There is a need to further develop an immunotherapeutic approach to the treatment of disease conditions associated with toxic Aβ forms and their diagnosis.\",\n \"SUMMARY Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO:).\",\n \"The SEQ ID NOs: correspond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1 (SEQ ID NO:1), <400>2 (SEQ ID NO:2), etc.\",\n \"A summary of the sequence identifiers is provided in Table 1.A sequence listing is provided after the claims.\",\n \"The present disclosure teaches the generation of an antibody and derivatives thereof which target Aβ1-40 and its C-terminally extended forms including Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.The inventors analyzed the molecular basis of antibody engagement with Aβ.\",\n \"The 3D structure of a Fab binding fragment of the variable domain of Mab 2286 (referred to herein as “Fab 2286”) was determined to near atomic resolution.\",\n \"Fab 2286 is a chimera comprising the mouse variable region of Mab 2286 transplanted onto a human scaffold.\",\n \"Fab 2286 comprises VH and VL from Mab 2286 and CH and CL from a human template.\",\n \"This antibody exhibits similar specificity as Ponezumab to the C-terminus of Aβ1-40 and does not react with Aβ1-42 or Aβ1-43 or other elongated forms such as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGln3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.The analysis of chimeric Fab 2286 revealed a hydrophobic cavity in the Fab 2286 surface suitable for binding amyloid beta peptide.\",\n \"The amino acid sequences of Ponezumab and Fab 2286 show little similarity in the complementarity determining regions, but comparison of the 3D structures (Protein Data Bank entries 3U0T and 3U0W, respectively) revealed some potential spacial similarities for ligand engagement.\",\n \"Structural analysis of the Ponezumab-Aβ complex revealed a buried Aβ terminal carboxyl location that excluded cross reactivity with C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"A modification is prepared of the proposed Aβ1-40 C-terminus binding site of Fab 2286 at the glutamic acid (E; Glu) at residue 50 in the heavy variable chain of Fab 2286 [Glu50].\",\n \"The substitution to another amino acid (Glu500Xaa), wherein Xaa is not glutamic acid, substantially improves affinity for the Aβ1-40 ligand and enables binding to the C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.\",\n \"In a particular embodiment, Xaa is arginine.\",\n \"Accordingly, enabled herein is an antibody that specifically binds to the C-terminal end portion of Aβ1-40 and to C-terminally extended toxic forms thereof.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the antibody is a derivative of Fab 2286 and is referred to herein as a “Fab 2286-like antibody”.\",\n \"Fab 2286 comprises the antigen binding fragment of Mab 2286 grafted onto a human scaffold constant region.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the instant disclosure teaches a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising an amino acid substitution at glutamic acid (E) in its heavy chain in the amino acid sequence WIGE to generate the sequence WIGX.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an arginine.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may have one or more other mutations.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any light and heavy chain constant region and be subject to mammalianization such as humanization (or deimmunization).\",\n \"In terms of testing the antibody in an animal model, the antibody may, for example, be subject to murinization.\",\n \"Further enabled herein is a method for treating a disease or condition characterized by the presence of aberrant or toxic forms of Aβ including C-terminally elongated forms (e.g.\",\n \"Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43.Aβ3-42, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42) as well as covalently cross-linked pathogenic forms of Aβ multimers.\",\n \"The method comprises the administration of a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mutation in its heavy chain variable region which enables it to bind to C-terminally elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ.\",\n \"The mutation is a Glu50Xaa substitution in SEQ ID NO: 1.An example is a Glu500Arg substitution as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2.Other modified forms of the heavy chain which includes the Glu50Arg substitution are provided in SEQ ID NOs:6 and 8.As indicated above, however, the glutamic acid is changed to an amino acid selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is arginine.\",\n \"Diseases and conditions contemplated herein include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).\",\n \"The subject antibody may also be used to capture and/or detect toxic forms of Aβ associated with the above-listed conditions.\",\n \"In terms of diagnosis, another condition contemplated herein is pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"Whilst pre-eclampsia and a neurological condition such as Alzheimer's disease share no clinical features in common, the pre-eclampsia susceptibility gene, STOX-1, is abundantly expressed in the brain and transactivates LRRTM3 in neural cells which promotes elevated Aβ processing.\",\n \"Hence, the presence of toxic forms of Aβ in urine is potentially indicative of pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may act to promote microglial-mediated removal of pathogenic Aβ species in the brain and/or through the “peripheral sink” route to induce an equilibrium shift to remove Aβ from the brain to the blood stream where it is removed by various immune mechanisms.\",\n \"The treatment may also include ameliorating symptoms or delaying onset of symptoms of an Aβ pathology such as Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"Another aspect contemplated herein is a method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, the method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"The antibody may also be used to capture an Aβ form which is then detected by, for example, another antibody specific for an epitope on Aβ or by an anti-immunoglobulin antibody which binds to the Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"Diagnostic applications extend to Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]) and pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"Whilst a blood-based test is proposed for most conditions, for pre-eclampsia, a urine-based test is proposed.\",\n \"Cerebral spinal fluid may also be tested.\",\n \"In an embodiment, taught herein is a dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the sample is urine and the condition diagnosed is pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"TABLE 1 Summary of sequence identifiers SEQUENCE ID NO: DESCRIPTION 1 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286 antibody 2 Amino acid sequence of heavy chain of Fab 2286-like antibody comprising Glu50Arg substitution 3 Amino acid sequence of light chain (hkappa) of Fab 2286 and Fab 2286-like antibody) 4 Amino acid sequence of Aβ1-28 5 Aniino acid sequence of Aβ1-40 6 Amino acid sequence of Aβ1-42 7 Amino acid sequence of Aβ1-43 8 Amino acid sequence of Aβ35-40 9 Amino acid sequence, of murinized Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain conjugated to human gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy constant region with Glu50Arg substitution 10 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286 antibody heavy chain variable region 11 Amino acid sequence of chimeric Fab 2286-like antibody heavy chain variable region 12 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 13 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 heavy chain (variable domain and constant domain 1 [CH1]) 14 Nucleotide sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 15 Amino acid sequence of Mab 2286 light chain 16 Nucleotide sequence of synthetic DNA construct encoding Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 17 Amino acid sequence of Fc portion of murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) of Mab 2286 18 Nucleotide sequence of murine heavy B encoding Glu to Arg substitution 19 Amino acid sequence of murine heavy B with Glu to Arg substitution 20 Nucleotide sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody 21 Amino acid sequence of murine light chain of Fab 2286-like antibody Amino acid abbreviations used herein are defined in Table 2.TABLE 2 Amino acid three and single letter abbreviations Three-letter One-letter Amino Acid Abbreviation Symbol Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R Asparagine Asn N Aspartic acid Asp D Cysteine Cys C Glutamine Gln Q Ghitamic acid Glu E Glycine Gly G Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Leucine Leu L Lysine Lys K Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P Serine Ser S Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V Pyrrolysine Pyl O Selenocysteine Sec U Any residue Xaa X BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Some figures contain color representations or entities.\",\n \"Color photographs are available from the Patentee upon request or from an appropriate Patent Office.\",\n \"A fee may be imposed if obtained from a Patent Office.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"1A through C are photographical representations of SDS-PAGE analysis of synthetic Aβ preparations.\",\n \"Detected by (A) Coomassie stain, (B) anti-Aβ40 C-terminus specific Mab 2286 Western Blot and (C) anti-Aβ2-7 specific Mab WO2 Western Blot.\",\n \"In each panel, lanes represent: (1) Aβ1-40 aged for 21 days at room temperature in PBS; (2) freshly prepared, from 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE)-treated and lyophilized stock, Aβ1-40; (3) Aβ1-42 aged for 21 days at room temperature in phosphile buffered saline (PBS); (4) freshly prepared, from TFE-treated and lyophilized stock, Aβ1-42; (5) 1:1 mixture of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 aged overnight at room temperature in PBS; (6) Aβ1-28 freshly prepared, from TFE-treated and lyophilized stock.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a graphical representation of the binding characteristics of Fab 2286 (Aβ Fab wt) and the Fab 2286-like antibody (Aβ Fab mutant) in tissue from a familial Alzheimer's diseased brain and against synthetic peptide Aβ1-42.FIG.\",\n \"3 is a graphical representation of the binding characteristics of Fab 2286 (Aβ Fab wt) and the Fab 2286-like antibody (Aβ Fab mutant) in tissue from a sporadic Alzheimer's diseased brain and against synthetic peptide Aβ1-42.DETAILED DESCRIPTION Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or method step or group of elements or integers or method steps but not the exclusion of any element or integer or method step or group of elements or integers or method steps.\",\n \"As used in the subject specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural aspects unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.\",\n \"Thus, for example, reference to “a mutation” includes a single mutation, as well as two or more mutations; reference to “an antibody” includes a single antibody, as well as two or more antibodies; reference to “the disclosure” includes a single reference to “the disclosure” and includes single and multiple aspects taught by the disclosure; and so forth.\",\n \"Aspects taught and enabled herein are encompassed by the term “invention”.\",\n \"All such aspects are enabled within the width of the present invention.\",\n \"Disclosed herein is an antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 (“Aβ40”) as well as C-terminally elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ, including Aβ1-42 (“Aβ42”) and Aβ1-43 (“Aβ43”) as well as covalently linked multimers thereof.\",\n \"A “multimer” includes an oligomer.\",\n \"The antibody comprises a mature heavy chain having the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that in the sequence WIGE, the glutamic acid (E) is substituted for another amino acid residue, i.e.\",\n \"Glu50Xaa.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is arginine such as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2.Other forms are provided in SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11.The amino acid sequence of its light chain is set forth in SEQ ID NO:3.The mature heavy chain is derived from an antigen-binding fragment of Mab 2286 (a Fab 2286 fragment) and the antibody of the present disclosure is referred to as an “Fab 2286-like antibody”.\",\n \"It is also referred to as “Aβ Fab mutant”.\",\n \"The Mab 2286 precursor antigen binding fragment is referred to as “Fab 2286” or “Aβ Fab wt”.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody differs from Ponezumab and Mab 2286 by its ability to bind to C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"These include Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43 as well as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.The Fab 2286-like antibody may also comprise one or more additional amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions.\",\n \"In addition, the Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any heavy and light constant regions.\",\n \"For example, in an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is conjugated to human kappa-1 immunoglobulin (hkappa) light chain and human gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy chain constant regions.\",\n \"In one example, the heavy chain variable and constant regions (VH+CH) have an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.Furthermore, the antibody may be mammalianized so that it can be administered to a particular mammal such as a mouse, rat, pig, sheep or monkey.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the mammal is a human and the antibody is humanized or deimmunized.\",\n \"In terms of testing the antibody in an animal model such as a mouse model, it may also be subject to murinization.\",\n \"Accordingly, enabled herein is an isolated Fab 2286-like antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 and a C-terminally elongated form thereof, the antibody comprising a modified Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid, wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.Enabled herein is an isolated antibody comprising a mature heavy chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 provided that the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine (R) [50 Arg].\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid sequence comprises at least 90% similarity to SEQ ID NO:2 provided it still contains the Glu50Arg substitution.\",\n \"Enabled herein is an isolated antibody comprising a mature heavy chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 provided that the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine (R) [50 Arg].\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid sequence comprises at least 90% similarity to SEQ ID NO:9 provided it still contains the Glu50Arg substitution.\",\n \"Enabled herein is an isolated antibody comprising a mature heavy chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO:11 or one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11 provided that the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine (R) [50 Arg].\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid sequence comprises at least 90% similarity to SEQ ID NO:1 provided it contains the Glu50Arg substitution.\",\n \"To take into account variations in the heavy chain, in the amino acid sequence WIGE of SEQ ID NO:1 (mature heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286), the E is at position 50 and in the Fab 2286-like antibody, the sequence is WIGR (see SEQ ID NO:2, 9 and 11).\",\n \"This is also referred to herein as a Glu50Arg substitution of the mature heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286.However, the present invention extends to a substitution of E at position 50 to any amino acid residue such as alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine or selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to a basic amino acid residue such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the substitution is to an arginine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the present invention extends to a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the exception that in the sequence WIGE at amino acids 47 to 50, the sequence is selected from WIGA, WIGR, WIGN, WIGD, WIGC, WIGQ, WJGG, WIGH, WIGI, WIGL, WIGK, WIGM, WIGF, WIGP, WIGS, WIGT, WIGW, WIGY, WIGV, WIGO and WIGU.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the sequence is WIGR, WIGK, WIGH, WIGA or WIGM.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the seuqnece is WIGR.\",\n \"Reference to “at least 90%” amino acid sequence similarity means 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% similarity.\",\n \"By “similarity” includes “identity”.\",\n \"In a related embodiment, enabled herein is an isolated antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 or C-terminally elongated forms thereof or covalently linked multimers thereof, the antibody comprising a modified form of Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid (E), wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents amino acid residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid reisdue at position 50 is arginine.\",\n \"The present disclosure is instructional on a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mature heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 wherein the Fab 2286-like antibody binds to Aβ1-40 and to C-terminally elongated forms thereof.\",\n \"Other examples of the heavy chain variable regions are found in SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11.Reference to “C-terminally elongated forms” of Aβ1-40 includes Aβ1-42, Aβ1-43, Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, AβpyroGlu3-42 and AβpyroGlu11-42.Enabled herein is an isolated polynucleotide encoding an amino acid sequence of a mature heavy chain variable region of an antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 and C-terminally elongated forms thereof or covalently linked multimers thereof, the antibody comprising a modified form of Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 wherein the amino acid at position 50 is not glutamic acid or comprising one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.The numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents amino acid residues 47 to 50.In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list constiting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid residue at position 50 is arginine.\",\n \"Hence, in an embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes SEQ ID NO:2.Cells and vectors comprising the polynucleotide are also enabled herein.\",\n \"Polynucleotide encoding SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11 are also contemplated herein as well as polynucleotide sequence which have at least 90% identity to the nucleotide sequence encoding each of SEQ ID NO:2, 9 or 11 or a nucleic acid capable of hybridizing under medium or high stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence encoding SEQ ID NO:2, 9 or 11 provided the nucleotide sequence encodes Glu50Arg substitution.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO:18 or a nucleotide having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:18 or a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to the complement of SEQ ID NO: 18 under medium or high stringency conditions.\",\n \"In relation to a nucleotide sequence, “at least 90%” means 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100%.\",\n \"The term “similarity” as used herein includes exact identity between compared sequences at the nucleotide or amino acid level.\",\n \"Where there is non-identity at the nucleotide level, “similarity” includes differences between sequences which result in different amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels.\",\n \"Where there is non-identity at the amino acid level, “similarity” includes amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels.\",\n \"In an embodiment, nucleotide and sequence comparisons are made at the level of identity rather than similarity.\",\n \"Terms used to describe sequence relationships between two or more polynucleotides or polypeptides include “reference sequence”, “comparison window”, “sequence similarity”, “sequence identity”, “percentage of sequence similarity”, “percentage of sequence identity”, “substantially similar” and “substantial identity”.\",\n \"A “reference sequence” is at least 12 but frequently 15 to 18 and often at least 25 or above, such as 30 monomer units, inclusive of nucleotides and amino acid residues, in length.\",\n \"Because two polynucleotides may each comprise (1) a sequence (i.e.\",\n \"only a portion of the complete polynucleotide sequence) that is similar between the two polynucleotides, and (2) a sequence that is divergent between the two polynucleotides, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides over a “comparison window” to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity.\",\n \"A “comparison window” refers to a conceptual segment of typically 12 contiguous residues that is compared to a reference sequence.\",\n \"The comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e.\",\n \"gaps) of about 20% or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences.\",\n \"Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by computerized implementations of algorithms (e.g.\",\n \"GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package Release 7.0, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive Madison, Wis., USA) or by inspection and the best alignment (i.e.\",\n \"resulting in the highest percentage homology over the comparison window) generated by any of the various methods selected.\",\n \"Reference also may be made to the BLAST family of programs as for example disclosed by Altschul et al.\",\n \"(1997) Nucl.\",\n \"Acids.\",\n \"Res.\",\n \"25:3389.A detailed discussion of sequence analysis can be found in Unit 19.3 of Ausubel et al.\",\n \"(In: Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1994-1998).\",\n \"The terms “sequence similarity” and “sequence identity” as used herein refers to the extent that sequences are identical or functionally or structurally similar on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide basis or an amino acid-by-amino acid basis over a window of comparison.\",\n \"Thus, a “percentage of sequence identity”, for example, is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g.\",\n \"A, T, C, G, I) or the identical amino acid residue (e.g.\",\n \"Ala, Pro, Ser, Thr, Gly, Val, Leu, Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn, Gin, Cys and Met) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.\",\n \"For the purposes of the present invention, “sequence identity” will be understood to mean the “match percentage” calculated by the DNASIS computer program (Version 2.5 for windows; available from Hitachi Software engineering Co., Ltd., South San Francisco, Calif., USA) using standard defaults as used in the reference manual accompanying the software.\",\n \"Similar comments apply in relation to sequence similarity.\",\n \"Reference to medium stringency includes and encompasses from at least about 16% v/v to at least about 30%0/v/v formamide and from at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for washing condition.\",\n \"Reference to high stringency includes and encompasses from at least about 31% v/v to at least about 50% v/v formamide and from at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for washing conditions.\",\n \"In general, washing is carried out Tm=69.3+0.41 (G+C) % (Marmur and Doty (1962) J. Mol.\",\n \"Biol.\",\n \"5:109).\",\n \"However, the Tm of a duplex DNA decreases by 1° C. with every increase of 1% in the number of mismatch base pairs (Bonner and Laskey (1974) Eur.\",\n \"J. Biochem.\",\n \"46:83).\",\n \"Formamide is optional in these hybridization conditions.\",\n \"Accordingly, particularly preferred levels of stringency are defined as follows: low stringency is 6×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at 25°-42° C.; a moderate stringency is 2×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature in the range 20° C. to 65° C.; high stringency is 0.1×SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature of at least 65° C. The Fab 2286-like antibody disclosed herein is useful in the treatment of a subject with a disease or condition associated with or characterized by the presence of pathogenic or toxic forms of Aβ species.\",\n \"The C-terminally elongated Aβ species may also be in the form of cerebral deposits.\",\n \"Such diseases or conditions include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).\",\n \"Generally, the subject is a human although for testing purposes, non-human mammalian subjects may be tested.\",\n \"In an example, a humanized antibody is used in humans and a murinize form is used for mice or rats.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the subject is a companion animal such as a dog or cat (using caninized and felinized antibodies, respectively).\",\n \"See, for example, SEQ ID NOs:9 and 11.Hence, the instant disclosure teaches a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition associated with or characterized by the presence of a pathogenic form of Aβ comprising a C-terminally elongated species of Aβ, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of an antibody comprising a mature heavy chain having a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid, using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) is at positions 47 to 50 or an amino acid sequence with one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is a basic amino acid such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is alanine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid at position 50 is arginine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the instant disclosure teaches a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition associated with or characterized by the presence of a pathogenic form of Aβ comprising a C-terminally elongated species of Aβ, the method comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of an antibody comprising a mature heavy chain having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or an amino acid sequence with one or more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is R, using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is at positions 47 to 50.The effective amount of antibody includes an amount sufficient for microglia to be stimulated to facilitate removal of pathogenic forms of Aβ to which the antibody binds.\",\n \"Generally, the antibody does not substantially provoke an inflammatory response, the Fab 2286-like antibody promotes clearance of pathogenic Aβ species.\",\n \"This can be via microglial removal of Aβ in the brain or via a shift in the equilibrium of Aβ from the brain to the circulatory blood system (“peripheral sink”).\",\n \"Enabled herein is a method of treating or ameliorating symptoms of a neurological condition selected from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, stroke and HCHWA-D or other adverse event involving amyloidosis in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject, an effective amount of a Fab 2286-like antibody comprising a mature heavy chain variable region having a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid (E) using a numbering system where the amino acid sequence WIGE of Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is at positions 47 to 50 or having one or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions thereto.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid substitution may also be referred to as Glu50Xaa in the heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286.In an embodiment, Xaa is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is a basic amino acid residue such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, Xaa is alanine.\",\n \"In a particular embodiment, Xaa is arginine (i.e.\",\n \"the substitution is Glu50Arg).\",\n \"The term “Fab 2286-like antibody” means that the Fab 2286 antibody has undergone a modification to the mature heavy chain variable region to substitute the E in the amino acid sequence WIGE at positions 47 to 50 to an R (i.e.\",\n \"WIGR) [Glu500Arg] or another amino acid [Glu500Xaa], wherein Xaa is not glutamic acid.\",\n \"One or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions may also be made to the mature heavy chain or a light chain.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody, however, binds to A β1-40 and C-terminally elongated forms thereof such as A β1-42 and A β1-43.In addition, the Fab 2286-like antibody may be conjugated to any light and heavy chain constant region scaffold.\",\n \"The original 2286 antibody (VL+CL; VH+CH) is referred to as Mab 2286.In an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is conjugated to heavy and light chain constant regions of any antibody.\",\n \"The antibody may also bind to covalently bound multimers of these Aβ species.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the present disclosure teaches a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of Alzheimer's disease in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an Fab 2286-like antibody having a modification to its mature heavy chain to substitute an E in the amino acid sequence WIGE to X (WIGX), wherein X is any amino acid except glutamic acid.\",\n \"In an embodiment, X is R (WIGR).\",\n \"One or more other amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions may also be made to the heavy or light chain.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the VL+CL comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.The inventors analyzed the molecular basis of antibody engagement of Aβ epitopes.\",\n \"The 3D Fab structure (Fab 2286) was determined to near atomic resolution of the variable domain of Mab 2286.Fab 2286 is a chimera comprising the mouse variable region of Mab 2286 transplanted onto a human scaffold.\",\n \"Fab 2286 is VH and VL from Mab 2286 and CH and CL from a human template.\",\n \"The analysis revealed a hydrophobic cavity in the Fab 2286 binding site in which the C-terminal region of A β1-40 was modeled.\",\n \"Data further revealed a buried terminal carboxyl location that excluded cross reactivity with C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"Modification of the glutamic acid (E) at residue 50 by the substitution to another amino acid residue in the mature heavy chain variable region enables binding to the C-terminally elongated Aβ species.\",\n \"Reference to an “antibody” includes an immunoglobulin molecule which binds to a specific target.\",\n \"In the case of the Fab 2286-like antibody of the instant disclosure, the specific target is the C-terminal end of A β1-40 or C-terminally elongated Aβ species such as Aβ1-42 and A β1-43 as well as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, A βpyroGlu3-43 and A βpyroGlu11-42.The immunoglobulin binds to the C-terminal end of the elongated pathogenic forms of Aβ.\",\n \"Further covered herein are fragments of antibodies such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2 and Fv fragments, single chain (ScFv) forms, mutants, fusion proteins comprising a portion of the Fab 2286-like antibody and synthetically modified derivatives.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is conjugated to hkappa-1 light chain and hG1 heavy chain constant regions.\",\n \"As used herein, an “effective dosage” or “effective amount” of the Fab 2286-like antibody or a pharmaceutical composition comprising same is an amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results.\",\n \"For prophylactic use, beneficial or desired results include results such as eliminating or reducing the risk, lessening the severity, or delaying the outset of the disease, including biochemical, histological and/or behavioral symptoms of the disease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease.\",\n \"Such a disease is a disease or condition associated with pathogenic forms of Aβ.\",\n \"Examples include Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).\",\n \"For therapeutic use, beneficial or desired results include clinical results such as inhibiting, suppressing or reducing the formation of amyloid plaques, reducing, removing, clearing amyloid plaques, improving cognition, reversing or slowing cognitive decline, sequestering or increasing soluble Aβ peptide circulating in biological fluids, decreasing one or more symptoms resulting from the disease (biochemical, histological and/or behavioral), including its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from the disease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat the disease, enhancing effect of another medication, delaying the progression of the disease, and/or prolonging survival of patients.\",\n \"An effective dosage can be administered in one or more administrations.\",\n \"For purposes of the present disclosure, an effective dosage of antibody, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient to accomplish prophylactic or therapeutic treatment either directly or indirectly.\",\n \"As is understood in the clinical context, an effective dosage of the Fab 2286-like antibody or pharmaceutical composition comprising same may or may not be achieved in conjunction with another drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition.\",\n \"Thus, an “effective dosage” may be considered in the context of administering one or more therapeutic agents, and a single agent may be considered to be given in an effective amount if, in conjunction with one or more other agents, a desirable result may be or is achieved.\",\n \"As used herein, “treatment” or “treating” is an approach for obtaining beneficial or desired results including clinical results.\",\n \"For purposes of this disclosure, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: inhibiting, suppressing or reducing the formation of amyloid plaques, reducing, removing, or clearing amyloid plaques, improving cognition, reversing or slowing cognitive decline, sequestering soluble Aβ peptide circulating in biological fluids, reducing Aβ peptide (including soluble, oligomeric and deposited) in a tissue (such as brain), inhibiting, slowing and/or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in the brain, inhibiting, slowing and/or reducing toxic effects of Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain), decreasing symptoms resulting from the disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from the disease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat the disease, delaying the progression of the disease, and/or prolonging survival of patients.\",\n \"Reference to disease includes Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).\",\n \"As used herein, “delaying” development of Alzheimer's disease means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, and/or postpone development of the disease or its symptoms.\",\n \"This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and/or individual being treated.\",\n \"As is evident to one skilled in the art, a sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass prevention, in that the individual does not develop the disease.\",\n \"A method that “delays” development of Alzheimer's disease is a method that reduces probability of disease development in a given time frame and/or reduces extent of the disease in a given time frame, when compared to not using the method.\",\n \"Such comparisons are typically based on clinical studies, using a statistically significant number of subjects.\",\n \"“Development” of Alzheimer's disease means the onset and/or progression of Alzheimer's disease within an individual.\",\n \"Alzheimer's disease development can be detectable using standard clinical techniques.\",\n \"However, development also refers to disease progression that may be initially undetectable.\",\n \"For purposes of this disclosure, progression refers to the biological course of the disease state, in this case, as determined by a standard neurological examination, patient interview, or may be determined by more specialized testing such as the detection or monitoring of biological markers of the disease.\",\n \"A variety of these diagnostic tests include, but not limited to, neuroimaging, detecting alterations of levels of specific proteins in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid (e.g.\",\n \"amyloid peptides and Tau), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).\",\n \"“Development” includes occurrence, recurrence, and onset.\",\n \"As used herein “onset” or “occurrence” of Alzheimer's disease includes initial onset and and/or recurrence.\",\n \"As used herein, administration “in conjunction” includes simultaneous administration and/or administration at different times.\",\n \"Administration in conjunction also encompasses administration as a co-formulation or administration as separate compositions.\",\n \"As used herein, administration in conjunction is meant to encompass any circumstance wherein an anti-Aβ antibody and another agent are administered to an individual, which can occur simultaneously and/or separately.\",\n \"As further enabled herein, it is understood that an anti-A Fab 2286-like antibody and optionally the other agent can be administered at different dosing frequencies or intervals.\",\n \"For example, an anti-Aβ antibody can be administered weekly, while the other agent can be administered less frequently.\",\n \"It is understood that the anti-Aβ antibody and the other agent can be administered using the same route of administration or different routes of administration.\",\n \"An “individual” (alternatively referred to as a “subject”) is a mammal, including a human.\",\n \"Other mammals include, but are not limited to, farm animals (such as cows), sport animals, companion animals (such as cats, dogs, horses), primates, mice and rats.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any material which, when combined with an active ingredient, allows the ingredient to retain biological activity and is non-reactive with the subject's immune system.\",\n \"Examples include, but are not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers such as a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions such as oil/water emulsion, and various types of wetting agents.\",\n \"Diluents for aerosol or parenteral administration include phosphate buffered saline or normal (0.9% /w/v) saline.\",\n \"Compositions comprising such carriers are formulated by well known conventional methods (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990; and Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed.\",\n \"Mack Publishing, 2000).\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may include additional modifications which include functionally equivalent antibodies which do not significantly affect their properties and variants which have enhanced or decreased activity and/or affinity.\",\n \"For example, the amino acid sequence of the heavy or light variable region of the Fab 2286-like antibody may be mutated to obtain an antibody with a desired binding affinity to Aβ1-42 of Aβ1-43 peptide.\",\n \"Modification of polypeptides is routine practice in the art and need not be described in detail herein.\",\n \"Examples of modified polypeptides include polypeptides with conservative substitutions of amino acid residues, one or more deletions or additions of amino acids which do not significantly deleteriously change the functional activity, or use of chemical analogs.\",\n \"Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.\",\n \"Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue or the antibody fused to an epitope tag.\",\n \"Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antibody of an enzyme or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody or which provides a particular functionality.\",\n \"Substitution variants have at least one amino acid residue in the antibody molecule removed and a different residue inserted in its place.\",\n \"The sites of greatest interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable regions, but Fc alterations are also contemplated.\",\n \"Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 3 under the heading of “conservative substitutions”.\",\n \"TABLE 3 Amino Acid subiitutions Original Conservative Residue Substitutions Exemplary Substitutions Ala (A) Val Val; Leu; Ile Arg (R) Lys Lys; Gln; Asn Asn (N) Gln Gln; His; Asp; Lys; Arg Asp (D) Glu Glu; Asn Cys (C) Ser Ser; Ala Gln (Q) Asn Asn; Gln Glu (E) Asp Asp; Gln Gly (G) Ala Ala His (H) Arg Asn; Gln; Lys; Arg Ile (I) Leu Leu; Val; Met; Ala; Phe; Norleucine Leu (L) Ile Norleucine; Ile; Val; Met; Ala; Phe Lys (K) Arg Arg; Gln; Asn Met (M) Leu Leu; Phe; Ile Phe (F) Tyr Leu; Val; Ile; Ala; Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S) Thr Thr Thr (T) Ser Ser Trp (W) Tyr Tyr; Phe Tyr (Y) Phe Trp; Phe; Thr; Ser Val (V) Leu Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Ala; Norleucine Substantial modifications in the biological properties of the antibody are accomplished by selecting substitutions that differ significantly in their effect on maintaining: (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation; (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site; or (c) the bulk of the side chain.\",\n \"Naturally occurring residues are divided into groups based on common side-chain properties: (1) Non-polar: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile; (2) Polar without charge: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gin; (3) Acidic (negatively charged): Asp, Glu; (4) Basic (positively charged): Lys, Arg; (5) Residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and (6) Aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe, His.\",\n \"As taught herein, the Fab 2286-like antibody comprises a substitution of E to an R in the sequence WIGE in the heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286 (wild type).\",\n \"Non-conservative substitutions are made by exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.\",\n \"Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformation of the antibody also may be substituted, generally with serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule and prevent aberrant cross-linking.\",\n \"Conversely, cysteine bond(s) may be added to the antibody to improve its stability, particularly where the antibody is an antibody fragment such as an Fv fragment.\",\n \"Amino acid modifications can range from changing or modifying one or more amino acids to complete redesign of a region, such as the variable region.\",\n \"Changes in the variable region can alter binding affinity and/or specificity.\",\n \"Modifications also include glycosylated and nonglycosylated polypeptides, as well as polypeptides with other post-translational modifications, such as, for example, glycosylation with different sugars, acetylation, and phosphorylation.\",\n \"Antibodies are glycosylated at conserved positions in their constant regions (Jefferis and Lund (1997) Chem.\",\n \"Immunol.\",\n \"65:111-128; Wright and Morrison (1997) TibTECH 15:26-32).\",\n \"The oligosaccharide side chains of the immunoglobulins affect the protein's function (Boyd et al.\",\n \"(1996) Mol.\",\n \"Immunol.\",\n \"32:1311-1318; Wittwe and Howard (1990) Biochem.\",\n \"29:4175-4180) and the intramolecular interaction between portions of the glycoprotein, which can affect the conformation and presented three-dimensional surface of the glycoprotein (Jefferis and Lund (1997) supra; Wyss and Wagner (1996) Current Opin.\",\n \"Biotech.\",\n \"7:409-416).\",\n \"Oligosaccharides may also serve to target a given glycoprotein to certain molecules based upon specific recognition structures.\",\n \"Glycosylation of antibodies has also been reported to affect antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).\",\n \"Glycosylation of antibodies is typically either N-linked or O-linked.\",\n \"N-linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an asparagine residue.\",\n \"The tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine, asparagine-X-threonine, and asparagine-X-cysteine, where X is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain.\",\n \"Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a polypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site.\",\n \"O-linked glycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugars N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or 5-hydroxylysine may also be used.\",\n \"Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such that it contains one or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences (for N-linked glycosylation sites).\",\n \"The alteration may also be made by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to the sequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).\",\n \"The glycosylation pattern of antibodies may also be altered without altering the underlying nucleotide sequence.\",\n \"Glycosylation largely depends on the host cell used to express the antibody.\",\n \"Since the cell type used for expression of recombinant glycoproteins, e.g.\",\n \"antibodies, as potential therapeutics is rarely the native cell, variations in the glycosylation pattern of the antibodies can be expected (see, e.g.\",\n \"Hse et al.\",\n \"(1997) J. Biol.\",\n \"Chem.\",\n \"272:9062-9070).\",\n \"The methods taught herein use antibodies (including pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies) that specifically bind to an Aβ peptide at the C-terminal end.\",\n \"The antibodies are further characterized by any (one or more) of the following characteristics: (a) suppresses formation of amyloid plaques in a subject; (b) reduces amyloid plaques in a subject; (c) treats, prevents, ameliorates one or more symptoms of Alzheimer's disease; (d) improves cognitive function.\",\n \"The antibodies described herein may exhibit a desirable safety profile, for example, the compositions of Fab 2286-like antibody do not cause significant or unacceptable levels or have a reduced level of any one or more of: bleeding in the brain vasculature (cerebral hemorrhage); meningoencephalitis (including changing magnetic resonance scan); elevated white blood count in cerebral spinal fluid; central nervous system inflammation.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibodies, polynucleotides encoding amino acid chains of the Fab 2286-like antibody, and pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be used in methods for treating, preventing and inhibiting the development of a disease characterized by aberrant deposition of Aβ peptide in the brain of a subject.\",\n \"The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of the Fab 2286-like antibody that specifically binds to the Aβ peptide or the Aβ peptide deposit or a polynucleotide encoding a chain of the antibody.\",\n \"Without limiting the present disclosure to any one hypothesis or mode of action, the Fab 2286-like antibody can act directly in the brain to induce microglial-mediated removal of Aβ or via the “peripheral sink” route.\",\n \"According to the latter mode of action, the Fab 2286-like antibody does not need to cross the blood-brain barrier to act, but rather, binds Aβ in the blood and shift the equilibrium of Aβ from the CNS to the plasma, where Aβ can be degraded (DeMattos et al.\",\n \"(2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:8850-8855).\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibodies, polynucleotides encoding an amino acid chain in the antibody, and pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be used in methods for treating, preventing and inhibiting the development of Alzheimer's disease and other diseases associated with altered Aβ or APP expression, or accumulation or deposit of Aβ peptide (collectively termed “Aβ-associated diseases”), such as Down's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, mild cognitive impairment, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, vascular disorder caused by deposit of Aβ peptide in blood vessels (such as stroke and HCHWA-D).\",\n \"Such methods comprise administering the Fab 2286-like antibodies or a pharmaceutical composition comprising same to the subject.\",\n \"In prophylactic applications, pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments are administered to a patient susceptible to, or otherwise at risk of, Alzheimer's disease (or other Aβ-associated disease) in an amount sufficient to eliminate or reduce the risk, lessen the severity, or delay the outset of the disease, including biochemical, histological and/or behavioral symptoms of the disease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development of the disease.\",\n \"In therapeutic applications, compositions or medicaments are administered; to a patient suspected of, or already suffering from such a disease in amount sufficient to cure, or at least partially arrest, the symptoms of the disease (biochemical, histological and/or behavioral), including its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes in development of the disease.\",\n \"The present disclosure teaches a method of delaying development of a symptom associated with Alzheimer's disease (or other Aβ-associated disease) in a subject comprising administering an effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Fab 2286-like antibody described herein to the subject.\",\n \"Symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease includes, but not limited to, abnormalities of memory, problem solving, language, calculation, visuospatial perception, judgment, and behavior.\",\n \"This disclosure enables a method of inhibiting or suppressing the formation of amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the brain of the subject.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the cerebral vasculature of the subject.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the Aβ accumulation is in the circulatory system of the subject.\",\n \"The instant disclosure teaches a method of reducing amyloid plaques and/or reducing or slowing Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the brain of the subject.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the cerebral vasculature of the subject.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the Aβ accumulation is in the circulatory system of the subject.\",\n \"Further taught herein is a method of removing or clearing amyloid plaques and/or Aβ accumulation in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amyloid plaques are in the brain of the subject.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the amyloid plaques are in the cerebral vasculature of the subject.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the Aβ accumulation is in the circulatory system of the subject.\",\n \"The present disclosure is instructional for a method of reducing Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain), inhibiting and/or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain), and inhibiting and/or reducing toxic effects of Aβ peptide in a tissue (such as brain) in a subject comprising administering an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"Aβ polypeptide may be in soluble, oligomeric, or deposited form.\",\n \"An oligomeric form of Aβ may be composed of 2 or more (e.g.\",\n \"2 to 50) Aβ polypeptides, which can be a mixture of inter alia A β1-40, Aβ1-42 and A β1-43 peptides as well as Aβ3-42, Aβ4-42, A βpyroGlu3-42 and A βpyroGlu11-42 and the like.\",\n \"The present disclosure teaches a method of improving cognition or reversing cognitive decline associated with diseases associated with amyloid deposit of Aβ in a subject, such as Alzheimer's disease, comprising administering an effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Fab 2286-like antibody to the subject an Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"Effective dosages and schedules for administering the Fab 2286-like antibody may be determined empirically, and making such determinations is within the skill in the art.\",\n \"Those skilled in the art will understand that the dosage of antibody that must be administered will vary depending on, for example, the mammal that will receive the antibody, the route of administration, the particular type of antibody used and other drugs being administered to the mammal.\",\n \"Guidance in selecting appropriate doses for antibody is found in the literature on therapeutic uses of antibodies, e.g., Handbook of Monoclonal Antibodies, Ferrone et al.\",\n \"eds.\",\n \"Noges Publications, Park Ridge, N.J. (1985) ch.\",\n \"22:303-357; Smith et al.\",\n \"(1977) Antibodies in Human Diagnosis and Therapy, Haber et al.\",\n \"eds., Raven Press, New York:365-389.A typical daily dosage of the antibody used alone might range from about 1 μg/kg to up to 100 mg/kg of body weight or more per day, depending on the factors mentioned above.\",\n \"Generally, any of the following doses may be used: a dose of at least about 50 mg/kg body weight; at least about 10 mg/kg body weight; at least about 3 mg/kg body weight; at least about 1 mg/kg body weight; at least about 750 μg/kg body weight; at least about 500 μg/kg body weight; at least about 250 μg/kg body weight; at least about 100 μg/kg body weight; at least about 50 μg/kg body weight; at least about 10 μg/kg body weight; at least about 1 μg/kg body weight, or more, is administered.\",\n \"Antibodies may be administered at lower doses or less frequent at the beginning of the treatment to avoid potential side effect.\",\n \"Administration may be by any route including intracerebral and intravenous.\",\n \"The latter is useful in promoting a “peripheral sink” effect.\",\n \"In an embodiment, more than one antibody is present.\",\n \"Such compositions may contain at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five different antibodies which bind to different epitopes on Aβ or which bind to the same epitope but with different binding avidities.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may also be administered to a mammalian subject in combination with effective amounts of one or more other therapeutic agents.\",\n \"The antibody may be administered sequentially or concurrently with the one or more other therapeutic agents.\",\n \"The amounts of antibody and therapeutic agent depend, for example, on what type of drugs are used, the pathological condition being treated, and the scheduling and routes of administration but would generally be less than if each were used individually.\",\n \"Following administration of antibody to the mammal, the mammal's physiological condition can be monitored in various ways well known to the skilled practitioner.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the mammal is a human, companion animal, simian animal or laboratory test animal such as a mouse or rat.\",\n \"The instant disclosure further teaches articles of manufacture and kits containing materials useful for treating pathological conditions described herein, such as Alzheimer's disease or other Aβ-associated diseases (such as Down's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, mild cognitive impairment, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma, vascular disorder caused by deposit of Aβ peptide in blood vessels [such as stroke and HCHWA-D]), or detecting or purifying Aβ or APP.\",\n \"The article of manufacture comprises a container with a label.\",\n \"Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, and test tubes.\",\n \"The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic.\",\n \"The container holds a composition having an active agent which is effective for treating pathological conditions or for detecting or purifying Aβ or APP.\",\n \"The active agent in the composition is an Fab 2286-like antibody and may further include an anti-Fab 2286-like antibody labeled with a reporter molecule or enzyme.\",\n \"The label on the container indicates that the composition is used for treating pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or detecting or purifying Aβ or APP, and may also indicate directions for either in vivo or in vitro use.\",\n \"The present disclosure also provides kits comprising the Fab 2286-like antibody and/or polynucleotides encoding amino acid chains of Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the kit disclosed herein comprises the container described above.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the kit comprises the container described above and a second container comprising a buffer.\",\n \"It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, syringes, and package inserts with instructions for performing any methods described herein (such as methods for treating Alzheimer's disease, and methods for inhibiting or reducing accumulation of Aβ peptide in the brain).\",\n \"In kits to be used for detecting or purifying Aβ or APP, the antibody is typically labeled with a detectable marker, such as, for example, a radioisotope, fluorescent compound, bioluminescent compound, a chemiluminescent compound, metal chelator or enzyme.\",\n \"In an embodiment, described herein is a composition for use in any of the methods described herein, whether in the context of use as a medicament and/or use for manufacture of a medicament.\",\n \"Hence, taught herein is a use of an antibody which binds to Aβ1-40 or C-terminally elongated forms thereof or covalently linked multimers thereof, the antibody comprising a modified Fab 2286 wherein a mature heavy chain comprises a modified amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 with the proviso that the amino acid residue at position 50 is not glutamic acid, wherein the numbering of the amino acid sequence WIGE in Fab 2286 (SEQ ID NO:1) represents amino acid residues 47 to 50 or comprising one or other more amino acid substitutions, additions and/or deletions to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of pathogenic Aβ disease.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is selected from the list consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, pyrrolysine and selenocysteine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is a basic amino acid residue such as arginine, lysine or histidine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the amino acid is alanine.\",\n \"In a particular embodiment, the amino acid is arginine.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the Aβ disease is selected from the list consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]).\",\n \"Another aspect enabled herein is a method of detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a sample from a subject, said method comprising identifying binding between the Aβ form and Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"Diagnostic applications include the detection of Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, cognitive impairment or memory loss, Parkinson's disease, multi-infarct dementia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, glaucoma and a vascular disorder caused by pathogenic Aβ peptide in blood vessels (e.g.\",\n \"stroke and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type [HCHWA-D]) as well as pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the Fab 2286-like antibody is used to detect Alzheimer's disease, HCHWA-D or pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"Any immunoassay may be used to capture and/or directly identify a toxic form of Aβ.\",\n \"Immunoassays are binding assays.\",\n \"Certain immunoassays contemplated herein are the various types of enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and radioimmunoassays (RIA) known in the art.\",\n \"However, it will be readily appreciated that detection is not limited to such techniques, and Western blotting, dot blotting, FACS analyses, and the like may also be used.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the assay is capable of generating quantitative results.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody is either labeled with a reporter molecule or the Fab 2286-like antibody is used to bind to or capture the Aβ and a second antibody (directed to Fab 2286-like antibody or a portion of Aβ) labeled with a reporter molecule is used to detect an Fab 2286-like antibody-Aβ complex.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody can be used to screen for or capture toxic forms of Aβ.\",\n \"Techniques for the assays contemplated herein are known in the art and include, for example, sandwich assays and ELISA.\",\n \"It is within the scope of this invention to include any second antibodies (monoclonal, polyclonal or fragments of antibodies or synthetic antibodies) directed to Fab 2286-like antibody.\",\n \"Both types of antibodies may be used in detection assays or the Fab 2286-like antibody may be used with a commercially available anti-immunoglobulin antibody.\",\n \"Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for Fab 2286-like antibody are obtainable by immunization with Fab 2286-like antibodies or antigenic fragments thereof and either type is utilizable for immunoassays.\",\n \"The methods of obtaining both types of sera are well known in the art.\",\n \"Polyclonal sera are less preferred but are relatively easily prepared by injection of a suitable laboratory animal with an effective amount of the Fab 2286-like antibody, or antigenic parts thereof, collecting serum from the animal and isolating specific sera by any of the known immunoadsorbent techniques.\",\n \"Although antibodies produced by this method are utilizable in virtually any type of immunoassay, they are generally less favoured because of the potential heterogeneity of the product.\",\n \"The use of monoclonal antibodies in an immunoassay is particularly preferred because of the ability to produce them in large quantities and the homogeneity of the product.\",\n \"The preparation of hybridoma cell lines for monoclonal antibody production derived by fusing an immortal cell line and lymphocytes sensitized against the immunogenic preparation can be done by techniques which are well known to those who are skilled in the art.\",\n \"Another aspect of the present invention contemplates, therefore, a method for detecting a toxic form of Aβ in a biological sample from a subject.\",\n \"The method comprising contacting the biological sample with Fab 2286-like antibody for a time and under conditions sufficient for an antibody-polypeptide complex to form, and then detecting the complex.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may be labeled with a reporter molecule and this is detected or a labeled anti-Fab 2286-like antibody or generic labeled anti-immunoglobulin antibody is employed to detect the Fab 2286-like antibody-A complex.\",\n \"A biological sample includes a blood or cerebral spinal fluid sample.\",\n \"For the detection of pre-eclampsia, the sample is urine.\",\n \"A “labeled” antibody means an antibody labeled with a reporter molecule.\",\n \"By “reporter molecule” as used in the present specification, is meant a molecule which, by its chemical nature, provides an analytically identifiable signal which allows the detection of antigen-bound antibody.\",\n \"Detection may be either qualitative or quantitative.\",\n \"The most commonly used reporter molecules in this type of assay are either enzymes, fluorophores or radionuclide containing molecules (i.e.\",\n \"radioisotopes) and chemiluminescent molecules.\",\n \"In the case of an enzyme immunoassay, an enzyme is conjugated to a second antibody, generally by means of glutaraldehyde or periodate.\",\n \"As will be readily recognized, however, a wide variety of different conjugation techniques exist, which are readily available to the skilled artisan.\",\n \"Alternately, fluorescent compounds, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, may be chemically coupled to antibodies without altering their binding capacity.\",\n \"When activated by illumination with light of a particular wavelength, the fluorochrome-labeled antibody adsorbs the light energy, inducing a state to excitability in the molecule, followed by emission of the light at a characteristic colour visually detectable with a light microscope.\",\n \"The fluorescent labeled antibody is allowed to bind to a Fab 2286-like antibody-Aβ complex.\",\n \"After washing off the unbound reagent, the remaining tertiary complex is then exposed to the light of the appropriate wavelength the fluorescence observed indicates the presence of the hapten of interest.\",\n \"Immunofluorescene and EIA techniques are both very well established in the art.\",\n \"However, other reporter molecules, such as radioisotope, chemiluminescent or bioluminescent molecules, may also be employed.\",\n \"In an embodiment, taught herein is a dipstick comprising Fab 2286-like antibody immobilized thereon for use in detecting toxic forms of Aβ in a biological sample.\",\n \"In an embodiment, the sample is urine and the condition diagnosed is pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"EXAMPLES Aspects of the present disclosure are now further described by the following non-limiting Examples.\",\n \"Materials and Methods Antibody Cloning and Expression and Purification A chimeric antibody was produced incorporating light and heavy chain variable domains of the anti-Aβ murine monoclonal antibody, Mab 2286, described by Rosenthal et al.\",\n \"(US Patent Application Nos.\",\n \"2004/046512 and 2007/0160616) conjugated, respectively, to human kappa 1 immunoglobulin (hKappa) light chain and gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy chain constant regions.\",\n \"Amino acid sequences for the Fab region of the light (VL+CL) [SEQ ID NO:3] and heavy (VH+CH) [SEQ ID NO: 1] chains of Fab 2286 are shown in Table 4.Heavy and light chain constructs were each cloned into the pcDNA 3.1 vector (Invitrogen).\",\n \"Plasmids were transformed into E. coli (DHS-alpha, Invitrogen) for amplification under ampicillin selection and purified with a PureLink (Trade Mark) HiPure Plasmid Megaprep Kit (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.\",\n \"Recombinant expression plasmids were then transfected into FreeStyle (Trade Mark) 293-F cells to allow expression of the recombinant chimeric antibody.\",\n \"FreeStyle (Trade Mark) 293-F cells were cultured in FreeStyle expression medium (Invitrogen), and maintained at 37° C. with an atmosphere of 8% v/v CO2.Transient transfections were performed using 293Fectin transfection reagent (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.\",\n \"Cultures of 1000 mL were shaken in a Cellbag (Trade Mark) 2L (flow rate: 0.1-0.15 Lpm) on a bioreactor system.\",\n \"Cultures were supplemented with 0.1% Pluronic F68 (Invitrogen) and 0.5% Lucratone Lupin (Millipore) 4 and 24 hours post transfection, respectively, and the rocking angle adjusted to 9° after 24 hours.\",\n \"Six days post-transfection the cell culture supernatants were harvested by centrifugation at 1000×g.\",\n \"Harvested conditioned media was filtered through a 0.22 μm filter and applied to a MabSelect SuRe HiTrap Protein A HP Column (5 ml, Hitrap, GE Life Sciences, Sweden) previously equilibrated with PBS.\",\n \"Antibody was eluted with 0.1 M sodium citrate pH 3.5 and collected into 10% v/v final volume of 3.0 M Tris pH 8.0.Antibody was buffer exchanged into PBS using a HiLoad desalting column 26/10 (GE Life Sciences, Sweden) and concentrated to 1 mg/mL with a centrifugal concentrator (Amicon ultra, 50 kDa MWCO) for storage at −80° C. For expression and purification of Fab2286-like antibody fragment, synthetic DNA cloned into pcDNA3.1 expression vectors were obtained from Genscript for expression of the heavy and light chains.\",\n \"The N-terminal signal peptides were incorporated for the heavy chain (MGWSWIFLFL VSGTGGVLSE) and light chain (MESQTQVLMS LLFWVSGTCG).\",\n \"The heavy chain was expressed as a Hexa-histidine tagged construct, with the tag at the C-terminus of the chain.\",\n \"DNA constructs were transformed into DHSα E. coli for amplification under ampicillin selection and purified with a PureLink (Trade Mark) HiPure Plasmid Megaprep Kit (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.\",\n \"Recombinant expression plasmids were then co-transfected into FreeStyle (Trade Mark) 293-F cells (Invitrogen) to allow expression of the recombinant antibody fragment.\",\n \"293-F cells were cultured in FreeStyle expression medium (Invitrogen), and maintained at 310 K with an atmosphere of 8% v/v CO2.The expression was performed in 4 L batches in a Certomat Ct plus incubator (Sartorius) by doing co-transfection of 1×106 cells/mL with both DNA and 293Fectin transfection reagent (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's instructions.\",\n \"Cultures were supplemented with 5 mL/L of 10% v/v Pluronic F68 (Invitrogen), 5 mg/L Lucratone Lupin (Millipore) 4 hours post transfection, and 5 mg/L of glucose 2 days post-transfection.\",\n \"The cell culture supernatants were harvested by centrifugation at 500×g, and the media collected for purification.\",\n \"4 L of harvested media was concentrated to 200 mL by tangental flow filtration system (Millipore Proflux M12).\",\n \"The concentrated media was centrifuged at 20000×g for 30 minutes before being purified by immobilised-metal affinity chromatography.\",\n \"The supernatant containing Fab was incubated for 1 hour with equilibrated Ni-NTA affinity resin (Qiagen).\",\n \"The mixture was washed 4 times with 20 mM Tris pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl and 20 mM imidazole.\",\n \"The protein of interest was eluted with 20 mM Tris pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl and 500 mM imidazole.\",\n \"Eluted sample was further purified by size exclusion chromatography with a HiLoad Superdex 200 20/60 run in PBS on an AKTApurifier (GE Healthcare).\",\n \"Fractions were concentrated to 2 mg/mL with a centrifugal concentrator (Amicon ultra, 10 kDa MWCO).\",\n \"Purification of Fab Fab fragments were prepared using the Immunopure Fab Preparation kit (Pierce Biotechnology).\",\n \"IgG (10 mg) was digested with 0.5 mL of the 50% w/v immobilized papain slurry overnight at room temperature.\",\n \"The immobilized papain was removed by centrifugation (3000×g for 3 minutes) and the supernatant containing the digested sample was loaded onto a 1 mL HiTrap Protein A column (GE Life Sciences, Sweden).\",\n \"Fractions containing the clean Fab fragments were pooled and dialyzed over night in 20 mM HEPES pH 7.0.The dialyzed sample was concentrated with a Centriprep-10 centrifugal concentrator to 4 mg/mL (10 kDa MWCO, Millipore).\",\n \"The digestion and purification steps were monitored by SDS-PAGE.\",\n \"Amyloid-β Peptides Peptides corresponding to residues 1-28 (Aβ28), 1-40 (Aβ40) and 1-42 (Aβ42) of the amyloid-β sequence (1-DAEFRHDSGYEVHHQKLVFFAEDVGSNKGA IIGLMVGGVVIA-42) [SEQ ID NO:6] were obtained from commercial sources: Aβ28 (AnaSpec, San Jose, Calif., USA); Aβ40 and Aβ42 (GenicBio BioTech Co., Shanghai, China).\",\n \"Each of the Aβ peptides was resuspended in 100% (v/v) 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) and aliquoted to give 100 μg per Eppendorf tube.\",\n \"All aliquots were freeze-dried for 4 hours and stored at −80° C. until required.\",\n \"SDS-PAGE and Western Blot Aβ peptides (100 μg) were dissolved in 2 μL of 10 μM NaOH, then made up to a volume of 100 μL with PBS.\",\n \"Samples of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were prepared in advance and aged at room temperature for either 24 hours or 21 days.\",\n \"A 1:1 molar ratio of Aβ40 and Aβ42 was also prepared and allowed to age overnight before running on SDS-PAGE.\",\n \"Aβ28 was used as a negative control and prepared on the day along with fresh samples of Aβ40 and Aβ42.An aliquot of 0.5 μg of all aged and freshly prepared Aβ peptides in non-reducing Lamelii loading dye was run on 12% w/v SDS polyacrilamide gel (NuPage; Invitrogen).\",\n \"Gels were run in triplicate, one gel was Coomassie stained with InstantBlue (Expedon) and the other two were transferred for 1 hour at 4° C. to nitrocellulose membrane (Millipore).\",\n \"Following Western transfer, the nitrocellulose membrane was blocked with 3% w/v BSA in PBS with 0.1% v/v Tween-20 (PBS-T) overnight at 4° C. The membrane was incubated with either Mab 2286 (1:5000) or Mab WO2 (1:2000) in 3% v/v BSA, PBS-T for 1 hour at room temperature.\",\n \"It was then washed four times in PBS-T for 15 minutes each.\",\n \"The blot was then incubated with 1:5000 Protein A-HRP (Millipore) in PBS-T for 1 hour at room temperature.\",\n \"It was washed a further four times in PBS-T for 15 minutes.\",\n \"The membrane was incubated with SuperSignal West Pico chemiluminescent (Pierce) for 5 minutes, exposed for 1 minute to X-ray film (Super RX; Fuji) and developed.\",\n \"Crystallization Initial crystallization screening resulted in small needles of crystals that were subsequently optimized by a combination of the Additive Screen (Hampton Research) and grid screening varying pH and PEG concentration.\",\n \"The best crystals were grown in 100 mM citric acid pH 5.5, 20% v/v 2-propanol and 20% w/v PEG 4000.All crystals were grown using by vapor diffusion using 2 μL hanging drops at 22° C. Crystals were soaked in a cryoprotectant (mother liquor plus 15% v/v glycerol) for several minutes prior to mounting in a N2 stream at 100 K. Structure Determination Diffraction data from a single crystal of Fab 2286 were collected on the MX1 beamline of the Australian Synchrotron (Melbourne, Australia) with an ADSC Quantum 210r detector.\",\n \"Data collection were controlled using Blue-Ice software (McPhillips et al.\",\n \"(2002) J. Synchroton Radiat 9:401-406).\",\n \"All diffraction data were acquired from one crystal frozen at 100 K. Data collection statistics are summarized in Table 5.Accession Numbers The coordinates for the Fab 2286 structure have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number 3U0W.\",\n \"TABLE 4 Amino acid sequences of the chimeric Fab 2286 light and heavy chains Light Chain (hKappa) DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCSASQGISNYLNWFQQKPDGTVKLLIYY TSSLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEPEDIATYYCQQYRKLPYTFGG GTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSFNRGEC (SEQ ID NO: 3) Heavy Chain (hG1) EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKISCAASGFDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGE INPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTAIYYCARQM GYWGQGTTLTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPV TVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNH KPSNTKVDKKVEPKSC (SEQ ID NO: 10) Example 1 Western Blot Analysis Antibody recognition of Aβ peptides is confounded by not only the range of different length peptides produced, but by their propensity to form a range of higher order complexes.\",\n \"In order to explore the specificity of Mab 2286, a number of different Aβ peptide preparations were examined.\",\n \"These included denatured and freshly dissolved Aβ28, Aβ40 and Aβ42, which would be mostly monomeric in solution.\",\n \"The peptides were allowed to oligomerize/aggregate both in isolation and as a mixture of the two most common peptides, Aβ40 and Aβ42, for 24 hours to 21 days.\",\n \"These were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE and detected by Coomassie stain (FIG.\",\n \"1A), Western Blot with chimeric anti-Aβ Mab 2286 as the primary antibody (FIG.\",\n \"1B) and Western Blot with murine anti-Aβ Mab WO2 as the primary antibody (FIG.\",\n \"1C).\",\n \"Mab WO2 was used as the reference antibody as the 3-D Aβ recognition epitope was previously determined, which involves the free side chains of Aβ2-7 (Miles et al.\",\n \"(2008) J Mol Biol 377:181-192).\",\n \"Consistent with the epitope recognition of Mab WO2, specific bands corresponding to Aβ28, Aβ40 and Aβ42 were detected as well as a range of higher molecular weight Aβ species observed for all of the aged peptides (FIG.\",\n \"1C), indicating that the aging protocol used was sufficient to generate a number of oligomeric forms.\",\n \"By contrast, quite strikingly, Mab 2286 was highly selective and sensitive in detecting monomeric Aβ40, with no cross-reactivity with any of the other aggregated forms apart from a minor Aβ40 dimeric species (FIG.\",\n \"1B, Lane 2).\",\n \"There was no cross-reactivity with either the Aβ28 or Aβ42 sample (FIG.\",\n \"1B, Lane 6 and 4 respectively).\",\n \"Interestingly, no monomeric Aβ40 was detected in the sample that had been left to age for 21 days (FIG.\",\n \"1B Lane 1), suggesting that all monomeric Aβ40 had reacted to form oligomers/aggregates.\",\n \"The preparation comprised a mixture of Aβ40 and Aβ42 and was allowed to age overnight.\",\n \"Under these conditions the level of monomeric Aβ40 detected by Mab 2286 was significantly reduced (FIG.\",\n \"1B Lane 5) relative to freshly prepared Aβ40 alone (the starting concentration of monomeric Aβ40 is the same as the sample in Lane 2) indicating that it has formed higher molecular weight oligomers in the presence of Aβ42.Rosenthal and co-workers showed that Mab 2286 is specific for Aβ terminating at residue 40.They also showed that single point alanine mutations across the terminal residues (35-MVGGVV-40 [SEQ ID NO:8]) modulated binding affinity (Rosenthal et al.\",\n \"US Patent Application No.\",\n \"2007/0160616).\",\n \"Unlike the N-terminal region of Aβ, the C-terminal region is hydrophobic.\",\n \"When combined, these data indicate that Mab 2286 recognises the hydrophobic side chains of Aβ40 at the C-terminus that are predominantly available in the monomeric state or available for recruitment from perhaps dimers or higher order complexes.\",\n \"Example 2 Structure of Fab 2286 High resolution (2 Å) structure of a chimeric form of an antigen binding fragment of Mab 2286 [Fab 2286], was determined (Table 5).\",\n \"The structure of Fab 2286 reveals that it is a typical immunoglobulin Fab heavy/light chain heterodimer with an elbow angle of 185.2°.\",\n \"The putative Aβ binding groove in the Fab2286 crystal structure was calculated to be approximately 1900{acute over (Å)}3 using Fred Receptor (v2.2.5, OpenEye Scientific Software, Inc., http://www.eyesopen.com).\",\n \"TABLE 5 Data collection and refinement statistics Crystal Fab 2286 Data collection Space group P212121 Unit-cell parameters a (Å) 64.0 b (Å) 81.3 c (Å) 108.5 Maximum resolution (Å) 2.0 Total observations 437605 Unique reflections used 39062 Redundancy 11.7 (5.0)[a] Completeness (%) 95.7 (71.7) I/σI 27.9 (2.3) RSYM (%)[b] 9.7 (83.1) Final refinement statistics Resolution (Å) 2.0 Total no.\",\n \"of atoms 3511 No.\",\n \"of waters 304 R-factor (%)[c] 18.9 R-free (%)[d] 23.5 r.m.s.d.\",\n \"bond lengths (Å) 0.021 r.m.s.d.\",\n \"bond angles (°) 2.0 Mean B-factor Protein m.c.\",\n \"(s.c.) 28.4 (33.1) Solvent 41.2 Ramathandran regions (%) Favored 90.0 Allowed 9.7 Disallowed 0.3 [a]The values in parentheses are for the highest resolution bin.\",\n \"[b]RSYM = ΣhklΣi|Ii − <I>|/|<I>|, where Ii is the intensity for the ith measurement of an equivalent reflection with indices h, k, l. [c]R-factor = Σ||Fobs| − |Fcalc||/Σ|Fobs|, where Fobs and Fcalc are the observed and calculated structure factor amplitudes respectively.\",\n \"[d]R-free was calculated with 5% of the diffraction data that were selected randomly and not used throughout refinement.\",\n \"Example 3 Generation of Fab 2286-Like Antibody Mab 2286 exhibits specificity for the carboxyl terminus of Aβ40 and shows no significant cross reactivity with C-terminally extended peptides such as Aβ42 and Aβ43.Antibody binding to Aβ40 is not inhibited by Aβ38 in competitive binding assays, and binding is similarly modulated by conservative alanine single point mutations across the mapped residues (35-MVGGVV-40 [SEQ ID NO:8]).\",\n \"The structure of chimeric Fab 2286 determined herein reveals a mechanism explaining specificity for the Aβ40 C-terminus and involves extensive contacts with the Aβ40 Val39 side chain buried in a hydrophobic pocket at the antibody interface.\",\n \"With the side chain of Aβ40 Val39 anchored in this way, the side chain of Val40 makes further hydrophobic contacts such that the free carboxyl moiety can hydrogen bond with Asn35(H).\",\n \"C-terminally extended Aβ peptides would lose this potential hydrogen bond and the additional residues would force the ligand backbone to adopt a conformation that is incompatible with the Aβ binding site.\",\n \"The Western Blot analysis shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 indicates that, unlike the N-terminus, this hydrophobic C-terminal epitope is buried in oligomeric/aggregated synthetic Aβ40, as only bands correlating with monomer and dimer molecular weights are detected by the binding fragment of Mab 2286, i.e.\",\n \"Fab 2286.It is concluded that the epitope of Aβ recognized by Fab 2286 is buried in higher order oligomeric assemblies is consistent with the crystal structures of the peptide reported by Colletier et al.\",\n \"(2011) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108(41):16938-43.In that work, fibril-like structures of the peptide were shown to exhibit parallel and anti-parallel β-sheet stacked forms.\",\n \"The two steric zippers reported identify “knobs-in-holes” type packing, with Val39 (and Ile41) constituting the buried ‘knobs’ accommodated by the “holes” enabled by the presence of the glycine residues.\",\n \"It is known that amyloid plaques in the Alzheimer's diseased brain are mainly composed of C-terminally extended species such as Aβ42 and Aβ43, and these represent significant pathogens in Alzheimer's disease.\",\n \"According to the “peripheral sink” hypothesis (DeMattos et al.\",\n \"(2001) supra), anti-Aβ antibodies need not cross the blood brain barrier to act, but rather, bind Aβ in the blood and shift the equilibrium of Aβ from the CNS to the plasma, where Aβ can be degraded.\",\n \"A His-tagged fusion of Fab 2286 chains was generated using human kappa-1 immunoglobulin (hkappa-1) light chain and gamma-1 immunoglobulin (hG1) heavy chain constant regions.\",\n \"In the Fab 2286, Glu50 is mutated to Arg (Glu50Arg) on the heavy chain.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody produced recognized the hydrophobic C-terminal epitope available in monomeric forms of Aβ, but one which can also accommodate C-terminally extended Aβ peptides which have a greater propensity to aggregate or nucleate/accelerate oligomerization.\",\n \"Synthetic DNA constructs corresponding to heavy and light chains of Fab 2286 were ordered from Genscript and subcloned into the pcDNA 3.1 vector (Invitrogen) for expression in mammalian cells.\",\n \"A single point mutation was introduced into the heavy chain protein sequence based on a computational analysis of Fab 2286, an antibody fragment that has only low micromolar affinity for amyloid beta peptide terminating at residue 40.The mutant Fab was designed to recognize Aβ1-40.It also was able to bind toxic C-terminally extended peptides including Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-43.The resultant mutant Fab not only bound the longer length peptides but also did so with low nanomolar affinity.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3 compare the Aβ binding profiles between Fab 2286 and the Fab 2286-like antibody Glu50Arg Fab mutant against synthetic Aβ species and against Aβ species in brain tissue affected by familial and sporadic Alzheimer's disease respectively.\",\n \"Example 4 Generation of Fab 2286-Like Antibody on a Murine Scaffold A murinized form of the Fab 2286-like antibody was generated.\",\n \"To murinized the antibody, the following seuqences were employed: Monoclonal antibody 2286 (Mab 2286) nucleic acid sequence: heavy chain [variable domain and constant domain 1 (CHI)]; [SEQ ID NO:12]: gaggtgaagcttctcgagtctggaggtggcctggtgcagcctggaggatc cctgaaactctcctgtgcagcctcaggattcgattttagtagatactgga tgaattgggtccggcaggctccagggaaagggctagaatggattggagaa attaatccagatagcagtacgataaactatacgccatctctaaaggataa attcatcatctccagagacaacgccaaaaatacgctgtacctgcaaatga gcaaagtgagatctgaggaeacagccctttattactgtgcaagacaaatg ggctactggggccaaggcaccactctcacagtctcctcagccaaaacgac acccccatctgtctatccactggcccctggatctgctgcccaaactaact ccatggtgaccctgggatgcctggtcaagggctatttccctgagccagtg acagtgacctggaactctggatccctgtccagcggtgtgcacaccttccc agctgtcctgcagtctgacctctacactctgagcagctcagtgactgtcc cctccagcacctggcccagcgagaccgtcacctgcaacgttgcccacccg gccagcagcaccaaggtggacaagaaaattgtgcccagggattgt and the light chain; (SEQ ID NO: 14): gatatccagatgacacagactacatcctccctgtctgcctctctgggaga cagagtcaccatcagttgcagtgcaagtcagggcattagcaattatttaa actggtttcagcagaaaccagatggaactgttaaactcctgatctattac acatcaagtttacactcaggagtcccatcaaggttcagtggcagtgggtc tgggacagattattctctcaccatcagcaacctggaacctgaagatattg ccacttactattgtcagcagtataggaagcttccgtacacgttcggaggg gggaccaagctggaaataaaacgggctgatgctgcaccaactgtatccat cttcccaccatccagtgagcagttaacatctggaggtgcctcagtcgtgt gcttcttgaacaacttctaccccaaagacatcaatgtcaagtggaagatt gatggcagtgaacgacaaaatggcgtcctgaacagttggactgatcagga cagcaaagacagcacctacagcatgagcagcaccctcacgttgaccaagg acgagtatgaacgacataacagctatacctgtgaggccactcacaagaca tcaacttcacccattgtcaagagcttcaacaggaatgagtgt The Mab 2286 amino acid sequence: heavy chain [variable domain and constant domain 1 (CHI)]; [SEQ ID NO: 13]: EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGEDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGE INPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARQM GYWGQGTTLTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLAPGSAAQTNSMVTLGCLVKGYFPEPV TVWNSGSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVPSSTWPSETVTCNVAHP ASSTKVDKKIVPRDC and the light chain; (SEQ ID NO: 15): DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCSASQGISNYLNWFQQKPDGTVKLLIYY TSSLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEPEDIATYYCQQYRKLPYTFGG GTKLEIKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKI DGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKT STSPIVKSFNRNEC The Fc portion from a murine gamma heavy chain (GenBank: AAA75163.1) was added to the heavy chain Fab portion sequence.\",\n \"The synthetic DNA construct was: Gene name: MurineHeavyA_OPT, Length: 1391 bp.\",\n \"Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 16): GAGGTCAAACTGCTGGAGAGTGGAGGGGGACTGGTGCAGCCAGGCGGGTC ACTGAAGCTGAGCTGCGCCGCTTCCGGCTTCGACTTTTCCCGGTACTGGA TGAATTGGGTGAGACAGGCTCCCGGAAAAGGCCTGGAGTGGATCGGGGAA ATTAATCCTGATAGCTCCACCATCAACTACACACCAAGTCTGAAGGACAA ATTCATCATTTCACGCGATAACGCAAAGAATACTCTGTATCTGCAGATGT CTAAAGTGCGAAGTGAGGACACCGCACTGTACTATTGTGCAAGACAGATG GGATACTGGGGACAGGGAACCACACTGACCGTGTCTAGTGCTAAGACTAC CCCTCCCAGCGTGTATCCTCTGGCACCTGGCTCCGCAGCACAGACCAATT CTATGGTGACACTGGGCTGTCTGGTCAAGGGGTACTTCCCTGAGCCAGTC ACAGTGACTTGGAACAGCGGCAGCCTGTCAAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTTCC TGCCGTCCTGCAGAGCGATCTGTATACACTGTCCTCTAGTGTCACTGTGC CCTCAAGCACCTGGCCTTCCGAGACCGTGACATGCAACGTCGCCCATCCT GCTTCCTCTACAAAGGTGGACAAGAAAATCGTCCCACGAGATTGCGGCTG TAAACCATGCATTTGTACTGTCCCCGAAGTGAGTTCAGTCTTCATCTTTC CACCCAAGCCAAAAGACGTGCTGACTATTACCCTGACACCCAAGGTCACA TGCGTGGTCGTGGATATCAGCAAAGACGATCCCGAGGTGCAGTTCTCCTG GTTTGTCGACGATGTCGAAGTGCACACAGCCCAGACTCAGCCCAGGGAGG AACAGTTCAATTCTACCTTTCGCTCTGTGAGTGAGCTGCCTATTATGCAT CAGGACTGGCTGAATGGAAAGGAATTCAAATGCAGAGTGAACTCTGCTGC TTTCCCGCTCCTATCGAGAAGACTATTAGCAAGACCAAAGGCAGGCCTAA AGCCCCACAGGTGTACACAATCCCTCCACCCAAGGAACAGATGGCTAAGG ATAAAGTGAGCCTGACATGTATGATCACTGACTTCTTTCCCGAGGATATT ACCGTGGAATGGCAGTGGAACGGGCAGCCCGCAGAGAACTATAAGAATAC ACAGCCTATTATGGACACTGATGGATCATACTTCGTGTATAGCAAGCTGA ACGTCCAGAAATCTAATTGGGAAGCCGGCAACACTTTTACCTGTAGTGTG CTGCATGAAGGACTGCATAACCATCATACTGAAAAGTCACTGTCTCATTC ACCAGGCAAA and the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 17): EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGE INPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCARQM GYWGQGTTLTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLAPGSAAQTNSMVTLGCLVKGYFPEPV TVTWNSGSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVPSSTWPSETVTCNVAHP ASSTKVDKKIVPRDCGCKPCICTVPEVSSVFIFPPKPKDVLTITLTPKVT CVVVDISKDDPEVQFSWFVDDVEVHTAQTQPREEQFNSTFRSVSELPIMH QDWLNGKEFKCRVNSAAFPAPIEKTISKTKGRPKAPQVYTIPPPKEQMAK DKSVLTCMITDFFPEDITVEWQWNGQPAENYKNTQPIMDTDGSYFVYSKL NVQKSNWEAGNTFTCSVLHEGLHNHHTEKSLSHSPGK The mutant Fab 2286-like antibody (with the Glu to Arg substitution) was derived from mutagenisis of that sequence yielding: Variant name: Murine Heavy B, Variant sequence (SEQ ID NO: 18): GAGGTCAAACTGCTGGAGAGTGGAGGGGGACTGGTGCAGCCAGGCGGGTC ACTGAAGCTGAGCTGCGCCGCTTCCGCTTCGACTTTTCCCGGTACTGGAT GAATTGGGTGAGACAGGCTCCCGGAAAAGGCCTGGAGTGGATCGGGCGTA TTAATCCTGATAGCTCCACCATCAACTACACACCAAGTCTGAAGGACAAA TTCATCATTTCACGCGATAACGCAAAGAATACTCTGTATCTGCAGATGTC TAAAGTGCGAAGTGAGGACACCGCACTGTACTATTGTGCAAGACAGATGG GATACTGGGGACAGGGAACCACACTGACCGTGTCTAGTGCTAAGACTACC CCTCCCAGCGTGTATCCTCTGGCACCTGGCTCCGCAGCACAGACCAATTC TATGGTGACACTGGGCTGTCTGGTCAAGGGGTACTTCCCTGAGCCAGTCA CAGTGACTTGGAACAGCGGCAGCCTGTCAAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTTCCT GCCGTCCTGCAGAGCGATCTGTATACACTGTCCTCTAGTGTCACTGTGCC CTCAAGCACCTGGCCTTCCGAGACCGTGACATGCAACGTCGCCCATCCTG CTTCCTCTACAAAGGTGGACAAGAAAATCGTCCCACGAGATTGCGGCTGT AAACCATGCATTTGTACTGTCCCCGAAGTGAGTTCAGTCTTCATCTTTCC ACCCAAGCCAAAAGACGTGCTGACTATTACCTGACACCCAAGGTCACATG CGTGGTCGGGATATCAGCAAAGACGATCCCGAGGTGCAGTTCTCCTGGTT TGTCGACGATGTCGAAGTGCACACAGCCCAGACTCAGCCCAGGGAGGAAC AGTTCAATTCTACCTTTCGCTCTGTGAGTGAGCTGCCTATTATGCATCAG GACTGGCTGAATGGAAAGGAATTCAAATGCAGAGTGAACTCTGCTGCATT TCCCGCTCCTATCGAGAAGACTATTAGCAAGACCAAAGGCAGGCCTAAAG CCCCACAGGTGTACACAATCCCTCCACCCAAGGAACAGATGGCTAAGGAT AAAGTGAGCCTGACATGTATGATCACTGACTTCTTTCCCGAGGATATTAC CGTGGAATGGCAGTGGAACGGGCAGCCCGCAGAGAACTATAAGAATACAC AGCCTATTATGGACACTGATGGATCATACTTCGTGTATAGCAAGCTGAAC GTCCAGAAATCTAATTGGGAAGCCGGCAACACTTTTACCTGTAGTGTGCT GCATGAAGGACTGCATAACCATCATACTGAAAAGTCACTGTCTCATTCAC CAGGCAAA and the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:19): EVKLLESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCAASGFDFSRYWMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIG RINPDSSTINYTPSLKDKFIISRDNAKNTLYLQMSKVRSEDTALYYCAR QMGYWGQGTTLTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLAPGSAAQTNSMVTLGCLVKGYFP EPVTVTWNSGSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVPSSWPSETVTCNV AHPASSTKVDKKIVPRDCGCKPCICTVPEVSSVFIFPPKPKDVLTITLT PKVTCVVVDISKDDPEVQFSWFVDDVEVHTAQTQPREEQFNSTFRSVSE LPIMHQDWLNGKEFKCRVNSAAFPAPIEKTISKTKGRPKAPQVYTIPPP KEQMAKDKVSLTCMITDFFPEDITVEWQWNGQPAENYKNTQPIMDTDGS YFVYSKLNVQKSNWEAGNTFTCSVLHEGLHNHHTEKSLSHSPGK The synthetic DNA light chain construct is: Murine Light_OPT, Length: 725 bp, Sequence (SEQ ID NO:20): GATATTCAGATGACTCAGACTACTTCTTCCCTGTCTGCAAGTCTGGGGGA CCGAGTGACAATCTCATGCAGCGCCTCCCAGGGAATTTCCAACTACCTGA ATTGGTTCCAGCAGAAGCCTGATGGCACAGTGAAACTGCTGATCTACTAT ACTAGCTCCCTGCACAGTGGGGTCCCATCAAGATTTTCTGGAAGTGGCTC AGGGACCGACTATAGCCTGACAATCTCCAACCTGGAGCCAGAAGATATTG CCACTTACTATTGCCAGCAGTACCGGAAGCTGCCCTATCTTTCGGCGGGG GAACCAAGCTGGAGATCAAAAGAGCTGACCGCCGCTCCCACCGTGAGCAT TTTTCCCCCTTCTAGTGAACAGCTGACCTCTGGCGGGGCAAGTGTGGTCT GTTTCCTGAACAACTTCTACCCTAAAGACATCAACGTGAAGTGGAAAATT GATGAAGCGAGAGGCAGAACGGCGTCCTGAATTCCTGGACCGACCAGGAT AGCAAGGACTCCACATATTCTATGTCAAGCACCCTGACACTGACTAAAGA TGAGTACGAACGCCATAATAGCTATACATGTGAAGCTACTCATAAGACCT CTACCTCTCCTATTGTGAAATCTTTTAACCGAAATGAATGT and the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:21): DIQMTQTTSSLSASLGDRVTISCSASQGISNYLNWFQQKPDGTVKLLIY YTSSLHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDYSLTISNLEPEDIATYYCQQYRKLPYTF GGGTKLEIKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVK WKIDGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEA THKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC The murinized Fab 2286-like antibody is used in animal model studies.\",\n \"Example 5 Animal Model Mouse model protocols for the evaluation of Fab 2286-like antibody are established.\",\n \"Efficacy of the antibody is tested in Tg2576 mice which over express Aβ40 or other mice which over express elongated forms of Aβ.\",\n \"To test Fab 2286-lie antibody or a derivative thereof, APP/PSI mice are used.\",\n \"An anti-AD drug efficacy protocol such as by Kenche et al.\",\n \"(2013) Angewandle Chemie International Edition 52):3374-3378 is a reliable template to formulate a study design.\",\n \"These mice generate significant quantities of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the brain and are amyloid positive at around 7-8 months, cognitively impaired at 9-10 months.\",\n \"Mice are purchased at ˜3 months of age from The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me., USA, and are allowed 2 months for acclimatization at a housing facility.\",\n \"APP/PSI mice are randomly assigned to different treatment groups, (e.g.\",\n \"10 mg/kg Fab 2286-like antibody, 10 mg/kg vehicle control).\",\n \"Behavioral assessment and tissue analysis follow protocols established by Kenche et al.\",\n \"(2013) supra.\",\n \"Treatment begins at 5 months before amyloid deposition has begun in three arms of 15 animals each (based on a Power statistical analysis for a significant outcome).\",\n \"Behavioral assessments begin at 7 months of age by Y-maze and water platform techniques as described by Kenche et al.\",\n \"(2013) supra.\",\n \"Weekly dosing is administered by oral gavage until 10 months of age when tissue is collected and subject to immunohistochemical analysis and examined for differential Aβ40/Aβ422 profiles by SELDI-TOF MS and other IP/MS methods.\",\n \"Example 6 Detection of Pre-Eclanmpsia Urine samples are obtained from healthy women, healthy pregnant women and pregnant women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.\",\n \"The levels and species of Aβ are determined in each group.\",\n \"In an alternative, cerebral spinal fluid is tested.\",\n \"However, a urine sample is far less invasive.\",\n \"Fab 2286-like antibody is used to either capture the Aβ species which is then detected using a labeled anti-immunoglobulin antibody or the Fab 2286-like antibody is labeled itself.\",\n \"It is expected that pregnant women with pre-eclampsia will exhibit elevated levels of brain-derived toxic Aβ species comprising C-terminally elongated forms.\",\n \"The Fab 2286-like antibody may also be used in the development of a dipstick or other similar approach to detect toxic Aβ in urine of pregnant women.\",\n \"Example 7 Generation of Modified Fab 2286 Heavy Chains Using the techniques disclosed herein or known to the skilled artisan, a range of substitutions is made at amino acid residue 50 in the heavy chain variable region of Fab 2286.The amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 comprises an arginine in place of a glutamic acid at residue 50.This creates the amino acid sequence comprising WIGR.\",\n \"Other substitutions are selected from WIGA, WIGR, WIGN, WIGD, WIGC, WIGQ, WJGG, WIGH, WIGI, WIGL, WIGK, WIGM, WIGF, WIGP, WIGS, WIGT, WIGW, WIGY, WIGV, WIGO and WIGU.\",\n \"An antibody comprising any of these substitutions from glutamic acid are readily tested as disclosed herein for the ability to bind to Aβ1-40 or C-terminally elongated forms.\",\n \"Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described.\",\n \"It is to be understood that the disclosure contemplates all such variations and modifications.\",\n \"The disclosure also enables all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features or compositions or compounds.\",\n \"BIBLIOGRAPHY Adolfsson et al.\",\n \"(2012) J. Neuroscience 32(28):9677-9689 Altschul et al.\",\n \"(1997) Nucl.\",\n \"Acids.\",\n \"Res.\",\n \"25:3389 Ausubel et al.\",\n \"(In: Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons Inc. 1994-1998 Bacskai et al.\",\n \"(2002) J. Neurosci.\",\n \"22:7873-7878 Bard et al.\",\n \"(2000) Nature Medicine 6:916-919 Bard et al.\",\n \"(2003) Proc.\",\n \"Natl.\",\n \"Acad.\",\n \"Sci.\",\n \"USA 100:2023-2028 Bonner and Laskey (1974) Eur.\",\n \"J. Biochem.\",\n \"46:83 Boyd et al.\",\n \"(1996) Mol.\",\n \"Immunol.\",\n \"32:1311-1318 Colletier et al.\",\n \"(2011) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108(41): 16938-43 Das et al.\",\n \"(2003) J. Neurosci.\",\n \"23:8532-9538 DeMattos et al.\",\n \"(2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:8850-8855 Hardy (1996) Ann Med 28:255-258 Hardy (2014) N Engl.\",\n \"Med 370(4):377-378 Handbook of Monoclonal Antibodies, Ferrone et al.\",\n \"eds.\",\n \"Noges Publications, Park Ridge, N.J. (1985) ch.\",\n \"22:303-357 Hse et al.\",\n \"(1997) J. Biol.\",\n \"Chem.\",\n \"272:9062-9070 Jefferis and Lund (1997) Chem.\",\n \"Immunol.\",\n \"65:111-128 Kenche et al.\",\n \"(2013) Angewmulte Chemie International Edition 52:3374-3378 Liu et al.\",\n \"(2014) Mol Neurobiol:PMID 24733588 Marmur and Doty (1962) J. Mol.\",\n \"Biol.\",\n \"5:109 McPhillips et al.\",\n \"(2002) J. Synchroton Radiat 9:401-406 Miles et al.\",\n \"(2008) J. Mol Biol 377:181-192 Miles et al.\",\n \"(2013) Sci Rep 3:1-8 Panza et al.\",\n \"(2014) Expert Opin Biol Ther: 1-12 PMID 24981190 Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990; and Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed.\",\n \"Mack Publishing, 2000 Rosenthal et al.\",\n \"(2004) US Patent Application No.\",\n \"2004/046512 Rosenthal et al.\",\n \"(2007) US Patent Application No.\",\n \"2007/016616 Rosenthal et al.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,807,165 Salloway et al.\",\n \"(2009) Neurology 73:2061-2070 Schenk et al.\",\n \"(1999) Nature 400:173-177 Selkoe (2001) Physiol Rev 81:741-766 Smith et al.\",\n \"(1977) Antibodies in Human Diagnosis and Therapy, Haber et al.\",\n \"eds., Raven Press, New York:365-389 Tanzi et al.\",\n \"(1996) Neurobiol Dis 3:159-168 Wallace et al.\",\n \"(1996) Protein Eng 8:127-134 Wittwe and Howard (1990) Biochem.\",\n \"29:4175-4180 Wright and Morrison (1997) TibTECH 15:26-32 Wyss and Wagner (1996) Current Opin.\",\n \"Biotech.\",\n \"7:409-416\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875082"}}},{"rowIdx":4494774,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Ticket Based Harvest Management System and Method","A system and method is presented for gathering data concerning harvests.","Data tickets are generated when the harvest is received at a point of origination (i.e., the field), local storage, processing, or a customer location.","Data tickets can be manually generated using apps running on mobile devices.","Users of the mobile devices input the data tickets when harvest is received at these locations.","Data tickets are transmitted to a remote server over a wide area network.","Analysis of the data tickets is possible through a web interface to the remote server.","Beacons that identify various equipment or locations can be used to trigger the automatic generation of data tickets."],["1.A method for tracking a transfer of materials between a mobile vehicle and a static storage site at a known physical location comprising: a) monitoring, using a GPS device, a location for the mobile vehicle; b) identifying, using the GPS device, the static storage site when the location of the mobile vehicle is proximal to the known physical location; c) after the identifying step, monitoring an electronic scale to determine a change of weight of the materials while the materials are being transferred from the mobile vehicle to the static storage site; d) after determining the change of weight, transmitting from the mobile vehicle to a remote server computer a digital data ticket comprising: i) data identifying the mobile vehicle, ii) data identifying the static storage site, and iii) data identifying the change of weight of materials.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein step c) further comprises monitoring a mobile weight scale fixed to the mobile vehicle.","3.The method of claim 1, wherein step c) further comprises establishing a Bluetooth connection between a mobile device residing on the mobile vehicle and a scale integrated into a scale house.","4.The method of claim 1, wherein step a) is preceded by the following steps: (1) detecting an electronic beacon signal from a plurality of grain carts that approach the mobile vehicle to determine a grain cart identifier for the grain carts, (2) determining a quantity of material transferred from the grain carts to the mobile vehicle for each of the grain carts, and (3) moving the motor vehicle to the static storage site; wherein the digital data ticket further comprises grain cart data, wherein the grain cart data comprises the grain cart identifier and the quantity of material transferred for each of the grain carts.","5.The method of claim 4, wherein step d) occurs automatically without user intervention after determining the change of weight at the static storage site.","6.The method of claim 1, wherein step d) occurs automatically without user intervention after determining the change of weight at the static storage site.","7.A method for tracking movement of a crop between a crop transportation truck and a crop storage location that does not move, comprising: a) detecting, using a computing device on the crop transportation truck, a unique electromagnetic signal emanating from a beacon at the crop storage location; b) analyzing, using the computing device, the unique electromagnetic signal to identify the crop storage location; c) determining, using the computing device, an amount of crop physically transferred from the crop transportation truck to the crop storage location; d) after determining the amount of crop transferred, using the computing device to create and transmit, without user intervention, a data ticket comprising: i) data identifying the crop transportation truck, ii) data identifying the crop storage location, and iii) data identifying the amount of crop transferred from the crop transportation truck change to the crop storage location; and 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the computing device is a mobile computing device selected from a set comprising a mobile phone and a tablet computer.","9.The method of claim 7, wherein step c) further comprises reading a scale integrated into the crop transportation truck.","10.The method of claim 7, wherein step c) further comprises establishing a communications link between the computing device and a scale used by the crop storage location.","11.The method of claim 10, wherein the communications link is a Bluetooth communications link.","12.The method of claim 7, wherein the unique electromagnetic signal emanating from the beacon is associated with an identifier and the identifier is included in the data ticket as the data identifying the crop storage location.","13.The method of claim 7, wherein the computing device determines the amount of crop transferred by monitoring a scale integrated into the crop transportation truck, and further wherein the computing device begins monitoring the scale only after the computing device identifies the crop storage location from the electromagnetic signal."],["<SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present application relates to the field of automated harvest management.","More particularly, the described embodiments relate to a system and method for tracking harvesting in mining, agricultural, and forestry industries through automated data ticket processing."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The presented embodiments disclose a flexible, cloud-based tool that provides an automated method to record the harvest and distribution process, and tools to meet unique requirements of farming operations.","The system integrates with a farm's existing infrastructure to capture and record data necessary in order to secure harvested crops from the field to the point of delivery.","The system also integrates with forestry and mining inventory to secure harvested wood or mining products from the point of origination to the point of delivery.","The disclosed embodiments provide unprecedented control over harvest security, updating critical data on a daily or even real-time basis.","Issues are identified.","Compounding problems are prevented.","Workers are held accountable.","Accurate accounting is possible.","All of which translates into improved transparency for stakeholders: bankers, investors, insurance agents and most importantly, the farmer, forester, or miner.","Through use of the disclosed system and method, farmers, foresters, and miners accurately track and trace key harvest and distribution activities.","This is accomplished by: recording weights and quality levels for material harvested at the field or forest level, or mined at the mine level.","recording and tracking product stored in point of origin storage.","recording product transportation activities on a per load basis.","recording product loads delivered to internal storage facilities.","recording product weights and quality levels for loads delivered to customers.","reconciling all activities and view product data in real time."],["RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/559,991, filed on Dec. 4, 2014, which in turn is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","13/551,916, filed Jul.","18, 2012, which in turn claims priority to U.S.","Provisional Application 61/508,819, filed Jul.","18, 2011, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.","FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present application relates to the field of automated harvest management.","More particularly, the described embodiments relate to a system and method for tracking harvesting in mining, agricultural, and forestry industries through automated data ticket processing.","SUMMARY The presented embodiments disclose a flexible, cloud-based tool that provides an automated method to record the harvest and distribution process, and tools to meet unique requirements of farming operations.","The system integrates with a farm's existing infrastructure to capture and record data necessary in order to secure harvested crops from the field to the point of delivery.","The system also integrates with forestry and mining inventory to secure harvested wood or mining products from the point of origination to the point of delivery.","The disclosed embodiments provide unprecedented control over harvest security, updating critical data on a daily or even real-time basis.","Issues are identified.","Compounding problems are prevented.","Workers are held accountable.","Accurate accounting is possible.","All of which translates into improved transparency for stakeholders: bankers, investors, insurance agents and most importantly, the farmer, forester, or miner.","Through use of the disclosed system and method, farmers, foresters, and miners accurately track and trace key harvest and distribution activities.","This is accomplished by: recording weights and quality levels for material harvested at the field or forest level, or mined at the mine level.","recording and tracking product stored in point of origin storage.","recording product transportation activities on a per load basis.","recording product loads delivered to internal storage facilities.","recording product weights and quality levels for loads delivered to customers.","reconciling all activities and view product data in real time.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a schematic diagram showing locations that can be used to source, store, process, or receive the goods from a farm, forest, or mine.","FIG.","2 is a schematic diagram showing the components of a system that gathers, stores, and processes data in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","3 is a schematic diagram showing a three-ticket process that takes goods from a field, stores the goods in local storage, and then delivers the goods from storage to a customer.","FIG.","4 is a schematic diagram showing a two-ticket process that takes goods from a field to a customer.","FIG.","5 is a schematic diagram showing a five-ticket process including a processing step.","FIGS.","6a through 6f show screen shots from a ticket creation software application running on a mobile device, with FIG.","6a showing a home screen, FIG.","6b showing a cart ticket entry screen, FIG.","6c showing a field-to-storage ticket entry screen, FIG.","6d showing a field-to-customer ticket screen, FIG.","6e showing a storage-to-customer entry screen, and FIG.","6f showing additional data entry fields that form the storage-to-customer ticket entry screen of FIG.","6e.","FIG.","7 is a schematic diagram showing system capable of ticket generation without human interaction.","FIG.","8 is a schematic diagram showing relevant locations for the tracking of crop inputs.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview The present invention can be used to track goods that are obtained through farming, forestry, mining, drilling, and similar processes.","For instance, agricultural crops such as corn or cotton are ideal candidates for tracking through the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.","In addition, lumber obtained through harvesting forests can also be tracked, as can coal or other materials that are removed from the earth through mining, and oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbonic materials removed from the earth through drilling.","The current description will describe the use of the present invention in connection with farming.","Nonetheless, it should be clear that the same systems and processes can be used in these other contexts as well.","FIG.","1 shows four key locations where the harvest data is to be obtained.","In particular, data is to be obtained at the field 110 (or forest or mine) where the product to be tracked originates.","In addition, data is to be obtained at local storage facilities 120 where the crop (or other product) can be stored temporarily after being collected.","Data is also obtained at processing facilities 130, such a cotton gin or crop drying facility that processes or transforms the crop in some way.","Finally, data is obtained when products or crops are delivered to a customer 140 that pays the farmer for their crop.","These different locations 110-140 are shown connected by some type of transport 150.The transport 150 may be a truck, train, barge, pipeline, or any other transportation mechanism.","By tracking data about a crop at various locations, it is possible to accumulate comprehensive data about a farmer's harvest in a way that has not been previously possible.","It is important to track this data at the locations 110-140 specified in FIG.","1 because it is at these locations that a crop must be carefully monitored for potential loss or other events.","For instance, it is important for a farmer to confirm that the amount of crop taken off the field and delivered to a trucking firm is the same as the amount of crop received and paid for by the farmer's customer.","In addition, monitoring the crop at these locations also allows the farmer to analyze their business for profitability.","For example, by tracking the crop that comes off each field 110, the farmer can determine the comparative yield for each field.","These results can be compared to the inputs (such as seed, fertilizer, pesticides, labor) that created that crop in each field to determine whether changes in procedures might increase the profitability of a farm.","FIG.","2 shows one system 200 that can be used to track this harvest data.","In this system, a plurality of handheld devices 210, 212, 214 are used by the farmer to obtain data about the harvest.","For instance, a worker in the field cart can record on handheld device 210 information about each cartload of a crop that is delivered to a semi truck for transportation.","This information can include the field where the crop was harvested, the time and date of that harvest, an identifier for the field cart being operated by that worker, the weight of the crop that was delivered to the semi, the particular semi that received the crop, and the driver of that semi.","Additional information could also be collected, such as descriptors about the weather (sunny, cold, etc.)","and descriptions about the crop (healthy, wet, etc.).","Similarly, another worker can use handheld device 212 to receive information about the delivery of the crop from that semi to the farmer's local storage facility 120, while a third worker can use handheld device 214 to record information about deliveries made directly to customers 140.Data relating to the receipt of crops at the various data gathering locations 110-140 is recorded on the handheld devices 210-214 as data “tickets.” Data tickets contain data, typically in a plurality of structured data fields, concerning a transfer of a crop from one location to another.","The devices 210-214 then transmit these data tickets over a network 220 to a remote server 230, which then stores the data in a database 240.In one embodiment, the network 220 is a wide area network such as the Internet.","The handhelds 210-214 can access the Internet 220 through a WiFi network.","Frequently, the handhelds 210-214 will be gathering data in locations that do not have WiFi access easily available, such as in a farmer's field.","In one embodiment, the handhelds 210-214 allow input of data even when the device does not have network access.","This data is cached in local storage on the device.","The handhelds 210-214 then periodically determine whether access to the network 220 is available.","If so, data cached in the local storage is then sent to the server 230 over the network 220.In another embodiment, the handheld devices 210-214 include cellular capabilities, such as smart phones or tablet computers using Apple's iOS (from Apple Inc., Cupertino Calif.) or the Android operating system (from Google Inc., Mountain View, Calif.).","These types of devices can frequently transmit data over the Internet 220 using cellular data networks.","With such capabilities, data can be transmitted to the server 230 immediately upon data entry as long as the device 210 is within range of a cellular tower with data capabilities.","Even with this embodiment, the devices 210-214 are preferably designed to cache data when the network 220 is not immediately available.","The data is accumulated in database 240, and then made available to the farmer through a back office computer 250 operating over the same network 220 and server 230 that was used to collect the data from the remote handheld devices 210-214.In other embodiments, different or multiple physical servers could perform the function of the server 230 shown in FIG.","2 without altering the scope of the present invention.","The back office computer 250 accesses the database 240 through programming provided by the server 230, ideally through a web browser or other thin client operating on the computer 250.In effect, data collection and data analysis for the farmer are provided using a software-as-a-service model.","The farmer pays the operator of the server 230 and database 240 for the right to store data in the database 240 and to use software operating on the server 230 to analyze this data.","This frees the farmer from the headaches of maintaining the network and server needed to store and backup the data.","Meanwhile, the operator of the server 230 and database 240 offers the same service to multiple farmers.","The data analysis software provided to the back office computer 250 allows the farmer to compare payments received from a customer (as evidenced through settlement documents and delivery receipts from the customer) with data tickets specifying the amount of crop that was delivered to that customer.","Furthermore, the farmer can verify that the amount of crop taken from the fields is equivalent to the crop that was either delivered to a customer or is otherwise in storage.","This type of reconciliation is extremely valuable for farmers, especially since this data is almost immediately available given the nature of the data ticket submission described herein.","Reconciliation errors that indicate missing crop can be immediately tracked down to a particular worker, piece of equipment, date, and time.","In addition, the analysis software available through the back office computer can also give the farmer the ability to analyze the productivity of individual fields in a way that was not otherwise possible for most farmers.","The server computer 230 and the back office computer 250 includes a set of software instructions or interfaces stored on a non-volatile, non-transitory, computer readable medium such as a hard drive or flash memory device.","A digital processor, such as a general purpose CPU manufactured by Intel Corporation (Mountain View, Calif.) or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Sunnyvale, Calif.) accesses and performs the software.","To improve efficiency, processor may load software stored in its non-volatile memory into faster, but volatile RAM.","The database 240 can be stored on the same non-volatile memory used by the server computer 230 for its operating system, or on a different memory accessible by its process such as an external direct access storage device (or DASD).","The database 240 consists of both data and software instructions informing the server computer 230 how to access, analyze, and report on the data in the database 240.The computers 230, 250 further include a network interface to communicate with other computerized devices across a digital data network such as network 220.In one embodiment, the network is the Internet, and the network interfaces on the computers 230, 250 include TCP/IP protocol stacks for communicating over the network 220.The network interface may connect to the network wirelessly or through a physical wired connection.","Instead of being a single computer with a single processor, the server 230 could also implemented using a network of computers all operating according to the instructions of the software.","Ticket Generation FIG.","3 shows a typical process 300 used by a farmer to track crops coming off a field 110.In this process, a combine 112 in the field 110 takes the crop off the field 110.Periodically, the combine 112 transfers its load to a field cart 114, which then takes its load to one or more waiting semi trucks 152 for transport 150.In this embodiment, a data ticket 310 is created when the crop is transferred from the cart 114 to the semi 152.This first data ticket 310 is referred to as a cart-to-truck ticket (or simply “cart ticket”) 310.In this embodiment, the cart ticket 310 is created by a worker operating the field cart 114.Using their handheld device 210, the worker opens an application (or app) that operates on the device 210.The worker logs into the app, so that the app knows the worker's identifier, the particular field being worked by the worker, as well as an identifier for the cart 114 being operated by the worker.","When the transfer is made to the semi 152, the worker tells the app to create a cart ticket 310.The worker must input or verify the crop, identify the semi 152 and the driver of the semi, and then input the amount of crop transferred to the semi 152.In most embodiments, the cart 114 has an integrated scale.","The app requests that the worker input the weight on the scale before and after the transfer to the semi, with the calculated difference being the amount of the crop transferred to the semi.","The worker may also include descriptors about the current weather conditions or the condition of the crop (i.e., “wet”) with the data transmitted in the cart ticket 310.In FIG.","3, the cart ticket 310 is the first ticket created, and is also called ticket 1.In some embodiments, the driver of the semi also has a handheld device 212, and the semi truck also contains a scale.","In these embodiments, the semi driver will also create a cart ticket 310 (i.e., ticket 1b) indicated the amount of crop received from the cart 114, and the identifier of the cart and the cart operator.","While these two cart tickets 310 contain essentially the same information, the creation of two tickets allows comparisons between the tickets and the ability to detect and correct faulty data from one of the tickets.","Because the data is mostly duplicative, however, some embodiments would create only a single cart ticket 310.In the process 300 shown in FIG.","3, the semi driver delivers their load to a local storage facility 120 on the farm.","This storage facility may include a plurality of storage bins, including storage bin 122.When the load from the semi truck 152 is transferred to the storage bin 122, a second ticket (known as a field-to-storage ticket) 320 is created.","This ticket 320 can be created by the operator of the truck 152 using the app running on their handheld device 112.Like the cart ticket 310, the field-to-storage ticket 320 contains information about the delivery equipment (semi 152 and the driver) as well as the receiving equipment (storage bin 122).","A bin operator may have their own handheld device 114, and therefore may create their own version of the field-to-storage ticket 320 (ticket 2b in FIG.","3).","Note that since the storage capabilities of the field carts 114 and the semi trucks 152 are not identical, there is not a one-to-one correspondence between the cart tickets 310 and the field-to-storage tickets 320.A different semi truck 154 may then be used at a later date to take the crop from the storage bin 122 and deliver the crop to the customer 140.To track this transaction, the truck driver will create a storage-to-customer ticket 330 to track details about the delivery, including date, time, identifiers for the semi 154 and the driver, the originating location (storage bin 122), the receiving location (grain elevator 142 at the customer location 140), and the condition of the crop (“dry”).","The crop condition may be based merely on general observations (“dry”), or may be made upon scientific tests establishing various characteristics of the crop (i.e., moisture content).","These tests may be conducted at the farmer's storage facilities 120, at the customer's facilities 140, or at both locations.","If the customer participates in the system 200 with the farmer, the customer 140 could create a corresponding ticket 330.In most cases, however, the customer 140 does not participate, and instead presents the driver with a written delivery receipt 340.When payment is made to the famer, the payment will likely include a settlement document 350 that includes the delivery information found on the delivery receipts 340.Payment associated with the settlement document 350 will relate to a specific contract 360 between the customer 140 and the farmer.","Consequently, to complete the data record in the database 240 for proper tracking and reconciliation, it is contemplated that the interface provided by the server 230 to the back office computer 250 includes the ability for the farmer to enter information about written delivery receipts 340, settlement documents 350, and contracts 360.FIG.","4 shows a simplified process 400, where the farmer delivers their crop directly to a customer 140 without storing the grain at a local storage facility 120.In this case, the transfer from the field cart 114 to the semi truck 152 creates one or two first tickets (the cart ticket) 410.This cart ticket 410 is effectively the same as the cart ticket 310 created in process 300.Rather than transporting the crop to storage 120, the semi 152 in process 400 delivers the crop directly the customer elevator 142.When this delivery is made, the truck driver creates a second ticket known as a field-to-customer ticket 420.The process 500 shown in FIG.","5 is similar to the processes 300, 400 shown in FIGS.","3 and 4, respectively, although process 500 contains more steps.","In this case, the field cart 114 delivers the crop to semi 152, and in the process the operator or operators of these machines create a cart ticket 510.The semi 152 delivers the crop to the local storage bin 122, and a field-to-storage ticket is created 520 that is much like ticket 320 described above.","In process 500, the farmer must pay a third party to process the crop.","For instance, if the farmer were growing cotton, the farmer would pay a cotton gin facility to gin the cotton.","A semi 154 is used to transfer to crop to the processor 130.When the crop is delivered to the processor, a storage-to-processor ticket 530 is created with details about the semi 154, the semi driver, the amount of crop delivered, the condition of the crop, the originating storage bin 122, and the specific processing facility of the processor 130 that received the crop.","After the processing is complete, a new semi 156 accepts the processed crop and delivers the crop back to local storage 120 on the farm.","In this case, the crop is stored in storage bin 124.A processor-to storage ticket 540 is created detailing this transaction.","Finally, the processed crop is taken from storage bin 124 by semi 158 and delivered to customer elevator 142, and a storage-to-customer ticket 550 is created.","In this embodiment, a data ticket is created every time the crop is received at the field 110, local storage 120, processor 130, or the customer 140.The field related ticket (cart ticket 310, 410, or 510) is created when harvesting of the crop (effectively receiving the crop at the field).","By ensuring that a data ticket is created when the crop is received at each of these locations, the harvest is effectively tracked and monitored through each movement, storage, processing, and customer delivery step.","It would be possible to create additional data tickets and still be within the scope of the present invention.","However, additional tickets are not necessary to ensure the minimal level of tracking as exemplified in processes 300, 400, and 500.FIG.","6a shows a mobile device 600 that could be used by an operator of a field cart 112 or semi truck 152, or an individual working at a storage location 120, processing location 130, or customer site 140.The mobile device 600 includes a processor (such as those created under the ARM architecture developed by ARM Holdings, Cambridge, UK) and tangible, non-transitory memory that contains both computing instructions (software) and data.","The computing instructions include an application or “app” that allows the user to create data for the database 240.As explained above, this data is created in the form of tickets that contain data about a particular event relating to the receipt of product at one of the key locations 110-140.In the preferred embodiment, this app runs on a general purpose operating system, such as Apple's iOS or Google's Android operating system.","Furthermore, the preferred mobile device 600 includes network capabilities to allow the device 600 to communicate with the server 230 over the network 220.This could be provided by a WiFi or cellular network interface (or both) located within the device.","Finally, the preferred device 600 includes location detection capabilities that can identify the location of the device 600.This helps in numerous situations, including the automated identification of a farmer's field in a cart ticket 310, 410, or 510.The device 600 is preferably a smart phone, a tablet computer, or any other similar device.","The app operating on the mobile device 600 creates a home screen 610, which provides the user with the ability to change information about the user by selecting change button 620.Information about the user, including the equipment or location being managed by the user can be entered into the app at this stage so that it doesn't need to be separately entered for each ticket created by the app.","The home screen 610 also includes a cart ticket button 630, a field-to-storage ticket button 640, a field-to-customer ticket button 650, and a storage-to-customer ticket button 660.Each of these ticket creation buttons 630-660 bring up an entry screen for the user to enter the necessary data to create the desired ticket.","The entry screen 632 for the cart ticket is shown in FIG.","6b, and can be reached by pressing the cart ticket button 630 on the home screen 610.Similarly, the field-to-storage ticket entry screen 642 (FIG.","6c), the field-to-customer ticket screen 652 (FIG.","6d), and the storage-to-customer entry screen 662 (FIG.","6e) can be reached by selecting buttons 640, 650 and 660, respectively.","The ticket entry screens 632, 642, 652, and 662 allow the user to enter the data necessary to complete the data ticket.","To the extent possible, permissible data has been predefined in the database 240, preferably through the back office computer 250.This permissible data is downloaded by the app running on the mobile device 600, allowing many of the fields in the ticket entry screens 632-662 to be filled in through pull down selection menus.","In most cases, the entry screens 632-662 contain more data than can be viewed at once on the mobile device.","Consequently, the entry screens 632-662 preferably scroll up and down to allow the user to access all of the data fields.","FIG.","6f, for example, shows the additional data entry fields that form the storage-to-customer ticket entry screen 662 that were not shown in FIG.","6e.","Automatic Ticket Generation FIG.","7 shows an alternative embodiment system 700 that allows the automatic generation of data tickets.","This system 700 takes advantage of the fact that the tickets created in the previously described embodiment are generated when product is received at a location.","In the case ticket generation scenarios described above, a piece of equipment that contains the product is brought into proximity with another piece of equipment that will receive the product.","The equipment might be the field cart 114, the semi 152, the storage bin 122, the grain elevator 142, or equipment at a processing location 130.System 700 takes advantage of this fact by detecting the proximity of another piece of equipment, and using that detection to generate a ticket and to determine the data necessary to complete the ticket.","This is accomplished by using beacons in field equipment to broadcast equipment location so that when two pieces of equipment are within sufficient range, the beacon in either piece of equipment can broadcast a signal unique to the piece of equipment that can be recognized by a mobile device (e.g.","an Android phone or tablet) in the other piece of equipment.","In terms of uniqueness, all that is necessary is that the beacon be unique in the context in which the equipment is used.","In the context of a farm utilizing 25 different pieces of farm equipment, the beacons must be unique to that farm.","A beacon would be considered unique even if the beacon utilizes the same signal as a different but remote beacon not used on the farm.","In FIG.","7, a field cart 720 loaded with crop from the field approaches a semi truck 740, which is waiting for the cart 720 on a road proximate to the field.","The field cart 720 contains a scale 722 that weighs the current load on the cart.","Preferably, this scale 722 can be wirelessly queried by other devices, which causes the scale to return the current weight of the load carried by the cart 720.The field cart 720 also contains a mobile device 730 operating an application designed to automatically generate data tickets.","A beacon 744 on the semi truck 740 continuously or periodically transmits a signal that can be received by a receiver or receiver/transmitter 732 on the mobile device 730.The app running on the mobile device 730 recognizes the beacon as belonging to a particular semi 740.Alternatively the receiver 732 can be located separately from the mobile device elsewhere on the field cart 720.For instance, a beacon device 724 that transmits a beacon for the field card 720 may also include a receiver that detects the presence of the beacon 744 from semi 740.This would allow the manufacturer of the beacon technology to sell a combination beacon transmitter and beacon detector.","When this beacon detector detects the beacon 744, the detector will signal the mobile device 730 with information about the beacon 744.In yet another embodiment, the semi 740 does not have a beacon device 744 to signal its presence.","Instead, a mobile device 750 on the semi 740 has its own transmitter and receiver device 752.The transceiver could be, for instance, a WiFi transceiver sending and receiving signals according to one of the IEEE 802.11 standards.","A similar transceiver 732 in the mobile device 730 riding in the field cart 720 would detect the presence of the signal from the mobile device 750.The presence of this signal could inform the mobile device 730 in the field cart of the presence of the semi's mobile device 750.At this point, field cart mobile device 730 could consult an internal or external database to learn information about whether the semi mobile device 750 is currently operating.","Alternatively, the field cart mobile device 730 could establish a network or other data connection with the semi mobile device 750 after that device 750 is detected.","The two mobile devices 730, 750 could then exchange data stored in each device 730, 750 about how each device, 730, 750 is currently being used.","For example, the mobile device 730 could monitor its WiFi receiver to detect the presence of another mobile device transmitting a WiFi signal.","The strength of the signal received can be used to determine the nearest machine.","Once the signal from the semi's mobile device 750 is received, the two devices 730, 750 establish a communication interface or link.","In this way, the field cart mobile device 730 learns that the field cart 720 has approached a particular semi 740 currently being driven by a particular operator.","When the semi's beacon 744 is detected, or the signal from the semi's mobile device 750 is received and understood, the field cart mobile device 730 then begins to query and monitor the scale 722 operating on the field cart 720.Alternatively, the mobile device 730 may be capable of extracting and reading other equipment related data streams, such as speed, acceleration, braking, and dumping from the field cart 720.The app on the mobile device 730 can interpret the mechanical activity data generated from the equipment in which the smart device is located (i.e., that the cart is unloading its load) or can monitor changes in the scale 722 to see that the load in the cart has lessened.","By intelligently monitoring these on-cart devices, the mobile device 730 will be able to tell when a transfer of the product has completed, and also will be able to tell the amount of product that has been transferred.","By combining this information with the beacon data (which other equipment 740 is near or nearest the cart 720), the mobile device can detect the need to generate a ticket, complete the data in the ticket, and transmit the ticket to the server 230, all without any user intervention.","In FIG.","7, the field cart 720 and the semi truck 740 each have beacons 724, 744 and each have smart devices 730, 750, respectively.","The semi 740 may be parked next to the field currently being harvested, such as on an access road.","The semi 740 remains on the road waiting to be filled, and might be located next to other semi trucks (not shown in FIG.","7).","When the field cart 720 is full, the operator drives to the side of the field and approaches the trucks.","The field cart 720 stops closest to the first semi truck 740 in line to unload.","The smart device 730 in the cart 720 may receive a data stream from devices on the cart 720 indicating that the cart 720 is stopped.","The mobile device 730 will sense the beacon data from beacon 744 and determine which semi truck 740 is closest to the device 730.The device 730 will next sense that the cart 720 is unloading from the data stream from the monitoring equipment on the cart 720 (such as scale 722).","As a result the smart device will have the capability to generate an activity record (a cart ticket) that documents the following: Activity date Activity time Activity type Initiating equipment (grain cart id—signed into the device) Initiating operator (grain cart driver—signed into the device) Receiving equipment (truck id—recognized from the truck beacon Receiving operator (recognized from the truck beacon) Activity location (from the smart device and or device GPS) Truck weight (from scale data collected by smart device) Similarly, a smart device 750 in the truck 740 will be able to create data tickets as well.","If the system 700 was so set up, the truck's device 750 could create a corresponding cart ticket based on readings from its own scale 742, and information obtained from the beacon 724 operating on the cart 720.If the truck had no internal scale 742, it is possible that the device could obtain this information directly from the scale 722 on the cart 720, or the weight data could be simple left blank and extracted from the cart ticket created by the cart 720 when the tickets are received and analyzed by the server 230.When the truck 740 then delivers its load to the farmer's storage facility or to a customer, a new ticket could be created (a field-to-customer or a field-to-storage ticket), also with out operator intervention.","A beacon could be set up at either location, thereby allowing the process to repeat much as when the cart 720 approached the semi truck 740.Alternatively, there may be no beacon at the destination (which may be likely when delivering the load to a customer).","To allow the automatic creation of a ticket in these locations, the device 750 on the truck would know that the load was now to be delivered to some location after it detected the loading of the semi 740 from the field cart 720.Since the device 750 cannot rely upon beacon information to determine its delivery location, the device 750 instead relies on GPS location.","This GPS location can be determined from a GPS or other locating technology that is internal to the device 750 (such technology is commonly found in phones and tablet computers running the Android operating system or Apple's iOS) or by reading a GPS device on the truck 740 itself.","This generated ticket could include the following information: Activity date (from smart device) Activity time (from smart device) Activity type (internal storage location or customer delivery, as determined from the GPS on a smart device or from a beacon at the delivery location) Supplying equipment (from the Grain Cart Beacon) Supplying operator (from the Grain Cart Beacon and system) Activity locations (field and dump location) from GPS in smart device Weight data (from the GC ticket matched by the system or read by the device at the scale house via Bluetooth) This type of scenario applies to all of the activity ticket-based data creation and collection in harvest processes as well as in input management processes.","The ability to sense and record related equipment and equipment proximity in a new and unique way enables smart devices in field equipment to auto generate activity tickets without user intervention.","Importantly, this type of scenario applies broadly to a host of harvest or input management activities across a multitude of similar industries including: forestry (harvesting and planting of lumber and trees), mining (harvesting minerals), energy (harvesting oil and natural gas), or any agricultural sector.","Inputs The system described above is used to track crops or similar goods that are harvested from a location.","As described in the above-identified priority provisional application, one embodiment of the current invention can also be used to track inputs at farmer fields.","These “inputs” may constitute seeds for planting the crop in the field.","Other inputs include fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides that are sprayed or spread on a field to improve crop yields.","As shown in FIG.","8, data tickets are created when input materials are moved between different locations 810, 820, 822, and 830.More particular, input related data tickets are created when inputs are received in inventory 820 or 822 after purchase from a source or store 810, are taken from inventory 820, 822 to be used in the field 830, are returned unused from the field 830 and placed back into inventory 820, 822, are moved from one inventory location 820 to another 822, and are returned from inventory 820, 822 to the store 810.Transport and other farm vehicles and equipment 840 provide the ability to move the inputs between these locations 810, 820, 822, and 830.In some embodiments, the transporting equipment 840 has weights, scales, and other measuring devices to help determine the quantity of inputs that are moved or applied by the vehicles 840.As was the case in managing and tracking harvests, the tickets that are created to manage and track inputs have a different name and contain different data depending upon the movement being tracked.","A “contract delivery ticket” is used to record the input (i.e., the product) and quantity that is received from the store 810 and put into inventory 820, 822 after purchase.","This ticket would record the date of delivery and the inventory location 820, 822 that received the input.","A contract delivery ticket can be created using a remote handheld (such as device 210 shown in FIG.","2) by the worker that received the input into inventory, or by back office personnel using the back office computer (such as computer 250 of FIG.","2).","A “load out ticket” is created when an input is taken out of inventory 820, 822.This ticket creates the input product, the quantity of product, the originating inventory location 820, 822 of the input, the equipment that received in the input, and the equipment operator.","The “field application ticket” is used to recording planting, spraying, or spreading an input on a field 830.The field 830 on which an input is used, and the time at which the input was applied, is recorded in the field application ticket.","In some embodiments, the field application ticket is submitted to the remote server 230 when the field application is completed, which allows the worker that completes the ticket to indicate whether the application to that entire field 830 has been completed.","This allows the system 200 to track the completion of input application tasks on a field-by-field basis.","A “field return ticket” is used to indicate that some of the inputs that were taken out of inventory 820, 822 through a load out ticket were not used on the field 830 (as indicated in the field application ticket) and are therefore returned into inventory 820, 822.If inputs can be stored in multiple storage or inventory locations 820, 822, transfer tickets track the movement of inputs between these locations.","A “transfer out ticket” indicates that the input has been removed from one location 820, and a “transfer in ticket” indicates that the input as been received at a second location 822.“Supplier return tickets” are used to indicate that input in inventory 820.822 has been returned to the originating supplier 810 for a refund.","These input related tickets can be generated in the same manner as the harvest tickets.","In other words, the tickets can be created manually in the field by workers using remote handheld devices 210-214, or can be created automatically using beacons and scales that are detectable and accessible to the devices 210-214 as described above.","The tickets can be designed to refer to only one type of input at a time.","If multiple types of inputs are removed from inventory 820, 822 for application on field 830, multiple input tickets would be used to track this movement.","Alternatively, and preferably, tickets can be designed to allow the tracking of different inputs on a single ticket.","By tracking both inputs and harvests, a farmer can compare yield results to input applications on a field-by-field basis.","In addition, the farmer can manage and track inventory of inputs and harvests, which helps the farmer prevent loss, identify spoilage and shrinkage points, and develop a greater understanding of their business.","The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the above description.","Numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art.","For example, the above description explained that various software can be running on mobile devices that operating in various crop-related machines or at various crop-related locations.","Many aspects of the present invention would be equally novel if these mobile devices were fixedly mounted in these locations so that they were no longer technically mobile.","Furthermore, many aspects of the present invention remain novel even if the technology running these applications were embedded directly into the machinery or locations involved.","Since such modifications are possible, the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described.","Rather, the present invention should be limited only by the following claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Ticket Based Harvest Management System and Method\",\n \"A system and method is presented for gathering data concerning harvests.\",\n \"Data tickets are generated when the harvest is received at a point of origination (i.e., the field), local storage, processing, or a customer location.\",\n \"Data tickets can be manually generated using apps running on mobile devices.\",\n \"Users of the mobile devices input the data tickets when harvest is received at these locations.\",\n \"Data tickets are transmitted to a remote server over a wide area network.\",\n \"Analysis of the data tickets is possible through a web interface to the remote server.\",\n \"Beacons that identify various equipment or locations can be used to trigger the automatic generation of data tickets.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for tracking a transfer of materials between a mobile vehicle and a static storage site at a known physical location comprising: a) monitoring, using a GPS device, a location for the mobile vehicle; b) identifying, using the GPS device, the static storage site when the location of the mobile vehicle is proximal to the known physical location; c) after the identifying step, monitoring an electronic scale to determine a change of weight of the materials while the materials are being transferred from the mobile vehicle to the static storage site; d) after determining the change of weight, transmitting from the mobile vehicle to a remote server computer a digital data ticket comprising: i) data identifying the mobile vehicle, ii) data identifying the static storage site, and iii) data identifying the change of weight of materials.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein step c) further comprises monitoring a mobile weight scale fixed to the mobile vehicle.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, wherein step c) further comprises establishing a Bluetooth connection between a mobile device residing on the mobile vehicle and a scale integrated into a scale house.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, wherein step a) is preceded by the following steps: (1) detecting an electronic beacon signal from a plurality of grain carts that approach the mobile vehicle to determine a grain cart identifier for the grain carts, (2) determining a quantity of material transferred from the grain carts to the mobile vehicle for each of the grain carts, and (3) moving the motor vehicle to the static storage site; wherein the digital data ticket further comprises grain cart data, wherein the grain cart data comprises the grain cart identifier and the quantity of material transferred for each of the grain carts.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 4, wherein step d) occurs automatically without user intervention after determining the change of weight at the static storage site.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 1, wherein step d) occurs automatically without user intervention after determining the change of weight at the static storage site.\",\n \"7.A method for tracking movement of a crop between a crop transportation truck and a crop storage location that does not move, comprising: a) detecting, using a computing device on the crop transportation truck, a unique electromagnetic signal emanating from a beacon at the crop storage location; b) analyzing, using the computing device, the unique electromagnetic signal to identify the crop storage location; c) determining, using the computing device, an amount of crop physically transferred from the crop transportation truck to the crop storage location; d) after determining the amount of crop transferred, using the computing device to create and transmit, without user intervention, a data ticket comprising: i) data identifying the crop transportation truck, ii) data identifying the crop storage location, and iii) data identifying the amount of crop transferred from the crop transportation truck change to the crop storage location; and 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the computing device is a mobile computing device selected from a set comprising a mobile phone and a tablet computer.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 7, wherein step c) further comprises reading a scale integrated into the crop transportation truck.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 7, wherein step c) further comprises establishing a communications link between the computing device and a scale used by the crop storage location.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10, wherein the communications link is a Bluetooth communications link.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 7, wherein the unique electromagnetic signal emanating from the beacon is associated with an identifier and the identifier is included in the data ticket as the data identifying the crop storage location.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 7, wherein the computing device determines the amount of crop transferred by monitoring a scale integrated into the crop transportation truck, and further wherein the computing device begins monitoring the scale only after the computing device identifies the crop storage location from the electromagnetic signal.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> FIELD OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present application relates to the field of automated harvest management.\",\n \"More particularly, the described embodiments relate to a system and method for tracking harvesting in mining, agricultural, and forestry industries through automated data ticket processing.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The presented embodiments disclose a flexible, cloud-based tool that provides an automated method to record the harvest and distribution process, and tools to meet unique requirements of farming operations.\",\n \"The system integrates with a farm's existing infrastructure to capture and record data necessary in order to secure harvested crops from the field to the point of delivery.\",\n \"The system also integrates with forestry and mining inventory to secure harvested wood or mining products from the point of origination to the point of delivery.\",\n \"The disclosed embodiments provide unprecedented control over harvest security, updating critical data on a daily or even real-time basis.\",\n \"Issues are identified.\",\n \"Compounding problems are prevented.\",\n \"Workers are held accountable.\",\n \"Accurate accounting is possible.\",\n \"All of which translates into improved transparency for stakeholders: bankers, investors, insurance agents and most importantly, the farmer, forester, or miner.\",\n \"Through use of the disclosed system and method, farmers, foresters, and miners accurately track and trace key harvest and distribution activities.\",\n \"This is accomplished by: recording weights and quality levels for material harvested at the field or forest level, or mined at the mine level.\",\n \"recording and tracking product stored in point of origin storage.\",\n \"recording product transportation activities on a per load basis.\",\n \"recording product loads delivered to internal storage facilities.\",\n \"recording product weights and quality levels for loads delivered to customers.\",\n \"reconciling all activities and view product data in real time.\"\n ],\n [\n \"RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/559,991, filed on Dec. 4, 2014, which in turn is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/551,916, filed Jul.\",\n \"18, 2012, which in turn claims priority to U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application 61/508,819, filed Jul.\",\n \"18, 2011, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.\",\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present application relates to the field of automated harvest management.\",\n \"More particularly, the described embodiments relate to a system and method for tracking harvesting in mining, agricultural, and forestry industries through automated data ticket processing.\",\n \"SUMMARY The presented embodiments disclose a flexible, cloud-based tool that provides an automated method to record the harvest and distribution process, and tools to meet unique requirements of farming operations.\",\n \"The system integrates with a farm's existing infrastructure to capture and record data necessary in order to secure harvested crops from the field to the point of delivery.\",\n \"The system also integrates with forestry and mining inventory to secure harvested wood or mining products from the point of origination to the point of delivery.\",\n \"The disclosed embodiments provide unprecedented control over harvest security, updating critical data on a daily or even real-time basis.\",\n \"Issues are identified.\",\n \"Compounding problems are prevented.\",\n \"Workers are held accountable.\",\n \"Accurate accounting is possible.\",\n \"All of which translates into improved transparency for stakeholders: bankers, investors, insurance agents and most importantly, the farmer, forester, or miner.\",\n \"Through use of the disclosed system and method, farmers, foresters, and miners accurately track and trace key harvest and distribution activities.\",\n \"This is accomplished by: recording weights and quality levels for material harvested at the field or forest level, or mined at the mine level.\",\n \"recording and tracking product stored in point of origin storage.\",\n \"recording product transportation activities on a per load basis.\",\n \"recording product loads delivered to internal storage facilities.\",\n \"recording product weights and quality levels for loads delivered to customers.\",\n \"reconciling all activities and view product data in real time.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic diagram showing locations that can be used to source, store, process, or receive the goods from a farm, forest, or mine.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic diagram showing the components of a system that gathers, stores, and processes data in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic diagram showing a three-ticket process that takes goods from a field, stores the goods in local storage, and then delivers the goods from storage to a customer.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a schematic diagram showing a two-ticket process that takes goods from a field to a customer.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a schematic diagram showing a five-ticket process including a processing step.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"6a through 6f show screen shots from a ticket creation software application running on a mobile device, with FIG.\",\n \"6a showing a home screen, FIG.\",\n \"6b showing a cart ticket entry screen, FIG.\",\n \"6c showing a field-to-storage ticket entry screen, FIG.\",\n \"6d showing a field-to-customer ticket screen, FIG.\",\n \"6e showing a storage-to-customer entry screen, and FIG.\",\n \"6f showing additional data entry fields that form the storage-to-customer ticket entry screen of FIG.\",\n \"6e.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 is a schematic diagram showing system capable of ticket generation without human interaction.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 is a schematic diagram showing relevant locations for the tracking of crop inputs.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview The present invention can be used to track goods that are obtained through farming, forestry, mining, drilling, and similar processes.\",\n \"For instance, agricultural crops such as corn or cotton are ideal candidates for tracking through the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.\",\n \"In addition, lumber obtained through harvesting forests can also be tracked, as can coal or other materials that are removed from the earth through mining, and oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbonic materials removed from the earth through drilling.\",\n \"The current description will describe the use of the present invention in connection with farming.\",\n \"Nonetheless, it should be clear that the same systems and processes can be used in these other contexts as well.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 shows four key locations where the harvest data is to be obtained.\",\n \"In particular, data is to be obtained at the field 110 (or forest or mine) where the product to be tracked originates.\",\n \"In addition, data is to be obtained at local storage facilities 120 where the crop (or other product) can be stored temporarily after being collected.\",\n \"Data is also obtained at processing facilities 130, such a cotton gin or crop drying facility that processes or transforms the crop in some way.\",\n \"Finally, data is obtained when products or crops are delivered to a customer 140 that pays the farmer for their crop.\",\n \"These different locations 110-140 are shown connected by some type of transport 150.The transport 150 may be a truck, train, barge, pipeline, or any other transportation mechanism.\",\n \"By tracking data about a crop at various locations, it is possible to accumulate comprehensive data about a farmer's harvest in a way that has not been previously possible.\",\n \"It is important to track this data at the locations 110-140 specified in FIG.\",\n \"1 because it is at these locations that a crop must be carefully monitored for potential loss or other events.\",\n \"For instance, it is important for a farmer to confirm that the amount of crop taken off the field and delivered to a trucking firm is the same as the amount of crop received and paid for by the farmer's customer.\",\n \"In addition, monitoring the crop at these locations also allows the farmer to analyze their business for profitability.\",\n \"For example, by tracking the crop that comes off each field 110, the farmer can determine the comparative yield for each field.\",\n \"These results can be compared to the inputs (such as seed, fertilizer, pesticides, labor) that created that crop in each field to determine whether changes in procedures might increase the profitability of a farm.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 shows one system 200 that can be used to track this harvest data.\",\n \"In this system, a plurality of handheld devices 210, 212, 214 are used by the farmer to obtain data about the harvest.\",\n \"For instance, a worker in the field cart can record on handheld device 210 information about each cartload of a crop that is delivered to a semi truck for transportation.\",\n \"This information can include the field where the crop was harvested, the time and date of that harvest, an identifier for the field cart being operated by that worker, the weight of the crop that was delivered to the semi, the particular semi that received the crop, and the driver of that semi.\",\n \"Additional information could also be collected, such as descriptors about the weather (sunny, cold, etc.)\",\n \"and descriptions about the crop (healthy, wet, etc.).\",\n \"Similarly, another worker can use handheld device 212 to receive information about the delivery of the crop from that semi to the farmer's local storage facility 120, while a third worker can use handheld device 214 to record information about deliveries made directly to customers 140.Data relating to the receipt of crops at the various data gathering locations 110-140 is recorded on the handheld devices 210-214 as data “tickets.” Data tickets contain data, typically in a plurality of structured data fields, concerning a transfer of a crop from one location to another.\",\n \"The devices 210-214 then transmit these data tickets over a network 220 to a remote server 230, which then stores the data in a database 240.In one embodiment, the network 220 is a wide area network such as the Internet.\",\n \"The handhelds 210-214 can access the Internet 220 through a WiFi network.\",\n \"Frequently, the handhelds 210-214 will be gathering data in locations that do not have WiFi access easily available, such as in a farmer's field.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the handhelds 210-214 allow input of data even when the device does not have network access.\",\n \"This data is cached in local storage on the device.\",\n \"The handhelds 210-214 then periodically determine whether access to the network 220 is available.\",\n \"If so, data cached in the local storage is then sent to the server 230 over the network 220.In another embodiment, the handheld devices 210-214 include cellular capabilities, such as smart phones or tablet computers using Apple's iOS (from Apple Inc., Cupertino Calif.) or the Android operating system (from Google Inc., Mountain View, Calif.).\",\n \"These types of devices can frequently transmit data over the Internet 220 using cellular data networks.\",\n \"With such capabilities, data can be transmitted to the server 230 immediately upon data entry as long as the device 210 is within range of a cellular tower with data capabilities.\",\n \"Even with this embodiment, the devices 210-214 are preferably designed to cache data when the network 220 is not immediately available.\",\n \"The data is accumulated in database 240, and then made available to the farmer through a back office computer 250 operating over the same network 220 and server 230 that was used to collect the data from the remote handheld devices 210-214.In other embodiments, different or multiple physical servers could perform the function of the server 230 shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 without altering the scope of the present invention.\",\n \"The back office computer 250 accesses the database 240 through programming provided by the server 230, ideally through a web browser or other thin client operating on the computer 250.In effect, data collection and data analysis for the farmer are provided using a software-as-a-service model.\",\n \"The farmer pays the operator of the server 230 and database 240 for the right to store data in the database 240 and to use software operating on the server 230 to analyze this data.\",\n \"This frees the farmer from the headaches of maintaining the network and server needed to store and backup the data.\",\n \"Meanwhile, the operator of the server 230 and database 240 offers the same service to multiple farmers.\",\n \"The data analysis software provided to the back office computer 250 allows the farmer to compare payments received from a customer (as evidenced through settlement documents and delivery receipts from the customer) with data tickets specifying the amount of crop that was delivered to that customer.\",\n \"Furthermore, the farmer can verify that the amount of crop taken from the fields is equivalent to the crop that was either delivered to a customer or is otherwise in storage.\",\n \"This type of reconciliation is extremely valuable for farmers, especially since this data is almost immediately available given the nature of the data ticket submission described herein.\",\n \"Reconciliation errors that indicate missing crop can be immediately tracked down to a particular worker, piece of equipment, date, and time.\",\n \"In addition, the analysis software available through the back office computer can also give the farmer the ability to analyze the productivity of individual fields in a way that was not otherwise possible for most farmers.\",\n \"The server computer 230 and the back office computer 250 includes a set of software instructions or interfaces stored on a non-volatile, non-transitory, computer readable medium such as a hard drive or flash memory device.\",\n \"A digital processor, such as a general purpose CPU manufactured by Intel Corporation (Mountain View, Calif.) or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Sunnyvale, Calif.) accesses and performs the software.\",\n \"To improve efficiency, processor may load software stored in its non-volatile memory into faster, but volatile RAM.\",\n \"The database 240 can be stored on the same non-volatile memory used by the server computer 230 for its operating system, or on a different memory accessible by its process such as an external direct access storage device (or DASD).\",\n \"The database 240 consists of both data and software instructions informing the server computer 230 how to access, analyze, and report on the data in the database 240.The computers 230, 250 further include a network interface to communicate with other computerized devices across a digital data network such as network 220.In one embodiment, the network is the Internet, and the network interfaces on the computers 230, 250 include TCP/IP protocol stacks for communicating over the network 220.The network interface may connect to the network wirelessly or through a physical wired connection.\",\n \"Instead of being a single computer with a single processor, the server 230 could also implemented using a network of computers all operating according to the instructions of the software.\",\n \"Ticket Generation FIG.\",\n \"3 shows a typical process 300 used by a farmer to track crops coming off a field 110.In this process, a combine 112 in the field 110 takes the crop off the field 110.Periodically, the combine 112 transfers its load to a field cart 114, which then takes its load to one or more waiting semi trucks 152 for transport 150.In this embodiment, a data ticket 310 is created when the crop is transferred from the cart 114 to the semi 152.This first data ticket 310 is referred to as a cart-to-truck ticket (or simply “cart ticket”) 310.In this embodiment, the cart ticket 310 is created by a worker operating the field cart 114.Using their handheld device 210, the worker opens an application (or app) that operates on the device 210.The worker logs into the app, so that the app knows the worker's identifier, the particular field being worked by the worker, as well as an identifier for the cart 114 being operated by the worker.\",\n \"When the transfer is made to the semi 152, the worker tells the app to create a cart ticket 310.The worker must input or verify the crop, identify the semi 152 and the driver of the semi, and then input the amount of crop transferred to the semi 152.In most embodiments, the cart 114 has an integrated scale.\",\n \"The app requests that the worker input the weight on the scale before and after the transfer to the semi, with the calculated difference being the amount of the crop transferred to the semi.\",\n \"The worker may also include descriptors about the current weather conditions or the condition of the crop (i.e., “wet”) with the data transmitted in the cart ticket 310.In FIG.\",\n \"3, the cart ticket 310 is the first ticket created, and is also called ticket 1.In some embodiments, the driver of the semi also has a handheld device 212, and the semi truck also contains a scale.\",\n \"In these embodiments, the semi driver will also create a cart ticket 310 (i.e., ticket 1b) indicated the amount of crop received from the cart 114, and the identifier of the cart and the cart operator.\",\n \"While these two cart tickets 310 contain essentially the same information, the creation of two tickets allows comparisons between the tickets and the ability to detect and correct faulty data from one of the tickets.\",\n \"Because the data is mostly duplicative, however, some embodiments would create only a single cart ticket 310.In the process 300 shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, the semi driver delivers their load to a local storage facility 120 on the farm.\",\n \"This storage facility may include a plurality of storage bins, including storage bin 122.When the load from the semi truck 152 is transferred to the storage bin 122, a second ticket (known as a field-to-storage ticket) 320 is created.\",\n \"This ticket 320 can be created by the operator of the truck 152 using the app running on their handheld device 112.Like the cart ticket 310, the field-to-storage ticket 320 contains information about the delivery equipment (semi 152 and the driver) as well as the receiving equipment (storage bin 122).\",\n \"A bin operator may have their own handheld device 114, and therefore may create their own version of the field-to-storage ticket 320 (ticket 2b in FIG.\",\n \"3).\",\n \"Note that since the storage capabilities of the field carts 114 and the semi trucks 152 are not identical, there is not a one-to-one correspondence between the cart tickets 310 and the field-to-storage tickets 320.A different semi truck 154 may then be used at a later date to take the crop from the storage bin 122 and deliver the crop to the customer 140.To track this transaction, the truck driver will create a storage-to-customer ticket 330 to track details about the delivery, including date, time, identifiers for the semi 154 and the driver, the originating location (storage bin 122), the receiving location (grain elevator 142 at the customer location 140), and the condition of the crop (“dry”).\",\n \"The crop condition may be based merely on general observations (“dry”), or may be made upon scientific tests establishing various characteristics of the crop (i.e., moisture content).\",\n \"These tests may be conducted at the farmer's storage facilities 120, at the customer's facilities 140, or at both locations.\",\n \"If the customer participates in the system 200 with the farmer, the customer 140 could create a corresponding ticket 330.In most cases, however, the customer 140 does not participate, and instead presents the driver with a written delivery receipt 340.When payment is made to the famer, the payment will likely include a settlement document 350 that includes the delivery information found on the delivery receipts 340.Payment associated with the settlement document 350 will relate to a specific contract 360 between the customer 140 and the farmer.\",\n \"Consequently, to complete the data record in the database 240 for proper tracking and reconciliation, it is contemplated that the interface provided by the server 230 to the back office computer 250 includes the ability for the farmer to enter information about written delivery receipts 340, settlement documents 350, and contracts 360.FIG.\",\n \"4 shows a simplified process 400, where the farmer delivers their crop directly to a customer 140 without storing the grain at a local storage facility 120.In this case, the transfer from the field cart 114 to the semi truck 152 creates one or two first tickets (the cart ticket) 410.This cart ticket 410 is effectively the same as the cart ticket 310 created in process 300.Rather than transporting the crop to storage 120, the semi 152 in process 400 delivers the crop directly the customer elevator 142.When this delivery is made, the truck driver creates a second ticket known as a field-to-customer ticket 420.The process 500 shown in FIG.\",\n \"5 is similar to the processes 300, 400 shown in FIGS.\",\n \"3 and 4, respectively, although process 500 contains more steps.\",\n \"In this case, the field cart 114 delivers the crop to semi 152, and in the process the operator or operators of these machines create a cart ticket 510.The semi 152 delivers the crop to the local storage bin 122, and a field-to-storage ticket is created 520 that is much like ticket 320 described above.\",\n \"In process 500, the farmer must pay a third party to process the crop.\",\n \"For instance, if the farmer were growing cotton, the farmer would pay a cotton gin facility to gin the cotton.\",\n \"A semi 154 is used to transfer to crop to the processor 130.When the crop is delivered to the processor, a storage-to-processor ticket 530 is created with details about the semi 154, the semi driver, the amount of crop delivered, the condition of the crop, the originating storage bin 122, and the specific processing facility of the processor 130 that received the crop.\",\n \"After the processing is complete, a new semi 156 accepts the processed crop and delivers the crop back to local storage 120 on the farm.\",\n \"In this case, the crop is stored in storage bin 124.A processor-to storage ticket 540 is created detailing this transaction.\",\n \"Finally, the processed crop is taken from storage bin 124 by semi 158 and delivered to customer elevator 142, and a storage-to-customer ticket 550 is created.\",\n \"In this embodiment, a data ticket is created every time the crop is received at the field 110, local storage 120, processor 130, or the customer 140.The field related ticket (cart ticket 310, 410, or 510) is created when harvesting of the crop (effectively receiving the crop at the field).\",\n \"By ensuring that a data ticket is created when the crop is received at each of these locations, the harvest is effectively tracked and monitored through each movement, storage, processing, and customer delivery step.\",\n \"It would be possible to create additional data tickets and still be within the scope of the present invention.\",\n \"However, additional tickets are not necessary to ensure the minimal level of tracking as exemplified in processes 300, 400, and 500.FIG.\",\n \"6a shows a mobile device 600 that could be used by an operator of a field cart 112 or semi truck 152, or an individual working at a storage location 120, processing location 130, or customer site 140.The mobile device 600 includes a processor (such as those created under the ARM architecture developed by ARM Holdings, Cambridge, UK) and tangible, non-transitory memory that contains both computing instructions (software) and data.\",\n \"The computing instructions include an application or “app” that allows the user to create data for the database 240.As explained above, this data is created in the form of tickets that contain data about a particular event relating to the receipt of product at one of the key locations 110-140.In the preferred embodiment, this app runs on a general purpose operating system, such as Apple's iOS or Google's Android operating system.\",\n \"Furthermore, the preferred mobile device 600 includes network capabilities to allow the device 600 to communicate with the server 230 over the network 220.This could be provided by a WiFi or cellular network interface (or both) located within the device.\",\n \"Finally, the preferred device 600 includes location detection capabilities that can identify the location of the device 600.This helps in numerous situations, including the automated identification of a farmer's field in a cart ticket 310, 410, or 510.The device 600 is preferably a smart phone, a tablet computer, or any other similar device.\",\n \"The app operating on the mobile device 600 creates a home screen 610, which provides the user with the ability to change information about the user by selecting change button 620.Information about the user, including the equipment or location being managed by the user can be entered into the app at this stage so that it doesn't need to be separately entered for each ticket created by the app.\",\n \"The home screen 610 also includes a cart ticket button 630, a field-to-storage ticket button 640, a field-to-customer ticket button 650, and a storage-to-customer ticket button 660.Each of these ticket creation buttons 630-660 bring up an entry screen for the user to enter the necessary data to create the desired ticket.\",\n \"The entry screen 632 for the cart ticket is shown in FIG.\",\n \"6b, and can be reached by pressing the cart ticket button 630 on the home screen 610.Similarly, the field-to-storage ticket entry screen 642 (FIG.\",\n \"6c), the field-to-customer ticket screen 652 (FIG.\",\n \"6d), and the storage-to-customer entry screen 662 (FIG.\",\n \"6e) can be reached by selecting buttons 640, 650 and 660, respectively.\",\n \"The ticket entry screens 632, 642, 652, and 662 allow the user to enter the data necessary to complete the data ticket.\",\n \"To the extent possible, permissible data has been predefined in the database 240, preferably through the back office computer 250.This permissible data is downloaded by the app running on the mobile device 600, allowing many of the fields in the ticket entry screens 632-662 to be filled in through pull down selection menus.\",\n \"In most cases, the entry screens 632-662 contain more data than can be viewed at once on the mobile device.\",\n \"Consequently, the entry screens 632-662 preferably scroll up and down to allow the user to access all of the data fields.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6f, for example, shows the additional data entry fields that form the storage-to-customer ticket entry screen 662 that were not shown in FIG.\",\n \"6e.\",\n \"Automatic Ticket Generation FIG.\",\n \"7 shows an alternative embodiment system 700 that allows the automatic generation of data tickets.\",\n \"This system 700 takes advantage of the fact that the tickets created in the previously described embodiment are generated when product is received at a location.\",\n \"In the case ticket generation scenarios described above, a piece of equipment that contains the product is brought into proximity with another piece of equipment that will receive the product.\",\n \"The equipment might be the field cart 114, the semi 152, the storage bin 122, the grain elevator 142, or equipment at a processing location 130.System 700 takes advantage of this fact by detecting the proximity of another piece of equipment, and using that detection to generate a ticket and to determine the data necessary to complete the ticket.\",\n \"This is accomplished by using beacons in field equipment to broadcast equipment location so that when two pieces of equipment are within sufficient range, the beacon in either piece of equipment can broadcast a signal unique to the piece of equipment that can be recognized by a mobile device (e.g.\",\n \"an Android phone or tablet) in the other piece of equipment.\",\n \"In terms of uniqueness, all that is necessary is that the beacon be unique in the context in which the equipment is used.\",\n \"In the context of a farm utilizing 25 different pieces of farm equipment, the beacons must be unique to that farm.\",\n \"A beacon would be considered unique even if the beacon utilizes the same signal as a different but remote beacon not used on the farm.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"7, a field cart 720 loaded with crop from the field approaches a semi truck 740, which is waiting for the cart 720 on a road proximate to the field.\",\n \"The field cart 720 contains a scale 722 that weighs the current load on the cart.\",\n \"Preferably, this scale 722 can be wirelessly queried by other devices, which causes the scale to return the current weight of the load carried by the cart 720.The field cart 720 also contains a mobile device 730 operating an application designed to automatically generate data tickets.\",\n \"A beacon 744 on the semi truck 740 continuously or periodically transmits a signal that can be received by a receiver or receiver/transmitter 732 on the mobile device 730.The app running on the mobile device 730 recognizes the beacon as belonging to a particular semi 740.Alternatively the receiver 732 can be located separately from the mobile device elsewhere on the field cart 720.For instance, a beacon device 724 that transmits a beacon for the field card 720 may also include a receiver that detects the presence of the beacon 744 from semi 740.This would allow the manufacturer of the beacon technology to sell a combination beacon transmitter and beacon detector.\",\n \"When this beacon detector detects the beacon 744, the detector will signal the mobile device 730 with information about the beacon 744.In yet another embodiment, the semi 740 does not have a beacon device 744 to signal its presence.\",\n \"Instead, a mobile device 750 on the semi 740 has its own transmitter and receiver device 752.The transceiver could be, for instance, a WiFi transceiver sending and receiving signals according to one of the IEEE 802.11 standards.\",\n \"A similar transceiver 732 in the mobile device 730 riding in the field cart 720 would detect the presence of the signal from the mobile device 750.The presence of this signal could inform the mobile device 730 in the field cart of the presence of the semi's mobile device 750.At this point, field cart mobile device 730 could consult an internal or external database to learn information about whether the semi mobile device 750 is currently operating.\",\n \"Alternatively, the field cart mobile device 730 could establish a network or other data connection with the semi mobile device 750 after that device 750 is detected.\",\n \"The two mobile devices 730, 750 could then exchange data stored in each device 730, 750 about how each device, 730, 750 is currently being used.\",\n \"For example, the mobile device 730 could monitor its WiFi receiver to detect the presence of another mobile device transmitting a WiFi signal.\",\n \"The strength of the signal received can be used to determine the nearest machine.\",\n \"Once the signal from the semi's mobile device 750 is received, the two devices 730, 750 establish a communication interface or link.\",\n \"In this way, the field cart mobile device 730 learns that the field cart 720 has approached a particular semi 740 currently being driven by a particular operator.\",\n \"When the semi's beacon 744 is detected, or the signal from the semi's mobile device 750 is received and understood, the field cart mobile device 730 then begins to query and monitor the scale 722 operating on the field cart 720.Alternatively, the mobile device 730 may be capable of extracting and reading other equipment related data streams, such as speed, acceleration, braking, and dumping from the field cart 720.The app on the mobile device 730 can interpret the mechanical activity data generated from the equipment in which the smart device is located (i.e., that the cart is unloading its load) or can monitor changes in the scale 722 to see that the load in the cart has lessened.\",\n \"By intelligently monitoring these on-cart devices, the mobile device 730 will be able to tell when a transfer of the product has completed, and also will be able to tell the amount of product that has been transferred.\",\n \"By combining this information with the beacon data (which other equipment 740 is near or nearest the cart 720), the mobile device can detect the need to generate a ticket, complete the data in the ticket, and transmit the ticket to the server 230, all without any user intervention.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"7, the field cart 720 and the semi truck 740 each have beacons 724, 744 and each have smart devices 730, 750, respectively.\",\n \"The semi 740 may be parked next to the field currently being harvested, such as on an access road.\",\n \"The semi 740 remains on the road waiting to be filled, and might be located next to other semi trucks (not shown in FIG.\",\n \"7).\",\n \"When the field cart 720 is full, the operator drives to the side of the field and approaches the trucks.\",\n \"The field cart 720 stops closest to the first semi truck 740 in line to unload.\",\n \"The smart device 730 in the cart 720 may receive a data stream from devices on the cart 720 indicating that the cart 720 is stopped.\",\n \"The mobile device 730 will sense the beacon data from beacon 744 and determine which semi truck 740 is closest to the device 730.The device 730 will next sense that the cart 720 is unloading from the data stream from the monitoring equipment on the cart 720 (such as scale 722).\",\n \"As a result the smart device will have the capability to generate an activity record (a cart ticket) that documents the following: Activity date Activity time Activity type Initiating equipment (grain cart id—signed into the device) Initiating operator (grain cart driver—signed into the device) Receiving equipment (truck id—recognized from the truck beacon Receiving operator (recognized from the truck beacon) Activity location (from the smart device and or device GPS) Truck weight (from scale data collected by smart device) Similarly, a smart device 750 in the truck 740 will be able to create data tickets as well.\",\n \"If the system 700 was so set up, the truck's device 750 could create a corresponding cart ticket based on readings from its own scale 742, and information obtained from the beacon 724 operating on the cart 720.If the truck had no internal scale 742, it is possible that the device could obtain this information directly from the scale 722 on the cart 720, or the weight data could be simple left blank and extracted from the cart ticket created by the cart 720 when the tickets are received and analyzed by the server 230.When the truck 740 then delivers its load to the farmer's storage facility or to a customer, a new ticket could be created (a field-to-customer or a field-to-storage ticket), also with out operator intervention.\",\n \"A beacon could be set up at either location, thereby allowing the process to repeat much as when the cart 720 approached the semi truck 740.Alternatively, there may be no beacon at the destination (which may be likely when delivering the load to a customer).\",\n \"To allow the automatic creation of a ticket in these locations, the device 750 on the truck would know that the load was now to be delivered to some location after it detected the loading of the semi 740 from the field cart 720.Since the device 750 cannot rely upon beacon information to determine its delivery location, the device 750 instead relies on GPS location.\",\n \"This GPS location can be determined from a GPS or other locating technology that is internal to the device 750 (such technology is commonly found in phones and tablet computers running the Android operating system or Apple's iOS) or by reading a GPS device on the truck 740 itself.\",\n \"This generated ticket could include the following information: Activity date (from smart device) Activity time (from smart device) Activity type (internal storage location or customer delivery, as determined from the GPS on a smart device or from a beacon at the delivery location) Supplying equipment (from the Grain Cart Beacon) Supplying operator (from the Grain Cart Beacon and system) Activity locations (field and dump location) from GPS in smart device Weight data (from the GC ticket matched by the system or read by the device at the scale house via Bluetooth) This type of scenario applies to all of the activity ticket-based data creation and collection in harvest processes as well as in input management processes.\",\n \"The ability to sense and record related equipment and equipment proximity in a new and unique way enables smart devices in field equipment to auto generate activity tickets without user intervention.\",\n \"Importantly, this type of scenario applies broadly to a host of harvest or input management activities across a multitude of similar industries including: forestry (harvesting and planting of lumber and trees), mining (harvesting minerals), energy (harvesting oil and natural gas), or any agricultural sector.\",\n \"Inputs The system described above is used to track crops or similar goods that are harvested from a location.\",\n \"As described in the above-identified priority provisional application, one embodiment of the current invention can also be used to track inputs at farmer fields.\",\n \"These “inputs” may constitute seeds for planting the crop in the field.\",\n \"Other inputs include fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides that are sprayed or spread on a field to improve crop yields.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"8, data tickets are created when input materials are moved between different locations 810, 820, 822, and 830.More particular, input related data tickets are created when inputs are received in inventory 820 or 822 after purchase from a source or store 810, are taken from inventory 820, 822 to be used in the field 830, are returned unused from the field 830 and placed back into inventory 820, 822, are moved from one inventory location 820 to another 822, and are returned from inventory 820, 822 to the store 810.Transport and other farm vehicles and equipment 840 provide the ability to move the inputs between these locations 810, 820, 822, and 830.In some embodiments, the transporting equipment 840 has weights, scales, and other measuring devices to help determine the quantity of inputs that are moved or applied by the vehicles 840.As was the case in managing and tracking harvests, the tickets that are created to manage and track inputs have a different name and contain different data depending upon the movement being tracked.\",\n \"A “contract delivery ticket” is used to record the input (i.e., the product) and quantity that is received from the store 810 and put into inventory 820, 822 after purchase.\",\n \"This ticket would record the date of delivery and the inventory location 820, 822 that received the input.\",\n \"A contract delivery ticket can be created using a remote handheld (such as device 210 shown in FIG.\",\n \"2) by the worker that received the input into inventory, or by back office personnel using the back office computer (such as computer 250 of FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"A “load out ticket” is created when an input is taken out of inventory 820, 822.This ticket creates the input product, the quantity of product, the originating inventory location 820, 822 of the input, the equipment that received in the input, and the equipment operator.\",\n \"The “field application ticket” is used to recording planting, spraying, or spreading an input on a field 830.The field 830 on which an input is used, and the time at which the input was applied, is recorded in the field application ticket.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the field application ticket is submitted to the remote server 230 when the field application is completed, which allows the worker that completes the ticket to indicate whether the application to that entire field 830 has been completed.\",\n \"This allows the system 200 to track the completion of input application tasks on a field-by-field basis.\",\n \"A “field return ticket” is used to indicate that some of the inputs that were taken out of inventory 820, 822 through a load out ticket were not used on the field 830 (as indicated in the field application ticket) and are therefore returned into inventory 820, 822.If inputs can be stored in multiple storage or inventory locations 820, 822, transfer tickets track the movement of inputs between these locations.\",\n \"A “transfer out ticket” indicates that the input has been removed from one location 820, and a “transfer in ticket” indicates that the input as been received at a second location 822.“Supplier return tickets” are used to indicate that input in inventory 820.822 has been returned to the originating supplier 810 for a refund.\",\n \"These input related tickets can be generated in the same manner as the harvest tickets.\",\n \"In other words, the tickets can be created manually in the field by workers using remote handheld devices 210-214, or can be created automatically using beacons and scales that are detectable and accessible to the devices 210-214 as described above.\",\n \"The tickets can be designed to refer to only one type of input at a time.\",\n \"If multiple types of inputs are removed from inventory 820, 822 for application on field 830, multiple input tickets would be used to track this movement.\",\n \"Alternatively, and preferably, tickets can be designed to allow the tracking of different inputs on a single ticket.\",\n \"By tracking both inputs and harvests, a farmer can compare yield results to input applications on a field-by-field basis.\",\n \"In addition, the farmer can manage and track inventory of inputs and harvests, which helps the farmer prevent loss, identify spoilage and shrinkage points, and develop a greater understanding of their business.\",\n \"The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the above description.\",\n \"Numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art.\",\n \"For example, the above description explained that various software can be running on mobile devices that operating in various crop-related machines or at various crop-related locations.\",\n \"Many aspects of the present invention would be equally novel if these mobile devices were fixedly mounted in these locations so that they were no longer technically mobile.\",\n \"Furthermore, many aspects of the present invention remain novel even if the technology running these applications were embedded directly into the machinery or locations involved.\",\n \"Since such modifications are possible, the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described.\",\n \"Rather, the present invention should be limited only by the following claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875083"}}},{"rowIdx":4494775,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["DISTRIBUTED MULTI-SENSOR STREAMER","This disclosure is related to the field of streamers.","In one embodiment, a streamer may include a group of particle motion sensors.","In some embodiments, at least two of the particle motion sensors in the group are movable relative to one another within the streamer, and the two particle motion sensors are configured to measure motion along a particular axis.","In some embodiments, the streamer may additionally include a plurality of pressure sensors."],["1.An apparatus, comprising: a streamer that includes a group of particle motion sensors, wherein each particle motion sensor in the group is configured to perform measurements along a same particular axis, wherein the group of particle motion sensors includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor, and wherein the streamer permits flexing that changes an orientation of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; circuitry configured to combine outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group; one or more orientation sensors configured to determine a difference in orientation of the at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; and a compensation unit configured to compensate for flexing of the streamer by processing outputs of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors, based on the determined difference in orientation.","2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second particle motion sensors are housed in respective bodies within the streamer, wherein the respective bodies are coupled to a strength member of the streamer.","3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the streamer further includes a second group of particle motion sensors configured to measure motion along a different axis, wherein the second group of particle motion sensors includes a third and a fourth particle motion sensor that are movable relative to one another within the streamer.","4.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising control circuitry configured to control a streamer positioning device to untwist at least a portion of the streamer such that the difference in orientation is reduced.","5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the difference in orientation is caused by twisting of the streamer.","6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to combine the outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group in an analog fashion prior to digitization.","7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more orientation sensors are two tilt sensors.","8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more orientation sensors include a magnetic sensor.","9.A method, comprising: towing an array of streamers behind a vessel in a body of water, wherein at least one streamer includes a group of particle motion sensors, wherein each particle motion sensor in the group is configured to perform measurements along a same particular axis, wherein the group of particle motion sensors includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor, and wherein the streamer permits flexing that changes an orientation of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; combining outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group; determining, using one or more orientation sensors, a difference in orientation of the at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; and compensating for flexing of the streamer by processing outputs of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors, based on the determined difference in orientation.","10.The method of claim 9, further comprising: updating a model of an orientation of the first particle motion sensor.","11.The method of claim 9, further comprising: controlling a streamer positioning device to untwist at least a portion of the streamer such that the difference in orientation is reduced.","12.The method of claim 9, wherein the difference in orientation is caused by twisting of the streamer during the towing.","13.The method of claim 9, wherein the combining outputs is performed prior to digitization of outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group.","14.The method of claim 9, further comprising: producing a geophysical data product based on signals from the group of particle motion sensors.","15.The method of claim 14, further comprising importing the geophysical data product onshore.","16.The method of claim 15, further comprising performing geophysical analysis onshore on the geophysical data product.","17.A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that are executable by a computing device to perform operations comprising: combining outputs of particle motion sensors in a group of particle motion sensors included in a streamer towed behind a vessel in a body of water, wherein each particle motion sensor in the group is configured to perform measurements along a same particular axis, wherein the group of particle motion sensors includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor, and wherein the streamer permits flexing that changes an orientation of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; determining, using one or more orientation sensors, a difference in orientation of the at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; and compensating for flexing of the streamer by processing outputs of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors, based on the determined difference in orientation.","18.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise: controlling a streamer positioning device to untwist at least a portion of the streamer such that the difference in orientation is reduced.","19.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the combining outputs is performed prior to digitization of outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group.","20.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the difference in orientation is caused by twisting of the streamer during towing."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>This application generally relates to the field of marine geophysical prospecting.","More specifically, the application relates to the field of streamer design.","In the oil and gas exploration industry, marine geophysical prospecting is commonly used in the search for hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formations.","Marine geophysical prospecting techniques may yield knowledge of the subsurface structure of the Earth, which is useful for finding and extracting hydrocarbon deposits such as oil and natural gas.","Seismic surveying is one of the well-known techniques of marine geophysical prospecting.","For example, in a seismic survey conducted in a marine environment (which may include saltwater, freshwater, and/or brackish water environments), one or more seismic energy sources are typically configured to be submerged and towed by a vessel.","The vessel is typically also configured to tow one or more laterally-spaced streamers through the water.","At selected times, control equipment may cause the one or more seismic energy sources to actuate.","Seismic signals may then be received by sensors disposed along the streamers.","Data collected during such a seismic survey may be analyzed to assist identification of hydrocarbon-bearing geological structures, and thus determine where deposits of oil and natural gas may be located."],["<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG.","1 illustrates a marine seismic survey system using an apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.","FIG.","2 illustrates an embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.","FIG.","3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.","FIG.","4 illustrates a cut-away view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the disclosure.","FIG.","5 illustrates a process flow according to one embodiment of the disclosure.","FIG.","6 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.","FIG.","7 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.","detailed-description description=\"Detailed Description\" end=\"lead\"?"],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/317,622, filed Jun.","27, 2014 (now U.S. Pat.","No.","9,874,647), which claims the benefit of U.S.","Provisional Patent Application No.","61/873,223 filed Sep. 3, 2013, each of with which is incorporated by reference herein in its respective entirety.","BACKGROUND This application generally relates to the field of marine geophysical prospecting.","More specifically, the application relates to the field of streamer design.","In the oil and gas exploration industry, marine geophysical prospecting is commonly used in the search for hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formations.","Marine geophysical prospecting techniques may yield knowledge of the subsurface structure of the Earth, which is useful for finding and extracting hydrocarbon deposits such as oil and natural gas.","Seismic surveying is one of the well-known techniques of marine geophysical prospecting.","For example, in a seismic survey conducted in a marine environment (which may include saltwater, freshwater, and/or brackish water environments), one or more seismic energy sources are typically configured to be submerged and towed by a vessel.","The vessel is typically also configured to tow one or more laterally-spaced streamers through the water.","At selected times, control equipment may cause the one or more seismic energy sources to actuate.","Seismic signals may then be received by sensors disposed along the streamers.","Data collected during such a seismic survey may be analyzed to assist identification of hydrocarbon-bearing geological structures, and thus determine where deposits of oil and natural gas may be located.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 illustrates a marine seismic survey system using an apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.","FIG.","2 illustrates an embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.","FIG.","3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.","FIG.","4 illustrates a cut-away view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the disclosure.","FIG.","5 illustrates a process flow according to one embodiment of the disclosure.","FIG.","6 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.","FIG.","7 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.","Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.","This specification may use phrase such as “based on.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination.","This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination.","That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based only in part on those factors.","Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” This phrase connotes that B is a factor that affects the determination of A, but does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.","Various devices, units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks.","In such contexts, “configured to” is each used to connote structure by indicating that the devices/units/circuits/components include structure that performs the task or tasks during operation.","As such, the device/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified device/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on or in operation).","The devices/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc.","Reciting that a device/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C.","§ 112(f), for that device/unit/circuit/component.","In some embodiments, various items of information relating to geophysical surveying may be embodied in a geophysical data product.","A “geophysical data product” may be stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory medium and may embody geophysical data (such as raw streamer data, processed streamer data, two- or three-dimensional maps based on streamer data, etc.).","Some non-limiting examples of computer-readable media may include hard drives, CDs, DVDs, print-outs, etc.","In some embodiments, raw analog data from streamers may be stored as a geophysical data product.","In other instances, the data may first be digitized and/or conditioned prior to being stored as the geophysical data product.","In yet other instances, the data may be fully processed into a two- or three-dimensional map of the various geophysical structures before being stored in the geophysical data product.","The geophysical data product may be produced offshore (i.e.","by equipment on a vessel) or onshore (i.e.","at a facility on land) either within the United States or in another country.","If the geophysical data product is produced offshore or in another country, it may be imported onshore to a facility in the United States.","Once onshore in the United States, geophysical analysis may be performed on the geophysical data product.","A marine seismic survey commonly employs seismic energy sources such as an array of air guns or marine vibrators that produce a seismic wavefield when activated.","As used herein, a “seismic wavefield” includes components such as a single velocity field with vertical and lateral variations.","In a marine seismic survey, the seismic wavefield typically travels downward through a body of water overlying the subsurface of the earth.","Upon propagating into the Earth, the seismic wavefield is then at least partially reflected by subsurface reflectors.","Such reflectors are typically those interfaces between subterranean formations having different elastic properties such as density and sound wave velocity, which may lead to differences in acoustic impedance at the interfaces.","The reflected seismic wavefield is detected by the sensors such as particle motion sensors and/or pressure sensors in the streamers.","A record is made in the recording system of the signals detected by each sensor (or by groups/networks of such sensors).","The recorded signals may thereafter be interpreted to infer properties of the subterranean formation.","Streamers may be quite long, typically multiple kilometers in length.","Some geophysical surveys may be conducted with a single streamer, while some surveys use multiple streamer systems including one or more arrays of streamers.","The individual streamers in such arrays may be generally affected by the same types of forces that affect a single streamer.","One of the most common types of pressure sensor used in marine seismic surveying is a hydrophone.","A hydrophone may typically be an omnidirectional device.","Such hydrophones therefore generally cannot distinguish between the directions of the up-going and down-going wavefields.","In particular, seismic energy directly reaching the hydrophones from the source cannot be easily distinguished from the various reflections from the surface of the water and the seafloor (e.g., the “source ghost” and the “receiver ghost”).","As a consequence, wavefields of both the source and receiver ghost may interfere with primary reflections, which contain the desired information about the subterranean formations, reducing seismic image resolution and reducing the usefulness of seismic data for reservoir delineation and characterization.","Due to the omnidirectional reception nature of hydrophones, particle motion sensors have also been employed to detect vector quantities during marine seismic survey operations.","The term “particle motion sensor” should be understood in the context of this disclosure as referring to any of various types of sensors, including velocity meters, accelerometers, geophones, pressure gradient sensors, particle displacement sensors, etc.","In a multi-component streamer that includes both pressure sensors and particle motion sensors, the combination of signals from pressure and particle motion sensors may be used to remove the “ghosting” effects during seismic data processing.","One example of this is described in U.S. Pat.","No.","7,684,281, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.","Streamer positioning devices (e.g., lateral force and depth control devices commonly known as “birds”) are in some embodiments coupled to the exteriors of the streamers in the array.","The streamer positioning devices are operable to impart force on the streamers to control the respective positions of the streamers in the array.","Turning now to FIG.","1, an embodiment of a marine seismic survey system is shown.","Vessel 14 may move along a surface of body of water 11 such as a lake or the ocean.","Vessel 14 may include source actuation, data recording, and navigation equipment, shown generally at 12 and referred to for convenience in the aggregate as a “recording system.” Vessel 14 (or a different vessel, not shown) may be configured to tow one or more seismic energy sources 33, or one or more arrays of such sources, in body of water 11.Vessel 14 (or a different vessel) may also tow one or more streamers 30 near the surface of body of water 11.Streamers 30 may include a plurality of streamer positioning devices 35.Streamers 30 may in some embodiments contain various types of sensors (e.g., hydrophones, geophones, pressure sensors, particle motion sensors, etc.","), one or more strength members, electrical wiring (e.g., data and/or power wiring), optical fiber, and other components.","Although not shown, it is contemplated that streamers 30 may also include electromagnetic sensors, and that additional streamers may be utilized at varying depths.","In accordance with some embodiments, streamer 30 may be a multi-component streamer, containing both particle motion sensors and pressure sensors.","Pressure sensors may be configured to detect a scalar-valued wavefield, and particle motion sensors may be configured to detect a vector-valued wavefield.","The configuration of some embodiments of streamer 30 will be explained in more detail below.","During one embodiment of marine seismic survey operation, seismic energy source 33 may actuate at selected times.","When actuated, seismic energy source 33 may produce seismic wavefield 19 that emanates generally outwardly from seismic energy source 33.Seismic wavefield 19 may travel downwardly, through body of water 11, and pass, at least in part, through water bottom 20 into the subterranean formations.","Seismic wavefield 19 may be at least partially reflected from one or more acoustic impedance boundaries below water bottom 20, and may travel upwardly and be detected by sensors in streamers 30.The structure of the formations, among other properties of the Earth's subsurface, may be inferred by detection of seismic wavefield 19 and by characteristics of the detected seismic wavefield, such as amplitude, phase, travel time, etc.","The orientation, configuration, and number of streamers, sensors, streamer positioning devices, or other equipment shown in FIG.","1 is only for purposes of illustration and is not a limitation on the orientation, configuration, or number of each device that may be used in any particular embodiment.","The broken lines in streamers 30 indicate that this figure is not necessarily drawn to scale Turning now to FIG.","2, a schematic of a sensor configuration of one embodiment of streamer 30 is shown.","Sensors may be combined into groups, for example, to increase sensitivity and/or improve the signal-to-noise ratio.","In the embodiment shown in FIG.","2, streamer 30 includes particle motion sensor groups 500, 510, 520, and 530, as well as pressure sensor groups 400, 410, 420, and 430.In this embodiment, particle motion sensor group 500 may include a plurality of particle motion sensors 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D (“50A-50D”) that are electrically connected to form particle motion sensor group 500.Particle motion sensors 50A-50D may in some embodiments be 1-, 2-, or 3-axis sensors configured to measure one or more vector components of particle motion in the body of water 11.The term “sensor group,” as used herein, is defined as a set of two or more sensors (e.g., particle motion sensors or pressure sensors) that are connected together such that the outputs of the sensors are combined in an analog fashion.","In some embodiments, a sensor group may span a length of 5 meters along a streamer.","In some other embodiments, a sensor group may span a length of 10 meters along a streamer.","For example, sensors within a group may be connected electrically or optically in some embodiments.","In some embodiments, this combined analog output from a sensor group may then be digitized for further processing.","Sensors within a group may in various embodiments be connected in serial and/or in parallel.","FIG.","2 illustrates an example configuration in which particle motion sensor groups 500, 510, 520, and 530 include both series and parallel connections.","That is (for example), particle motion sensors 50A and 50B are connected in series, and particle motion sensors 50C and 50D are connected in series, and the two pairs are then connected in parallel.","One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will of course understand that there are various ways of connecting the sensor outputs in each group.","In known designs, it has been considered desirable for all of the sensors within a sensor group to be rigidly connected together (e.g., disposed within a single rigid body in the streamer).","Such a rigid arrangement may have the advantage of simplifying processing of the resultant data, but it may have the disadvantage of limiting the flexibility that would be available if sensors within a group could be mounted non-rigidly relative to one another.","According to embodiments of the present disclosure, sensors within a single group may be mounted non-rigidly to one another.","The number of sensors in a group may be selected as appropriate in various instances.","For example, a group may include 2, 3, 6, 12, 16, 24, 32, or any other appropriate number of sensors.","Particle motion sensor group 500 may be coupled to digitizing unit 300.Digitizing unit 300 may be configured to process the combined signals of particle motion sensors 50A-50D.","For example, in some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may include an analog to digital conversion circuitry that is configured to digitize the combined signals of particle motion sensors 50A-50D.","Digitizing unit 300 may in some embodiments also be configured to perform some additional processing on the signals from particle motion sensors 50A-50D.","For example, digitizing unit 300 may be configured to determine a particular component (e.g., vertical) of motion based on the signal from particle motion sensors 50A-50D.","In some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may be configured to process a summed signal of particle motion sensor group 500.In these embodiments, signals from particle motion sensors 50A-50D in particle motion sensor group 500 may be summed to generate the equivalent of a single particle motion sensor signal.","In some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may include a module or circuitry to attenuate noise in a summed signal of particle motion sensor group 500 by respectively weighting signals of each of particle motion sensors 50A-50D and determining a weighted signal.","For example, in an electrical system, the weights may be determined by selecting appropriate values for resistors used to connect each particle motion sensor to the others in the group.","In one embodiment, the spacing between each adjacent particle motion sensor 50A-50D and the weight of each of particle motion sensor may be selected to attenuate noise in a selected mode of propagation and within a selected wavenumber range.","Some embodiments of connections between sensors in a group involving weighting are described in U.S. Pat.","No.","8,553,490, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.","As shown in FIG.","2, output from digitizing unit 300 may be communicatively coupled to telemetry network 100 and transmitted to recording system 12 (onboard vessel 14 in FIG.","1) for data analysis and/or further processing.","Similar to particle motion sensor group 500, particle motion sensor groups 510, 520, and 530 may each respectively contain particle motion sensors 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D; 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D; and 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D.","Each of these groups may also respectively be coupled to digitizing units 310, 320, and 330.In known designs, the particle motion sensors within a group are typically rigidly connected together so that their orientation relative to one another remains constant.","For example, a gimbal may be used in known designs to maintain a sensor in a desired orientation (e.g., vertical).","These known designs may have the advantage of simplifying data collection and processing, but they may lack flexibility in sensor placement.","The particle motion sensors in a particle motion sensor group need not be rigidly connected together, and thus individual sensors within a group may be moved relative to one another by, for example, water currents, streamer twisting, streamer untwisting, forces applied by birds, etc.","Such motion may occur during survey operations, such as during the time in between survey shots or even (though typically to a lesser extent) during a single shot.","For example, the individual sensors may be independently rotatable with respect to an axis (such as the streamer axis).","They may also in some embodiments be movable longitudinally relative to one another along the streamer axis or movable based on streamer bending, although it is expected that these effects will typically be smaller than rotational effects.","Such an arrangement may allow for more flexibility in the positioning of sensors within a group.","Various challenges may be introduced by not rigidly connecting together all sensors in a group.","As described herein, these challenges may be mitigated or eliminated with the benefit of this disclosure.","In some embodiments, particular ones of the sensors within a group may be mounted rigidly together, while other ones are free to move.","For example, particle motion sensors 50A and 50B may be rigidly mounted together, and particle motion sensors 50C and 50D may be rigidly mounted together, but the pairs may be free to move relative to one another.","In other embodiments, all of the sensors within a group may be free to move relative to one another.","In one embodiment, for example, the particle motion sensors in a group may be disposed (e.g., mounted) in two or more rigid bodies.","These rigid bodies, however, may be movable with respect to one another.","In an alternative embodiment, the particle motion sensors in a group may be disposed within a single non-rigid (e.g., bendable) body.","In one embodiment, particle motion sensors 50A-50D may be disposed within streamer 30 and arranged such that they are longitudinally spaced apart from each other along a length of streamer 30.In a particular embodiment, a distance between particle motion sensors 50A and 50B may be less than or equal to 1 meter.","Particle motion sensors 50A-50D in particle motion sensor group 500 may or may not be evenly spaced apart.","Distance is generally measured from a center of an item, for example, a body such as a spacer which may house a sensor, to a center of another item (e.g., another body such as another spacer housing another sensor).","The term “spacer” is understood to mean a solid structural component within a streamer that connects to the strength members.","The term “body” includes spacers, but also includes various other solid structures within a streamer to which sensors may be mounted.","The mechanical arrangement of particle motions sensors 50A-50D within a streamer will be discussed in further detail below in reference to FIG.","4.In some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may be disposed within 5 meters of particle motion sensor group 500.The respective distance between particle motion sensor group 510, 520, and 530 and respective digitizing units 310, 320, or 330 may or may not be the same.","Streamer 30 may contain multiple such particle motion sensor groups and digitizing units.","As shown in FIG.","2, streamer 30 may also in some embodiments include pressure sensor groups 400, 410, 420, and 430, which may include individual pressure sensors that are connected together.","Pressure sensors 40A-40D may be, for example, hydrophones.","Pressure sensors 40A-40D may be disposed within streamer 30 and be arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other along a length of the streamer 30.Similarly, pressure sensor groups 410, 420, and 430 may respectively include pressure sensors 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41D; 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D; and 43A, 43B, 43C, and 43D.","Pressure sensor group 400 may be configured to produce an electrical or optical signal indicative of a pressure variation.","Digitizing unit 300 may be configured to process output of pressure sensor group 400 and such output may be transmitted to recording system 12 via telemetry network 100.In some embodiments, a separate digitizing unit (not shown) may be used instead of digitizing unit 300.In some embodiments, the pressure sensors need not be arranged into groups.","Instead, a digitizing unit may be configured to process the output of an individual pressure sensor.","In some embodiments, the pressure sensors may even be omitted altogether.","The digitized output of the pressure sensors (if present) may similarly be transmitted to recording system 12 via telemetry network 100.Turning now to FIG.","3, an alternative embodiment (generally similar to that of FIG.","2) is shown.","In FIG.","3, a different configuration for the sensors is depicted.","Particle motion sensor groups 600 and 610 respectively include particle motion sensors 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D connected in series; and 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D connected in series.","Digitizing unit 200 may be configured to process signals from both particle motion sensor groups 600 and 610.In addition, digitizing unit 200 may be configured to process signals from pressure sensor groups 700 and 710.The remainder of FIG.","3 may be understood by reference to corresponding structures in FIG.","2.One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand the multitude of ways that sensors may be connected together in various instances.","Turning now to FIG.","4, a cut-away view of a portion 30A of streamer 30 is shown (not necessarily to scale).","Streamer portion 30A may include external jacket 22, a plurality of bodies including bodies 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D (“18A-18D”), along with connectors 38A and 38B, and strength members 44A and 44B.","In this particular embodiment, streamer portion 30A may also include coupling plates 43A and 43B.","External jacket 22 may be formed from a flexible, acoustically transparent material such as polyurethane and protect the interior of streamer portion 30A from water intrusion.","Connectors 38A and 38B may be disposed at the ends of streamer portion 30A and may be configured to connect streamer portion 30A mechanically, electrically, and/or optically to the remaining portions of streamer 30.Also included in streamer portion 30A is cable 15 that may include one or more electrical conductors (not shown separately), and/or one or more optical fibers (not shown).","Cable 15 may include telemetry network 100 (shown schematically in FIGS.","2 and 3) and may transmit electrical and/or optical signals to recording system 12.Cable 15 may also carry electrical power to, for example, various sensors, digitizing units, and/or other components disposed elsewhere along streamer 30.Strength members 44A and 44B may be configured to support the tension of streamer 30 resulting from towing (as shown in FIG.","1) in the direction of longitudinal axis 59.As noted above, in some embodiments, bodies 18A-18D may be spacers that are configured to provide radial support of streamer portion 30A.","Such spacers may be of a cylindrical or other shape.","The spacers may be made from plastic, foamed polyurethane or any other suitable material.","In some embodiments, the spacers may be made from a material configured to provide buoyancy to streamer portion 30A.","In yet an alternative embodiment, one or more of the bodies may be a housing that is flexible or bendable.","In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.","4, body 18A may house particle motion sensor 50A.","In some embodiments, particle motion sensor 50A may be rigidly disposed within body 18A.","In other embodiments, other types of suitable devices such as harnesses and others may be used to mount particle motion sensor 50A and/or other sensors within body 18A.","In the illustration of FIG.","4, each of bodies 18A-18D is coupled to strength members 44A and 44B.","Particle motion sensors 50A-50D of particle motion sensor group 500 may each be rigidly disposed within corresponding bodies 18A-18D.","As such, each of particle motion sensors 50A-50D may not be movable relative to the corresponding body in which it is housed.","However, as streamer portion 30A may twist, compress, or otherwise move during towing, bodies 18A-18D may also move or twist relative to on another.","Accordingly, particle motion sensors 50A-50D may also move or twist relative to one another.","Bodies 18A-18D may in some embodiments also contain one or more pressure sensors.","In other embodiments, such pressure sensors may instead be housed in separate bodies (not specifically labeled in FIG.","4).","For example, a pressure sensor (or group of pressure sensors) may in some embodiments be located within 10 meters of a corresponding group of particle motion sensors.","As noted above, the movement and/or twisting of bodies 18A-18D relative to one another may cause particle motion sensors 50A-50D (e.g., some or all of such particle motion sensors) to become misaligned relative to one another.","As used herein, the term “misaligned” (or variations of the term) means an arrangement of at least two items where the orientation of the items differs by more than 3°.","The term “aligned” (or variations of the term) means an arrangement of at least two items where the orientation of the items differs by less than or equal to 3°.","In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the items to be aligned even more closely than 3°.","For example, it may be advantageous for the items to be aligned to within 2.5°, 2°, 1.5°, 1°, 0.5°, 0.1°, etc.","in various embodiments.","In one particular embodiment, bodies 18A-18D are evenly spaced at distance “a” along the length of streamer portion 30A, and distance “a” is approximately 0.5 meters.","In this embodiment, bodies 18A-18D thus extend for a length of approximately 1.5 meters along the length of streamer portion 30A, and particle motion group 500 which includes particle motion sensors 50A-50D extends for the same approximate length of approximately 1.5 meters along streamer portion 30A.","In an alternative embodiment, bodies 18A-18D may be variably spaced.","In other embodiments, the length of the particle motion sensor group may be approximately 3 meters or even longer.","Other lengths may also be chosen as appropriate.","Streamer portion 30A may also include bodies 36A and 36B, which may be coupled to strength members 44A and 44B.","In this embodiment, particle motion sensors 51A and 51B may be rigidly disposed within body 36A, whereas particle motion sensors 51C and 51D may be rigidly disposed within body 36B.","Particle motion sensor group 510 is accordingly disposed within bodies 36A and 36B.","In certain embodiments, particle motion sensor groups 500 and 510 may be separated by distance “b” which may be in an approximate range of 1-15 meters along the length of streamer portion 30A.","Particle motion sensor groups such as groups 500, 510, 520 and 530 (shown in FIGS.","2 and 3) may or may not be evenly spaced apart along the length of streamer 30.In one embodiment, particle motion sensors 50A-50D in particle motion sensor group 500 may be generally oriented along one or more axes (e.g., two axes) orthogonal to longitudinal axis 59 (for example, vertical and horizontal axes).","For example, particle motion sensors 50A-50B may be oriented along one axis that is orthogonal to longitudinal axis 59, and particle motion sensors 50C-50D may be oriented a different (e.g., mutually orthogonal) axis.","In other words, particle motion sensor group 500 may include two subgroups of sensors that are both oriented orthogonal to longitudinal axis 59 and that are also oriented orthogonal to one another.","Such subgroups may contain one or more particle motion sensors.","In some embodiments, streamer portion 30A may contain body 17 in which a tilt sensor (also referred to as an orientation sensor) may be disposed.","For example, a single tilt sensor may be used to determine the twist orientation of the body in which the sensor is mounted.","In other instances, multiple tilt sensors may be used to determine a twist rate along a selected length of the streamer or streamer portion.","As described below, the twist orientation and/or the twist rate may be used to mitigate the effects of sensor misalignment.","Body 17 may be disposed within distance “c” from particle motion sensor group 500.Distance “c” may, in some embodiments, be approximately 1 to 2 meters.","In other embodiments, distance “c” may be within a range of approximately 1 to 5 meters of particle motion sensor group 500.In some embodiments, the tilt sensor may be disposed within one of the same bodies as an element of particle motion sensor group 500.The tilt sensor may include an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a combination thereof, or any other suitable device for indicating a tilt state.","In one embodiment, the tilt sensor may be of a particular orientation relative to one of particle motion sensors in particle motion sensor group 500.In this embodiment, the particular orientation of the tilt sensor relative to at least one particle motion sensor in particle motion sensor group 500 may be known prior to the commencement of the marine seismic survey operations.","Based on such a known orientation, the tilt sensor may be configured to indicate a change in orientation such as a tilt angle of the at least one particle motion sensor in particle motion sensor group 500.A tilt sensor (which may also generally be referred to as an “orientation sensor”) may indicate a misalignment of a particle motion sensor relative to other particle motion sensors in particle motion sensor group 500.Misalignment may be indicative of twisting of streamer portion 30A.","While tilt sensors are typically used to indicate a rotational relationship relative to a particular axis, in some embodiments, more than one tilt sensor may be spatially separated by a selected length along the streamer axis in order to estimate the amount of twist in the streamer.","In some embodiments, the tilt sensor(s) may be in signal communication with streamer positioning device 35, and upon an indication of twisting of streamer portion 30A, streamer positioning device 35 may accordingly untwist the streamer portion 30A.","As shown in this embodiment, streamer positioning device 35 may be coupled to exterior jacket 22 of streamer portion 30A.","In other embodiments, streamer positioning device 35 may be coupled in between streamer portions such as those that may be connected by way of connector 38A or 38B.","Typically, such streamer positioning device may be coupled to streamer 30 about every 300 meters.","Streamer positioning device 35 may include a sensor configured to determine the orientation of streamer portion 30A at the location of streamer positioning device 35.Streamer positioning device 35 may include hydrodynamic deflecting surfaces (e.g., “wings”) that are configured to impart force on streamer portion 30A as it is towed.","As such, streamer positioning device 35 may be operable to control a position of streamer portion 30A.","Such control may be in the vertical (depth) direction and/or the horizontal (lateral) direction and/or the direction of twist about longitudinal axis 59.Streamer positioning device 35 may also be operable to twist and untwist streamer portion 30A.","In certain embodiments, streamer positioning device 35 may impart force upon streamer portion 30A causing it to rotate against a detected amount of twist.","As streamer portion 30A is untwisted, particle motion sensors 50A and 50B may be rotated relative to one another and become aligned with one another along a particular axis.","In some embodiments, this untwisting functionality may allow particle motion sensors 50A and 50B to become aligned with one another with a difference of orientation less than or equal to 1.5°.","Streamer positioning device 35 may in some embodiments be communicatively coupled to a control system on vessel 14.Such a control system may be included in recording system 12.The control system may monitor and control the forces imparted by each of streamer positioning devices 35.In some embodiments, the control system may maintain a model (e.g., a dynamic computer-based model) of position, orientation, and other data of each of the streamers including streamer 30.As such, the model may include an orientation of the particle motion sensors that are disposed within streamer 30.Based on the model, the control system may determine the forces that streamer positioning devices 35 should impart to adjust the position and/or rotational orientation of streamer 30.In one embodiment, for example, an orientation of particle motion sensor group 500 along with data indicative of a position of streamer 30 may be included in the computer-based model.","The control system may then update the orientation of particle motion sensor group 500 and position of streamer 30 in the model based on data from tilt sensor(s) and/or the forces that streamer positioning devices 35 impart on streamer 30.In certain embodiments, the control system may include a module or circuitry configured to dynamically compensate the signals output from a particle motion sensor group based on the twist (e.g., relative movement/misalignment between particle motion sensors in a particle motion sensor group).","In some embodiments, an important impact of streamer twist is that a group of vector-based sensors (e.g., particle motion sensors) may show a reduced output due to the misalignment among the sensors in the group.","In some embodiments, recording system 12 (or circuitry on the streamers themselves, such as the digitizing units) may compensate for the effects of twist.","The reduction in signal due to sensor misalignment within a group may be mathematically compensated for.","For example, consider the case where a streamer has a twist rate per unit length of θ(l).","The analog output, y, of the particle motion sensor group may then be given by: y = ∑ l = - x x a l cos ( ∫ 0 l θ ( z ) dz ) In this equation, l denotes the position along the length of a particle motion sensor group that extends from −x to +x along the streamer axis, and the a's denote the ideal output of the individual sensor at position l (that is, the output that would be expected in the absence of any twist).","The integral over the dummy variable z represents the amount of streamer twist at position l based on the twist rate θ, and the cosine indicates the amount by which each term is reduced due to the twist.","Under some circumstances (e.g., if the twist rate is relatively constant, or if the group length is relatively short), the sum given above may be well-approximated by assuming that θ is approximately constant over the group length.","In this case, the equation above becomes: y ≅ ∑ l = - x x a l cos ( l θ ( l ) ) The twist-compensated output ycomp (scaled to an equivalent single sensor output at l=0) can be approximated by using the inverse of the “geometrical factor” (that is, the sum of the cosines): y comp ≅ y · 1 ∑ l = - x x cos ( l θ ( l ) ) Turning now to FIGS.","5-7, flow charts of various embodiments of methods according to this disclosure are shown.","It should be understood that according to some embodiments, fewer than all steps of each method may be performed in accordance with this disclosure, and that in some embodiments the steps may be performed in a different order.","Turning now to FIG.","5, an embodiment of a method of operating a streamer according to this disclosure is shown.","Process 900 starts at block 910.At block 910, a vessel tows an array of streamers in a body of water, and at least one of the streamers in the array includes a group of particle motion sensors that are not rigidly aligned to one another.","Process 900 proceeds to block 920.At block 920, the streamer becomes twisted, causing a rotation of some of the particle motion sensors in the group relative to others in the group.","Process 900 proceeds to block 930.At block 930, in response to the at least one streamer becoming twisted, a streamer positioning device imparts force on the streamer causing it to untwist by rotating against the twist.","Process 900 proceeds to block 940.At block 940, as the streamer rotates and untwists, some particle motion sensors in the group are rotated relative to others in the group.","Process 900 proceeds to block 950.At block 950, the particle motion sensors in the group become aligned (for example, they may become aligned along the vertical axis).","Process 900 ends at block 950.Turning now to FIG.","6, another embodiment of a method of operating a streamer according to this disclosure is shown.","Process 1000 starts at block 1010.At block 1010, a vessel tows an array of streamers in a body of water, and at least one of the streamers in the array includes a group of particle motion sensors that are not rigidly aligned to one another.","Process 1000 proceeds to block 1020.At block 1020, the streamer becomes twisted, causing a rotation of some of the particle motion sensors in the group relative to others in the group.","Process 1000 proceeds to block 1030.At block 1030, the amount of twist (e.g., a twist orientation and/or a twist rate) is detected.","For example, this may be detected via one or more twist sensors in the streamer.","In some embodiments, a twist sensor may be formed from two (or more) tilt sensors separated by a selected distance along the length of the streamer.","In some embodiments, the amount may be detected via other types of sensors, such as sensors operable to detect the direction of gravity and/or the earth's magnetic field.","Process 1000 proceeds to block 1040.At block 1040, the twist is mathematically compensated for.","For example, this may be done via the equations described above or by other methods in various embodiments.","Process 1000 ends at block 1040.Turning now to FIG.","7, another embodiment of a method according to this disclosure is shown.","Process 1100 starts at block 1110.At block 1110, an array of streamers is towed behind a vessel in a body of water.","Process 1100 proceeds to block 1120.At block 1120, it is noted that at least one of the streamers in the array houses a group of particle motion sensors configured to measure motion along a particular axis.","Process 1100 proceeds to block 1130.At block 1130, it is noted that the group includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor not rigidly coupled to one another.","Process 1100 ends at block 1130.According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the signal-to-noise ratio of particle motion sensors may be improved during a marine seismic survey operation.","According to some embodiments, survey sensitivity may be increased, and/or inefficiencies related to streamer twisting may be reduced, and/or overall survey operation cost may be reduced.","Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature.","Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise.","The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.","The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein.","Various embodiments may provide some, all, or none of the described advantages.","Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features.","In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"DISTRIBUTED MULTI-SENSOR STREAMER\",\n \"This disclosure is related to the field of streamers.\",\n \"In one embodiment, a streamer may include a group of particle motion sensors.\",\n \"In some embodiments, at least two of the particle motion sensors in the group are movable relative to one another within the streamer, and the two particle motion sensors are configured to measure motion along a particular axis.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the streamer may additionally include a plurality of pressure sensors.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.An apparatus, comprising: a streamer that includes a group of particle motion sensors, wherein each particle motion sensor in the group is configured to perform measurements along a same particular axis, wherein the group of particle motion sensors includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor, and wherein the streamer permits flexing that changes an orientation of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; circuitry configured to combine outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group; one or more orientation sensors configured to determine a difference in orientation of the at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; and a compensation unit configured to compensate for flexing of the streamer by processing outputs of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors, based on the determined difference in orientation.\",\n \"2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second particle motion sensors are housed in respective bodies within the streamer, wherein the respective bodies are coupled to a strength member of the streamer.\",\n \"3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the streamer further includes a second group of particle motion sensors configured to measure motion along a different axis, wherein the second group of particle motion sensors includes a third and a fourth particle motion sensor that are movable relative to one another within the streamer.\",\n \"4.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising control circuitry configured to control a streamer positioning device to untwist at least a portion of the streamer such that the difference in orientation is reduced.\",\n \"5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the difference in orientation is caused by twisting of the streamer.\",\n \"6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to combine the outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group in an analog fashion prior to digitization.\",\n \"7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more orientation sensors are two tilt sensors.\",\n \"8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more orientation sensors include a magnetic sensor.\",\n \"9.A method, comprising: towing an array of streamers behind a vessel in a body of water, wherein at least one streamer includes a group of particle motion sensors, wherein each particle motion sensor in the group is configured to perform measurements along a same particular axis, wherein the group of particle motion sensors includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor, and wherein the streamer permits flexing that changes an orientation of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; combining outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group; determining, using one or more orientation sensors, a difference in orientation of the at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; and compensating for flexing of the streamer by processing outputs of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors, based on the determined difference in orientation.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 9, further comprising: updating a model of an orientation of the first particle motion sensor.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 9, further comprising: controlling a streamer positioning device to untwist at least a portion of the streamer such that the difference in orientation is reduced.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 9, wherein the difference in orientation is caused by twisting of the streamer during the towing.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 9, wherein the combining outputs is performed prior to digitization of outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 9, further comprising: producing a geophysical data product based on signals from the group of particle motion sensors.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 14, further comprising importing the geophysical data product onshore.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 15, further comprising performing geophysical analysis onshore on the geophysical data product.\",\n \"17.A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that are executable by a computing device to perform operations comprising: combining outputs of particle motion sensors in a group of particle motion sensors included in a streamer towed behind a vessel in a body of water, wherein each particle motion sensor in the group is configured to perform measurements along a same particular axis, wherein the group of particle motion sensors includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor, and wherein the streamer permits flexing that changes an orientation of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; determining, using one or more orientation sensors, a difference in orientation of the at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors relative to the axis; and compensating for flexing of the streamer by processing outputs of at least one of the first and second particle motion sensors, based on the determined difference in orientation.\",\n \"18.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise: controlling a streamer positioning device to untwist at least a portion of the streamer such that the difference in orientation is reduced.\",\n \"19.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the combining outputs is performed prior to digitization of outputs of the particle motion sensors in the group.\",\n \"20.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the difference in orientation is caused by twisting of the streamer during towing.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>This application generally relates to the field of marine geophysical prospecting.\",\n \"More specifically, the application relates to the field of streamer design.\",\n \"In the oil and gas exploration industry, marine geophysical prospecting is commonly used in the search for hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formations.\",\n \"Marine geophysical prospecting techniques may yield knowledge of the subsurface structure of the Earth, which is useful for finding and extracting hydrocarbon deposits such as oil and natural gas.\",\n \"Seismic surveying is one of the well-known techniques of marine geophysical prospecting.\",\n \"For example, in a seismic survey conducted in a marine environment (which may include saltwater, freshwater, and/or brackish water environments), one or more seismic energy sources are typically configured to be submerged and towed by a vessel.\",\n \"The vessel is typically also configured to tow one or more laterally-spaced streamers through the water.\",\n \"At selected times, control equipment may cause the one or more seismic energy sources to actuate.\",\n \"Seismic signals may then be received by sensors disposed along the streamers.\",\n \"Data collected during such a seismic survey may be analyzed to assist identification of hydrocarbon-bearing geological structures, and thus determine where deposits of oil and natural gas may be located.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates a marine seismic survey system using an apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a cut-away view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates a process flow according to one embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"detailed-description description=\\\"Detailed Description\\\" end=\\\"lead\\\"?\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/317,622, filed Jun.\",\n \"27, 2014 (now U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"9,874,647), which claims the benefit of U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Patent Application No.\",\n \"61/873,223 filed Sep. 3, 2013, each of with which is incorporated by reference herein in its respective entirety.\",\n \"BACKGROUND This application generally relates to the field of marine geophysical prospecting.\",\n \"More specifically, the application relates to the field of streamer design.\",\n \"In the oil and gas exploration industry, marine geophysical prospecting is commonly used in the search for hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formations.\",\n \"Marine geophysical prospecting techniques may yield knowledge of the subsurface structure of the Earth, which is useful for finding and extracting hydrocarbon deposits such as oil and natural gas.\",\n \"Seismic surveying is one of the well-known techniques of marine geophysical prospecting.\",\n \"For example, in a seismic survey conducted in a marine environment (which may include saltwater, freshwater, and/or brackish water environments), one or more seismic energy sources are typically configured to be submerged and towed by a vessel.\",\n \"The vessel is typically also configured to tow one or more laterally-spaced streamers through the water.\",\n \"At selected times, control equipment may cause the one or more seismic energy sources to actuate.\",\n \"Seismic signals may then be received by sensors disposed along the streamers.\",\n \"Data collected during such a seismic survey may be analyzed to assist identification of hydrocarbon-bearing geological structures, and thus determine where deposits of oil and natural gas may be located.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates a marine seismic survey system using an apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a configuration of a group of particle motion sensors and a group of pressure sensors in an apparatus according to the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a cut-away view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates a process flow according to one embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates a process flow according to a different embodiment of the disclosure.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.\",\n \"Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.\",\n \"This specification may use phrase such as “based on.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination.\",\n \"This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination.\",\n \"That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based only in part on those factors.\",\n \"Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” This phrase connotes that B is a factor that affects the determination of A, but does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.\",\n \"Various devices, units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks.\",\n \"In such contexts, “configured to” is each used to connote structure by indicating that the devices/units/circuits/components include structure that performs the task or tasks during operation.\",\n \"As such, the device/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified device/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on or in operation).\",\n \"The devices/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc.\",\n \"Reciting that a device/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C.\",\n \"§ 112(f), for that device/unit/circuit/component.\",\n \"In some embodiments, various items of information relating to geophysical surveying may be embodied in a geophysical data product.\",\n \"A “geophysical data product” may be stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory medium and may embody geophysical data (such as raw streamer data, processed streamer data, two- or three-dimensional maps based on streamer data, etc.).\",\n \"Some non-limiting examples of computer-readable media may include hard drives, CDs, DVDs, print-outs, etc.\",\n \"In some embodiments, raw analog data from streamers may be stored as a geophysical data product.\",\n \"In other instances, the data may first be digitized and/or conditioned prior to being stored as the geophysical data product.\",\n \"In yet other instances, the data may be fully processed into a two- or three-dimensional map of the various geophysical structures before being stored in the geophysical data product.\",\n \"The geophysical data product may be produced offshore (i.e.\",\n \"by equipment on a vessel) or onshore (i.e.\",\n \"at a facility on land) either within the United States or in another country.\",\n \"If the geophysical data product is produced offshore or in another country, it may be imported onshore to a facility in the United States.\",\n \"Once onshore in the United States, geophysical analysis may be performed on the geophysical data product.\",\n \"A marine seismic survey commonly employs seismic energy sources such as an array of air guns or marine vibrators that produce a seismic wavefield when activated.\",\n \"As used herein, a “seismic wavefield” includes components such as a single velocity field with vertical and lateral variations.\",\n \"In a marine seismic survey, the seismic wavefield typically travels downward through a body of water overlying the subsurface of the earth.\",\n \"Upon propagating into the Earth, the seismic wavefield is then at least partially reflected by subsurface reflectors.\",\n \"Such reflectors are typically those interfaces between subterranean formations having different elastic properties such as density and sound wave velocity, which may lead to differences in acoustic impedance at the interfaces.\",\n \"The reflected seismic wavefield is detected by the sensors such as particle motion sensors and/or pressure sensors in the streamers.\",\n \"A record is made in the recording system of the signals detected by each sensor (or by groups/networks of such sensors).\",\n \"The recorded signals may thereafter be interpreted to infer properties of the subterranean formation.\",\n \"Streamers may be quite long, typically multiple kilometers in length.\",\n \"Some geophysical surveys may be conducted with a single streamer, while some surveys use multiple streamer systems including one or more arrays of streamers.\",\n \"The individual streamers in such arrays may be generally affected by the same types of forces that affect a single streamer.\",\n \"One of the most common types of pressure sensor used in marine seismic surveying is a hydrophone.\",\n \"A hydrophone may typically be an omnidirectional device.\",\n \"Such hydrophones therefore generally cannot distinguish between the directions of the up-going and down-going wavefields.\",\n \"In particular, seismic energy directly reaching the hydrophones from the source cannot be easily distinguished from the various reflections from the surface of the water and the seafloor (e.g., the “source ghost” and the “receiver ghost”).\",\n \"As a consequence, wavefields of both the source and receiver ghost may interfere with primary reflections, which contain the desired information about the subterranean formations, reducing seismic image resolution and reducing the usefulness of seismic data for reservoir delineation and characterization.\",\n \"Due to the omnidirectional reception nature of hydrophones, particle motion sensors have also been employed to detect vector quantities during marine seismic survey operations.\",\n \"The term “particle motion sensor” should be understood in the context of this disclosure as referring to any of various types of sensors, including velocity meters, accelerometers, geophones, pressure gradient sensors, particle displacement sensors, etc.\",\n \"In a multi-component streamer that includes both pressure sensors and particle motion sensors, the combination of signals from pressure and particle motion sensors may be used to remove the “ghosting” effects during seismic data processing.\",\n \"One example of this is described in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,684,281, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.\",\n \"Streamer positioning devices (e.g., lateral force and depth control devices commonly known as “birds”) are in some embodiments coupled to the exteriors of the streamers in the array.\",\n \"The streamer positioning devices are operable to impart force on the streamers to control the respective positions of the streamers in the array.\",\n \"Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"1, an embodiment of a marine seismic survey system is shown.\",\n \"Vessel 14 may move along a surface of body of water 11 such as a lake or the ocean.\",\n \"Vessel 14 may include source actuation, data recording, and navigation equipment, shown generally at 12 and referred to for convenience in the aggregate as a “recording system.” Vessel 14 (or a different vessel, not shown) may be configured to tow one or more seismic energy sources 33, or one or more arrays of such sources, in body of water 11.Vessel 14 (or a different vessel) may also tow one or more streamers 30 near the surface of body of water 11.Streamers 30 may include a plurality of streamer positioning devices 35.Streamers 30 may in some embodiments contain various types of sensors (e.g., hydrophones, geophones, pressure sensors, particle motion sensors, etc.\",\n \"), one or more strength members, electrical wiring (e.g., data and/or power wiring), optical fiber, and other components.\",\n \"Although not shown, it is contemplated that streamers 30 may also include electromagnetic sensors, and that additional streamers may be utilized at varying depths.\",\n \"In accordance with some embodiments, streamer 30 may be a multi-component streamer, containing both particle motion sensors and pressure sensors.\",\n \"Pressure sensors may be configured to detect a scalar-valued wavefield, and particle motion sensors may be configured to detect a vector-valued wavefield.\",\n \"The configuration of some embodiments of streamer 30 will be explained in more detail below.\",\n \"During one embodiment of marine seismic survey operation, seismic energy source 33 may actuate at selected times.\",\n \"When actuated, seismic energy source 33 may produce seismic wavefield 19 that emanates generally outwardly from seismic energy source 33.Seismic wavefield 19 may travel downwardly, through body of water 11, and pass, at least in part, through water bottom 20 into the subterranean formations.\",\n \"Seismic wavefield 19 may be at least partially reflected from one or more acoustic impedance boundaries below water bottom 20, and may travel upwardly and be detected by sensors in streamers 30.The structure of the formations, among other properties of the Earth's subsurface, may be inferred by detection of seismic wavefield 19 and by characteristics of the detected seismic wavefield, such as amplitude, phase, travel time, etc.\",\n \"The orientation, configuration, and number of streamers, sensors, streamer positioning devices, or other equipment shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 is only for purposes of illustration and is not a limitation on the orientation, configuration, or number of each device that may be used in any particular embodiment.\",\n \"The broken lines in streamers 30 indicate that this figure is not necessarily drawn to scale Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"2, a schematic of a sensor configuration of one embodiment of streamer 30 is shown.\",\n \"Sensors may be combined into groups, for example, to increase sensitivity and/or improve the signal-to-noise ratio.\",\n \"In the embodiment shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, streamer 30 includes particle motion sensor groups 500, 510, 520, and 530, as well as pressure sensor groups 400, 410, 420, and 430.In this embodiment, particle motion sensor group 500 may include a plurality of particle motion sensors 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D (“50A-50D”) that are electrically connected to form particle motion sensor group 500.Particle motion sensors 50A-50D may in some embodiments be 1-, 2-, or 3-axis sensors configured to measure one or more vector components of particle motion in the body of water 11.The term “sensor group,” as used herein, is defined as a set of two or more sensors (e.g., particle motion sensors or pressure sensors) that are connected together such that the outputs of the sensors are combined in an analog fashion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a sensor group may span a length of 5 meters along a streamer.\",\n \"In some other embodiments, a sensor group may span a length of 10 meters along a streamer.\",\n \"For example, sensors within a group may be connected electrically or optically in some embodiments.\",\n \"In some embodiments, this combined analog output from a sensor group may then be digitized for further processing.\",\n \"Sensors within a group may in various embodiments be connected in serial and/or in parallel.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an example configuration in which particle motion sensor groups 500, 510, 520, and 530 include both series and parallel connections.\",\n \"That is (for example), particle motion sensors 50A and 50B are connected in series, and particle motion sensors 50C and 50D are connected in series, and the two pairs are then connected in parallel.\",\n \"One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will of course understand that there are various ways of connecting the sensor outputs in each group.\",\n \"In known designs, it has been considered desirable for all of the sensors within a sensor group to be rigidly connected together (e.g., disposed within a single rigid body in the streamer).\",\n \"Such a rigid arrangement may have the advantage of simplifying processing of the resultant data, but it may have the disadvantage of limiting the flexibility that would be available if sensors within a group could be mounted non-rigidly relative to one another.\",\n \"According to embodiments of the present disclosure, sensors within a single group may be mounted non-rigidly to one another.\",\n \"The number of sensors in a group may be selected as appropriate in various instances.\",\n \"For example, a group may include 2, 3, 6, 12, 16, 24, 32, or any other appropriate number of sensors.\",\n \"Particle motion sensor group 500 may be coupled to digitizing unit 300.Digitizing unit 300 may be configured to process the combined signals of particle motion sensors 50A-50D.\",\n \"For example, in some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may include an analog to digital conversion circuitry that is configured to digitize the combined signals of particle motion sensors 50A-50D.\",\n \"Digitizing unit 300 may in some embodiments also be configured to perform some additional processing on the signals from particle motion sensors 50A-50D.\",\n \"For example, digitizing unit 300 may be configured to determine a particular component (e.g., vertical) of motion based on the signal from particle motion sensors 50A-50D.\",\n \"In some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may be configured to process a summed signal of particle motion sensor group 500.In these embodiments, signals from particle motion sensors 50A-50D in particle motion sensor group 500 may be summed to generate the equivalent of a single particle motion sensor signal.\",\n \"In some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may include a module or circuitry to attenuate noise in a summed signal of particle motion sensor group 500 by respectively weighting signals of each of particle motion sensors 50A-50D and determining a weighted signal.\",\n \"For example, in an electrical system, the weights may be determined by selecting appropriate values for resistors used to connect each particle motion sensor to the others in the group.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the spacing between each adjacent particle motion sensor 50A-50D and the weight of each of particle motion sensor may be selected to attenuate noise in a selected mode of propagation and within a selected wavenumber range.\",\n \"Some embodiments of connections between sensors in a group involving weighting are described in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"8,553,490, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, output from digitizing unit 300 may be communicatively coupled to telemetry network 100 and transmitted to recording system 12 (onboard vessel 14 in FIG.\",\n \"1) for data analysis and/or further processing.\",\n \"Similar to particle motion sensor group 500, particle motion sensor groups 510, 520, and 530 may each respectively contain particle motion sensors 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D; 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D; and 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D.\",\n \"Each of these groups may also respectively be coupled to digitizing units 310, 320, and 330.In known designs, the particle motion sensors within a group are typically rigidly connected together so that their orientation relative to one another remains constant.\",\n \"For example, a gimbal may be used in known designs to maintain a sensor in a desired orientation (e.g., vertical).\",\n \"These known designs may have the advantage of simplifying data collection and processing, but they may lack flexibility in sensor placement.\",\n \"The particle motion sensors in a particle motion sensor group need not be rigidly connected together, and thus individual sensors within a group may be moved relative to one another by, for example, water currents, streamer twisting, streamer untwisting, forces applied by birds, etc.\",\n \"Such motion may occur during survey operations, such as during the time in between survey shots or even (though typically to a lesser extent) during a single shot.\",\n \"For example, the individual sensors may be independently rotatable with respect to an axis (such as the streamer axis).\",\n \"They may also in some embodiments be movable longitudinally relative to one another along the streamer axis or movable based on streamer bending, although it is expected that these effects will typically be smaller than rotational effects.\",\n \"Such an arrangement may allow for more flexibility in the positioning of sensors within a group.\",\n \"Various challenges may be introduced by not rigidly connecting together all sensors in a group.\",\n \"As described herein, these challenges may be mitigated or eliminated with the benefit of this disclosure.\",\n \"In some embodiments, particular ones of the sensors within a group may be mounted rigidly together, while other ones are free to move.\",\n \"For example, particle motion sensors 50A and 50B may be rigidly mounted together, and particle motion sensors 50C and 50D may be rigidly mounted together, but the pairs may be free to move relative to one another.\",\n \"In other embodiments, all of the sensors within a group may be free to move relative to one another.\",\n \"In one embodiment, for example, the particle motion sensors in a group may be disposed (e.g., mounted) in two or more rigid bodies.\",\n \"These rigid bodies, however, may be movable with respect to one another.\",\n \"In an alternative embodiment, the particle motion sensors in a group may be disposed within a single non-rigid (e.g., bendable) body.\",\n \"In one embodiment, particle motion sensors 50A-50D may be disposed within streamer 30 and arranged such that they are longitudinally spaced apart from each other along a length of streamer 30.In a particular embodiment, a distance between particle motion sensors 50A and 50B may be less than or equal to 1 meter.\",\n \"Particle motion sensors 50A-50D in particle motion sensor group 500 may or may not be evenly spaced apart.\",\n \"Distance is generally measured from a center of an item, for example, a body such as a spacer which may house a sensor, to a center of another item (e.g., another body such as another spacer housing another sensor).\",\n \"The term “spacer” is understood to mean a solid structural component within a streamer that connects to the strength members.\",\n \"The term “body” includes spacers, but also includes various other solid structures within a streamer to which sensors may be mounted.\",\n \"The mechanical arrangement of particle motions sensors 50A-50D within a streamer will be discussed in further detail below in reference to FIG.\",\n \"4.In some embodiments, digitizing unit 300 may be disposed within 5 meters of particle motion sensor group 500.The respective distance between particle motion sensor group 510, 520, and 530 and respective digitizing units 310, 320, or 330 may or may not be the same.\",\n \"Streamer 30 may contain multiple such particle motion sensor groups and digitizing units.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, streamer 30 may also in some embodiments include pressure sensor groups 400, 410, 420, and 430, which may include individual pressure sensors that are connected together.\",\n \"Pressure sensors 40A-40D may be, for example, hydrophones.\",\n \"Pressure sensors 40A-40D may be disposed within streamer 30 and be arranged longitudinally spaced apart from each other along a length of the streamer 30.Similarly, pressure sensor groups 410, 420, and 430 may respectively include pressure sensors 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41D; 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D; and 43A, 43B, 43C, and 43D.\",\n \"Pressure sensor group 400 may be configured to produce an electrical or optical signal indicative of a pressure variation.\",\n \"Digitizing unit 300 may be configured to process output of pressure sensor group 400 and such output may be transmitted to recording system 12 via telemetry network 100.In some embodiments, a separate digitizing unit (not shown) may be used instead of digitizing unit 300.In some embodiments, the pressure sensors need not be arranged into groups.\",\n \"Instead, a digitizing unit may be configured to process the output of an individual pressure sensor.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the pressure sensors may even be omitted altogether.\",\n \"The digitized output of the pressure sensors (if present) may similarly be transmitted to recording system 12 via telemetry network 100.Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"3, an alternative embodiment (generally similar to that of FIG.\",\n \"2) is shown.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"3, a different configuration for the sensors is depicted.\",\n \"Particle motion sensor groups 600 and 610 respectively include particle motion sensors 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D connected in series; and 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D connected in series.\",\n \"Digitizing unit 200 may be configured to process signals from both particle motion sensor groups 600 and 610.In addition, digitizing unit 200 may be configured to process signals from pressure sensor groups 700 and 710.The remainder of FIG.\",\n \"3 may be understood by reference to corresponding structures in FIG.\",\n \"2.One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand the multitude of ways that sensors may be connected together in various instances.\",\n \"Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"4, a cut-away view of a portion 30A of streamer 30 is shown (not necessarily to scale).\",\n \"Streamer portion 30A may include external jacket 22, a plurality of bodies including bodies 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D (“18A-18D”), along with connectors 38A and 38B, and strength members 44A and 44B.\",\n \"In this particular embodiment, streamer portion 30A may also include coupling plates 43A and 43B.\",\n \"External jacket 22 may be formed from a flexible, acoustically transparent material such as polyurethane and protect the interior of streamer portion 30A from water intrusion.\",\n \"Connectors 38A and 38B may be disposed at the ends of streamer portion 30A and may be configured to connect streamer portion 30A mechanically, electrically, and/or optically to the remaining portions of streamer 30.Also included in streamer portion 30A is cable 15 that may include one or more electrical conductors (not shown separately), and/or one or more optical fibers (not shown).\",\n \"Cable 15 may include telemetry network 100 (shown schematically in FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3) and may transmit electrical and/or optical signals to recording system 12.Cable 15 may also carry electrical power to, for example, various sensors, digitizing units, and/or other components disposed elsewhere along streamer 30.Strength members 44A and 44B may be configured to support the tension of streamer 30 resulting from towing (as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1) in the direction of longitudinal axis 59.As noted above, in some embodiments, bodies 18A-18D may be spacers that are configured to provide radial support of streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"Such spacers may be of a cylindrical or other shape.\",\n \"The spacers may be made from plastic, foamed polyurethane or any other suitable material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the spacers may be made from a material configured to provide buoyancy to streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"In yet an alternative embodiment, one or more of the bodies may be a housing that is flexible or bendable.\",\n \"In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"4, body 18A may house particle motion sensor 50A.\",\n \"In some embodiments, particle motion sensor 50A may be rigidly disposed within body 18A.\",\n \"In other embodiments, other types of suitable devices such as harnesses and others may be used to mount particle motion sensor 50A and/or other sensors within body 18A.\",\n \"In the illustration of FIG.\",\n \"4, each of bodies 18A-18D is coupled to strength members 44A and 44B.\",\n \"Particle motion sensors 50A-50D of particle motion sensor group 500 may each be rigidly disposed within corresponding bodies 18A-18D.\",\n \"As such, each of particle motion sensors 50A-50D may not be movable relative to the corresponding body in which it is housed.\",\n \"However, as streamer portion 30A may twist, compress, or otherwise move during towing, bodies 18A-18D may also move or twist relative to on another.\",\n \"Accordingly, particle motion sensors 50A-50D may also move or twist relative to one another.\",\n \"Bodies 18A-18D may in some embodiments also contain one or more pressure sensors.\",\n \"In other embodiments, such pressure sensors may instead be housed in separate bodies (not specifically labeled in FIG.\",\n \"4).\",\n \"For example, a pressure sensor (or group of pressure sensors) may in some embodiments be located within 10 meters of a corresponding group of particle motion sensors.\",\n \"As noted above, the movement and/or twisting of bodies 18A-18D relative to one another may cause particle motion sensors 50A-50D (e.g., some or all of such particle motion sensors) to become misaligned relative to one another.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “misaligned” (or variations of the term) means an arrangement of at least two items where the orientation of the items differs by more than 3°.\",\n \"The term “aligned” (or variations of the term) means an arrangement of at least two items where the orientation of the items differs by less than or equal to 3°.\",\n \"In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the items to be aligned even more closely than 3°.\",\n \"For example, it may be advantageous for the items to be aligned to within 2.5°, 2°, 1.5°, 1°, 0.5°, 0.1°, etc.\",\n \"in various embodiments.\",\n \"In one particular embodiment, bodies 18A-18D are evenly spaced at distance “a” along the length of streamer portion 30A, and distance “a” is approximately 0.5 meters.\",\n \"In this embodiment, bodies 18A-18D thus extend for a length of approximately 1.5 meters along the length of streamer portion 30A, and particle motion group 500 which includes particle motion sensors 50A-50D extends for the same approximate length of approximately 1.5 meters along streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"In an alternative embodiment, bodies 18A-18D may be variably spaced.\",\n \"In other embodiments, the length of the particle motion sensor group may be approximately 3 meters or even longer.\",\n \"Other lengths may also be chosen as appropriate.\",\n \"Streamer portion 30A may also include bodies 36A and 36B, which may be coupled to strength members 44A and 44B.\",\n \"In this embodiment, particle motion sensors 51A and 51B may be rigidly disposed within body 36A, whereas particle motion sensors 51C and 51D may be rigidly disposed within body 36B.\",\n \"Particle motion sensor group 510 is accordingly disposed within bodies 36A and 36B.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, particle motion sensor groups 500 and 510 may be separated by distance “b” which may be in an approximate range of 1-15 meters along the length of streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"Particle motion sensor groups such as groups 500, 510, 520 and 530 (shown in FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3) may or may not be evenly spaced apart along the length of streamer 30.In one embodiment, particle motion sensors 50A-50D in particle motion sensor group 500 may be generally oriented along one or more axes (e.g., two axes) orthogonal to longitudinal axis 59 (for example, vertical and horizontal axes).\",\n \"For example, particle motion sensors 50A-50B may be oriented along one axis that is orthogonal to longitudinal axis 59, and particle motion sensors 50C-50D may be oriented a different (e.g., mutually orthogonal) axis.\",\n \"In other words, particle motion sensor group 500 may include two subgroups of sensors that are both oriented orthogonal to longitudinal axis 59 and that are also oriented orthogonal to one another.\",\n \"Such subgroups may contain one or more particle motion sensors.\",\n \"In some embodiments, streamer portion 30A may contain body 17 in which a tilt sensor (also referred to as an orientation sensor) may be disposed.\",\n \"For example, a single tilt sensor may be used to determine the twist orientation of the body in which the sensor is mounted.\",\n \"In other instances, multiple tilt sensors may be used to determine a twist rate along a selected length of the streamer or streamer portion.\",\n \"As described below, the twist orientation and/or the twist rate may be used to mitigate the effects of sensor misalignment.\",\n \"Body 17 may be disposed within distance “c” from particle motion sensor group 500.Distance “c” may, in some embodiments, be approximately 1 to 2 meters.\",\n \"In other embodiments, distance “c” may be within a range of approximately 1 to 5 meters of particle motion sensor group 500.In some embodiments, the tilt sensor may be disposed within one of the same bodies as an element of particle motion sensor group 500.The tilt sensor may include an accelerometer sensor, a gyroscopic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a combination thereof, or any other suitable device for indicating a tilt state.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the tilt sensor may be of a particular orientation relative to one of particle motion sensors in particle motion sensor group 500.In this embodiment, the particular orientation of the tilt sensor relative to at least one particle motion sensor in particle motion sensor group 500 may be known prior to the commencement of the marine seismic survey operations.\",\n \"Based on such a known orientation, the tilt sensor may be configured to indicate a change in orientation such as a tilt angle of the at least one particle motion sensor in particle motion sensor group 500.A tilt sensor (which may also generally be referred to as an “orientation sensor”) may indicate a misalignment of a particle motion sensor relative to other particle motion sensors in particle motion sensor group 500.Misalignment may be indicative of twisting of streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"While tilt sensors are typically used to indicate a rotational relationship relative to a particular axis, in some embodiments, more than one tilt sensor may be spatially separated by a selected length along the streamer axis in order to estimate the amount of twist in the streamer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the tilt sensor(s) may be in signal communication with streamer positioning device 35, and upon an indication of twisting of streamer portion 30A, streamer positioning device 35 may accordingly untwist the streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"As shown in this embodiment, streamer positioning device 35 may be coupled to exterior jacket 22 of streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"In other embodiments, streamer positioning device 35 may be coupled in between streamer portions such as those that may be connected by way of connector 38A or 38B.\",\n \"Typically, such streamer positioning device may be coupled to streamer 30 about every 300 meters.\",\n \"Streamer positioning device 35 may include a sensor configured to determine the orientation of streamer portion 30A at the location of streamer positioning device 35.Streamer positioning device 35 may include hydrodynamic deflecting surfaces (e.g., “wings”) that are configured to impart force on streamer portion 30A as it is towed.\",\n \"As such, streamer positioning device 35 may be operable to control a position of streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"Such control may be in the vertical (depth) direction and/or the horizontal (lateral) direction and/or the direction of twist about longitudinal axis 59.Streamer positioning device 35 may also be operable to twist and untwist streamer portion 30A.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, streamer positioning device 35 may impart force upon streamer portion 30A causing it to rotate against a detected amount of twist.\",\n \"As streamer portion 30A is untwisted, particle motion sensors 50A and 50B may be rotated relative to one another and become aligned with one another along a particular axis.\",\n \"In some embodiments, this untwisting functionality may allow particle motion sensors 50A and 50B to become aligned with one another with a difference of orientation less than or equal to 1.5°.\",\n \"Streamer positioning device 35 may in some embodiments be communicatively coupled to a control system on vessel 14.Such a control system may be included in recording system 12.The control system may monitor and control the forces imparted by each of streamer positioning devices 35.In some embodiments, the control system may maintain a model (e.g., a dynamic computer-based model) of position, orientation, and other data of each of the streamers including streamer 30.As such, the model may include an orientation of the particle motion sensors that are disposed within streamer 30.Based on the model, the control system may determine the forces that streamer positioning devices 35 should impart to adjust the position and/or rotational orientation of streamer 30.In one embodiment, for example, an orientation of particle motion sensor group 500 along with data indicative of a position of streamer 30 may be included in the computer-based model.\",\n \"The control system may then update the orientation of particle motion sensor group 500 and position of streamer 30 in the model based on data from tilt sensor(s) and/or the forces that streamer positioning devices 35 impart on streamer 30.In certain embodiments, the control system may include a module or circuitry configured to dynamically compensate the signals output from a particle motion sensor group based on the twist (e.g., relative movement/misalignment between particle motion sensors in a particle motion sensor group).\",\n \"In some embodiments, an important impact of streamer twist is that a group of vector-based sensors (e.g., particle motion sensors) may show a reduced output due to the misalignment among the sensors in the group.\",\n \"In some embodiments, recording system 12 (or circuitry on the streamers themselves, such as the digitizing units) may compensate for the effects of twist.\",\n \"The reduction in signal due to sensor misalignment within a group may be mathematically compensated for.\",\n \"For example, consider the case where a streamer has a twist rate per unit length of θ(l).\",\n \"The analog output, y, of the particle motion sensor group may then be given by: y = ∑ l = - x x a l cos ( ∫ 0 l θ ( z ) dz ) In this equation, l denotes the position along the length of a particle motion sensor group that extends from −x to +x along the streamer axis, and the a's denote the ideal output of the individual sensor at position l (that is, the output that would be expected in the absence of any twist).\",\n \"The integral over the dummy variable z represents the amount of streamer twist at position l based on the twist rate θ, and the cosine indicates the amount by which each term is reduced due to the twist.\",\n \"Under some circumstances (e.g., if the twist rate is relatively constant, or if the group length is relatively short), the sum given above may be well-approximated by assuming that θ is approximately constant over the group length.\",\n \"In this case, the equation above becomes: y ≅ ∑ l = - x x a l cos ( l θ ( l ) ) The twist-compensated output ycomp (scaled to an equivalent single sensor output at l=0) can be approximated by using the inverse of the “geometrical factor” (that is, the sum of the cosines): y comp ≅ y · 1 ∑ l = - x x cos ( l θ ( l ) ) Turning now to FIGS.\",\n \"5-7, flow charts of various embodiments of methods according to this disclosure are shown.\",\n \"It should be understood that according to some embodiments, fewer than all steps of each method may be performed in accordance with this disclosure, and that in some embodiments the steps may be performed in a different order.\",\n \"Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"5, an embodiment of a method of operating a streamer according to this disclosure is shown.\",\n \"Process 900 starts at block 910.At block 910, a vessel tows an array of streamers in a body of water, and at least one of the streamers in the array includes a group of particle motion sensors that are not rigidly aligned to one another.\",\n \"Process 900 proceeds to block 920.At block 920, the streamer becomes twisted, causing a rotation of some of the particle motion sensors in the group relative to others in the group.\",\n \"Process 900 proceeds to block 930.At block 930, in response to the at least one streamer becoming twisted, a streamer positioning device imparts force on the streamer causing it to untwist by rotating against the twist.\",\n \"Process 900 proceeds to block 940.At block 940, as the streamer rotates and untwists, some particle motion sensors in the group are rotated relative to others in the group.\",\n \"Process 900 proceeds to block 950.At block 950, the particle motion sensors in the group become aligned (for example, they may become aligned along the vertical axis).\",\n \"Process 900 ends at block 950.Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"6, another embodiment of a method of operating a streamer according to this disclosure is shown.\",\n \"Process 1000 starts at block 1010.At block 1010, a vessel tows an array of streamers in a body of water, and at least one of the streamers in the array includes a group of particle motion sensors that are not rigidly aligned to one another.\",\n \"Process 1000 proceeds to block 1020.At block 1020, the streamer becomes twisted, causing a rotation of some of the particle motion sensors in the group relative to others in the group.\",\n \"Process 1000 proceeds to block 1030.At block 1030, the amount of twist (e.g., a twist orientation and/or a twist rate) is detected.\",\n \"For example, this may be detected via one or more twist sensors in the streamer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a twist sensor may be formed from two (or more) tilt sensors separated by a selected distance along the length of the streamer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the amount may be detected via other types of sensors, such as sensors operable to detect the direction of gravity and/or the earth's magnetic field.\",\n \"Process 1000 proceeds to block 1040.At block 1040, the twist is mathematically compensated for.\",\n \"For example, this may be done via the equations described above or by other methods in various embodiments.\",\n \"Process 1000 ends at block 1040.Turning now to FIG.\",\n \"7, another embodiment of a method according to this disclosure is shown.\",\n \"Process 1100 starts at block 1110.At block 1110, an array of streamers is towed behind a vessel in a body of water.\",\n \"Process 1100 proceeds to block 1120.At block 1120, it is noted that at least one of the streamers in the array houses a group of particle motion sensors configured to measure motion along a particular axis.\",\n \"Process 1100 proceeds to block 1130.At block 1130, it is noted that the group includes a first particle motion sensor and a second particle motion sensor not rigidly coupled to one another.\",\n \"Process 1100 ends at block 1130.According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the signal-to-noise ratio of particle motion sensors may be improved during a marine seismic survey operation.\",\n \"According to some embodiments, survey sensitivity may be increased, and/or inefficiencies related to streamer twisting may be reduced, and/or overall survey operation cost may be reduced.\",\n \"Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature.\",\n \"Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise.\",\n \"The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.\",\n \"The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein.\",\n \"Various embodiments may provide some, all, or none of the described advantages.\",\n \"Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features.\",\n \"In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875084"}}},{"rowIdx":4494776,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Travel Planning Application","A method for travel planning which includes a customized application and results in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on a combination of user-selected criteria; radius searching; and real-time, simultaneous, multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation executed by and presented on a computer or smart device for user preference.","At least one embodiment focuses on travel planning for visiting colleges and universities prior to making decisions on where to apply to or where to enroll."],["1.A computer-implemented method comprising: storing, by a server, in a database, a plurality of colleges and universities (“C/Us”), each of the C/Us associated with: C/U student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score, a grade point average (“GPA”), a student ranking, a required degree, a required course, and a required grade; and C/U information relating to one or more of: contact information, curriculum information, degree information, tuition information, size information, admissions information, tour information, visitor information, extracurricular activity information, reputation information, a type, student population information and faculty information; a C/U location; storing, by the server, in the database, a plurality of destinations, each of the destinations associated with a destination location; receiving, by the server, from an input device associated with a user, user student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score associated with the user, a GPA associated with the user, a high school associated with the user, a student ranking associated with the user, a degree associated with the user, a completed course associated with the user, and a grade associated with the user; receiving, by the server, from the input device, user preferences information relating to one or more of: a desired curriculum offered by a C/U, a degree offered by a C/U, a tuition charged by a C/U, a C/U size, an extracurricular activity offered by a C/U, a C/U reputation, a C/U type, and C/U faculty; receiving, by the server, from the input device, locating information comprising at least one of: a location of the user, a location of the input device, and a location designated by the user; receiving, by the server, from the input device, a desired radius limitation; transmitting, by the server, to the input device, one or more matching C/Us selected from the plurality of C/Us stored in the database, upon a determination that: the C/U location associated with each of the matching C/Us is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; the received user student qualifications information is comparable to the C/U student qualifications information associated with each of the matching C/Us; and the received user preferences information is comparable to the C/U information associated with each of the matching C/Us; receiving, by the server, from the input device, a selected C/U selected from the one or more matching C/Us; and transmitting, by the server, to the input device: a map interface comprising: the selected C/U; and one or more determined destinations selected from the plurality of destinations stored in the database, upon a determination that the destination location associated with each of the determined destinations is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; and at least a portion of the C/U information associated with the selected C/U, the portion of the C/U information comprising at least one of: the contact information, the admissions information, tour information, visitor information, and the student population information.","2.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the C/U information associated with each of the C/Us stored in the database further comprises information relating to at least one of: student employment, financial aid, majors, information sessions, clubs, sports, activities, and organizations.","3.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein each of the destinations stored in the database is further associated with destination information comprising at least one of: a destination name and a destination type.","4.A computer-implemented method according to claim 3, further comprising: transmitting, by the server, to the input device, the destination information associated with each of the transmitted destinations.","5.A computer-implemented method according to claim 3, wherein the destination type is selected from the group consisting of: a structure, an address, a school, a college, a university, a tourist site, a university, a business, a movie theatre, a store, an office, a facility, a gas station, a restaurant, lodging, a hotel, a hostel, and a landmark.","6.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the location information comprises one or more of: an address, a street name, a city, a zip code, a state, a county, a village, a town, a landmark, and a C/U name.","7.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted portion of the C/U information associated with each of the selected C/Us further comprises one or more of: a link to obtain information relating to tour availability, a link to schedule a visit, a link to schedule an interview, a link to obtain visitor information, a link to a social media account, and a link to a website.","8.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein: the locating information comprises the location of the input device; and the method further comprises: generating transit directions from the location of the input device to the selected C/U; and transmitting the transit directions to the input device such that they are displayed to the user via the transmitted map interface.","9.A computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the location of the input device to a selected destination selected from the determined destinations.","10.A computer-implemented method according to claim 9, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the selected destination to the selected C/U.","11.A computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the selected C/U to at least one of the determined destinations.","12.A computer program product encoded on one or more non-transitory computer storage media, the computer program product comprising instructions that when executed by one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: storing, by the one or more computers, in a database, a plurality of colleges and universities (“C/Us”), each of the C/Us associated with: C/U student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score, a grade point average (“GPA”), a student ranking, a required degree, a required course, and a required grade; C/U information relating to one or more of: contact information, curriculum information, degree information, tuition information, size information, admissions information, tour information, visitor information, extracurricular activity information, reputation information, a type, student population information and faculty information; and a C/U location; storing, by the one or more computers, in the database, a plurality of destinations, each of the destinations associated with a destination location; receiving, by the one or more computers, from an input device associated with a user, user student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score associated with the user, a GPA associated with the user, a student ranking associated with the user, a degree associated with the user, a completed course associated with the user, and a grade associated with the user; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, user preferences information relating to one or more of: a desired curriculum offered by a C/U, a degree offered by a C/U, a tuition charged by a C/U, a C/U size, an extracurricular activity offered by a C/U, a C/U reputation, a C/U type, and C/U faculty; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, locating information comprising at least one of: a location of the user, a location of the input device, and a location designated by the user; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, a desired radius limitation; transmitting, by the one or more computers, to the input device, one or more matching C/Us selected from the plurality of C/Us stored in the database, upon a determination that: the C/U location associated with each of the matching C/Us is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; the received user student qualifications information is comparable to the C/U student qualifications information associated with each of the matching C/Us; and the received user preferences information is comparable to the C/U information associated with each of the matching C/Us; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, a selected C/U selected from the one or more matching C/Us; and transmitting, by the one or more computers, to the input device: a map interface comprising: the selected C/U; and one or more determined destinations selected from the plurality of destinations stored in the database, upon a determination that the destination location associated with each of the determined destinations is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; and at least a portion of the C/U information associated with the selected C/U, the portion of the C/U information comprising at least one of: the contact information, the admissions information, tour information, visitor information, and the student population information.","13.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the C/U information associated with each of the C/Us stored in the database further comprises information relating to at least one of: student employment, financial aid, majors, information sessions, clubs, sports, activities, and organizations.","14.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein each of the destinations stored in the database is further associated with destination information comprising at least one of: a destination name and a destination type.","15.A computer program product according to claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise: transmitting, by the server, to the input device, the destination information associated with each of the transmitted destinations.","16.A computer program product according to claim 14, wherein the destination type is selected from the group consisting of: a structure, an address, a school, a college, a university, a tourist site, a university, a business, a movie theatre, a store, an office, a facility, a gas station, a restaurant, lodging, a hotel, a hostel, and a landmark.","17.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the location information comprises one or more of: an address, a street name, a city, a zip code, a state, a county, a village, a town, a landmark, and a C/U name.","18.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the transmitted portion of the C/U information associated with each of the selected C/Us further comprises one or more of: a link to obtain information relating to tour availability, a link to schedule a visit, a link to schedule an interview, a link to obtain visitor information, a link to a social media account, and a link to a website.","19.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein: the locating information comprises the location of the input device; and the operations further comprise: generating transit directions from the location of the input device to the selected C/U; and transmitting the transit directions to the input device such that they are displayed to the user via the transmitted map interface.","20.A computer program product according to claim 19, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the location of the input device to at least one destination selected from the determined destinations."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention is a method for creating unique groups of locations to be included in travel destination itinerary based on customized criteria and real-time communications, and radius searching, which aides in the reduction of time increasing ones' options and enhancing the experience of visiting locations and destinations.","The present invention was made to fill a gap in visiting/searching for and choosing from destinations, generally, and, more specifically, colleges and universities (“C/Us”).","Geography is an important factor when deciding on C/Us since it has been shown that an estimated 75% of college students go to schools within approximately 230 miles of their homes (Journal of College Admission).","However, no prior art was found that specifically discloses a specialized C/U visitation program to aid in locating relevant, nearby C/Us or that concerns a visitation trip where a goal is a pre-attendance C/U trip.","The state of the prior art does not deal specifically with pre-attendance C/U travel planning; the prior art does not live feed curriculum/course information or allow the input of student specific information (e.g., qualifying SAT/GPAs) and/or C/U-specific information (e.g., student population, average tuition costs, etc.)","to help choose appropriate and relevant nearby C/Us.","Most college research tools cover so many bases that they either do not address the college visit in depth at all or they spend time addressing what goes on after the student is enrolled in school.","The present invention addresses these issues by allowing for a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over the radius you choose, and providing relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact info, etc.","This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs while also presenting options and choices that might have been missed without this app."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention relates to a method for visiting, searching for, or choosing from a variety of destinations, generally, and more specifically, C/Us, using radius searching.","It can combine primary target or primary desired and secondary nearby destinations as well as data input of different types to narrow search results.","More relevant search results are also obtained by searching within a desired radius of a primary target or primary desired location, secondary nearby destinations, or other destination.","The search results can be provided in the form of an itinerary together with directions for visiting the destinations.","They can also include relevant information about the destinations, as well as information about local restaurants, lodging, gas stations, and other possible stops or sites along the way.","The system and method of the invention also makes possible two-way communication between the user and the destination to allow the user to make appointments (e.g., schedule interviews), reservations (e.g., for dinner), etc.","The system and method of the invention can be included in the form of a mobile app to make it easier to make such appointments and reservations on the go and to obtain relevant information about nearby destinations to add to the itinerary if time permits, all of which make travelling more economical, more useful and more convenient.","The system and method of the invention lets a user find destinations within a chosen radius to make visits, including travel directions/options, local restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc.","pertaining to the trip itineraries.","The present invention fills a niche that no other applications fully explore.","When using the system and method of the invention, a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over a radius you choose, provides relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact information, etc.","A method of creating at least one new uniquely created group, and customized list and map, which includes C/Us meeting a specific customized criteria, by conducting a search with specific customized criteria including a location search of CUs, resulting in preparing at least one new uniquely created group and customized list, itinerary and, mapped route to visit C/Us, and a uniquely created list providing criteria and information for communicating with C/Us and/or direct communication immediate and in real time to the C/Us contained in the at least one new uniquely created group that is created and selected by at least one user and customizing the unique group by selecting from a uniquely formatted on screen visual presentation of all the matched choices presented to said user utilizing the screen of a user smart device running a specific software application, such method allowing for at least one user directed to utilizing a specific mechanical device that functions running software specially to retrieve data such as location data and upload the information so that the claimed method generates and presents information in real time together for the user to then make selections from and follow through the other steps of the claimed method as the users are directed towards performing steps leading to identifying the potential stops and locations creating a new data file containing new relevant groups combining together from different sources to produce the resulting group which technology rooted in computer identifies elements and sources together and grouping them in real time in a new unique group of required elements allowing for large amounts of data about C/U's, locations and the sources along with various additional data to be displayed on a smart device and for the information to be reviewed by the user at a glance thus comprising of the following steps: initiating the method by downloading a specific software application, registering for a sign-in process, initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; receiving of the input of student data input by at least one user wherein said student data is comprised of specific student qualifications and student choices, utilizing user smart device comprising a global position system (“GPS”) or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and running specific software application that utilizes at least one storage database containing information related to C/Us and other preselected content; calculating and determining unique list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the at least one storage database matches or is comparable to the criteria of the student data; receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device and a desired radius limitation from user input to input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generating a unique list or group and a map to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display, receiving a selection from the information input into the input device of one or more C/Us from the list and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; transmitting one-way communication(s) to or transmit to and receive two-way communication(s) from relevant C/Us via the wireless communication transceiver, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and executing and performing at least one of: receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, generating and displaying a second unique list and map showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps, only human performed, receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us of interest on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps only human performed, and/or destinations relevant to other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, receiving student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another new group, and receiving a selection of one or more C/Us from the list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/Us on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, and receiving further student data to generate at least one combined list and group of C/Us.","The method may include that student qualifications comprise of at least one of standardized test scores (e.g., SAT scores and/or ACT scores), GPA scores, school attended, school attending, year of graduation, public or private school, years of attendance, high school attending, high school attended, type of education, degree(s), grade(s), course(s), curriculum, school rating, class rating, class ranking, student rating, and/or student ranking.","The method may include that student choices comprise of at least one of curriculum, degrees offered, school requirements, public or private, tuition, additional school costs, extracurricular activities, school organizations, student organizations, size of school, type of school, housing, school statistics, school information, school data, school criteria, school history, faculty, faculty information, school achievements or honors, school reputation, school area information, distance coordinates, and/or travel considerations.","The method may include that the locating information comprises of at least one of: longitude, latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination (optionally including a destination address in part or in whole), college, university, school, school name, phone number (in part or in whole), email, web address, social media address, Skype name, information that helps to determine the starting or beginning point of a search, and/or information that helps to determine any point or destination of a search.","The method may include wherein the input device is at least one of: tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, handheld device, iPhone, iPad, mobile phone, touch screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, smart device, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, visual device, or any other device capable of interfacing with a communications network.","The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of student population, average annual tuition, tuition, and at least one of tour availability, admissions information, admissions appointments or availability, visiting information, tour information, and/or information sessions.","The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: a link to communicate with, call the C/Us, link to the C/Us' website, link to make an online appointment for an interview, and/or link to the C/Us' Facebook page or other social media.","The method may include that further comprising a software element that can utilize a map application programming interface (“API”).","The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver is at least one of 2-way text-to-cell communication, 2-way voice communication, 2-way social media communications, 2-way texting, 2-way phone, 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and 2-way communication.","The method may include that the mobile device is further programmed to receive and execute a request from the input device for sorting the generated C/Us by one or more of distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, student population, average annual tuition, tour availability, information sessions, and/or size.","The invention in some embodiments is a system for conducting a location-based search of CUs, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit C/Us, and communicating with C/Us comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes information stored in a storage database, the mobile device programmed to: receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate and display a list and map, the list displaying and the map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list displaying, and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or Journey includes public or other methods of transportation, transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination C/U via the wireless communication transceiver, receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a group; and execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/U s from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us; generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/U s of interest; and receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging.","The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: student population, average annual tuition, and at least one of tour availability, information sessions, distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, and size.","The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name, a place, structure, event, site, address, tourist site, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional office, professional practices, professional address, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hospital, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices.","The method may include that information generated about the selected C/Us comprises a link to communicate with the C/Us, a link to call the C/Us, a link to the C/U's website, a link to make an online appointment for an interview at the selected C/Us, and a link to the C/U's Facebook page or other social media, and the wireless communication transceiver.","The method may include a mobile device that is a tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, hand held device, iPhone, or iPad, mobile phone, touch-screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, virtual device, or any smart device capable of interfacing with a communications network.","A system for conducting a criteria and location-based search of destinations, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit destinations, and communicating with destinations is provided comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes a storage database containing information related to destinations and other preselected content.","The mobile device may be programmed to: receive destination data from the input device; calculate and determine a list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data; receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data and the locating information and determining which destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device; display the list of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant destinations generated, generate information about the selected destinations, and display said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein a planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation; transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination or location included via the wireless communication transceiver; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, and save the one or more destinations selected from the list of relevant destinations as a group.","The mobile device may be further programmed to execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destinations data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destinations data and the second locating information and determining which destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, generating information about the selected destinations, and displaying said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, receiving a selection of repeat destinations of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected destinations of interest, and displaying said information about the selected destinations of interest; receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging; receiving destinations data for another group, which is the same or different from the destinations data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/e=a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group, and receiving a selection of one or more destinations from the list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group and saving the selected destinations, and receiving further destinations data to generate at least one combined list of destinations.","The method may include that destination data comprises at least one of: type of destination, name of destination, and/or category of destination, or a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, university.","The method may include that business, target location, desired location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional address, professional office, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices, geographic coordinate(s), geolocation, longitude and latitude, measurements, address in part or in whole, a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, or university.","The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name.","The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver at least one of, at least 2-way text-to-cell communication, at least 2-way voice communication, at least 2-way social media communications, at least 2-way texting, at least 2-way phone, at least 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and at least 2-way communication.","In some embodiments, the invention is a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the said input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.","The instructions further comprise at least one of the following steps of: selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and providing an itinerary of said selected C/Us and a planned route or journey; entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and providing an itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; entering other stops and/or destination data into the said input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into said input device, entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into a input device, generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, repeating these steps as often as desired; and entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; entering into the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of selected C/Us; selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/U s; entering said input device further student data to generate at least one combined list of C/Us; and/or repeating at least one of the above steps as often as desired.","The invention can run on both a computer and/or a smart device.","This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs.","Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments.","Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.","All the material in this patent document issue subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries.","The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation of U.S. utility patent application Ser.","No.","15/617,528, titled “TRAVEL PLANNING APPLICATION RESULTING IN EFFICIENT CUSTOMIZED GROUPING AND COORDINATION OF SELECTED LOCATIONS AND DESTINATIONS BASED ON THE COMBINATION OF USER SELECTED IMPORTANT CRITERIA, RADIUS SEARCHING, AND REAL TIME SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-SOURCE DATA GATHERING, ANALYSIS, AND DERIVATION EXECUTED BY AND PRESENTED ON A COMPUTER AND/OR SMART DEVICE FOR USER PREFERENCE,” having a filing date of Jun.","8, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent application Ser.","No.","13/942,705, titled “Travel App,” having a filing date of Jul.","16, 2013, which claims benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser.","No.","61/676,118, titled “Computer and/or phone APP that lets user find colleges (and what I am calling “basic info” about the colleges such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact info etc.)","within a user chosen radius to make college visits more economical, more useful and more convenient,” having a filing date of Jul.","26, 2012.Each of the above applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.","BACKGROUND The present invention is a method for creating unique groups of locations to be included in travel destination itinerary based on customized criteria and real-time communications, and radius searching, which aides in the reduction of time increasing ones' options and enhancing the experience of visiting locations and destinations.","The present invention was made to fill a gap in visiting/searching for and choosing from destinations, generally, and, more specifically, colleges and universities (“C/Us”).","Geography is an important factor when deciding on C/Us since it has been shown that an estimated 75% of college students go to schools within approximately 230 miles of their homes (Journal of College Admission).","However, no prior art was found that specifically discloses a specialized C/U visitation program to aid in locating relevant, nearby C/Us or that concerns a visitation trip where a goal is a pre-attendance C/U trip.","The state of the prior art does not deal specifically with pre-attendance C/U travel planning; the prior art does not live feed curriculum/course information or allow the input of student specific information (e.g., qualifying SAT/GPAs) and/or C/U-specific information (e.g., student population, average tuition costs, etc.)","to help choose appropriate and relevant nearby C/Us.","Most college research tools cover so many bases that they either do not address the college visit in depth at all or they spend time addressing what goes on after the student is enrolled in school.","The present invention addresses these issues by allowing for a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over the radius you choose, and providing relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact info, etc.","This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs while also presenting options and choices that might have been missed without this app.","SUMMARY The present invention relates to a method for visiting, searching for, or choosing from a variety of destinations, generally, and more specifically, C/Us, using radius searching.","It can combine primary target or primary desired and secondary nearby destinations as well as data input of different types to narrow search results.","More relevant search results are also obtained by searching within a desired radius of a primary target or primary desired location, secondary nearby destinations, or other destination.","The search results can be provided in the form of an itinerary together with directions for visiting the destinations.","They can also include relevant information about the destinations, as well as information about local restaurants, lodging, gas stations, and other possible stops or sites along the way.","The system and method of the invention also makes possible two-way communication between the user and the destination to allow the user to make appointments (e.g., schedule interviews), reservations (e.g., for dinner), etc.","The system and method of the invention can be included in the form of a mobile app to make it easier to make such appointments and reservations on the go and to obtain relevant information about nearby destinations to add to the itinerary if time permits, all of which make travelling more economical, more useful and more convenient.","The system and method of the invention lets a user find destinations within a chosen radius to make visits, including travel directions/options, local restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc.","pertaining to the trip itineraries.","The present invention fills a niche that no other applications fully explore.","When using the system and method of the invention, a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over a radius you choose, provides relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact information, etc.","A method of creating at least one new uniquely created group, and customized list and map, which includes C/Us meeting a specific customized criteria, by conducting a search with specific customized criteria including a location search of CUs, resulting in preparing at least one new uniquely created group and customized list, itinerary and, mapped route to visit C/Us, and a uniquely created list providing criteria and information for communicating with C/Us and/or direct communication immediate and in real time to the C/Us contained in the at least one new uniquely created group that is created and selected by at least one user and customizing the unique group by selecting from a uniquely formatted on screen visual presentation of all the matched choices presented to said user utilizing the screen of a user smart device running a specific software application, such method allowing for at least one user directed to utilizing a specific mechanical device that functions running software specially to retrieve data such as location data and upload the information so that the claimed method generates and presents information in real time together for the user to then make selections from and follow through the other steps of the claimed method as the users are directed towards performing steps leading to identifying the potential stops and locations creating a new data file containing new relevant groups combining together from different sources to produce the resulting group which technology rooted in computer identifies elements and sources together and grouping them in real time in a new unique group of required elements allowing for large amounts of data about C/U's, locations and the sources along with various additional data to be displayed on a smart device and for the information to be reviewed by the user at a glance thus comprising of the following steps: initiating the method by downloading a specific software application, registering for a sign-in process, initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; receiving of the input of student data input by at least one user wherein said student data is comprised of specific student qualifications and student choices, utilizing user smart device comprising a global position system (“GPS”) or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and running specific software application that utilizes at least one storage database containing information related to C/Us and other preselected content; calculating and determining unique list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the at least one storage database matches or is comparable to the criteria of the student data; receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device and a desired radius limitation from user input to input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generating a unique list or group and a map to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display, receiving a selection from the information input into the input device of one or more C/Us from the list and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; transmitting one-way communication(s) to or transmit to and receive two-way communication(s) from relevant C/Us via the wireless communication transceiver, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and executing and performing at least one of: receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, generating and displaying a second unique list and map showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps, only human performed, receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us of interest on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps only human performed, and/or destinations relevant to other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, receiving student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another new group, and receiving a selection of one or more C/Us from the list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/Us on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, and receiving further student data to generate at least one combined list and group of C/Us.","The method may include that student qualifications comprise of at least one of standardized test scores (e.g., SAT scores and/or ACT scores), GPA scores, school attended, school attending, year of graduation, public or private school, years of attendance, high school attending, high school attended, type of education, degree(s), grade(s), course(s), curriculum, school rating, class rating, class ranking, student rating, and/or student ranking.","The method may include that student choices comprise of at least one of curriculum, degrees offered, school requirements, public or private, tuition, additional school costs, extracurricular activities, school organizations, student organizations, size of school, type of school, housing, school statistics, school information, school data, school criteria, school history, faculty, faculty information, school achievements or honors, school reputation, school area information, distance coordinates, and/or travel considerations.","The method may include that the locating information comprises of at least one of: longitude, latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination (optionally including a destination address in part or in whole), college, university, school, school name, phone number (in part or in whole), email, web address, social media address, Skype name, information that helps to determine the starting or beginning point of a search, and/or information that helps to determine any point or destination of a search.","The method may include wherein the input device is at least one of: tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, handheld device, iPhone, iPad, mobile phone, touch screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, smart device, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, visual device, or any other device capable of interfacing with a communications network.","The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of student population, average annual tuition, tuition, and at least one of tour availability, admissions information, admissions appointments or availability, visiting information, tour information, and/or information sessions.","The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: a link to communicate with, call the C/Us, link to the C/Us' website, link to make an online appointment for an interview, and/or link to the C/Us' Facebook page or other social media.","The method may include that further comprising a software element that can utilize a map application programming interface (“API”).","The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver is at least one of 2-way text-to-cell communication, 2-way voice communication, 2-way social media communications, 2-way texting, 2-way phone, 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and 2-way communication.","The method may include that the mobile device is further programmed to receive and execute a request from the input device for sorting the generated C/Us by one or more of distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, student population, average annual tuition, tour availability, information sessions, and/or size.","The invention in some embodiments is a system for conducting a location-based search of CUs, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit C/Us, and communicating with C/Us comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes information stored in a storage database, the mobile device programmed to: receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate and display a list and map, the list displaying and the map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list displaying, and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or Journey includes public or other methods of transportation, transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination C/U via the wireless communication transceiver, receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a group; and execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/U s from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us; generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/U s of interest; and receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging.","The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: student population, average annual tuition, and at least one of tour availability, information sessions, distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, and size.","The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name, a place, structure, event, site, address, tourist site, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional office, professional practices, professional address, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hospital, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices.","The method may include that information generated about the selected C/Us comprises a link to communicate with the C/Us, a link to call the C/Us, a link to the C/U's website, a link to make an online appointment for an interview at the selected C/Us, and a link to the C/U's Facebook page or other social media, and the wireless communication transceiver.","The method may include a mobile device that is a tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, hand held device, iPhone, or iPad, mobile phone, touch-screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, virtual device, or any smart device capable of interfacing with a communications network.","A system for conducting a criteria and location-based search of destinations, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit destinations, and communicating with destinations is provided comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes a storage database containing information related to destinations and other preselected content.","The mobile device may be programmed to: receive destination data from the input device; calculate and determine a list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data; receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data and the locating information and determining which destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device; display the list of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant destinations generated, generate information about the selected destinations, and display said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein a planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation; transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination or location included via the wireless communication transceiver; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, and save the one or more destinations selected from the list of relevant destinations as a group.","The mobile device may be further programmed to execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destinations data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destinations data and the second locating information and determining which destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, generating information about the selected destinations, and displaying said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, receiving a selection of repeat destinations of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected destinations of interest, and displaying said information about the selected destinations of interest; receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging; receiving destinations data for another group, which is the same or different from the destinations data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/e=a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group, and receiving a selection of one or more destinations from the list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group and saving the selected destinations, and receiving further destinations data to generate at least one combined list of destinations.","The method may include that destination data comprises at least one of: type of destination, name of destination, and/or category of destination, or a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, university.","The method may include that business, target location, desired location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional address, professional office, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices, geographic coordinate(s), geolocation, longitude and latitude, measurements, address in part or in whole, a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, or university.","The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name.","The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver at least one of, at least 2-way text-to-cell communication, at least 2-way voice communication, at least 2-way social media communications, at least 2-way texting, at least 2-way phone, at least 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and at least 2-way communication.","In some embodiments, the invention is a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the said input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.","The instructions further comprise at least one of the following steps of: selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and providing an itinerary of said selected C/Us and a planned route or journey; entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and providing an itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; entering other stops and/or destination data into the said input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into said input device, entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into a input device, generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, repeating these steps as often as desired; and entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; entering into the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of selected C/Us; selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/U s; entering said input device further student data to generate at least one combined list of C/Us; and/or repeating at least one of the above steps as often as desired.","The invention can run on both a computer and/or a smart device.","This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs.","Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments.","Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.","All the material in this patent document issue subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries.","The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a schematic view of an example of the operation of the system and the method for searching for or choosing from destinations; FIG.","2 is a schematic view of an example of the operation of another embodiment of the system and the method for searching for or choosing from destinations; FIG.","3 depicts a smartphone 301 with a Nearby Colleges Icon 302.Submitter clicks the mobile application icon to startup/initiate the mobile application; FIG.","4 depicts an example of the flow of creating a new search request; FIG.","5 depicts an illustrated block diagram of an exemplary information handling system; FIG.","6 depicts an example of a typical system enabling bi-directional connection; FIG.","7 depicts a search screen; FIG.","8 depicts an example of a results screen; FIG.","9 depicts another example of a results screen; FIG.","10 depicts another example of a results screen; FIG.","11 depicts another example of a results screen; and FIG.","12 depicts another example of a results screen.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention without limiting its scope.","According to one embodiment, the invention is a system and a method to conduct a search to visit C/Us comprising the steps of: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into an input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.","Additionally, the system and method of the invention can have a software element that can communicate with a map API to provide directions and/or a map.","The map API can be sourced from a third party if desired.","Information on public or other transportation (including but not limited to train, plan, boat, and/or ground transportation information) can be obtained from the internet and provided in addition to or instead of the directions and/or map.","The student data may be one or more student qualifications and/or student choices.","Examples of student qualifications may include, but are not limited to: standardized test scores (e.g., SAT scores, ACT scores, GPA scores), school attended, school attending, year of graduation, type of school (e.g., public or private school), years of attendance, high school attending, high school attended, type of education, degree(s), grade(s), course(s), curriculum, school rating, class rating, class ranking, student rating, and/or student ranking.","Examples of student choices include, but are not limited to: curriculum, degrees offered, school requirements or criteria, type of school (e.g., public or private), tuition, average tuition, additional school costs, extracurricular activities, school organizations, student organizations, school size, number of students, housing, school statistics, school information, school data, school history, faculty, faculty information, school achievements or honors, school reputation, school area information, distance coordinates, and/or travel considerations.","The input device is where the user enters information for the system and method of the invention to use.","Examples include, but are not limited to: smart devices, tablets, smart phones, phones, mobile devices, computers, voice prompt, microphones, fax, facsimile, electronic devices, Bluetooth device, hand held device, touch-screen computing devices, portable media players, smart pads, micro devices, portable devices, powered devices, technical devices, electronic component devices, iOS device (e.g., iPhones and iPads), optical devices, optical readers, GPS devices, etc.","Generally, smart devices include electronic devices that are usually cordless (unless while being charged), mobile (easily transportable), connected or connectable to the virtual or internet (e.g., via Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G etc.).","Such devices are typically capable of voice and video communication, internet browsing, geolocation (for search purposes and location-based services) and of operating to some extent autonomously.","The term “smart device” can also refer to a ubiquitous computing device, such as a device that exhibits some properties of ubiquitous computing including artificial intelligence.","Smart devices can be designed to support a variety of form factors and a range of properties pertaining to ubiquitous computing and can also be any combination of three main system environments: physical world, human-centered environments and distributed computing environments.","The locating information provides the system and method of the invention with a geographic point from which to do a search.","Examples include, but are not limited to: a longitude, latitude, location coordinates, city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination (optionally including a destination address in part or in whole), college, university, school name, phone number (in part or in whole), email, web address, social media address, Skype name, a place, structure, event, site, address, tourist site, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional office, professional practices, professional address, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, health-related practices (e.g., medical, dental, etc.)","and/or any other information that helps to determine the starting or beginning point of a search and/or that helps to determine any point or destination of a search.","A desired radius limitation can be used and it can be in a specific unit(s) of measurement, including, but not limited to: feet, yards, miles, meters, etc.","Also, any amount can be entered as the desired radius limitation, including, but not limited to 1 mile, 5 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles, 30 miles, 40 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles, 100 miles, 150 miles, etc.","Based on the student data and desired radius limitation that have been entered into the input device, the system and method of the invention generates relevant C/Us.","That is, the C/Us generated would meet or approximate the student qualifications and/or student choices entered as well as the desired radius limitations.","The user can select one or more of the C/Us from the relevant C/Us that are generated.","Then, the system and method of the invention can generate information about the selected C/Us.","Examples of such information may include, but is not limited to: student population, average annual tuition, tour availability, information sessions, etc.","The information generated about the selected C/Us can be in the form of links, for example, but not limited to, a link to call the C/Us, a link to the C/U's website, a link to the C/U's Facebook page, etc.","Still another type of link would be a link to make an online appointment for an interview at the C/Us.","The system and method of the invention can provide an itinerary of the selected C/Us including directions and available public transportation to the selected C/Us.","The directions provided with the itinerary can be in any useful format, for example, but not limited to, turn-by-turn, voice, map, etc.","The itinerary can include other stops (e.g., additional destinations) besides C/Us.","For example, the user might be interested in finding a store or restaurant for some food, a place to stay overnight, a gas station, a library, a post office, etc.","Stops include, for example, places, destinations, or locations of interest to include in your travel plans or trip.","The system and method of the invention can generate such other stops automatically when it generates the C/Us.","Also, it can generate specific other stops by the steps of: entering other stops data into the input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation.","Exemplary stops (e.g., additional destinations) may include, but are not limited to: a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, university, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional address, professional office, professional practice, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, and/or health-related practices (e.g., medical, dental, etc.).","And each of such stops may be associated with destination data, such as but not limited to: a type, a name, a chain with which the stop is associated, geographic coordinate(s), geolocation, longitude and/or latitude, measurements, address (in part or in whole) and/or other stops.","As a specific example, a landmark may be considered a destination (e.g., Grand Central Terminal).","Examples of other landmarks include, but are not limited to, the Washington Monument, the Empire State Building, a specific Frank Lloyd Wright house, etc.","Other specific examples of destinations include, but are not limited to, airports, zoos, parks, beaches, foreign countries, etc.","One feature of the system and method of the invention is that it is easy to find other C/Us near the originally selected C/Us.","There are several ways of doing this.","The original search will, of course, include any C/Us near the originally selected C/Us.","Another way is to run the original search again.","Input the same student data, the same or similar locating information (any one of the selected C/Us or associated data can be used as the locating information), and the same, or similar, or even a different radius limitation.","The system and method of the invention will then generate relevant C/Us (relevant to the student data, locating information and radius limitation).","Other or additional C/Us can be found at the start of the trip or during the trip if, for example, the user finds that there is more time to visit more C/Us.","Another way to find nearby C/Us is by entering the input device a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first.","This will generate a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation.","The user can then select C/Us from the second batch of C/Us.","The system and method of the invention can then provide an itinerary, including directions/available public transportation, based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us.","In addition to the above-described methods of finding other C/Us near the originally selected C/Us, the system and method of the invention can find nearby C/Us by repeating a search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more of the selected C/Us; generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more of the selected C/Us; selecting repeat C/Us of interest; and generating information about the selected C/Us of interest.","Another embodiment of the invention does not need student data to be input.","Instead, just locating information and a desired radius limitation are input or sent to an input device.","The system and method of the invention can then generate C/Us within the radius limitation.","The user can select C/Us of interest and then the system and method of the invention can generate information about the selected C/Us.","In this embodiment, it is possible for the system and method of the invention to generate all C/Us within the radius limitation.","It is also possible to generate an itinerary with directions.","The locating information, desired radius limitation and type of input device can be the same or different as in the other embodiments.","In yet another embodiment, the system and method of the invention conducts a search of destinations to visit comprising the steps of: entering destination data into an input device; entering locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating destinations relevant to the destination data and/or within the radius limitation.","The destination data, locating information, desired radius limitation, and type of input device can be the same or different as in the other embodiments.","The system and method of searching destinations can further comprise the steps of: selecting one or more destinations from the relevant destinations generated; generating information about the selected destinations; and providing directions/information on available public transportation based on the selected destinations.","Additional destinations can be found, for example, by: entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a desired second radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device; generating a second batch of destinations relevant to the destination data and within the second radius limitation; selecting destinations from the second batch of destinations; and providing directions and/or information on available public transportation based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected destinations.","Additional nearby destinations can be found, for example, by: requesting a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations; generating repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations; selecting repeat destinations of interest; and generating information about selected destinations of interest.","Additional nearby destinations can also be found, for example, by: entering destination data for a nearby destination into an input device; entering locating information for the original destination and a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating nearby destinations relevant to the destination data and within the radius limitation.","In an example of the invention, a user can search a specific city, zip code, or even a street address and all higher learning institutions within a user defined radius will pop up.","Then the user can tap a school of interest and obtain information that at a glance can help decide if it's a school worth checking out.","For example, a screen pops up with student population, average annual tuition, as shown in FIG.","9.It can also provide the user with links to optional information such as to call the college, obtain information on tour availability, make an appointment for an interview, visitor information, Facebook link, etc., as shown in FIGS.","10 and 11.Also, directions can be accessed through an online map tool for quick planning of a driving route as shown in FIG.","12 and information on food, lodging, gas, etc.","can be displayed.","And, while on the road, the user can make quick and efficient changes in route when opportunities arise to see other schools and/or other stops and/or destinations, e.g., when there is more time available.","It is easy to adjust the route if desired.","Some basic components of the system and method to search for or choose from destinations in accordance with the present invention are illustrated in FIG.","1.The flow is between the submitter/user 1 and the system 37 which includes an interface with the app 12 where the information/content is entered by the (user) submitter 1.The information/content then goes to the Internet 15 (e.g., world wide web, any virtual network, a wide-area network (“WAN”), and/or a local-area network (“LAN”)).","The Internet 15 is connected to storage database 18, which holds the information/content which has been entered into the system through the input device.","The Internet 15 is also connected to storage database 21, which holds the destination information.","FIG.","2 depicts another embodiment of the invention showing system 37 in which additional steps can be added at interface 24.FIG.","3 depicts a smartphone 301 with a mobile application icon 302 (i.e., “Nearby Colleges”).","Submitter clicks the icon 302 to startup/initiate a mobile application.","Referring to FIG.","4, an embodiment of a message submitter/user screen 1 is shown.","In the embodiment of FIG.","4, a person who would like to submit a search request (“submitter” or “user”) may optionally select to download a smart device application by clicking or selecting the application allocated on screen 1, and continue the process from the smart device or continue on screen 1 by first selecting the message window 42 from the designated website or application, optionally selecting from the language choices available 53 for the application, in whole or in part, and then select and identify destination data 45, and/or student data 48, together with locating information 51 and desired radius 44.Other search specific information can be entered in, e.g., 52, 54, 56, etc.","Lastly, the submitter would click the graphic icon 57 (i.e., “Search”) to submit the search request.","FIG.","5 depicts an illustrated block diagram of an exemplary information handling system.","The information handling system comprises a bus that connects (either directly, or in combination with another bus) a Central Processing Unit (“CPU” or processor) 1702 to RAM 1704, hard disc 1712, ROM 1714, and input/output devices.","Additionally, the bus can have an interface for receiving removable memory 1706.Removable memory can include but is not limited to an optical disc, a memory card, a “boot” drive, etc.","Additionally, the bus can connect the CPU 1702 to network interface(s) 1710.The network interface(s) 1710 can either physically or wirelessly connect the information handling system to one or more networks 1708 such as, but not limited to, the internet, WAN, and/or LAN, the Public System Telephone Network, a cellular telephone network, or a cellular data network.","Some input devices can include a mouse 1720, a keyboard 1718, and/or a microphone 1724.The output devices can include a screen 1716 and/or speaker(s) 1722.In certain embodiments, the screen 1716 can be heat or touch sensitive so as to project a virtual keyboard 1716A for receiving inputs, thus not requiring a keyboard 1718 or mouse 1720.According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the invention incorporates a plurality of instructions that are executable by the CPU 1702, residing in any combination of RAM 1704, Removable Memory 1706, hard disc 1712, or ROM 1714.Additionally, the instructions can reside at a node on the network.","It will be understood that storage of said instructions in the node, RAM 1704, Removable Memory 1706, hard disc 1712, or ROM 1714 changes the foregoing, chemically, electrically, and/or electromagnetically.","FIG.","6 depicts a typical system 37 enabling bi-directional connection via the cloud 530 (which can be comprised of one of more of the following: the interne, a virtual network, social network, world wide web, WAN, and/or LAN) of a collection of submitter(s)/user(s) 520 using user devices 560 such as a smart phone, tablet, computer, laptop, etc.","with a collection of destinations 510 representing a variety of different places such as universities, friend's houses, hotels, and other places, and their bi-directional communication is enabled by a two-way communicator 540 for making reservations, appointments, etc.","Information about the destinations is stored in storage database 550 which holds the destination information.","By enabling bi-directional connection, the enterer (person entering information) can communicate directly with one or more of the generated C/Us or other destination using a communicator such as, but not limited to, 2-way text-to-cell communication, 2-way voice communication, 2-way social media communications, 2-way texting, 2-way phone, 2-way SMS, MMS, 2-way communication etc.","FIG.","7 shows an example of a search screen 710.It provides a map 712.In this example, the map 712 shows the point 714 of the chosen locating information at the center of an encircled area 716, which represents the radius searched.","Also included is a search section 718 for the user to input the locating information, which in this example is “current location.” In this embodiment, there is also a choice of three different types of locating information 720 (i.e., zip code, address, or landmarks).","In this example, the landmarks selection is highlighted showing that was chosen.","Although three choices are shown in this example, more or fewer choices can be provided on the screen or in a drop-down menu.","Also shown is a mile radius section 722 in which the user can select the radius to be searched.","Mile radius section 722 in this embodiment in this example provides a sliding bar selection mechanism 724 which is set at 20 miles.","When sliding bar selection mechanism 724 is moved to the left (for example, but not limited to, by dragging with a mouse, dragging a finger across the screen, dragging a stylus across the screen, using arrow keys, etc.)","a radius of less than 20 miles can be chosen.","When sliding bar selection mechanism 724 is moved to the right, a radius of more than 20 miles can be chosen.","The mile radius section 722 can also or instead be provided with units other than miles for measuring distance (by way of non-limiting example, feet, meters, kilometers, etc.).","Also, the section for choosing the radius, which is mile radius section 722 in this example, does not have to employ a sliding bar mechanism.","Any method of inputting a desired radius can be used, for example, but not limited to, by way of a drop-down menu with choices of potential radius values, using number keys, etc.","Also included in search screen 710 of FIG.","7 is a search selection section 726.In the present example, it is simply labeled “SEARCH.” Any method of selecting search selection section 726 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","FIG.","8 is an example of a screen showing generated search results.","It includes a map 810, having a center point 812, and being enclosed in a circle 814 which delineates the radius searched from the center point 812.Also enclosed in circle 814 are C/Us 816, gas stations 818, restaurants 819, and hotels 820.A key 822 to the symbols for these other stops is included as well.","Some symbols that might appear on the screen depicted in FIG.","8 are for example a knife and fork icon for restaurants, graduation that for C/Us, a gas pump icon for gas stations, and/or a bed icon for hotels and/or lodging.","The key 822 and/or the icons can have color distinctions.","This type of search result screen, an example of which is shown in FIG.","8, could, in accordance with this invention, show only C/Us, or show only other stops (e.g., the gas stations, restaurants, and hotels shown in FIG.","8), and/or show other potential stops in addition to the other stops.","FIG.","9 is one example of a screen 910 which could pop up after selecting a C/U symbol in FIG.","8.In the example shown in FIG.","9, the screen 910 provides student data information in an information section 912.The student data information shown in this example includes the name of the school, its student population and its average annual tuition.","The screen 910 also includes a direction selection section 914 labeled “GET DIRECTIONS.” Any method of selecting direction selection section 914 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","FIG.","10 is an example of a screen 1010, which pops up after selecting a C/U symbol in FIG.","8.In the example shown in FIG.","10, the screen 1010 provides student data information in an information section 1012 (like information section 912).","Screen 1010 also provides additional student data information in another information section 1013.The additional student data information available in this example includes links to call the college, obtain information on tour availability, obtain visitor information, and Facebook.","Any method of selecting one or more of these links to additional student data information can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","In the example shown in FIG.","10, the “Call College” link has been selected, and a phone number is displayed, and a link 1016 to call the college using the device displaying the screen 1010 can be selected.","Any method of selecting link 1016 to call the college can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","The screen 1010 also includes a direction selection section 1014 labeled “GET DIRECTIONS.” Any method of selecting direction selection section 1014 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","FIG.","11 is another example of a screen 1110 which pops up after selecting a C/U symbol in FIG.","8.In the example shown in FIG.","11, the screen 1110 provides student data information in an information section 1112 (like information section 912 and 1012).","Screen 1110 also provides additional student data information in another information section 1113.The additional student data information available in this example includes links to call the college, obtain information on tour availability, obtain visitor information, and a Facebook link.","Any method of selecting one or more of these links to additional student data information can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","In the example shown in FIG.","11, the “Tour Availability” link has been selected and the tour schedule is displayed.","The screen 1110 also includes a direction selection section 1114 labeled “GET DIRECTIONS”.","Any method of selecting direction selection section 1114 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.","FIG.","12 is an example of a screen 1210 which pops up after selecting a direction selection section, such as 1014 in FIG.","10 or 1114 in FIG.","11.It includes a map 1212 which shows the route 1214 to follow for the directions.","The route 1214 is shown starting at a start point 1216 labeled “You Are Here” and ending at an end point 1218 which includes the icon for C/Us and is labeled “State University of New York.” Also, turn-by-turn directions are included in direction section 1220.The system and method can further comprise that the enterer/user can communicate directly with one or more of the generated C/Us with multiple communications that each can be more than 2-way communications.","The system and method can further comprise that the enterer/user can communicate directly with one or more of the generated C/Us using a communicator comprising at least one of the following: at least 2-way text-to-cell communication; at least 2-way voice communication; at least 2-way social media communications; at least 2-way texting; at least 2-way phone; at least 2-way SMS and/or MMS; and/or at least 2-way communication.","The invention can be a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and/or visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.","The non-transitory storage device can further have instructions for at least one of the following: selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and/or providing an itinerary of selected C/Us or planned route or journey; or entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and providing an itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; entering other stops or destination data into the input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into an input device, entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into an input device, generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, repeating the first through fourth steps as often as desired; entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; entering into the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; and/or providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of the selected C/Us.","At least one embodiment is a method for travel planning and creating a group of C/Us, which are coordinated locations and destinations for at least one travel plan having associated at least one itinerary and at least one map, which all include visitation only to those C/Us meeting a specific customized criteria, and also providing criteria and information for communicating with the selected C/Us or providing for direct communication that is immediate and in real time to the C/Us contained in the at least one new uniquely created group and further including selecting from a uniquely formatted on screen visual presentation of all the relevant choices presented to the at least one user for selection comprising of the following steps: (1) initiating the method by: (a) downloading a specific customized software application and/or registering for a sign-in process, (b) initiating and running of the said specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; or (c) initiating and running of the said specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; and (d) performing any associated or required sign-in process; (2) receiving of the input of student data, input by at least one user, wherein said student data is comprised of specific student qualifications and student choices; (3) utilizing said computer or user smart device comprising of in part or in whole at least one of each of: a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and running said specific customized software application; (4) performing real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation that utilizes at least one storage database said storage database also containing information related to C/Us and other preselected content; (5) gathering, analyzing and coordinating at least one efficient “customized grouping” also called “unique list” or “unique group” of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other associated preselected content from real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation including but not limited to retrieving data from the at least one storage database, matches or is comparable to the criteria requested by input by the said at least one user and determining said unique list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the said at least one storage database matches or is comparable to the criteria of the said student data; (6) receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device or user input, and a desired radius limitation(s) from user input to said input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation(s) extends; (7) generating a unique list or group and an associated map coordinating locations and destinations to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database or retrieved in search, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; (8) displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; (9) receiving a selection from the information input into the input device of one or more C/Us from the list and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by the at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; (10) transmitting one-way communication(s), or two-way, or transmitting to and receiving two-way communication(s) from selected, and preferred Locations and Destinations via the wireless communication transceiver; (11) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and (12) executing and performing at least one of: (a) receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, (b) generating and displaying a second unique list and associated at least one map showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information gathered, analyzed, and/or contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the relevant C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content gathered, analyzed, and/or contained from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (c) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, coordinated travel plan, and itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey; (d) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (e) generating and displaying at least one coordinated list and associated at least one map of the locations of repeat search C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (f) receiving a selection of relevant repeat search resulting C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and storing, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us of interest on the display; (g) receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying at least one relevant list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (h) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the at least one coordinated travel plan, associated at least one itinerary and map(s) and planned route or journey and/or providing information or upon request providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging, storing same, and visually displaying this at least one uniquely created new group; (i) receiving student data for another request for another at least one group, which is the same or different from the student data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying at least one coordinated list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another at least one new group, and receiving a selection of one or more C/Us from the list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another at least one group and saving the selected C/Us and uniquely visual displaying the at least one new created group, and (j) receiving further student data to generate at least one combined list and group of C/Us.","At least one embodiment is comprised of a system for conducting a location-based search of CUs, preparing a real time and immediate coordinated travel plan, itinerary and mapped route to visit C/Us, and communicating with C/Us which includes a customized application and resulting in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on the combination of user selected important criteria, radius searching, and real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation executed by and uniquely visually presented on a computer and/or smart device for user preference comprising: (1) a computer and/or mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor and, a wireless communication transceiver, and a customized software program that utilizes information from user selected important criteria, radius searching, and real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation and information stored in a storage database, the computer and/or mobile device programmed to: (a) receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; (b) generate and display a coordinated list and associated at least one map, the said list displaying and the associated at least one map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; (c) receiving at least one selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the said list displaying, and said associated at least one map showing the coordinated locations of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and uniquely visually displaying said information about the selected C/Us, coordinated travel plan, and associated coordinated itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned coordinated route or journey on the visual display, wherein the planned coordinated route or journey includes or includes upon input request information on public or other methods of transportation available; (d) transmitting one-way communication(s) to or transmitting to or receiving from at least two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination C/U via wireless communication; (e) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the uniquely created coordinated list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a group; and (f) executing and performing at least one of: (i) receiving second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, (ii) generating and displaying at least one uniquely created and coordinated list and at least one associated map showing the locations of all selected C/Us that are located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and analyzing the second locating information and determining which C/Us are relevant and within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (iii) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and (iv) uniquely visually displaying said information about the selected C/Us, and associated travel plan, and itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the visual display; (g) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (h) generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (i) receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, (j) generating information about the selected C /Us of interest, displaying said information about the selected C/U s of interest; and (k) receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, (l) generating and displaying at least one uniquely created list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (m) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the travel plan, itinerary and planned route or journey and (n) providing or if requested providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging.","At least one embodiment is a system for conducting a criteria and location-based search of destinations, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit destinations, and communicating with destinations comprising: (1) a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes a storage database containing information related to destinations and other preselected content, the mobile device programmed to: (a) receive destination data from the input device, (b) calculate and determine a list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data, (c) receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends, (d) generate a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data and the locating information and determining which destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device, (e) display the list of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display, (f) receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant destinations generated, (g) generate information about the selected destinations, and (h) display said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, (i) transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination or location included via the wireless communication transceiver, (j) receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, and save the one or more destinations selected from the list of relevant destinations as a group; and (k) execute and perform at least one of: (i) receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, (ii) generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destinations data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destinations data and the second locating information and (iii) determining which destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (iv) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, (v) generating information about the selected destinations, and (vi) displaying said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and planned route or journey on the display, (vii) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, (viii) generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of, repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, (ix) receiving a selection of repeat destinations of interest from the input device, (x) generating information about the selected destinations of interest, and (xi) displaying said information about the selected destinations of interest, (xii) receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, (xiii) generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (xiv) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging, (xv) receiving destinations data for another group, which is the same or different from the destinations data previously received from the input device, (xvi) receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and (xvii) generating and displaying a list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group, and (xviii) receiving a selection of one or more destinations from the list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group and saving the selected destinations, and (xix) receiving further destinations data to generate at least one combined list of destinations.","At least one embodiment is a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: (1) entering critical student data into an input device; (2) entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the said input device; and (3) generating at least one coordinated list C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation; wherein the instructions further comprise at least one of the following steps of: (a) selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated after real time analysis and coordination, (b) generating information about the selected C/Us, and (c) immediately providing in real time an itinerary of said selected C/Us and an immediate real time coordinated planned route or journey including all selected locations and destinations; (4) entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, (5) generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, (6) selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and (7) providing at least one travel plan, and itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; (8) requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of me or more selected C/Us, (9) generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (10) selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; (11) entering other stops and/or destination data into the said input device; (12) entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; (13) generating a rating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; (14) running and further comprising a software element that can utilize a map; (15) selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; (16) entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into said input device, (17) entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into a input device, (18) generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, (19) selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, (20) repeating these steps as often as desired; and (21) entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; (22) entering the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; (23) communicating directly with one or more of the generated and/or selected C/Us comprising at least one of the following: at least a 2-way text-to-cell communication, at least a 2-way voice communication, at least a 2-way social media communications, at least a 2-way texting, at least a 2-way phone, at least a 2-way SMS or MMS, at least 2-way wireless communication; (24) production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary or prior to final production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary and this said communication may result in further input of data by user to be analysis for generation of a new group stored and visually presented to user for selection and production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary; (25) providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of selected C/Us; (26) selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C /Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/Us; (27) entering said input device further student data to generate at least one combined list of C/Us; and/or (28) repeating at least one of the above steps.","In the above embodiment, the C/Us may be input in real time along with the other critical information and/or radius information for immediate analysis and production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary may.","Such C/Us may be C/Us and/or any location or destination and/or the student data input can be student data as defined herein or just data deemed by user as critical to the said real time analysis and production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary.","At least one embodiment is a method for travel planning which includes a customized application and resulting in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on the combination of user selected important criteria, radius searching, and real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation executed by and presented on a computer and/or smart device for user preference.","Such embodiment may comprise of the following steps: (1) initiating the method by: (a) downloading a specific customized software application, and/or registering for a sign in process, (b) initiating and running of the said specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; (b) or initiating and running of the specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; (2) receiving data containing important criteria input by at least one user wherein said data is comprised of specific qualifications and choices, utilizing said computer and/or smart device, and running said specific customized software application performing real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation including but not limited to the utilizing of at least one storage database containing information related to locations and destinations and other associated preselected content; (3) gathering, analyzing and coordinating said efficient customized grouping also called “unique list” or “unique group” of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other associated preselected content from real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation including but not limited to the said at least one storage database, matches or is comparable to the criteria of the said data input by the at least one user; (4) receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device and at least one desired radius limitation from user input to said input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which at least one desired radius limitation extends; (5) generating a unique list or group and map coordinating locations and destinations to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing said locations and destinations that are relevant to the data input by said at least one user, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the locations and destinations on the list of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the data and the locating information and determining which locations and destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device; (6) displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of said locations and destinations that are relevant to the data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; (7) receiving a selection by user from the information input into the input device of one or more locations and destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant locations and destinations generated; (8) generate information about the selected locations and destinations, and display said information about the selected locations and destinations, an itinerary of the selected locations and destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; (10) transmitting communication(s) to and receiving communication(s) from selected, and preferred locations and destinations via the wireless communication transceiver; (11) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant locations and destinations generated, and save the one or more locations and destinations selected from the list of relevant locations and destinations as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and; (12) executing and performing at least one of: (a) receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, (b) generating and displaying a second unique list and map showing the locations of locations and destinations that are relevant to the data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the locations and destinations on the list of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the data and the second locating information and (c) determining which locations and destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (d) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more locations and destinations from the list of relevant locations and destinations generated, (e) generating information about the selected locations and destinations, and (f) displaying said information about the selected locations and destinations, an itinerary of the selected locations and destinations and planned route or journey on the display a new group created; (g) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of locations and destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected locations and destinations, (h) generating, analyzing, and displaying at least one uniquely created list and map of the locations of repeat locations and destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected locations and destinations, (i) receiving a selection of repeat locations and destinations of interest from the input device, (j) generating information about the selected locations and destinations of interest, and (k) displaying said information about the selected locations and destinations of interest on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps; (13) receiving other stops and destinations data, and/or locations and destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, (14) generating, analyzing, and displaying at least one uniquely created and coordinated list of other stops and destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (15) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and destinations from the input device for adding to the at least one uniquely created and coordinated travel plan, itinerary, map(s) and planned route or journey and/or providing information or upon request providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging; (16) receiving data for creating another at least one uniquely created group, which is the same or different from the data previously received from the input device, (17) receiving locating information for said at least one another uniquely created group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and receiving a desired radius limitation from the input device, and (18) generating, analyzing, and displaying in a unique visual format a coordinated list of locations and destinations relevant to the data for said another at least one new unique group, and (19) receiving a selection of one or more locations and destinations from the said at least one uniquely created new list of locations and destinations relevant to the data for said another group and saving the selected locations and destinations on the display a new group created, and (20) receiving further data to generate at least one combined coordinated list and group of locations and destinations.","While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.","Therefore, the true scope of the invention should not be limited since other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the claims, drawings, descriptions, explanations, and specifications herein.","It is understood that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Travel Planning Application\",\n \"A method for travel planning which includes a customized application and results in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on a combination of user-selected criteria; radius searching; and real-time, simultaneous, multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation executed by and presented on a computer or smart device for user preference.\",\n \"At least one embodiment focuses on travel planning for visiting colleges and universities prior to making decisions on where to apply to or where to enroll.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A computer-implemented method comprising: storing, by a server, in a database, a plurality of colleges and universities (“C/Us”), each of the C/Us associated with: C/U student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score, a grade point average (“GPA”), a student ranking, a required degree, a required course, and a required grade; and C/U information relating to one or more of: contact information, curriculum information, degree information, tuition information, size information, admissions information, tour information, visitor information, extracurricular activity information, reputation information, a type, student population information and faculty information; a C/U location; storing, by the server, in the database, a plurality of destinations, each of the destinations associated with a destination location; receiving, by the server, from an input device associated with a user, user student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score associated with the user, a GPA associated with the user, a high school associated with the user, a student ranking associated with the user, a degree associated with the user, a completed course associated with the user, and a grade associated with the user; receiving, by the server, from the input device, user preferences information relating to one or more of: a desired curriculum offered by a C/U, a degree offered by a C/U, a tuition charged by a C/U, a C/U size, an extracurricular activity offered by a C/U, a C/U reputation, a C/U type, and C/U faculty; receiving, by the server, from the input device, locating information comprising at least one of: a location of the user, a location of the input device, and a location designated by the user; receiving, by the server, from the input device, a desired radius limitation; transmitting, by the server, to the input device, one or more matching C/Us selected from the plurality of C/Us stored in the database, upon a determination that: the C/U location associated with each of the matching C/Us is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; the received user student qualifications information is comparable to the C/U student qualifications information associated with each of the matching C/Us; and the received user preferences information is comparable to the C/U information associated with each of the matching C/Us; receiving, by the server, from the input device, a selected C/U selected from the one or more matching C/Us; and transmitting, by the server, to the input device: a map interface comprising: the selected C/U; and one or more determined destinations selected from the plurality of destinations stored in the database, upon a determination that the destination location associated with each of the determined destinations is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; and at least a portion of the C/U information associated with the selected C/U, the portion of the C/U information comprising at least one of: the contact information, the admissions information, tour information, visitor information, and the student population information.\",\n \"2.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the C/U information associated with each of the C/Us stored in the database further comprises information relating to at least one of: student employment, financial aid, majors, information sessions, clubs, sports, activities, and organizations.\",\n \"3.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein each of the destinations stored in the database is further associated with destination information comprising at least one of: a destination name and a destination type.\",\n \"4.A computer-implemented method according to claim 3, further comprising: transmitting, by the server, to the input device, the destination information associated with each of the transmitted destinations.\",\n \"5.A computer-implemented method according to claim 3, wherein the destination type is selected from the group consisting of: a structure, an address, a school, a college, a university, a tourist site, a university, a business, a movie theatre, a store, an office, a facility, a gas station, a restaurant, lodging, a hotel, a hostel, and a landmark.\",\n \"6.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the location information comprises one or more of: an address, a street name, a city, a zip code, a state, a county, a village, a town, a landmark, and a C/U name.\",\n \"7.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted portion of the C/U information associated with each of the selected C/Us further comprises one or more of: a link to obtain information relating to tour availability, a link to schedule a visit, a link to schedule an interview, a link to obtain visitor information, a link to a social media account, and a link to a website.\",\n \"8.A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein: the locating information comprises the location of the input device; and the method further comprises: generating transit directions from the location of the input device to the selected C/U; and transmitting the transit directions to the input device such that they are displayed to the user via the transmitted map interface.\",\n \"9.A computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the location of the input device to a selected destination selected from the determined destinations.\",\n \"10.A computer-implemented method according to claim 9, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the selected destination to the selected C/U.\",\n \"11.A computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the selected C/U to at least one of the determined destinations.\",\n \"12.A computer program product encoded on one or more non-transitory computer storage media, the computer program product comprising instructions that when executed by one or more computers cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: storing, by the one or more computers, in a database, a plurality of colleges and universities (“C/Us”), each of the C/Us associated with: C/U student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score, a grade point average (“GPA”), a student ranking, a required degree, a required course, and a required grade; C/U information relating to one or more of: contact information, curriculum information, degree information, tuition information, size information, admissions information, tour information, visitor information, extracurricular activity information, reputation information, a type, student population information and faculty information; and a C/U location; storing, by the one or more computers, in the database, a plurality of destinations, each of the destinations associated with a destination location; receiving, by the one or more computers, from an input device associated with a user, user student qualifications information relating to one or more of: a standardized test score associated with the user, a GPA associated with the user, a student ranking associated with the user, a degree associated with the user, a completed course associated with the user, and a grade associated with the user; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, user preferences information relating to one or more of: a desired curriculum offered by a C/U, a degree offered by a C/U, a tuition charged by a C/U, a C/U size, an extracurricular activity offered by a C/U, a C/U reputation, a C/U type, and C/U faculty; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, locating information comprising at least one of: a location of the user, a location of the input device, and a location designated by the user; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, a desired radius limitation; transmitting, by the one or more computers, to the input device, one or more matching C/Us selected from the plurality of C/Us stored in the database, upon a determination that: the C/U location associated with each of the matching C/Us is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; the received user student qualifications information is comparable to the C/U student qualifications information associated with each of the matching C/Us; and the received user preferences information is comparable to the C/U information associated with each of the matching C/Us; receiving, by the one or more computers, from the input device, a selected C/U selected from the one or more matching C/Us; and transmitting, by the one or more computers, to the input device: a map interface comprising: the selected C/U; and one or more determined destinations selected from the plurality of destinations stored in the database, upon a determination that the destination location associated with each of the determined destinations is within the desired radius limitation of the locating information; and at least a portion of the C/U information associated with the selected C/U, the portion of the C/U information comprising at least one of: the contact information, the admissions information, tour information, visitor information, and the student population information.\",\n \"13.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the C/U information associated with each of the C/Us stored in the database further comprises information relating to at least one of: student employment, financial aid, majors, information sessions, clubs, sports, activities, and organizations.\",\n \"14.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein each of the destinations stored in the database is further associated with destination information comprising at least one of: a destination name and a destination type.\",\n \"15.A computer program product according to claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise: transmitting, by the server, to the input device, the destination information associated with each of the transmitted destinations.\",\n \"16.A computer program product according to claim 14, wherein the destination type is selected from the group consisting of: a structure, an address, a school, a college, a university, a tourist site, a university, a business, a movie theatre, a store, an office, a facility, a gas station, a restaurant, lodging, a hotel, a hostel, and a landmark.\",\n \"17.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the location information comprises one or more of: an address, a street name, a city, a zip code, a state, a county, a village, a town, a landmark, and a C/U name.\",\n \"18.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the transmitted portion of the C/U information associated with each of the selected C/Us further comprises one or more of: a link to obtain information relating to tour availability, a link to schedule a visit, a link to schedule an interview, a link to obtain visitor information, a link to a social media account, and a link to a website.\",\n \"19.A computer program product according to claim 12, wherein: the locating information comprises the location of the input device; and the operations further comprise: generating transit directions from the location of the input device to the selected C/U; and transmitting the transit directions to the input device such that they are displayed to the user via the transmitted map interface.\",\n \"20.A computer program product according to claim 19, wherein the transit directions further comprise a route from the location of the input device to at least one destination selected from the determined destinations.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present invention is a method for creating unique groups of locations to be included in travel destination itinerary based on customized criteria and real-time communications, and radius searching, which aides in the reduction of time increasing ones' options and enhancing the experience of visiting locations and destinations.\",\n \"The present invention was made to fill a gap in visiting/searching for and choosing from destinations, generally, and, more specifically, colleges and universities (“C/Us”).\",\n \"Geography is an important factor when deciding on C/Us since it has been shown that an estimated 75% of college students go to schools within approximately 230 miles of their homes (Journal of College Admission).\",\n \"However, no prior art was found that specifically discloses a specialized C/U visitation program to aid in locating relevant, nearby C/Us or that concerns a visitation trip where a goal is a pre-attendance C/U trip.\",\n \"The state of the prior art does not deal specifically with pre-attendance C/U travel planning; the prior art does not live feed curriculum/course information or allow the input of student specific information (e.g., qualifying SAT/GPAs) and/or C/U-specific information (e.g., student population, average tuition costs, etc.)\",\n \"to help choose appropriate and relevant nearby C/Us.\",\n \"Most college research tools cover so many bases that they either do not address the college visit in depth at all or they spend time addressing what goes on after the student is enrolled in school.\",\n \"The present invention addresses these issues by allowing for a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over the radius you choose, and providing relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact info, etc.\",\n \"This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs while also presenting options and choices that might have been missed without this app.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present invention relates to a method for visiting, searching for, or choosing from a variety of destinations, generally, and more specifically, C/Us, using radius searching.\",\n \"It can combine primary target or primary desired and secondary nearby destinations as well as data input of different types to narrow search results.\",\n \"More relevant search results are also obtained by searching within a desired radius of a primary target or primary desired location, secondary nearby destinations, or other destination.\",\n \"The search results can be provided in the form of an itinerary together with directions for visiting the destinations.\",\n \"They can also include relevant information about the destinations, as well as information about local restaurants, lodging, gas stations, and other possible stops or sites along the way.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention also makes possible two-way communication between the user and the destination to allow the user to make appointments (e.g., schedule interviews), reservations (e.g., for dinner), etc.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention can be included in the form of a mobile app to make it easier to make such appointments and reservations on the go and to obtain relevant information about nearby destinations to add to the itinerary if time permits, all of which make travelling more economical, more useful and more convenient.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention lets a user find destinations within a chosen radius to make visits, including travel directions/options, local restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc.\",\n \"pertaining to the trip itineraries.\",\n \"The present invention fills a niche that no other applications fully explore.\",\n \"When using the system and method of the invention, a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over a radius you choose, provides relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact information, etc.\",\n \"A method of creating at least one new uniquely created group, and customized list and map, which includes C/Us meeting a specific customized criteria, by conducting a search with specific customized criteria including a location search of CUs, resulting in preparing at least one new uniquely created group and customized list, itinerary and, mapped route to visit C/Us, and a uniquely created list providing criteria and information for communicating with C/Us and/or direct communication immediate and in real time to the C/Us contained in the at least one new uniquely created group that is created and selected by at least one user and customizing the unique group by selecting from a uniquely formatted on screen visual presentation of all the matched choices presented to said user utilizing the screen of a user smart device running a specific software application, such method allowing for at least one user directed to utilizing a specific mechanical device that functions running software specially to retrieve data such as location data and upload the information so that the claimed method generates and presents information in real time together for the user to then make selections from and follow through the other steps of the claimed method as the users are directed towards performing steps leading to identifying the potential stops and locations creating a new data file containing new relevant groups combining together from different sources to produce the resulting group which technology rooted in computer identifies elements and sources together and grouping them in real time in a new unique group of required elements allowing for large amounts of data about C/U's, locations and the sources along with various additional data to be displayed on a smart device and for the information to be reviewed by the user at a glance thus comprising of the following steps: initiating the method by downloading a specific software application, registering for a sign-in process, initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; receiving of the input of student data input by at least one user wherein said student data is comprised of specific student qualifications and student choices, utilizing user smart device comprising a global position system (“GPS”) or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and running specific software application that utilizes at least one storage database containing information related to C/Us and other preselected content; calculating and determining unique list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the at least one storage database matches or is comparable to the criteria of the student data; receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device and a desired radius limitation from user input to input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generating a unique list or group and a map to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display, receiving a selection from the information input into the input device of one or more C/Us from the list and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; transmitting one-way communication(s) to or transmit to and receive two-way communication(s) from relevant C/Us via the wireless communication transceiver, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and executing and performing at least one of: receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, generating and displaying a second unique list and map showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps, only human performed, receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us of interest on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps only human performed, and/or destinations relevant to other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, receiving student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another new group, and receiving a selection of one or more C/Us from the list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/Us on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, and receiving further student data to generate at least one combined list and group of C/Us.\",\n \"The method may include that student qualifications comprise of at least one of standardized test scores (e.g., SAT scores and/or ACT scores), GPA scores, school attended, school attending, year of graduation, public or private school, years of attendance, high school attending, high school attended, type of education, degree(s), grade(s), course(s), curriculum, school rating, class rating, class ranking, student rating, and/or student ranking.\",\n \"The method may include that student choices comprise of at least one of curriculum, degrees offered, school requirements, public or private, tuition, additional school costs, extracurricular activities, school organizations, student organizations, size of school, type of school, housing, school statistics, school information, school data, school criteria, school history, faculty, faculty information, school achievements or honors, school reputation, school area information, distance coordinates, and/or travel considerations.\",\n \"The method may include that the locating information comprises of at least one of: longitude, latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination (optionally including a destination address in part or in whole), college, university, school, school name, phone number (in part or in whole), email, web address, social media address, Skype name, information that helps to determine the starting or beginning point of a search, and/or information that helps to determine any point or destination of a search.\",\n \"The method may include wherein the input device is at least one of: tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, handheld device, iPhone, iPad, mobile phone, touch screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, smart device, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, visual device, or any other device capable of interfacing with a communications network.\",\n \"The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of student population, average annual tuition, tuition, and at least one of tour availability, admissions information, admissions appointments or availability, visiting information, tour information, and/or information sessions.\",\n \"The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: a link to communicate with, call the C/Us, link to the C/Us' website, link to make an online appointment for an interview, and/or link to the C/Us' Facebook page or other social media.\",\n \"The method may include that further comprising a software element that can utilize a map application programming interface (“API”).\",\n \"The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver is at least one of 2-way text-to-cell communication, 2-way voice communication, 2-way social media communications, 2-way texting, 2-way phone, 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and 2-way communication.\",\n \"The method may include that the mobile device is further programmed to receive and execute a request from the input device for sorting the generated C/Us by one or more of distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, student population, average annual tuition, tour availability, information sessions, and/or size.\",\n \"The invention in some embodiments is a system for conducting a location-based search of CUs, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit C/Us, and communicating with C/Us comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes information stored in a storage database, the mobile device programmed to: receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate and display a list and map, the list displaying and the map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list displaying, and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or Journey includes public or other methods of transportation, transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination C/U via the wireless communication transceiver, receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a group; and execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/U s from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us; generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/U s of interest; and receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging.\",\n \"The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: student population, average annual tuition, and at least one of tour availability, information sessions, distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, and size.\",\n \"The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name, a place, structure, event, site, address, tourist site, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional office, professional practices, professional address, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hospital, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices.\",\n \"The method may include that information generated about the selected C/Us comprises a link to communicate with the C/Us, a link to call the C/Us, a link to the C/U's website, a link to make an online appointment for an interview at the selected C/Us, and a link to the C/U's Facebook page or other social media, and the wireless communication transceiver.\",\n \"The method may include a mobile device that is a tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, hand held device, iPhone, or iPad, mobile phone, touch-screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, virtual device, or any smart device capable of interfacing with a communications network.\",\n \"A system for conducting a criteria and location-based search of destinations, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit destinations, and communicating with destinations is provided comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes a storage database containing information related to destinations and other preselected content.\",\n \"The mobile device may be programmed to: receive destination data from the input device; calculate and determine a list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data; receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data and the locating information and determining which destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device; display the list of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant destinations generated, generate information about the selected destinations, and display said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein a planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation; transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination or location included via the wireless communication transceiver; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, and save the one or more destinations selected from the list of relevant destinations as a group.\",\n \"The mobile device may be further programmed to execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destinations data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destinations data and the second locating information and determining which destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, generating information about the selected destinations, and displaying said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, receiving a selection of repeat destinations of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected destinations of interest, and displaying said information about the selected destinations of interest; receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging; receiving destinations data for another group, which is the same or different from the destinations data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/e=a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group, and receiving a selection of one or more destinations from the list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group and saving the selected destinations, and receiving further destinations data to generate at least one combined list of destinations.\",\n \"The method may include that destination data comprises at least one of: type of destination, name of destination, and/or category of destination, or a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, university.\",\n \"The method may include that business, target location, desired location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional address, professional office, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices, geographic coordinate(s), geolocation, longitude and latitude, measurements, address in part or in whole, a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, or university.\",\n \"The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name.\",\n \"The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver at least one of, at least 2-way text-to-cell communication, at least 2-way voice communication, at least 2-way social media communications, at least 2-way texting, at least 2-way phone, at least 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and at least 2-way communication.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the invention is a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the said input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.\",\n \"The instructions further comprise at least one of the following steps of: selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and providing an itinerary of said selected C/Us and a planned route or journey; entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and providing an itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; entering other stops and/or destination data into the said input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into said input device, entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into a input device, generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, repeating these steps as often as desired; and entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; entering into the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of selected C/Us; selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/U s; entering said input device further student data to generate at least one combined list of C/Us; and/or repeating at least one of the above steps as often as desired.\",\n \"The invention can run on both a computer and/or a smart device.\",\n \"This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs.\",\n \"Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments.\",\n \"Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.\",\n \"All the material in this patent document issue subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries.\",\n \"The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation of U.S. utility patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/617,528, titled “TRAVEL PLANNING APPLICATION RESULTING IN EFFICIENT CUSTOMIZED GROUPING AND COORDINATION OF SELECTED LOCATIONS AND DESTINATIONS BASED ON THE COMBINATION OF USER SELECTED IMPORTANT CRITERIA, RADIUS SEARCHING, AND REAL TIME SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-SOURCE DATA GATHERING, ANALYSIS, AND DERIVATION EXECUTED BY AND PRESENTED ON A COMPUTER AND/OR SMART DEVICE FOR USER PREFERENCE,” having a filing date of Jun.\",\n \"8, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/942,705, titled “Travel App,” having a filing date of Jul.\",\n \"16, 2013, which claims benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"61/676,118, titled “Computer and/or phone APP that lets user find colleges (and what I am calling “basic info” about the colleges such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact info etc.)\",\n \"within a user chosen radius to make college visits more economical, more useful and more convenient,” having a filing date of Jul.\",\n \"26, 2012.Each of the above applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.\",\n \"BACKGROUND The present invention is a method for creating unique groups of locations to be included in travel destination itinerary based on customized criteria and real-time communications, and radius searching, which aides in the reduction of time increasing ones' options and enhancing the experience of visiting locations and destinations.\",\n \"The present invention was made to fill a gap in visiting/searching for and choosing from destinations, generally, and, more specifically, colleges and universities (“C/Us”).\",\n \"Geography is an important factor when deciding on C/Us since it has been shown that an estimated 75% of college students go to schools within approximately 230 miles of their homes (Journal of College Admission).\",\n \"However, no prior art was found that specifically discloses a specialized C/U visitation program to aid in locating relevant, nearby C/Us or that concerns a visitation trip where a goal is a pre-attendance C/U trip.\",\n \"The state of the prior art does not deal specifically with pre-attendance C/U travel planning; the prior art does not live feed curriculum/course information or allow the input of student specific information (e.g., qualifying SAT/GPAs) and/or C/U-specific information (e.g., student population, average tuition costs, etc.)\",\n \"to help choose appropriate and relevant nearby C/Us.\",\n \"Most college research tools cover so many bases that they either do not address the college visit in depth at all or they spend time addressing what goes on after the student is enrolled in school.\",\n \"The present invention addresses these issues by allowing for a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over the radius you choose, and providing relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact info, etc.\",\n \"This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs while also presenting options and choices that might have been missed without this app.\",\n \"SUMMARY The present invention relates to a method for visiting, searching for, or choosing from a variety of destinations, generally, and more specifically, C/Us, using radius searching.\",\n \"It can combine primary target or primary desired and secondary nearby destinations as well as data input of different types to narrow search results.\",\n \"More relevant search results are also obtained by searching within a desired radius of a primary target or primary desired location, secondary nearby destinations, or other destination.\",\n \"The search results can be provided in the form of an itinerary together with directions for visiting the destinations.\",\n \"They can also include relevant information about the destinations, as well as information about local restaurants, lodging, gas stations, and other possible stops or sites along the way.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention also makes possible two-way communication between the user and the destination to allow the user to make appointments (e.g., schedule interviews), reservations (e.g., for dinner), etc.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention can be included in the form of a mobile app to make it easier to make such appointments and reservations on the go and to obtain relevant information about nearby destinations to add to the itinerary if time permits, all of which make travelling more economical, more useful and more convenient.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention lets a user find destinations within a chosen radius to make visits, including travel directions/options, local restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc.\",\n \"pertaining to the trip itineraries.\",\n \"The present invention fills a niche that no other applications fully explore.\",\n \"When using the system and method of the invention, a search for relevant C/Us over a certain size area over a radius you choose, provides relevant information about each school, along with details such as size, cost, tours, info sessions, their website, contact information, etc.\",\n \"A method of creating at least one new uniquely created group, and customized list and map, which includes C/Us meeting a specific customized criteria, by conducting a search with specific customized criteria including a location search of CUs, resulting in preparing at least one new uniquely created group and customized list, itinerary and, mapped route to visit C/Us, and a uniquely created list providing criteria and information for communicating with C/Us and/or direct communication immediate and in real time to the C/Us contained in the at least one new uniquely created group that is created and selected by at least one user and customizing the unique group by selecting from a uniquely formatted on screen visual presentation of all the matched choices presented to said user utilizing the screen of a user smart device running a specific software application, such method allowing for at least one user directed to utilizing a specific mechanical device that functions running software specially to retrieve data such as location data and upload the information so that the claimed method generates and presents information in real time together for the user to then make selections from and follow through the other steps of the claimed method as the users are directed towards performing steps leading to identifying the potential stops and locations creating a new data file containing new relevant groups combining together from different sources to produce the resulting group which technology rooted in computer identifies elements and sources together and grouping them in real time in a new unique group of required elements allowing for large amounts of data about C/U's, locations and the sources along with various additional data to be displayed on a smart device and for the information to be reviewed by the user at a glance thus comprising of the following steps: initiating the method by downloading a specific software application, registering for a sign-in process, initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; initiating and running of a specific software application on a user smart device, operated by at least one user; receiving of the input of student data input by at least one user wherein said student data is comprised of specific student qualifications and student choices, utilizing user smart device comprising a global position system (“GPS”) or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and running specific software application that utilizes at least one storage database containing information related to C/Us and other preselected content; calculating and determining unique list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the at least one storage database matches or is comparable to the criteria of the student data; receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device and a desired radius limitation from user input to input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generating a unique list or group and a map to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display, receiving a selection from the information input into the input device of one or more C/Us from the list and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; transmitting one-way communication(s) to or transmit to and receive two-way communication(s) from relevant C/Us via the wireless communication transceiver, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and executing and performing at least one of: receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, generating and displaying a second unique list and map showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps, only human performed, receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us of interest on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on a computer and steps only human performed, and/or destinations relevant to other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, receiving student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another new group, and receiving a selection of one or more C/Us from the list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/Us on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps that are a combination of steps that can only be performed on computer and steps only human performed, and receiving further student data to generate at least one combined list and group of C/Us.\",\n \"The method may include that student qualifications comprise of at least one of standardized test scores (e.g., SAT scores and/or ACT scores), GPA scores, school attended, school attending, year of graduation, public or private school, years of attendance, high school attending, high school attended, type of education, degree(s), grade(s), course(s), curriculum, school rating, class rating, class ranking, student rating, and/or student ranking.\",\n \"The method may include that student choices comprise of at least one of curriculum, degrees offered, school requirements, public or private, tuition, additional school costs, extracurricular activities, school organizations, student organizations, size of school, type of school, housing, school statistics, school information, school data, school criteria, school history, faculty, faculty information, school achievements or honors, school reputation, school area information, distance coordinates, and/or travel considerations.\",\n \"The method may include that the locating information comprises of at least one of: longitude, latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination (optionally including a destination address in part or in whole), college, university, school, school name, phone number (in part or in whole), email, web address, social media address, Skype name, information that helps to determine the starting or beginning point of a search, and/or information that helps to determine any point or destination of a search.\",\n \"The method may include wherein the input device is at least one of: tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, handheld device, iPhone, iPad, mobile phone, touch screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, smart device, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, visual device, or any other device capable of interfacing with a communications network.\",\n \"The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of student population, average annual tuition, tuition, and at least one of tour availability, admissions information, admissions appointments or availability, visiting information, tour information, and/or information sessions.\",\n \"The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: a link to communicate with, call the C/Us, link to the C/Us' website, link to make an online appointment for an interview, and/or link to the C/Us' Facebook page or other social media.\",\n \"The method may include that further comprising a software element that can utilize a map application programming interface (“API”).\",\n \"The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver is at least one of 2-way text-to-cell communication, 2-way voice communication, 2-way social media communications, 2-way texting, 2-way phone, 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and 2-way communication.\",\n \"The method may include that the mobile device is further programmed to receive and execute a request from the input device for sorting the generated C/Us by one or more of distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, student population, average annual tuition, tour availability, information sessions, and/or size.\",\n \"The invention in some embodiments is a system for conducting a location-based search of CUs, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit C/Us, and communicating with C/Us comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes information stored in a storage database, the mobile device programmed to: receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate and display a list and map, the list displaying and the map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list displaying, and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or Journey includes public or other methods of transportation, transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination C/U via the wireless communication transceiver, receive a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a group; and execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/U s from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us; generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and displaying said information about the selected C/U s of interest; and receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging.\",\n \"The method may include that the information generated about the selected C/Us comprises at least one of: student population, average annual tuition, and at least one of tour availability, information sessions, distance, price, schools, divisions, majors, curriculums, clubs, sports, activities, organizations, student information, school information, student qualifications, school qualifications, honors, awards, financial aid, scholarships, student employment information, and size.\",\n \"The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name, a place, structure, event, site, address, tourist site, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional office, professional practices, professional address, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hospital, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices.\",\n \"The method may include that information generated about the selected C/Us comprises a link to communicate with the C/Us, a link to call the C/Us, a link to the C/U's website, a link to make an online appointment for an interview at the selected C/Us, and a link to the C/U's Facebook page or other social media, and the wireless communication transceiver.\",\n \"The method may include a mobile device that is a tablet, smart phone, phone, smart device, computer, electronic device, hand held device, iPhone, or iPad, mobile phone, touch-screen computing device, portable media player, smart pad, micro device, portable device, powered device, technical device, electronic component device, iOS device, optical device, optical reader, information or data input communication device, virtual device, or any smart device capable of interfacing with a communications network.\",\n \"A system for conducting a criteria and location-based search of destinations, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit destinations, and communicating with destinations is provided comprising: a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes a storage database containing information related to destinations and other preselected content.\",\n \"The mobile device may be programmed to: receive destination data from the input device; calculate and determine a list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data; receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; generate a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data and the locating information and determining which destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device; display the list of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant destinations generated, generate information about the selected destinations, and display said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein a planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation; transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination or location included via the wireless communication transceiver; receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, and save the one or more destinations selected from the list of relevant destinations as a group.\",\n \"The mobile device may be further programmed to execute and perform at least one of: receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destinations data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destinations data and the second locating information and determining which destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, receiving a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, generating information about the selected destinations, and displaying said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and planned route or journey on the display; receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, receiving a selection of repeat destinations of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected destinations of interest, and displaying said information about the selected destinations of interest; receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging; receiving destinations data for another group, which is the same or different from the destinations data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/e=a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying a list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group, and receiving a selection of one or more destinations from the list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group and saving the selected destinations, and receiving further destinations data to generate at least one combined list of destinations.\",\n \"The method may include that destination data comprises at least one of: type of destination, name of destination, and/or category of destination, or a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, university.\",\n \"The method may include that business, target location, desired location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional address, professional office, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, and/or medical, dental, and/or health related practices, geographic coordinate(s), geolocation, longitude and latitude, measurements, address in part or in whole, a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, or university.\",\n \"The method may include that the locating information is at least one of: longitude and latitude, location coordinates, a city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination, college, university, school name, phone number in part or in whole, email, web address, social media address, and/or Skype name.\",\n \"The method may include that the communication via wireless communication transceiver at least one of, at least 2-way text-to-cell communication, at least 2-way voice communication, at least 2-way social media communications, at least 2-way texting, at least 2-way phone, at least 2-way SMS and/or MMS, and at least 2-way communication.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the invention is a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the said input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.\",\n \"The instructions further comprise at least one of the following steps of: selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and providing an itinerary of said selected C/Us and a planned route or journey; entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and providing an itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; entering other stops and/or destination data into the said input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into said input device, entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into a input device, generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, repeating these steps as often as desired; and entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; entering into the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of selected C/Us; selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/U s; entering said input device further student data to generate at least one combined list of C/Us; and/or repeating at least one of the above steps as often as desired.\",\n \"The invention can run on both a computer and/or a smart device.\",\n \"This invention saves time by maximizing efficiency and saves money by minimizing travel costs.\",\n \"Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described preferred embodiments.\",\n \"Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.\",\n \"All the material in this patent document issue subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries.\",\n \"The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic view of an example of the operation of the system and the method for searching for or choosing from destinations; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic view of an example of the operation of another embodiment of the system and the method for searching for or choosing from destinations; FIG.\",\n \"3 depicts a smartphone 301 with a Nearby Colleges Icon 302.Submitter clicks the mobile application icon to startup/initiate the mobile application; FIG.\",\n \"4 depicts an example of the flow of creating a new search request; FIG.\",\n \"5 depicts an illustrated block diagram of an exemplary information handling system; FIG.\",\n \"6 depicts an example of a typical system enabling bi-directional connection; FIG.\",\n \"7 depicts a search screen; FIG.\",\n \"8 depicts an example of a results screen; FIG.\",\n \"9 depicts another example of a results screen; FIG.\",\n \"10 depicts another example of a results screen; FIG.\",\n \"11 depicts another example of a results screen; and FIG.\",\n \"12 depicts another example of a results screen.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention without limiting its scope.\",\n \"According to one embodiment, the invention is a system and a method to conduct a search to visit C/Us comprising the steps of: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into an input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.\",\n \"Additionally, the system and method of the invention can have a software element that can communicate with a map API to provide directions and/or a map.\",\n \"The map API can be sourced from a third party if desired.\",\n \"Information on public or other transportation (including but not limited to train, plan, boat, and/or ground transportation information) can be obtained from the internet and provided in addition to or instead of the directions and/or map.\",\n \"The student data may be one or more student qualifications and/or student choices.\",\n \"Examples of student qualifications may include, but are not limited to: standardized test scores (e.g., SAT scores, ACT scores, GPA scores), school attended, school attending, year of graduation, type of school (e.g., public or private school), years of attendance, high school attending, high school attended, type of education, degree(s), grade(s), course(s), curriculum, school rating, class rating, class ranking, student rating, and/or student ranking.\",\n \"Examples of student choices include, but are not limited to: curriculum, degrees offered, school requirements or criteria, type of school (e.g., public or private), tuition, average tuition, additional school costs, extracurricular activities, school organizations, student organizations, school size, number of students, housing, school statistics, school information, school data, school history, faculty, faculty information, school achievements or honors, school reputation, school area information, distance coordinates, and/or travel considerations.\",\n \"The input device is where the user enters information for the system and method of the invention to use.\",\n \"Examples include, but are not limited to: smart devices, tablets, smart phones, phones, mobile devices, computers, voice prompt, microphones, fax, facsimile, electronic devices, Bluetooth device, hand held device, touch-screen computing devices, portable media players, smart pads, micro devices, portable devices, powered devices, technical devices, electronic component devices, iOS device (e.g., iPhones and iPads), optical devices, optical readers, GPS devices, etc.\",\n \"Generally, smart devices include electronic devices that are usually cordless (unless while being charged), mobile (easily transportable), connected or connectable to the virtual or internet (e.g., via Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G etc.).\",\n \"Such devices are typically capable of voice and video communication, internet browsing, geolocation (for search purposes and location-based services) and of operating to some extent autonomously.\",\n \"The term “smart device” can also refer to a ubiquitous computing device, such as a device that exhibits some properties of ubiquitous computing including artificial intelligence.\",\n \"Smart devices can be designed to support a variety of form factors and a range of properties pertaining to ubiquitous computing and can also be any combination of three main system environments: physical world, human-centered environments and distributed computing environments.\",\n \"The locating information provides the system and method of the invention with a geographic point from which to do a search.\",\n \"Examples include, but are not limited to: a longitude, latitude, location coordinates, city, zip code, street address, street name, state, nearby location, county, village, town, landmark, destination (optionally including a destination address in part or in whole), college, university, school name, phone number (in part or in whole), email, web address, social media address, Skype name, a place, structure, event, site, address, tourist site, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional office, professional practices, professional address, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, health-related practices (e.g., medical, dental, etc.)\",\n \"and/or any other information that helps to determine the starting or beginning point of a search and/or that helps to determine any point or destination of a search.\",\n \"A desired radius limitation can be used and it can be in a specific unit(s) of measurement, including, but not limited to: feet, yards, miles, meters, etc.\",\n \"Also, any amount can be entered as the desired radius limitation, including, but not limited to 1 mile, 5 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles, 20 miles, 30 miles, 40 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles, 100 miles, 150 miles, etc.\",\n \"Based on the student data and desired radius limitation that have been entered into the input device, the system and method of the invention generates relevant C/Us.\",\n \"That is, the C/Us generated would meet or approximate the student qualifications and/or student choices entered as well as the desired radius limitations.\",\n \"The user can select one or more of the C/Us from the relevant C/Us that are generated.\",\n \"Then, the system and method of the invention can generate information about the selected C/Us.\",\n \"Examples of such information may include, but is not limited to: student population, average annual tuition, tour availability, information sessions, etc.\",\n \"The information generated about the selected C/Us can be in the form of links, for example, but not limited to, a link to call the C/Us, a link to the C/U's website, a link to the C/U's Facebook page, etc.\",\n \"Still another type of link would be a link to make an online appointment for an interview at the C/Us.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention can provide an itinerary of the selected C/Us including directions and available public transportation to the selected C/Us.\",\n \"The directions provided with the itinerary can be in any useful format, for example, but not limited to, turn-by-turn, voice, map, etc.\",\n \"The itinerary can include other stops (e.g., additional destinations) besides C/Us.\",\n \"For example, the user might be interested in finding a store or restaurant for some food, a place to stay overnight, a gas station, a library, a post office, etc.\",\n \"Stops include, for example, places, destinations, or locations of interest to include in your travel plans or trip.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention can generate such other stops automatically when it generates the C/Us.\",\n \"Also, it can generate specific other stops by the steps of: entering other stops data into the input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation.\",\n \"Exemplary stops (e.g., additional destinations) may include, but are not limited to: a place, structure, event, site, address, school, tourist site, college, university, business, desired location, target location, nearby location, additional location, location, movie theatre, store, office, facility, professional space, professional location, professional address, professional office, professional practice, specialty store, gas, restaurant, food, lodging, hotel, hostel, camp site, and/or health-related practices (e.g., medical, dental, etc.).\",\n \"And each of such stops may be associated with destination data, such as but not limited to: a type, a name, a chain with which the stop is associated, geographic coordinate(s), geolocation, longitude and/or latitude, measurements, address (in part or in whole) and/or other stops.\",\n \"As a specific example, a landmark may be considered a destination (e.g., Grand Central Terminal).\",\n \"Examples of other landmarks include, but are not limited to, the Washington Monument, the Empire State Building, a specific Frank Lloyd Wright house, etc.\",\n \"Other specific examples of destinations include, but are not limited to, airports, zoos, parks, beaches, foreign countries, etc.\",\n \"One feature of the system and method of the invention is that it is easy to find other C/Us near the originally selected C/Us.\",\n \"There are several ways of doing this.\",\n \"The original search will, of course, include any C/Us near the originally selected C/Us.\",\n \"Another way is to run the original search again.\",\n \"Input the same student data, the same or similar locating information (any one of the selected C/Us or associated data can be used as the locating information), and the same, or similar, or even a different radius limitation.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention will then generate relevant C/Us (relevant to the student data, locating information and radius limitation).\",\n \"Other or additional C/Us can be found at the start of the trip or during the trip if, for example, the user finds that there is more time to visit more C/Us.\",\n \"Another way to find nearby C/Us is by entering the input device a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first.\",\n \"This will generate a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation.\",\n \"The user can then select C/Us from the second batch of C/Us.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention can then provide an itinerary, including directions/available public transportation, based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us.\",\n \"In addition to the above-described methods of finding other C/Us near the originally selected C/Us, the system and method of the invention can find nearby C/Us by repeating a search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more of the selected C/Us; generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more of the selected C/Us; selecting repeat C/Us of interest; and generating information about the selected C/Us of interest.\",\n \"Another embodiment of the invention does not need student data to be input.\",\n \"Instead, just locating information and a desired radius limitation are input or sent to an input device.\",\n \"The system and method of the invention can then generate C/Us within the radius limitation.\",\n \"The user can select C/Us of interest and then the system and method of the invention can generate information about the selected C/Us.\",\n \"In this embodiment, it is possible for the system and method of the invention to generate all C/Us within the radius limitation.\",\n \"It is also possible to generate an itinerary with directions.\",\n \"The locating information, desired radius limitation and type of input device can be the same or different as in the other embodiments.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment, the system and method of the invention conducts a search of destinations to visit comprising the steps of: entering destination data into an input device; entering locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating destinations relevant to the destination data and/or within the radius limitation.\",\n \"The destination data, locating information, desired radius limitation, and type of input device can be the same or different as in the other embodiments.\",\n \"The system and method of searching destinations can further comprise the steps of: selecting one or more destinations from the relevant destinations generated; generating information about the selected destinations; and providing directions/information on available public transportation based on the selected destinations.\",\n \"Additional destinations can be found, for example, by: entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a desired second radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device; generating a second batch of destinations relevant to the destination data and within the second radius limitation; selecting destinations from the second batch of destinations; and providing directions and/or information on available public transportation based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected destinations.\",\n \"Additional nearby destinations can be found, for example, by: requesting a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations; generating repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations; selecting repeat destinations of interest; and generating information about selected destinations of interest.\",\n \"Additional nearby destinations can also be found, for example, by: entering destination data for a nearby destination into an input device; entering locating information for the original destination and a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating nearby destinations relevant to the destination data and within the radius limitation.\",\n \"In an example of the invention, a user can search a specific city, zip code, or even a street address and all higher learning institutions within a user defined radius will pop up.\",\n \"Then the user can tap a school of interest and obtain information that at a glance can help decide if it's a school worth checking out.\",\n \"For example, a screen pops up with student population, average annual tuition, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"9.It can also provide the user with links to optional information such as to call the college, obtain information on tour availability, make an appointment for an interview, visitor information, Facebook link, etc., as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11.Also, directions can be accessed through an online map tool for quick planning of a driving route as shown in FIG.\",\n \"12 and information on food, lodging, gas, etc.\",\n \"can be displayed.\",\n \"And, while on the road, the user can make quick and efficient changes in route when opportunities arise to see other schools and/or other stops and/or destinations, e.g., when there is more time available.\",\n \"It is easy to adjust the route if desired.\",\n \"Some basic components of the system and method to search for or choose from destinations in accordance with the present invention are illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"1.The flow is between the submitter/user 1 and the system 37 which includes an interface with the app 12 where the information/content is entered by the (user) submitter 1.The information/content then goes to the Internet 15 (e.g., world wide web, any virtual network, a wide-area network (“WAN”), and/or a local-area network (“LAN”)).\",\n \"The Internet 15 is connected to storage database 18, which holds the information/content which has been entered into the system through the input device.\",\n \"The Internet 15 is also connected to storage database 21, which holds the destination information.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 depicts another embodiment of the invention showing system 37 in which additional steps can be added at interface 24.FIG.\",\n \"3 depicts a smartphone 301 with a mobile application icon 302 (i.e., “Nearby Colleges”).\",\n \"Submitter clicks the icon 302 to startup/initiate a mobile application.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"4, an embodiment of a message submitter/user screen 1 is shown.\",\n \"In the embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"4, a person who would like to submit a search request (“submitter” or “user”) may optionally select to download a smart device application by clicking or selecting the application allocated on screen 1, and continue the process from the smart device or continue on screen 1 by first selecting the message window 42 from the designated website or application, optionally selecting from the language choices available 53 for the application, in whole or in part, and then select and identify destination data 45, and/or student data 48, together with locating information 51 and desired radius 44.Other search specific information can be entered in, e.g., 52, 54, 56, etc.\",\n \"Lastly, the submitter would click the graphic icon 57 (i.e., “Search”) to submit the search request.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 depicts an illustrated block diagram of an exemplary information handling system.\",\n \"The information handling system comprises a bus that connects (either directly, or in combination with another bus) a Central Processing Unit (“CPU” or processor) 1702 to RAM 1704, hard disc 1712, ROM 1714, and input/output devices.\",\n \"Additionally, the bus can have an interface for receiving removable memory 1706.Removable memory can include but is not limited to an optical disc, a memory card, a “boot” drive, etc.\",\n \"Additionally, the bus can connect the CPU 1702 to network interface(s) 1710.The network interface(s) 1710 can either physically or wirelessly connect the information handling system to one or more networks 1708 such as, but not limited to, the internet, WAN, and/or LAN, the Public System Telephone Network, a cellular telephone network, or a cellular data network.\",\n \"Some input devices can include a mouse 1720, a keyboard 1718, and/or a microphone 1724.The output devices can include a screen 1716 and/or speaker(s) 1722.In certain embodiments, the screen 1716 can be heat or touch sensitive so as to project a virtual keyboard 1716A for receiving inputs, thus not requiring a keyboard 1718 or mouse 1720.According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the invention incorporates a plurality of instructions that are executable by the CPU 1702, residing in any combination of RAM 1704, Removable Memory 1706, hard disc 1712, or ROM 1714.Additionally, the instructions can reside at a node on the network.\",\n \"It will be understood that storage of said instructions in the node, RAM 1704, Removable Memory 1706, hard disc 1712, or ROM 1714 changes the foregoing, chemically, electrically, and/or electromagnetically.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 depicts a typical system 37 enabling bi-directional connection via the cloud 530 (which can be comprised of one of more of the following: the interne, a virtual network, social network, world wide web, WAN, and/or LAN) of a collection of submitter(s)/user(s) 520 using user devices 560 such as a smart phone, tablet, computer, laptop, etc.\",\n \"with a collection of destinations 510 representing a variety of different places such as universities, friend's houses, hotels, and other places, and their bi-directional communication is enabled by a two-way communicator 540 for making reservations, appointments, etc.\",\n \"Information about the destinations is stored in storage database 550 which holds the destination information.\",\n \"By enabling bi-directional connection, the enterer (person entering information) can communicate directly with one or more of the generated C/Us or other destination using a communicator such as, but not limited to, 2-way text-to-cell communication, 2-way voice communication, 2-way social media communications, 2-way texting, 2-way phone, 2-way SMS, MMS, 2-way communication etc.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 shows an example of a search screen 710.It provides a map 712.In this example, the map 712 shows the point 714 of the chosen locating information at the center of an encircled area 716, which represents the radius searched.\",\n \"Also included is a search section 718 for the user to input the locating information, which in this example is “current location.” In this embodiment, there is also a choice of three different types of locating information 720 (i.e., zip code, address, or landmarks).\",\n \"In this example, the landmarks selection is highlighted showing that was chosen.\",\n \"Although three choices are shown in this example, more or fewer choices can be provided on the screen or in a drop-down menu.\",\n \"Also shown is a mile radius section 722 in which the user can select the radius to be searched.\",\n \"Mile radius section 722 in this embodiment in this example provides a sliding bar selection mechanism 724 which is set at 20 miles.\",\n \"When sliding bar selection mechanism 724 is moved to the left (for example, but not limited to, by dragging with a mouse, dragging a finger across the screen, dragging a stylus across the screen, using arrow keys, etc.)\",\n \"a radius of less than 20 miles can be chosen.\",\n \"When sliding bar selection mechanism 724 is moved to the right, a radius of more than 20 miles can be chosen.\",\n \"The mile radius section 722 can also or instead be provided with units other than miles for measuring distance (by way of non-limiting example, feet, meters, kilometers, etc.).\",\n \"Also, the section for choosing the radius, which is mile radius section 722 in this example, does not have to employ a sliding bar mechanism.\",\n \"Any method of inputting a desired radius can be used, for example, but not limited to, by way of a drop-down menu with choices of potential radius values, using number keys, etc.\",\n \"Also included in search screen 710 of FIG.\",\n \"7 is a search selection section 726.In the present example, it is simply labeled “SEARCH.” Any method of selecting search selection section 726 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 is an example of a screen showing generated search results.\",\n \"It includes a map 810, having a center point 812, and being enclosed in a circle 814 which delineates the radius searched from the center point 812.Also enclosed in circle 814 are C/Us 816, gas stations 818, restaurants 819, and hotels 820.A key 822 to the symbols for these other stops is included as well.\",\n \"Some symbols that might appear on the screen depicted in FIG.\",\n \"8 are for example a knife and fork icon for restaurants, graduation that for C/Us, a gas pump icon for gas stations, and/or a bed icon for hotels and/or lodging.\",\n \"The key 822 and/or the icons can have color distinctions.\",\n \"This type of search result screen, an example of which is shown in FIG.\",\n \"8, could, in accordance with this invention, show only C/Us, or show only other stops (e.g., the gas stations, restaurants, and hotels shown in FIG.\",\n \"8), and/or show other potential stops in addition to the other stops.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 is one example of a screen 910 which could pop up after selecting a C/U symbol in FIG.\",\n \"8.In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"9, the screen 910 provides student data information in an information section 912.The student data information shown in this example includes the name of the school, its student population and its average annual tuition.\",\n \"The screen 910 also includes a direction selection section 914 labeled “GET DIRECTIONS.” Any method of selecting direction selection section 914 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"10 is an example of a screen 1010, which pops up after selecting a C/U symbol in FIG.\",\n \"8.In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, the screen 1010 provides student data information in an information section 1012 (like information section 912).\",\n \"Screen 1010 also provides additional student data information in another information section 1013.The additional student data information available in this example includes links to call the college, obtain information on tour availability, obtain visitor information, and Facebook.\",\n \"Any method of selecting one or more of these links to additional student data information can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, the “Call College” link has been selected, and a phone number is displayed, and a link 1016 to call the college using the device displaying the screen 1010 can be selected.\",\n \"Any method of selecting link 1016 to call the college can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"The screen 1010 also includes a direction selection section 1014 labeled “GET DIRECTIONS.” Any method of selecting direction selection section 1014 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"11 is another example of a screen 1110 which pops up after selecting a C/U symbol in FIG.\",\n \"8.In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"11, the screen 1110 provides student data information in an information section 1112 (like information section 912 and 1012).\",\n \"Screen 1110 also provides additional student data information in another information section 1113.The additional student data information available in this example includes links to call the college, obtain information on tour availability, obtain visitor information, and a Facebook link.\",\n \"Any method of selecting one or more of these links to additional student data information can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"In the example shown in FIG.\",\n \"11, the “Tour Availability” link has been selected and the tour schedule is displayed.\",\n \"The screen 1110 also includes a direction selection section 1114 labeled “GET DIRECTIONS”.\",\n \"Any method of selecting direction selection section 1114 can be used, for example, but not limited to, a mouse, a finger, a stylus, an enter key, arrow keys, etc.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12 is an example of a screen 1210 which pops up after selecting a direction selection section, such as 1014 in FIG.\",\n \"10 or 1114 in FIG.\",\n \"11.It includes a map 1212 which shows the route 1214 to follow for the directions.\",\n \"The route 1214 is shown starting at a start point 1216 labeled “You Are Here” and ending at an end point 1218 which includes the icon for C/Us and is labeled “State University of New York.” Also, turn-by-turn directions are included in direction section 1220.The system and method can further comprise that the enterer/user can communicate directly with one or more of the generated C/Us with multiple communications that each can be more than 2-way communications.\",\n \"The system and method can further comprise that the enterer/user can communicate directly with one or more of the generated C/Us using a communicator comprising at least one of the following: at least 2-way text-to-cell communication; at least 2-way voice communication; at least 2-way social media communications; at least 2-way texting; at least 2-way phone; at least 2-way SMS and/or MMS; and/or at least 2-way communication.\",\n \"The invention can be a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and/or visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: entering student data into an input device; entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the input device; and generating C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation.\",\n \"The non-transitory storage device can further have instructions for at least one of the following: selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and/or providing an itinerary of selected C/Us or planned route or journey; or entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and providing an itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; entering other stops or destination data into the input device; entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; generating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into an input device, entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into an input device, generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, repeating the first through fourth steps as often as desired; entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; entering into the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; and/or providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of the selected C/Us.\",\n \"At least one embodiment is a method for travel planning and creating a group of C/Us, which are coordinated locations and destinations for at least one travel plan having associated at least one itinerary and at least one map, which all include visitation only to those C/Us meeting a specific customized criteria, and also providing criteria and information for communicating with the selected C/Us or providing for direct communication that is immediate and in real time to the C/Us contained in the at least one new uniquely created group and further including selecting from a uniquely formatted on screen visual presentation of all the relevant choices presented to the at least one user for selection comprising of the following steps: (1) initiating the method by: (a) downloading a specific customized software application and/or registering for a sign-in process, (b) initiating and running of the said specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; or (c) initiating and running of the said specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; and (d) performing any associated or required sign-in process; (2) receiving of the input of student data, input by at least one user, wherein said student data is comprised of specific student qualifications and student choices; (3) utilizing said computer or user smart device comprising of in part or in whole at least one of each of: a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and running said specific customized software application; (4) performing real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation that utilizes at least one storage database said storage database also containing information related to C/Us and other preselected content; (5) gathering, analyzing and coordinating at least one efficient “customized grouping” also called “unique list” or “unique group” of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other associated preselected content from real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation including but not limited to retrieving data from the at least one storage database, matches or is comparable to the criteria requested by input by the said at least one user and determining said unique list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the said at least one storage database matches or is comparable to the criteria of the said student data; (6) receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device or user input, and a desired radius limitation(s) from user input to said input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation(s) extends; (7) generating a unique list or group and an associated map coordinating locations and destinations to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database or retrieved in search, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; (8) displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; (9) receiving a selection from the information input into the input device of one or more C/Us from the list and map showing the locations of relevant C/Us generated, generate information about the selected C/Us, and display said information about the selected C/Us, an itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by the at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; (10) transmitting one-way communication(s), or two-way, or transmitting to and receiving two-way communication(s) from selected, and preferred Locations and Destinations via the wireless communication transceiver; (11) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and (12) executing and performing at least one of: (a) receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, (b) generating and displaying a second unique list and associated at least one map showing the locations of C/Us that are relevant to the student data, relevant to the information gathered, analyzed, and/or contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the relevant C/Us on the list of C/Us where the information related to C/Us and other preselected content gathered, analyzed, and/or contained from the storage database matches or is comparable to the student data and the second locating information and determining which C/Us are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (c) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us, coordinated travel plan, and itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey; (d) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (e) generating and displaying at least one coordinated list and associated at least one map of the locations of repeat search C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (f) receiving a selection of relevant repeat search resulting C/Us of interest from the input device, generating information about the selected C/Us of interest, and storing, and displaying said information about the selected C/Us of interest on the display; (g) receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, generating and displaying at least one relevant list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (h) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the at least one coordinated travel plan, associated at least one itinerary and map(s) and planned route or journey and/or providing information or upon request providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging, storing same, and visually displaying this at least one uniquely created new group; (i) receiving student data for another request for another at least one group, which is the same or different from the student data previously received from the input device, receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and generating and displaying at least one coordinated list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another at least one new group, and receiving a selection of one or more C/Us from the list of C/Us relevant to the student data for said another at least one group and saving the selected C/Us and uniquely visual displaying the at least one new created group, and (j) receiving further student data to generate at least one combined list and group of C/Us.\",\n \"At least one embodiment is comprised of a system for conducting a location-based search of CUs, preparing a real time and immediate coordinated travel plan, itinerary and mapped route to visit C/Us, and communicating with C/Us which includes a customized application and resulting in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on the combination of user selected important criteria, radius searching, and real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation executed by and uniquely visually presented on a computer and/or smart device for user preference comprising: (1) a computer and/or mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor and, a wireless communication transceiver, and a customized software program that utilizes information from user selected important criteria, radius searching, and real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation and information stored in a storage database, the computer and/or mobile device programmed to: (a) receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends; (b) generate and display a coordinated list and associated at least one map, the said list displaying and the associated at least one map showing the locations of all C/Us that are located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and the locating information and determining which C/Us are within the radius limitation received by the input device; (c) receiving at least one selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the said list displaying, and said associated at least one map showing the coordinated locations of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and uniquely visually displaying said information about the selected C/Us, coordinated travel plan, and associated coordinated itinerary of the selected C/Us and a planned coordinated route or journey on the visual display, wherein the planned coordinated route or journey includes or includes upon input request information on public or other methods of transportation available; (d) transmitting one-way communication(s) to or transmitting to or receiving from at least two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination C/U via wireless communication; (e) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the uniquely created coordinated list of relevant C/Us generated, and save the one or more C/Us selected from the list of relevant C/Us as a group; and (f) executing and performing at least one of: (i) receiving second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, (ii) generating and displaying at least one uniquely created and coordinated list and at least one associated map showing the locations of all selected C/Us that are located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the C/Us and analyzing the second locating information and determining which C/Us are relevant and within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (iii) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant C/Us generated, generating information about the selected C/Us, and (iv) uniquely visually displaying said information about the selected C/Us, and associated travel plan, and itinerary of the selected C/Us and planned route or journey on the visual display; (g) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (h) generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (i) receiving a selection of repeat C/Us of interest from the input device, (j) generating information about the selected C /Us of interest, displaying said information about the selected C/U s of interest; and (k) receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or C/Us or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, (l) generating and displaying at least one uniquely created list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (m) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the travel plan, itinerary and planned route or journey and (n) providing or if requested providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging.\",\n \"At least one embodiment is a system for conducting a criteria and location-based search of destinations, preparing an itinerary and mapped route to visit destinations, and communicating with destinations comprising: (1) a mobile device comprising a GPS or other technology receiver, a display, an input device, a microprocessor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a software program that utilizes a storage database containing information related to destinations and other preselected content, the mobile device programmed to: (a) receive destination data from the input device, (b) calculate and determine a list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data, (c) receive locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver or the input device and a desired radius limitation from the input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which the radius limitation extends, (d) generate a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destination data and the locating information and determining which destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device, (e) display the list of destinations that are relevant to the destination data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display, (f) receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant destinations generated, (g) generate information about the selected destinations, and (h) display said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, (i) transmit one-way communication(s) to or transmit to or receive two-way communication(s) from at least one selected destination or location included via the wireless communication transceiver, (j) receive a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, and save the one or more destinations selected from the list of relevant destinations as a group; and (k) execute and perform at least one of: (i) receiving a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first locating information, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first desired radius limitation, from the input device, (ii) generating and displaying a list and map showing the locations of destinations that are relevant to the destinations data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the destinations on the list of destinations where the information related to destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the destinations data and the second locating information and (iii) determining which destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (iv) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more destinations from the list of relevant destinations generated, (v) generating information about the selected destinations, and (vi) displaying said information about the selected destinations, an itinerary of the selected destinations and planned route or journey on the display, (vii) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, (viii) generating and displaying a list and map of the locations of, repeat destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected destinations, (ix) receiving a selection of repeat destinations of interest from the input device, (x) generating information about the selected destinations of interest, and (xi) displaying said information about the selected destinations of interest, (xii) receiving other stops and/or destination data, and/or destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, (xiii) generating and displaying a list of other stops and/or destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (xiv) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and/or destinations from the input device for adding to the itinerary and planned route or journey and/or providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging, (xv) receiving destinations data for another group, which is the same or different from the destinations data previously received from the input device, (xvi) receiving locating information for said another group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and/or a desired radius limitation from the input device, and (xvii) generating and displaying a list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group, and (xviii) receiving a selection of one or more destinations from the list of destinations relevant to the destinations data for said another group and saving the selected destinations, and (xix) receiving further destinations data to generate at least one combined list of destinations.\",\n \"At least one embodiment is a non-transitory storage device storing a plurality of instructions, to conduct a search, and visit of C/Us wherein said non-transitory storage device comprises a plurality of instructions for: (1) entering critical student data into an input device; (2) entering locating information and a desired radius limitation into the said input device; and (3) generating at least one coordinated list C/Us relevant to the student data and within the radius limitation; wherein the instructions further comprise at least one of the following steps of: (a) selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated after real time analysis and coordination, (b) generating information about the selected C/Us, and (c) immediately providing in real time an itinerary of said selected C/Us and an immediate real time coordinated planned route or journey including all selected locations and destinations; (4) entering a second locating information, which can be the same or different from the first, and a second desired radius limitation, which can be the same or different from the first, into the input device, (5) generating a second batch of C/Us relevant to the student data and within the second radius limitation, (6) selecting C/Us from the second batch of C/Us, and (7) providing at least one travel plan, and itinerary based on the first batch and the second batch of the selected C/Us or planned route or journey; (8) requesting a repeat search of C/Us within a radius limitation of me or more selected C/Us, (9) generating repeat C/Us within the radius limitation of one or more selected C/Us, (10) selecting repeat C/Us of interest, generating information about selected C/Us of interest; (11) entering other stops and/or destination data into the said input device; (12) entering the C/Us or other locating information and/or a desired radius limitation into the input device; (13) generating a rating other stops relevant to the other stops data and within the radius limitation if applicable; (14) running and further comprising a software element that can utilize a map; (15) selecting one or more C/Us from the relevant C/Us generated and saving the selected C/Us as a group; (16) entering student data for another group, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, into said input device, (17) entering locating information for that other group, which is the same or different from the locating information which has already been entered, and/or a desired radius limitation into a input device, (18) generating C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and/or within the radius limitation, (19) selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C/Us relevant to the student data for that other group and saving the selected C/Us as another group, (20) repeating these steps as often as desired; and (21) entering further student data into the input device to generate a combined list of C/Us from all the groups and relevant to the further student data entered; (22) entering the input device another set of student data, which is the same or different from the student data which has already been entered, and generating C/Us relevant to the other set of student data from the group of C/Us which has already been selected; (23) communicating directly with one or more of the generated and/or selected C/Us comprising at least one of the following: at least a 2-way text-to-cell communication, at least a 2-way voice communication, at least a 2-way social media communications, at least a 2-way texting, at least a 2-way phone, at least a 2-way SMS or MMS, at least 2-way wireless communication; (24) production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary or prior to final production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary and this said communication may result in further input of data by user to be analysis for generation of a new group stored and visually presented to user for selection and production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary; (25) providing information about food, gas and/or lodging within a selected radius of selected C/Us; (26) selecting one or more C/Us from the generated C /Us relevant to the student data for said another group and saving the selected C/Us; (27) entering said input device further student data to generate at least one combined list of C/Us; and/or (28) repeating at least one of the above steps.\",\n \"In the above embodiment, the C/Us may be input in real time along with the other critical information and/or radius information for immediate analysis and production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary may.\",\n \"Such C/Us may be C/Us and/or any location or destination and/or the student data input can be student data as defined herein or just data deemed by user as critical to the said real time analysis and production of a real-time travel plan, map, and itinerary.\",\n \"At least one embodiment is a method for travel planning which includes a customized application and resulting in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on the combination of user selected important criteria, radius searching, and real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation executed by and presented on a computer and/or smart device for user preference.\",\n \"Such embodiment may comprise of the following steps: (1) initiating the method by: (a) downloading a specific customized software application, and/or registering for a sign in process, (b) initiating and running of the said specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; (b) or initiating and running of the specific customized software application on a user computer and/or smart device, operated by at least one user; (2) receiving data containing important criteria input by at least one user wherein said data is comprised of specific qualifications and choices, utilizing said computer and/or smart device, and running said specific customized software application performing real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation including but not limited to the utilizing of at least one storage database containing information related to locations and destinations and other associated preselected content; (3) gathering, analyzing and coordinating said efficient customized grouping also called “unique list” or “unique group” of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other associated preselected content from real time simultaneous multi-source data gathering, analysis, and derivation including but not limited to the said at least one storage database, matches or is comparable to the criteria of the said data input by the at least one user; (4) receiving specific locating information from the GPS or other technology receiver live or supplied from the input device and at least one desired radius limitation from user input to said input device, wherein the locating information is used as the center or starting point from which at least one desired radius limitation extends; (5) generating a unique list or group and map coordinating locations and destinations to be presented in a unique formatted visual presentation showing said locations and destinations that are relevant to the data input by said at least one user, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the information input into the input device by calculating the distance between the locations and destinations on the list of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the data and the locating information and determining which locations and destinations are within the radius limitation received by the input device; (6) displaying in said unique formatted visual presentation the said unique list or group of said locations and destinations that are relevant to the data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the radius limitation received from the input device on the display; (7) receiving a selection by user from the information input into the input device of one or more locations and destinations from the list and map showing the locations of relevant locations and destinations generated; (8) generate information about the selected locations and destinations, and display said information about the selected locations and destinations, an itinerary of the selected locations and destinations and a planned route or journey on the display, wherein the planned route or journey includes public or other methods of transportation, selected by at least one user customizing the unique group from a unique formatted visual presentation to said user utilizing a user smart device running a specific software application; (10) transmitting communication(s) to and receiving communication(s) from selected, and preferred locations and destinations via the wireless communication transceiver; (11) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more C/Us from the list of relevant locations and destinations generated, and save the one or more locations and destinations selected from the list of relevant locations and destinations as a new group created by the combination of these steps, and; (12) executing and performing at least one of: (a) receiving a second group of locating information, and a second desired radius limitation from the input device, (b) generating and displaying a second unique list and map showing the locations of locations and destinations that are relevant to the data, relevant to the information contained in the storage database, and located within the second radius limitation received from the input device by calculating the distance between the locations and destinations on the list of locations and destinations where the information related to locations and destinations and other preselected content from the storage database matches or is comparable to the data and the second locating information and (c) determining which locations and destinations are within the second radius limitation received by the input device, (d) receiving a selection from the input device of one or more locations and destinations from the list of relevant locations and destinations generated, (e) generating information about the selected locations and destinations, and (f) displaying said information about the selected locations and destinations, an itinerary of the selected locations and destinations and planned route or journey on the display a new group created; (g) receiving a request from the input device for a repeat search of locations and destinations within a radius limitation of one or more selected locations and destinations, (h) generating, analyzing, and displaying at least one uniquely created list and map of the locations of repeat locations and destinations within the radius limitation of one or more selected locations and destinations, (i) receiving a selection of repeat locations and destinations of interest from the input device, (j) generating information about the selected locations and destinations of interest, and (k) displaying said information about the selected locations and destinations of interest on the display a new group created by the combination of these steps; (13) receiving other stops and destinations data, and/or locations and destinations or other locating information and/or desired radius limitations, (14) generating, analyzing, and displaying at least one uniquely created and coordinated list of other stops and destinations relevant to said other data within the radius limitation to be offered for selection, and (15) receiving a selection of one or more other stops and destinations from the input device for adding to the at least one uniquely created and coordinated travel plan, itinerary, map(s) and planned route or journey and/or providing information or upon request providing information about food, gas, and/or lodging; (16) receiving data for creating another at least one uniquely created group, which is the same or different from the data previously received from the input device, (17) receiving locating information for said at least one another uniquely created group, which is the same or different from the locating information previously received by the input device and receiving a desired radius limitation from the input device, and (18) generating, analyzing, and displaying in a unique visual format a coordinated list of locations and destinations relevant to the data for said another at least one new unique group, and (19) receiving a selection of one or more locations and destinations from the said at least one uniquely created new list of locations and destinations relevant to the data for said another group and saving the selected locations and destinations on the display a new group created, and (20) receiving further data to generate at least one combined coordinated list and group of locations and destinations.\",\n \"While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.\",\n \"Therefore, the true scope of the invention should not be limited since other modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the claims, drawings, descriptions, explanations, and specifications herein.\",\n \"It is understood that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875093"}}},{"rowIdx":4494777,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["THERMOFORMABLE MEDICAL MEMBER WITH HEATER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME","A thermoformable medical member and heater and method for manufacturing same.","A thermoplastic material is converted from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts back to a clinically rigid state within a relatively short period of time, and, which remains in that state even at elevated ambient temperatures."],["1.A thermoformable medical member and heater comprising: a thermoplastic material having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises a flexural modulus at 73 degrees F. of at least 2.3 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C.; and a thermoformable temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C.; and a heater operatively associated with at least one of the top and bottom sides of the thermoplastic material, wherein the heater comprises an oxygen activated heater.","2.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. 3.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material contains a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, or polycaprolactone.","4.The invention according to claim 3 wherein the PLA polymer has a flexural modulus of 2.4-4.9 GPa at 23 degrees C. 5.The invention according to claim 3 wherein the PLA polymer has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.6.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material further includes at least one of an organic and inorganic filler.","7.The invention according to claim 6 wherein the filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter ° C.) at 48 degrees C. 8.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has at least a portion of at least one of the top and bottom sides has a textured surface.","9.The invention according to claim 8 wherein the textured surface is corrugated.","10.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has an internal structure, having a volume, located between the top and bottom sides, wherein 40% or less of the volume is defined by an open cell structure.","11.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member comprises a splint.","12.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member comprises an orthotic.","13.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member comprises an exoskeleton member.","14.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the heater is integrated with the thermoformable medical member.","15.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material is chemically or physically bonded to the heater.","16.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. 17.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material contains a reinforcing fiber.","18.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member contains a thermosetting component capable of forming crosslinks in the range of 20-70 degrees C. 19.A method for achieving an effect on a thermoformable medical member from an integrated heater for use on a patient comprising the steps of: heating a thermoformable medical member fabricated from a thermoplastic material with an oxygen activated heater in a range of 48-70 degrees C., wherein the thermoplastic material prior to heating is in a relatively rigid, non-thermoformable phase; converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state to a thermoformable state within the heated range; forming the thermoplastic material to a desired shape while in its thermoformable state; converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable phase; and maintaining the desired shape of the thermoplastic material at a temperature imparted to the thermoplastic material of less than 48 degrees C. 20.The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state comprises maintaining structural rigidity of the thermoplastic material until the thermoplastic material until it is heated within the range of 48-70 degrees C. 21.The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of heating comprises constructing the heater so that it ceases to generate heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state 22.The method according to claim 21 wherein the step of heating comprises generating heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state for a period of approximately 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.","23.The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs after the temperature of the thermoplastic material is less than 48 degrees C. 24.The method according to claim 23 wherein the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs within 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Thermoformable materials have been used in association with medical structures such as casts, splints, orthotics, etc., for medical purposes for several years.","Indeed, such materials offer several benefits over conventional non-thermoformable materials such as faster set times, eliminating the lengthy application process associated therewith and the dampness inflicted on the patients skin.","U.S. Pat.","No.","4,778,717 is directed to a specific structure for a thermoplastic, thermoformable composite.","U.S. Pat.","No.","5,652,053 discloses utilizing a molecular or intermolecular combination of materials comprised of an inter-penetrating polymer network so as to cause the combined structure to transfer from an amorphous state to a viscoelastic and rubbery state.","While such a structure may provide some support to a user, it is not effective when a ridged support is desired such as is typically the case with a splint, cast, orthotic or exoskeleton.","U.S. Pat App.","Nos.","20080319362 and 20120101417 both disclose a thermoformable cast or splint that can be used in association with an exothermic heating reaction for causing a thermoplastic material to go from a relatively rigid state to a malleable state so that the material can be formed to a portion of a patient in need of support.","Unfortunately, in order to heat the thermoplastic material in such a reaction, the material is placed in a separate and distinct heating bag where the exothermic reaction takes place.","After appropriate heating, the thermoplastic material is removed from the bag and ready for use.","In addition, the assignee of the present invention has provided oxygen-based heaters and various packages for same.","See, e.g., U.S. Pat.","No.","7,722,782, issued on May 25, 2010; U.S. application Ser.","No.","12/376,927, filed on Feb. 9, 2009; U.S. application Ser.","No.","12/874,338, filed on Sep. 2, 2010; U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/055,250 filed on Oct. 16, 2013; U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/058,719, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/058,496, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; and, U.S. Ser.","No.","13/734,594, filed Jan. 4, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.","These disclosed heaters and packages are successful at providing an oxygen based heater and/or package for same.","While the above disclosed devices and methods may be capable of providing effective formable medical structures, none of them disclose such a device that provides for the conversion of a thermoformable material from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts back to a clinically rigid state within a relatively short period of time, and, which remains in that state even at elevated ambient temperatures.","The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a thermoformable medical member and heater comprising a thermoplastic material having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side.","The thermoplastic material comprises a flexural modulus at 73 degrees F. of at least 2.3 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C.; and a thermoformable temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, a heater is operatively associated with at least one of the top and bottom sides of the thermoplastic material.","In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic material contains a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, or polycaprolactone.","In addition, the PLA polymer has a flexural modulus of 2.4-4.9 GPa at 23 degrees C. Also, the PLA polymer has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.In yet another preferred embodiment the thermoplastic material includes at least one of an organic and inorganic filler.","It is contemplated that the filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter ° C.) at 48 degrees C. In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has at least a portion of at least one of the top and bottom sides with a textured surface.","For example, the textured surface may be corrugated.","In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has an internal structure, having a volume, located between the top and bottom sides, wherein 40% or less of the volume is defined by an open cell structure.","This internal structure may take the form of a honeycomb configuration.","In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member comprises at least one of a splint, cast, an orthotic or an exoskeleton member.","In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the heater comprises either an oxygen activated heater or a water activated heater.","It is preferred, but not required, that the heater is integrated with the thermoformable medical member.","Such integration may take the form of the thermoplastic material being chemically or physically bonded to the heater.","In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, the thermoplastic material contains a reinforcing fiber.","In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member contains a thermosetting component capable of forming crosslinks in the range of 20-70 degrees C. The present invention is also directed to a method for achieving an effect on a thermoformable medical member from a heater for use on a patient comprising the steps of: heating a thermoformable medical member fabricated from a thermoplastic material with at least one of an oxygen activated heater and a water activated heater in a range of 48-70 degrees C., wherein the thermoplastic material prior to heating is in a relatively rigid, non-thermoformable phase; converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state to a thermoformable state within the heated range; forming the thermoplastic material to a desired shape while in its thermoformable state; converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable phase; and maintaining the desired shape of the thermoplastic material at a temperature imparted to the thermoplastic material of less than 48 degrees C. In the preferred method, the step of converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state comprises maintaining structural rigidity of the thermoplastic material until the thermoplastic material until it is heated within the range of 48-70 degrees C. In this preferred method the step of heating comprises constructing the heater so that it ceases to generate heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state.","It is preferred that the thermoformable state is maintained for approximately 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.","In this preferred embodiment, the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs after the temperature of the thermoplastic material is less than 48 degrees C. Again, this occurs within 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes."],["CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/482,351 filed on Sep. 10, 2014 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/206,252, filed on Mar.","12, 2014—the contents of both of which is incorporated herein by reference.","FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a portable thermoformable medical member in association with a heater that generates heat from an exothermic reaction.","BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thermoformable materials have been used in association with medical structures such as casts, splints, orthotics, etc., for medical purposes for several years.","Indeed, such materials offer several benefits over conventional non-thermoformable materials such as faster set times, eliminating the lengthy application process associated therewith and the dampness inflicted on the patients skin.","U.S. Pat.","No.","4,778,717 is directed to a specific structure for a thermoplastic, thermoformable composite.","U.S. Pat.","No.","5,652,053 discloses utilizing a molecular or intermolecular combination of materials comprised of an inter-penetrating polymer network so as to cause the combined structure to transfer from an amorphous state to a viscoelastic and rubbery state.","While such a structure may provide some support to a user, it is not effective when a ridged support is desired such as is typically the case with a splint, cast, orthotic or exoskeleton.","U.S. Pat App.","Nos.","20080319362 and 20120101417 both disclose a thermoformable cast or splint that can be used in association with an exothermic heating reaction for causing a thermoplastic material to go from a relatively rigid state to a malleable state so that the material can be formed to a portion of a patient in need of support.","Unfortunately, in order to heat the thermoplastic material in such a reaction, the material is placed in a separate and distinct heating bag where the exothermic reaction takes place.","After appropriate heating, the thermoplastic material is removed from the bag and ready for use.","In addition, the assignee of the present invention has provided oxygen-based heaters and various packages for same.","See, e.g., U.S. Pat.","No.","7,722,782, issued on May 25, 2010; U.S. application Ser.","No.","12/376,927, filed on Feb. 9, 2009; U.S. application Ser.","No.","12/874,338, filed on Sep. 2, 2010; U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/055,250 filed on Oct. 16, 2013; U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/058,719, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/058,496, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; and, U.S. Ser.","No.","13/734,594, filed Jan. 4, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.","These disclosed heaters and packages are successful at providing an oxygen based heater and/or package for same.","While the above disclosed devices and methods may be capable of providing effective formable medical structures, none of them disclose such a device that provides for the conversion of a thermoformable material from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts back to a clinically rigid state within a relatively short period of time, and, which remains in that state even at elevated ambient temperatures.","The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a thermoformable medical member and heater comprising a thermoplastic material having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side.","The thermoplastic material comprises a flexural modulus at 73 degrees F. of at least 2.3 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C.; and a thermoformable temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, a heater is operatively associated with at least one of the top and bottom sides of the thermoplastic material.","In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic material contains a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, or polycaprolactone.","In addition, the PLA polymer has a flexural modulus of 2.4-4.9 GPa at 23 degrees C. Also, the PLA polymer has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.In yet another preferred embodiment the thermoplastic material includes at least one of an organic and inorganic filler.","It is contemplated that the filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter ° C.) at 48 degrees C. In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has at least a portion of at least one of the top and bottom sides with a textured surface.","For example, the textured surface may be corrugated.","In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has an internal structure, having a volume, located between the top and bottom sides, wherein 40% or less of the volume is defined by an open cell structure.","This internal structure may take the form of a honeycomb configuration.","In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member comprises at least one of a splint, cast, an orthotic or an exoskeleton member.","In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the heater comprises either an oxygen activated heater or a water activated heater.","It is preferred, but not required, that the heater is integrated with the thermoformable medical member.","Such integration may take the form of the thermoplastic material being chemically or physically bonded to the heater.","In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, the thermoplastic material contains a reinforcing fiber.","In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member contains a thermosetting component capable of forming crosslinks in the range of 20-70 degrees C. The present invention is also directed to a method for achieving an effect on a thermoformable medical member from a heater for use on a patient comprising the steps of: heating a thermoformable medical member fabricated from a thermoplastic material with at least one of an oxygen activated heater and a water activated heater in a range of 48-70 degrees C., wherein the thermoplastic material prior to heating is in a relatively rigid, non-thermoformable phase; converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state to a thermoformable state within the heated range; forming the thermoplastic material to a desired shape while in its thermoformable state; converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable phase; and maintaining the desired shape of the thermoplastic material at a temperature imparted to the thermoplastic material of less than 48 degrees C. In the preferred method, the step of converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state comprises maintaining structural rigidity of the thermoplastic material until the thermoplastic material until it is heated within the range of 48-70 degrees C. In this preferred method the step of heating comprises constructing the heater so that it ceases to generate heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state.","It is preferred that the thermoformable state is maintained for approximately 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.","In this preferred embodiment, the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs after the temperature of the thermoplastic material is less than 48 degrees C. Again, this occurs within 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 of the drawings is an exploded view of the present invention; FIG.","2 of the drawings is an elevated cut-away view of the present invention; FIG.","3 of the drawings is a top perspective view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.","4 of the drawings is a top view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.","5 of the drawings is an elevated side view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.","6 of the drawings is a side view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.","7 is a top view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.","8 is a perspective view of orthotic devices of the present invention; and FIG.","9 is three graphical representations of experimental results.","Flexural moduli were calculated at room temperature for loadings of 0.396 and 0.789 pounds.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present, disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description.","It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments, as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein.","Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure.","The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the examples of the disclosure.","Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.","Thermoformable medical member and heater 10 is shown in FIG.","1 as comprising thermoplastic material 12 and oxygen activated heater 18.Thermoplastic material 12, which, in this embodiment, will result in a formable and rigid splint, has top side 14 and bottom side 15.As will be explained in greater detail, the thermoplastic material becomes malleable (“formable”) upon heating to a predetermined temperature (48-70 degrees C.), which is a relatively narrow temperature range as compared to known thermoformable splint materials.","As will also be explained, the thermoplastic material will revert back toward and into a clinically rigid state at a temperature below 48 degrees C. Accordingly, once the thermoplastic material is formed to a desired shape, it will maintain that shape, and, in turn, its clinically rigid state, even at elevated ambient temperatures.","As will be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art, the term “clinically rigid state” means that the splint will maintain its desired shape without softening and/or deforming after it has been formed by the person applying the material/member to a patient.","In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material is constructed so that it has a flexural modulus at 23 degrees C. of approximately 2.4-4.9 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C., and, a thermoformable (“malleable”) temperature in the range of 48-70 degrees C. It is also contemplated that the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. It is contemplated that the thermoplastic material contains a polyactic acid (“PLA”) polymer.","The PLA has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.As would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, although the thermoplastic material has been identified as containing PLA, other materials that will exhibit similar properties under similar pressures and temperatures are also contemplated by the present invention.","Examples include cellulose acetate butyrate or polycaprolactone.","Indeed, it is contemplated that other materials can be combined with, for example, the PLA, such other materials include, but are not limited to, lower durometer plastics such as EVA.","Of primary concern is the relatively narrow temperature range in which the thermoplastic material becomes formable, the time of formability (as will be further explained), and, being able to maintain a clinically rigid state after the thermoformable member has been properly formed, even at temperatures below 120 degrees F. Thermoplastic material 12 may further include at least one organic or inorganic filler for reducing the overall cost and for improving the mechanical properties (i.e.","flexural modulus) of the device.","The filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter degrees C.) at 48 degrees C. Thermoplastic material 12 is shown in FIGS.","6 and 7 as including a corrugated surface 70 (FIG.","6) and an open cell configuration 75 (FIG.","7).","The corrugated surface maximizes physical contact between thermoplastic material 12 and oxygen activated heater 18.The open cell configuration (such as a honeycomb configuration) helps to maximize heat transfer between the heater sheet and the thermoplastic material.","It is contemplated that the thermoplastic material is occupied by 40% or less than the open cell configuration.","Although a corrugated surface and an open cell configuration have been disclosed, it will be understood by those have ordinary skill in the art that other configurations can be used for optimizing/increasing heat transfer from the heater to the thermoplastic material.","Oxygen activated heater 18 includes heater sheet 20, wicking layer 24 and air diffuser layer 28.Heater sheet 20, wicking layer 24 and air diffuser layer 28 each have a top surface and a bottom surface 21 and 22, 25 and 26, and, 29 and 30, respectively.","The heater sheet comprises a metal-based substrate that exothermically reacts with and upon exposure to oxygen.","Although the heater sheet is identified as a “sheet” or “substrate”, it is contemplated by the present invention that the heater sheet can actually be applied as a layer, such as by deposition coating, rolling of material, etc.","Examples of the chemistry and general mechanical configurations associated with oxygen activated heaters are known in the art and specific examples have been incorporated herein by reference in the Background of the Invention.","As will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the art with such heaters, wicking layer 24 serves to distribute the electrolyte evenly into the heater sheet.","This electrolyte facilitates the reaction that takes place when the heater sheet is exposed to oxygen.","As shown in greater detail in FIG.","2 (but as is also apparent in FIG.","1), bottom surface 22 of heater sheet 20 is operatively associated with top side 14 of thermoplastic material 12.Such association can occur as a result of chemical or mechanical bonding there between, or a combination thereof.","For example, as shown in FIG.","1, top side of thermoplastic material 12 is associated with binding component 34.In this embodiment, the binding component comprises a non-woven fabric secured to the thermoplastic material.","Although a non-woven fabric has been disclosed, other binding components are also contemplated by the present invention, including, but not limited to, adhesive materials, such as glue and double sided thermal tape.","(See, for example, double sided thermal tape 34, shown in FIG.","3).","In addition to the felt acting as a binding agent, desired felt may also include some heat insulating properties.","Accordingly, it is contemplated that such felt, or other heat insulating material 40 (see FIG.","5) also be associated with bottom side 15 of thermoplastic material 12 inasmuch as the bottom side will be the side that comes into contact with the skin of a patient.","Heat insulating material 40 in FIG.","5 can serve as a resilient pad, known as a cast pad, and is placed on bottom side 15 of thermoplastic material 12 for providing thermal protection while thermoformable medical member and heater 10 are being formed to the appropriate region of a patient, as well as providing comfort to the wearer after the thermoplastic heater reverts from a malleable state back to a relatively rigid state.","As can be seen in FIGS.","1 and 2, bottom surface 26 of wicking layer 24 is operatively associated with and over top surface 21 of the heater sheet.","Additionally, bottom surface 30 of air diffuser layer 28 is operatively positioned over top surface 25 of the wicking layer.","As shown in FIG.","2, air diffuser layer (which allows relatively uniform dispersion of oxygen toward and in contact with the wicking layer, and, in turn, the heater sheet upon association with oxygen) includes peripheral region 45 as a result of it having a length and width greater than the length and width of the wicking layer and heater sheet.","Accordingly, peripheral region 45 of air diffuser layer 28 is adhered to a portion of the top side of thermoplastic material 12.Such adherence secures/contains the heater sheet and wicking layer in operative association with the thermoplastic material.","Although the diffuser layer and the wicking layer have been described as two separate components, it is also contemplated that those two layers be combined into a single unitary structure.","Alternatively, it is also contemplated that one material can achieve the function of both of those layers.","As shown in FIGS.","1 and 2, thermoformable medical member and heater 10 further includes outer housing 50.The outer housing, once assembled about oxygen activated heater 18 and thermoplastic material 12, includes interior region 51 and outer surface 52 (see FIG.","2).","As can be seen in FIG.","2, such an assembly is completely positioned within the interior region of the outer housing.","As shown in FIGS.","1 and 2, outer housing 50 includes first and second sheets of material 58, 59, respectively.","The first and second sheets of material are adhered at their edges (see FIG.","2) so as to form seal 53.The outer housing is fabricated from a material that is relatively impervious to oxygen transmission.","One example of acceptable material for the outer housing is commercially available from Curwood Inc. P.O.","Box 2968, 2200 Badger Ave., Osjkosh, Wis. 54903 under the trade name Liquiflex® A6661-MO.","Seal 53 also is relatively impervious to oxygen transmission.","Outer housing 50 may include oxygen penetration region 55 and removable seal 56 operatively positioned over and around the oxygen penetration region, as shown in FIG.","4.The oxygen penetration region includes pores, or sections that will allow oxygen transmission into interior region 51 of the outer housing.","However, removable seal 56 is comprised of a material (that may be the same as the material used for outer housing 50) that is intended to precluded oxygen transmission there through.","Accordingly, oxygen will be precluded from entering interior region of the housing unless and until the removable seal is at least partially removed.","Although outer housing has been described with an oxygen penetration region, it is also contemplated that such a region not be used.","In such a case, oxygen will only be transmitted to the oxygen activated heater upon physical removal of the integrated heater and thermoplastic material from interior region 51 of the outer housing.","Thermoformable medical member and heater 10 is manufactured by fabricating oxygen activated heater 18 with air diffuser layer 28, wicking layer 24 and a metal-based (such as zinc) heater substrate 20, and securing all of them to thermoplastic material 12.As previously explained, the heater sheet is adhered to the thermoplastic material by means of a chemical and/or mechanical bond, such as with non-woven felt or an adhesive applied to top side 14 of the thermoplastic material.","In addition, cast pad 40 (FIG.","5) may be applied to bottom side 15 of the thermoplastic material for thermal protection and comfort.","As also previously explained, the air diffuser layer includes a peripheral region 45 that extends beyond the peripheries of the wicking layer and heating sheet.","Inasmuch as the thermoplastic material has a length and width that is also greater than that of the wicking layer and heating sheet, the peripheral region 45 of the air diffuser layer can be secured to a portion of the thermoplastic material (see FIG.","2).","In this instance, the heater sheet is held against the thermoplastic material by being “sandwiched” between the air diffuser and the thermoplastic material, and direct binding of the heater sheet to the thermoplastic material may not be required.","An outer housing 50 is fabricated from a flexible material that is relatively impermeable to oxygen.","The outer housing is constructed to have a top sheet 58 and bottom sheet 59.Once constructed, the combined and integrated oxygen activated heater 18 (FIG.","1) and thermoplastic material 12 are positioned within what will become interior region 51 (FIG.","2) of the outer housing.","The top and bottom sheet of the outer housing are then sealed together, optionally under a vacuum, forming seal 53 so that the interior region of the outer housing is substantially devoid of oxygen, and wherein the outer housing substantially conforms around the thermoplastic material and oxygen activated heater.","As an alternative embodiment, top sheet 58 of the outer housing can be fabricated with pores, or oxygen penetration regions 55, and a removable seal 56 positioned there over.","As previously described, in such an embodiment, oxygen will only transmit into the interior region of the outer housing upon at least partial removal of the removable seal.","Although thermoformable medical member and heater 10 have been described/shown in FIGS.","1 and 2 as a splint having an integrated oxygen activated heater, such is for disclosure and understanding of the invention only.","Indeed, as shown in FIG.","8, thermoplastic material 12′ is shown as comprising orthotic devices.","In addition, it will be readily understood to those with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is equally applicable to exoskeleton devices.","Examples of exoskeleton devices contemplated by the present invention includes, but are not limited to, prosthetics, braces and sports armour.","As will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, other thermoformable medical members can also be used in association with the teachings of the present invention.","In addition, although the heater has been disclosed as comprising an oxygen activated heater integrally associated with the thermoplastic material, other heaters that generate heat as a result of an exothermic reaction are also contemplated—such as various conventional water activated heaters.","Furthermore, in some applications it may be beneficial to have the heater as a separate, non-integrated component relative to the thermoplastic material.","In such a case, operative association of the heater with the thermoplastic material would occur at the time of intended formation/molding.","In operation, (and as will be described with respect to an integrated oxygen activated heater) a desired user of the thermoformable medical member and heater would merely open the outer housing (by, for example, cutting a sealed edge with a scissors, or by tearing at a perforated line) and then removing the integrated thermoplastic material and oxygen activated heater there from.","(Prior to commencement of heating, the thermoplastic material will be in a relatively rigid state).","As oxygen from the ambient environment comes into contact with the air diffuser layer, and, in turn, into contact with the wicking layer, a chemical reaction will occur causing the heater sheet to create an exothermic reaction.","This exothermic reaction will result in the release of heat from the heater sheet toward and into the thermoplastic material to a temperature range of 48-70 degrees C. This temperature range will be maintained for a predefined period of time (typically 3-5 minutes) at which point the thermoplastic material will become and remain malleable/formable for a predetermined period of time.","It will be understood that the amount of time the thermoplastic material stays in the malleable state is a function of how long heat in the previously identified temperature range is imparted into the thermoplastic material.","How to alter this time would be readily understood to those having ordinary skill in the art merely by altering the amount of active material associated with producing the desired exothermic reaction associated with the heater.","Once the thermoplastic material is in a formable state, a person would then place the device onto a person's arm (for example) and press the thermoplastic material against the person's arm until it forms thereto.","Once properly formed, an elastic bandage, or the like, is wrapped around the person's arm and the thermoplastic material and oxygen activated heater (when integrated) so as to secure it in place.","Inasmuch as the side of the thermoplastic material applied to the person's arm may include an insulating pad (such as a cast pad) he or she will not be subjected to unsafe temperatures.","The air diffuser layer also has heat insulating properties, so the person applying the device will also be protected from unsafe temperatures.","As previously mentioned, after the thermoplastic splint has become malleable, it will continue in that state until the temperature of the thermoplastic material drops below 48 degrees C. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the time it remains malleable, and, in turn “workable”, is about one minute.","After that, the thermoplastic material, and, in turn, the splint, will be in a clinically rigid and formed state.","Such a quick time before reverting to a non-formable state greatly reduces the amount of time before the limb, or the like, is properly secured and stabilized.","Again, this time can be altered by increasing the amount of time the exothermic reaction continues at the previously identified temperatures.","Those with ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other thermoformable medical members, such as orthotics and exoskeleton devices can likewise be formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention—with or without an integrated heater, depending on the particular application.","In support of the above, experiments were conducted using three different thermoformable (thermoplastics) materials: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (“ABS”); an unknown material used by DJO Global of Vista, Calif. for thermoformable splints sold under the trademark EXOS (“EXOS”); and, a PLA in accordance with the present invention (“PLA”).","In these experiments, the three materials were each spaced 6 inches apart and tested for deflection under controlled loads at seven different temperatures.","Specifically, each of the materials were placed on two triangular prisms.","A drop gauge was fitted with an approximately 179 g weight and then allowed to drop on the center of the respective material at each of the different temperatures.","The tests were repeated with an approximately 358 g weight.","Deflection of each of the materials was read and recorded based on the readings from the drop gauge.","The results of those tests can be seen in graphical form in combined FIG.","9—revealing flexural modulus (psi) vs. temperature in degrees F. As can be seen from the graphs in FIG.","8, the flexural modulus of the ABS had insignificant change at temperatures from ambient to 200 degrees F. The EXOS material softened significantly between 70 and 100 degrees F. (temperatures often experienced in the ambient environment).","Indeed, the EXOS material exhibited a relatively uniform softening behavior, and, in turn, a relatively broad softening range within the temperatures tested.","The material of the present invention (“PLA”) exhibited the sharpest softening point) of the tested materials with noticeable deflection occurring above 120 degrees F. Not only did this experiment confirm that the PLA became malleable within a very narrow temperature range, it further confirmed that it would be maintainable in a clinically rigid state below 120 degrees F. Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the detailed description and drawings.","Moreover, it is to be understood that the foregoing summary of the invention and the associated detailed description and drawings are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"THERMOFORMABLE MEDICAL MEMBER WITH HEATER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME\",\n \"A thermoformable medical member and heater and method for manufacturing same.\",\n \"A thermoplastic material is converted from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts back to a clinically rigid state within a relatively short period of time, and, which remains in that state even at elevated ambient temperatures.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A thermoformable medical member and heater comprising: a thermoplastic material having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises a flexural modulus at 73 degrees F. of at least 2.3 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C.; and a thermoformable temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C.; and a heater operatively associated with at least one of the top and bottom sides of the thermoplastic material, wherein the heater comprises an oxygen activated heater.\",\n \"2.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. 3.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material contains a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, or polycaprolactone.\",\n \"4.The invention according to claim 3 wherein the PLA polymer has a flexural modulus of 2.4-4.9 GPa at 23 degrees C. 5.The invention according to claim 3 wherein the PLA polymer has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.6.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material further includes at least one of an organic and inorganic filler.\",\n \"7.The invention according to claim 6 wherein the filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter ° C.) at 48 degrees C. 8.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has at least a portion of at least one of the top and bottom sides has a textured surface.\",\n \"9.The invention according to claim 8 wherein the textured surface is corrugated.\",\n \"10.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has an internal structure, having a volume, located between the top and bottom sides, wherein 40% or less of the volume is defined by an open cell structure.\",\n \"11.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member comprises a splint.\",\n \"12.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member comprises an orthotic.\",\n \"13.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member comprises an exoskeleton member.\",\n \"14.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the heater is integrated with the thermoformable medical member.\",\n \"15.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material is chemically or physically bonded to the heater.\",\n \"16.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. 17.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic material contains a reinforcing fiber.\",\n \"18.The invention according to claim 1 wherein the thermoformable medical member contains a thermosetting component capable of forming crosslinks in the range of 20-70 degrees C. 19.A method for achieving an effect on a thermoformable medical member from an integrated heater for use on a patient comprising the steps of: heating a thermoformable medical member fabricated from a thermoplastic material with an oxygen activated heater in a range of 48-70 degrees C., wherein the thermoplastic material prior to heating is in a relatively rigid, non-thermoformable phase; converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state to a thermoformable state within the heated range; forming the thermoplastic material to a desired shape while in its thermoformable state; converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable phase; and maintaining the desired shape of the thermoplastic material at a temperature imparted to the thermoplastic material of less than 48 degrees C. 20.The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state comprises maintaining structural rigidity of the thermoplastic material until the thermoplastic material until it is heated within the range of 48-70 degrees C. 21.The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of heating comprises constructing the heater so that it ceases to generate heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state 22.The method according to claim 21 wherein the step of heating comprises generating heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state for a period of approximately 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.\",\n \"23.The method according to claim 19 wherein the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs after the temperature of the thermoplastic material is less than 48 degrees C. 24.The method according to claim 23 wherein the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs within 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Thermoformable materials have been used in association with medical structures such as casts, splints, orthotics, etc., for medical purposes for several years.\",\n \"Indeed, such materials offer several benefits over conventional non-thermoformable materials such as faster set times, eliminating the lengthy application process associated therewith and the dampness inflicted on the patients skin.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,778,717 is directed to a specific structure for a thermoplastic, thermoformable composite.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,652,053 discloses utilizing a molecular or intermolecular combination of materials comprised of an inter-penetrating polymer network so as to cause the combined structure to transfer from an amorphous state to a viscoelastic and rubbery state.\",\n \"While such a structure may provide some support to a user, it is not effective when a ridged support is desired such as is typically the case with a splint, cast, orthotic or exoskeleton.\",\n \"U.S. Pat App.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"20080319362 and 20120101417 both disclose a thermoformable cast or splint that can be used in association with an exothermic heating reaction for causing a thermoplastic material to go from a relatively rigid state to a malleable state so that the material can be formed to a portion of a patient in need of support.\",\n \"Unfortunately, in order to heat the thermoplastic material in such a reaction, the material is placed in a separate and distinct heating bag where the exothermic reaction takes place.\",\n \"After appropriate heating, the thermoplastic material is removed from the bag and ready for use.\",\n \"In addition, the assignee of the present invention has provided oxygen-based heaters and various packages for same.\",\n \"See, e.g., U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,722,782, issued on May 25, 2010; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"12/376,927, filed on Feb. 9, 2009; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"12/874,338, filed on Sep. 2, 2010; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/055,250 filed on Oct. 16, 2013; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/058,719, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/058,496, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; and, U.S. Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/734,594, filed Jan. 4, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"These disclosed heaters and packages are successful at providing an oxygen based heater and/or package for same.\",\n \"While the above disclosed devices and methods may be capable of providing effective formable medical structures, none of them disclose such a device that provides for the conversion of a thermoformable material from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts back to a clinically rigid state within a relatively short period of time, and, which remains in that state even at elevated ambient temperatures.\",\n \"The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>The present invention is directed to a thermoformable medical member and heater comprising a thermoplastic material having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side.\",\n \"The thermoplastic material comprises a flexural modulus at 73 degrees F. of at least 2.3 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C.; and a thermoformable temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, a heater is operatively associated with at least one of the top and bottom sides of the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic material contains a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, or polycaprolactone.\",\n \"In addition, the PLA polymer has a flexural modulus of 2.4-4.9 GPa at 23 degrees C. Also, the PLA polymer has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.In yet another preferred embodiment the thermoplastic material includes at least one of an organic and inorganic filler.\",\n \"It is contemplated that the filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter ° C.) at 48 degrees C. In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has at least a portion of at least one of the top and bottom sides with a textured surface.\",\n \"For example, the textured surface may be corrugated.\",\n \"In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has an internal structure, having a volume, located between the top and bottom sides, wherein 40% or less of the volume is defined by an open cell structure.\",\n \"This internal structure may take the form of a honeycomb configuration.\",\n \"In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member comprises at least one of a splint, cast, an orthotic or an exoskeleton member.\",\n \"In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the heater comprises either an oxygen activated heater or a water activated heater.\",\n \"It is preferred, but not required, that the heater is integrated with the thermoformable medical member.\",\n \"Such integration may take the form of the thermoplastic material being chemically or physically bonded to the heater.\",\n \"In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, the thermoplastic material contains a reinforcing fiber.\",\n \"In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member contains a thermosetting component capable of forming crosslinks in the range of 20-70 degrees C. The present invention is also directed to a method for achieving an effect on a thermoformable medical member from a heater for use on a patient comprising the steps of: heating a thermoformable medical member fabricated from a thermoplastic material with at least one of an oxygen activated heater and a water activated heater in a range of 48-70 degrees C., wherein the thermoplastic material prior to heating is in a relatively rigid, non-thermoformable phase; converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state to a thermoformable state within the heated range; forming the thermoplastic material to a desired shape while in its thermoformable state; converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable phase; and maintaining the desired shape of the thermoplastic material at a temperature imparted to the thermoplastic material of less than 48 degrees C. In the preferred method, the step of converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state comprises maintaining structural rigidity of the thermoplastic material until the thermoplastic material until it is heated within the range of 48-70 degrees C. In this preferred method the step of heating comprises constructing the heater so that it ceases to generate heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state.\",\n \"It is preferred that the thermoformable state is maintained for approximately 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.\",\n \"In this preferred embodiment, the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs after the temperature of the thermoplastic material is less than 48 degrees C. Again, this occurs within 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/482,351 filed on Sep. 10, 2014 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/206,252, filed on Mar.\",\n \"12, 2014—the contents of both of which is incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a portable thermoformable medical member in association with a heater that generates heat from an exothermic reaction.\",\n \"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thermoformable materials have been used in association with medical structures such as casts, splints, orthotics, etc., for medical purposes for several years.\",\n \"Indeed, such materials offer several benefits over conventional non-thermoformable materials such as faster set times, eliminating the lengthy application process associated therewith and the dampness inflicted on the patients skin.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,778,717 is directed to a specific structure for a thermoplastic, thermoformable composite.\",\n \"U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"5,652,053 discloses utilizing a molecular or intermolecular combination of materials comprised of an inter-penetrating polymer network so as to cause the combined structure to transfer from an amorphous state to a viscoelastic and rubbery state.\",\n \"While such a structure may provide some support to a user, it is not effective when a ridged support is desired such as is typically the case with a splint, cast, orthotic or exoskeleton.\",\n \"U.S. Pat App.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"20080319362 and 20120101417 both disclose a thermoformable cast or splint that can be used in association with an exothermic heating reaction for causing a thermoplastic material to go from a relatively rigid state to a malleable state so that the material can be formed to a portion of a patient in need of support.\",\n \"Unfortunately, in order to heat the thermoplastic material in such a reaction, the material is placed in a separate and distinct heating bag where the exothermic reaction takes place.\",\n \"After appropriate heating, the thermoplastic material is removed from the bag and ready for use.\",\n \"In addition, the assignee of the present invention has provided oxygen-based heaters and various packages for same.\",\n \"See, e.g., U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,722,782, issued on May 25, 2010; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"12/376,927, filed on Feb. 9, 2009; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"12/874,338, filed on Sep. 2, 2010; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/055,250 filed on Oct. 16, 2013; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/058,719, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/058,496, filed on Oct. 21, 2013; and, U.S. Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/734,594, filed Jan. 4, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"These disclosed heaters and packages are successful at providing an oxygen based heater and/or package for same.\",\n \"While the above disclosed devices and methods may be capable of providing effective formable medical structures, none of them disclose such a device that provides for the conversion of a thermoformable material from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts back to a clinically rigid state within a relatively short period of time, and, which remains in that state even at elevated ambient temperatures.\",\n \"The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a thermoformable medical member and heater comprising a thermoplastic material having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side.\",\n \"The thermoplastic material comprises a flexural modulus at 73 degrees F. of at least 2.3 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C.; and a thermoformable temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, a heater is operatively associated with at least one of the top and bottom sides of the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic material contains a polylactic acid (PLA) polymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, or polycaprolactone.\",\n \"In addition, the PLA polymer has a flexural modulus of 2.4-4.9 GPa at 23 degrees C. Also, the PLA polymer has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.In yet another preferred embodiment the thermoplastic material includes at least one of an organic and inorganic filler.\",\n \"It is contemplated that the filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter ° C.) at 48 degrees C. In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has at least a portion of at least one of the top and bottom sides with a textured surface.\",\n \"For example, the textured surface may be corrugated.\",\n \"In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has an internal structure, having a volume, located between the top and bottom sides, wherein 40% or less of the volume is defined by an open cell structure.\",\n \"This internal structure may take the form of a honeycomb configuration.\",\n \"In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member comprises at least one of a splint, cast, an orthotic or an exoskeleton member.\",\n \"In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the heater comprises either an oxygen activated heater or a water activated heater.\",\n \"It is preferred, but not required, that the heater is integrated with the thermoformable medical member.\",\n \"Such integration may take the form of the thermoplastic material being chemically or physically bonded to the heater.\",\n \"In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material has a glass transition temperature in the range of 35-70 degrees C. In addition, the thermoplastic material contains a reinforcing fiber.\",\n \"In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoformable medical member contains a thermosetting component capable of forming crosslinks in the range of 20-70 degrees C. The present invention is also directed to a method for achieving an effect on a thermoformable medical member from a heater for use on a patient comprising the steps of: heating a thermoformable medical member fabricated from a thermoplastic material with at least one of an oxygen activated heater and a water activated heater in a range of 48-70 degrees C., wherein the thermoplastic material prior to heating is in a relatively rigid, non-thermoformable phase; converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state to a thermoformable state within the heated range; forming the thermoplastic material to a desired shape while in its thermoformable state; converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable phase; and maintaining the desired shape of the thermoplastic material at a temperature imparted to the thermoplastic material of less than 48 degrees C. In the preferred method, the step of converting the thermoplastic material from a non-thermoformable state comprises maintaining structural rigidity of the thermoplastic material until the thermoplastic material until it is heated within the range of 48-70 degrees C. In this preferred method the step of heating comprises constructing the heater so that it ceases to generate heat to the thermoplastic material in the range of 48-70 degrees C. after the thermoplastic material has been converted to a thermoformable state.\",\n \"It is preferred that the thermoformable state is maintained for approximately 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.\",\n \"In this preferred embodiment, the step of converting the thermoplastic material back toward and into a relatively rigid non-thermoformable state occurs after the temperature of the thermoplastic material is less than 48 degrees C. Again, this occurs within 1-7 minutes, and, preferably 3-5 minutes.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 of the drawings is an exploded view of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"2 of the drawings is an elevated cut-away view of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"3 of the drawings is a top perspective view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"4 of the drawings is a top view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"5 of the drawings is an elevated side view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"6 of the drawings is a side view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a top view of one of the features of the present invention; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a perspective view of orthotic devices of the present invention; and FIG.\",\n \"9 is three graphical representations of experimental results.\",\n \"Flexural moduli were calculated at room temperature for loadings of 0.396 and 0.789 pounds.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present, disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description.\",\n \"It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments, as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein.\",\n \"Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure.\",\n \"The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the examples of the disclosure.\",\n \"Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.\",\n \"Thermoformable medical member and heater 10 is shown in FIG.\",\n \"1 as comprising thermoplastic material 12 and oxygen activated heater 18.Thermoplastic material 12, which, in this embodiment, will result in a formable and rigid splint, has top side 14 and bottom side 15.As will be explained in greater detail, the thermoplastic material becomes malleable (“formable”) upon heating to a predetermined temperature (48-70 degrees C.), which is a relatively narrow temperature range as compared to known thermoformable splint materials.\",\n \"As will also be explained, the thermoplastic material will revert back toward and into a clinically rigid state at a temperature below 48 degrees C. Accordingly, once the thermoplastic material is formed to a desired shape, it will maintain that shape, and, in turn, its clinically rigid state, even at elevated ambient temperatures.\",\n \"As will be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art, the term “clinically rigid state” means that the splint will maintain its desired shape without softening and/or deforming after it has been formed by the person applying the material/member to a patient.\",\n \"In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the thermoplastic material is constructed so that it has a flexural modulus at 23 degrees C. of approximately 2.4-4.9 GPa, a heat deflection temperature less than 70 degrees C., and, a thermoformable (“malleable”) temperature in the range of 48-70 degrees C. It is also contemplated that the thermoplastic material has a tensile modulus of at least 0.3 GPa at 23 degrees C. It is contemplated that the thermoplastic material contains a polyactic acid (“PLA”) polymer.\",\n \"The PLA has an L-lactide/D-lactide ratio of 24:1 to 30:1.As would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, although the thermoplastic material has been identified as containing PLA, other materials that will exhibit similar properties under similar pressures and temperatures are also contemplated by the present invention.\",\n \"Examples include cellulose acetate butyrate or polycaprolactone.\",\n \"Indeed, it is contemplated that other materials can be combined with, for example, the PLA, such other materials include, but are not limited to, lower durometer plastics such as EVA.\",\n \"Of primary concern is the relatively narrow temperature range in which the thermoplastic material becomes formable, the time of formability (as will be further explained), and, being able to maintain a clinically rigid state after the thermoformable member has been properly formed, even at temperatures below 120 degrees F. Thermoplastic material 12 may further include at least one organic or inorganic filler for reducing the overall cost and for improving the mechanical properties (i.e.\",\n \"flexural modulus) of the device.\",\n \"The filler has a thermal conductivity greater than 0.12 W/(meter degrees C.) at 48 degrees C. Thermoplastic material 12 is shown in FIGS.\",\n \"6 and 7 as including a corrugated surface 70 (FIG.\",\n \"6) and an open cell configuration 75 (FIG.\",\n \"7).\",\n \"The corrugated surface maximizes physical contact between thermoplastic material 12 and oxygen activated heater 18.The open cell configuration (such as a honeycomb configuration) helps to maximize heat transfer between the heater sheet and the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"It is contemplated that the thermoplastic material is occupied by 40% or less than the open cell configuration.\",\n \"Although a corrugated surface and an open cell configuration have been disclosed, it will be understood by those have ordinary skill in the art that other configurations can be used for optimizing/increasing heat transfer from the heater to the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"Oxygen activated heater 18 includes heater sheet 20, wicking layer 24 and air diffuser layer 28.Heater sheet 20, wicking layer 24 and air diffuser layer 28 each have a top surface and a bottom surface 21 and 22, 25 and 26, and, 29 and 30, respectively.\",\n \"The heater sheet comprises a metal-based substrate that exothermically reacts with and upon exposure to oxygen.\",\n \"Although the heater sheet is identified as a “sheet” or “substrate”, it is contemplated by the present invention that the heater sheet can actually be applied as a layer, such as by deposition coating, rolling of material, etc.\",\n \"Examples of the chemistry and general mechanical configurations associated with oxygen activated heaters are known in the art and specific examples have been incorporated herein by reference in the Background of the Invention.\",\n \"As will be readily understood by those having ordinary skill in the art with such heaters, wicking layer 24 serves to distribute the electrolyte evenly into the heater sheet.\",\n \"This electrolyte facilitates the reaction that takes place when the heater sheet is exposed to oxygen.\",\n \"As shown in greater detail in FIG.\",\n \"2 (but as is also apparent in FIG.\",\n \"1), bottom surface 22 of heater sheet 20 is operatively associated with top side 14 of thermoplastic material 12.Such association can occur as a result of chemical or mechanical bonding there between, or a combination thereof.\",\n \"For example, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, top side of thermoplastic material 12 is associated with binding component 34.In this embodiment, the binding component comprises a non-woven fabric secured to the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"Although a non-woven fabric has been disclosed, other binding components are also contemplated by the present invention, including, but not limited to, adhesive materials, such as glue and double sided thermal tape.\",\n \"(See, for example, double sided thermal tape 34, shown in FIG.\",\n \"3).\",\n \"In addition to the felt acting as a binding agent, desired felt may also include some heat insulating properties.\",\n \"Accordingly, it is contemplated that such felt, or other heat insulating material 40 (see FIG.\",\n \"5) also be associated with bottom side 15 of thermoplastic material 12 inasmuch as the bottom side will be the side that comes into contact with the skin of a patient.\",\n \"Heat insulating material 40 in FIG.\",\n \"5 can serve as a resilient pad, known as a cast pad, and is placed on bottom side 15 of thermoplastic material 12 for providing thermal protection while thermoformable medical member and heater 10 are being formed to the appropriate region of a patient, as well as providing comfort to the wearer after the thermoplastic heater reverts from a malleable state back to a relatively rigid state.\",\n \"As can be seen in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, bottom surface 26 of wicking layer 24 is operatively associated with and over top surface 21 of the heater sheet.\",\n \"Additionally, bottom surface 30 of air diffuser layer 28 is operatively positioned over top surface 25 of the wicking layer.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, air diffuser layer (which allows relatively uniform dispersion of oxygen toward and in contact with the wicking layer, and, in turn, the heater sheet upon association with oxygen) includes peripheral region 45 as a result of it having a length and width greater than the length and width of the wicking layer and heater sheet.\",\n \"Accordingly, peripheral region 45 of air diffuser layer 28 is adhered to a portion of the top side of thermoplastic material 12.Such adherence secures/contains the heater sheet and wicking layer in operative association with the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"Although the diffuser layer and the wicking layer have been described as two separate components, it is also contemplated that those two layers be combined into a single unitary structure.\",\n \"Alternatively, it is also contemplated that one material can achieve the function of both of those layers.\",\n \"As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, thermoformable medical member and heater 10 further includes outer housing 50.The outer housing, once assembled about oxygen activated heater 18 and thermoplastic material 12, includes interior region 51 and outer surface 52 (see FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"As can be seen in FIG.\",\n \"2, such an assembly is completely positioned within the interior region of the outer housing.\",\n \"As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, outer housing 50 includes first and second sheets of material 58, 59, respectively.\",\n \"The first and second sheets of material are adhered at their edges (see FIG.\",\n \"2) so as to form seal 53.The outer housing is fabricated from a material that is relatively impervious to oxygen transmission.\",\n \"One example of acceptable material for the outer housing is commercially available from Curwood Inc. P.O.\",\n \"Box 2968, 2200 Badger Ave., Osjkosh, Wis. 54903 under the trade name Liquiflex® A6661-MO.\",\n \"Seal 53 also is relatively impervious to oxygen transmission.\",\n \"Outer housing 50 may include oxygen penetration region 55 and removable seal 56 operatively positioned over and around the oxygen penetration region, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"4.The oxygen penetration region includes pores, or sections that will allow oxygen transmission into interior region 51 of the outer housing.\",\n \"However, removable seal 56 is comprised of a material (that may be the same as the material used for outer housing 50) that is intended to precluded oxygen transmission there through.\",\n \"Accordingly, oxygen will be precluded from entering interior region of the housing unless and until the removable seal is at least partially removed.\",\n \"Although outer housing has been described with an oxygen penetration region, it is also contemplated that such a region not be used.\",\n \"In such a case, oxygen will only be transmitted to the oxygen activated heater upon physical removal of the integrated heater and thermoplastic material from interior region 51 of the outer housing.\",\n \"Thermoformable medical member and heater 10 is manufactured by fabricating oxygen activated heater 18 with air diffuser layer 28, wicking layer 24 and a metal-based (such as zinc) heater substrate 20, and securing all of them to thermoplastic material 12.As previously explained, the heater sheet is adhered to the thermoplastic material by means of a chemical and/or mechanical bond, such as with non-woven felt or an adhesive applied to top side 14 of the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"In addition, cast pad 40 (FIG.\",\n \"5) may be applied to bottom side 15 of the thermoplastic material for thermal protection and comfort.\",\n \"As also previously explained, the air diffuser layer includes a peripheral region 45 that extends beyond the peripheries of the wicking layer and heating sheet.\",\n \"Inasmuch as the thermoplastic material has a length and width that is also greater than that of the wicking layer and heating sheet, the peripheral region 45 of the air diffuser layer can be secured to a portion of the thermoplastic material (see FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"In this instance, the heater sheet is held against the thermoplastic material by being “sandwiched” between the air diffuser and the thermoplastic material, and direct binding of the heater sheet to the thermoplastic material may not be required.\",\n \"An outer housing 50 is fabricated from a flexible material that is relatively impermeable to oxygen.\",\n \"The outer housing is constructed to have a top sheet 58 and bottom sheet 59.Once constructed, the combined and integrated oxygen activated heater 18 (FIG.\",\n \"1) and thermoplastic material 12 are positioned within what will become interior region 51 (FIG.\",\n \"2) of the outer housing.\",\n \"The top and bottom sheet of the outer housing are then sealed together, optionally under a vacuum, forming seal 53 so that the interior region of the outer housing is substantially devoid of oxygen, and wherein the outer housing substantially conforms around the thermoplastic material and oxygen activated heater.\",\n \"As an alternative embodiment, top sheet 58 of the outer housing can be fabricated with pores, or oxygen penetration regions 55, and a removable seal 56 positioned there over.\",\n \"As previously described, in such an embodiment, oxygen will only transmit into the interior region of the outer housing upon at least partial removal of the removable seal.\",\n \"Although thermoformable medical member and heater 10 have been described/shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2 as a splint having an integrated oxygen activated heater, such is for disclosure and understanding of the invention only.\",\n \"Indeed, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"8, thermoplastic material 12′ is shown as comprising orthotic devices.\",\n \"In addition, it will be readily understood to those with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is equally applicable to exoskeleton devices.\",\n \"Examples of exoskeleton devices contemplated by the present invention includes, but are not limited to, prosthetics, braces and sports armour.\",\n \"As will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, other thermoformable medical members can also be used in association with the teachings of the present invention.\",\n \"In addition, although the heater has been disclosed as comprising an oxygen activated heater integrally associated with the thermoplastic material, other heaters that generate heat as a result of an exothermic reaction are also contemplated—such as various conventional water activated heaters.\",\n \"Furthermore, in some applications it may be beneficial to have the heater as a separate, non-integrated component relative to the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"In such a case, operative association of the heater with the thermoplastic material would occur at the time of intended formation/molding.\",\n \"In operation, (and as will be described with respect to an integrated oxygen activated heater) a desired user of the thermoformable medical member and heater would merely open the outer housing (by, for example, cutting a sealed edge with a scissors, or by tearing at a perforated line) and then removing the integrated thermoplastic material and oxygen activated heater there from.\",\n \"(Prior to commencement of heating, the thermoplastic material will be in a relatively rigid state).\",\n \"As oxygen from the ambient environment comes into contact with the air diffuser layer, and, in turn, into contact with the wicking layer, a chemical reaction will occur causing the heater sheet to create an exothermic reaction.\",\n \"This exothermic reaction will result in the release of heat from the heater sheet toward and into the thermoplastic material to a temperature range of 48-70 degrees C. This temperature range will be maintained for a predefined period of time (typically 3-5 minutes) at which point the thermoplastic material will become and remain malleable/formable for a predetermined period of time.\",\n \"It will be understood that the amount of time the thermoplastic material stays in the malleable state is a function of how long heat in the previously identified temperature range is imparted into the thermoplastic material.\",\n \"How to alter this time would be readily understood to those having ordinary skill in the art merely by altering the amount of active material associated with producing the desired exothermic reaction associated with the heater.\",\n \"Once the thermoplastic material is in a formable state, a person would then place the device onto a person's arm (for example) and press the thermoplastic material against the person's arm until it forms thereto.\",\n \"Once properly formed, an elastic bandage, or the like, is wrapped around the person's arm and the thermoplastic material and oxygen activated heater (when integrated) so as to secure it in place.\",\n \"Inasmuch as the side of the thermoplastic material applied to the person's arm may include an insulating pad (such as a cast pad) he or she will not be subjected to unsafe temperatures.\",\n \"The air diffuser layer also has heat insulating properties, so the person applying the device will also be protected from unsafe temperatures.\",\n \"As previously mentioned, after the thermoplastic splint has become malleable, it will continue in that state until the temperature of the thermoplastic material drops below 48 degrees C. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the time it remains malleable, and, in turn “workable”, is about one minute.\",\n \"After that, the thermoplastic material, and, in turn, the splint, will be in a clinically rigid and formed state.\",\n \"Such a quick time before reverting to a non-formable state greatly reduces the amount of time before the limb, or the like, is properly secured and stabilized.\",\n \"Again, this time can be altered by increasing the amount of time the exothermic reaction continues at the previously identified temperatures.\",\n \"Those with ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that other thermoformable medical members, such as orthotics and exoskeleton devices can likewise be formed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention—with or without an integrated heater, depending on the particular application.\",\n \"In support of the above, experiments were conducted using three different thermoformable (thermoplastics) materials: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (“ABS”); an unknown material used by DJO Global of Vista, Calif. for thermoformable splints sold under the trademark EXOS (“EXOS”); and, a PLA in accordance with the present invention (“PLA”).\",\n \"In these experiments, the three materials were each spaced 6 inches apart and tested for deflection under controlled loads at seven different temperatures.\",\n \"Specifically, each of the materials were placed on two triangular prisms.\",\n \"A drop gauge was fitted with an approximately 179 g weight and then allowed to drop on the center of the respective material at each of the different temperatures.\",\n \"The tests were repeated with an approximately 358 g weight.\",\n \"Deflection of each of the materials was read and recorded based on the readings from the drop gauge.\",\n \"The results of those tests can be seen in graphical form in combined FIG.\",\n \"9—revealing flexural modulus (psi) vs. temperature in degrees F. As can be seen from the graphs in FIG.\",\n \"8, the flexural modulus of the ABS had insignificant change at temperatures from ambient to 200 degrees F. The EXOS material softened significantly between 70 and 100 degrees F. (temperatures often experienced in the ambient environment).\",\n \"Indeed, the EXOS material exhibited a relatively uniform softening behavior, and, in turn, a relatively broad softening range within the temperatures tested.\",\n \"The material of the present invention (“PLA”) exhibited the sharpest softening point) of the tested materials with noticeable deflection occurring above 120 degrees F. Not only did this experiment confirm that the PLA became malleable within a very narrow temperature range, it further confirmed that it would be maintainable in a clinically rigid state below 120 degrees F. Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the detailed description and drawings.\",\n \"Moreover, it is to be understood that the foregoing summary of the invention and the associated detailed description and drawings are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875094"}}},{"rowIdx":4494778,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["FULL FIELD MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TISSUE EXPOSURE CONTROL, TOMOSYNTHESIS, AND DYNAMIC FIELD OF VIEW PROCESSING","A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors.","The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor.","Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view."],["1.A mammography method comprising: compressing and immobilizing a patient's breast for x-ray imaging; providing information about the thickness of the immobilized breast and the density of the breast; using the thickness and density information to automatically estimate one or more technic factors appropriate for imaging the breast with x-rays; and using the estimated technic factors in imaging the breast.","2.A mammography method comprising: an x-ray source and an x-ray receptor coupled with an anti-scatter grid focused on the x-ray source, and a breast compressing arrangement between the source and the grid for compressing and immobilizing a patient's breast for x-ray imaging; moving at last one of the source and receptor relative to the immobilized breast while maintaining the grid focused on the source and maintaining a field of view of said receptor to derive breast image data for a number of position of the source or receptor relative to the breast; and using said data in a tomosynthesis process.","3.A mammography method comprising: providing an image of a patient's breast that occupies less than the entire field of view of an imaging receptor; selecting an outline that encompasses the breast image to thereby define a reduced field of view image; and using said reduced field of view image for further processing, transmission and/or archiving.","4.","(canceled) 5.","(canceled)"],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>X-ray mammography systems typically use an x-ray source mounted at one end of a rotatable c-arm assembly and an image receptor at the other.","Between the x-ray source and the image receptor is a device for compressing and immobilizing a breast.","Until recently, the image receptor was typically a screen-film cassette, which generated an image related to the detected transmission of x-rays through the breast.","The device for compressing the breast against the image receptor, or a breast tray covering the receptor, is often called a paddle, and comes in a variety of sizes to match both the cassette size and the breast size.","Such matching is desirable because the use of a small size paddle on a large breast can result in uneven and inadequate breast compression and may not allow full-breast imaging, while using a large paddle on a small breast can impede access to the breast, which is important during the compression cycle in order to optimize the amount of breast tissue brought into the field of view of the image receptor.","New mammography systems are now being introduced to use digital image receptors in place of screen-film, and have many well recognized advantages.","Such a system is currently available from the assignee hereof under the trade name Selenia.","Further information thereon, found at www.loradmedical.com/selenia, is hereby incorporated by reference in this disclosure.","The Selenia system uses a digital flat panel detector made by the Digital Radiography Corp. division of the assignee hereof, located in Newark, Del.","The panel has a 24×29 cm field of view.","Various other aspects of a mammography system and method are describe in commonly assigned provisional Patent Application Ser.","No.","60/350,213 filed Oct. 19, 2001 and International Application No.","PCT/US02/33058 filed Oct. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.","Mammography systems often have provisions for partly or fully automating the selection of appropriate technic factors for an x-ray exposure, such as one or more of kVp (the x-ray tube accelerating potential), mA (x-ray tube current), and exposure time.","When a film-screen image receptor is used, this can be done by relying on exposure detectors at the other side of the film from the x-ray source.","An imaging exposure of the breast is stopped when these exposure detectors indicate that they have received a sufficient amount of x-radiation.","This is not believed practical for use with flat panel image receptors for a number of reasons.","Accordingly, one known approach for use with digital flat panel image receptors is to take a short, low x-ray dosage pre-exposure after the breast has been compressed, and then take an imaging exposure while the breast remains immobilized, using technic factors based on measurements taken with the same receptor in the pre-exposure.","Another aspect of mammography is proposals for tomographic imaging or tomosynthesis.","In principle, a tomographic image of a plane in the breast can be obtained by moving at least one of the x-ray source and the image receptor relative to the breast during the x-ray exposure.","If the x-ray source and the image receptor move in opposite directions in parallel planes, with the appropriate geometry, a plane in the breast that is parallel to the image receptor remains in focus during the entire exposure while the images of all other planes in the breast are blurred and become background noise in the final image.","One known approach is to keep the image receptor stationary but move the x-ray source in a path suitable for tomosynthesis.","One problem with this is that this limits the field of view for the tomosynthesis image.","Another is that this makes it difficult to effectively control the effects of scattered radiation as it becomes difficult to maintain the commonly used anti-scatter grids focused on the focal spot of the x-ray source.","Yet another problem is that this arrangement allows for only relatively shallow (small) angles relative to a normal to the plane of the receptor.","Yet another aspect of mammography using flat panel digital image receptors is the transmission and storage of images.","Many health facilities had image storage systems such as PACS, and protocols such as DICOM exist for formatting medical x-ray images for storage and future use.","However, in many if not most cases, the breast takes up only a part of the image taken with flat panel digital receptors such that an imaginary rectangle that envelops the image of the breast is smaller than the field of view of the receptor.","One proposal has been made for use with a fan beam of x-rays scanning a flat panel digital image receptor, and is believed to involve eliminating from storage image areas that do not contain an image of the breast.","However, that proposal is believed to be specific to the use of a scanning fan beam of x-rays.","The system and method disclosed in this patent specification are designed to overcome these and other disadvantages of the known prior proposals, cited patents are hereby incorporated by reference in this patent specification."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An object of the disclosed system and method is to provide a particularly effective and advantageous exposure control for mammography using flat panel, digital x-ray receptors, using an estimate of the thickness of the compressed breast and of breast density.","Another object is to improve tomosynthesis in mammography, preferably while retaining the benefits of a focused anti-scatter grid and avoiding a reduction of the field of view.","Yet another object is to improve the efficiency of x-ray image storage and transmission, particularly for mammography images, by selective use of decreased effective image size."],["FIELD This patent specification is in the field of mammography systems and methods, and is particularly applicable to using large field, flat panel, digital x-ray receptors.","BACKGROUND X-ray mammography systems typically use an x-ray source mounted at one end of a rotatable c-arm assembly and an image receptor at the other.","Between the x-ray source and the image receptor is a device for compressing and immobilizing a breast.","Until recently, the image receptor was typically a screen-film cassette, which generated an image related to the detected transmission of x-rays through the breast.","The device for compressing the breast against the image receptor, or a breast tray covering the receptor, is often called a paddle, and comes in a variety of sizes to match both the cassette size and the breast size.","Such matching is desirable because the use of a small size paddle on a large breast can result in uneven and inadequate breast compression and may not allow full-breast imaging, while using a large paddle on a small breast can impede access to the breast, which is important during the compression cycle in order to optimize the amount of breast tissue brought into the field of view of the image receptor.","New mammography systems are now being introduced to use digital image receptors in place of screen-film, and have many well recognized advantages.","Such a system is currently available from the assignee hereof under the trade name Selenia.","Further information thereon, found at www.loradmedical.com/selenia, is hereby incorporated by reference in this disclosure.","The Selenia system uses a digital flat panel detector made by the Digital Radiography Corp. division of the assignee hereof, located in Newark, Del.","The panel has a 24×29 cm field of view.","Various other aspects of a mammography system and method are describe in commonly assigned provisional Patent Application Ser.","No.","60/350,213 filed Oct. 19, 2001 and International Application No.","PCT/US02/33058 filed Oct. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.","Mammography systems often have provisions for partly or fully automating the selection of appropriate technic factors for an x-ray exposure, such as one or more of kVp (the x-ray tube accelerating potential), mA (x-ray tube current), and exposure time.","When a film-screen image receptor is used, this can be done by relying on exposure detectors at the other side of the film from the x-ray source.","An imaging exposure of the breast is stopped when these exposure detectors indicate that they have received a sufficient amount of x-radiation.","This is not believed practical for use with flat panel image receptors for a number of reasons.","Accordingly, one known approach for use with digital flat panel image receptors is to take a short, low x-ray dosage pre-exposure after the breast has been compressed, and then take an imaging exposure while the breast remains immobilized, using technic factors based on measurements taken with the same receptor in the pre-exposure.","Another aspect of mammography is proposals for tomographic imaging or tomosynthesis.","In principle, a tomographic image of a plane in the breast can be obtained by moving at least one of the x-ray source and the image receptor relative to the breast during the x-ray exposure.","If the x-ray source and the image receptor move in opposite directions in parallel planes, with the appropriate geometry, a plane in the breast that is parallel to the image receptor remains in focus during the entire exposure while the images of all other planes in the breast are blurred and become background noise in the final image.","One known approach is to keep the image receptor stationary but move the x-ray source in a path suitable for tomosynthesis.","One problem with this is that this limits the field of view for the tomosynthesis image.","Another is that this makes it difficult to effectively control the effects of scattered radiation as it becomes difficult to maintain the commonly used anti-scatter grids focused on the focal spot of the x-ray source.","Yet another problem is that this arrangement allows for only relatively shallow (small) angles relative to a normal to the plane of the receptor.","Yet another aspect of mammography using flat panel digital image receptors is the transmission and storage of images.","Many health facilities had image storage systems such as PACS, and protocols such as DICOM exist for formatting medical x-ray images for storage and future use.","However, in many if not most cases, the breast takes up only a part of the image taken with flat panel digital receptors such that an imaginary rectangle that envelops the image of the breast is smaller than the field of view of the receptor.","One proposal has been made for use with a fan beam of x-rays scanning a flat panel digital image receptor, and is believed to involve eliminating from storage image areas that do not contain an image of the breast.","However, that proposal is believed to be specific to the use of a scanning fan beam of x-rays.","The system and method disclosed in this patent specification are designed to overcome these and other disadvantages of the known prior proposals, cited patents are hereby incorporated by reference in this patent specification.","SUMMARY An object of the disclosed system and method is to provide a particularly effective and advantageous exposure control for mammography using flat panel, digital x-ray receptors, using an estimate of the thickness of the compressed breast and of breast density.","Another object is to improve tomosynthesis in mammography, preferably while retaining the benefits of a focused anti-scatter grid and avoiding a reduction of the field of view.","Yet another object is to improve the efficiency of x-ray image storage and transmission, particularly for mammography images, by selective use of decreased effective image size.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG.","1 illustrates a digital mammography system in which preferred embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented.","FIG.","2 is a flow chart illustrating processes of estimating and using tissue exposure control in a mammography system.","FIG.","3 illustrates a focused anti-scatter grid that can be used in the system of FIGS.","3 and 1.FIG.","4 illustrates an aspect of tomosyntesis in mammography.","FIG.","5 illustrates selection of a decreased size mammography image for storage and transmission.","FIG.","6 illustrates processes involved in selecting a reduced size image for transmission and storage.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG.","1, a mammography system currently available from the common assignee under the trade name Sclenia except for the new features described herein, comprises a stand 10 supporting a C-arm 12 that can move up or down along stand 10, to a selected height, driven by motor(s) controlled by a health professional operating the system.","C-arm 12 carries an x-ray tube at an upper end 12a, a breast tray 12b at a lower end.","Tray 12b covers a flat panel x-ray image receptor 12c, spaced from the tray by a focused anti-scatter grid 12d (which may be retractable so that it can be removed from the space between tray 12b and receptor 12c).","C-arm 12 also carries a compression paddle 12e that is between source 12a and breast tray 12b and is motorized to move away from tray 12b so a patient's breast can be fitted between tray 12b and paddle 12e, and closer to tray 12b so the patient's breast can be compressed and immobilized.","The movement of paddle 12e is motorized and controlled by the health professional.","Different size paddles 12e can be fitted to suit different breast sizes for best compression.","In addition, the health professional can move paddle 12 along the width of tray 12b to a position in which paddle 12e matches the position of a breast that is not centered on tray 12b, as in the Selenia system currently offered by the common assignee.","The system further includes other components, such as a control station 14 comprising interface devices such a keyboard 14a and trackball 14b, a display screen 14c, and control and image processing facilities.","In order to carry out tissue exposure control, the currently available Selenia mammography system is modified to incorporate the equipment and process steps illustrated in FIG.","2.In particular, a paddle position encoder 20 measures the position of paddle 12e relative to tray 12b as the health professional positions, compresses and immobilizes the patient's breast for imaging.","The thickness of the immobilized breast can be measured or estimated in other ways instead.","For example, the final position of paddle 12e can be measured in some way, e.g.","mechanically or optically or in some other way.","The thickness of the immobilized breast may be measured or estimated directly in any one of a number of ways.","A calculator 22, which can be implemented by suitably programming the processing unit 14 (FIG.","1) calculates the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast on the basis of the output of encoder 20, or some other means for measuring breast thickness indicators, and provides information about breast thickness for a tissue exposure control calculator 24, which again can be implement through such programming.","To estimate technic factors, calculator 24 also relies on information about the x-ray density of the breast.","Such information can come from one or more different sources.","One example is manual input 26, e.g., keyboard 14a (FIG.","1), through which the health professional can input information characterizing the density of the breast.","For example, the system can present the health professional with three choices—fatty, normal, and dense—and the health professional can make the appropriate choice based on any one or more factors such as physical examination of the breast, information from previous views in the same examination or taken at a much earlier time, or other information about the patient.","Another example of a source of information about breast density is previous x-ray images (views) of the patient's breast or breasts.","A previous view can be one taken at any earlier time, either in the same visit of the patient or at a previous visit Information about density can be derived from the previous view(s) by the health professional, or it can be derived automatically—by measuring the overall density of a previous x-ray image and perhaps knowing the technic factors used to take it.","If actually measured, the density information from the previous view(s) can be provided to calculator 24 manually or automatically, through a connection from the measuring device to calculator 24.Another source of density information is a dual energy arrangement 30 that pulses the immobilized breast with a low dose x-ray energy at each of two different energies, e.g.","sequentially, and the measurements of x-rays with receptor 12c (FIG.","1) at each of the energies are used in a known process, similar to that used in bone densitometry, to estimate breast density and automatically or manually provide the estimate to calculator 24.X-ray tube 12a can be used for such dual energy process, using two different x-ray filters to emit x-rays at the appropriate to different energies or energy bands.","Yet another source of information about breast density can be an arrangement 32 that measures the force with which paddle 12e compresses the breast and the time such force acts from the start of compression until the breast is immobilized for imaging, and supplies such force/time information to calculator 24, manually automatically.","Calculator 24 can be implemented as look-up table that in effect has an entry for each of a number of combinations of breast thickness and breast density values.","The initial values of the entries can be estimated by actual tests, in essence a trial-and-error process, or in some other way.","Calculator 24 provides its output to technic factor display 34, which can be display 14c (FIG.","1), at which the health professional can see the automatically estimated factors such as one or more of kV, mAs, filter, time, etc.","An entry device, which can be keyboard 14a, allows the health professional to confirm or modify the automatically estimated parameters, and control 38 (which can be a part of unit 14 of FIG.","1) uses the resulting final tissue exposure control technic factors for an imaging x-ray exposure.","The examples disclosed in this patent specification refer to compressing and immobilizing the breast before determining technic factors and imaging.","However, alternatives are contemplated in which the breast need not be compressed before imaging; the breast may be simply supported in some manner, such as by a breast tray, or may be suspended in some manner between an x-ray source and an image receptor.","In such a case, the breast thickness and density information can come from different sources, such as measurements or estimates of the thickness of the uncompressed breast, or an average of the thickness of the breast portion that will be imaged, of the thickness of the part that is of particular interest for imaging.","The density information may come from the health professional, or from prior x-ray images of the breast, or from some other source.","The same alternative of imaging the uncompressed breast applies to the other two features discussed below—tomosynthesis and selecting a reduced field of view image for transmission and/or storage—where the alternative dispenses with compression but otherwise conforms to the description below.","Another feature of the mammography system disclosed here is tomosynthesis that both allows a large field of view and the use of a focused anti-scatter grid.","As illustrated in FIG.","3, anti-scatter grid 12d is focused to allow the passage of x-rays along paths 40 that emanate from the focal spot of x-ray source 2a and to suppress (scattered) x-rays that travel along other paths.","If such a grid changes its orientation relative to the x-ray source, it would undesirably suppress x-rays that it should be passing.","Such change in orientation would result if x-ray tube 12e moves in a direction transverse to the x-ray beam it emits while grid 12d and detector 12c remain stationary.","In addition, such motion would reduce the field of view, so a portion of the breast projected on the receptor in one position of the moving source may fall outside the receptor outline at another position of the source.","FIG.","4 illustrates an arrangement that overcomes these deficiencies of a known proposal.","In FIG.","4, x-ray tube 12a and the combination of anti-scatter grid 12d and receptor 12c rotate as a unit while a compressed and immobilized breast remains between them and in the path of x-rays emitted from tube 12a and impinging on receptor 12c.","Anti-scatter grid 12d remains focused on the focal spot of tube 12a, and the effective field of view does not change with angular position of the source-receptor unit.","In the currently offered Selenia unit, source 12a and grid 12d and receptor 12c rotate as a unit, also together with compression paddle 12c and breast tray 12b, so a modification is needed to achieve the geometry of FIG.","4.This modification involves decoupling a means to compress and immobilize the breast from motion of tube 12a, grid 12d and receptor 12c.","For example, this can be done by removing compression paddle 12e and compressing and immobilizing the breast between compression paddles 44 that are appropriately positioned relative to the center of rotation of tube 12a but do not rotate with tube 12a, as illustrated in FIG.","4.As an alternative to rotation, one or both of tube 12a and receptor 12c can translate relative to the breast immobilized between paddles 44.In such case, focused grid 12d can be decoupled from receptor 12c and allowed to remain focused at tube 12a, or a different grid can be used that is not focused or is less focused, and/or the motion of tube 12a and/or receptor 12c can be over a more limited path.","Discrete x-ray images of the breast are taken at each of a number of different positions of tube 12 relative to the breast.","The image data is used for tomosynthesis through the application of known image processing methods.","An important advantage of the example of FIG.","4 is that it allows imaging at relatively large angles between the extreme rotational or translational positions of x-ray tube 12a as compared with known systems.","Yet another feature of the mammography system disclosed here is to transmit and store only a portion of the field of view.","With a relatively large field-of-view receptor 12c, such as used in the Selenia system (24×29 cm), typically the image of the breast lies within a rectangle that is smaller than the field of view, as illustrated in FIG.","5, where the image 46 of a breast is within a notional rectangular outline 48 (reduced field of view) that is much smaller than the field of view 50 of receptor 12c.","The area of field of view 50 that is outside the reduced filed of view area 48 may contain little or no information 20o about the breast.","To save on transmitting and storing the breast image, only the information within the reduced field of view 48 may be used, and any information outside outline 48 can be discarded.","If there is any significant information outside outline 48, only that information can be attached to the information for the image portion inside outline 48.One way to select the position and size of outline 48 is to rely on the selection of the size and position of compression paddle 12e that the health professional has made.","As earlier noted, the currently offered Selenia system allows the health professional to select both the size of a paddle and, at least for some paddles, also the position of the paddle relative to receptor 12c, so as to match the size and position on receptor 12c of the breast being x-rayed.","The size and position of paddle 12e can be automatically determined, and the result used to in effect crop the resulting breast image before transmitting and/or storing and/or formatting it for transmission or storage, for example according to DICOM standards.","Alternatively, the size and position of the breast in the image can be found through image analysis, such as analysis involving edge detection, and the size and position of outline 48 can be found in this manner.","Still alternatively, the size and position of outline 48 may be entered by the health professional.","e.g., through keyboard 14a, based on viewing the image displayed on monitor 14c.","Or, a combination of said methods can be used, e.g., an automatic determination based on one or both of image analysis and paddle selection, followed with a presentation of a recommended outline 48 displayed to the health professional together with the entire image, for confirmation or modification by the health professional.","FIG.","6 illustrates an arrangement for providing a reduced field of view image.","A compression paddle size and position encoder incorporated in C-arm 12 or elsewhere in association with the means for mounting and moving paddle 12e provides information about the paddle 12e that the health professional has selected, and about the position of the paddle's projection on receptor 12c.","A manual input provides information entered by the health professional, which can be similar to that provided by encoder 52 or can be information regarding which of several rectangles within the entire breast image encompasses the breast, or what arbitrary rectangle can encompass the breast on the image.","An image analyzer 56 provides information about the area in the overall image occupied by the breast.","A calculator 58 uses the information from one or more of units 52, 54 and 57 to calculate the size and position of a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast, and the calculation is displayed at 60, e.g., as an outline 48 in an image such as illustrated in FIG.","5, for the health professional to confirm or modify.","e.g.","through manual entries.","The result is a finalized reduced field of view image at 62 that can be used for further processing, for transmission, and/or storage.","While a rectangular outline 48 has been discussed above, in fact outline 48 can have other suitable shapes."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"FULL FIELD MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TISSUE EXPOSURE CONTROL, TOMOSYNTHESIS, AND DYNAMIC FIELD OF VIEW PROCESSING\",\n \"A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors.\",\n \"The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor.\",\n \"Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A mammography method comprising: compressing and immobilizing a patient's breast for x-ray imaging; providing information about the thickness of the immobilized breast and the density of the breast; using the thickness and density information to automatically estimate one or more technic factors appropriate for imaging the breast with x-rays; and using the estimated technic factors in imaging the breast.\",\n \"2.A mammography method comprising: an x-ray source and an x-ray receptor coupled with an anti-scatter grid focused on the x-ray source, and a breast compressing arrangement between the source and the grid for compressing and immobilizing a patient's breast for x-ray imaging; moving at last one of the source and receptor relative to the immobilized breast while maintaining the grid focused on the source and maintaining a field of view of said receptor to derive breast image data for a number of position of the source or receptor relative to the breast; and using said data in a tomosynthesis process.\",\n \"3.A mammography method comprising: providing an image of a patient's breast that occupies less than the entire field of view of an imaging receptor; selecting an outline that encompasses the breast image to thereby define a reduced field of view image; and using said reduced field of view image for further processing, transmission and/or archiving.\",\n \"4.\",\n \"(canceled) 5.\",\n \"(canceled)\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>X-ray mammography systems typically use an x-ray source mounted at one end of a rotatable c-arm assembly and an image receptor at the other.\",\n \"Between the x-ray source and the image receptor is a device for compressing and immobilizing a breast.\",\n \"Until recently, the image receptor was typically a screen-film cassette, which generated an image related to the detected transmission of x-rays through the breast.\",\n \"The device for compressing the breast against the image receptor, or a breast tray covering the receptor, is often called a paddle, and comes in a variety of sizes to match both the cassette size and the breast size.\",\n \"Such matching is desirable because the use of a small size paddle on a large breast can result in uneven and inadequate breast compression and may not allow full-breast imaging, while using a large paddle on a small breast can impede access to the breast, which is important during the compression cycle in order to optimize the amount of breast tissue brought into the field of view of the image receptor.\",\n \"New mammography systems are now being introduced to use digital image receptors in place of screen-film, and have many well recognized advantages.\",\n \"Such a system is currently available from the assignee hereof under the trade name Selenia.\",\n \"Further information thereon, found at www.loradmedical.com/selenia, is hereby incorporated by reference in this disclosure.\",\n \"The Selenia system uses a digital flat panel detector made by the Digital Radiography Corp. division of the assignee hereof, located in Newark, Del.\",\n \"The panel has a 24×29 cm field of view.\",\n \"Various other aspects of a mammography system and method are describe in commonly assigned provisional Patent Application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"60/350,213 filed Oct. 19, 2001 and International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/US02/33058 filed Oct. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.\",\n \"Mammography systems often have provisions for partly or fully automating the selection of appropriate technic factors for an x-ray exposure, such as one or more of kVp (the x-ray tube accelerating potential), mA (x-ray tube current), and exposure time.\",\n \"When a film-screen image receptor is used, this can be done by relying on exposure detectors at the other side of the film from the x-ray source.\",\n \"An imaging exposure of the breast is stopped when these exposure detectors indicate that they have received a sufficient amount of x-radiation.\",\n \"This is not believed practical for use with flat panel image receptors for a number of reasons.\",\n \"Accordingly, one known approach for use with digital flat panel image receptors is to take a short, low x-ray dosage pre-exposure after the breast has been compressed, and then take an imaging exposure while the breast remains immobilized, using technic factors based on measurements taken with the same receptor in the pre-exposure.\",\n \"Another aspect of mammography is proposals for tomographic imaging or tomosynthesis.\",\n \"In principle, a tomographic image of a plane in the breast can be obtained by moving at least one of the x-ray source and the image receptor relative to the breast during the x-ray exposure.\",\n \"If the x-ray source and the image receptor move in opposite directions in parallel planes, with the appropriate geometry, a plane in the breast that is parallel to the image receptor remains in focus during the entire exposure while the images of all other planes in the breast are blurred and become background noise in the final image.\",\n \"One known approach is to keep the image receptor stationary but move the x-ray source in a path suitable for tomosynthesis.\",\n \"One problem with this is that this limits the field of view for the tomosynthesis image.\",\n \"Another is that this makes it difficult to effectively control the effects of scattered radiation as it becomes difficult to maintain the commonly used anti-scatter grids focused on the focal spot of the x-ray source.\",\n \"Yet another problem is that this arrangement allows for only relatively shallow (small) angles relative to a normal to the plane of the receptor.\",\n \"Yet another aspect of mammography using flat panel digital image receptors is the transmission and storage of images.\",\n \"Many health facilities had image storage systems such as PACS, and protocols such as DICOM exist for formatting medical x-ray images for storage and future use.\",\n \"However, in many if not most cases, the breast takes up only a part of the image taken with flat panel digital receptors such that an imaginary rectangle that envelops the image of the breast is smaller than the field of view of the receptor.\",\n \"One proposal has been made for use with a fan beam of x-rays scanning a flat panel digital image receptor, and is believed to involve eliminating from storage image areas that do not contain an image of the breast.\",\n \"However, that proposal is believed to be specific to the use of a scanning fan beam of x-rays.\",\n \"The system and method disclosed in this patent specification are designed to overcome these and other disadvantages of the known prior proposals, cited patents are hereby incorporated by reference in this patent specification.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An object of the disclosed system and method is to provide a particularly effective and advantageous exposure control for mammography using flat panel, digital x-ray receptors, using an estimate of the thickness of the compressed breast and of breast density.\",\n \"Another object is to improve tomosynthesis in mammography, preferably while retaining the benefits of a focused anti-scatter grid and avoiding a reduction of the field of view.\",\n \"Yet another object is to improve the efficiency of x-ray image storage and transmission, particularly for mammography images, by selective use of decreased effective image size.\"\n ],\n [\n \"FIELD This patent specification is in the field of mammography systems and methods, and is particularly applicable to using large field, flat panel, digital x-ray receptors.\",\n \"BACKGROUND X-ray mammography systems typically use an x-ray source mounted at one end of a rotatable c-arm assembly and an image receptor at the other.\",\n \"Between the x-ray source and the image receptor is a device for compressing and immobilizing a breast.\",\n \"Until recently, the image receptor was typically a screen-film cassette, which generated an image related to the detected transmission of x-rays through the breast.\",\n \"The device for compressing the breast against the image receptor, or a breast tray covering the receptor, is often called a paddle, and comes in a variety of sizes to match both the cassette size and the breast size.\",\n \"Such matching is desirable because the use of a small size paddle on a large breast can result in uneven and inadequate breast compression and may not allow full-breast imaging, while using a large paddle on a small breast can impede access to the breast, which is important during the compression cycle in order to optimize the amount of breast tissue brought into the field of view of the image receptor.\",\n \"New mammography systems are now being introduced to use digital image receptors in place of screen-film, and have many well recognized advantages.\",\n \"Such a system is currently available from the assignee hereof under the trade name Selenia.\",\n \"Further information thereon, found at www.loradmedical.com/selenia, is hereby incorporated by reference in this disclosure.\",\n \"The Selenia system uses a digital flat panel detector made by the Digital Radiography Corp. division of the assignee hereof, located in Newark, Del.\",\n \"The panel has a 24×29 cm field of view.\",\n \"Various other aspects of a mammography system and method are describe in commonly assigned provisional Patent Application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"60/350,213 filed Oct. 19, 2001 and International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/US02/33058 filed Oct. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference.\",\n \"Mammography systems often have provisions for partly or fully automating the selection of appropriate technic factors for an x-ray exposure, such as one or more of kVp (the x-ray tube accelerating potential), mA (x-ray tube current), and exposure time.\",\n \"When a film-screen image receptor is used, this can be done by relying on exposure detectors at the other side of the film from the x-ray source.\",\n \"An imaging exposure of the breast is stopped when these exposure detectors indicate that they have received a sufficient amount of x-radiation.\",\n \"This is not believed practical for use with flat panel image receptors for a number of reasons.\",\n \"Accordingly, one known approach for use with digital flat panel image receptors is to take a short, low x-ray dosage pre-exposure after the breast has been compressed, and then take an imaging exposure while the breast remains immobilized, using technic factors based on measurements taken with the same receptor in the pre-exposure.\",\n \"Another aspect of mammography is proposals for tomographic imaging or tomosynthesis.\",\n \"In principle, a tomographic image of a plane in the breast can be obtained by moving at least one of the x-ray source and the image receptor relative to the breast during the x-ray exposure.\",\n \"If the x-ray source and the image receptor move in opposite directions in parallel planes, with the appropriate geometry, a plane in the breast that is parallel to the image receptor remains in focus during the entire exposure while the images of all other planes in the breast are blurred and become background noise in the final image.\",\n \"One known approach is to keep the image receptor stationary but move the x-ray source in a path suitable for tomosynthesis.\",\n \"One problem with this is that this limits the field of view for the tomosynthesis image.\",\n \"Another is that this makes it difficult to effectively control the effects of scattered radiation as it becomes difficult to maintain the commonly used anti-scatter grids focused on the focal spot of the x-ray source.\",\n \"Yet another problem is that this arrangement allows for only relatively shallow (small) angles relative to a normal to the plane of the receptor.\",\n \"Yet another aspect of mammography using flat panel digital image receptors is the transmission and storage of images.\",\n \"Many health facilities had image storage systems such as PACS, and protocols such as DICOM exist for formatting medical x-ray images for storage and future use.\",\n \"However, in many if not most cases, the breast takes up only a part of the image taken with flat panel digital receptors such that an imaginary rectangle that envelops the image of the breast is smaller than the field of view of the receptor.\",\n \"One proposal has been made for use with a fan beam of x-rays scanning a flat panel digital image receptor, and is believed to involve eliminating from storage image areas that do not contain an image of the breast.\",\n \"However, that proposal is believed to be specific to the use of a scanning fan beam of x-rays.\",\n \"The system and method disclosed in this patent specification are designed to overcome these and other disadvantages of the known prior proposals, cited patents are hereby incorporated by reference in this patent specification.\",\n \"SUMMARY An object of the disclosed system and method is to provide a particularly effective and advantageous exposure control for mammography using flat panel, digital x-ray receptors, using an estimate of the thickness of the compressed breast and of breast density.\",\n \"Another object is to improve tomosynthesis in mammography, preferably while retaining the benefits of a focused anti-scatter grid and avoiding a reduction of the field of view.\",\n \"Yet another object is to improve the efficiency of x-ray image storage and transmission, particularly for mammography images, by selective use of decreased effective image size.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates a digital mammography system in which preferred embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a flow chart illustrating processes of estimating and using tissue exposure control in a mammography system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates a focused anti-scatter grid that can be used in the system of FIGS.\",\n \"3 and 1.FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates an aspect of tomosyntesis in mammography.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates selection of a decreased size mammography image for storage and transmission.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates processes involved in selecting a reduced size image for transmission and storage.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG.\",\n \"1, a mammography system currently available from the common assignee under the trade name Sclenia except for the new features described herein, comprises a stand 10 supporting a C-arm 12 that can move up or down along stand 10, to a selected height, driven by motor(s) controlled by a health professional operating the system.\",\n \"C-arm 12 carries an x-ray tube at an upper end 12a, a breast tray 12b at a lower end.\",\n \"Tray 12b covers a flat panel x-ray image receptor 12c, spaced from the tray by a focused anti-scatter grid 12d (which may be retractable so that it can be removed from the space between tray 12b and receptor 12c).\",\n \"C-arm 12 also carries a compression paddle 12e that is between source 12a and breast tray 12b and is motorized to move away from tray 12b so a patient's breast can be fitted between tray 12b and paddle 12e, and closer to tray 12b so the patient's breast can be compressed and immobilized.\",\n \"The movement of paddle 12e is motorized and controlled by the health professional.\",\n \"Different size paddles 12e can be fitted to suit different breast sizes for best compression.\",\n \"In addition, the health professional can move paddle 12 along the width of tray 12b to a position in which paddle 12e matches the position of a breast that is not centered on tray 12b, as in the Selenia system currently offered by the common assignee.\",\n \"The system further includes other components, such as a control station 14 comprising interface devices such a keyboard 14a and trackball 14b, a display screen 14c, and control and image processing facilities.\",\n \"In order to carry out tissue exposure control, the currently available Selenia mammography system is modified to incorporate the equipment and process steps illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"2.In particular, a paddle position encoder 20 measures the position of paddle 12e relative to tray 12b as the health professional positions, compresses and immobilizes the patient's breast for imaging.\",\n \"The thickness of the immobilized breast can be measured or estimated in other ways instead.\",\n \"For example, the final position of paddle 12e can be measured in some way, e.g.\",\n \"mechanically or optically or in some other way.\",\n \"The thickness of the immobilized breast may be measured or estimated directly in any one of a number of ways.\",\n \"A calculator 22, which can be implemented by suitably programming the processing unit 14 (FIG.\",\n \"1) calculates the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast on the basis of the output of encoder 20, or some other means for measuring breast thickness indicators, and provides information about breast thickness for a tissue exposure control calculator 24, which again can be implement through such programming.\",\n \"To estimate technic factors, calculator 24 also relies on information about the x-ray density of the breast.\",\n \"Such information can come from one or more different sources.\",\n \"One example is manual input 26, e.g., keyboard 14a (FIG.\",\n \"1), through which the health professional can input information characterizing the density of the breast.\",\n \"For example, the system can present the health professional with three choices—fatty, normal, and dense—and the health professional can make the appropriate choice based on any one or more factors such as physical examination of the breast, information from previous views in the same examination or taken at a much earlier time, or other information about the patient.\",\n \"Another example of a source of information about breast density is previous x-ray images (views) of the patient's breast or breasts.\",\n \"A previous view can be one taken at any earlier time, either in the same visit of the patient or at a previous visit Information about density can be derived from the previous view(s) by the health professional, or it can be derived automatically—by measuring the overall density of a previous x-ray image and perhaps knowing the technic factors used to take it.\",\n \"If actually measured, the density information from the previous view(s) can be provided to calculator 24 manually or automatically, through a connection from the measuring device to calculator 24.Another source of density information is a dual energy arrangement 30 that pulses the immobilized breast with a low dose x-ray energy at each of two different energies, e.g.\",\n \"sequentially, and the measurements of x-rays with receptor 12c (FIG.\",\n \"1) at each of the energies are used in a known process, similar to that used in bone densitometry, to estimate breast density and automatically or manually provide the estimate to calculator 24.X-ray tube 12a can be used for such dual energy process, using two different x-ray filters to emit x-rays at the appropriate to different energies or energy bands.\",\n \"Yet another source of information about breast density can be an arrangement 32 that measures the force with which paddle 12e compresses the breast and the time such force acts from the start of compression until the breast is immobilized for imaging, and supplies such force/time information to calculator 24, manually automatically.\",\n \"Calculator 24 can be implemented as look-up table that in effect has an entry for each of a number of combinations of breast thickness and breast density values.\",\n \"The initial values of the entries can be estimated by actual tests, in essence a trial-and-error process, or in some other way.\",\n \"Calculator 24 provides its output to technic factor display 34, which can be display 14c (FIG.\",\n \"1), at which the health professional can see the automatically estimated factors such as one or more of kV, mAs, filter, time, etc.\",\n \"An entry device, which can be keyboard 14a, allows the health professional to confirm or modify the automatically estimated parameters, and control 38 (which can be a part of unit 14 of FIG.\",\n \"1) uses the resulting final tissue exposure control technic factors for an imaging x-ray exposure.\",\n \"The examples disclosed in this patent specification refer to compressing and immobilizing the breast before determining technic factors and imaging.\",\n \"However, alternatives are contemplated in which the breast need not be compressed before imaging; the breast may be simply supported in some manner, such as by a breast tray, or may be suspended in some manner between an x-ray source and an image receptor.\",\n \"In such a case, the breast thickness and density information can come from different sources, such as measurements or estimates of the thickness of the uncompressed breast, or an average of the thickness of the breast portion that will be imaged, of the thickness of the part that is of particular interest for imaging.\",\n \"The density information may come from the health professional, or from prior x-ray images of the breast, or from some other source.\",\n \"The same alternative of imaging the uncompressed breast applies to the other two features discussed below—tomosynthesis and selecting a reduced field of view image for transmission and/or storage—where the alternative dispenses with compression but otherwise conforms to the description below.\",\n \"Another feature of the mammography system disclosed here is tomosynthesis that both allows a large field of view and the use of a focused anti-scatter grid.\",\n \"As illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"3, anti-scatter grid 12d is focused to allow the passage of x-rays along paths 40 that emanate from the focal spot of x-ray source 2a and to suppress (scattered) x-rays that travel along other paths.\",\n \"If such a grid changes its orientation relative to the x-ray source, it would undesirably suppress x-rays that it should be passing.\",\n \"Such change in orientation would result if x-ray tube 12e moves in a direction transverse to the x-ray beam it emits while grid 12d and detector 12c remain stationary.\",\n \"In addition, such motion would reduce the field of view, so a portion of the breast projected on the receptor in one position of the moving source may fall outside the receptor outline at another position of the source.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates an arrangement that overcomes these deficiencies of a known proposal.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"4, x-ray tube 12a and the combination of anti-scatter grid 12d and receptor 12c rotate as a unit while a compressed and immobilized breast remains between them and in the path of x-rays emitted from tube 12a and impinging on receptor 12c.\",\n \"Anti-scatter grid 12d remains focused on the focal spot of tube 12a, and the effective field of view does not change with angular position of the source-receptor unit.\",\n \"In the currently offered Selenia unit, source 12a and grid 12d and receptor 12c rotate as a unit, also together with compression paddle 12c and breast tray 12b, so a modification is needed to achieve the geometry of FIG.\",\n \"4.This modification involves decoupling a means to compress and immobilize the breast from motion of tube 12a, grid 12d and receptor 12c.\",\n \"For example, this can be done by removing compression paddle 12e and compressing and immobilizing the breast between compression paddles 44 that are appropriately positioned relative to the center of rotation of tube 12a but do not rotate with tube 12a, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"4.As an alternative to rotation, one or both of tube 12a and receptor 12c can translate relative to the breast immobilized between paddles 44.In such case, focused grid 12d can be decoupled from receptor 12c and allowed to remain focused at tube 12a, or a different grid can be used that is not focused or is less focused, and/or the motion of tube 12a and/or receptor 12c can be over a more limited path.\",\n \"Discrete x-ray images of the breast are taken at each of a number of different positions of tube 12 relative to the breast.\",\n \"The image data is used for tomosynthesis through the application of known image processing methods.\",\n \"An important advantage of the example of FIG.\",\n \"4 is that it allows imaging at relatively large angles between the extreme rotational or translational positions of x-ray tube 12a as compared with known systems.\",\n \"Yet another feature of the mammography system disclosed here is to transmit and store only a portion of the field of view.\",\n \"With a relatively large field-of-view receptor 12c, such as used in the Selenia system (24×29 cm), typically the image of the breast lies within a rectangle that is smaller than the field of view, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5, where the image 46 of a breast is within a notional rectangular outline 48 (reduced field of view) that is much smaller than the field of view 50 of receptor 12c.\",\n \"The area of field of view 50 that is outside the reduced filed of view area 48 may contain little or no information 20o about the breast.\",\n \"To save on transmitting and storing the breast image, only the information within the reduced field of view 48 may be used, and any information outside outline 48 can be discarded.\",\n \"If there is any significant information outside outline 48, only that information can be attached to the information for the image portion inside outline 48.One way to select the position and size of outline 48 is to rely on the selection of the size and position of compression paddle 12e that the health professional has made.\",\n \"As earlier noted, the currently offered Selenia system allows the health professional to select both the size of a paddle and, at least for some paddles, also the position of the paddle relative to receptor 12c, so as to match the size and position on receptor 12c of the breast being x-rayed.\",\n \"The size and position of paddle 12e can be automatically determined, and the result used to in effect crop the resulting breast image before transmitting and/or storing and/or formatting it for transmission or storage, for example according to DICOM standards.\",\n \"Alternatively, the size and position of the breast in the image can be found through image analysis, such as analysis involving edge detection, and the size and position of outline 48 can be found in this manner.\",\n \"Still alternatively, the size and position of outline 48 may be entered by the health professional.\",\n \"e.g., through keyboard 14a, based on viewing the image displayed on monitor 14c.\",\n \"Or, a combination of said methods can be used, e.g., an automatic determination based on one or both of image analysis and paddle selection, followed with a presentation of a recommended outline 48 displayed to the health professional together with the entire image, for confirmation or modification by the health professional.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates an arrangement for providing a reduced field of view image.\",\n \"A compression paddle size and position encoder incorporated in C-arm 12 or elsewhere in association with the means for mounting and moving paddle 12e provides information about the paddle 12e that the health professional has selected, and about the position of the paddle's projection on receptor 12c.\",\n \"A manual input provides information entered by the health professional, which can be similar to that provided by encoder 52 or can be information regarding which of several rectangles within the entire breast image encompasses the breast, or what arbitrary rectangle can encompass the breast on the image.\",\n \"An image analyzer 56 provides information about the area in the overall image occupied by the breast.\",\n \"A calculator 58 uses the information from one or more of units 52, 54 and 57 to calculate the size and position of a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast, and the calculation is displayed at 60, e.g., as an outline 48 in an image such as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5, for the health professional to confirm or modify.\",\n \"e.g.\",\n \"through manual entries.\",\n \"The result is a finalized reduced field of view image at 62 that can be used for further processing, for transmission, and/or storage.\",\n \"While a rectangular outline 48 has been discussed above, in fact outline 48 can have other suitable shapes.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875095"}}},{"rowIdx":4494779,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Apparatus and Method for Image Content Replacement","An image content replacement apparatus and method wherein a camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject and a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images corresponding to the subject.","A content substitution unit substitutes the marked areas with alternate image content according to the mask signal to output modified camera images.","An image selector unit selects the alternate image content amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a first condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a second condition within the scene.","In examples, the first and second alternate image contents are selected based on a determined camera zoom value or a camera angle."],["1.","(canceled) 2.A computer-implemented method for image content replacement, comprising: receiving video images taken by a camera, the video images having a field of view that changes over time to track a scene including a subject of interest; determining a current zoom level of the video images at least while the subject is currently within the field of view of the video images; selecting, based on the current zoom level, one of either a first substitute content or a second substitute content to be inserted into a current segment of the video images to overlay the subject to provide modified video images; and repeating the determining and selecting for each of a plurality of segments of the video images over time.","3.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the determining and selecting are performed at a scene change point of the video images.","4.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of segments of the video images are divided by scene change points, and the determining and selecting are repeated at each of the scene change points.","5.The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the scene change points include changing from a first camera providing the video images to a second camera providing the video images.","6.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein, after the determining and selecting, the selected first or second substitute content is maintained throughout the current segment of the video images.","7.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising, in response to selecting the first substitute content for a first segment of the video images, overlaying the subject with the first substitute content in the first segment of the video images and, in response to selecting the second substitute content for a second segment of the video images, overlaying the same subject instead with the second substitute content in the second segment of the video images.","8.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises selecting the first substitute content to overlay the subject when the current zoom level is in a first range and selecting the second substitute content to overlay the subject when the current zoom level is in a second range.","9.The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the first and second substitute content are different from each other, and wherein the first and second ranges are non-overlapping.","10.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the current zoom level is determined by analysing the video images.","11.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the current zoom level is determined by analysing a mask signal which defines a target masking area within the video images that corresponds to the subject of interest.","12.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the current zoom level is determined based on a camera telemetry signal representing a focal length of the camera.","13.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising overlaying the subject in the video images in a target masking area defined by a masking signal using the selected first and second substitute content in first and second segments of the video images, respectively.","14.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current height of the subject within the video images and comparing the current height with a height threshold for selecting between the first and second substitute content.","15.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current width of the subject within the video images, deriving an expected width of the subject within the video images according to the current height, and comparing the current width with the expected width for selecting between the first and second substitute content.","16.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current visible area of the subject within the video images and comparing the current visible area of the subject with predetermined prime areas within the first and second substitute content for selecting between the first and second substitute content.","17.The computer-implemented method of claim 16, further comprising identifying that the subject within the video images is partially obscured behind an intervening object, wherein the current visible area corresponds to a non-obscured region of the subject in the video images for selecting between the first and second substitute content.","18.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining that the subject within the video images is only partially in frame for selecting between the first and second substitute content.","19.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current shooting angle of the camera which provides the video images for selecting between the first and second substitute content.","20.A computer apparatus comprising: a processor and memory containing instructions which when executed by the processor perform operations comprising: receiving video images taken by a camera, the video images having a field of view that changes over time to track a scene including a subject of interest; determining a current zoom level of the video images at least while the subject is currently within the field of view of the video images; selecting, based on the current zoom level, either a first substitute content or a second substitute content to be inserted into a current segment of the video images to overlay the subject to provide modified video images; and repeating the determining and selecting for each of a plurality of segments of the video images over time.","21.A non-transitory machine-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions which when executed by a processor perform operations for image content replacement comprising: receiving video images taken by a camera, the video images having a field of view that changes over time to track a scene including a subject of interest; determining a current zoom level of the video images at least while the subject is currently within the field of view of the video images; selecting, based on the current zoom level, one of either a first substitute content and a second substitute content to be inserted into a current segment of the video images to overlay the subject to provide modified video images; and repeating the determining and selecting for each of a plurality of segments of the video images over time."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>WO 01/58147 (Rantalainen) describes a method for modifying television video images, wherein a billboard or other visible object is identified with non-visible electromagnetic radiation, such as infra-red light, and selected areas within the video image are replaced with alternate images appropriate to specific viewer groups or geographical regions.","For example, billboards at a ground or arena of a major sporting event are observed as part of a television broadcast.","Selected areas within the television video images are electronically substituted by alternate images that are more appropriate for a particular country or region.","In particular, such an electronic system is useful to create multiple television feeds each having different advertisement content tailored according to an intended audience.","Considering the related art, there is still a difficulty in providing a reliable and effective mechanism for image content replacement.","In particular, there is still a difficulty in providing a system which replaces image content in a way which is pleasing and unobtrusive for the viewer.","It is now desired to provide an image content replacement apparatus and method which addresses these, or other, limitations of the current art, as will be appreciated from the discussion and description herein."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims.","Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.","In one aspect there is provided an improved mechanism for replacing content within camera video images.","The mechanism may select most-appropriate or best-fit substitute image content for a particular point in time.","The substitute content may be selected by considering the current field of view of the camera images and/or a position or orientation of a subject with respect to the field of view.","The substitute content may be selected based on telemetry from the camera and/or by analysing the video images themselves.","The mechanism may locate, define and replace one or more areas within a moving image which correspond to the subject or subjects.","In one embodiment, the subject is a billboard.","In one example, a subject billboard reflects or emits electromagnetic radiation in one or more predetermined wavelength bands.","A camera observes the subject to provide camera video images.","At least one detector unit also observes the scene to derive a detector signal relating to the radiation from the subject to thereby distinguish the subject from its surroundings.","A content replacement apparatus selectively replaces one or more marked areas within the camera video images with alternate image content, such as displaying an alternate advertisement on the billboards, according to a mask signal that is accurately and efficiently identified by the detector signals.","In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement apparatus.","A camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject, a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images corresponding to the subject, a content substitution unit substitutes the marked areas with alternate image content according to the mask signal to output modified video images, and an image selector unit selects the alternate image content amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a first condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a second condition within the scene.","In one example, the image selector unit selects the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images.","A scene change point may be a point in time when the video images change significantly.","In one example, a scene change point may occur at a point in time when the video images change from one camera to another camera.","In one example, the image selector unit may select the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images according to the camera that is currently used to provide the video images among a set of cameras.","In one example, the image selector unit is arranged to obtain a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images and to select amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.","The camera zoom signal may define a relative height of the subject within the video images.","In one example, the camera zoom signal is based on a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.","In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured within the video images.","In one example, image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be incomplete within the video images.","In one example, the image selector unit detects the subject within the video images using the masking signal.","In one example, the image selector unit obtains a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selects amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.","In one example, the camera angle signal defines a shooting angle of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.","The shooting angle may be derived from a camera telemetry signal of the camera.","The camera angle signal may be a pan or tilt signal from the camera.","In one example, the image selector unit selects amongst a sequence of replacement images which are triggered by the current value of the camera angle signal.","In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be substantially planar to an image plane of the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be at an acute angle with respect to the image plane of the video images.","In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement method.","In the method, video images are provided from a camera of a scene including a subject.","A mask area is defined corresponding to the subject within the scene, such as by providing a masking signal.","A chosen alternate image is selected amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a normal condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in an exceptional condition within the scene.","The mask area in the video images is substituted with the chosen alternate image content.","The method may include obtaining a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.","The camera zoom signal may be compared against a threshold to select amongst the first and second alternate images.","In one example, the camera zoom signal defines a height of the subject within the video images.","In another example, the camera zoom signal comprises a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of the camera.","The method may include detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images.","The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images using the masking signal.","The method may include choosing the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and choosing the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured by another object within the video images.","The method may include defining a prime visible area of the subject using the masking signal, and comparing the prime visible area of the subject with a prime area of each of the first and second replacement images.","The method may include detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images.","The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images as the exceptional condition using the masking signal.","The method may include obtaining a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.","The camera angle signal may define a shooting angle of the camera.","The camera angle signal may be derived from a camera telemetry signal.","The camera angle signal may be based on a current pan angle and/or current tilt angle of the camera.","The method may include providing replacement images in a sequence triggered by the camera angle signal.","In this method, the selecting step may be performed at a scene change point of the video images.","In one aspect there is provided a tangible non-transient computer readable medium having recorded thereon instructions which when executed cause a computer to perform the steps of any of the methods defined herein."],["RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/407,235, filed Dec. 11, 2014, which was the National Stage of International Application No.","PCT/EP2013/062184, filed Jun.","12, 2013, which claims the benefit of G.B.","Application No.","1210332.1, filed Jun.","12, 2012, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.","FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system which modifies the content of an image.","More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus which electronically substitutes content in one or more areas of an image.","In some aspects, the present invention relates to an image content detection method and apparatus suitable for use with television broadcast video images.","BACKGROUND WO 01/58147 (Rantalainen) describes a method for modifying television video images, wherein a billboard or other visible object is identified with non-visible electromagnetic radiation, such as infra-red light, and selected areas within the video image are replaced with alternate images appropriate to specific viewer groups or geographical regions.","For example, billboards at a ground or arena of a major sporting event are observed as part of a television broadcast.","Selected areas within the television video images are electronically substituted by alternate images that are more appropriate for a particular country or region.","In particular, such an electronic system is useful to create multiple television feeds each having different advertisement content tailored according to an intended audience.","Considering the related art, there is still a difficulty in providing a reliable and effective mechanism for image content replacement.","In particular, there is still a difficulty in providing a system which replaces image content in a way which is pleasing and unobtrusive for the viewer.","It is now desired to provide an image content replacement apparatus and method which addresses these, or other, limitations of the current art, as will be appreciated from the discussion and description herein.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims.","Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.","In one aspect there is provided an improved mechanism for replacing content within camera video images.","The mechanism may select most-appropriate or best-fit substitute image content for a particular point in time.","The substitute content may be selected by considering the current field of view of the camera images and/or a position or orientation of a subject with respect to the field of view.","The substitute content may be selected based on telemetry from the camera and/or by analysing the video images themselves.","The mechanism may locate, define and replace one or more areas within a moving image which correspond to the subject or subjects.","In one embodiment, the subject is a billboard.","In one example, a subject billboard reflects or emits electromagnetic radiation in one or more predetermined wavelength bands.","A camera observes the subject to provide camera video images.","At least one detector unit also observes the scene to derive a detector signal relating to the radiation from the subject to thereby distinguish the subject from its surroundings.","A content replacement apparatus selectively replaces one or more marked areas within the camera video images with alternate image content, such as displaying an alternate advertisement on the billboards, according to a mask signal that is accurately and efficiently identified by the detector signals.","In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement apparatus.","A camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject, a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images corresponding to the subject, a content substitution unit substitutes the marked areas with alternate image content according to the mask signal to output modified video images, and an image selector unit selects the alternate image content amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a first condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a second condition within the scene.","In one example, the image selector unit selects the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images.","A scene change point may be a point in time when the video images change significantly.","In one example, a scene change point may occur at a point in time when the video images change from one camera to another camera.","In one example, the image selector unit may select the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images according to the camera that is currently used to provide the video images among a set of cameras.","In one example, the image selector unit is arranged to obtain a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images and to select amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.","The camera zoom signal may define a relative height of the subject within the video images.","In one example, the camera zoom signal is based on a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.","In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured within the video images.","In one example, image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be incomplete within the video images.","In one example, the image selector unit detects the subject within the video images using the masking signal.","In one example, the image selector unit obtains a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selects amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.","In one example, the camera angle signal defines a shooting angle of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.","The shooting angle may be derived from a camera telemetry signal of the camera.","The camera angle signal may be a pan or tilt signal from the camera.","In one example, the image selector unit selects amongst a sequence of replacement images which are triggered by the current value of the camera angle signal.","In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be substantially planar to an image plane of the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be at an acute angle with respect to the image plane of the video images.","In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement method.","In the method, video images are provided from a camera of a scene including a subject.","A mask area is defined corresponding to the subject within the scene, such as by providing a masking signal.","A chosen alternate image is selected amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a normal condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in an exceptional condition within the scene.","The mask area in the video images is substituted with the chosen alternate image content.","The method may include obtaining a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.","The camera zoom signal may be compared against a threshold to select amongst the first and second alternate images.","In one example, the camera zoom signal defines a height of the subject within the video images.","In another example, the camera zoom signal comprises a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of the camera.","The method may include detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images.","The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images using the masking signal.","The method may include choosing the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and choosing the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured by another object within the video images.","The method may include defining a prime visible area of the subject using the masking signal, and comparing the prime visible area of the subject with a prime area of each of the first and second replacement images.","The method may include detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images.","The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images as the exceptional condition using the masking signal.","The method may include obtaining a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.","The camera angle signal may define a shooting angle of the camera.","The camera angle signal may be derived from a camera telemetry signal.","The camera angle signal may be based on a current pan angle and/or current tilt angle of the camera.","The method may include providing replacement images in a sequence triggered by the camera angle signal.","In this method, the selecting step may be performed at a scene change point of the video images.","In one aspect there is provided a tangible non-transient computer readable medium having recorded thereon instructions which when executed cause a computer to perform the steps of any of the methods defined herein.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a schematic diagram of an example television broadcasting system; FIG.","2 is a schematic diagram of the example television broadcasting system incorporating a content replacement system; FIG.","3 is a schematic view showing an example content replacement system in more detail; FIG.","4 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIG.","5 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIG.","6 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIGS.","7A & 7B are a time sequence of schematic views showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIG.","8 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; and FIG.","9 is a flowchart illustrating an example content replacement method.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION The example embodiments will be described with reference to a content replacement apparatus and method used to replace content within television video images, particularly to provide photo-realistic replacement of a billboard.","However, the apparatus described herein may be applied in many other specific implementations, which may involve other forms of video images or relate to other subjects of interest, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the teachings herein.","FIG.","1 is a schematic overview of an example television broadcasting system in which example embodiments of the present invention may be applied.","FIG.","1 shows one or more observed subjects 10, one or more cameras 20, a vision mixer 30 and a broadcast delivery system 50.It will be appreciated that the television broadcasting system of FIG.","1 has been simplified for ease of explanation and that many other specific configurations will be available to persons skilled in the art.","In the illustrated example embodiment, the observed subject of interest is a billboard 10 which carries original content 11 such as an advertisement (in this case the word “Sport”).","The billboard 10 and the original content 11 are provided to be seen by persons in the vicinity.","For example, many billboards are provided at a sporting stadium or arena visible to spectators present at the event.","In one example, the billboards are provided around a perimeter of a pitch so as to be prominent to spectators in the ground and also in TV coverage of the event.","A television camera 20 observes a scene in a desired field of view to provide a respective camera feed 21.The field of view may change over time in order to track a scene of interest.","The camera 20 may have a fixed location or may be movable (e.g.","on a trackway) or may be mobile (e.g.","a hand-held camera or gyroscopic stabilised camera).","The camera 20 may have a fixed lens or zoom lens, and may have local pan and/or tilt motion.","Typically, several cameras 20 are provided to cover the event or scene from different viewpoints, producing a corresponding plurality of camera feeds 21.The billboard 10 may become obscured in the field of view of the camera 20 by an intervening object, such as by a ball, person or player 12.Thus, the camera feed 21 obtained by the camera 20 will encounter different conditions at different times during a particular event, such as (a) the subject billboard moving into or out of the field of view, (b) showing only part of the subject (c) the subject being obscured, wholly or partially, by an obstacle and/or (d) the observed subject being both partially observed and partially obscured.","Hence, there is a difficulty in accurately determining the position of the desired subject within the video images of the captured camera feed 21, and so define a masking area where the content within the captured feed is to be electronically replaced with alternate image content.","There is a difficulty in providing substitute content smoothly and unobtrusively, e.g.","so the viewer can continue watching the game without being unduly distracted by the electronic replacement of billboard advertisements.","Further, there is a difficulty in providing substitute content which is in itself interesting and attractive for the viewer.","As shown in FIG.","1, the captured camera feeds 21 are provided to a vision mixing system 30, which in this example includes a camera feed selector unit 30a and a graphics overlay mixer unit 30b.","Typically, the vision mixer 30 is located in a professional television production environment such as a television studio, a cable broadcast facility, a commercial production facility, a remote truck or outside broadcast van (OB van) or a linear video editing bay.","The vision mixer 30 is operated by a vision engineer to select amongst the camera feeds 21 at each point in time to produce a clean feed 31, also known as a director's cut clean feed.","The vision mixing system 30 may incorporate, or be coupled to, a graphics generator unit which provides a plurality of graphics layers 22, such as a station logo (“Logo”), a current score (“Score”) and a pop-up or scrolling information bar (“News: story1 story2”).","Typically, the one or more graphics layers 22 are applied over the clean feed 31 to produce a respective dirty feed 32.A separate graphics computer system may produce the graphics layers 22, and/or the graphics layers 22 may be produced by the vision mixer 30.The graphics layers 22 may be semi-transparent and hence may overlap the observed billboard 10 in the video images.","The graphics layers 22 may be dynamic, such as a moving logo, updating time or current score information, or a moving information bar.","Such dynamic graphics layers give rise to further complexity in defining the desired masking area at each point in time.","The dirty feed 32 is output to be transmitted as a broadcast feed, e.g.","using a downstream broadcast delivery 50.The dirty feed 32 may be broadcast live and/or is recorded for transmission later.","The broadcast delivery system 50 may distribute and deliver the feed 32 in any suitable form including, for example, terrestrial, cable, satellite or Internet delivery mechanisms to any suitable media playback device including, for example, televisions, computers or hand-held devices.","The broadcast feed may be broadcast to multiple viewers simultaneously, or may be transmitted to users individually, e.g.","as video on demand.","FIG.","2 shows the example television broadcasting system in more detail.","A content replacement apparatus 40 is arranged to identify relevant portions of received video images corresponding to the observed subject of interest 10, and to selectively replace the identified portions with alternate content 42.In this case, the content replacement apparatus 40 receives a video image feed 31 and identifies therein the billboard 10 as the subject of interest.","These video images are modified so that the billboard 10, which originally displayed the word “Sport”, now appears to display the alternate content 42, as illustrated by the word “Other”.","In this example, the content replacement apparatus 40 is coupled to receive video images 31 from the vision mixer 30 and to return amended video images 41 to the vision mixer 30.The content replacement apparatus 40 may be combined with the vision mixer 30, or may be provided as a separate and isolated piece of equipment.","The content replacement apparatus 40 may be provided in the immediate vicinity of the vision mixer 30, or may be located remotely.","The content replacement apparatus 40 may receive video images directly from the vision mixer 30, or via one or more intermediate pieces of equipment.","The input video images 31 may be recorded and then processed by the content replacement apparatus 40 later, and/or the output images 41 may be recorded and provided to the vision mixer 30 later.","In the example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 receives the clean feed 31 directly from the vision mixer 30 and produces a modified clean feed 41 as output.","The graphics layers 22 are then added to these modified video images 41 through the graphics overlay unit 30b to create a modified dirty feed 33 ready for broadcast.","In another example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 receives both the clean feed 31 and the dirty feed 32, substitutes the subject 10 of interest, and then restores the graphics layers 22.Many other specific configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.","For example, the content replacement apparatus 40 may be provided prior to the mixer 30 and thus provide the alternate image feed 41 as an input to the mixer 30.In this case the mixer 30 may then apply the graphics layers 22 over the already modified video images 41 to produce the modified dirty feed.","However, such as system then tends to be limited in the number of alternate dirty feeds 33 based on the capabilities of the mixer 30.By contrast, placing the content replacement apparatus 40 after the mixer 30 as illustrated in FIG.","2 eliminates the 30 mixer as a limiting factor.","In the example embodiment, a high value is achieved when images of a sporting event, such as a football or soccer match, are shown live to a large audience.","The audience may be geographically diverse, e.g.","worldwide, and hence it is desirable to create multiple different alternate broadcast feeds 33 for supply to the broadcasting system 50 to be delivered in different territories using local delivery broadcast stations 51, e.g.","country by country or region by region.","In a live event, the content replacement apparatus 40 should operate reliably and efficiently, and should cause minimal delay.","In the example embodiments, the alternate content 42 comprises one or more still images (e.g.","JPEG image files) and/or one or more moving images (e.g.","MPEG motion picture files).","As another example, the alternate content 42 may comprise three-dimensional objects in a 3D interchange format, such as COLLADA, Wavefront OBJ or 3DS.","The alternate content 42 is suitably prepared in advance and recorded on a storage medium 49 coupled to the content replacement apparatus 40.Thus, the content replacement apparatus 40 produces one or more output feeds 41 where the observed subject 10, in this case the billboard 10, is replaced instead with the alternate content 42.Ideally, the images within the alternate feed 41 should appear photo-realistic, in that the ordinary viewer normally would not notice that the content carried by the billboard 10 has been electronically substituted.","Hence, it is important to accurately determine a masking area defining the position of the billboard 10 within the received video images input to the content replacement apparatus 40.Also, it is important to identify accurately when portions of the observed subject 10 have been obscured by an intervening object 12 such as a player, referee, etc.","Notably, the intervening object or objects may be fast-moving and may appear at different distances between the camera 20 and the subject 10.Further, it is desirable to produce the alternate feed 41 containing the alternate content 42 in a way which is more agreeable and/or less obtrusive for the viewer.","As shown in FIG.","2, the example content replacement apparatus 40 is arranged to process one or more detector signals 61.In one example embodiment, the detector signals 61 may be derived from the video images captured by the camera 20, e.g.","using visible or near-visible light radiation capable of being captured optically through the camera 20, wherein the camera 20 acts as a detector 60.In another example embodiment, one or more detector units 60 are provided separate to the camera 20.The detector signals 61 may be derived from any suitable wavelength radiation.","The wavelengths may be visible or non-visible.","In the following example embodiment, the detector signals 61 are derived from infra-red wavelengths, and the detector signals 61 are infra red video signals.","Another example embodiment may detect ultra-violet radiation.","In one example embodiment, polarised visible or non-visible radiation is detected.","A combination of different wavelength groups may be used, such as a first detector signal derived from any one of infra-red, visible or ultra-violet wavelengths and a second detector signal derived from any one of infra-red, visible or ultra-violet wavelengths.","In the illustrated example embodiment, one or more detectors 60 are associated with the camera 20.In the example embodiment, each camera 20 is co-located with at least one detector 60.The detector 60 may survey a field of view which is consistent with the field of view of the camera 20 and so include the observed subject of interest 10.The detector field of view and the camera field of view may be correlated.","Thus, the detector signals 61 are correlated with the respective camera feed 21.In the example embodiment, the detector signals 61 are fed to the content replacement apparatus 40.In the example embodiment, the detector signals 61 are relayed live to the content replacement apparatus 40.In another example embodiment, the detector signals 61 may be recorded into a detector signal storage medium 65 to be replayed at the content replacement apparatus 40 at a later time.","FIG.","3 is a schematic view showing an example content replacement system in more detail.","In this example, the system uses infra-red detectors to determine a position of the subject billboard within the video images.","In this example, the subject billboard 10 comprises a substrate which carries a printed medium, such as a printed sheet, to display a desired printed message or advertisement.","The billboard 10 may be passive, being illuminated by ambient radiation (e.g.","from natural sunlight or stadium lights) and reflecting the ambient radiation toward the camera 20 and detector 60.Alternately, the billboard 10 may be active by including a plurality of light units, such as light emitting diode (LED) packages.","A lens unit and/or a diffuser (not shown) may be provided to distribute light from the LED units evenly across an illuminated area of the billboard.","These light units may form a light box to illuminate the printed sheet from behind with infra-red light.","In the example embodiment, at least one infra-red detector 60 is associated with each of the cameras 20, producing one or more streams of the detector signals 61.As an example, the one or more detectors 60 may be narrow-spectrum near infra-red (NIR) cameras.","The detector 60 may be mounted adjacent to the camera 20 so as to have a field of view consistent with the camera 20 and/or may share optical components with the camera 20.The detector 60 may be arranged to move with the camera 20, e.g.","to follow the same pan & tilt motions.","In the example embodiments, each of the cameras 20 may provide a telemetry signal 22 which records relevant parameters of the camera, such as the focal length, aperture, motion and position.","In one example, the telemetry signal 22 includes pan and tilt information.","The telemetry 22 may also include zoom information or zoom information may be derived from analysing the moving images themselves.","The telemetry 22 may be used, directly or indirectly, to calculate or otherwise provide pan, roll, tilt and zoom (PRTZ) information.","The camera telemetry signal 22 may be passed to the content replacement apparatus 40, directly or via an intermediate storage or recording, in order to provide additional information about the field of view being observed by the camera 20.In the example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 comprises a camera image receiving unit 44, a signal processing unit 45, a mask signal generating unit 46, and a content substitution unit 47.The camera image receiving unit 44 receives video images 21, which in this case are the video images taken by the cameras 20 to provide respective camera feeds.","As described above, the camera feeds 21 may be multiplexed together to provide a clean feed 31 comprising moving images from different cameras 20 at different points in time.","The clean feed 31 may be modified with additional graphics layers to produce a dirty feed 32.The camera images 21, the clean feed 31 and/or the dirty feed 32 may be provided to the content replacement apparatus 40, depending upon the nature of the installation.","The signal processing unit 45 receives signals which allow the subject billboards 10 to be identified within the video images 21.As will be discussed in more detail below, the signal processing unit 45 may process the infra-red detector signals 61 and/or the camera telemetry signals 22.In the example embodiment the signal processing unit 45 comprises a detector signal processing unit 45a and a telemetry signal processing unit 45b.","The detector signal processing unit 45a processes the stream of detector signals 61 produced by the one or more detectors 60.In the example embodiments, the scene observed by the detector signal 61 is consistent with the scene in the video images 21 from the cameras 20.The detector signal processing unit 45a may spatially and/or temporally correlate the detector signals 61 with the video images 21.The detector signals 61 are preferably digital, or are digitised by analogue-digital conversion, thereby representing the field of view as an array of digital pixel values each representing an intensity of the detected radiation.","As noted above, in the example embodiments the detector signals are based on infra-red wavelengths and thus represent an intensity of the selected infra-red wavelengths at each pixel value.","Meanwhile, the telemetry signal processing unit 45b receives the telemetry signals 22 produced by the cameras 20.In particular, the telemetry signals 22 provide dynamic information concerning the field of view observed by the video images 21 and, consequently, the current field of view of the detector signals 61.The telemetry signal processing unit 45b may use the received telemetry signals 22 to establish a location of the subject 10 relative to the observed field of view in the video images 21.In the example embodiments, the telemetry signal processing unit 45b is provided in advance with 3D coordinates defining a location of the or each subject billboard 10 and the or each camera 20 within a 3D spatial environment, which allows the relative locations of these components to be established within a defined consistent three dimensional space.","The system may be calibrated in advance such that an optical centre of the lens of the camera 20 is known.","In one example, a pin hole camera mathematical model is applied in order to calculate a projection or mapping of the subject billboard 10 from the real world onto the image plane in the field of view of the camera 20 at a default starting position.","In the example embodiments, the telemetry signal processing unit 45b then actively estimates a position of the subject 10 within the field of view of the camera 20 as the camera is moved, according to the telemetry signals 22.These calculations allow the system to estimate an approximate position of the subject 10 within the video images 21.The mask signal generating unit 46 generates a mask signal 43 to be applied to video images 21.In particular, the mask signal 43 is generated based on the detector signals 61, and may be enhanced by also considering the telemetry signals 22.The masking area signal 43 is itself a useful product of the system and can be output or recorded in a storage unit 50 to be used later (see FIG.","3).","In one example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 may be used only to produce the masking area signal 43, and the content substitution operation may be performed downstream by another piece of equipment.","For example, looking again at FIG.","2, the masking signal 43 may be transmitted to the broadcasting system 50 to be carried alongside the broadcast feed to a downstream content substitution unit (not shown) to insert the alternate content 42 locally prior to transmission by a local transmitter unit 51.In the example embodiments, the content substitution unit 47 electronically substitutes one or more of the masked areas within the video images 21 with the alternate image content 42 according to the masking signal 43.Thus, the content substitution unit 47 in use produces the respective alternate video image feed 41.In one aspect, the content substitution unit 47 comprises an image selector unit 48 which determines that a predetermined special case or exceptional condition has arisen which needs special handling within the content substitution unit 47.The image selector unit 48 may generate an image selection signal which distinguishes at least between first and second conditions, such as between a normal situation on the one hand and an exceptional situation or special case situation on the other.","In response, the content substitution unit 47 selects and applies appropriate replacement content 42, e.g.","selects amongst normal and exceptional substitute images, according to this special case selection signal.","The content substitution unit 47 substitutes the identified area within the video images 21 according to the mask signal 43 using the identified replacement image content 42 as selected by the image selector unit 48.As will be discussed below, the image selector unit 48 advantageously uses the camera telemetry to provide various enhancements within the content replacement apparatus 40.However, other embodiments are also envisaged which do not rely on the camera telemetry 22 and instead derive relevant signals or information directly from the camera images 21.Zoom/Focal Length FIG.","4 shows a first example embodiment of a special case or exceptional situation as may be identified within the image selector unit 48.This example mechanism allows the apparatus 40 to identify predetermined exceptional conditions and, in response, select and apply a replacement content 42 which is most appropriate to those exceptional conditions.","In this example, video images 21a and 21b show the same scene at two different camera focal lengths, and thus different amounts of zoom.","The image selector unit 48 is arranged to select from amongst available replacement content images 42a, 42b accordingly, so that a best-fit substitute is provided for each respective image or image sequence.","This mechanism is particularly useful in relation to cameras with a powerful zoom facility.","The focal length of the camera 20 is a primary factor in determining whether the subject 10 will be visible distantly, as a normal case, or whether the subject 10 will instead be viewed in close up at this time.","A camera 20 which observes a stadium or event with a wide field of view will tend to observe several billboards 10 distantly in their entirety, whereas the same camera when with a high zoom value (long focal length) has a restricted field of view and will tend to capture only one of the subject billboard 10 in full.","In this example, the system is capable of displaying selectively, for the same subject billboard 10, either the first alternate image 42a or the second 42b.","In this case, the first image 42a is more appropriate to being viewed from a distance and contains the text “Other” or some suitable simplified message.","The second alternate image 42b is more appropriate to be viewed in close-up and thus may contain more detailed text or images, such as, in this example, “Other image .",".",".","just for you”.","In a first example embodiment, the focal length Z of the camera 20, as derived from the telemetry signals 22, is compared against a threshold value Tz which distinguishes between a normal wide field of view and an exceptional narrow field of view.","The threshold Tz may be set in advance according to the conditions of the location of the scene, such as by testing the cameras 20 prior to a live event.","The telemetry thus provides a camera zoom signal.","The current focal length Z is compared against the predetermined threshold by the image selector unit 48.In response, the image selector unit 48 selects the replacement image 42 within a normal set 42a or an exceptional set 42b.","In other words, comparing the telemetry against a predetermined threshold determines a selection between at least first and second substitute images 42a, 42b.","In the example mechanism, this selection allows a best fit of the relevant alternate image against the subject 10 which is currently in view.","In a second example embodiment, the image selector unit 48 uses the masking signal 43 to identify the special case or exceptional condition.","In this case, the camera zoom signal is derived from the camera images 21.As an example, the subject billboard 10 is determined to appear at a region of the current image 21 according to the masking signal 43, and thus it is determined that the subject 10 will be visible in this frame or sequence of frames as a proportion of the visible area of the image.","In the example embodiments, the subject billboards 10 have constant physical dimensions.","Thus, a current height H of the subject billboards may be determined with reference to a vertical orientation of the image.","The height H may be used in this situation as a useful indicator as well as or in place of the current camera focal length Z.","The determined current height H may be expressed, for example, as a number of pixels or as a percentage of the full image height.","The height H may be compared against a respective threshold value TH.","As an example, an exceptional condition is considered to apply when the subject billboard is say 10% or say 20% or more of the total height of the screen.","A replacement image content 42a or 42b is selected accordingly, ready to be applied to the subject 10 in view.","In one aspect, more than one threshold value may be applied.","However a single threshold is preferred in the example embodiments for simplicity.","The threshold is convenient to determine whether the current tested value, e.g.","zoom Z or subject height H, is within a first or a second range and to select first or second alternate images 42a or 42b accordingly.","In one aspect, the image selector unit 48 determines whether or not a special case applies at a scene change point, namely at a point in time when the video images 21 changes significantly.","As will be familiar in the context of video editing, a scene change point occurs at a point in time such as when the current image feed changes from one camera to another camera.","Making the determination at the scene change point minimises disruption for the viewer and is least noticeable.","Hence, using the scene change point as a trigger for the determination improves a photorealistic effect.","The determined replacement content 42a or 42b is then maintained until the next scene change point.","That is, even if the camera now changes focal length and moves from a high zoom or narrow point of field of view (high Z or H value) and returns towards a wide field of view or normal condition (low Z or H value) all within a single scene, then the selected replacement image 42b is maintained until the next scene change point, at which point in time the determination is made again.","This mechanism also inhibits unwanted oscillations between images, such as where the tested Z or H value is close to the threshold T. As one example embodiment, the alternate image content 42 may comprise moving images which loop or repeat after a defined period of time (e.g.","3 or 5 seconds).","Suitably, the determination is made at a scene change point of the replacement media.","Using certain kinds of video adverts, the scene change can be allowed to occur after the advert file has looped, i.e.","when the video has reached its end and before that particular video sequence starts playing from the beginning again.","In another example embodiment, the image selector unit 48 may select the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images according to the camera that is currently used to provide the video images, amongst a plurality of cameras.","This embodiment considers the situation where a first camera is provided to take close-up images with a long focal length, while a second camera has a wide field of view.","In this case the alternate image content 42a, 42b may be selected based on a camera signal C which identifies the camera currently in use.","Partially Obscured Subjects FIG.","5 shows a further enhancement of the content replacement apparatus.","In this example, the image selector unit 48 identifies that the subject 10 is partially obscured.","The image selector unit 48 may use the masking signal 43 to identify the partially obscured subject 10.As noted above, the masking signal 43 reveals areas 10c of the subject which are visible and, accordingly, areas which are obscured by an intervening object such as a player 12.The image selector unit 48 suitably selects amongst a predetermined set of at least first and second replacement images 42c, 42d which best fits the visible area 10c of the subject 10.This may be achieved by considering the visible areas 10c as a prime area.","The visible prime area 10c of the subject 10 is then compared against the available set of replacement images each of which has corresponding prime areas 42x, 42y and a best fit image is selected which is most appropriate.","In this case, the sponsor's message “Other” is the defined prime area 42x, 42y and hence is matched with the visible prime area 10c of the billboard 10.In this example, if the obscuring object 12 now moves, then typically it will be more appropriate and least noticeable to maintain the same selected replacement content until a next scene change point.","However, at other times it will be appropriate to re-evaluate the subject 10 according to the changing position of the obstacle 12 and select a new best fit replacement image even within a single scene.","Incomplete Subjects FIG.","6 illustrates a further example embodiment in which only a part 10d of the subject billboard 10 is currently visible within a frame of the video images 21.Identifying that the billboard 10 is incomplete allows the system to select replacement content 42 which is a best fit with the visible part 10d of the subject 10.In this example, a first replacement image 42e is appropriate to fill a complete area of the billboard and is most appropriate when the billboard 10 is completely within the image frame.","Meanwhile, the second replacement image 42f is more appropriate when the billboard 10 is determined to be incomplete.","Given that the billboard 10 has constant physical dimensions, the currently observed height H allows an expected width W to be predicted.","The partially incomplete billboard may be determined by dividing an observed width W1 against the expected width W to give a width percentage W % which is compared against a width threshold Tw.","As shown in FIG.","6, advantageously the second image 42f contains elements which are tiled or repeated so that a sponsor message, such as “Other”, will be completely visible even when applied to only the visible part 10d of the incomplete subject 10.Action Following FIGS.","7A & 7B show another example embodiment, here illustrated by two frames of the revised image stream 41 spaced apart by a short time interval.","The replacement content 42 is updated and reselected for subsequent video image frames within a sequence, e.g.","from the same camera 20.In this case, the images are updated relatively frequently and prior to a scene change point.","In this embodiment, a plurality of similar replacement content images 42 are provided as a set comprising a sequence of images of which the example images 42g and 42h are shown here.","The replacement images from the sequence are selected based on a relative position of the subject 10 with respect to the image frame 21.In one example embodiment, a shooting angle or shooting direction of the camera 20 is determined by the telemetry 22.The current pan angle P or tilt angle T may be used to infer the current relative location of the billboard 10 within the image 21.As shown in FIG.","7, the sequence of replacement images 42g, 42h may be triggered so that the replacement images are applied in sequence.","In particular, the sequence of replacement images may be applied to follow the shooting direction of the camera.","Given that the camera will tend to keep an object of greatest interest at or about a centre of the frame, this embodiment can be used to give the impression that the replacement images on the billboard 10 is actively “watching” the game and following the ball, as illustrated here by eyes which change their direction of view depending on the relative angle between the billboard and the camera.","As an example, the full sequence suitably includes of the order of 5 to 15 subsequent images for a good impression of smooth motion.","Further, as another example, the alternate content 42 may comprise three-dimensional objects in a 3D interchange format, such as COLLADA, Wavefront OBJ or 3DS.","These 3D-adverts allow the internal scale and orientation of the replacement media to be manipulated, based on the telemetry input data.","As an example, a 3D text logo advert can be made to smoothly follow or “watch” the center of the visible screen.","This embodiment provides functionality which is not only pleasing for the viewer but further enhances an experience of the viewer in the alternate electronically modified broadcast feed.","Acute Angled Subjects FIG.","8 shows a further example embodiment.","In this case a particular problem arises where the subject 10f is at an acute angle to the image plane of the video images taken by the camera 20.In a normal situation, the subject billboards 10e are substantially parallel to the image plane and thus appear as regular rectangular shapes which are relatively easy to identify and process.","By contrast, subject billboards 10f at an acute angle to the image plane appear as trapezoids or rhomboids.","In this exceptional situation, a best fit image 42i or 42j is selected which is more appropriate to the geometric shape of the subject 10e or 10f as presented within the image plane.","An image 42j with simplified content or images which are graphically appropriate to the observed condition of the acute angled subject 10f may be selected and applied.","As another example, text within the second image 42j may have substantially increased kerning so as to remain readable even when manipulated to be displayed on the acute angled subject 10f in a photo-realistic manner.","In the example embodiments, the exceptional condition for awkwardly angled subjects is identified by the telemetry 22 which reveals a current shooting direction of the camera 20.Given the known relative physical locations of the subject 10 and camera 20, appropriate threshold pan or tilt values can be predicted by 3D geometric modelling as discussed above.","The exceptional case can thus be detected in use with this knowledge of the geometry of the scene including camera locations in relation to the subject billboards 10.Further, testing the cameras 20 in advance of a live event allows the threshold pan P and/or tilt T values to be determined at which the awkwardly angled subjects 10f will appear.","The replacement images may then be selected accordingly for those subjects.","Thus, the system identifies whether the respective subject 10 within the received image frame 21 will appear normally or will appear in the exceptional geometric condition.","FIG.","9 is a flowchart highlighting the image content replacement method discussed herein.","In the method, video images are provided from a camera 20 of a scene including a subject 10 at step 901.At step 902, a mask area is defined corresponding to the subject within the scene, such as by providing a masking signal 43.At step 903, a chosen alternate image 42 is selected amongst at least a first alternate image content 42a when the subject 10 is determined to be in a first or normal condition within the scene and a second alternate image content 42b when the subject is determined to be in a second or exceptional condition within the scene.","At step 904, the mask area in the video images 21 is substituted with the chosen alternate image content 42.The method may be augmented by any of the further steps as discussed herein.","For example, the method at step 903 may include obtaining a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.","At step 903, the method may include obtaining a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images 42a, 42b, etc, based on the camera angle signal.","The camera angle signal may define a shooting angle of the camera.","The camera angle signal may be derived from a camera telemetry signal 22.The camera angle signal may be based on a current pan angle and/or a current tilt angle of the camera 20.The method may include providing replacement images in a sequence triggered by the camera angle signal.","The industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.","At least some embodiments of the invention may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware.","Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks.","Alternatively, elements of the invention may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and be configured to execute on one or more processors.","Thus, functional elements of the invention may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.","Further, although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements.","Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Apparatus and Method for Image Content Replacement\",\n \"An image content replacement apparatus and method wherein a camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject and a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images corresponding to the subject.\",\n \"A content substitution unit substitutes the marked areas with alternate image content according to the mask signal to output modified camera images.\",\n \"An image selector unit selects the alternate image content amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a first condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a second condition within the scene.\",\n \"In examples, the first and second alternate image contents are selected based on a determined camera zoom value or a camera angle.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.\",\n \"(canceled) 2.A computer-implemented method for image content replacement, comprising: receiving video images taken by a camera, the video images having a field of view that changes over time to track a scene including a subject of interest; determining a current zoom level of the video images at least while the subject is currently within the field of view of the video images; selecting, based on the current zoom level, one of either a first substitute content or a second substitute content to be inserted into a current segment of the video images to overlay the subject to provide modified video images; and repeating the determining and selecting for each of a plurality of segments of the video images over time.\",\n \"3.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the determining and selecting are performed at a scene change point of the video images.\",\n \"4.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of segments of the video images are divided by scene change points, and the determining and selecting are repeated at each of the scene change points.\",\n \"5.The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the scene change points include changing from a first camera providing the video images to a second camera providing the video images.\",\n \"6.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein, after the determining and selecting, the selected first or second substitute content is maintained throughout the current segment of the video images.\",\n \"7.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising, in response to selecting the first substitute content for a first segment of the video images, overlaying the subject with the first substitute content in the first segment of the video images and, in response to selecting the second substitute content for a second segment of the video images, overlaying the same subject instead with the second substitute content in the second segment of the video images.\",\n \"8.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises selecting the first substitute content to overlay the subject when the current zoom level is in a first range and selecting the second substitute content to overlay the subject when the current zoom level is in a second range.\",\n \"9.The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein the first and second substitute content are different from each other, and wherein the first and second ranges are non-overlapping.\",\n \"10.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the current zoom level is determined by analysing the video images.\",\n \"11.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the current zoom level is determined by analysing a mask signal which defines a target masking area within the video images that corresponds to the subject of interest.\",\n \"12.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the current zoom level is determined based on a camera telemetry signal representing a focal length of the camera.\",\n \"13.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, further comprising overlaying the subject in the video images in a target masking area defined by a masking signal using the selected first and second substitute content in first and second segments of the video images, respectively.\",\n \"14.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current height of the subject within the video images and comparing the current height with a height threshold for selecting between the first and second substitute content.\",\n \"15.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current width of the subject within the video images, deriving an expected width of the subject within the video images according to the current height, and comparing the current width with the expected width for selecting between the first and second substitute content.\",\n \"16.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current visible area of the subject within the video images and comparing the current visible area of the subject with predetermined prime areas within the first and second substitute content for selecting between the first and second substitute content.\",\n \"17.The computer-implemented method of claim 16, further comprising identifying that the subject within the video images is partially obscured behind an intervening object, wherein the current visible area corresponds to a non-obscured region of the subject in the video images for selecting between the first and second substitute content.\",\n \"18.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining that the subject within the video images is only partially in frame for selecting between the first and second substitute content.\",\n \"19.The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the selecting further comprises determining a current shooting angle of the camera which provides the video images for selecting between the first and second substitute content.\",\n \"20.A computer apparatus comprising: a processor and memory containing instructions which when executed by the processor perform operations comprising: receiving video images taken by a camera, the video images having a field of view that changes over time to track a scene including a subject of interest; determining a current zoom level of the video images at least while the subject is currently within the field of view of the video images; selecting, based on the current zoom level, either a first substitute content or a second substitute content to be inserted into a current segment of the video images to overlay the subject to provide modified video images; and repeating the determining and selecting for each of a plurality of segments of the video images over time.\",\n \"21.A non-transitory machine-readable medium having recorded thereon instructions which when executed by a processor perform operations for image content replacement comprising: receiving video images taken by a camera, the video images having a field of view that changes over time to track a scene including a subject of interest; determining a current zoom level of the video images at least while the subject is currently within the field of view of the video images; selecting, based on the current zoom level, one of either a first substitute content and a second substitute content to be inserted into a current segment of the video images to overlay the subject to provide modified video images; and repeating the determining and selecting for each of a plurality of segments of the video images over time.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>WO 01/58147 (Rantalainen) describes a method for modifying television video images, wherein a billboard or other visible object is identified with non-visible electromagnetic radiation, such as infra-red light, and selected areas within the video image are replaced with alternate images appropriate to specific viewer groups or geographical regions.\",\n \"For example, billboards at a ground or arena of a major sporting event are observed as part of a television broadcast.\",\n \"Selected areas within the television video images are electronically substituted by alternate images that are more appropriate for a particular country or region.\",\n \"In particular, such an electronic system is useful to create multiple television feeds each having different advertisement content tailored according to an intended audience.\",\n \"Considering the related art, there is still a difficulty in providing a reliable and effective mechanism for image content replacement.\",\n \"In particular, there is still a difficulty in providing a system which replaces image content in a way which is pleasing and unobtrusive for the viewer.\",\n \"It is now desired to provide an image content replacement apparatus and method which addresses these, or other, limitations of the current art, as will be appreciated from the discussion and description herein.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims.\",\n \"Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided an improved mechanism for replacing content within camera video images.\",\n \"The mechanism may select most-appropriate or best-fit substitute image content for a particular point in time.\",\n \"The substitute content may be selected by considering the current field of view of the camera images and/or a position or orientation of a subject with respect to the field of view.\",\n \"The substitute content may be selected based on telemetry from the camera and/or by analysing the video images themselves.\",\n \"The mechanism may locate, define and replace one or more areas within a moving image which correspond to the subject or subjects.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the subject is a billboard.\",\n \"In one example, a subject billboard reflects or emits electromagnetic radiation in one or more predetermined wavelength bands.\",\n \"A camera observes the subject to provide camera video images.\",\n \"At least one detector unit also observes the scene to derive a detector signal relating to the radiation from the subject to thereby distinguish the subject from its surroundings.\",\n \"A content replacement apparatus selectively replaces one or more marked areas within the camera video images with alternate image content, such as displaying an alternate advertisement on the billboards, according to a mask signal that is accurately and efficiently identified by the detector signals.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement apparatus.\",\n \"A camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject, a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images corresponding to the subject, a content substitution unit substitutes the marked areas with alternate image content according to the mask signal to output modified video images, and an image selector unit selects the alternate image content amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a first condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a second condition within the scene.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images.\",\n \"A scene change point may be a point in time when the video images change significantly.\",\n \"In one example, a scene change point may occur at a point in time when the video images change from one camera to another camera.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit may select the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images according to the camera that is currently used to provide the video images among a set of cameras.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit is arranged to obtain a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images and to select amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.\",\n \"The camera zoom signal may define a relative height of the subject within the video images.\",\n \"In one example, the camera zoom signal is based on a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured within the video images.\",\n \"In one example, image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be incomplete within the video images.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit detects the subject within the video images using the masking signal.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit obtains a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selects amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.\",\n \"In one example, the camera angle signal defines a shooting angle of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.\",\n \"The shooting angle may be derived from a camera telemetry signal of the camera.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be a pan or tilt signal from the camera.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects amongst a sequence of replacement images which are triggered by the current value of the camera angle signal.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be substantially planar to an image plane of the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be at an acute angle with respect to the image plane of the video images.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement method.\",\n \"In the method, video images are provided from a camera of a scene including a subject.\",\n \"A mask area is defined corresponding to the subject within the scene, such as by providing a masking signal.\",\n \"A chosen alternate image is selected amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a normal condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in an exceptional condition within the scene.\",\n \"The mask area in the video images is substituted with the chosen alternate image content.\",\n \"The method may include obtaining a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.\",\n \"The camera zoom signal may be compared against a threshold to select amongst the first and second alternate images.\",\n \"In one example, the camera zoom signal defines a height of the subject within the video images.\",\n \"In another example, the camera zoom signal comprises a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of the camera.\",\n \"The method may include detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images.\",\n \"The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images using the masking signal.\",\n \"The method may include choosing the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and choosing the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured by another object within the video images.\",\n \"The method may include defining a prime visible area of the subject using the masking signal, and comparing the prime visible area of the subject with a prime area of each of the first and second replacement images.\",\n \"The method may include detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images.\",\n \"The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images as the exceptional condition using the masking signal.\",\n \"The method may include obtaining a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may define a shooting angle of the camera.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be derived from a camera telemetry signal.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be based on a current pan angle and/or current tilt angle of the camera.\",\n \"The method may include providing replacement images in a sequence triggered by the camera angle signal.\",\n \"In this method, the selecting step may be performed at a scene change point of the video images.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided a tangible non-transient computer readable medium having recorded thereon instructions which when executed cause a computer to perform the steps of any of the methods defined herein.\"\n ],\n [\n \"RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/407,235, filed Dec. 11, 2014, which was the National Stage of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/EP2013/062184, filed Jun.\",\n \"12, 2013, which claims the benefit of G.B.\",\n \"Application No.\",\n \"1210332.1, filed Jun.\",\n \"12, 2012, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.\",\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system which modifies the content of an image.\",\n \"More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus which electronically substitutes content in one or more areas of an image.\",\n \"In some aspects, the present invention relates to an image content detection method and apparatus suitable for use with television broadcast video images.\",\n \"BACKGROUND WO 01/58147 (Rantalainen) describes a method for modifying television video images, wherein a billboard or other visible object is identified with non-visible electromagnetic radiation, such as infra-red light, and selected areas within the video image are replaced with alternate images appropriate to specific viewer groups or geographical regions.\",\n \"For example, billboards at a ground or arena of a major sporting event are observed as part of a television broadcast.\",\n \"Selected areas within the television video images are electronically substituted by alternate images that are more appropriate for a particular country or region.\",\n \"In particular, such an electronic system is useful to create multiple television feeds each having different advertisement content tailored according to an intended audience.\",\n \"Considering the related art, there is still a difficulty in providing a reliable and effective mechanism for image content replacement.\",\n \"In particular, there is still a difficulty in providing a system which replaces image content in a way which is pleasing and unobtrusive for the viewer.\",\n \"It is now desired to provide an image content replacement apparatus and method which addresses these, or other, limitations of the current art, as will be appreciated from the discussion and description herein.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims.\",\n \"Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided an improved mechanism for replacing content within camera video images.\",\n \"The mechanism may select most-appropriate or best-fit substitute image content for a particular point in time.\",\n \"The substitute content may be selected by considering the current field of view of the camera images and/or a position or orientation of a subject with respect to the field of view.\",\n \"The substitute content may be selected based on telemetry from the camera and/or by analysing the video images themselves.\",\n \"The mechanism may locate, define and replace one or more areas within a moving image which correspond to the subject or subjects.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the subject is a billboard.\",\n \"In one example, a subject billboard reflects or emits electromagnetic radiation in one or more predetermined wavelength bands.\",\n \"A camera observes the subject to provide camera video images.\",\n \"At least one detector unit also observes the scene to derive a detector signal relating to the radiation from the subject to thereby distinguish the subject from its surroundings.\",\n \"A content replacement apparatus selectively replaces one or more marked areas within the camera video images with alternate image content, such as displaying an alternate advertisement on the billboards, according to a mask signal that is accurately and efficiently identified by the detector signals.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement apparatus.\",\n \"A camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject, a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images corresponding to the subject, a content substitution unit substitutes the marked areas with alternate image content according to the mask signal to output modified video images, and an image selector unit selects the alternate image content amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a first condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a second condition within the scene.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images.\",\n \"A scene change point may be a point in time when the video images change significantly.\",\n \"In one example, a scene change point may occur at a point in time when the video images change from one camera to another camera.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit may select the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images according to the camera that is currently used to provide the video images among a set of cameras.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit is arranged to obtain a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images and to select amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.\",\n \"The camera zoom signal may define a relative height of the subject within the video images.\",\n \"In one example, the camera zoom signal is based on a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured within the video images.\",\n \"In one example, image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be incomplete within the video images.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit detects the subject within the video images using the masking signal.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit obtains a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selects amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.\",\n \"In one example, the camera angle signal defines a shooting angle of a camera which observes the scene to provide the video images.\",\n \"The shooting angle may be derived from a camera telemetry signal of the camera.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be a pan or tilt signal from the camera.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects amongst a sequence of replacement images which are triggered by the current value of the camera angle signal.\",\n \"In one example, the image selector unit selects the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be substantially planar to an image plane of the video images and selects the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be at an acute angle with respect to the image plane of the video images.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided an image content replacement method.\",\n \"In the method, video images are provided from a camera of a scene including a subject.\",\n \"A mask area is defined corresponding to the subject within the scene, such as by providing a masking signal.\",\n \"A chosen alternate image is selected amongst at least a first alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in a normal condition within the scene and a second alternate image content when the subject is determined to be in an exceptional condition within the scene.\",\n \"The mask area in the video images is substituted with the chosen alternate image content.\",\n \"The method may include obtaining a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.\",\n \"The camera zoom signal may be compared against a threshold to select amongst the first and second alternate images.\",\n \"In one example, the camera zoom signal defines a height of the subject within the video images.\",\n \"In another example, the camera zoom signal comprises a camera telemetry signal which defines a focal length of the camera.\",\n \"The method may include detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images.\",\n \"The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is partially obscured within the video images using the masking signal.\",\n \"The method may include choosing the first alternate image content when the subject is detected to be fully visible within the video images and choosing the second alternate image content when the subject is detected to be partially obscured by another object within the video images.\",\n \"The method may include defining a prime visible area of the subject using the masking signal, and comparing the prime visible area of the subject with a prime area of each of the first and second replacement images.\",\n \"The method may include detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images.\",\n \"The method may include generating a masking signal which defines the mask area of the video images and detecting that the subject is incomplete within the video images as the exceptional condition using the masking signal.\",\n \"The method may include obtaining a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera angle signal.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may define a shooting angle of the camera.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be derived from a camera telemetry signal.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be based on a current pan angle and/or current tilt angle of the camera.\",\n \"The method may include providing replacement images in a sequence triggered by the camera angle signal.\",\n \"In this method, the selecting step may be performed at a scene change point of the video images.\",\n \"In one aspect there is provided a tangible non-transient computer readable medium having recorded thereon instructions which when executed cause a computer to perform the steps of any of the methods defined herein.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic diagram of an example television broadcasting system; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic diagram of the example television broadcasting system incorporating a content replacement system; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic view showing an example content replacement system in more detail; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIGS.\",\n \"7A & 7B are a time sequence of schematic views showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a schematic view showing the example content replacement method and apparatus in more detail; and FIG.\",\n \"9 is a flowchart illustrating an example content replacement method.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION The example embodiments will be described with reference to a content replacement apparatus and method used to replace content within television video images, particularly to provide photo-realistic replacement of a billboard.\",\n \"However, the apparatus described herein may be applied in many other specific implementations, which may involve other forms of video images or relate to other subjects of interest, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the teachings herein.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic overview of an example television broadcasting system in which example embodiments of the present invention may be applied.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 shows one or more observed subjects 10, one or more cameras 20, a vision mixer 30 and a broadcast delivery system 50.It will be appreciated that the television broadcasting system of FIG.\",\n \"1 has been simplified for ease of explanation and that many other specific configurations will be available to persons skilled in the art.\",\n \"In the illustrated example embodiment, the observed subject of interest is a billboard 10 which carries original content 11 such as an advertisement (in this case the word “Sport”).\",\n \"The billboard 10 and the original content 11 are provided to be seen by persons in the vicinity.\",\n \"For example, many billboards are provided at a sporting stadium or arena visible to spectators present at the event.\",\n \"In one example, the billboards are provided around a perimeter of a pitch so as to be prominent to spectators in the ground and also in TV coverage of the event.\",\n \"A television camera 20 observes a scene in a desired field of view to provide a respective camera feed 21.The field of view may change over time in order to track a scene of interest.\",\n \"The camera 20 may have a fixed location or may be movable (e.g.\",\n \"on a trackway) or may be mobile (e.g.\",\n \"a hand-held camera or gyroscopic stabilised camera).\",\n \"The camera 20 may have a fixed lens or zoom lens, and may have local pan and/or tilt motion.\",\n \"Typically, several cameras 20 are provided to cover the event or scene from different viewpoints, producing a corresponding plurality of camera feeds 21.The billboard 10 may become obscured in the field of view of the camera 20 by an intervening object, such as by a ball, person or player 12.Thus, the camera feed 21 obtained by the camera 20 will encounter different conditions at different times during a particular event, such as (a) the subject billboard moving into or out of the field of view, (b) showing only part of the subject (c) the subject being obscured, wholly or partially, by an obstacle and/or (d) the observed subject being both partially observed and partially obscured.\",\n \"Hence, there is a difficulty in accurately determining the position of the desired subject within the video images of the captured camera feed 21, and so define a masking area where the content within the captured feed is to be electronically replaced with alternate image content.\",\n \"There is a difficulty in providing substitute content smoothly and unobtrusively, e.g.\",\n \"so the viewer can continue watching the game without being unduly distracted by the electronic replacement of billboard advertisements.\",\n \"Further, there is a difficulty in providing substitute content which is in itself interesting and attractive for the viewer.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, the captured camera feeds 21 are provided to a vision mixing system 30, which in this example includes a camera feed selector unit 30a and a graphics overlay mixer unit 30b.\",\n \"Typically, the vision mixer 30 is located in a professional television production environment such as a television studio, a cable broadcast facility, a commercial production facility, a remote truck or outside broadcast van (OB van) or a linear video editing bay.\",\n \"The vision mixer 30 is operated by a vision engineer to select amongst the camera feeds 21 at each point in time to produce a clean feed 31, also known as a director's cut clean feed.\",\n \"The vision mixing system 30 may incorporate, or be coupled to, a graphics generator unit which provides a plurality of graphics layers 22, such as a station logo (“Logo”), a current score (“Score”) and a pop-up or scrolling information bar (“News: story1 story2”).\",\n \"Typically, the one or more graphics layers 22 are applied over the clean feed 31 to produce a respective dirty feed 32.A separate graphics computer system may produce the graphics layers 22, and/or the graphics layers 22 may be produced by the vision mixer 30.The graphics layers 22 may be semi-transparent and hence may overlap the observed billboard 10 in the video images.\",\n \"The graphics layers 22 may be dynamic, such as a moving logo, updating time or current score information, or a moving information bar.\",\n \"Such dynamic graphics layers give rise to further complexity in defining the desired masking area at each point in time.\",\n \"The dirty feed 32 is output to be transmitted as a broadcast feed, e.g.\",\n \"using a downstream broadcast delivery 50.The dirty feed 32 may be broadcast live and/or is recorded for transmission later.\",\n \"The broadcast delivery system 50 may distribute and deliver the feed 32 in any suitable form including, for example, terrestrial, cable, satellite or Internet delivery mechanisms to any suitable media playback device including, for example, televisions, computers or hand-held devices.\",\n \"The broadcast feed may be broadcast to multiple viewers simultaneously, or may be transmitted to users individually, e.g.\",\n \"as video on demand.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 shows the example television broadcasting system in more detail.\",\n \"A content replacement apparatus 40 is arranged to identify relevant portions of received video images corresponding to the observed subject of interest 10, and to selectively replace the identified portions with alternate content 42.In this case, the content replacement apparatus 40 receives a video image feed 31 and identifies therein the billboard 10 as the subject of interest.\",\n \"These video images are modified so that the billboard 10, which originally displayed the word “Sport”, now appears to display the alternate content 42, as illustrated by the word “Other”.\",\n \"In this example, the content replacement apparatus 40 is coupled to receive video images 31 from the vision mixer 30 and to return amended video images 41 to the vision mixer 30.The content replacement apparatus 40 may be combined with the vision mixer 30, or may be provided as a separate and isolated piece of equipment.\",\n \"The content replacement apparatus 40 may be provided in the immediate vicinity of the vision mixer 30, or may be located remotely.\",\n \"The content replacement apparatus 40 may receive video images directly from the vision mixer 30, or via one or more intermediate pieces of equipment.\",\n \"The input video images 31 may be recorded and then processed by the content replacement apparatus 40 later, and/or the output images 41 may be recorded and provided to the vision mixer 30 later.\",\n \"In the example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 receives the clean feed 31 directly from the vision mixer 30 and produces a modified clean feed 41 as output.\",\n \"The graphics layers 22 are then added to these modified video images 41 through the graphics overlay unit 30b to create a modified dirty feed 33 ready for broadcast.\",\n \"In another example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 receives both the clean feed 31 and the dirty feed 32, substitutes the subject 10 of interest, and then restores the graphics layers 22.Many other specific configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.\",\n \"For example, the content replacement apparatus 40 may be provided prior to the mixer 30 and thus provide the alternate image feed 41 as an input to the mixer 30.In this case the mixer 30 may then apply the graphics layers 22 over the already modified video images 41 to produce the modified dirty feed.\",\n \"However, such as system then tends to be limited in the number of alternate dirty feeds 33 based on the capabilities of the mixer 30.By contrast, placing the content replacement apparatus 40 after the mixer 30 as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"2 eliminates the 30 mixer as a limiting factor.\",\n \"In the example embodiment, a high value is achieved when images of a sporting event, such as a football or soccer match, are shown live to a large audience.\",\n \"The audience may be geographically diverse, e.g.\",\n \"worldwide, and hence it is desirable to create multiple different alternate broadcast feeds 33 for supply to the broadcasting system 50 to be delivered in different territories using local delivery broadcast stations 51, e.g.\",\n \"country by country or region by region.\",\n \"In a live event, the content replacement apparatus 40 should operate reliably and efficiently, and should cause minimal delay.\",\n \"In the example embodiments, the alternate content 42 comprises one or more still images (e.g.\",\n \"JPEG image files) and/or one or more moving images (e.g.\",\n \"MPEG motion picture files).\",\n \"As another example, the alternate content 42 may comprise three-dimensional objects in a 3D interchange format, such as COLLADA, Wavefront OBJ or 3DS.\",\n \"The alternate content 42 is suitably prepared in advance and recorded on a storage medium 49 coupled to the content replacement apparatus 40.Thus, the content replacement apparatus 40 produces one or more output feeds 41 where the observed subject 10, in this case the billboard 10, is replaced instead with the alternate content 42.Ideally, the images within the alternate feed 41 should appear photo-realistic, in that the ordinary viewer normally would not notice that the content carried by the billboard 10 has been electronically substituted.\",\n \"Hence, it is important to accurately determine a masking area defining the position of the billboard 10 within the received video images input to the content replacement apparatus 40.Also, it is important to identify accurately when portions of the observed subject 10 have been obscured by an intervening object 12 such as a player, referee, etc.\",\n \"Notably, the intervening object or objects may be fast-moving and may appear at different distances between the camera 20 and the subject 10.Further, it is desirable to produce the alternate feed 41 containing the alternate content 42 in a way which is more agreeable and/or less obtrusive for the viewer.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, the example content replacement apparatus 40 is arranged to process one or more detector signals 61.In one example embodiment, the detector signals 61 may be derived from the video images captured by the camera 20, e.g.\",\n \"using visible or near-visible light radiation capable of being captured optically through the camera 20, wherein the camera 20 acts as a detector 60.In another example embodiment, one or more detector units 60 are provided separate to the camera 20.The detector signals 61 may be derived from any suitable wavelength radiation.\",\n \"The wavelengths may be visible or non-visible.\",\n \"In the following example embodiment, the detector signals 61 are derived from infra-red wavelengths, and the detector signals 61 are infra red video signals.\",\n \"Another example embodiment may detect ultra-violet radiation.\",\n \"In one example embodiment, polarised visible or non-visible radiation is detected.\",\n \"A combination of different wavelength groups may be used, such as a first detector signal derived from any one of infra-red, visible or ultra-violet wavelengths and a second detector signal derived from any one of infra-red, visible or ultra-violet wavelengths.\",\n \"In the illustrated example embodiment, one or more detectors 60 are associated with the camera 20.In the example embodiment, each camera 20 is co-located with at least one detector 60.The detector 60 may survey a field of view which is consistent with the field of view of the camera 20 and so include the observed subject of interest 10.The detector field of view and the camera field of view may be correlated.\",\n \"Thus, the detector signals 61 are correlated with the respective camera feed 21.In the example embodiment, the detector signals 61 are fed to the content replacement apparatus 40.In the example embodiment, the detector signals 61 are relayed live to the content replacement apparatus 40.In another example embodiment, the detector signals 61 may be recorded into a detector signal storage medium 65 to be replayed at the content replacement apparatus 40 at a later time.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic view showing an example content replacement system in more detail.\",\n \"In this example, the system uses infra-red detectors to determine a position of the subject billboard within the video images.\",\n \"In this example, the subject billboard 10 comprises a substrate which carries a printed medium, such as a printed sheet, to display a desired printed message or advertisement.\",\n \"The billboard 10 may be passive, being illuminated by ambient radiation (e.g.\",\n \"from natural sunlight or stadium lights) and reflecting the ambient radiation toward the camera 20 and detector 60.Alternately, the billboard 10 may be active by including a plurality of light units, such as light emitting diode (LED) packages.\",\n \"A lens unit and/or a diffuser (not shown) may be provided to distribute light from the LED units evenly across an illuminated area of the billboard.\",\n \"These light units may form a light box to illuminate the printed sheet from behind with infra-red light.\",\n \"In the example embodiment, at least one infra-red detector 60 is associated with each of the cameras 20, producing one or more streams of the detector signals 61.As an example, the one or more detectors 60 may be narrow-spectrum near infra-red (NIR) cameras.\",\n \"The detector 60 may be mounted adjacent to the camera 20 so as to have a field of view consistent with the camera 20 and/or may share optical components with the camera 20.The detector 60 may be arranged to move with the camera 20, e.g.\",\n \"to follow the same pan & tilt motions.\",\n \"In the example embodiments, each of the cameras 20 may provide a telemetry signal 22 which records relevant parameters of the camera, such as the focal length, aperture, motion and position.\",\n \"In one example, the telemetry signal 22 includes pan and tilt information.\",\n \"The telemetry 22 may also include zoom information or zoom information may be derived from analysing the moving images themselves.\",\n \"The telemetry 22 may be used, directly or indirectly, to calculate or otherwise provide pan, roll, tilt and zoom (PRTZ) information.\",\n \"The camera telemetry signal 22 may be passed to the content replacement apparatus 40, directly or via an intermediate storage or recording, in order to provide additional information about the field of view being observed by the camera 20.In the example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 comprises a camera image receiving unit 44, a signal processing unit 45, a mask signal generating unit 46, and a content substitution unit 47.The camera image receiving unit 44 receives video images 21, which in this case are the video images taken by the cameras 20 to provide respective camera feeds.\",\n \"As described above, the camera feeds 21 may be multiplexed together to provide a clean feed 31 comprising moving images from different cameras 20 at different points in time.\",\n \"The clean feed 31 may be modified with additional graphics layers to produce a dirty feed 32.The camera images 21, the clean feed 31 and/or the dirty feed 32 may be provided to the content replacement apparatus 40, depending upon the nature of the installation.\",\n \"The signal processing unit 45 receives signals which allow the subject billboards 10 to be identified within the video images 21.As will be discussed in more detail below, the signal processing unit 45 may process the infra-red detector signals 61 and/or the camera telemetry signals 22.In the example embodiment the signal processing unit 45 comprises a detector signal processing unit 45a and a telemetry signal processing unit 45b.\",\n \"The detector signal processing unit 45a processes the stream of detector signals 61 produced by the one or more detectors 60.In the example embodiments, the scene observed by the detector signal 61 is consistent with the scene in the video images 21 from the cameras 20.The detector signal processing unit 45a may spatially and/or temporally correlate the detector signals 61 with the video images 21.The detector signals 61 are preferably digital, or are digitised by analogue-digital conversion, thereby representing the field of view as an array of digital pixel values each representing an intensity of the detected radiation.\",\n \"As noted above, in the example embodiments the detector signals are based on infra-red wavelengths and thus represent an intensity of the selected infra-red wavelengths at each pixel value.\",\n \"Meanwhile, the telemetry signal processing unit 45b receives the telemetry signals 22 produced by the cameras 20.In particular, the telemetry signals 22 provide dynamic information concerning the field of view observed by the video images 21 and, consequently, the current field of view of the detector signals 61.The telemetry signal processing unit 45b may use the received telemetry signals 22 to establish a location of the subject 10 relative to the observed field of view in the video images 21.In the example embodiments, the telemetry signal processing unit 45b is provided in advance with 3D coordinates defining a location of the or each subject billboard 10 and the or each camera 20 within a 3D spatial environment, which allows the relative locations of these components to be established within a defined consistent three dimensional space.\",\n \"The system may be calibrated in advance such that an optical centre of the lens of the camera 20 is known.\",\n \"In one example, a pin hole camera mathematical model is applied in order to calculate a projection or mapping of the subject billboard 10 from the real world onto the image plane in the field of view of the camera 20 at a default starting position.\",\n \"In the example embodiments, the telemetry signal processing unit 45b then actively estimates a position of the subject 10 within the field of view of the camera 20 as the camera is moved, according to the telemetry signals 22.These calculations allow the system to estimate an approximate position of the subject 10 within the video images 21.The mask signal generating unit 46 generates a mask signal 43 to be applied to video images 21.In particular, the mask signal 43 is generated based on the detector signals 61, and may be enhanced by also considering the telemetry signals 22.The masking area signal 43 is itself a useful product of the system and can be output or recorded in a storage unit 50 to be used later (see FIG.\",\n \"3).\",\n \"In one example embodiment, the content replacement apparatus 40 may be used only to produce the masking area signal 43, and the content substitution operation may be performed downstream by another piece of equipment.\",\n \"For example, looking again at FIG.\",\n \"2, the masking signal 43 may be transmitted to the broadcasting system 50 to be carried alongside the broadcast feed to a downstream content substitution unit (not shown) to insert the alternate content 42 locally prior to transmission by a local transmitter unit 51.In the example embodiments, the content substitution unit 47 electronically substitutes one or more of the masked areas within the video images 21 with the alternate image content 42 according to the masking signal 43.Thus, the content substitution unit 47 in use produces the respective alternate video image feed 41.In one aspect, the content substitution unit 47 comprises an image selector unit 48 which determines that a predetermined special case or exceptional condition has arisen which needs special handling within the content substitution unit 47.The image selector unit 48 may generate an image selection signal which distinguishes at least between first and second conditions, such as between a normal situation on the one hand and an exceptional situation or special case situation on the other.\",\n \"In response, the content substitution unit 47 selects and applies appropriate replacement content 42, e.g.\",\n \"selects amongst normal and exceptional substitute images, according to this special case selection signal.\",\n \"The content substitution unit 47 substitutes the identified area within the video images 21 according to the mask signal 43 using the identified replacement image content 42 as selected by the image selector unit 48.As will be discussed below, the image selector unit 48 advantageously uses the camera telemetry to provide various enhancements within the content replacement apparatus 40.However, other embodiments are also envisaged which do not rely on the camera telemetry 22 and instead derive relevant signals or information directly from the camera images 21.Zoom/Focal Length FIG.\",\n \"4 shows a first example embodiment of a special case or exceptional situation as may be identified within the image selector unit 48.This example mechanism allows the apparatus 40 to identify predetermined exceptional conditions and, in response, select and apply a replacement content 42 which is most appropriate to those exceptional conditions.\",\n \"In this example, video images 21a and 21b show the same scene at two different camera focal lengths, and thus different amounts of zoom.\",\n \"The image selector unit 48 is arranged to select from amongst available replacement content images 42a, 42b accordingly, so that a best-fit substitute is provided for each respective image or image sequence.\",\n \"This mechanism is particularly useful in relation to cameras with a powerful zoom facility.\",\n \"The focal length of the camera 20 is a primary factor in determining whether the subject 10 will be visible distantly, as a normal case, or whether the subject 10 will instead be viewed in close up at this time.\",\n \"A camera 20 which observes a stadium or event with a wide field of view will tend to observe several billboards 10 distantly in their entirety, whereas the same camera when with a high zoom value (long focal length) has a restricted field of view and will tend to capture only one of the subject billboard 10 in full.\",\n \"In this example, the system is capable of displaying selectively, for the same subject billboard 10, either the first alternate image 42a or the second 42b.\",\n \"In this case, the first image 42a is more appropriate to being viewed from a distance and contains the text “Other” or some suitable simplified message.\",\n \"The second alternate image 42b is more appropriate to be viewed in close-up and thus may contain more detailed text or images, such as, in this example, “Other image .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \"just for you”.\",\n \"In a first example embodiment, the focal length Z of the camera 20, as derived from the telemetry signals 22, is compared against a threshold value Tz which distinguishes between a normal wide field of view and an exceptional narrow field of view.\",\n \"The threshold Tz may be set in advance according to the conditions of the location of the scene, such as by testing the cameras 20 prior to a live event.\",\n \"The telemetry thus provides a camera zoom signal.\",\n \"The current focal length Z is compared against the predetermined threshold by the image selector unit 48.In response, the image selector unit 48 selects the replacement image 42 within a normal set 42a or an exceptional set 42b.\",\n \"In other words, comparing the telemetry against a predetermined threshold determines a selection between at least first and second substitute images 42a, 42b.\",\n \"In the example mechanism, this selection allows a best fit of the relevant alternate image against the subject 10 which is currently in view.\",\n \"In a second example embodiment, the image selector unit 48 uses the masking signal 43 to identify the special case or exceptional condition.\",\n \"In this case, the camera zoom signal is derived from the camera images 21.As an example, the subject billboard 10 is determined to appear at a region of the current image 21 according to the masking signal 43, and thus it is determined that the subject 10 will be visible in this frame or sequence of frames as a proportion of the visible area of the image.\",\n \"In the example embodiments, the subject billboards 10 have constant physical dimensions.\",\n \"Thus, a current height H of the subject billboards may be determined with reference to a vertical orientation of the image.\",\n \"The height H may be used in this situation as a useful indicator as well as or in place of the current camera focal length Z.\",\n \"The determined current height H may be expressed, for example, as a number of pixels or as a percentage of the full image height.\",\n \"The height H may be compared against a respective threshold value TH.\",\n \"As an example, an exceptional condition is considered to apply when the subject billboard is say 10% or say 20% or more of the total height of the screen.\",\n \"A replacement image content 42a or 42b is selected accordingly, ready to be applied to the subject 10 in view.\",\n \"In one aspect, more than one threshold value may be applied.\",\n \"However a single threshold is preferred in the example embodiments for simplicity.\",\n \"The threshold is convenient to determine whether the current tested value, e.g.\",\n \"zoom Z or subject height H, is within a first or a second range and to select first or second alternate images 42a or 42b accordingly.\",\n \"In one aspect, the image selector unit 48 determines whether or not a special case applies at a scene change point, namely at a point in time when the video images 21 changes significantly.\",\n \"As will be familiar in the context of video editing, a scene change point occurs at a point in time such as when the current image feed changes from one camera to another camera.\",\n \"Making the determination at the scene change point minimises disruption for the viewer and is least noticeable.\",\n \"Hence, using the scene change point as a trigger for the determination improves a photorealistic effect.\",\n \"The determined replacement content 42a or 42b is then maintained until the next scene change point.\",\n \"That is, even if the camera now changes focal length and moves from a high zoom or narrow point of field of view (high Z or H value) and returns towards a wide field of view or normal condition (low Z or H value) all within a single scene, then the selected replacement image 42b is maintained until the next scene change point, at which point in time the determination is made again.\",\n \"This mechanism also inhibits unwanted oscillations between images, such as where the tested Z or H value is close to the threshold T. As one example embodiment, the alternate image content 42 may comprise moving images which loop or repeat after a defined period of time (e.g.\",\n \"3 or 5 seconds).\",\n \"Suitably, the determination is made at a scene change point of the replacement media.\",\n \"Using certain kinds of video adverts, the scene change can be allowed to occur after the advert file has looped, i.e.\",\n \"when the video has reached its end and before that particular video sequence starts playing from the beginning again.\",\n \"In another example embodiment, the image selector unit 48 may select the alternate image content at a scene change point of the video images according to the camera that is currently used to provide the video images, amongst a plurality of cameras.\",\n \"This embodiment considers the situation where a first camera is provided to take close-up images with a long focal length, while a second camera has a wide field of view.\",\n \"In this case the alternate image content 42a, 42b may be selected based on a camera signal C which identifies the camera currently in use.\",\n \"Partially Obscured Subjects FIG.\",\n \"5 shows a further enhancement of the content replacement apparatus.\",\n \"In this example, the image selector unit 48 identifies that the subject 10 is partially obscured.\",\n \"The image selector unit 48 may use the masking signal 43 to identify the partially obscured subject 10.As noted above, the masking signal 43 reveals areas 10c of the subject which are visible and, accordingly, areas which are obscured by an intervening object such as a player 12.The image selector unit 48 suitably selects amongst a predetermined set of at least first and second replacement images 42c, 42d which best fits the visible area 10c of the subject 10.This may be achieved by considering the visible areas 10c as a prime area.\",\n \"The visible prime area 10c of the subject 10 is then compared against the available set of replacement images each of which has corresponding prime areas 42x, 42y and a best fit image is selected which is most appropriate.\",\n \"In this case, the sponsor's message “Other” is the defined prime area 42x, 42y and hence is matched with the visible prime area 10c of the billboard 10.In this example, if the obscuring object 12 now moves, then typically it will be more appropriate and least noticeable to maintain the same selected replacement content until a next scene change point.\",\n \"However, at other times it will be appropriate to re-evaluate the subject 10 according to the changing position of the obstacle 12 and select a new best fit replacement image even within a single scene.\",\n \"Incomplete Subjects FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates a further example embodiment in which only a part 10d of the subject billboard 10 is currently visible within a frame of the video images 21.Identifying that the billboard 10 is incomplete allows the system to select replacement content 42 which is a best fit with the visible part 10d of the subject 10.In this example, a first replacement image 42e is appropriate to fill a complete area of the billboard and is most appropriate when the billboard 10 is completely within the image frame.\",\n \"Meanwhile, the second replacement image 42f is more appropriate when the billboard 10 is determined to be incomplete.\",\n \"Given that the billboard 10 has constant physical dimensions, the currently observed height H allows an expected width W to be predicted.\",\n \"The partially incomplete billboard may be determined by dividing an observed width W1 against the expected width W to give a width percentage W % which is compared against a width threshold Tw.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"6, advantageously the second image 42f contains elements which are tiled or repeated so that a sponsor message, such as “Other”, will be completely visible even when applied to only the visible part 10d of the incomplete subject 10.Action Following FIGS.\",\n \"7A & 7B show another example embodiment, here illustrated by two frames of the revised image stream 41 spaced apart by a short time interval.\",\n \"The replacement content 42 is updated and reselected for subsequent video image frames within a sequence, e.g.\",\n \"from the same camera 20.In this case, the images are updated relatively frequently and prior to a scene change point.\",\n \"In this embodiment, a plurality of similar replacement content images 42 are provided as a set comprising a sequence of images of which the example images 42g and 42h are shown here.\",\n \"The replacement images from the sequence are selected based on a relative position of the subject 10 with respect to the image frame 21.In one example embodiment, a shooting angle or shooting direction of the camera 20 is determined by the telemetry 22.The current pan angle P or tilt angle T may be used to infer the current relative location of the billboard 10 within the image 21.As shown in FIG.\",\n \"7, the sequence of replacement images 42g, 42h may be triggered so that the replacement images are applied in sequence.\",\n \"In particular, the sequence of replacement images may be applied to follow the shooting direction of the camera.\",\n \"Given that the camera will tend to keep an object of greatest interest at or about a centre of the frame, this embodiment can be used to give the impression that the replacement images on the billboard 10 is actively “watching” the game and following the ball, as illustrated here by eyes which change their direction of view depending on the relative angle between the billboard and the camera.\",\n \"As an example, the full sequence suitably includes of the order of 5 to 15 subsequent images for a good impression of smooth motion.\",\n \"Further, as another example, the alternate content 42 may comprise three-dimensional objects in a 3D interchange format, such as COLLADA, Wavefront OBJ or 3DS.\",\n \"These 3D-adverts allow the internal scale and orientation of the replacement media to be manipulated, based on the telemetry input data.\",\n \"As an example, a 3D text logo advert can be made to smoothly follow or “watch” the center of the visible screen.\",\n \"This embodiment provides functionality which is not only pleasing for the viewer but further enhances an experience of the viewer in the alternate electronically modified broadcast feed.\",\n \"Acute Angled Subjects FIG.\",\n \"8 shows a further example embodiment.\",\n \"In this case a particular problem arises where the subject 10f is at an acute angle to the image plane of the video images taken by the camera 20.In a normal situation, the subject billboards 10e are substantially parallel to the image plane and thus appear as regular rectangular shapes which are relatively easy to identify and process.\",\n \"By contrast, subject billboards 10f at an acute angle to the image plane appear as trapezoids or rhomboids.\",\n \"In this exceptional situation, a best fit image 42i or 42j is selected which is more appropriate to the geometric shape of the subject 10e or 10f as presented within the image plane.\",\n \"An image 42j with simplified content or images which are graphically appropriate to the observed condition of the acute angled subject 10f may be selected and applied.\",\n \"As another example, text within the second image 42j may have substantially increased kerning so as to remain readable even when manipulated to be displayed on the acute angled subject 10f in a photo-realistic manner.\",\n \"In the example embodiments, the exceptional condition for awkwardly angled subjects is identified by the telemetry 22 which reveals a current shooting direction of the camera 20.Given the known relative physical locations of the subject 10 and camera 20, appropriate threshold pan or tilt values can be predicted by 3D geometric modelling as discussed above.\",\n \"The exceptional case can thus be detected in use with this knowledge of the geometry of the scene including camera locations in relation to the subject billboards 10.Further, testing the cameras 20 in advance of a live event allows the threshold pan P and/or tilt T values to be determined at which the awkwardly angled subjects 10f will appear.\",\n \"The replacement images may then be selected accordingly for those subjects.\",\n \"Thus, the system identifies whether the respective subject 10 within the received image frame 21 will appear normally or will appear in the exceptional geometric condition.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 is a flowchart highlighting the image content replacement method discussed herein.\",\n \"In the method, video images are provided from a camera 20 of a scene including a subject 10 at step 901.At step 902, a mask area is defined corresponding to the subject within the scene, such as by providing a masking signal 43.At step 903, a chosen alternate image 42 is selected amongst at least a first alternate image content 42a when the subject 10 is determined to be in a first or normal condition within the scene and a second alternate image content 42b when the subject is determined to be in a second or exceptional condition within the scene.\",\n \"At step 904, the mask area in the video images 21 is substituted with the chosen alternate image content 42.The method may be augmented by any of the further steps as discussed herein.\",\n \"For example, the method at step 903 may include obtaining a camera zoom signal defining a relative size of the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images based on the camera zoom signal.\",\n \"At step 903, the method may include obtaining a camera angle signal defining a relative angle of the camera with respect to the subject within the video images, and selecting amongst the first and second alternate images 42a, 42b, etc, based on the camera angle signal.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may define a shooting angle of the camera.\",\n \"The camera angle signal may be derived from a camera telemetry signal 22.The camera angle signal may be based on a current pan angle and/or a current tilt angle of the camera 20.The method may include providing replacement images in a sequence triggered by the camera angle signal.\",\n \"The industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.\",\n \"At least some embodiments of the invention may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware.\",\n \"Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks.\",\n \"Alternatively, elements of the invention may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and be configured to execute on one or more processors.\",\n \"Thus, functional elements of the invention may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.\",\n \"Further, although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements.\",\n \"Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875096"}}},{"rowIdx":4494780,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["ISOLATION OF OMEGA-7 FATTY ACID ETHYL ESTERS FROM NATURAL OILS","Methods of producing high purity palmitoleic acid esters from natural oils are disclosed.","The natural oils may comprise plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, and fish oil.","The methods of processing the natural oil comprise transesterification with ethanol as the reacting solvent to produce ethyl esters.","Methods of producing a high purity fraction of Omega-3, 6, & 9 fatty acid esters from natural oils are also disclosed.","The high purity fatty acid esters may be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products."],["1.A method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters, comprising: a.","Providing a natural oil; b. Transesterifying the natural oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent in a reaction comprising at least one stage to produce ethyl esters; c. Distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3 ethyl esters, and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and d. Separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein the natural oil consists of a natural oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","3.The method of claim 2, wherein the natural oil comprises oil derived from at least one source selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.","4.The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst of the transesterifying step comprises at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of: NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, HCl, BF3, H3PO4, an organic sulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, a metal oxide, Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and an immobilized enzyme.","5.The method of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step is in the range of 1:3 to 1:15.6.The method of claim 5, wherein the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step is in the range of 1:6 to 1:8.7.The method of claim 1, wherein the transesterifying step comprises two stages of transesterification reactions.","8.The method of claim 7, wherein the two stages of transesterification reactions use different catalysts.","9.The method of claim 1, wherein the transesterifying step has a yield in the range of 70-90%.","10.The method of claim 1, wherein the transesterifying step is performed at a temperature in the range of 75-85° C. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein the distillation step comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, fractional distillation, and simple molecular distillation.","12.The method of claim 1, wherein the separation step comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.","13.The method of claim 1, wherein the fourth fraction comprises at least 80% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","14.The method of claim 3, wherein the second fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises less than 20% w/w C16:0 ethyl esters.","15.The method of claim 14, wherein the fourth fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises less than 10% w/w C16:0 ethyl esters.","16.The method of claim 3, wherein the second fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises less than 1% w/w C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","17.The method of claim 16, wherein the fourth fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises less than 5% w/w C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","18.The method of claim 3, wherein the second fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises at least 70% w/w of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 ethyl esters combined.","19.The method of claim 1, further comprising including the C16:1n7 ethyl esters in a product selected from the group consisting of a nutrition product, cosmetic product, and nutraceutical product.","20.The method of claim 11, wherein the distillation step is performed at a pressure in the range of 0.3-5 mm Hg and a temperature in the range of 140-280° C."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) [e.g., C18-C22 (Omega-3 and 6)] are generally found in plants and marine sources, and are widely accepted in commercial cosmetic and health applications due to their beneficial effects on metabolism.","The most common essential fatty acids are linoleic acid (LA) [C18:2n6, Omega-6] and α-linolenic acid (α-LN) [C18:3n3, Omega-3], and are responsible for the production of prostaglandins (PG) that control blood vessels and other body functions.","Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [C20:5n3, Omega-3] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [C22:6n3, Omega-3] may be formed through the conversion of dietary linolenic acid, and are known to be essential for health and nutrition, resulting in an increase in commercial interest in recent years.","EPA and DHA, are known to be potent antiarryhthmic agents and also improve vascular endothelial function, help lower blood pressure, platelet sensitivity, and the serum triglyceride level.","In 2005 Simpson et. al (The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health.","Nutrition research reviews (2005), 18, pp.","113-29) concluded that there is strong evidence of the clinical benefit of this type of Omega-3 PUFA on cardiovascular diseases or rheumatoid arthritis.","Palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7, Omega-7) has also recently begun to receive an increase in commercial interest and has shown beneficial effects on cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and also on reducing muscle insulin resistance and preventing beta-cell apoptosis.","As shown in Tables 1 and 2, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and saturated fats responsible for atherosclerosis are fairly common in vegetable oil, fish oil, and marine products.","Additionally, Omega-3 PUFA's are beneficial in reducing cholesterol and the risk of myocardial infarction.","Hypertriglyceridaemia, which causes an increase in serum triglyceride in blood level, can cause cardiovascular diseases that may be prevented by replacing saturated fats with Omega-3 PUFAs.","Synthesis and subsequent purification of essential fatty acid ethyl esters provides an opportunity to separate unwanted saturated fat from essential fatty acids.","TABLE 1 Fat content/EPA + DHA (g 100 g −1 ) ratio of some various fish, marine products, vegetables and oils Fat content EPA + DHA Fat content/(EPA + DHA) (g 100 g −1 ) (g 100 g −1 ) (g 100 g −1 ) ratio Eel 24.5 0.83 29.51 Hering 17.8 2.72 6.54 Sprat 16.6 3.23 5.14 Tuna 15.5 3.37 4.60 Salmon 13.6 2.86 4.76 Mackerel 11.9 1.75 6.8 Carp 4.8 0.30 16 Sardine 4.5 1.39 3.24 Swordfish 4.4 1.79 2.45 Trout 2.7 0.59 4.58 Halibut 1.7 0.51 3.33 Cod 0.6 0.18 3.33 Haddock 0.6 0.16 3.75 Lobster 1.9 0.20 9.5 Shrimp 1.4 0.30 4.66 Mussels 1.4 0.15 9.33 Anchovy 2.3 0.50 4.60 Sardine 13.9 2.44 5.70 TABLE 2 Fat content Fat content/α-LN (g 100 g −1 ) α-LN (g 100 g −1 ) (g 100 g −1 ) ratio Butter 83.2 1.20 69.3 Lard 100.0 0.98 102.04 Linseed oil 100.0 54.2 1.84 Soybean oil 100.0 7.70 12.98 Rapeseed oil 100.0 9.15 10.93 Walnut oil 100.0 13.5 7.40 Olive oil 100.0 0.86 625 Vegetable oil 80.0 2.40 33.3 Almonds 54.1 0.26 208.07 Hazelnut 61.6 0.15 410.6 Walnuts 62.5 6.80 9.19 Kale 0.90 0.35 2.57 Lettuce 0.22 0.07 3.14 Parsley 0.36 0.12 3.00 Potato 0.11 0.02 5.5 Cauliflower 0.18 0.10 1.8 Spinach 0.30 0.13 2.31 White cabbage 0.20 0.09 2.22 Wheat bran 4.65 0.16 29.06 While sources and applications of Omega-3s have been developed commercially, the use of purified fatty acids in nutrition applications may extend beyond Omega-3s.","Purified Omega-6, 7 & 9's may also be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical application to provide a more complete health or personal care product.","Yang et. al (Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay Mice with genetic type 2 diabetes.","Lipids in health and disease 10, 120 (2011)) showed that oral administration of palmitoleic acid (Omega-7) to KK-Ay mice dramatically improved their diabetic condition.","Also, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were reduced in the mice with the oral administration of palmitoleic acid, while palmitic acid (saturated fat) was completely ineffective in providing the same effects.","Maedler et. al (Distinct Effects of Saturated and Monosaturated Fatty Acids on Beta-Cell Turnover and Function.","Diabetes (January 2001), vol.","50, no.","1, pp.","69-76) showed the harmful effect of palmitate on β-cell turnover while in contrast, the monounsaturated palmitoleic acid does not affect β-cell apoptosis but instead promotes β-cell proliferation.","In promoting β-cell proliferation, palmitoleic acid counteracted the negative effects of palmitate (an anion of palmitic acid) as well as improved β-cell function.","Therefore purifying Omega-7 rich oil by removing saturated fat may provide Omega-7s in a beneficial form suited for nutrition applications.","Such purified Omega-7 fractions may be produced by synthesis of ethyl esters and their purification.","In addition to purified Omega-7s, purified Omega-6s also have an important role in the commercial nutrition market.","The ratio of essential fatty acids is crucial to nutrition, as western diets are generally deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids and have excessive amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids.","According to Simopoulos et. al (Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases.","Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2006), 60, pp.","502-507; The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.","Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2002), 56, pp.","365-379), a lower ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids is desirable for reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.","Synthesis of ethyl esters and their subsequent purification provides the opportunity for formulation of nutritionally relevant ratios of essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.Therefore, there is a need in the art for methods of producing high purity esters of Omega 3, 6, 7, & 9 fatty acids for use in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Disclosed are methods for isolating high purity fractions of Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9 ethyl esters.","The high purity isolated fatty acid ester fractions may be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.","In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing an oil; transesterifying the oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9 ethyl esters and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the oil may consist of a natural oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the natural oil may comprise at least one oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.","In some embodiments, the catalyst of the transesterifying step may comprise at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of: NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, HCl, BF 3 , H 3 PO 4 , an organic sulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, a metal oxide, Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and an immobilized enzyme.","In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:9 to 1:11.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 70-90%.","In some embodiments, the distillation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, fractional distillation, and simple molecular distillation.","In some embodiments, the separation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.","In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In another embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing a microalgae oil; transesterifying the microalgae oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent in a reaction comprising at least one stage to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3 ethyl esters, and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 35% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may consist of a natural microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the natural microalgae oil may comprise oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira , and Phaeodactylum.","In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:6 to 1:8.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may comprise two stages of transesterification reactions.","In some embodiments, the two stages of transesterification reactions may use different catalysts.","In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 60-80%.","In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may be performed at 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 35-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived an oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise at least one natural oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 10% or less C16:0 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 5-10% C16:0 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from macadamia nut oil further comprises 5% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 0.5-5% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived from microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 30% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may comprise a natural oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira , and Phaeodactylum .","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil comprises 30-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 50% or less C16:0 esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 5-50% C16:0 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 10% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 0.5-10% C18:1n9 ethyl esters."],["CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S.","Provisional Application No.","61/907,437, filed Nov. 22, 2013, entitled Isolation of Omega-7 Fatty Acids From Natural Sources of Oil in Ethyl Ester Form, PCT Application No.","PCT/US2014/066699, filed Nov. 20, 2014, entitled Isolation of Omega-7 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters from Natural Oils, and U.S. application Ser.","No.","15/157,047, filed May 17, 2016, entitled Isolation of Omega-7 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters from Natural Oils, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.","BACKGROUND Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) [e.g., C18-C22 (Omega-3 and 6)] are generally found in plants and marine sources, and are widely accepted in commercial cosmetic and health applications due to their beneficial effects on metabolism.","The most common essential fatty acids are linoleic acid (LA) [C18:2n6, Omega-6] and α-linolenic acid (α-LN) [C18:3n3, Omega-3], and are responsible for the production of prostaglandins (PG) that control blood vessels and other body functions.","Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [C20:5n3, Omega-3] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [C22:6n3, Omega-3] may be formed through the conversion of dietary linolenic acid, and are known to be essential for health and nutrition, resulting in an increase in commercial interest in recent years.","EPA and DHA, are known to be potent antiarryhthmic agents and also improve vascular endothelial function, help lower blood pressure, platelet sensitivity, and the serum triglyceride level.","In 2005 Simpson et. al (The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health.","Nutrition research reviews (2005), 18, pp.","113-29) concluded that there is strong evidence of the clinical benefit of this type of Omega-3 PUFA on cardiovascular diseases or rheumatoid arthritis.","Palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7, Omega-7) has also recently begun to receive an increase in commercial interest and has shown beneficial effects on cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and also on reducing muscle insulin resistance and preventing beta-cell apoptosis.","As shown in Tables 1 and 2, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and saturated fats responsible for atherosclerosis are fairly common in vegetable oil, fish oil, and marine products.","Additionally, Omega-3 PUFA's are beneficial in reducing cholesterol and the risk of myocardial infarction.","Hypertriglyceridaemia, which causes an increase in serum triglyceride in blood level, can cause cardiovascular diseases that may be prevented by replacing saturated fats with Omega-3 PUFAs.","Synthesis and subsequent purification of essential fatty acid ethyl esters provides an opportunity to separate unwanted saturated fat from essential fatty acids.","TABLE 1 Fat content/EPA + DHA (g 100 g−1) ratio of some various fish, marine products, vegetables and oils Fat content EPA + DHA Fat content/(EPA + DHA) (g 100 g−1) (g 100 g−1) (g 100 g−1) ratio Eel 24.5 0.83 29.51 Hering 17.8 2.72 6.54 Sprat 16.6 3.23 5.14 Tuna 15.5 3.37 4.60 Salmon 13.6 2.86 4.76 Mackerel 11.9 1.75 6.8 Carp 4.8 0.30 16 Sardine 4.5 1.39 3.24 Swordfish 4.4 1.79 2.45 Trout 2.7 0.59 4.58 Halibut 1.7 0.51 3.33 Cod 0.6 0.18 3.33 Haddock 0.6 0.16 3.75 Lobster 1.9 0.20 9.5 Shrimp 1.4 0.30 4.66 Mussels 1.4 0.15 9.33 Anchovy 2.3 0.50 4.60 Sardine 13.9 2.44 5.70 TABLE 2 Fat content Fat content/α-LN (g 100 g−1) α-LN (g 100 g−1) (g 100 g−1) ratio Butter 83.2 1.20 69.3 Lard 100.0 0.98 102.04 Linseed oil 100.0 54.2 1.84 Soybean oil 100.0 7.70 12.98 Rapeseed oil 100.0 9.15 10.93 Walnut oil 100.0 13.5 7.40 Olive oil 100.0 0.86 625 Vegetable oil 80.0 2.40 33.3 Almonds 54.1 0.26 208.07 Hazelnut 61.6 0.15 410.6 Walnuts 62.5 6.80 9.19 Kale 0.90 0.35 2.57 Lettuce 0.22 0.07 3.14 Parsley 0.36 0.12 3.00 Potato 0.11 0.02 5.5 Cauliflower 0.18 0.10 1.8 Spinach 0.30 0.13 2.31 White cabbage 0.20 0.09 2.22 Wheat bran 4.65 0.16 29.06 While sources and applications of Omega-3s have been developed commercially, the use of purified fatty acids in nutrition applications may extend beyond Omega-3s.","Purified Omega-6, 7 & 9's may also be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical application to provide a more complete health or personal care product.","Yang et. al (Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay Mice with genetic type 2 diabetes.","Lipids in health and disease 10, 120 (2011)) showed that oral administration of palmitoleic acid (Omega-7) to KK-Ay mice dramatically improved their diabetic condition.","Also, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were reduced in the mice with the oral administration of palmitoleic acid, while palmitic acid (saturated fat) was completely ineffective in providing the same effects.","Maedler et. al (Distinct Effects of Saturated and Monosaturated Fatty Acids on Beta-Cell Turnover and Function.","Diabetes (January 2001), vol.","50, no.","1, pp.","69-76) showed the harmful effect of palmitate on β-cell turnover while in contrast, the monounsaturated palmitoleic acid does not affect β-cell apoptosis but instead promotes β-cell proliferation.","In promoting β-cell proliferation, palmitoleic acid counteracted the negative effects of palmitate (an anion of palmitic acid) as well as improved β-cell function.","Therefore purifying Omega-7 rich oil by removing saturated fat may provide Omega-7s in a beneficial form suited for nutrition applications.","Such purified Omega-7 fractions may be produced by synthesis of ethyl esters and their purification.","In addition to purified Omega-7s, purified Omega-6s also have an important role in the commercial nutrition market.","The ratio of essential fatty acids is crucial to nutrition, as western diets are generally deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids and have excessive amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids.","According to Simopoulos et. al (Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases.","Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2006), 60, pp.","502-507; The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.","Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2002), 56, pp.","365-379), a lower ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids is desirable for reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.","Synthesis of ethyl esters and their subsequent purification provides the opportunity for formulation of nutritionally relevant ratios of essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.Therefore, there is a need in the art for methods of producing high purity esters of Omega 3, 6, 7, & 9 fatty acids for use in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.","SUMMARY Disclosed are methods for isolating high purity fractions of Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9 ethyl esters.","The high purity isolated fatty acid ester fractions may be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.","In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing an oil; transesterifying the oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9 ethyl esters and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the oil may consist of a natural oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the natural oil may comprise at least one oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.","In some embodiments, the catalyst of the transesterifying step may comprise at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of: NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, HCl, BF3, H3PO4, an organic sulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, a metal oxide, Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and an immobilized enzyme.","In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:9 to 1:11.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 70-90%.","In some embodiments, the distillation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, fractional distillation, and simple molecular distillation.","In some embodiments, the separation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.","In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In another embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing a microalgae oil; transesterifying the microalgae oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent in a reaction comprising at least one stage to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3 ethyl esters, and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 35% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may consist of a natural microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the natural microalgae oil may comprise oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, and Phaeodactylum.","In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:6 to 1:8.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may comprise two stages of transesterification reactions.","In some embodiments, the two stages of transesterification reactions may use different catalysts.","In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 60-80%.","In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may be performed at 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 35-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived an oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise at least one natural oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 10% or less C16:0 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 5-10% C16:0 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from macadamia nut oil further comprises 5% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 0.5-5% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived from microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 30% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may comprise a natural oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, and Phaeodactylum.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil comprises 30-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 50% or less C16:0 esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 5-50% C16:0 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 10% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 0.5-10% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.","Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: FIG.","1 illustrates one non-limiting embodiment for isolating an Omega-7 product from natural nut oil.","FIG.","2 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for isolating an Omega-7 & 9 product from natural nut oil.","FIG.","3 illustrates non-limiting embodiments for isolating an Omega-7 product from natural microalgae oil.","FIG.","4 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for purifying an Omega-7 product isolated from natural microalgae oil.","FIG.","5 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for purifying an Omega-3, 6 or 9 product isolated from natural microalgae oil.","FIG.","6 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for purifying an Omega-3, 6, 7 or 9 product isolated from natural microalgae oil.","FIG.","7 illustrates non-limiting embodiments for isolating and purifying an Omega-3, 6, 7 or 9 product from natural fish oil.","FIG.","8 illustrates non-limiting embodiments for isolating and purifying an Omega-3, 6, 7 or 9 product from natural fish oil.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION A number of nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products may be produced from oils comprising Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 fatty acids.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise a natural oil comprising plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, or fish oil derived from plants or animals that have not been genetically or transgenically modified, and has not been previously purified to remove certain constituents (e.g., targeted fatty acids).","In some embodiments, the oil may be derived from plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, or fish oil derived from plants or animals that have been genetically or transgenically modified, may be previously purified to remove certain constituents (e.g., targeted fatty acids), may be synthesized, or combinations thereof.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 5-30% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 5-25% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 5-10% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 10-20% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 20-30% C16:1n7 fatty acid.","In some embodiments, the oil may be high in C16:1n7 fatty acid (Omega-7) and comprise plant oil (e.g., sea buckthorn), nut oil (e.g., macadamia), microalgae oil (e.g., Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, Phaeodactylum), or fish oil (e.g., menhaden, anchovy).","In some embodiments, the oil may be processed in a multiple step process to produce high purity Omega-3, 6, 7 and/or 9 oil products.","The targeted end product may influence the method steps and inputs in the oil processing methods.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise at least one transesterification step.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise a distillation step comprising at least one distillation method selected from the group consisting of simple molecular distillation, short path distillation, one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, and fractional distillation.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise a separation step comprising at least one separation method selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise combinations of the steps described throughout the specification.","Using the methods and 1 oils described throughout the specification, the inventors surprisingly found that purity levels of Omega-7 esters could be attained that were not previously achievable, particularly purity levels of Omega-7 esters could be attained from natural oils.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 30% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 50% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 70% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 80% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 30-90% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 30-50% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 50-70% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 70-90% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 40% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 50% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 70% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 80% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 30-90% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 30-50% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 50-70% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 70-90% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 50% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 40% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 30% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 20% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 10% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-50% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-40% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-30% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-20% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-10% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 30% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 20% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 10% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 5% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 1% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-30% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-20% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-10% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-5% w/w.","In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-1% w/w.","Transesterification Synthesis of ethyl esters is known in the art for the enrichment of Omega-3 fatty acids, and the inventors found that such synthesis may also be adapted for application to Omega-6, 7 & 9 fatty acids.","Transesterification of Omega-7 rich oil may be performed using a variety of different catalysts and conditions.","In some embodiments, the transesterification may be performed enzymatically, with an acid or base catalyst, a heterogeneous catalyst, or combinations thereof.","In some embodiments, the base catalyst may comprise NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, and combinations thereof.","In some embodiments, the acid catalyst may comprise HCl, BF3, H3PO4, organic sulfonic acids, and combinations thereof.","In some embodiments, the heterogeneous catalyst may comprise metal oxide (e.g., CaO, MgO, SrO, ZnO, La2O3), Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and combinations thereof.","In some embodiments, the enzymatic method may comprise immobilized enzyme-based catalysts, such as those commercially available from TransBiodiesel Ltd. (P.O.","Box 437, Shfar-Am 20200 Israel).","In some embodiments, the catalyst may preferably comprise at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of sulphuric acid and sodium ethoxide.","In some embodiments, the transesterification method may use methanol as a reacting solvent and produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).","In some embodiments, the transesterification method may use ethanol as a reacting solvent and produce fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs).","In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:3 to 1:15.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:4 to 1:14.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:5 to 1:13.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:5 to 1:12.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:7 to 1:10.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:6 to 1:8.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:9 to 1:11.In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 70-90° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 76-84° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 77-83° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 78-82° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 79-81° C. In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise at least 50%.","In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 50-90%.","In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 60-80%.","In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 70-90%.","In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 75-90%.","In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 80-90%.","In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 75-85%.","Purification of Esters Purification of esters may be performed with adsorption chromatography, fractional or simple molecular distillation, low-temperature crystallization (winterization), supercritical fluid extraction, solvent extraction, and urea complexation.","Suitable solvents for extraction include, but are not limited to ethanol, methanol, and hexane.","With the help of proper absorbents, adsorption chromatography may be used to separate the esters based on the number of carbons as well as the degree of unsaturation.","In some embodiments, such absorbents may comprise AgBF4/SBA15.HPSiOEtIM.PF6, Silver resin Chromatography, Ag+ immobilized by ionic liquid precursor molecules covalently bonded to silica gel, and mesoporous SBA-15.Molecular distillation is known in the art to be useful for the separation, purification and concentration of thermolabile substances with low vapor pressure.","Molecular distillation techniques may be used as simple or short path distillation, especially when purifying crude esters such as but not limited to microalgae oil FAEEs.","Fractional distillation also provides a method of producing higher purity FAEEs from oils, such as but not limited to nut oil FAEE (e.g., macadamia) or fish oil FAEE (e.g., menhaden, anchovy).","In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise one pass or multiple pass vacuum distillation and take place under pressure.","In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 0.1-10 mm Hg.","In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 0.2-7.5 mm Hg.","In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 0.3-5 mm Hg.","In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 1-4 mm Hg.","In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 2-3 mm Hg.","In some embodiments, multiple passes in a distillation take place at the same pressures.","In some embodiments, multiple passes in a distillation take place at different pressures In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 140-280° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 160-270° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 170-250° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 180-225° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 190-210° C. In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise a single pass at a constant temperature.","In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise a single pass at varying temperatures.","In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise multiple passes at the same temperature.","In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise multiple passes at different temperatures.","Low-temperature crystallization (winterization) may also be used to produce high purity esters, and takes advantage of the solubility of the esters in different solvents.","In some embodiments, the solvents may comprise: alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol), esters (e.g., ethyl acetate), ethers (e.g., diethyl ether), ketones (e.g., acetone), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene), hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), and n-heptane.","In some embodiments, low-temperature crystallization may be used to purify the Omega-3 EPA or DHA fatty acids or esters from oil with higher concentrations of EPA or DHA, such as fish or microalgae oil.","Urea complexation may also be used to effectively separate the saturated fat from PUFAs.","In some embodiments, urea complexation may be used with simple principle straight-chain saturated fatty acids with six carbon atoms confined in the complex.","In such six carbon atom embodiments, the presence of double bonds in the fatty acids increases the bulk of the molecule and reduces the likelihood of the molecule's complexation with urea, which helps to achieve the separation.","In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 70-90° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 76-84° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 77-83° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 78-82° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 79-81° C. Example 1 An experiment was conducted to determine the purity of Omega-7 ethyl esters that could be isolated from natural macadamia nut oil.","Natural macadamia nut oil was analyzed and found to contain the fatty acid profile as shown in Table 3.TABLE 3 Natural Macadamia Oil Composition Analyte % C14:0 1.1 C16:0 8.3 C16:1n7 22.0 (Omega-7) C18:0 3.1 C18:1n9 53.7 (Omega-9) C18:1n11t 4.2 C18:2 2.3 C20:0 2.8 C20:1 2.6 Total Fatty 100.0 Acids One non-limiting embodiment of the multi-step process for producing an isolated high purity Omega-7 product from natural nut oil, such as macadamia nut oil, is shown in FIG.","1.Transesterification Step: Macadamia nut oil (1 kg) was transesterified in a 5 L, 3-neck round bottom flask using 2.5% w/w sodium ethoxide as the catalyst and 1:10 molar ratio of ethanol as the reacting solvent to produce an FAEE product.","The reaction was performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After 3 hrs, the reaction mixture was cooled to ≤40° C. and neutralized with 1:1 v/v of water.","After neutralization the reaction mixture was allowed to separate into two layers comprising an ethyl ester layer on top and an aqueous layer on bottom.","The ethyl ester layer was separated and was concentrated using a rotary evaporator resulting in ≥850 grams of the FAEE product (≥85% Yield).","Distillation Step: For macadamia nut oil FAEE with a composition of at least 20% w/w C16:1n7 (palmitoleic acid) and using a vacuum distillation apparatus in either a one-pass or two-pass system, it is possible to produce an oil product with a concentration of C16:1n7 ethyl esters above 50% w/w.","In such a system, the reboiler temperature varied between 170° C. and 220° C., and the vacuum pressure was maintained at 0.3 to 5 mm Hg.","Using a single pass vacuum distillation system with the macadamia nut oil FAEE product from the transesterification step resulted in a concentrated oil product mixture of C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters (second fraction) as shown in Table 4.The resulting second fraction concentrated oil product may be successfully used in the cosmetics field, as the saturated fat along with Omega-7 also has antimicrobial activity.","A significant portion of Omega-9 ethyl esters (C18:1n9) were separated from the Omega-7 ethyl esters in the molecular distillation step to form a first fraction, and the first fraction comprising Omega-9 ethyl esters may be used in nutrition products for heart health, blood sugar control, managing cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy inflammation responses.","TABLE 4 Single pass distillate Analyte % C12:0 1.1 C14:0 5.9 C16:0 19.0 C16:1n7 73.4 (Omega-7) C18:0 0.0 C18:1n9 0.8 (Omega-9) Total Fatty 100.1 Acid Esters Separation Step: The second fraction concentrated oil product (20 grams) resulting from the molecular distillation step was treated with urea (2 times w/w) and ethanol (5 times w/v).","The resulting reaction mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 2 hrs and then allowed to crystallize overnight (approximately 10-12 hrs).","After overnight crystallization, the resulting crystals comprising saturated fats (C16:0) were separated from the liquid phase using a simple filtration system to form a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters.","The liquid phase filtrate (fourth fraction) was treated with water to remove the dissolved urea and the Omega-7 ethyl ester product was extracted using hexane.","The hexane layer was then concentrated using a rotary evaporator under vacuum to give the product composition as shown in Table 5.TABLE 5 Urea crystallization Analyte % C12:0 0.61 C14:0 3.17 C16:0 7.44 C16:1n7 86.37 (Omega-7) C18:1n9 1.43 (Omega-9) Total Fatty 99.02 Acid Esters Additionally, a nutraceutical fraction comprising C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 ethyl esters may be obtained from macadamia nut oil FAEE by using either a molecular distillation method to remove fatty acids≤C16:0 or by using a urea complexation method to remove saturated fat after transesterification, as shown in FIG.","2.Example 2 An experiment was conducted to determine the purity of Omega-7 ethyl esters that could be isolated from natural microalgae oil.","Microalgae from genera such as Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, and Phaeodactylum are known to be sources of Omega-7 as well as sources of Omega-3 (EPA, DHA) fatty acids.","Similar to the macadamia nut oil in Example 1, the oil derived from Nannochloropsis may also be processed to produce a high purity Omega-7 product.","Natural Nannochloropsis oil was analyzed and found to contain the fatty acid profile shown in Table 6.TABLE 6 Natural Nannochloropsis Oil Analyte % C14:0 Myristic 4.0 C16:0 Palmitic 32.1 C16:1n7 Palmitoleic (Omega-7) 23.8 C18:1n9 Oleic (Omega-9) 12.7 C18:2 Linoleic 1.0 C20:4n6 Arachidonic (Omega-6) 1.6 C20:5n3 Eicosapentaenoic (Omega-3) 5.1 Others 1.4 Total Fatty Acids 84.4 Transesterification Step: A traditional two stage transesterification method may be used with microalgae oil.","During the first stage, the Nannochloropsis oil (1 kg) was transesterified in a 5 L, 3-neck round bottom flask using 8% w/w concentration.","In the first transesterification stage, sulphuric acid was used as the acid catalyst and a 1:7 molar ratio of ethanol was used as the reacting solvent.","The first stage reaction was performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After 3 hrs, the second stage of transesterification was performed.","In the second transesterification stage, the reaction mixture used 2.5% sodium ethoxide as the base catalyst and a 1:7 molar ratio of ethanol as the reacting solvent.","The second stage reaction was performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After completion of both reaction stages (6 hrs), the reaction mixture was cooled to ≤40° C. and neutralized with 1:1 v/v of water.","The resulting mixture was extracted using hexane, forming a hexane layer on top comprising the target Omega-7 ethyl ester product which was separated and was concentrated using rotary evaporator resulting in ≥700 grams of the FAEE product (≥70% Yield).","Distillation Step: With a microalgae oil mixture that contains less than 85% total fatty acids, as with the Nannochloropsis oil shown in Table 6, it is recommended that the first distillation step comprise a simple distillation under high vacuum in order to create a distillate with a total fatty acid content greater than 85%.","The first step distillation may be performed with a short path distillation unit or simple distillation unit operated at a temperature at which all the fatty acids present will vaporize but below a temperature that causes thermal decomposition.","With the Nannochloropsis FAEE product, the first step distillation was performed at a reboiler temperature of 275° C., a pressure of 2 mmHg, and a distillate temperature of 168° C. After the simple or short path distillation step, a fractional distillation step may be performed on the purified FAEEs to fractionate C16:0 and C16:1 ethyl esters using conditions similar to conditions used for macadamia nut oil in Example 1.Variations from the parameters in Example 1 may be required due to the different molar fraction of C16:0 and C16:1 in microalgae oil as compared to the nut oil.","With the Nannochloropsis FAEE product, the fractional distillation was performed at a reboiler temperature of 200° C., a pressure of 1 mmHg, and a distillate temperature of 144° C. The method of processing Nannochloropsis oil is shown in FIG.","3, and the resulting fatty acid concentrations of the resulting products from the molecular distillation are shown in Table 7.TABLE 7 Distillate Residue (Omega 7) % (Omega 3) % C14:0 7.19 C14:1 0.41 C15:0 0.56 C16:0 41.31 8.71 C16:1n7 (Omega-7) 35.13 4.79 C18:1n9 (Omega-9) 5.93 22.78 C18:2 1.02 3.49 C18:3n6 0.19 0.59 C20:1 0.33 C20:3n6 0.92 C20:4n6 (Omega-6) 0.23 10.39 C20:5n3 (Omega-3) 0.66 33.37 Total Fatty Acid 98.53 93.9 Esters The process shown in FIG.","3 produces two different fractions a first fraction comprising C18:1n9 (Omega-9), C20:4n6 (Omega-6), and C20:5n3 (Omega-3) ethyl esters and a second fraction comprising saturated C16 and C16:1 (Omega-7) ethyl esters, similar to resulting product in the macadamia nut oil FAEE distillation method of Example 1.The C16:0 and C16:1n7 (Omega-7) ethyl ester fraction resulting from the microalgae oil also has potential for commercial use in the cosmetics field due to the antimicrobial activity.","The Omega-7 ethyl ester fraction may be further purified using a urea crystallization technique to achieve a high purity Omega-7 ethyl ester product as shown in FIG.","4 to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters (saturated fats) and a fourth fraction comprising C16:1n7 (Omega-7) ethyl esters, thereby raising the concentration level of Omega-7 ethyl esters above the 35% shown in Table 7.The method shown in FIG.","3 also produces an Omega-3, 6 & 9 ethyl ester rich first fraction.","The fatty acids present in the Omega-3, 6, & 9 fraction have similar physical properties, allowing the use of adsorption chromatography (Silver-ion Chromatography) to separate these fatty acid ethyl esters and achieve higher purities.","The adsorption chromatography selectively separates the fatty acid ethyl esters based on unsaturation and carbon chain length as shown in FIG.","5.Additionally, the microalgae FAEE produced with the method shown in FIG.","3 may be separated into a saturated fat fraction and a monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)+PUFA fractions using urea crystallization.","A MUFA+PUFA fraction will contain Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 fatty acid ethyl esters which have potential commercial value in nutraceutical applications and may be purified into individual components using adsorption chromatography as shown in FIG.","6.Example 3 An experimental plan was formed to determine for isolating an Omega-7 ethyl esters product from natural fish oil.","Natural fish oil from sources such as menhaden and anchovy are also known to be sources of nutritional fatty acids, including Omega-7 fatty acids.","Natural menhaden oil was analyzed and found to contain the fatty acid profile shown in Table 8, and may be processed in a method similar to the methods described for macadamia nut oil in Example 1 to produce high purity fractions of Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 ethyl esters.","TABLE 8 Natural Menhaden Oil Composition Analyte % (Average) C14:0 8 C16:0 18 C16:1n7 11 (Omega-7) C18:0 3.1 C18:1n9 8 (Omega-9) C20:5n3 15 (Omega-3) C22:6n3 7 (Omega-3) Total Fatty 70.1 Acids Transesterification Step: Fish oil (1 kg) may be transesterified in a 5 L, 3-neck round bottom flask using 2.5% w/w sodium ethoxide as the catalyst and a 1:10 molar ratio of ethanol as the reacting solvent.","The reaction may be performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After 3 hrs, the reaction mixture will be cooled to ≤40° C. and neutralized with 1:1 v/v of water.","After neutralization the reaction mixture will separate into two layers comprising an ethyl ester layer on top and an aqueous layer on bottom.","The ethyl ester layer will be separated and concentrated using a rotary evaporator resulting in ≥850 grams of the FAEE product (≥85% Yield).","Distillation Step: A fish oil FAEE product with a composition of at least 20% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters may be concentrated to above 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters using a vacuum distillation apparatus in either a one-pass or two-pass system.","The two-pass distillation system may be similar to the distillation system and method described in Example 2.In such a system, the reboiler temperature varies between 170° C. and 220° C., and the vacuum pressure is maintained at 0.3 to 5 mmHg.","Using the single pass distillation system in conditions similar to Example 1 for the macadamia nut oil FAEE will result in a second fraction mixture of C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters.","The resulting concentrated oil product may be successfully used in the cosmetics field, as the saturated fat along with Omega-7 also has antimicrobial activity.","Separation Step: The second fraction distillate mixture (20 grams) resulting from the molecular distillation step may be treated with urea (2 times w/w) and ethanol (5 times w/v).","The resulting reaction mixture will be refluxed at 80° C. for 2 hrs and then allowed to crystallize overnight (approximately 10-12 hrs).","After overnight crystallization, the resulting crystals comprising saturated fats (C16:0) will be separated using a simple filtration system to form a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters.","The fourth fraction liquid phase filtrate (fourth fraction) will be treated with water to remove the dissolved urea and the Omega-7 product will be extracted using hexane.","The hexane layer will be concentrated using a rotary evaporator under vacuum to give the Omega-7 ethyl ester product as shown in FIG.","7.Additionally, the Omega-3, 6, & 9 first fraction separated during the simple distillation step may be further purified using adsorption chromatography to further separate the Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 FAEE from each other as shown in FIG.","7.A nutraceutical fraction (Omega-3) may also be produced from fish oil FAEE using either a molecular distillation method to remove fatty acids≤C16:0 or a urea complexation method to remove saturated fat.","The Omega fraction separated from saturated fat may comprise Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 FAEE, similar to the fraction separated from microalgae oil in Example 2.The Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9 fraction has potential value in a nutraceutical product as an Omega mixture.","As shown in FIG.","8, the Omega fraction may also be further purified into individual fatty acids fractions using a technique such as adsorption chromatography to produce separate Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-7, and Omega-9 fractions for use in nutraceuticals.","All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein (to the maximum extent permitted by law), regardless of any separately provided incorporation of particular documents made elsewhere herein.","The citation and incorporation of patent documents herein is done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the validity, patentability, and/or enforceability of such patent documents.","The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.","Unless otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement can be considered to also provide a corresponding approximate measurement, modified by “about,” where appropriate).","All provided ranges of values are intended to include the end points of the ranges, as well as values between the end points.","The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having,” “including,” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of”, “consists essentially of”, or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context).","All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.","The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.","No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.","This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims and/or aspects appended hereto as permitted by applicable law."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"ISOLATION OF OMEGA-7 FATTY ACID ETHYL ESTERS FROM NATURAL OILS\",\n \"Methods of producing high purity palmitoleic acid esters from natural oils are disclosed.\",\n \"The natural oils may comprise plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, and fish oil.\",\n \"The methods of processing the natural oil comprise transesterification with ethanol as the reacting solvent to produce ethyl esters.\",\n \"Methods of producing a high purity fraction of Omega-3, 6, & 9 fatty acid esters from natural oils are also disclosed.\",\n \"The high purity fatty acid esters may be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters, comprising: a.\",\n \"Providing a natural oil; b. Transesterifying the natural oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent in a reaction comprising at least one stage to produce ethyl esters; c. Distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3 ethyl esters, and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and d. Separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein the natural oil consists of a natural oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 2, wherein the natural oil comprises oil derived from at least one source selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst of the transesterifying step comprises at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of: NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, HCl, BF3, H3PO4, an organic sulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, a metal oxide, Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and an immobilized enzyme.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step is in the range of 1:3 to 1:15.6.The method of claim 5, wherein the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step is in the range of 1:6 to 1:8.7.The method of claim 1, wherein the transesterifying step comprises two stages of transesterification reactions.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 7, wherein the two stages of transesterification reactions use different catalysts.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 1, wherein the transesterifying step has a yield in the range of 70-90%.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 1, wherein the transesterifying step is performed at a temperature in the range of 75-85° C. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein the distillation step comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, fractional distillation, and simple molecular distillation.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 1, wherein the separation step comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 1, wherein the fourth fraction comprises at least 80% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 3, wherein the second fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises less than 20% w/w C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 14, wherein the fourth fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises less than 10% w/w C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 3, wherein the second fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises less than 1% w/w C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"17.The method of claim 16, wherein the fourth fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises less than 5% w/w C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"18.The method of claim 3, wherein the second fraction derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises at least 70% w/w of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 ethyl esters combined.\",\n \"19.The method of claim 1, further comprising including the C16:1n7 ethyl esters in a product selected from the group consisting of a nutrition product, cosmetic product, and nutraceutical product.\",\n \"20.The method of claim 11, wherein the distillation step is performed at a pressure in the range of 0.3-5 mm Hg and a temperature in the range of 140-280° C.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) [e.g., C18-C22 (Omega-3 and 6)] are generally found in plants and marine sources, and are widely accepted in commercial cosmetic and health applications due to their beneficial effects on metabolism.\",\n \"The most common essential fatty acids are linoleic acid (LA) [C18:2n6, Omega-6] and α-linolenic acid (α-LN) [C18:3n3, Omega-3], and are responsible for the production of prostaglandins (PG) that control blood vessels and other body functions.\",\n \"Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [C20:5n3, Omega-3] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [C22:6n3, Omega-3] may be formed through the conversion of dietary linolenic acid, and are known to be essential for health and nutrition, resulting in an increase in commercial interest in recent years.\",\n \"EPA and DHA, are known to be potent antiarryhthmic agents and also improve vascular endothelial function, help lower blood pressure, platelet sensitivity, and the serum triglyceride level.\",\n \"In 2005 Simpson et. al (The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health.\",\n \"Nutrition research reviews (2005), 18, pp.\",\n \"113-29) concluded that there is strong evidence of the clinical benefit of this type of Omega-3 PUFA on cardiovascular diseases or rheumatoid arthritis.\",\n \"Palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7, Omega-7) has also recently begun to receive an increase in commercial interest and has shown beneficial effects on cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and also on reducing muscle insulin resistance and preventing beta-cell apoptosis.\",\n \"As shown in Tables 1 and 2, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and saturated fats responsible for atherosclerosis are fairly common in vegetable oil, fish oil, and marine products.\",\n \"Additionally, Omega-3 PUFA's are beneficial in reducing cholesterol and the risk of myocardial infarction.\",\n \"Hypertriglyceridaemia, which causes an increase in serum triglyceride in blood level, can cause cardiovascular diseases that may be prevented by replacing saturated fats with Omega-3 PUFAs.\",\n \"Synthesis and subsequent purification of essential fatty acid ethyl esters provides an opportunity to separate unwanted saturated fat from essential fatty acids.\",\n \"TABLE 1 Fat content/EPA + DHA (g 100 g −1 ) ratio of some various fish, marine products, vegetables and oils Fat content EPA + DHA Fat content/(EPA + DHA) (g 100 g −1 ) (g 100 g −1 ) (g 100 g −1 ) ratio Eel 24.5 0.83 29.51 Hering 17.8 2.72 6.54 Sprat 16.6 3.23 5.14 Tuna 15.5 3.37 4.60 Salmon 13.6 2.86 4.76 Mackerel 11.9 1.75 6.8 Carp 4.8 0.30 16 Sardine 4.5 1.39 3.24 Swordfish 4.4 1.79 2.45 Trout 2.7 0.59 4.58 Halibut 1.7 0.51 3.33 Cod 0.6 0.18 3.33 Haddock 0.6 0.16 3.75 Lobster 1.9 0.20 9.5 Shrimp 1.4 0.30 4.66 Mussels 1.4 0.15 9.33 Anchovy 2.3 0.50 4.60 Sardine 13.9 2.44 5.70 TABLE 2 Fat content Fat content/α-LN (g 100 g −1 ) α-LN (g 100 g −1 ) (g 100 g −1 ) ratio Butter 83.2 1.20 69.3 Lard 100.0 0.98 102.04 Linseed oil 100.0 54.2 1.84 Soybean oil 100.0 7.70 12.98 Rapeseed oil 100.0 9.15 10.93 Walnut oil 100.0 13.5 7.40 Olive oil 100.0 0.86 625 Vegetable oil 80.0 2.40 33.3 Almonds 54.1 0.26 208.07 Hazelnut 61.6 0.15 410.6 Walnuts 62.5 6.80 9.19 Kale 0.90 0.35 2.57 Lettuce 0.22 0.07 3.14 Parsley 0.36 0.12 3.00 Potato 0.11 0.02 5.5 Cauliflower 0.18 0.10 1.8 Spinach 0.30 0.13 2.31 White cabbage 0.20 0.09 2.22 Wheat bran 4.65 0.16 29.06 While sources and applications of Omega-3s have been developed commercially, the use of purified fatty acids in nutrition applications may extend beyond Omega-3s.\",\n \"Purified Omega-6, 7 & 9's may also be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical application to provide a more complete health or personal care product.\",\n \"Yang et. al (Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay Mice with genetic type 2 diabetes.\",\n \"Lipids in health and disease 10, 120 (2011)) showed that oral administration of palmitoleic acid (Omega-7) to KK-Ay mice dramatically improved their diabetic condition.\",\n \"Also, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were reduced in the mice with the oral administration of palmitoleic acid, while palmitic acid (saturated fat) was completely ineffective in providing the same effects.\",\n \"Maedler et. al (Distinct Effects of Saturated and Monosaturated Fatty Acids on Beta-Cell Turnover and Function.\",\n \"Diabetes (January 2001), vol.\",\n \"50, no.\",\n \"1, pp.\",\n \"69-76) showed the harmful effect of palmitate on β-cell turnover while in contrast, the monounsaturated palmitoleic acid does not affect β-cell apoptosis but instead promotes β-cell proliferation.\",\n \"In promoting β-cell proliferation, palmitoleic acid counteracted the negative effects of palmitate (an anion of palmitic acid) as well as improved β-cell function.\",\n \"Therefore purifying Omega-7 rich oil by removing saturated fat may provide Omega-7s in a beneficial form suited for nutrition applications.\",\n \"Such purified Omega-7 fractions may be produced by synthesis of ethyl esters and their purification.\",\n \"In addition to purified Omega-7s, purified Omega-6s also have an important role in the commercial nutrition market.\",\n \"The ratio of essential fatty acids is crucial to nutrition, as western diets are generally deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids and have excessive amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids.\",\n \"According to Simopoulos et. al (Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases.\",\n \"Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2006), 60, pp.\",\n \"502-507; The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.\",\n \"Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2002), 56, pp.\",\n \"365-379), a lower ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids is desirable for reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.\",\n \"Synthesis of ethyl esters and their subsequent purification provides the opportunity for formulation of nutritionally relevant ratios of essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.Therefore, there is a need in the art for methods of producing high purity esters of Omega 3, 6, 7, & 9 fatty acids for use in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Disclosed are methods for isolating high purity fractions of Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"The high purity isolated fatty acid ester fractions may be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.\",\n \"In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing an oil; transesterifying the oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9 ethyl esters and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may consist of a natural oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the natural oil may comprise at least one oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the catalyst of the transesterifying step may comprise at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of: NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, HCl, BF 3 , H 3 PO 4 , an organic sulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, a metal oxide, Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and an immobilized enzyme.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:9 to 1:11.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 70-90%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, fractional distillation, and simple molecular distillation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the separation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing a microalgae oil; transesterifying the microalgae oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent in a reaction comprising at least one stage to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3 ethyl esters, and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 35% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may consist of a natural microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the natural microalgae oil may comprise oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira , and Phaeodactylum.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:6 to 1:8.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may comprise two stages of transesterification reactions.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the two stages of transesterification reactions may use different catalysts.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 60-80%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may be performed at 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 35-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived an oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise at least one natural oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 10% or less C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 5-10% C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from macadamia nut oil further comprises 5% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 0.5-5% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived from microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 30% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may comprise a natural oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira , and Phaeodactylum .\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil comprises 30-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 50% or less C16:0 esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 5-50% C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 10% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 0.5-10% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application No.\",\n \"61/907,437, filed Nov. 22, 2013, entitled Isolation of Omega-7 Fatty Acids From Natural Sources of Oil in Ethyl Ester Form, PCT Application No.\",\n \"PCT/US2014/066699, filed Nov. 20, 2014, entitled Isolation of Omega-7 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters from Natural Oils, and U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/157,047, filed May 17, 2016, entitled Isolation of Omega-7 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters from Natural Oils, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) [e.g., C18-C22 (Omega-3 and 6)] are generally found in plants and marine sources, and are widely accepted in commercial cosmetic and health applications due to their beneficial effects on metabolism.\",\n \"The most common essential fatty acids are linoleic acid (LA) [C18:2n6, Omega-6] and α-linolenic acid (α-LN) [C18:3n3, Omega-3], and are responsible for the production of prostaglandins (PG) that control blood vessels and other body functions.\",\n \"Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [C20:5n3, Omega-3] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [C22:6n3, Omega-3] may be formed through the conversion of dietary linolenic acid, and are known to be essential for health and nutrition, resulting in an increase in commercial interest in recent years.\",\n \"EPA and DHA, are known to be potent antiarryhthmic agents and also improve vascular endothelial function, help lower blood pressure, platelet sensitivity, and the serum triglyceride level.\",\n \"In 2005 Simpson et. al (The impact of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health.\",\n \"Nutrition research reviews (2005), 18, pp.\",\n \"113-29) concluded that there is strong evidence of the clinical benefit of this type of Omega-3 PUFA on cardiovascular diseases or rheumatoid arthritis.\",\n \"Palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7, Omega-7) has also recently begun to receive an increase in commercial interest and has shown beneficial effects on cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and also on reducing muscle insulin resistance and preventing beta-cell apoptosis.\",\n \"As shown in Tables 1 and 2, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, and saturated fats responsible for atherosclerosis are fairly common in vegetable oil, fish oil, and marine products.\",\n \"Additionally, Omega-3 PUFA's are beneficial in reducing cholesterol and the risk of myocardial infarction.\",\n \"Hypertriglyceridaemia, which causes an increase in serum triglyceride in blood level, can cause cardiovascular diseases that may be prevented by replacing saturated fats with Omega-3 PUFAs.\",\n \"Synthesis and subsequent purification of essential fatty acid ethyl esters provides an opportunity to separate unwanted saturated fat from essential fatty acids.\",\n \"TABLE 1 Fat content/EPA + DHA (g 100 g−1) ratio of some various fish, marine products, vegetables and oils Fat content EPA + DHA Fat content/(EPA + DHA) (g 100 g−1) (g 100 g−1) (g 100 g−1) ratio Eel 24.5 0.83 29.51 Hering 17.8 2.72 6.54 Sprat 16.6 3.23 5.14 Tuna 15.5 3.37 4.60 Salmon 13.6 2.86 4.76 Mackerel 11.9 1.75 6.8 Carp 4.8 0.30 16 Sardine 4.5 1.39 3.24 Swordfish 4.4 1.79 2.45 Trout 2.7 0.59 4.58 Halibut 1.7 0.51 3.33 Cod 0.6 0.18 3.33 Haddock 0.6 0.16 3.75 Lobster 1.9 0.20 9.5 Shrimp 1.4 0.30 4.66 Mussels 1.4 0.15 9.33 Anchovy 2.3 0.50 4.60 Sardine 13.9 2.44 5.70 TABLE 2 Fat content Fat content/α-LN (g 100 g−1) α-LN (g 100 g−1) (g 100 g−1) ratio Butter 83.2 1.20 69.3 Lard 100.0 0.98 102.04 Linseed oil 100.0 54.2 1.84 Soybean oil 100.0 7.70 12.98 Rapeseed oil 100.0 9.15 10.93 Walnut oil 100.0 13.5 7.40 Olive oil 100.0 0.86 625 Vegetable oil 80.0 2.40 33.3 Almonds 54.1 0.26 208.07 Hazelnut 61.6 0.15 410.6 Walnuts 62.5 6.80 9.19 Kale 0.90 0.35 2.57 Lettuce 0.22 0.07 3.14 Parsley 0.36 0.12 3.00 Potato 0.11 0.02 5.5 Cauliflower 0.18 0.10 1.8 Spinach 0.30 0.13 2.31 White cabbage 0.20 0.09 2.22 Wheat bran 4.65 0.16 29.06 While sources and applications of Omega-3s have been developed commercially, the use of purified fatty acids in nutrition applications may extend beyond Omega-3s.\",\n \"Purified Omega-6, 7 & 9's may also be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical application to provide a more complete health or personal care product.\",\n \"Yang et. al (Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay Mice with genetic type 2 diabetes.\",\n \"Lipids in health and disease 10, 120 (2011)) showed that oral administration of palmitoleic acid (Omega-7) to KK-Ay mice dramatically improved their diabetic condition.\",\n \"Also, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were reduced in the mice with the oral administration of palmitoleic acid, while palmitic acid (saturated fat) was completely ineffective in providing the same effects.\",\n \"Maedler et. al (Distinct Effects of Saturated and Monosaturated Fatty Acids on Beta-Cell Turnover and Function.\",\n \"Diabetes (January 2001), vol.\",\n \"50, no.\",\n \"1, pp.\",\n \"69-76) showed the harmful effect of palmitate on β-cell turnover while in contrast, the monounsaturated palmitoleic acid does not affect β-cell apoptosis but instead promotes β-cell proliferation.\",\n \"In promoting β-cell proliferation, palmitoleic acid counteracted the negative effects of palmitate (an anion of palmitic acid) as well as improved β-cell function.\",\n \"Therefore purifying Omega-7 rich oil by removing saturated fat may provide Omega-7s in a beneficial form suited for nutrition applications.\",\n \"Such purified Omega-7 fractions may be produced by synthesis of ethyl esters and their purification.\",\n \"In addition to purified Omega-7s, purified Omega-6s also have an important role in the commercial nutrition market.\",\n \"The ratio of essential fatty acids is crucial to nutrition, as western diets are generally deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids and have excessive amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids.\",\n \"According to Simopoulos et. al (Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases.\",\n \"Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2006), 60, pp.\",\n \"502-507; The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.\",\n \"Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy (2002), 56, pp.\",\n \"365-379), a lower ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids is desirable for reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.\",\n \"Synthesis of ethyl esters and their subsequent purification provides the opportunity for formulation of nutritionally relevant ratios of essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.Therefore, there is a need in the art for methods of producing high purity esters of Omega 3, 6, 7, & 9 fatty acids for use in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.\",\n \"SUMMARY Disclosed are methods for isolating high purity fractions of Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"The high purity isolated fatty acid ester fractions may be used in nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products.\",\n \"In one embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing an oil; transesterifying the oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9 ethyl esters and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may consist of a natural oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the natural oil may comprise at least one oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the catalyst of the transesterifying step may comprise at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of: NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, HCl, BF3, H3PO4, an organic sulfonic acid, sulphuric acid, a metal oxide, Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and an immobilized enzyme.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:9 to 1:11.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 70-90%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, fractional distillation, and simple molecular distillation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the separation step may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, a method of producing high purity palmitoleic acid ethyl esters comprises: providing a microalgae oil; transesterifying the microalgae oil with a catalyst and ethanol as a reacting solvent in a reaction comprising at least one stage to produce ethyl esters; distilling the ethyl esters to produce a first fraction comprising C18:1n9, C20:4n6, and C20:5n3 ethyl esters, and a second fraction comprising C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters; and separating the C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters of the second fraction to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters and a fourth fraction comprising at least 35% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may consist of a natural microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the natural microalgae oil may comprise oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, and Phaeodactylum.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the molar ratio of ethanol in the transesterifying step may be in the range of 1:3 to 1:15, and preferably in the range of 1:6 to 1:8.In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may comprise two stages of transesterification reactions.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the two stages of transesterification reactions may use different catalysts.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may have a yield of 60-80%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterifying step may be performed at 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the separated C16:1n7 esters fraction may comprise 35-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived an oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise at least one natural oil selected from the group consisting of macadamia nut oil, menhaden oil, and anchovy oil.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil comprises 50-90% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 10% or less C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 5-10% C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from macadamia nut oil further comprises 5% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural macadamia nut oil further comprises 0.5-5% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, a composition comprises a mixture of esters derived from microalgae oil comprising at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid, wherein the mixture of esters comprises at least 30% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the microalgae oil may comprise a natural oil derived from at least one microalga from a genus selected from the group consisting of Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, and Phaeodactylum.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil comprises 30-50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 50% or less C16:0 esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 5-50% C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 10% or less C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of esters derived from natural Nannochloropsis oil further comprises 0.5-10% C18:1n9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.\",\n \"Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates one non-limiting embodiment for isolating an Omega-7 product from natural nut oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for isolating an Omega-7 & 9 product from natural nut oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates non-limiting embodiments for isolating an Omega-7 product from natural microalgae oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for purifying an Omega-7 product isolated from natural microalgae oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for purifying an Omega-3, 6 or 9 product isolated from natural microalgae oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment for purifying an Omega-3, 6, 7 or 9 product isolated from natural microalgae oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates non-limiting embodiments for isolating and purifying an Omega-3, 6, 7 or 9 product from natural fish oil.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates non-limiting embodiments for isolating and purifying an Omega-3, 6, 7 or 9 product from natural fish oil.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION A number of nutrition, cosmetic, and nutraceutical products may be produced from oils comprising Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 fatty acids.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise a natural oil comprising plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, or fish oil derived from plants or animals that have not been genetically or transgenically modified, and has not been previously purified to remove certain constituents (e.g., targeted fatty acids).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may be derived from plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, or fish oil derived from plants or animals that have been genetically or transgenically modified, may be previously purified to remove certain constituents (e.g., targeted fatty acids), may be synthesized, or combinations thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise at least 5% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 5-30% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 5-25% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 5-10% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 10-20% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may comprise 20-30% C16:1n7 fatty acid.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may be high in C16:1n7 fatty acid (Omega-7) and comprise plant oil (e.g., sea buckthorn), nut oil (e.g., macadamia), microalgae oil (e.g., Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, Phaeodactylum), or fish oil (e.g., menhaden, anchovy).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the oil may be processed in a multiple step process to produce high purity Omega-3, 6, 7 and/or 9 oil products.\",\n \"The targeted end product may influence the method steps and inputs in the oil processing methods.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise at least one transesterification step.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise a distillation step comprising at least one distillation method selected from the group consisting of simple molecular distillation, short path distillation, one pass vacuum distillation, two pass vacuum distillation, and fractional distillation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise a separation step comprising at least one separation method selected from the group consisting of urea complexation, crystallization, filtration, extraction, and adsorption chromatography.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may comprise combinations of the steps described throughout the specification.\",\n \"Using the methods and 1 oils described throughout the specification, the inventors surprisingly found that purity levels of Omega-7 esters could be attained that were not previously achievable, particularly purity levels of Omega-7 esters could be attained from natural oils.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 30% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 50% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 70% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of at least 80% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 30-90% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 30-50% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 50-70% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a high purity Omega-7 product with a concentration of palmitoleic acid (C16:1n7) esters of 70-90% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 40% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 50% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 70% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of at least 80% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 30-90% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 30-50% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 50-70% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in an Omega-7 & 9 product with a combined concentration of C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 esters of 70-90% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 50% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 40% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 30% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 20% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters of less than 10% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-50% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-40% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-30% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-20% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C16:0 esters ranging from 5-10% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 30% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 20% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 10% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 5% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters of less than 1% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-30% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-20% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-10% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-5% w/w.\",\n \"In some embodiments, processing of the oil may result in a concentration of C18:1n9 esters ranging from 0.5-1% w/w.\",\n \"Transesterification Synthesis of ethyl esters is known in the art for the enrichment of Omega-3 fatty acids, and the inventors found that such synthesis may also be adapted for application to Omega-6, 7 & 9 fatty acids.\",\n \"Transesterification of Omega-7 rich oil may be performed using a variety of different catalysts and conditions.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterification may be performed enzymatically, with an acid or base catalyst, a heterogeneous catalyst, or combinations thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the base catalyst may comprise NaOH, KOH, sodium ethoxide, and combinations thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the acid catalyst may comprise HCl, BF3, H3PO4, organic sulfonic acids, and combinations thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the heterogeneous catalyst may comprise metal oxide (e.g., CaO, MgO, SrO, ZnO, La2O3), Mg—Al hydrolalcite, and combinations thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the enzymatic method may comprise immobilized enzyme-based catalysts, such as those commercially available from TransBiodiesel Ltd. (P.O.\",\n \"Box 437, Shfar-Am 20200 Israel).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the catalyst may preferably comprise at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of sulphuric acid and sodium ethoxide.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterification method may use methanol as a reacting solvent and produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the transesterification method may use ethanol as a reacting solvent and produce fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:3 to 1:15.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:4 to 1:14.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:5 to 1:13.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:5 to 1:12.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:7 to 1:10.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:6 to 1:8.In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the reacting solvent may range from 1:9 to 1:11.In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 70-90° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 76-84° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 77-83° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 78-82° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the transesterification step may comprise a temperature in the range of 79-81° C. In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise at least 50%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 50-90%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 60-80%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 70-90%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 75-90%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 80-90%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the yield of the transesterification step may comprise 75-85%.\",\n \"Purification of Esters Purification of esters may be performed with adsorption chromatography, fractional or simple molecular distillation, low-temperature crystallization (winterization), supercritical fluid extraction, solvent extraction, and urea complexation.\",\n \"Suitable solvents for extraction include, but are not limited to ethanol, methanol, and hexane.\",\n \"With the help of proper absorbents, adsorption chromatography may be used to separate the esters based on the number of carbons as well as the degree of unsaturation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, such absorbents may comprise AgBF4/SBA15.HPSiOEtIM.PF6, Silver resin Chromatography, Ag+ immobilized by ionic liquid precursor molecules covalently bonded to silica gel, and mesoporous SBA-15.Molecular distillation is known in the art to be useful for the separation, purification and concentration of thermolabile substances with low vapor pressure.\",\n \"Molecular distillation techniques may be used as simple or short path distillation, especially when purifying crude esters such as but not limited to microalgae oil FAEEs.\",\n \"Fractional distillation also provides a method of producing higher purity FAEEs from oils, such as but not limited to nut oil FAEE (e.g., macadamia) or fish oil FAEE (e.g., menhaden, anchovy).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise one pass or multiple pass vacuum distillation and take place under pressure.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 0.1-10 mm Hg.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 0.2-7.5 mm Hg.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 0.3-5 mm Hg.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 1-4 mm Hg.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may take place under pressure ranging from 2-3 mm Hg.\",\n \"In some embodiments, multiple passes in a distillation take place at the same pressures.\",\n \"In some embodiments, multiple passes in a distillation take place at different pressures In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 140-280° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 160-270° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 170-250° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 180-225° C. In some embodiments, the temperature during distillation may range from 190-210° C. In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise a single pass at a constant temperature.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise a single pass at varying temperatures.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise multiple passes at the same temperature.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the distillation may comprise multiple passes at different temperatures.\",\n \"Low-temperature crystallization (winterization) may also be used to produce high purity esters, and takes advantage of the solubility of the esters in different solvents.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the solvents may comprise: alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol), esters (e.g., ethyl acetate), ethers (e.g., diethyl ether), ketones (e.g., acetone), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene), hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane), and n-heptane.\",\n \"In some embodiments, low-temperature crystallization may be used to purify the Omega-3 EPA or DHA fatty acids or esters from oil with higher concentrations of EPA or DHA, such as fish or microalgae oil.\",\n \"Urea complexation may also be used to effectively separate the saturated fat from PUFAs.\",\n \"In some embodiments, urea complexation may be used with simple principle straight-chain saturated fatty acids with six carbon atoms confined in the complex.\",\n \"In such six carbon atom embodiments, the presence of double bonds in the fatty acids increases the bulk of the molecule and reduces the likelihood of the molecule's complexation with urea, which helps to achieve the separation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 70-90° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 75-85° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 76-84° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 77-83° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 78-82° C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the urea complexation step may comprise a temperature in the range of 79-81° C. Example 1 An experiment was conducted to determine the purity of Omega-7 ethyl esters that could be isolated from natural macadamia nut oil.\",\n \"Natural macadamia nut oil was analyzed and found to contain the fatty acid profile as shown in Table 3.TABLE 3 Natural Macadamia Oil Composition Analyte % C14:0 1.1 C16:0 8.3 C16:1n7 22.0 (Omega-7) C18:0 3.1 C18:1n9 53.7 (Omega-9) C18:1n11t 4.2 C18:2 2.3 C20:0 2.8 C20:1 2.6 Total Fatty 100.0 Acids One non-limiting embodiment of the multi-step process for producing an isolated high purity Omega-7 product from natural nut oil, such as macadamia nut oil, is shown in FIG.\",\n \"1.Transesterification Step: Macadamia nut oil (1 kg) was transesterified in a 5 L, 3-neck round bottom flask using 2.5% w/w sodium ethoxide as the catalyst and 1:10 molar ratio of ethanol as the reacting solvent to produce an FAEE product.\",\n \"The reaction was performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After 3 hrs, the reaction mixture was cooled to ≤40° C. and neutralized with 1:1 v/v of water.\",\n \"After neutralization the reaction mixture was allowed to separate into two layers comprising an ethyl ester layer on top and an aqueous layer on bottom.\",\n \"The ethyl ester layer was separated and was concentrated using a rotary evaporator resulting in ≥850 grams of the FAEE product (≥85% Yield).\",\n \"Distillation Step: For macadamia nut oil FAEE with a composition of at least 20% w/w C16:1n7 (palmitoleic acid) and using a vacuum distillation apparatus in either a one-pass or two-pass system, it is possible to produce an oil product with a concentration of C16:1n7 ethyl esters above 50% w/w.\",\n \"In such a system, the reboiler temperature varied between 170° C. and 220° C., and the vacuum pressure was maintained at 0.3 to 5 mm Hg.\",\n \"Using a single pass vacuum distillation system with the macadamia nut oil FAEE product from the transesterification step resulted in a concentrated oil product mixture of C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters (second fraction) as shown in Table 4.The resulting second fraction concentrated oil product may be successfully used in the cosmetics field, as the saturated fat along with Omega-7 also has antimicrobial activity.\",\n \"A significant portion of Omega-9 ethyl esters (C18:1n9) were separated from the Omega-7 ethyl esters in the molecular distillation step to form a first fraction, and the first fraction comprising Omega-9 ethyl esters may be used in nutrition products for heart health, blood sugar control, managing cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy inflammation responses.\",\n \"TABLE 4 Single pass distillate Analyte % C12:0 1.1 C14:0 5.9 C16:0 19.0 C16:1n7 73.4 (Omega-7) C18:0 0.0 C18:1n9 0.8 (Omega-9) Total Fatty 100.1 Acid Esters Separation Step: The second fraction concentrated oil product (20 grams) resulting from the molecular distillation step was treated with urea (2 times w/w) and ethanol (5 times w/v).\",\n \"The resulting reaction mixture was refluxed at 80° C. for 2 hrs and then allowed to crystallize overnight (approximately 10-12 hrs).\",\n \"After overnight crystallization, the resulting crystals comprising saturated fats (C16:0) were separated from the liquid phase using a simple filtration system to form a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"The liquid phase filtrate (fourth fraction) was treated with water to remove the dissolved urea and the Omega-7 ethyl ester product was extracted using hexane.\",\n \"The hexane layer was then concentrated using a rotary evaporator under vacuum to give the product composition as shown in Table 5.TABLE 5 Urea crystallization Analyte % C12:0 0.61 C14:0 3.17 C16:0 7.44 C16:1n7 86.37 (Omega-7) C18:1n9 1.43 (Omega-9) Total Fatty 99.02 Acid Esters Additionally, a nutraceutical fraction comprising C16:1n7 and C18:1n9 ethyl esters may be obtained from macadamia nut oil FAEE by using either a molecular distillation method to remove fatty acids≤C16:0 or by using a urea complexation method to remove saturated fat after transesterification, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.Example 2 An experiment was conducted to determine the purity of Omega-7 ethyl esters that could be isolated from natural microalgae oil.\",\n \"Microalgae from genera such as Nannochloropsis, Nitzschia, Thalasossira, and Phaeodactylum are known to be sources of Omega-7 as well as sources of Omega-3 (EPA, DHA) fatty acids.\",\n \"Similar to the macadamia nut oil in Example 1, the oil derived from Nannochloropsis may also be processed to produce a high purity Omega-7 product.\",\n \"Natural Nannochloropsis oil was analyzed and found to contain the fatty acid profile shown in Table 6.TABLE 6 Natural Nannochloropsis Oil Analyte % C14:0 Myristic 4.0 C16:0 Palmitic 32.1 C16:1n7 Palmitoleic (Omega-7) 23.8 C18:1n9 Oleic (Omega-9) 12.7 C18:2 Linoleic 1.0 C20:4n6 Arachidonic (Omega-6) 1.6 C20:5n3 Eicosapentaenoic (Omega-3) 5.1 Others 1.4 Total Fatty Acids 84.4 Transesterification Step: A traditional two stage transesterification method may be used with microalgae oil.\",\n \"During the first stage, the Nannochloropsis oil (1 kg) was transesterified in a 5 L, 3-neck round bottom flask using 8% w/w concentration.\",\n \"In the first transesterification stage, sulphuric acid was used as the acid catalyst and a 1:7 molar ratio of ethanol was used as the reacting solvent.\",\n \"The first stage reaction was performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After 3 hrs, the second stage of transesterification was performed.\",\n \"In the second transesterification stage, the reaction mixture used 2.5% sodium ethoxide as the base catalyst and a 1:7 molar ratio of ethanol as the reacting solvent.\",\n \"The second stage reaction was performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After completion of both reaction stages (6 hrs), the reaction mixture was cooled to ≤40° C. and neutralized with 1:1 v/v of water.\",\n \"The resulting mixture was extracted using hexane, forming a hexane layer on top comprising the target Omega-7 ethyl ester product which was separated and was concentrated using rotary evaporator resulting in ≥700 grams of the FAEE product (≥70% Yield).\",\n \"Distillation Step: With a microalgae oil mixture that contains less than 85% total fatty acids, as with the Nannochloropsis oil shown in Table 6, it is recommended that the first distillation step comprise a simple distillation under high vacuum in order to create a distillate with a total fatty acid content greater than 85%.\",\n \"The first step distillation may be performed with a short path distillation unit or simple distillation unit operated at a temperature at which all the fatty acids present will vaporize but below a temperature that causes thermal decomposition.\",\n \"With the Nannochloropsis FAEE product, the first step distillation was performed at a reboiler temperature of 275° C., a pressure of 2 mmHg, and a distillate temperature of 168° C. After the simple or short path distillation step, a fractional distillation step may be performed on the purified FAEEs to fractionate C16:0 and C16:1 ethyl esters using conditions similar to conditions used for macadamia nut oil in Example 1.Variations from the parameters in Example 1 may be required due to the different molar fraction of C16:0 and C16:1 in microalgae oil as compared to the nut oil.\",\n \"With the Nannochloropsis FAEE product, the fractional distillation was performed at a reboiler temperature of 200° C., a pressure of 1 mmHg, and a distillate temperature of 144° C. The method of processing Nannochloropsis oil is shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, and the resulting fatty acid concentrations of the resulting products from the molecular distillation are shown in Table 7.TABLE 7 Distillate Residue (Omega 7) % (Omega 3) % C14:0 7.19 C14:1 0.41 C15:0 0.56 C16:0 41.31 8.71 C16:1n7 (Omega-7) 35.13 4.79 C18:1n9 (Omega-9) 5.93 22.78 C18:2 1.02 3.49 C18:3n6 0.19 0.59 C20:1 0.33 C20:3n6 0.92 C20:4n6 (Omega-6) 0.23 10.39 C20:5n3 (Omega-3) 0.66 33.37 Total Fatty Acid 98.53 93.9 Esters The process shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 produces two different fractions a first fraction comprising C18:1n9 (Omega-9), C20:4n6 (Omega-6), and C20:5n3 (Omega-3) ethyl esters and a second fraction comprising saturated C16 and C16:1 (Omega-7) ethyl esters, similar to resulting product in the macadamia nut oil FAEE distillation method of Example 1.The C16:0 and C16:1n7 (Omega-7) ethyl ester fraction resulting from the microalgae oil also has potential for commercial use in the cosmetics field due to the antimicrobial activity.\",\n \"The Omega-7 ethyl ester fraction may be further purified using a urea crystallization technique to achieve a high purity Omega-7 ethyl ester product as shown in FIG.\",\n \"4 to produce a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters (saturated fats) and a fourth fraction comprising C16:1n7 (Omega-7) ethyl esters, thereby raising the concentration level of Omega-7 ethyl esters above the 35% shown in Table 7.The method shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 also produces an Omega-3, 6 & 9 ethyl ester rich first fraction.\",\n \"The fatty acids present in the Omega-3, 6, & 9 fraction have similar physical properties, allowing the use of adsorption chromatography (Silver-ion Chromatography) to separate these fatty acid ethyl esters and achieve higher purities.\",\n \"The adsorption chromatography selectively separates the fatty acid ethyl esters based on unsaturation and carbon chain length as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5.Additionally, the microalgae FAEE produced with the method shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 may be separated into a saturated fat fraction and a monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)+PUFA fractions using urea crystallization.\",\n \"A MUFA+PUFA fraction will contain Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 fatty acid ethyl esters which have potential commercial value in nutraceutical applications and may be purified into individual components using adsorption chromatography as shown in FIG.\",\n \"6.Example 3 An experimental plan was formed to determine for isolating an Omega-7 ethyl esters product from natural fish oil.\",\n \"Natural fish oil from sources such as menhaden and anchovy are also known to be sources of nutritional fatty acids, including Omega-7 fatty acids.\",\n \"Natural menhaden oil was analyzed and found to contain the fatty acid profile shown in Table 8, and may be processed in a method similar to the methods described for macadamia nut oil in Example 1 to produce high purity fractions of Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 ethyl esters.\",\n \"TABLE 8 Natural Menhaden Oil Composition Analyte % (Average) C14:0 8 C16:0 18 C16:1n7 11 (Omega-7) C18:0 3.1 C18:1n9 8 (Omega-9) C20:5n3 15 (Omega-3) C22:6n3 7 (Omega-3) Total Fatty 70.1 Acids Transesterification Step: Fish oil (1 kg) may be transesterified in a 5 L, 3-neck round bottom flask using 2.5% w/w sodium ethoxide as the catalyst and a 1:10 molar ratio of ethanol as the reacting solvent.\",\n \"The reaction may be performed for 3 hrs at 80° C. After 3 hrs, the reaction mixture will be cooled to ≤40° C. and neutralized with 1:1 v/v of water.\",\n \"After neutralization the reaction mixture will separate into two layers comprising an ethyl ester layer on top and an aqueous layer on bottom.\",\n \"The ethyl ester layer will be separated and concentrated using a rotary evaporator resulting in ≥850 grams of the FAEE product (≥85% Yield).\",\n \"Distillation Step: A fish oil FAEE product with a composition of at least 20% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters may be concentrated to above 50% w/w C16:1n7 ethyl esters using a vacuum distillation apparatus in either a one-pass or two-pass system.\",\n \"The two-pass distillation system may be similar to the distillation system and method described in Example 2.In such a system, the reboiler temperature varies between 170° C. and 220° C., and the vacuum pressure is maintained at 0.3 to 5 mmHg.\",\n \"Using the single pass distillation system in conditions similar to Example 1 for the macadamia nut oil FAEE will result in a second fraction mixture of C16:0 and C16:1n7 ethyl esters.\",\n \"The resulting concentrated oil product may be successfully used in the cosmetics field, as the saturated fat along with Omega-7 also has antimicrobial activity.\",\n \"Separation Step: The second fraction distillate mixture (20 grams) resulting from the molecular distillation step may be treated with urea (2 times w/w) and ethanol (5 times w/v).\",\n \"The resulting reaction mixture will be refluxed at 80° C. for 2 hrs and then allowed to crystallize overnight (approximately 10-12 hrs).\",\n \"After overnight crystallization, the resulting crystals comprising saturated fats (C16:0) will be separated using a simple filtration system to form a third fraction of C16:0 ethyl esters.\",\n \"The fourth fraction liquid phase filtrate (fourth fraction) will be treated with water to remove the dissolved urea and the Omega-7 product will be extracted using hexane.\",\n \"The hexane layer will be concentrated using a rotary evaporator under vacuum to give the Omega-7 ethyl ester product as shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.Additionally, the Omega-3, 6, & 9 first fraction separated during the simple distillation step may be further purified using adsorption chromatography to further separate the Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 FAEE from each other as shown in FIG.\",\n \"7.A nutraceutical fraction (Omega-3) may also be produced from fish oil FAEE using either a molecular distillation method to remove fatty acids≤C16:0 or a urea complexation method to remove saturated fat.\",\n \"The Omega fraction separated from saturated fat may comprise Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 FAEE, similar to the fraction separated from microalgae oil in Example 2.The Omega-3, 6, 7, & 9 fraction has potential value in a nutraceutical product as an Omega mixture.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"8, the Omega fraction may also be further purified into individual fatty acids fractions using a technique such as adsorption chromatography to produce separate Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-7, and Omega-9 fractions for use in nutraceuticals.\",\n \"All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein (to the maximum extent permitted by law), regardless of any separately provided incorporation of particular documents made elsewhere herein.\",\n \"The citation and incorporation of patent documents herein is done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the validity, patentability, and/or enforceability of such patent documents.\",\n \"The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.\",\n \"Unless otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement can be considered to also provide a corresponding approximate measurement, modified by “about,” where appropriate).\",\n \"All provided ranges of values are intended to include the end points of the ranges, as well as values between the end points.\",\n \"The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having,” “including,” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of”, “consists essentially of”, or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context).\",\n \"All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.\",\n \"The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.\",\n \"No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.\",\n \"This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims and/or aspects appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875098"}}},{"rowIdx":4494781,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF PROSTACYCLIN ANALOGS","This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin formulations and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vascular remodeling), providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis and inducing angiogenesis."],["1.A method of treating pulmonary hypertension, treating peripheral vascular disease, promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation, providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis, or inducing angiogenesis comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a prodrug of treprostinil, wherein the prodrug converts to treprostinil upon said administration.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug has no activity before being converted to treprostinil.","3.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by oral administration.","4.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by ingestion.","5.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by transmucosal administration.","6.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by parenteral administration.","7.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by subcutaneous administration.","8.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by injection.","9.The method of claim 8, wherein the injection is a bolus injection.","10.The method of claim 8, wherein the injection is continuous infusion.","11.The method of claim 8, wherein the injection is an intravenous injection.","12.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by duodenal administration.","13.The method of claim 1, which is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension.","14.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is an ester of treprostinil.","15.The method of claim 14, which is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension.","16.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug provides a Cmax up to 240 minutes post-dosing."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Many valuable pharmacologically active compounds cannot be effectively administered orally for various reasons and are generally administered via intravenous or intramuscular routes.","These routes of administration generally require intervention by a physician or other health care professional, and can entail considerable discomfort as well as potential local trauma to the patient.","One example of such a compound is treprostinil, a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin.","Although treprostinil sodium (Remodulin®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for subcutaneous administration, treprostinil as the free acid has an absolute oral bioavailability of less than 10%.","Accordingly, there is clinical interest in providing treprostinil orally.","Thus, there is a need for a safe and effective method for increasing the systemic availability of treprostinil via administration of treprostinil or treprostinil analogs."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound having structure I: wherein, R 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups, and groups wherein OR 1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters; R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound and polymorphs.","In some of these embodiments, R 1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, such as CH 2 C 6 H 5 .","In other embodiments, OR 1 is a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R 1 is —CH 2 CONR 4 R 5 , R 4 and R 5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH 2 ) m CH 3 , —CH 2 OH, and —CH 2 (CH 2 ) n OH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In certain of these embodiments one or both of R 4 and R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —CH 3 , or —CH 2 CH 2 OH.","In any of the previously discussed embodiments, one or both of R 2 and R 3 can be H. In some enantiomers of the compound R 1 =R 2 =R 3 =H, or R 2 =R 3 =H and R 1 =valinyl amide.","In still further embodiments of the present compounds R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.","In some compounds only one of R 2 or R 3 is a phosphate group.","In other compounds R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.","In any of the above embodiments, one of R 2 and R 3 are H. In certain of the present compounds, the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.","The above compounds can further comprise an inhibitor of p-glycoprotein transport.","Any of these compounds can also further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.","The present invention also provides a method of using the above compounds therapeutically of/for: pulmonary hypertension, ischemic diseases, heart failure, conditions requiring anticoagulation, thrombotic microangiopathy, extracorporeal circulation, central retinal vein occlusion, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, reproduction and parturition, cancer or other conditions of unregulated cell growth, cell/tissue preservation and other emerging therapeutic areas where prostacyclin treatment appears to have a beneficial role.","A preferred embodiment is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension and/or peripheral vascular disease in a subject comprising orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of structure II: wherein, R 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, arylalkyl groups and groups wherein OR 1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester; R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or polymorph of the compound.","In some of these methods, when OR 1 forms a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R 1 is —CH 2 CONR 4 R 5 , wherein R 4 and R 5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH 2 ) m CH 3 , —CH 2 OH, and —CH 2 (CH 2 ) n OH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In other methods R 1 is a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.","In the disclosed methods, R 1 can also be a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group.","In other methods, R 1 can be —CH 3 or —CH 2 C 6 H 5 .","In still other methods R 4 and R 5 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH 3 , and —CH 2 CH 2 OH.","In yet other methods, one or both of R 2 and R 3 are H. Alternatively, one or both of R 2 and R 3 are not H and R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.","In some methods, only one of R 2 or R 3 is a phosphate group.","In additional methods, R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.","In further methods one of R 1 and R 2 is H. In some methods, enantiomers of the compound where R 1 =R 2 =R 3 =H, or R 2 =R 3 =H and R 1 =valinyl amide are used.","In various methods the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.","The present methods can also comprise administering pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor, simultaneously, sequentially, or prior to administration of the compound of structure II.","In some embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered orally or intravenously.","The disclosed methods can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.","The present invention also provides a method of increasing the oral bioavailability of treprostinil or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor and orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of treprostinil to a subject.","In certain of these embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered prior to or simultaneously with the treprostinil.","The route of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor administration can vary, such as orally or intravenously.","The present invention also provides a composition comprising treprostinil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","The present compound can also be administered topically or transdermally.","Pharmaceutical formulations according to the present invention are provided which include any of the compounds described above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.","The compounds described above can also be used to treat cancer.","Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","15/239,014, filed Aug. 17, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/881,379, filed Oct. 13, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/710,694, filed May 13, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/490,014, filed Sep. 18, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","13/906,585, filed May 31, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.","No.","13/558,757, filed Jul.","26, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","12/078,955, filed Apr.","8, 2008, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.","No.","11/603,124, filed Nov. 22, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.","No.","10/851,481, filed May 24, 2004, which claims benefit of U.S.","Provisional Application Ser.","No.","60/472,407, filed on May 22, 2003, the entire contents of which applications are incorporated by reference herein.","FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin analogs and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vascular remodeling), providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis and inducing angiogenesis.","Through these prostacyclin-mimetic mechanisms, the compounds of the present invention may be used in the treatment of/for: pulmonary hypertension, ischemic diseases (e.g., peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, Scleroderma, myocardial ischemia, ischemic stroke, renal insufficiency), heart failure (including congestive heart failure), conditions requiring anticoagulation (e.g., post MI, post cardiac surgery), thrombotic microangiopathy, extracorporeal circulation, central retinal vein occlusion, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases (e.g., COPD, psoriasis), hypertension (e.g., preeclampsia), reproduction and parturition, cancer or other conditions of unregulated cell growth, cell/tissue preservation and other emerging therapeutic areas where prostacyclin treatment appears to have a beneficial role.","These compounds may also demonstrate additive or synergistic benefit in combination with other cardiovascular agents (e.g., calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelial antagonists, antiplatelet agents).","BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many valuable pharmacologically active compounds cannot be effectively administered orally for various reasons and are generally administered via intravenous or intramuscular routes.","These routes of administration generally require intervention by a physician or other health care professional, and can entail considerable discomfort as well as potential local trauma to the patient.","One example of such a compound is treprostinil, a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin.","Although treprostinil sodium (Remodulin®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for subcutaneous administration, treprostinil as the free acid has an absolute oral bioavailability of less than 10%.","Accordingly, there is clinical interest in providing treprostinil orally.","Thus, there is a need for a safe and effective method for increasing the systemic availability of treprostinil via administration of treprostinil or treprostinil analogs.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound having structure I: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups, and groups wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound and polymorphs.","In some of these embodiments, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, such as CH2C6H5.In other embodiments, OR1 is a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In certain of these embodiments one or both of R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —CH3, or —CH2CH2OH.","In any of the previously discussed embodiments, one or both of R2 and R3 can be H. In some enantiomers of the compound R1=R2=R3=H, or R2=R3=H and R1=valinyl amide.","In still further embodiments of the present compounds R2 and R3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.","In some compounds only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.","In other compounds R2 and R3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.","In any of the above embodiments, one of R2 and R3 are H. In certain of the present compounds, the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.","The above compounds can further comprise an inhibitor of p-glycoprotein transport.","Any of these compounds can also further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.","The present invention also provides a method of using the above compounds therapeutically of/for: pulmonary hypertension, ischemic diseases, heart failure, conditions requiring anticoagulation, thrombotic microangiopathy, extracorporeal circulation, central retinal vein occlusion, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, reproduction and parturition, cancer or other conditions of unregulated cell growth, cell/tissue preservation and other emerging therapeutic areas where prostacyclin treatment appears to have a beneficial role.","A preferred embodiment is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension and/or peripheral vascular disease in a subject comprising orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of structure II: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, arylalkyl groups and groups wherein OR1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or polymorph of the compound.","In some of these methods, when OR1 forms a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, wherein R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In other methods R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.","In the disclosed methods, R1 can also be a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group.","In other methods, R1 can be —CH3 or —CH2C6H5.In still other methods R4 and R5 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH3, and —CH2CH2OH.","In yet other methods, one or both of R2 and R3 are H. Alternatively, one or both of R2 and R3 are not H and R2 and R3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.","In some methods, only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.","In additional methods, R2 and R3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.","In further methods one of R1 and R2 is H. In some methods, enantiomers of the compound where R1=R2=R3=H, or R2=R3=H and R1=valinyl amide are used.","In various methods the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.","The present methods can also comprise administering pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor, simultaneously, sequentially, or prior to administration of the compound of structure II.","In some embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered orally or intravenously.","The disclosed methods can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.","The present invention also provides a method of increasing the oral bioavailability of treprostinil or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor and orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of treprostinil to a subject.","In certain of these embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered prior to or simultaneously with the treprostinil.","The route of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor administration can vary, such as orally or intravenously.","The present invention also provides a composition comprising treprostinil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","The present compound can also be administered topically or transdermally.","Pharmaceutical formulations according to the present invention are provided which include any of the compounds described above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.","The compounds described above can also be used to treat cancer.","Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.","1A and 1B respectively show plasma concentration versus time curves for intravenous and intraportal dosing of treprostinil diethanolamine salt in rats as described in Example 1; FIGS.","2A, 2B and 2C respectively show plasma concentration versus time curves for intraduodenal, intracolonic and oral dosing of treprostinil diethanol amine salt in rats as described in Example 1; FIG.","3 shows on a logarithmic scale the average plasma concentration versus time curves for the routes of administration described in Example 1; FIG.","4 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rats of treprostinil methyl ester as described in Example 2; FIG.","5 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rats of treprostinil benzyl ester as described in Example 2; FIG.","6 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rats of treprostinil diglycine as described in Example 2; FIG.","7 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rates of treprostinil benzyl ester (0.5 mg/kg) and treprostinil diglycine (0.5 mg/kg) as described in Example 2 compared to treprostinil (1 mg/per kg).","FIG.","8 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) as described in Example 3; FIG.","9 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monovaline (ring) as described in Example 3; FIG.","10 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) as described in Example 3; FIG.","11 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) as described in Example 3; and FIG.","12 is a graphical representation of the average plasma concentration versus time curve for each prodrug compared to treprostinil alone from Example 1, as described in Example 3.Treprostinil was dosed at 1 mg/kg whereas the prodrugs were dosed at 0.5 mg/kg.","FIGS.","13A-13D respectively show doses, administered every two hours for four doses, for either 0.05 mg per dose (total=0.2 mg), 0.125 mg per dose (total=0.5 mg), 0.25 mg per dose (total=1.0 mg), or 0.5 mg per dose (total=2.0 mg).","FIG.","14 shows pharmacokinetic profiles of UT-15C sustained release tablets and sustained release capsules, fasted and fed state.","FIG.","15 shows an X ray powder diffraction spectrum of the polymorph Form A.","FIG.","16 shows an IR spectrum of the polymorph Form A.","FIG.","17 shows a Raman spectrum of the polymorph Form A.","FIG.","18 shows thermal data of the polymorph Form A.","FIG.","19 shows moisture sorption data of the polymorph Form A.","FIG.","20 shows an X ray powder diffraction spectrum of the polymorph Form B.","FIG.","21 shows thermal data of the polymorph Form B.","FIG.","22 shows moisture sorption data of the polymorph Form B.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “one or more”.","The present invention provides compounds and methods for inducing prostacyclin-like effects in a subject or patient.","The compounds provided herein can be formulated into pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments that are useful in the methods of the invention.","The invention also provides for the use of the compounds in preparing medicaments and pharmaceutical formulations and for use of the compounds in treating biological conditions related to insufficient prostacyclin activity as outlined in the Field of Invention.","The present invention also provides compounds and methods for the treatment of cancer and cancer related disorders.","In some embodiments, the present compounds are chemical derivatives of (+)-treprostinil, which has the following structure: Treprostinil is a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin, and as such is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation.","The sodium salt of treprostinil, (1R,2R,3aS,9aS)-[[2,3,3a,4,9,9a-Hexahydro-2-hydroxy-1-[(3S)-3-hydroxyoctyl]-1H-benz[f]inden-5-yl] oxy]acetic acid monosodium salt, is sold as a solution for injection as Remodulin® which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.","In some embodiments, the present compounds are derivatives of (−)-treprostinil, the enantiomer of (+)-treprostinil.","A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the diethanolamine salt of treprostinil.","The present invention further includes polymorphs of the above compounds, with two forms, A and B, being described in the examples below.","Of the two forms, B is preferred.","A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is form B of treprostinil diethanolamine.","In some embodiments, the present compounds are generally classified as prodrugs of treprostinil that convert to treprostinil after administration to a patient, such as through ingestion.","In some embodiments, the prodrugs have little or no activity themselves and only show activity after being converted to treprostinil.","In some embodiments, the present compounds were produced by chemically derivatizing treprostinil to make stable esters, and in some instances, the compounds were derivatized from the hydroxyl groups.","Compounds of the present invention can also be provided by modifying the compounds found in U.S. Pat.","Nos.","4,306,075 and 5,153,222 in like manner.","In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of structure I: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups and groups wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; enantiomers of the compound; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound.","In some embodiments wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters, R1 is —CH2CONR4R5 and R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group or the groups described in the R of structures I and II above and below, the present invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group.","Accordingly, for all purposes, the present invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members.","The present invention also envisages the explicit exclusion of one or more of any of the group members in the claimed invention.","For example, R1 can specifically exclude H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups, or groups wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters.","In some embodiments, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl groups, such as —CH2C6H5, —CH2C6H4NO2, —CH2C6H4OCH3, —CH2C6H4Cl, —CH2C6H4(NO2)2, or —CH2C6H4F.","The benzyl group can be ortho, meta, para, ortho/para substituted and combinations thereof.","Suitable substituents on the aromatic ring include halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine), —NO2 groups, —OR16 groups wherein R16 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl group, and combinations thereof.","Alternatively, when R1 is —CH2CONR4R5 then R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH3, and —CH2CH2OH.","In these compounds where R1 is not H, generally one or both of R2 and R3 are H. In some embodiment one or both of R2 and R3 are H and R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, and one or both of R4 and R5 are H, —OH, —CH3, —CH2CH2OH.","In compounds where one or both of R2 and R3 are not H, R2 and R3 can be independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.","In some embodiments, only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.","In compounds where at least one of R2 and R3 is not H, generally R1 is H. In additional embodiments, one of R2 and R3 are H and thus the compound of structure I is derivatized at only one of R2 and R3.In particular compounds, R2 is H and R3 is defined as above.","In additional embodiments, R1 and R3 are H and R2 is a group wherein OR2 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.","In further embodiments, R1 and R2 are H and R3 is a group wherein OR3 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.","When one or both of the OR2 and OR3 groups form esters of amino acids or peptides, i.e., dipeptides, tripeptides or tetrapeptides, these can be depicted generically as —COCHR6NR7R8 wherein R6 is selected from the group consisting of amino acid side chains, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11.Generally, reference to amino acids or peptides refers to the naturally occurring, or L-isomer, of the amino acids or peptides.","However, the present compounds and methods are not limited thereto and D-isomer amino acid residues can take the place of some or all of L-amino acids.","In like manner, mixtures of D- and L-isomers can also be used.","In the embodiments wherein the amino acid is proline, R7 together with R6 forms a pyrrolidine ring structure.","R6 can be any of the naturally occurring amino acid side chains, for example —CH3 (alanine), —(CH2)3NHCNH2NH (arginine), —CH2CONH2 (asparagine), —CH2COOH (aspartic acid), —CH2SH (cysteine), —(CH2)2CONH2 (glutamine), —(CH2)2COOH (glutamic acid), —H (glycine), —CHCH3CH2CH3 (isoleucine), —CH2CH(CH3)2 (leucine), —(CH2)4NH2 (lysine), —(CH2)2SCH3 (methionine), —CH2Ph (phenylalanine), —CH2OH (serine), —CHOHCH3 (threonine), —CH(CH3)2 (valine), —(CH2)3NHCONH2 (citrulline) or —(CH2)3NH2 (ornithine).","Ph designates a phenyl group.","In the above compounds, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11, wherein R9 is a side chain of amino acid, R10 and R11 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR12NR13R14, wherein R12 is an amino acid side chain, R13 and R14 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR15NH2.One skilled in the art will realize that the peptide chains can be extended on the following scheme to the desired length and include the desired amino acid residues.","In the embodiments where either or both of OR2 and OR3 groups form an ester of a peptide, such as dipeptide, tripeptide, tetrapeptide, etc.","the peptides can be either homopeptides, i.e., repeats of the same amino acid, such as arginyl-arginine, or heteropeptides, i.e., made up of different combinations of amino acids.","Examples of heterodipeptides include alanyl-glutamine, glycyl-glutamine, lysyl-arginine, etc.","As will be understood by the skilled artisan when only one R7 and R8 includes a peptide bond to further amino acid, such as in the di, tri and tetrapeptides, the resulting peptide chain will be linear.","When both R7 and R8 include a peptide bond, then the peptide can be branched.","In still other embodiments of the present compounds R1 is H and one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group or H while the other R2 or R3 is a group such the OR2 or OR3 is an ester of an amino acid, such as an ester of glycine or alanine.","Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds as well as pharmaceutical formulation of these compounds are also provided.","Generally, the compounds described herein have enhanced oral bioavailability compared to the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, either in free acid or salt form.","The described compounds can have oral bioavailability that is at least 25%, 50% 100%, 200%, 400% or more compared to the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.","The absolute oral bioavailability of these compounds can range between 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or more when administered orally.","For comparison, the absolute oral bioavailability of treprostinil is on the order of 10%, although treprostinil sodium has an absolute bioavailability approximating 100% when administered by subcutaneous infusion.","As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein, and in particular the bioavailability ranges described herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof.","As only one example, a range of 20% to 40%, can be broken down into ranges of 20% to 32.5% and 32.5% to 40%, 20% to 27.5% and 27.5% to 40%, etc.","Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc.","As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.","As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above.","In the same manner, all ratios disclosed herein also include all subratios falling within the broader ratio.","Administration of these compounds can be by any route by which the compound will be bioavailable in effective amounts including oral and parenteral routes.","The compounds can be administered intravenously, topically, subcutaneously, intranasally, rectally, intramuscularly, transdermally or by other parenteral routes.","When administered orally, the compounds can be administered in any convenient dosage form including, for example, capsule, tablet, liquid, suspension, and the like.","Testing has shown that that treprostinil can be irritating upon skin contact.","In contrast, some of the compounds disclosed herein, generally as prodrugs of treprostinil, are not irritating to the skin.","Accordingly, the present compounds are well suited for topical or transdermal administration.","When administered to a subject, the above compounds, and in particular the compounds of structure I, are prostacyclin-mimetic and are useful in treating conditions or disorders where vasodilation and/or inhibition of platelet aggregation or other disorders where prostacyclin has shown benefit, such as in treating pulmonary hypertension.","Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for inducing prostacyclin-like effects in a subject comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more of the compounds described herein, such as those of structure I above, preferably orally, to a patient in need of such treatment.","As an example, the vasodilating effects of the present compounds can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension, which result from various forms of connective tissue disease, such as lupus, scleroderma or mixed connective tissue disease.","These compounds are thus useful for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.","In another embodiment, the present invention also provides methods of promoting prostacyclin-like effect in a subject by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of structure II: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, arylalkyl groups and groups wherein OR1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound.","In groups wherein OR1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R1 can be —CH2CONR4R5, wherein R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In other methods of inducing vasodilation or treating hypertension, R1 can be a C1-C4 alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.","In other methods R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl groups, such as —CH2C6H5, —CH2C6H4NO2, —CH2C6H4OCH3, —CH2C6H4Cl, —CH2C6H4(NO2)2, or —CH2C6H4F.","The benzyl group can be ortho, meta, para, ortho/para substituted and combinations thereof.","Suitable substituents on the aromatic ring include halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine), —NO2 groups, —OR16 groups wherein R16 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl group, and combinations thereof.","Alternatively, when R1 is —CH2CONR4R5 then R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH3, and —CH2CH2OH.","In these methods, where R1 is not H, generally one or both of R2 and R3 are H. In some methods, one or both of R2 and R3 are H and R1 is —CH3, —CH2C6H5.In other methods where one or both of R2 and R3 are H, then R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, and one or both of R4 and R5 are H, —OH, —CH3, —CH2CH2OH.","In methods where one or both of R2 and R3 are not H, R2 and R3 can be independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.","In some embodiments, only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.","In methods where at least one of R2 and R3 is not H, generally R1 is H. In other methods, one of R2 or R3 is H and the other R2 or R3 is as defined elsewhere herein.","In some methods, R2 is H and R3 is not H. In additional embodiments, R1 and R3 are H and R2 is a group wherein OR2 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.","In further embodiments, R1 and R2 are H and R3 is a group wherein OR3 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.","In the methods, where one or both of the OR2 and OR3 groups form esters of amino acids or peptides, i.e., dipeptides, tripeptides or tetrapeptides, these can be depicted generically as —COCHR6NR7R8 wherein R6 is selected from the group consisting of amino acid side chains, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11.In the embodiments wherein the amino acid is proline, R7 together with R6 forms a pyrrolidine ring structure.","R6 can be any of the naturally occurring amino acid side chains, for example —CH3 (alanine), —(CH2)3NHCNH2NH (arginine), —CH2CONH2 (asparagine), —CH2COOH (aspartic acid), —CH2SH (cysteine), —(CH2)2CONH2 (glutamine), —(CH2)2COOH (glutamic acid), —H (glycine), —CHCH3CH2CH3 (isoleucine), —CH2CH(CH3)2 (leucine), —(CH2)4NH2 (lysine), —(CH2)2SCH3 (methionine), —CH2Ph (phenylalanine), —CH2OH (serine), —CHOHCH3 (threonine), —CH(CH3)2 (valine), —(CH2)3NHCONH2 (citrulline) or —(CH2)3NH2 (ornithine).","Ph designates a phenyl group.","In the above methods, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11, wherein R9 is a side chain of amino acid, R10 and R11 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR12NR13R14, wherein R12 is an amino acid side chain, R13 and R14 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR15NH2.One skilled in the art will realize that the peptide chains can be extended on the following scheme to the desired length and include the desired amino acid residues.","In the embodiments where either or both of OR2 and OR3 groups form an ester of a peptide, such as dipeptide, tripeptide, tetrapeptide, etc.","the peptides can be either homopeptides, i.e., repeats of the same amino residue, or heteropeptides, i.e., made up of different combinations of amino acids.","As will be understood by the skilled artisan when only one of R7 and R8 includes a peptide bond to further amino acid, such as in the di, tri and tetrapeptides, the resulting peptide chain will be linear.","When both R7 and R8 include a peptide bond, then the peptide can be branched.","In still other methods R1 is H and one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group or H while the other R2 or R3 is a group such the OR2 or OR3 is an ester of an amino acid, such as an ester of glycine or alanine.","In some methods, the administered compound can have an oral bioavailability that is at least 25%, 50% 100%, 200%, 400% of the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.","It is generally preferred to administer compounds that have higher absolute oral bioavailabilities, such as 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or more when administered orally.","Treprostinil has also been discovered to inhibit metastasis of cancer cells as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","10/006,197 filed Dec. 10, 2001 and Ser.","No.","10/047,802 filed Jan. 16, 2002, both of which are hereby incorporated into this application.","Accordingly, the compounds described above, and in particular those of structure I and II, can also be used in the treatment of cancer and cancer related disorders, and as such the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating cancer.","Suitable formulations and methods of using the present compounds can be achieved by substituting the compounds of the present invention, such as those of structure I and II and in particular prodrugs of treprostinil, for the active compounds disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.","Nos.","10/006,197 and 10/047,802 filed Jan. 16, 2002.Synthesis of the following compounds of structure I and structure II can be achieved as follows: Synthesis of Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (2) and Biphosphate Ester of Treprostinil Synthesis of Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (2) Methyl ester of treprostinil (2) was prepared by treating 1.087 g (2.8 mmoles) of treprostinil (1) with 50 ml of a saturated solution of dry hydrochloric acid in methanol.","After 24 hours at room temperature, the methanol was evaporated to dryness and the residue was taken in 200 ml dichloromethane.","The dichloromethane solution was washed with a 10% aqueous potassium carbonate solution, and then with water to a neutral pH, it was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo affording treprostinil methyl ester (2) in 98% yield as a yellow oil.","The crude methyl ester was used as such in subsequent reactions.","Synthesis of Biphosphate Ester of Treprostinil (4) The procedure was adapted after Steroids, 2(6), 567-603(1963).","The methyl ester of treprostinil (2) (60 mg, 0.15 mmoles) was dissolved in 2 ml dry pyridine and a pyridinium solution of the previously prepared pyridinium solution of 2-cyanoethylphosphate 1M (0.3 ml, 0.3 mmoles) (cf.","Methods in Enzymology, 1971, 18(c), 54-57) were concentrated to dryness in vacuo at 40° C. Anhydrous pyridine was added and the reaction mixture was again concentrated; the operation was repeated twice in order to remove water completely.","Finally the residue was dissolved in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine and 190 mg (0.9 mmoles) dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were added as a solution in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine.","The reaction mixture in a closed flask was stirred magnetically for 48 hours at room temperature.","1 ml water was added and after one hour, the mixture was concentrated to a thick paste in vacuo.","The reaction mixture was treated overnight at room temperature with 3 ml of a 1/9 water/methanol solution containing 35 mg sodium hydroxide.","The white solid (dicyclohexylurea) formed was removed by filtration and it was washed well with water.","The aqueous-methanolic solution was concentrated almost to dryness in vacuo, water was added and the solution was extracted with n-butanol (3×2 ml), then with methylene chloride (1×2 ml).","The pH of the solution was adjusted to 9.0 by treatment with a sulfonic acid ion exchange resin (H+ cycle-Dowex), treatment with Dowex resin for a longer time (˜12 hours) lead to both the cleavage of the TBDMS group and the recovery of the free carboxyl group.","The resin was filtered and the solution was concentrated to dryness affording the corresponding bisphosphate 4 (43 mg, yield 52%).","Synthesis of 3′-Monophosphate Ester of Treprostinil (8) and 2-Monophosphate Ester of Treprostinil (10) Synthesis of Monoprotected TBDMS Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (5 and 6) The procedure was adapted from Org.","Synth., 1998, 75, 139-145.The treprostinil methyl ester (2) (305.8 mg, 0.75 mmoles) was dissolved in 15 ml anhydrous dichloromethane and the solution was cooled on an ice bath to 0° C. Imidazole (102 mg, 1.5 mmoles) and tert-butyldimethyl silyl chloride (226.2 mg, 1.5 mmoles) were added and the mixture was maintained under stirring at 0° C. for 30 minutes, then stirred overnight at room temperature.","Water (25 ml) was added and the organic layer was separated.","The aqueous layer was then extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml).","The organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, the solution was filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo affording 447 mg crude reaction product.","The crude reaction product was separated by column chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexanes) affording 140 mg bis-TBDMS protected Treprostinil methyl ester, 160 mg 2-TBDMS protected treprostinil methyl ester (6) and 60 mg 3′-TBDMS protected Treprostinil methyl ester (5).","Synthesis of Monophosphate Ester of Treprostinil 8/10 The procedure was adapted after Steroids, 1963, 2(6), 567-603 and is the same for (8) and (10) starting from (6) and (5), respectively.","The TBDMS protected methyl ester of treprostinil (6) (46 mg, 0.09 mmoles) was dissolved in 2 ml dry pyridine and a pyridinium solution of the previously prepared pyridinium solution of 2-cyanoethyiphosphate 1M (0.2 ml, 0.2 mmoles) (cf.","Methods in Enzymology, 1971, 18(c), 54-57) were concentrated to dryness in vacuo at 40° C. Anhydrous pyridine was added and the reaction mixture was again concentrated; the operation was repeated twice in order to remove water completely.","Finally the residue was dissolved in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine and 116 mg (0.56 mmoles) dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were added as a solution in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine.","The reaction mixture in a closed flask was stirred magnetically for 48 hours at room temperature in the dark.","5 ml water were added and after one hour, the mixture was concentrated to a thick paste in vacuo.","The reaction mixture was treated overnight at room temperature with 10 ml of a 1/9 water/methanol solution containing 100 mg sodium hydroxide.","The white solid (dicyclohexylurea) formed was removed by filtration and it was washed well with water.","The aqueous-methanolic solution was concentrated almost to dryness in vacuo, water was added and the solution was extracted with n-butanol (3×10 ml), then with methylene chloride (1×10 ml).","The pH of the solution was adjusted to 9.0 by treatment with a sulfonic acid ion exchange resin (H+ cycle-Dowex); treatment with Dowex resin for a longer time (−˜12 hours) lead to both the cleavage of the TBDMS group and the recovery of the free carboxyl group.","The resin was filtered and the solution was concentrated to dryness affording the corresponding monophosphate 8 (33 mg, yield 68%).","Synthesis of Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (2) (2) (1 g; 2.56 mmol) was added to methanol (50 ml) prior saturated with gaseous hydrochloric acid and the mixture swirled to give a clear solution that was left to stand overnight at room temperature.","Solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was neutralized with a 20% potassium carbonate solution and extracted in dichloromethane.","The organic layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated to yield the crude product (0.96 g).","Purification by preparative tlc (silica gel plate; eluent: 7:3 (v/v) hexane-ethyl acetate) afforded 2 (0.803; 77.5%), colorless oil.","Synthesis of Treprostinil Diethanolamine (UT-15C) Treprostinil acid is dissolved in a 1:1 molar ratio mixture of ethanol:water and diethanolamine is added and dissolved.","The solution is heated and acetone is added as an antisolvent during cooling.","Synthesis of Diglycil Ester of Treprostinil Methyl Ester (12) To a magnetically stirred solution of (2) methyl ester 2 (0.268 g; 0.66 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 ml) N-carbobenzyloxyglycine p-nitrophenyl ester (0.766 g; 2.32 mmol) and 4-(dimethyamino)pyridine (250 mg; 2.05 mmol) were successively added.","The resulted yellow solution was stirred at 20° C. for 24 hrs., then treated with 5% sodium hydroxide solution (20 ml) and stirring continued for 15 mm.","Dichloromethane (50 ml) was added, layers separated and the organic phase washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (6×20 ml), water (30 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (2×40 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (40 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate.","Removal of the solvent afforded crude (11) (0.61 g), pale-yellow viscous oil.","Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with gradient 9/1 to 1/2 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether afforded 0.445 g (85.3%) of 11, white crystals, m.p.","70-72° C. ′F1-NMR [CDCl3; δ(ppm)]: 3.786 (s)(3H, COOCH3), 3.875 (d)(2H) and 3.940 (d)(2H)(NH—CH2—COO), 4.631 (s) (2H, OCH2COOCH3), 4.789 (m)(1H, adjacent to OOC—CH2NHcbz) and 4.903 (m) (1H, adjacent to OOCCH2NHcbz), 5.09 (s)(4H, C6H5CH2O), 5.378 (m)(1H) and 5.392 (m)(1H)(NH), 7.295-7.329 (m)(10H, C6H5).","LR ESI-MS (m/z): 787.1 [M+H]+, 804.1 [M+NH4]+, 809.3 [M+Na]+, 825.2 [M+K]+, 1590.5 [2M+NH4]+, 1595.6 [2M+Na]+.","Methyl Ester, Diglycyl Ester (12) A solution of ester (11) (0.4 g; 0.51 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was introduced in the pressure bottle of a Parr hydrogenation apparatus, 10% palladium on charcoal (0.2 g; 0.197 mmol Pd) was added, apparatus closed, purged thrice with hydrogen and loaded with hydrogen at 50 p.s.i.","Stirring was started and hydrogenation carried out for 5 hrs.","at room temperature.","Hydrogen was removed from the installation by vacuum suction and replaced with argon.","The catalyst was filtered off through celite deposited on a fit and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give 0.240 g (91%) of 4, white solid m.p.","98-100° C. Synthesis of Benzyl Ester of Treprostinil (13) To a stirred solution of (2) (2 g; 5.12 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) benzyl bromide (0.95 ml; 7.98 mmol) and freshly distilled triethylamine (1.6 ml; 11.48 mmol) were consecutively added at room temperature and the obtained solution was refluxed with stirring for 12 hrs.","A white precipitate was gradually formed.","Solvent was distilled off in vacuo and the residue treated with water (30 ml).","Upon extraction with methylene chloride emulsion formation occurs.","The organic and aqueous layers could be separated only after treatment with 5% hydrochloric acid solution (20 ml).","The organic layer was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate, and evaporated, the residue was further dried under reduced pressure over phosphorus pentoxide to give a yellow viscous oil (2.32 g) that was purified by preparative thin layer chromatography (silica gel plate; eluent: 1:2, v/v, hexane/ethyl ether).","Yield: 81.2%.","Synthesis of Bis-Glycyl Ester of Treprostinil (15) Benzy Ester, Di-cbzGly Ester (14) To a magnetically stirred solution of benzyl ester 13 (1 g; 2.08 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 ml) N-carbobenzyloxyglycine p-nitrophenyl ester (2.41 g; 7.28 mmol) and 4-(dimethyamino) pyridine (788 mg; 6.45 mmol) were added.","The resulted yellow solution was stirred at 20° C. for 21 hrs., then successively washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (6×45 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (2×40 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (40 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate.","Removal of the solvent, followed by drying over phosphorus pentoxide under reduced pressure, afforded crude 14 (2.61 g), pale-yellow oil.","Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with gradient 9:1 to 1:2 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether gave (14_(1.51 g; 84.1%) as a colorless, very viscous oil.","Diglycyl Ester (15) A solution of ester (14) (0.4 g; 0.46 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd/C as described for ester (12).","Work-up and drying over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo yielded 0.170 g (72.7%) of ester 15, white solid m.p.","155-158° C. Synthesis of 3′-Glycyl Ester of Treprostinil 19 Benzyl Ester, t-Butyldimethysilyl Monoester (16) A solution of tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (0.45 g; 2.98 mmol) in dichloromethane (8 ml) was added dropwise over 10 min., at room temperature, into a stirred solution of benzyl ester 13 (0.83 g; 1.73 mmol) and imidazole (0.33 g; 4.85 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml).","Stirring was continued overnight then water (20 ml) was added, the mixture stirred for one hour, layers separated, organic layer dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give a slightly yellow oil (1.15 g).","The crude product is a mixture of the mono-TBDMS (16) and di-TBDMS esters (1H-NMR).","Column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with a 9:1 (v/v) hexane-ethyl acetate mixture, readily afforded the di-ester (0.618 g) in a first fraction, and ester 16 (0.353 g; yield relative to 13:34.4%) in subsequent fractions.","Analytical tlc on silica gel of the ester 16 showed only one spot (eluent: 3:2 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether).","Consequently, under the above reaction conditions, the other possible isomer (mono-TBDMS ester at the side-chain hydroxyl) was not observed.","Another experiment in which the molar ratio tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride:ester 13 was lowered to 1.49 (followed by flash column chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with gradient 9.5/0.5 to 3/1 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether) lead to a decreased content (36.5%, as pure isolated material) of the undesired di-OTBDMS by-product.","The mono-OTBDMS ester fractions (45.1%; isolated material) consisted of ester 16 (98%) and its side-chain isomer (2%) that could be distinctly separated; the latter was evidenced (tlc, NMR) only in the last of the monoester fractions.","Benzyl Ester, Cbz-Glycyl Monoester (18) To a magnetically stirred solution of ester 16 (0.340 g; 0.57 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 ml) N-carbobenzyloxyglycine p-nitrophenyl ester (0.445 g; 1.35 mmol) and 4-(dimethyamino) pyridine (150 mg; 1.23 mmol) were successively added.","The solution was stirred at 20° C. for 40 hrs.","Work-up as described for esters 11 and 14 yielded a crude product (0.63 g) containing 90% 17 and 10% 18 (1H-NMR).","To completely remove the protective TBDMS group, this mixture was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml) and subjected to acid hydrolysis (5% HCl, 7 ml) by stirring overnight at room temperature.","Solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the residue extracted in dichloromethane (3×50 ml); the organic layer was separated, washed once with water (50 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give crude ester 18 (0.51 g).","Purification by flash column chromatography as for esters 11 and 14 afforded ester 18 (0.150 g; overall yield: 39.1%) as a colorless, viscous oil.","Glycyl Monoester (19) A solution of ester 18 (0.15 g; 0.22 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd/C as described for ester 12 and 15.Work-up and drying over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo yielded ester 10 (0.98 g; 98.0%), white, shiny crystals m.p.","74-76° C. LR ESI-MS (m/z): 448.2 [M+H]+, 446.4 [M−H]−.","Synthesis of 3′-L-Leucyl Ester of Treprostinil 22 Benzyl Ester, t-Butyldimethysilyl Monoester, Cbz-L-Leucyl Monoester (20) To a stirred solution of ester 16 (0.38 g: 0.64 mmol) and N-carbobenzyloxy-L-leucine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (0.37 g; 1.02 mmol) in 10 ml dichloromethane 4-(dimethyamino)pyridine (0.17 g; 1.39 mmol) was added, then stirring continued at room temperature for 2 days.","The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude product (0.9 g) subjected to flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 9:1 hexane-ethyl acetate; the firstly collected fraction yielded an oil (0.51 g) which, based on the its NMR spectrum and tlc, was proved to be a 2:1 mixture of ester 20 and the starting ester 16.Preparative tlc on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate-hexane 1:4) gave pure 20, colorless oil (overall yield based on 7:62.6%).","Benzyl Ester, Cbz-L-Leucyl Monoester (21) De-protection of the cyclopentenyl hydroxyl in the t-butyldimethysilyl monoester 20 succeeded by treatment with diluted hydrochloric acid solution as described for 18, with the exception that a 1:5 (v/v) chloroform-ethanol mixture, instead of ethanol alone, was used to ensure homogeneity.","Work-up afforded 20, colorless oil, in 87.6% yield.","L-Leucyl Monoester (22) Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl and N-carbobenzyloxy groups in 21 was carried out as for 18.Work-up afforded 22 (95.3%), white solid, m.p.","118-120° C. Synthesis of 2-L-Leucyl Ester of Treprostinil 25 Benzyl Ester, Cbz-L-Ieucyl Monoesters (21, 23) and -Diester (24) To a stirred solution of ester 13 (0.53 g: 1.10 mmol) and N-carbobenzyloxy-L-leucine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (0.76 g; 2.05 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 ml) 4-(dimethyamino) pyridine (0.29 g; 2.37 mmol) was added, then stirring continued at room temperature for 1 day.","The solution was diluted with dichioromethane (40 mnl), successively washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (4×25 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (2×30 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude product (0.85 g), as a viscous, yellow oil.","Thin layer chromatography revealed a complex mixture in which esters 13 and 21 as well as cbz-L-leucine could be identified through the corresponding rF values, only as minor products.","The crude product was flash-chromatographed through a silica gel column eluting with gradient hexane-ethyl ether.","At 7:3 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether, the first fraction gave the cbz-L-leucyl diester 24 (6% of the product subjected to chromatography) while the two subsequent fractions afforded the cbz-L-leucyl monoester 23 (54% of the crude product, as pure isolated 23; 57.6% yield, relative to 2).","Purity of both compounds was verified by analytical tlc and NMR.","The other isomer, cbz-L-leucyl monoester 21 constituted only about 5% of the crude product and was isolated by preparative tlc of the latter only a 3.1 23/21 mixture L-Leucyl Monoester (25) Hydrogenolysis of 23 to the ester 25 was performed as described for compound 12 but reaction was carried out at 35 p.s.i., overnight.","Work-up and drying over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo afforded 25, white solid m. p. 153-155° C., in quantitative yield.","Synthesis of 3′-L-Alanyl Ester of Treprostinil 30 N-Cbz-L-Alanyl p-Nitro Phenyl Ester (27) To a stirred solution containing N-carbobenzyloxy-L-alanine (1 g; 4.48 mmol) and p-nitrophenol (1 g; 7.19 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (7 ml) a fine suspension of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (1.11 g; 5.38 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added over 30 min.","Stirring was continued at room temperature for 18 hrs., glacial acetic acid (0.3 ml) added, 1,3-dicyclohexylurea filtered off and solvent removed in vacuo, at 40° C., to give a viscous, yellow-reddish oil (2.5 g).","The 1H-NMR spectrum showed a mixture consisting of N-carbobenzyloxy-Lalanine p-nitrophenyl ester (27), unreacted p-nitrophenol and a small amount of DCU, which was used as such in the next reaction step.","Benzyl Ester, Cbz-L-Alanyl Monoester (29) A solution of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (0.30 g; 2.49 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 ml) was quickly dropped (over 5 min.)","into a magnetically stirred solution of ester 16 (0.37 g; 0.62 mmol) and crude N-carbobenzyloxy-L-alanine p-nitrophenyl ester (0.98 g) in dichloromethane (12 ml).","The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, then diluted with dichloromethanc (50 ml), and thoroughly washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (7×35 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (3×35 ml), 5°/a sodium bicarbonate solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude ester 28 (1.1 g).","The latter was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml), 5% hydrochloric acid (8 ml) and chloroform (5 ml) were added and the solution stirred overnight.","Solvents were removed in vacuo, the residue taken-up in dichloromethane, washed to pH 7 with a 5% sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated affording crude 29 (1.04 g).","Purification by column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with gradient hexane-ethyl ether, enabled separation of a fraction (at hexane:ethyl ether=1:1 v/v) of pure 29 as a colorless very viscous oil (0.11 g; 25.8% overall yield, based on 16).","L-Alanyl Monoester (30) Removal of the benzyl and N-carbobenzyloxy groups in 29 was achieved through catalytic hydrogenation as described for 12.Ester 30 was obtained (yield: 97.2%) as a pale-yellow, partially crystallized, oil.","Synthesis of the 3′-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 33 Synthesis of the Benzyl Ester of Treprostinil 13 The benzyl ester 11 was synthesized by adapting the method described by J. C. Lee et al.","in Organic Prep.","and Proc.","Intl., 1996, 28(4), 480-483.To a solution of 1 (620 mg, 1.6 mmoles) and cesium carbonate (782.4 mg, 2.4 mmoles) in acetonitrile (30 ml) was added benzyl bromide (0.48 ml, 4 mmoles) and the mixture was stirred at reflux for 1 hour.","After cooling at room temperature, the precipitate was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo.","The residue was dissolved in chloroform (150 ml) and washed with a 2% aqueous solution of NaHCO3 (3×30 ml).","The organic layer was washed with brine, dried on Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 750 mg of the crude benzyl ester 13 (yield 98%) as a yellow viscous oil.","The crude benzyl ester 13 can be purified by column chromatography (100-0% dichioromethane(methanol) but it can also be used crude in subsequent reactions.","Synthesis of the TBDMS Protected Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 16 The procedure for the synthesis of the TBDMS protected benzyl ester was adapted from Organic Synth., 1998, 75, 139-145.The benzyl ester 13 (679 mg, 1.4 mmoles) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethanc (20 ml) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. on an ice bath.","Imidazole (192 mg, 2.8 mmoles) and t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (TBDMSCl) (420 mg, 2.8 mmoles) were added and the mixture was maintained under stirring for another half hour on the ice bath and then it was left overnight at room temperature.","40 ml water was added to the reaction mixture and the organic layer was separated.","The aqueous layer was extracted with 3×50 ml dichloromethane.","The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo.","This afforded 795 mg of material which proved to be a mixture of the desired mono TBDMS protected 5 benzyl ester with the bis-TBDMS protected benzyl ester.","Pure 16 (249 mg) was obtained by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent 35% ethyl acetate/hexane).","Synthesis of N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of the TBDMS Protected Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 31 The procedure used was adapted from Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 46, 4475-4478.A solution of NCbz-L-valine (127 mg, 0.5 mmoles), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (111 mg, 0.5 mmoles), compound 16 (249 mg, 0.4 mmoles) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) (6 mg, 0.05 mmoles) in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature until esterification was complete.","The solution was filtered and the formed N,N-dicyclohexylurea was filtered.","The filtrate was diluted with dichloromethane (80 ml) and washed with water (3×30 ml), a 5% aqueous acetic acid solution (2×30 ml) and then again with water (3×30 ml).","The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo affording 369 mg crude 31.Pure 31 was obtained by chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexane).","Synthesis of the 3′-N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 32 Cleavage of the TBDMS group in compound 31 was achieved using an adaptation of the procedure described in Org.","Letters, 2000, 2(26), 4177-4180.The N-Cbz-L-valine ester of the TBDMS protected benzyl ester 31 (33 mg, 0.04 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (5 ml) and tetrabutylammonium tribromide (TBATB) (2 mg, 0.004 mmoles) was added.","The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hrs until the TBDMS deprotection was complete.","The methanol was evaporated and the residue was taken in dichloromethane.","The dichloromethane solution was washed with brine and then dried over Na2SO4.After filtering the drying agent the solvent was evaporated to dryness affording 30.2 mg of crude compound 32.Synthesis of the 3′-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 33 The benzyl and benzyl carboxy groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure in the presence of palladium 10% wt on activated carbon.","The 3′-N-Cbz-L-valine ester of benzyl ester 32 (30.2 mg, 0.04 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and a catalytic amount of Pd/C was added.","Under magnetic stirring the air was removed from the flask and then hydrogen was admitted.","The reaction mixture was maintained under hydrogen and stirring at room temperature for 24 hrs, then the hydrogen was removed with vacuum.","The reaction mixture was then filtered through a layer of celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the pure 3′-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 33 (15 mg, 0.03 mmoles).","Synthesis of 2-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 36/Bis-L-Valine Ester of Trenrostinil 37 Synthesis of 2-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 36′/Bis-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 37′ Synthesis of 2-N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 34 and Bis-N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 35 The procedure used was adapted from Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 46, 4475-4478.A solution of NCbz-L-valine (186 mg, 0.7 mmoles), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (167 mg, 0.8 mmoles), compound 13 (367 mg, 0.8 mmoles) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) (12 mg, 0.09 mmoles) in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature until esterification was complete.","The solution was filtered and the formed N,N-dicyclohexylurea was filtered.","The filtrate was diluted with dichloromethane (100 ml) and washed with water (3×50 ml), a 5% aqueous acetic acid solution (2×50 ml) and then again with water (3×50 ml).","The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo affording 556 mg crude product.","The product was separated by chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexane) yielding 369.4 mg 2-valine ester 34 and 98 mg bis-valine ester 35.Synthesis of 2 N-Cbz-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 34′ and Bis-N-Cbz-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 35′ The procedure used was adapted from Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 46, 4475-4478.A solution of NCbz-L-alanine (187 mg, 0.84 mmoles), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (175 mg, 0.85 mmoles), compound 13 (401 mg, 0.84 mmoles) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (UMAP) (11.8 mg, 0.1 mmoles) in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature until esterification was complete.","The solution was filtered and the formed N,N-dicyclohexylurea was filtered.","The filtrate was diluted with dichloromethane (100 ml) and washed with water (3×50 ml), a 5% aqueous acetic acid solution (2×50 ml) and then again with water (3×50 ml).","The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo affording 516 mg crude product.","The product was separated by chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexane) yielding 93.4 mg 2-alanine ester 34′ and 227 mg bis-alanine ester 35′.","Synthesis of 2-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 36/Bis-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 37 The benzyl and benzyl carboxy groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure in the presence of palladium 10% wt on activated carbon.","The 2-N-Cbz-L-valine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 34 (58.2 mg, 0.08 mmoles)/bis-N-Cbz-L-valine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 35 (55.1 mg, 0.06 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and a catalytic amount of Pd/C was added.","Under magnetic stirring the air was removed from the flask and hydrogen was admitted.","The reaction mixture was maintained under hydrogen and stirring at room temperature for 20 hrs, then hydrogen was removed with vacuum.","The reaction mixture was then filtered through a layer of celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the pure 2-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 36 (40 mg, 0.078 mmoles)/bis-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 37 (23 mg, 0.04 mmoles).","Synthesis of 2-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 36′/Bis-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 37′ The benzyl and benzyl carboxy groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure in the presence of palladium 10% wt on activated carbon.","The 2-N-Cbz-L-alanine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 34′ (87.4 mg, 0.13 mmoles)/bis-N-Cbz-L-alanine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 35′ (135 mg, 0.15 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (15 ml) and a catalytic amount of Pd/C was added.","Under magnetic stirring the air was removed from the flask and hydrogen was admitted.","The reaction mixture was maintained under hydrogen and stirring at room temperature for 20 hrs, then hydrogen was removed with vacuum.","The reaction mixture was then filtered through a layer of celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the pure 2-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 36′ (57 mg, 0.12 mmoles)/bis-L-alanine ester of Treprostinil 37′ (82 mg, 0.15 mmoles).","Synthesis of Benzyl Esters of Treprostinil 38 a-e a 4-NO2C6H4CH2; b 4-(CH3O)C6H4CH2; c 2-ClC6H4CH2; d 2,4-(NO2)2C6H3CH2; e 4-FC6H4CH2 Synthesis of the benzyl esters of treprostinil 38 a-e was performed using the procedure for the benzyl ester 13.Enantiomers of these compounds, shown below, can be synthesized using reagents and synthons of enantiomeric chirality of the above reagents.","(−)-treprostinil can be synthesized as follows: (a) (S)-2-methyl-CBS-oxazaborolidine, BH3.SMe2, THF, −30° C., 85%.","(b) TBDMSCl, imidazole, CH2Cl2, 95%.","(c) Co2(CO)8, CH2Cl2, 2 hr.","r.t., then CH3CN, 2 hr.","reflux.","98%.","(d) K2CO3, Pd/C (10%), EtOH, 50 psi/24 hr.","78% (e) NaOH, EtOH, NaBH4.95%.","(f) BnBr, NaH, THF, 98%.","(g).","CH3OH, TsOH.","96%.","(h) i. p-nitrobenzoic acid, DEAD, TPP, benzene.","(i) CH3OH, KOH.","94%.","(j) Pd/C (10%), EtOH, 50 psi/2 hr.","quant.","(k).","Ph2PLi, THF.","(1) i. ClCH2CN, K2CO3.ii, KOH, CH3OH, reflux.","83% (2 steps).","Briefly, the enantiomer of the commercial drug (+)-Treprostinil was synthesized using the stereoselective intramolecular Pauson Khand reaction as a key step and Mitsunobu inversion of the side-chain hydroxyl group.","The absolute configuration of (−)-Treprostinil was confirmed by an X-ray structure of the L-valine amide derivative.","The following procedure was used to make (−)-treprostinil-methyl-L-valine amide: To a stirred solution of (−)-Treprostinil (391 mg, 1 mmol) and L-valine methyl ester hydrochloride (184 mg, 1.1 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) under Ar was sequentially added pyBOP reagent (1.04 g, 2 mmol), diisopropylethyl amine (0.52 ml, 3 mmol).","The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight (15 hrs).","Removal of the solvent in vacuo and purification by chromatography yielded white solid 12 (481 mg, 86%), which was recrystallized (10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give suitable crystals for X-ray.","Various modifications of these synthetic schemes capable of producing additional compounds discussed herein will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.","There are two major barriers to deliver treprostinil in the circulatory system.","One of these barriers is that treprostinil undergoes a large first pass effect.","Upon first circulating through the liver, about 60% of treprostinil plasma levels are metabolized, which leaves only about 40% of the absorbed dose.","Also, a major barrier to oral delivery for treprostinil is that the compound is susceptible to an efflux mechanism in the gastrointestinal tract.","The permeability of treprostinil has been measured across Caco-2 cell monolayers.","The apical to basal transport rate was measured to be 1.39×106 cm/sec, which is indicative of a highly permeable compound.","However, the basal to apical transport rate was 12.3×106 cm/sec, which suggests that treprostinil is efficiently effluxed from the serosal to lumenal side of the epithelial cell.","These data suggest that treprostinil is susceptible to p-glycoprotein, a membrane bound multidrug transporter.","It is believed that the p-glycoprotein efflux pump prevents certain pharmaceutical compounds from traversing the mucosal cells of the small intestine and, therefore, from being absorbed into systemic circulation.","Accordingly, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising treprostinil, the compound of structure I or the compound of structure II, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and combinations thereof in combination with one or more inhibitors of p-glycoprotein.","A number of known non-cytotoxic pharmacological agents have been shown to inhibit p-glycoprotein are disclosed in U.S. Pat.","Nos.","6,451,815, 6,469,022, and 6,171,786.P-glycoprotein inhibitors include water soluble forms of vitamin E, polyethylene glycol, poloxamers including Pluronic F-68, polyethylene oxide, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives including Cremophor EL and Cremophor RH 40, Chrysin, (+)-Taxifolin, Naringenin, Diosmin, Quercetin, cyclosporin A (also known as cyclosporine), verapamil, tamoxifen, quinidine, phenothiazines, and 9,10-dihydro-5-methoxy-9-oxo-N-[4-[2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7,-dimethoxy-2-isoquinolinyl)ethyl]phenyl]-4-acridinecarboxamide or a salt thereof.","Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are liquid and solid polymers of the general formula H(OCH2CH2)nOH, where n is greater than or equal to 4, having various average molecular weights ranging from about 200 to about 20,000.PEGs are also known as alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly-(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)polyethylene glycols.","For example, PEG 200 is a polyethylene glycol wherein the average value of n is 4 and the average molecular weight is from about 190 to about 210.PEG 400 is a polyethylene glycol wherein the average value of n is between 8.2 and 9.1 and the average molecular weight is from about 380 to about 420.Likewise, PEG 600, PEG 1500 and PEG 4000 have average values of n of 12.5-13.9, 29-36 and 68-84, respectively, and average molecular weights of 570-630, 1300-1600 and 3000-3700, respectively, and PEG 1000, PEG 6000 and PEG 8000 have average molecular weights of 950-1050, 5400-6600, and 7000-9000, respectively.","Polyethylene glycols of varying average molecular weight of from 200 to 20000 are well known and appreciated in the art of pharmaceutical science and are readily available.","The preferred polyethylene glycols for use in the instant invention are polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 20,000.The more preferred polyethylene glycols have an average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 8000.More specifically, the more preferred polyethylene glycols for use in the present invention are PEG 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 1500, PEG 4000, PEG 4600, and PEG 8000.The most preferred polyethylene glycols for use in the instant invention is PEG 400, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 4600 and PEG 8000.Polysorbate 80 is an oleate ester of sorbitol and its anhydrides copolymerized with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide for each mole of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides.","Polysorbate 80 is made up of sorbitan mono-9-octadecanoate poly(oxy-1,2-ethandiyl) derivatives.","Polysorbate 80, also known as Tween 80, is well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and is readily available.","Water-soluble vitamin E, also known as d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate [TPGS], is a water-soluble derivative of natural-source vitamin E. TPGS may be prepared by the esterification of the acid group of crystalline d-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate by polyethylene glycol 1000.This product is well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and is readily available.","For example, a water-soluble vitamin E product is available commercially from Eastman Corporation as Vitamin E TPGS.","Naringenin is the bioflavonoid compound 2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one and is also known as 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone.","Naringenin is the aglucon of naringen which is a natural product found in the fruit and rind of grapefruit.","Naringenin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.","Quercetin is the bioflavonoid compound 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one and is also known as 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone.","Quercetin is the aglucon of quercitrin, of rutin and of other glycosides.","Quercetin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.","Diosmin is the naturally occurring flavonic glycoside compound 7-[[6-O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one.","Diosmin can be isolated from various plant sources including citrus fruits.","Diosmin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.","Chrysin is the naturally occurring compound 5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one which can be isolated from various plant sources.","Chrysin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.","Poloxamers are alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)poly (oxypropylene)poly(oxyethylene) block copolymers.","Poloxamers are a series of closely related block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide conforming to the general formula HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)aH.","For example, poloxamer 124 is a liquid with “a” being 12, “b” being 20, and having an average molecular weight of from about 2090 to about 2360; poloxamer 188 is a solid with “a” being 80, “b” being 27, and having an average molecular weight of from about 7680 to about 9510; poloxamer 237 is a solid with “a” being 64, “b” being 37, and having an average molecular weight of from about 6840 to about 8830; poloxamer 338 is a solid with “a” being 141, “b” being 44, and having an average molecular weight of from about 12700 to about 17400; and poloxamer 407 is a solid with “a” being 101, “b” being 56, and having an average molecular weight of from about 9840 to about 14600.Poloxamers are well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and are readily available commercially.","For example, Pluronic F-68 is a commercially available poloxamer from BASF Corp.","The preferred poloxamers for use in the present invention are those such as poloxamer 188, Pluronic F-68, and the like.","Polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are a series of materials obtained by reacting varying amounts of ethylene oxide with either castor oil or hydrogenated castor oil.","These polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and several different types of material are commercially available, including the Cremophors available from BASF Corporation.","Polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are complex mixtures of various hydrophobic and hydrophilic components.","For example, in polyoxyl 35 castor oil (also known as Cremophor EL), the hydrophobic constituents comprise about 83% of the total mixture, the main component being glycerol polyethylene glycol ricinoleate.","Other hydrophobic constituents include fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol along with some unchanged castor oil.","The hydrophilic part of polyoxyl 35 castor oil (17%) consists of polyethylene glycols and glyceryl ethoxylates.","In polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil (Cremophor RH 40) approximately 75% of the components of the mixture are hydrophobic.","These comprise mainly fatty acid esters of glycerol polyethylene glycol and fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol.","The hydrophilic portion consists of polyethylene glycols and glycerol ethoxylates.","The preferred polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives for use in the present invention are polyoxyl 35 castor oil, such as Cremophor EL, and polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, such as Cremophor RH 40.Cremophor EL and Cremophor RH 40 are commercially available from BASF Corporation.","Polyethylene oxide is a nonionic homopolymer of ethylene oxide conforming to the general formula (OCH2CH2)n in which n represents the average number of oxyethylene groups.","Polyethylene oxides are available in various grades which are well known and appreciated by those in the pharmaceutical arts and several different types of material are commercially available.","The preferred grade of polyethylene oxide is NF and the like which are commercially available.","(+)-Taxifolin is (2R-trans)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzo pyran-4-one.","Other common names for (+)-taxifolin are (+)-dihydroquercetin; 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxy-flavanone; diquertin; taxifoliol; and distylin.","(+)-Taxifolin is well know and appreciated in the art of pharmaceutical arts and is readily available commercially.","The preferred p-glycoprotein inhibitor for use in the present invention are water soluble vitamin E, such as vitamin E TPGS, and the polyethylene glycols.","Of the polyethylene glycols, the most preferred p-glycoprotein inhibitors are PEG 400, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 4600 and PEG 8000.Administration of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be by any route by which the p-glycoprotein inhibitor will be bioavailable in effective amounts including oral and parenteral routes.","Although oral administration is preferred, the p-glycoprotein inhibitors may also be administered intravenously, topically, subcutaneously, intranasally, rectally, intramuscularly, or by other parenteral routes.","When administered orally, the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered in any convenient dosage form including, for example, capsule, tablet, liquid, suspension, and the like.","Generally, an effective p-glycoprotein inhibiting amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor is that amount which is effective in providing inhibition of the activity of the p-glycoprotein mediated active transport system present in the gut.","An effective p-glycoprotein inhibiting amount can vary between about 5 mg to about 1000 mg of p-glycoprotein inhibitor as a daily dose depending upon the particular p-glycoprotein inhibitor selected, the species of patient to be treated, the dosage regimen, and other factors which are all well within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the medical arts to evaluate and assess.","A preferred amount however will typically be from about 50 mg to about 500 mg, and a more preferred amount will typically be from about 100 mg to about 500 mg.","The above amounts of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor can be administered from once to multiple times per day.","Typically for oral dosing, doses will be administered on a regimen requiring one, two or three doses per day.","Where water soluble vitamin E or a polyethylene glycol is selected as the p-glycoprotein inhibitor, a preferred amount will typically be from about 5 mg to about 1000 mg, a more preferred amount will typically be from about 50 mg to about 500 mg, and a further preferred amount will typically be from about 100 mg to about 500 mg.","The most preferred amount of water soluble vitamin E or a polyethylene glycol will be from about 200 mg to about 500 mg.","The above amounts of water soluble vitamin E or polyethylene glycol can be administered from once to multiple times per day.","Typically, doses will be administered on a regimen requiring one, two or three doses per day with one and two being preferred.","As used herein, the term “co-administration” refers to administration to a patient of both a compound that has vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting properties, including the compounds described in U.S. Pat.","Nos.","4,306,075 and 5,153,222 which include treprostinil and structures I and II described herein, and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor so that the pharmacologic effect of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor in inhibiting p-glycoprotein mediated transport in the gut is manifest at the time at which the compound is being absorbed from the gut.","Of course, the compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered at different times or concurrently.","For example, the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered to the patient at a time prior to administration of the therapeutic compound so as to pre-treat the patient in preparation for dosing with the vasodilating compound.","Furthermore, it may be convenient for a patient to be pre-treated with the p-glycoprotein inhibitor so as to achieve steady state levels of p-glycoprotein inhibitor prior to administration of the first dose of the therapeutic compound.","It is also contemplated that the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compounds and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered essentially concurrently either in separate dosage forms or in the same oral dosage form.","The present invention further provides that the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered in separate dosage forms or in the same combination oral dosage form.","Co-administration of the compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may conveniently be accomplished by oral administration of a combination dosage form containing both the compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","Thus, an additional embodiment of the present invention is a combination pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising an effective vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting amount of a compound described herein and an effective p-glycoprotein inhibiting amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","This combination oral dosage form may provide for immediate release of both the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor or may provide for sustained release of one or both of the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","One skilled in the art would readily be able to determine the appropriate properties of the combination dosage form so as to achieve the desired effect of co-administration of the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","Accordingly, the present invention provides for an enhancement of the bioavailability of treprostinil, a drug of structure I or II, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof by co-administration of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","By co-administration of these compounds and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor, the total amount of the compound can be increased over that which would otherwise circulate in the blood in the absence of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.","Thus, co-administration in accordance with the present invention can cause an increase in the AUC of the present compounds over that seen with administration of the compounds alone.","Typically, bioavailability is assessed by measuring the drug concentration in the blood at various points of time after administration of the drug and then integrating the values obtained over time to yield the total amount of drug circulating in the blood.","This measurement, called the Area Under the Curve (AUC), is a direct measurement of the bioavailability of the drug.","Without limiting the scope of the invention, it is believed that in some embodiments derivatizing treprostinil at the R2 and R3 hydroxyl groups can help overcome the barriers to oral treprostinil delivery by blocking these sites, and thus the metabolism rate may be reduced to permit the compound to bypass some of the first pass effect.","Also, with an exposed amino acid, the prodrug may be actively absorbed from the dipeptide transporter system that exists in the gastrointestinal tract.","Accordingly, the present invention provides compounds, such as those found in structures I and II, that reduce the first pass effect of treprostinil and/or reduce the efflux mechanism of the gastrointestinal tract.","In some embodiments of the method of treating hypertension in a subject, the subject is a mammal, and in some embodiments is a human.","Pharmaceutical formulations may include any of the compounds of any of the embodiments described above, either alone or in combination, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as those described herein.","The instant invention also provides for compositions which may be prepared by mixing one or more compounds of the instant invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, binders, diluents or the like, to treat or ameliorate a variety of disorders related vasoconstriction and/or platelet aggregation.","A therapeutically effective dose further refers to that amount of one or more compounds of the instant invention sufficient to result in amelioration of symptoms of the disorder.","The pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention can be manufactured by methods well known in the art such as conventional granulating, mixing, dissolving, encapsulating, lyophilizing, emulsifying or levigating processes, among others.","The compositions can be in the form of, for example, granules, powders, tablets, capsules, syrup, suppositories, injections, emulsions, elixirs, suspensions or solutions.","The instant compositions can be formulated for various routes of administration, for example, by oral administration, by transmucosal administration, by rectal administration, transdermal or subcutaneous administration as well as intrathecal, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intranasal, intraocular or intraventricular injection.","The compound or compounds of the instant invention can also be administered by any of the above routes, for example in a local rather than a systemic fashion, such as injection as a sustained release formulation.","The following dosage forms are given by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the instant invention.","For oral, buccal, and sublingual administration, powders, suspensions, granules, tablets, pills, capsules, gelcaps, and caplets are acceptable as solid dosage forms.","These can be prepared, for example, by mixing one or more compounds of the instant invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with at least one additive or excipient such as a starch or other additive.","Suitable additives or excipients are sucrose, lactose, cellulose sugar, mannitol, maltitol, dextran, sorbitol, starch, agar, alginates, chitins, chitosans, pectins, tragacanth gum, gum arabic, gelatins, collagens, casein, albumin, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers or glycerides, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone.","Optionally, oral dosage forms can contain other ingredients to aid in administration, such as an inactive diluent, or lubricants such as magnesium stearate, or preservatives such as paraben or sorbic acid, or anti-oxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol or cysteine, a disintegrating agent, binders, thickeners, buffers, sweeteners, flavoring agents or perfuming agents.","Additionally, dyestuffs or pigments may be added for identification.","Tablets may be further treated with suitable coating materials known in the art.","Additionally, tests have shown that the present compounds, including treprostinil, and in particular the compounds of structure I and II have increased bioavailability when delivered to the duodenum.","Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention involves preferential delivery of the desired compound to the duodenum as well as pharmaceutical formulations that achieve duodenal delivery.","Duodenal administration can be achieved by any means known in the art.","In one of these embodiments, the present compounds can be formulated in an enteric-coated dosage form.","Generally, enteric-coated dosage forms are usually coated with a polymer that is not soluble at low pH, but dissolves quickly when exposed to pH conditions of 3 or above.","This delivery form takes advantage of the difference in pH between the stomach, which is about 1 to 2, and the duodenum, where the pH tends to be greater than 4.Liquid dosage forms for oral administration may be in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, syrups, elixirs, suspensions, slurries and solutions, which may contain an inactive diluent, such as water.","Pharmaceutical formulations may be prepared as liquid suspensions or solutions using a sterile liquid, such as, but not limited to, an oil, water, an alcohol, and combinations of these.","Pharmaceutically suitable surfactants, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, may be added for oral or parenteral administration.","As noted above, suspensions may include oils.","Such oil include, but are not limited to, peanut oil, sesame oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil and olive oil.","Suspension preparation may also contain esters of fatty acids such as ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, fatty acid glycerides and acetylated fatty acid glycerides.","Suspension formulations may include alcohols, such as, but not limited to, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, glycerol and propylene glycol.","Ethers, such as but not limited to, poly(ethyleneglycol), petroleum hydrocarbons such as mineral oil and petrolatum; and water may also be used in suspension formulations.","Injectable dosage forms generally include aqueous suspensions or oil suspensions which may be prepared using a suitable dispersant or wetting agent and a suspending agent.","Injectable forms may be in solution phase or in the form of a suspension, which is prepared with a solvent or diluent.","Acceptable solvents or vehicles include sterilized water, Ringer's solution, or an isotonic aqueous saline solution.","Alternatively, sterile oils may be employed as solvents or suspending agents.","Preferably, the oil or fatty acid is non-volatile, including natural or synthetic oils, fatty acids, mono-, di- or tri-glycerides.","For injection, the pharmaceutical formulation may be a powder suitable for reconstitution with an appropriate solution as described above.","Examples of these include, but are not limited to, freeze dried, rotary dried or spray dried powders, amorphous powders, granules, precipitates, or particulates.","For injection, the formulations may optionally contain stabilizers, pH modifiers, surfactants, bioavailability modifiers and combinations of these.","The compounds may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection such as by bolus injection or continuous infusion.","A unit dosage form for injection may be in ampoules or in multi-dose containers.","Besides those representative dosage forms described above, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and carries are generally known to those skilled in the art and are thus included in the instant invention.","Such excipients and carriers are described, for example, in “Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences” Mack Pub.","Co., New Jersey (1991), which is incorporated herein by reference.","The formulations of the invention may be designed for to be short-acting, fast-releasing, long-acting, and sustained-releasing as described below.","Thus, the pharmaceutical formulations may also be formulated for controlled release or for slow release.","The instant compositions may also comprise, for example, micelles or liposomes, or some other encapsulated form, or may be administered in an extended release form to provide a prolonged storage and/or delivery effect.","Therefore, the pharmaceutical formulations may be compressed into pellets or cylinders and implanted intramuscularly or subcutaneously as depot injections or as implants such as stents.","Such implants may employ known inert materials such as silicones and biodegradable polymers.","Specific dosages may be adjusted depending on conditions of disease, the age, body weight, general health conditions, sex, and diet of the subject, dose intervals, administration routes, excretion rate, and combinations of drugs.","Any of the above dosage forms containing effective amounts are well within the bounds of routine experimentation and therefore, well within the scope of the instant invention.","A therapeutically effective dose may vary depending upon the route of administration and dosage form.","The preferred compound or compounds of the instant invention is a formulation that exhibits a high therapeutic index.","The therapeutic index is the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects which can be expressed as the ratio between LD50 and ED50.The LD50 is the dose lethal to 50% of the population and the ED50 is the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population.","The LD50 and ED50 are determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in animal cell cultures or experimental animals.","A method of preparing pharmaceutical formulations includes mixing any of the above-described compounds with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and water or an aqueous solution.","Pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments according to the invention include any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of compound of structure I, II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof described above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.","Thus, the compounds of the invention may be used to prepare medicaments and pharmaceutical formulations.","In some such embodiments, the medicaments and pharmaceutical formulations comprise any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of the compounds of structure I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.","The invention also provides for the use of any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of the compounds of structure I, II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for prostacyclin-like effects.","The invention also provides for the use of any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of the compounds of structure I, II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.","The invention also pertains to kits comprising one or more of the compounds of structure I or II along with instructions for use of the compounds.","In another embodiment, kits having compounds with prostacyclin-like effects described herein in combination with one or more p-glycoprotein inhibitors is provided along with instructions for using the kit.","By way of illustration, a kit of the invention may include one or more tablets, capsules, caplets, gelcaps or liquid formulations containing the bioenhancer of the present invention, and one or more tablets, capsules, caplets, gelcaps or liquid formulations containing a prostacyclin-like effect compound described herein in dosage amounts within the ranges described above.","Such kits may be used in hospitals, clinics, physician's offices or in patients' homes to facilitate the co-administration of the enhancing and target agents.","The kits should also include as an insert printed dosing information for the co-administration of the enhancing and target agents.","The following abbreviations and definitions are used throughout this application: Generally, reference to a certain element such as hydrogen or H is meant to include all isotopes of that element.","For example, if an R group is defined to include hydrogen or H, it also includes deuterium and tritium.","As used herein, the term “p-glycoprotein inhibitor” refers to organic compounds which inhibit the activity of the p-glycoprotein mediated active transport system present in the gut.","This transport system actively transports drugs which have been absorbed from the intestinal lumen and into the gut epithelium back out into the lumen.","Inhibition of this p-glycoprotein mediated active transport system will cause less drug to be transported back into the lumen and will thus increase the net drug transport across the gut epithelium and will increase the amount of drug ultimately available in the blood.","The phrases “oral bioavailability” and “bioavailability upon oral administration” as used herein refer to the systemic availability (i.e., blood/plasma levels) of a given amount of drug administered orally to a patient.","The phrase “unsubstituted alkyl” refers to alkyl groups that do not contain heteroatoms.","Thus the phrase includes straight chain alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and the like.","The phrase also includes branched chain isomers of straight chain alkyl groups, including but not limited to, the following which are provided by way of example: —CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH(CH2CH3)2, —C(CH3)3, —C(CH2CH3)3, —CH2CH(CH3)2, —CH2CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH2CH(CH2CH3)2, —CH2C(CH3)3, —CH2C(CH2CH3)3, —CH(CH3)CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH2CH2CH(CH3)2, —CH2CH2CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH2CH2CH(CH2CH3)2, —CH2CH2C(CH3)3, —CH2CH2C(CH2CH3)3, —CH(CH3)CH2CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH3)CH(CH3)CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH2CH3)CH(CH3)CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), and others.","The phrase also includes cyclic alkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl and such rings substituted with straight and branched chain alkyl groups as defined above.","The phrase also includes polycyclic alkyl groups such as, but not limited to, adamantyl norbornyl, and bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl and such rings substituted with straight and branched chain alkyl groups as defined above.","Thus, the phrase unsubstituted alkyl groups includes primary alkyl groups, secondary alkyl groups, and tertiary alkyl groups.","Unsubstituted alkyl groups may be bonded to one or more carbon atom(s), oxygen atom(s), nitrogen atom(s), and/or sulfur atom(s) in the parent compound.","Preferred unsubstituted alkyl groups include straight and branched chain alkyl groups and cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.","More preferred such unsubstituted alkyl groups have from 1 to 10 carbon atoms while even more preferred such groups have from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.","Most preferred unsubstituted alkyl groups include straight and branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and include methyl, ethyl, propyl, and —CH(CH3)2.The phrase “substituted alkyl” refers to an unsubstituted alkyl group as defined above in which one or more bonds to a carbon(s) or hydrogen(s) are replaced by a bond to non-hydrogen and non-carbon atoms such as, but not limited to, a halogen atom in halides such as F, Cl, Br, and I; and oxygen atom in groups such as hydroxyl groups, alkoxy groups, aryloxy groups, and ester groups; a sulfur atom in groups such as thiol groups, alkyl and aryl sulfide groups, sulfone groups, sulfonyl groups, and sulfoxide groups; a nitrogen atom in groups such as amines, amides, alkylamines, dialkylamines, arylamines, alkylarylamines, diarylamines, N-oxides, imides, and enamines; a silicon atom in groups such as in trialkylsilyl groups, dialkylarylsilyl groups, alkyldiarylsilyl groups, and triarylsilyl groups; and other heteroatoms in various other groups.","Substituted alkyl groups also include groups in which one or more bonds to a carbon(s) or hydrogen(s) atom is replaced by a bond to a heteroatom such as oxygen in carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups; nitrogen in groups such as imines, oximes, hydrazones, and nitriles.","Preferred substituted alkyl groups include, among others, alkyl groups in which one or more bonds to a carbon or hydrogen atom is/are replaced by one or more bonds to fluorine atoms.","One example of a substituted alkyl group is the trifluoromethyl group and other alkyl groups that contain the trifluoromethyl group.","Other alkyl groups include those in which one or more bonds to a carbon or hydrogen atom is replaced by a bond to an oxygen atom such that the substituted alkyl group contains a hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxy group, or heterocyclyloxy group.","Still other alkyl groups include alkyl groups that have an amine, alkylamine, dialkylamine, arylamine, (alkyl)(aryl)amine, diarylamine, heterocyclylamine, (alkyl)(heterocyclyl)amine, (aryl)(heterocyclyl)amine, or diheterocyclylamine group.","The phrase “unsubstituted arylalkyl” refers to unsubstituted alkyl groups as defined above in which a hydrogen or carbon bond of the unsubstituted alkyl group is replaced with a bond to an aryl group as defined above.","For example, methyl (—CH3) is an unsubstituted alkyl group.","If a hydrogen atom of the methyl group is replaced by a bond to a phenyl group, such as if the carbon of the methyl were bonded to a carbon of benzene, then the compound is an unsubstituted arylalkyl group (i.e., a benzyl group).","Thus the phrase includes, but is not limited to, groups such as benzyl, diphenylmethyl, and 1-phenylethyl (—CH(C6H5)(CH3)) among others.","The phrase “substituted arylalkyl” has the same meaning with respect to unsubstituted arylalkyl groups that substituted aryl groups had with respect to unsubstituted aryl groups.","However, a substituted arylalkyl group also includes groups in which a carbon or hydrogen bond of the alkyl part of the group is replaced by a bond to a non-carbon or a non-hydrogen atom.","Examples of substituted arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, —CH2C(═O)(C6H5), and —CH2(2-methylphenyl) among others.","A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes a salt with an inorganic base, organic base, inorganic acid, organic acid, or basic or acidic amino acid.","As salts of inorganic bases, the invention includes, for example, alkali metals such as sodium or potassium; alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium or aluminum; and ammonia.","As salts of organic bases, the invention includes, for example, trimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, picoline, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine.","As salts of inorganic acids, the instant invention includes, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydroboric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid.","As salts of organic acids, the instant invention includes, for example, formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and p-toluenesulfonic acid.","As salts of basic amino acids, the instant invention includes, for example, arginine, lysine and ornithine.","Acidic amino acids include, for example, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.","“Treating” within the context of the instant invention, means an alleviation of symptoms associated with a biological condition, disorder, or disease, or halt of further progression or worsening of those symptoms, or prevention or prophylaxis of the disease or disorder.","For example, within the context of treating patients having pulmonary hypertension, successful treatment may include a reduction direct vasodilation of pulmonary and/or systemic arterial vascular beds and inhibition of platelet aggregation.","The result of this vasodilation will generally reduce right and left ventricular afterload and increased cardiac output and stroke volume.","Dose-related negative inotropic and lusitropic effects can also result.","The outward manifestation of these physical effects can include a decrease in the symptoms of hypertension, such as shortness of breath, and an increase in exercise capacity.","The present invention, thus generally described, will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention.","EXAMPLES Example 1 In this Example, the bioavailability of treprostinil in rats after dosing orally, intraduodenally, intracolonically and via the portal vein was compared to determine possible barriers to bioavailability.","In addition to bioavailability, a number of pharmacokinetic parameters were determined.","Animal Dosing The bioavailability of treprostinil was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley, male rats.","Fifteen surgically modified rats were purchased from Hilltop Lab Animals (Scottdale, Pa.).","The animals were shipped from Hilltop to Absorption Systems' West Chester University facility (West Chester, Pa.), where they were housed for at least twenty-four hours prior to being used in the study.","The animals were fasted for approximately 16 hours prior to dosing.","The fifteen rats used in this study were divided into five groups (I, II, III, IV and V).","The weight of the animals and the dosing regimen are presented in Table 1.TABLE 1 Dose Weight Route of Study Volume Dose Group Rat # (g) Administration Day (mL/kg) (mg/kg) I 118 327 Intravenous 0 2 1 119 329 Intravenous 0 2 1 120 320 Intravenous 0 2 1 II 121 337 Intraportal Vein 0 2 1 122 319 Intraportal Vein 0 2 1 123 330 Intraportal Vein 0 2 1 III 124 329 Intraduodenal 0 2 1 125 331 Intraduodenal 0 2 1 126 324 Intraduodenal 0 2 1 IV 127 339 Intracolonic 0 2 1 128 333 Intracolonic 0 2 1 129 320 Intracolonic 0 2 1 V 130 293 Oral 0 2 1 131 323 Oral 0 2 1 132 332 Oral 0 2 1 Samples were withdrawn at the following time points.","IV and IPV: 0 (pre-dose) 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480 minutes ID, IC and Oral: 0 (pre-dose), 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480 minutes Approximately 0.50 to 0.75 mL of whole blood was collected from the jugular vein of a cannulated rat.","The blood was transferred to heparinized tubes and placed on ice until centrifuged.","Following centrifugation the plasma was placed on ice until frozen at −70□C prior to shipment to Absorption Systems Analysis of Plasma Samples Samples were analyzed using the following methodology: Dosing Solution Preparation The dosing solution was prepared by combining 15.2 mg of treprostinil diethanolamine (12.0 mg of the free acid form) with 24 mL of 5% dextrose.","The solution was then sonicated until dissolved for a final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL.","The final pH of the dosing solution was 4.6.At the time of dosing, the dosing solution was clear and homogenous.","Standards and Sample Preparation To determine the concentration of treprostinil in rat plasma samples, standards were prepared with rat plasma collected in heparin obtained from Lampire Biological Laboratories (Lot #021335263) to contain 1000, 300, 100, 30, 10, 3, 1 and 0.3 ng/mL of treprostinil.","Plasma standards were treated identically to the plasma samples.","Plasma samples were prepared by solid phase extraction.","After an extraction plate was equilibrated, 150 μL of a plasma sample was placed into the well and vacuumed through.","The extraction bed was then washed with 600 μL of acetonitrile:deionized water (25:75) with 0.2% formic acid.","The compound was eluted with 600 μL of 90% acetonitrile and 10% ammonium acetate.","The eluates were collected and evaporated to dryness.","The residue was reconstituted with 150 μL of acetonitrile:deionized water (50:50) with 0.5 μg/mL of tolbutamide (used as an internal standard).","HPLC Conditions Column: Keystone Hypersil BDS C18 30×2 mm i.d., 3 μm.","Mobile Phase Buffer: 25 mM NH4OH to pH 3.5 w/85% formic acid.","Reservoir A: 10% buffer and 90% water.","Reservoir B: 10% buffer and 90% acetonitrile.","Mobile Phase Composition: Gradient Program: Time Duration Grad.","Curve % A % B −0.1 0.10 0 80 20 0 3.00 1.0 10 90 3.00 1.00 1.0 0 100 4.00 2.00 0 80 20 Flow Rate: 300 μL/min.","Inj.","Vol.",": 10 μL Run Time: 6.0 min.","Retention Time: 2.6 min.","Mass Spectrometer Instrument: PE SCIEX API 2000 Interface: Electrospray (“Turbo Ion Spray”) Mode: Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Precursor Ion Product Ion Treprostinil 389.2 331.2 IS 269.0 170.0 Nebulizing Drying Gas: Curtain Gas: 25 Ion Spray: Gas: 25 60, 350° C. −5000 V Orifice: −80 V Ring: −350 V Q0: 10 V IQ1: 11 V ST: 15 V R01: 11 V IQ2: 35 V R02: 40 V IQ3: 55 V R03: 45 V CAD Gas: 4 Method Validation Table 2 lists the average recoveries (n=6) and coefficient of variation (c.v.) for rat plasma spiked with treprostinil.","All samples were compared to a standard curve prepared in 50:50 dH2O:acetonitrile with 0.5 μg/mL of tolbutamide to determine the percent of treprostinil recovered from the plasma.","TABLE 2 Accuracy and Precision of Method Spiked Coefficient of Concentration Percent Recovered Variation 1000 ng/mL 85.6 5.2 100 ng/mL 89.6 11.6 10 ng/mL 98.8 7.0 Pharmacokinetic Analysis Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the average plasma concentration for each time point.","The data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis using the pharmacokinetic program WinNonlin v. 3.1 (2).","Results Clinical Observations Prior to beginning the experiments it was noted that supra-pharmacological doses of treprostinil would be needed to achieve plasma concentrations that could be analyzed with adequate sensitivity.","Using the dose of 1 mg/kg some adverse effects were noted in animals dosed intravenously and via the intraportal vein.","All rats dosed intravenously displayed signs of extreme lethargy five minutes after dosing but fully recovered to normal activity thirty minutes post-dosing.","In addition, fifteen minutes after dosing all three animals dosed via the portal vein exhibited signs of lethargy.","One rat (#123) expired before the thirty-minute sample was drawn.","The other rats fully recovered.","The remaining animals did not display any adverse reactions after administration of the compound.","Sample Analysis Average plasma concentrations for each route of administration are shown in Table 3.TABLE 3 Average (n = 3) plasma concentrations (ng/mL) Pre- Time (min) dose 2 5 15 30 60 120 240 360 480 Intravenous 0 1047.96 364.28 130.91 55.56 14.45 4.45 1.09 0.50 0.30 Intraportal Vein* 0 302.28 97.39 47.98 21.94 11.06 3.87 2.51 4.95 5.14 Intraduodenal 0 — 61.76 31.67 18.57 13.55 5.91 1.11 0.89 0.90 Intracolonic 0 — 7.46 3.43 3.52 1.48 0.64 0.36 0.062λ 0.202λ Oral 0 — 4.52 2.90 3.67 2.06 4.52 1.82 0.90 0.96 *n = 2, λconcentration falls below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the analytical method The plasma concentration versus time curves for intravenous, intraportal, intraduodenal, intracolonic and oral dosing are shown in FIGS.","1 and 2.FIG.","3 shows the average plasma concentration versus time curves for all five routes of administration.","In the experiments shown in these figures, the diethanolamine salt was used.","Table 4 shows the pharmacokinetic parameters determined for treprostinil.","The individual bioavailabilities of each rat are found in Table 5.TABLE 4 Average Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Treprostinil in Rats Average Average Volume of CLs Route of AUC480 min Cmax Tmax T1/2 Bioavailability Distribution* (mL · min−1 · Administration (min · ng/mL) (ng/mL) (min) (min) (%) ± SD (L · kg−1) kg−1)* Intravenous 11253.49 2120Ψ 0 94 NA 1.98 88.54 Intraportal Vein 4531.74 302 2 ND 40.3 ± 5.5 ND ND Intraduodenal 2712.55 62 5 ND 24.1 ± 0.5 ND ND Intracolonic 364.63 8 5 ND 3.2 ± 2.5 ND ND Oral 1036.23 5 5 ND 9.2 ± 1.4 ND ND *Normalized to the average weight of the rats ND:Not determined ΨExtrapolated Value TABLE 5 Individual Bioavailabilities of Treprostinil in Rats Route of Individual AUC480 min Individual Administration Rat # (min · ng/mL) Bioavailability (%) Intravenous 118 10302.85 NA 119 9981.52 NA 120 13510.65 NA Intraportal Vein 121 4970.67 44.2 122 4093.21 36.4 123 ND ND Intraduodenal 124 2725.68 24.2 125 2763.60 24.6 126 2646.05 23.5 Intracolonic 127 72.63 0.7 128 395.08 3.5 129 625.20 5.6 Oral 130 998.70 8.9 131 907.60 8.1 132 1203.73 10.7 NA: Not applicable ND: Not determined Conclusions Treprostinil has a terminal plasma half-life of 94 minutes.","The distribution phase of treprostinil has a half-life of 10.3 minutes and over 90% of the distribution and elimination of the compound occurs by 60 minutes post-dosing.","The volume of distribution (Vd=1.98 L/kg) is greater than the total body water of the rat (0.67 L/kg) indicating extensive partitioning into tissues.","The systemic clearance of treprostinil (88.54 mL/min/kg) is greater than the hepatic blood flow signifying that extra-hepatic clearance mechanisms are involved in the elimination of the compound.","First pass hepatic elimination of treprostinil results in an average intraportal vein bioavailability of 40.3%.","Fast but incomplete absorption is observed after intraduodenal, intracolonic and oral dosing (Tmax≤5 min).","By comparing the intraportal vein (40.3%) and intraduodenal bioavailability (24.1%) it appears that approximately 60% of the compound is absorbed in the intestine.","The average intraduodenal bioavailibility is almost three times greater than the oral bioavailibility suggesting that degradation of treprostinil in the stomach or gastric emptying may influence the extent of systemic absorption.","Example 2 In this Example, Treprostinil concentrations were determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single oral dose of the following compounds: Treprostinil Benzyl Ester Treprostinil Diglycine Treprostinil Methyl Ester Experimental Dosing Solution Preparation All dosing vehicles were prepared less than 2 hours prior to dosing.","1.Treprostinil Methyl Ester A solution of treprostinil methyl ester was prepared by dissolving 2.21 mg of treprostinil methyl ester with 0.85 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).","This solution was then diluted with 7.65 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.26 mg/mL of treprostinil methyl ester equivalent to 0.25 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","2.Treprostinil Benzyl Ester A solution of treprostinil benzyl ester was prepared by dissolving 2.58 mg of treprostinil benzyl ester with 0.84 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).","This solution was then diluted with 7.54 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.268 mg/mL of treprostinil benzyl ester equivalent to 0.25 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","3.Treprostinil Diglycine A solution of treprostinil diglycine was prepared by dissolving 1.86 mg of compound with 0.58 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).","This solution was then diluted with 5.18 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.323 mg/mL of treprostinil diglycine equivalent to 0.25 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","Animal Dosing The plasma concentrations of Treprostinil following administration of each prodrug were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats.","Rats were purchased from Hilltop Lab Animals (Scottdale, Pa.).","The animals were shipped from Hilltop to Absorption Systems' West Chester University facility (West Chester, Pa.).","They were housed for at least twenty-four hours prior to being used in the study.","The animals were fasted for approximately 16 hours prior to dosing.","The rats used in this study were divided into three groups (I, II and III).","Groups I-III were dosed on the same day.","The weight of the animals and the dosing regimen are presented in Table 6.TABLE 6 Study Design Route of Dose Weight Ad- Compound Volume Dose* Group Rat # (kg) ministration Dosed (mL/kg) (mg/kg) I 638 306 Oral Treprostinil 2 0.520 639 310 Oral methyl ester 640 319 Oral II 641 319 Oral Treprostinil 2 0.616 642 309 Oral benzyl ester 643 320 Oral III 644 318 Oral Treprostinil 2 0.646 645 313 Oral diglycine 646 322 Oral *This dose of prodrug = 0.500 mg/kg of the active, Treprostinil Animals were dosed via oral gavage.","Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein cannula at the following time points: 0 (pre-dose) 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 480 minutes The blood samples were withdrawn and placed into tubes containing 30 μL of a solution of 500 units per mL of heparin in saline, and centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes.","Approximately 200 μL of plasma was then removed and dispensed into appropriately labeled polypropylene tubes containing 4 μL of acetic acid in order to stabilize any prodrug remaining in the samples.","The plasma samples were frozen at −20° C. and were transported on ice to Absorption Systems Exton Facility.","There they were stored in a −80° C. freezer pending analysis.","Analysis of Plasma Samples Plasma samples were analyzed as described in Example 1.In brief, Treprostinil was extracted from the plasma via liquid-liquid extraction then analyzed by LC/MS/MS.","The analytical validation results were reported previously in Example 1.The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the analytical method was 0.01 ng/mL.","Samples were not assayed for unchanged prodrug.","Acceptance Criteria for Analytical Runs Two standard curves, with a minimum of five points per curve, and a minimum of two quality control samples (QCs) were dispersed throughout each run.","Each route of administration was bracketed by a standard curve used for back-calculation.","The standards and QCs must be within ±15% (20% for the LLOQ) accuracy and precision for the run to be accepted.","At least 75% of all standards and QCs must pass the acceptance criteria.","Pharmacokinetic Analysis Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the plasma concentration of Treprostinil for each individual rat at each time point and on the average plasma concentration for all three rats in the group for each time point.","The data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis using the pharmacokinetic program WinNonLin v. 3.1 (2).","Results Study Observations No adverse reactions were observed following oral administration of treprostinil methyl ester, treprostinil benzyl ester or treprostinil diglycine.","Plasma Stability of Prodrugs in Acidified Rat Plasma In order to terminate any conversion of prodrug to active after samples were withdrawn the plasma was acidified.","Acetic acid (v/v) was added to each plasma sample immediately after centrifugation of the red blood cells to a concentration of 2%.","In-vitro plasma stability of each prodrug was performed to insure that the compound was stable in acidified plasma.","To perform this assay 2% acetic acid was added to blank rat plasma obtained from Lampire Biological.","The acidified rat plasma was equilibrated at 37° C. for three minutes prior to addition of prodrug.","The initial concentration of each prodrug was 1000 ng/mL.","A 100 μL aliquot of plasma (n=3 per time point) was taken at 0, 60 and 120 minutes.","Each aliquot was combined with 20 μL of HCl and vortexed.","Liquid-liquid extraction was then performed and the concentration of Treprostinil in each sample determined.","The concentration of Treprostinil at each time point in acidified rat plasma is given in Table 7.Small amounts of Treprostinil appear to be present in the neat compound sample of treprostinil methyl ester and treprostinil diglycine.","The concentration of Treprostinil remained constant throughout the course of the experiment, indicating that there was no conversion of prodrug into active compound occurring in acidified plasma.","TABLE 7 Plasma Stability of Prodrugs in Acidified Dog Plasma Treprostinil Concentration (ng/mL) ± SD (n = 3) Treprostinil Treprostinil Treprostinil Time (min) methyl ester benzyl ester diglycine 0 56.8 ± 9.3 <0.01 54.9 ± 4.3 60 55.1 ± 5.0 <0.01 51.8 ± 5.9 120 53.8 ± 1.3 <0.01 54.5 ± 0.8 Total % Treprostinil 5.7 <0.01 5.5 Average Treprostinil plasma concentrations following administration of treprostinil methyl ester, treprostinil benzyl ester or treprostinil diglycine are shown in Table 8.TABLE 8 Treprostinil Concentrations (Average ± SD (n = 3) Plasma Concentrations (ng/mL) Oral Dosing Pre- 5 15 30 60 120 240 360 480 Solution Dose (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) Treprostinil 0 <0.01 0.2 ± 0.0 0.3 ± 0.1 0.5 ± 0.1 1.5 ± 0.8 0.2 ± 0.7 <0.01 0.1 ± 0.1 methyl ester Treprostinil 0 3.1 ± 2.8 1.9 ± 0.8 2.5 ± 1.5 3.2 ± 1.9 7.3 ± 4.9 1.6 ± 1.2 0.4 ± 0.40 0.6 ± 0.9 benzyl ester Treprostinil 0 <0.01 1.1 ± 1.9 6.6 ± 10.7 0.5 ± 0.3* 40.± 5.8 9.0 ± 13.5 2.1 ± 2.9 1.3 ± 0.8 diglycine *Due to insufficient amount of sample collected this time point is the average of n = 2 rats.","FIGS.","4-7 contain graphical representations of the plasma concentration versus time curves for Treprostinil in rat following administration of each prodrug.","Table 9 lists each figure and the information displayed.","TABLE 9 List of Figures FIG.","Description 4 Oral Dose of Treprostinil methyl ester 5 Oral Dose of Treprostinil benzyl ester 6 Oral Dose of Treprostinil diglycine 7 Oral Dose of Treprostinil benzyl ester and Treprostinil diglycine Compared to Treprostinil Alone from Example 1 Pharmacokinetic Analysis Bioavailability of the prodrug was determined relative to that of the active compound based on Example 1 in which Treprostinil was dosed to rats.","The following formula was used to determine relative bioavailability (F): Relative F=(AUC(Prodrug Dose)/Dose)/(AUC(Treprostinil Dose)/Dose)*100 Bioavailability was also determined relative to an intravenous dose of Treprostinil in rats determined in Example 1.Results are listed in Table 10.TABLE 10 Average Relative Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Treprostinil in Rats Test Average Relative Compound Dose AUC0-t Cmax Tmax Bioavailability Bioavailability Administered (mg/kg) (min · ng/mL) (ng/mL) (min) (%) ± SD (n = 3) (%) ± SD (n = 3) Treprostinil 0.5 212 1.50 120 41.0 ± 16 3.8 ± 2 methyl ester Treprostinil 0.5 1171 7.20 120 226 ± 155 20.8 ± 14 benzyl ester Treprostinil 0.5 2242 9.04 240 433 ± 631 39.9 ± 58 diglycine Conclusions In this study the relative oral bioavailabilities of prodrugs of Treprostinil were determined in rats.","Treprostinil methyl ester resulted in Treprostinil area under the plasma concentration versus time curves (AUCs) less than that after dosing the active compound.","Prodrugs treprostinil benzyl ester and treprostinil diglycine both had Treprostinil average AUCs greater than that after dosing of the active compound.","Treprostinil diglycine had the highest relative bioavailability of 433% with over 4 times more Treprostinil reaching the systemic circulation.","The Cmax of 9 ng/mL of Treprostinil following administration of treprostinil diglycine occurred at 240 minutes post-dosing.","The Cmax following dosing of Treprostinil is 5 ng/mL and occurs only 5 minutes post-dosing.","Treprostinil benzyl ester had a relative bioavailability of 226±155% with a Cmax of 7.2 ng/mL occurring 120 minutes post-dosing.","It should also be noted that the AUCs are not extrapolated to infinity.","REFERENCES 1.WinNonlin User's Guide, version 3.1, 1998-1999, Pharsight Co., Mountain View, Calif. 94040.Example 3 This example illustrates a pharmacokinetic study of treprostinil following administration of a single duodenal dose of treprostinil and various prodrugs of the present invention.","In this study, the area under the curve of Treprostinil in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monophosphate (ring), treprostinil monovaline (ring), treprostinil monoalanine (ring) or treprostinil monoalanine (chain), prodrugs of treprostinil was compared.","The compounds were as follows: having the following substituents: Compound R1 R2 R3 treprostinil H —PO3H3 H monophosphate (ring) treprostinil H —COCH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 H monovaline (ring) treprostinil H —COCH(CH3)NH2 H monoalanine (ring) treprostinil H H —COCH(CH3)NH2 monoalanine (chain) Experimental Dosing Solution Preparation All dosing vehicles were prepared less than 2 hours prior to dosing.","1.Treprostinil Monophosphate (Ring) A dosing solution of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) was prepared by dissolving 1.01 mg of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) in 0.167 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA) until dissolved.","This solution was further diluted with 1.50 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.603 mg/mL of prodrug equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","2.Treprostinil Monovaline (Ring) A 50 mg/mL solution of treprostinil monovaline (ring) was prepared in dimethylacetamide (DMA).","A 25 μL aliquot of the 50 mg/mL stock solution was then diluted with 175 μL of DMA and 1.8 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.625 mg/mL of prodrug equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","3.Treprostinil Monoalanine (Ring) A solution of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) was prepared by dissolving 1.05 mg of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) in 0.178 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA) until dissolved.","This solution was further diluted with 1.60 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.590 mg/mL of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","4.Treprostinil Monoalanine (Chain) A solution of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) was prepared by dissolving 0.83 mg of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) in 0.14 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA) until dissolved.","This solution was further diluted with 1.26 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.591 mg/mL of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.","The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.","Animal Dosing The plasma concentrations of Treprostinil following oral administration of each prodrug were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats.","Twelve rats were purchased from Hilltop Lab Animals (Scottdale, Pa.).","The animals were shipped from Hilltop to Absorption Systems' West Chester University facility (West Chester, Pa.).","They were housed for at least twenty-four hours prior to being used in the study.","The animals were fasted for approximately 16 hours prior to dosing.","The twelve rats used in this study were divided into four groups.","All groups were dosed on day 1 of the study.","The weight of the animals and the dosing regimen are presented in Table 11.TABLE 11 Dose Volume Dose* Rat # Weight (g) Compound (mL/kg) (mg/kg) 130 327 treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 1 0.603 131 321 treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 1 0.603 132 310 treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 1 0.603 133 328 treprostinil monovaline (ring) 1 0.625 134 326 treprostinil monovaline (ring) 1 0.625 135 346 treprostinil monovaline (ring) 1 0.625 136 321 treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 1 0.591 137 319 treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 1 0.591 138 330 treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 1 0.591 139 316 treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 1 0.590 140 330 treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 1 0.590 141 339 treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 1 0.590 *This dose of prodrug = 0.500 mg/kg of treprostinil Animals were dosed via an indwelling duodenal cannula.","Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein cannula at the following time points: 0 (pre-dose) 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 480 minutes.","The blood samples were withdrawn and placed into tubes containing 30 μL of a solution of 500 units per mL of heparin in saline, and centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes.","Approximately 200 μL of plasma was then removed and dispensed into appropriately labeled polypropylene tubes containing 4 μL of acetic acid in order to stabilize any prodrug remaining in the samples.","The plasma samples were frozen at −20° C. and were transported on ice to Absorption Systems Exton Facility.","There they were stored in a −80° C. freezer pending analysis.","Analysis of Plasma Samples Plasma samples were analyzed using the methods described above.","In brief, Treprostinil was extracted from the plasma via solid phase extraction then analyzed by LC/MS/MS.","The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the analytical method was 0.03 ng/mL.","Acceptance Criteria for Analytical Runs Four standard curves, with a minimum of five points per curve, and a minimum of two quality control samples (QCs) at 3 concentrations were dispersed throughout each run.","Each prodrug set was bracketed by a standard curve used for back-calculation.","The standards and QCs must be within ±15% (20% for the LLOQ) accuracy and precision for the run to be accepted.","At least 75% of all standards and QCs must pass the acceptance criteria.","Pharmacokinetic Analysis Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the plasma concentration of Treprostinil for each individual rat at each time point and on the average plasma concentration for all three rats in the group for each time point.","The data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis using the pharmacokinetic program WinNonLin v. 3.1 (2).","Results Study Observations No adverse reactions were observed following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monophosphate (ring), treprostinil monovaline (ring), treprostinil monoalanine (ring) or treprostinil monoalanine (chain).","Ex-Vivo Plasma Stability of Prodrugs in Acidified Rat Plasma In order to terminate any conversion of prodrug to active after samples were withdrawn, the plasma was acidified.","Acetic acid (v/v) was added to each plasma sample immediately after separation of the red blood cells to a concentration of 2%.","In-vitro plasma stability of each prodrug was performed to insure that the compound was stable in acidified plasma.","To perform this assay 2% acetic acid was added to blank rat plasma obtained from Lampire Biological.","The acidified rat plasma was brought to room temperature for three minutes prior to addition of prodrug.","The initial concentration of each prodrug was 1000 ng/mL.","A 100 μL aliquot of plasma (n=3 per time point) was taken at 0, 60 and 120 minutes.","Sample preparation of each plasma sample was performed as described above and the concentration of Treprostinil monitored.","Treprostinil concentrations did not increase in any of the acidified plasma samples spiked with prodrug over the two-hour period of the experiment.","Sample Analysis Average Treprostinil plasma concentrations following administration of treprostinil monophosphate (ring), treprostinil monovaline (ring), treprostinil monoalanine (ring) or treprostinil monoalanine (chain) are shown in Table 12.TABLE 12 AVERAGE ± SD (N = 3) PLASMA TREPROSTINIL CONCENTRATIONS (NG/ML) Oral Dosing Pre- 5 15 30 60 120 240 360 480 Solution dose (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) treprostinil 0 8.62 ± 3.0 6.57 ± 1.7 3.31 ± 1.2 4.31 ± 0.8 2.07 ± 0.4 0.91 ± 0.5 0.26 ± 0.08 0.3 ± 0.08 monophosphate (ring) treprostinil 0 0.76 ± 0.2 0.91 ± 0.7 1.52 ± 0.6 1.53 ± 0.6 1.65 ± 0.7 0.66 ± 0.1 0.15 ± 0.03 0.05 ± 0.02 monovaline (ring) treprostinil 0 2.42 ± 0.6 2.52 ± 0.4 2.91 ± 0.6 3.25 ± 1.5 1.69 ± 0.4 0.55 ± 0.2 0.20 ± 0.1 0.22 ± 0.2 monoalanine (ring) treprostinil 0 9.53 ± 2.6 3.92 ± 0.6 3.83 ± 0.7 2.74 ± 0.9 0.86 ± 0.4 0.29 ± 0.2 0.08 ± 0.04 0.19 ± 0.3 monoalanine (chain) FIGS.","8-12 contain graphical representations of the plasma concentration versus time curves for Treprostinil in rat following administration of each prodrug.","Table 13 lists each figure and the information displayed.","TABLE 13 FIG.","Description 8 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 9 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monovaline (ring) 10 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 11 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 12 Intraduodenal dose of each prodrug compared to treprostinil alone from Example 1 Pharmacokinetic Analysis Bioavailability of the prodrug was determined relative to that of the active compound based on a previous study in which Treprostinil was dosed to rats.","The following formula was used to determine relative bioavailability (F): Relative F=(AUC(ProdrugDose)/Dose)/(AUC(Treprostinil Dose)/Dose)*100 Absolute bioavailability was also estimated using data from an intravenous dose of Treprostinil in rats determined in Example 1.Results are listed in Table 14.TABLE 14 List of Figures FIG.","Description 8 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 9 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monovaline (ring) 10 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 11 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 12 Intraduodenal Dose of Each Prodrug Compared to Treprostinil Alone from Example 1 Conclusions The relative intraduodenal bioavailabilities of four prodrugs of Treprostinil were determined in rats.","All the compounds had relative intraduodenal bioavailabilities less than that of the active compound.","treprostinil monophosphate (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (ring) had the highest relative intraduodenal bioavailability at 56% and 38% respectively.","The Tmax for treprostinil monophosphate (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (chain) occurred 5 minutes post-dosing.","treprostinil monovaline (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (ring) had longer absorption times with Tmax values of 120 and 60 minutes respectively.","Maximum Treprostinil concentrations were highest following treprostinil monophosphate (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (chain) dosing.","They reached approximately 9 ng/mL 5 minutes post-dosing.","The bioavailabilities are much greater when dosed intraduodenally than when dosed orally as measured by treprostinil plasma levels.","REFERENCES 1.WinNonlin User's Guide, version 3.1, 1998-1999, Pharsight Co., Mountain View, Calif. 94040.Example 4 In this Example, Treprostinil concentrations will be determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single oral or intraduodenal dose of the following compounds of structure II: having the following substituents: Cpd.","R1 R2 R3 A —CH2CONH2 H H B —CH2CON(CH2)2OH H H C —CH2CON(CH3)2 H H D —CH2CONHOH H H E —CH2C6H4NO2 (p)* H H F —CH2C6H4OCH3 (p)* H H G —CH2C6H4Cl (o)* H H H —CH2C6H4(NO2)2* H H (o,p) I —CH2C6H4F (p)* H H J H —PO3H3 H K H H —PO3H3 L H —COCH2NH2 H M H H —COCH2NH2 N H —COCH(CH3)NH2 H O H H —COCH(CH3)NH2 P H —COCH(CH3)NH2 —COCH(CH3)NH2 *o denotes ortho substitution, m denotes meta substitution and p denotes para substitution.","Examples of these compounds include: Prodrug preparation and analysis will take place as described in Examples 1 and 2 above.","Additionally, the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, treprostinil sodium and the compounds shown in Example 2 and this Example will be administered in close proximity to or simultaneously with various different p-glycoprotein inhibiting compounds at varying concentrations and tested to determine the effect of the p-glycoprotein inhibitors on the oral bioavailability of the compounds.","The p-glycoprotein inhibitors will be administered both intravenously and orally.","Example 5 Clinical Studies with Treprostinil Diethanolamine Introduction Prior to proceeding directly into clinical studies with a sustained release (SR) solid dosage form of UT-15C (treprostinil diethanolamine), a determination of the pharmacokinetics of an oral “immediate release” solution was performed.","The first clinical study (01-101) evaluated the ability of escalating doses of an oral solution of UT-15C to reach detectable levels in plasma, potential dose-plasma concentration relationship, bioavailability and the overall safety of UT-15C.","Volunteers were dosed with the solutions in a manner that simulated a sustained release formulation releasing drug over approximately 8 hours.","The second clinical study (01-102) assessed the ability of two SR solid dosage form prototypes (i.e., 1.microparticulate beads in a capsule and, 2.tablet) to reach detectable levels in plasma and the potential influence of food on these plasma drug concentrations.","The SR prototypes were designed to release UT-15C over approximately an 8 hour time period.","Details of the two clinical studies are described below.","Clinical Study 01-101 A Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Study of Multiple Escalating Doses of UT-15C (Treprostinil Diethanolamine) Administered as an Oral Solution in Healthy Adult Volunteers (Including Study of Bioavailability).","The oral solution of UT-15C was administered to 24 healthy volunteers to assess the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of UT-15C as well as its bioavailability.","To mimic a SR release profile, doses were administered every two hours for four doses at either 0.05 mg per dose (total=0.2 mg), 0.125 mg per dose (total=0.5 mg), 0.25 mg per dose (total=1.0 mg), or 0.5 mg per dose (total=2.0 mg).","Study endpoints included standard safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, laboratory parameters, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms) as well as pharmacokinetic parameters.","All subjects received all four scheduled doses and completed the study in its entirety.","Treprostinil plasma concentrations were detectable in all subjects following administration of an oral solution dose of UT-15C.","Both AUCinf and Cmax increased in a linear fashion with dose for each of the four dose aliquots.","The highest concentration observed in this study was 5.51 ng/mL after the third 0.25 mg solution dose aliquot of the 2.0 mg UT-15C total dose.","Based on historical intravenous treprostinil sodium data, the mean absolute bioavailability values for the 0.2 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg doses of UT-15C were estimated to be 21%, 23%, 24% and 25%, respectively.","The results of this study are respectively shown in FIGS.","13A-13D.","UT-15C was well tolerated by the majority of subjects at all doses given.","There were no clinically significant, treatment emergent changes in hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, vital signs, physical exams, and ECGs.","The most frequently reported adverse events were flushing, headache, and dizziness.","This safety profile with UT-15C (treprostinil diethanolamine) is consistent with the reported safety profile and product labeling of Remodulin (treprostinil sodium) and other prostacyclin analogs.","Thus, changing the salt form of treprostinil did not result in any unexpected safety issues following the protocol specified dosing regimen (i.e.","single dose every 2 hours for four total doses on a single day).","Clinical Study 01-102 A Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Study Comparing a Single Dose of a Sustained Release Capsule and Tablet Formulation of UT-15C (Treprostinil Diethanolamine) Administered to Healthy Adult Volunteers in the Fasted and Fed State The 01-102 study was designed to evaluate and compare the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of a (1) UT-15C SR tablet prototype and, (2) UT-15C SR capsule prototype (microparticulate beads in a capsule) in both the fasted and fed state.","Each of the SR dosage forms were designed to release UT-15C (1 mg) over an approximate 8-hour time period.","Fourteen healthy adult volunteers were assigned to receive the SR tablet formulation while an additional fourteen volunteers were assigned to receive the SR capsule formulation.","Subjects were randomized to receive a single dose (1 mg) of their assigned SR prototype in both the fasted and fed state.","A crossover design was employed with a seven day wash-out period separating the fed/fasted states.","For the fed portion of the study, subjects received a high calorie, high fat meal.","Study endpoints included standard safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, laboratory parameters, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms) as well as pharmacokinetic parameters.","All subjects administered UT-15C SR tablets and capsules had detectable treprostinil plasma concentrations.","Calculations of area under the curve from zero to twenty-four hours (AUC0-24) indicate that total exposure to UT-15C SR occurred in the following order: Tablet Fed>Capsule Fasted>Tablet Fasted>Capsule Fed.","FIG.","14 displays the pharmacokinetic profiles of the two formulations in the fasted and fed states.","UT-15C SR tablets and capsules were tolerated by the majority of subjects.","All adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and were similar to those described in Study 01-101 and in Remodulin's product labeling.","Additionally, there were no treatment-emergent changes in vital signs, laboratory parameters, physical examinations, or electrocardiograms throughout the study.","These results demonstrate that detectable and potentially therapeutic drug concentrations can be obtained from a solid dosage form of UT-15C and that these concentrations can be maintained over an extended period of time through sustained release formulation technology.","Polymorphs of Treprostinil Diethanolamine Two crystalline forms of UT-15C were identified as well as an amorphous form.","The first, which is metastable, is termed Form A.","The second, which is thermodynamically more stable, is Form B.","Each form was characterized and interconversion studies were conducted to demonstrate which form was thermodynamically stable.","Form A is made according to the methods in Table 15.Form B is made from Form A, in accordance with the procedures of Table 16.TABLE 15 XRPD Sample Solvent Conditionsa Habit/Description Resultb ID tetrahydrofuran FE opaque white solids; morphology A 1440- unknown, birefringent 72-02 SE glassy transparent solids A (PO) 1440- 72-03 SC (60° C.) translucent, colorless glassy sheets A 1440- of material, birefringent 72-16 Toluene slurry (RT), 6 d white solids; opaque masses of A + B 1440- smaller particles 72-01 toluene:IPA SC(60° C.) white solids; spherical clusters of A 1480- (11.4:1) fibers, birefringent 21-03 Water FE opaque white solids; morphology A 1440- unknowm, birefringent 72-07 SE opaque ring of solids, birefringent A + B 1440- 72-08 freeze dry white, glassy transparent solids A + B 1480- 58-02 water:ethanol FE opaque white solids; morphology A + 1440- (1:1) unknown, birefringent 11.5 pk 72-09 FE clear and oily substance with some B 1480- opaque solids 79-02 SE glassy opaque ring of solid A 1440- 72-10 aFE = fast evaporation; SE = slow evaporation; SC = slow cool bIS = insufficient sample; PO = preferred orientation; LC = low crystallinity; pk = peak cXRPD = X-ray powder diffraction TABLE 16 XRPD Solvent Conditions Habit/Description Result Sample ID ethanol/water FE glassy appearing solids of —b 1519-68-01 (1:1) unknown morphology; birefringent 1,4-dioxane slurry(50° C.), 6 d white solids; opaque masses of B 1519-73-02a material; morphology unknown slurry(50° C.), 2 d small grainy solids; with B 1557-12-01 birefringence subsample of — B 1557-15-01 1557-12-01 subsample of white solids B 1557-15-02 1557-12-01 slurry(50° C.), 2 d — B 1557-17-01 isopropanol slurry(RT), 1 d white solids —b 1519-96-03 tetrahydrofuran slurry(RT), 1 d — —b 1519-96-02 toluene slurry(50° C.), 6 d white solids B 1519-73-01 aSeeds of sample #1480-58-01 (A + B) added bSamples not analyzed Characterization of Crystal Forms: Form A The initial material synthesized (termed Form A) was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), hot stage microscopy, infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, and moisture sorption.","Representative XRPD of Form A is shown in FIG.","15.The IR and Raman spectra for Form A are shown in FIGS.","16 and 17, respectively.","The thermal data for Form A are shown in FIG.","18.The DSC thermogram shows an endotherm at 103° C. that is consistent with melting (from hot stage microscopy).","The sample was observed to recrystallize to needles on cooling from the melt.","The TG data shows no measurable weight loss up to 100° C., indicating that the material is not solvated.","The moisture sorption data are shown graphically in FIG.","19.Form A material shows significant weight gain (>33%) during the course of the experiment (beginning between 65 to 75% RH), indicating that the material is hygroscopic.","In addition, hygroscopicity of treprostinil diethanolamine was evaluated in humidity chambers at approximately 52% RH and 68% RH.","The materials were observed to gain 4.9% and 28% weight after 23 days in the ˜52% RH and ˜68% RH chambers, respectively.","Based on the above characterization data, Form A is a crystalline, anhydrous material which is hygroscopic and melts at 103° C. Form B Treprostinil diethanolamine Form B was made from heated slurries (50° C.) of Form A in 1,4 dioxane and toluene, as shown in Table 16.Material isolated from 1,4-dioxane was used to fully characterize Form B.","A representative XRPD pattern of Form B is shown in FIG.","20.Form A and Form B XRPD patterns are similar, however, significant differences are observed in the range of approximately 12-17°2θ (FIG.","20).","The thermal data for Form B are shown in FIG.","21.The DSC thermogram (Sample ID 1557-17-01) shows a single endotherm at 107° C. that is consistent with a melting event (as determined by hotstage microscopy).","The TG shows minimal weight loss up to 100° C. The moisture sorption/desorption data for Form B are shown in FIG.","22.There is minimal weight loss at 5% RH and the material absorbs approximately 49% water at 95% RH.","Upon desorption from 95% down to 5% RH, the sample loses approximately 47%.","Form A and Form B can easily be detected in the DSC curve.","Based on the above characterization data, Form B appears to be a crystalline material which melts at 107° C. Thermodynamic Properties: Inter-conversion experiments were carried out in order to determine the thermodynamically most stable form at various temperatures.","These studies were performed in two different solvents, using Forms A and B material, and the data are summarized in Table 17.Experiments in isopropanol exhibit full conversion to Form B at ambient, 15° C., and 30° C. after 7 days, 11 days, and 1 day, respectively.","Experiments in tetrahydrofuran also exhibit conversion to Form B at ambient, 15° C., and 30° C. conditions.","Full conversion was obtained after 11 days at 15° C., and 1 day at 30° C. At ambient conditions, however, a minor amount of Form A remained after 7 days based on XRPD data obtained.","Full conversion would likely occur upon extended slurry time.","Based on these slurry inter-conversion experiments, Form B appears to be the most thermodynamically stable form.","Form A and Form B appear to be related monotropically with Form B being more thermodynamically stable.","TABLE 17 Interconversion Studies of Treprostinil Diethanolamine Experiment/ Sample No.","Forms Solvent Starting Materials Temperature Time 1557-22- A vs. B isopropanol solid mixture ambient 7 days 01 # 1557-20-01a 1557-47- A vs. B solid mixture 15° C. 11 days 02 # 1557-35-01d 1557-33- A vs. B solid mixture 30° C. 1 day 02 # 1557-35-01d 1557-21- A vs. B solid mixture 50° C. — 02e # 1557-20-01b 1557-20- A vs. B tetrahydrofuran solid mixture ambient 7 days 03 # 1557-20-01c 1557-47- A vs. B solid mixture 15° C. 11 days 01 # 1557-35-01d 1557-33- A vs. B solid mixture 30° C. 1 day 01 # 1557-35-01d 1557-21- A vs. B solid mixture 50° C. — 01e # 1557-20-01c asaturated solution Sample ID 1557-21-03 bsaturated solution Sample ID 1519-96-03 csaturated solution Sample ID 1519-96-02 dsaturated solution prepared just prior to addition of solids esamples not analyzed as solubility (at 50° C.) of treprostinil diethanolamine was very high and solutions became discolored.","All references disclosed herein are specifically incorporated by reference thereto.","While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as defined herein."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF PROSTACYCLIN ANALOGS\",\n \"This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin formulations and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vascular remodeling), providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis and inducing angiogenesis.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method of treating pulmonary hypertension, treating peripheral vascular disease, promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation, providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis, or inducing angiogenesis comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a pharmaceutically effective amount of a prodrug of treprostinil, wherein the prodrug converts to treprostinil upon said administration.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug has no activity before being converted to treprostinil.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by oral administration.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by ingestion.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by transmucosal administration.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by parenteral administration.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by subcutaneous administration.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by injection.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 8, wherein the injection is a bolus injection.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 8, wherein the injection is continuous infusion.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 8, wherein the injection is an intravenous injection.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is administered by duodenal administration.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 1, which is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug is an ester of treprostinil.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 14, which is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 1, wherein the prodrug provides a Cmax up to 240 minutes post-dosing.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Many valuable pharmacologically active compounds cannot be effectively administered orally for various reasons and are generally administered via intravenous or intramuscular routes.\",\n \"These routes of administration generally require intervention by a physician or other health care professional, and can entail considerable discomfort as well as potential local trauma to the patient.\",\n \"One example of such a compound is treprostinil, a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin.\",\n \"Although treprostinil sodium (Remodulin®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for subcutaneous administration, treprostinil as the free acid has an absolute oral bioavailability of less than 10%.\",\n \"Accordingly, there is clinical interest in providing treprostinil orally.\",\n \"Thus, there is a need for a safe and effective method for increasing the systemic availability of treprostinil via administration of treprostinil or treprostinil analogs.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound having structure I: wherein, R 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups, and groups wherein OR 1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters; R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound and polymorphs.\",\n \"In some of these embodiments, R 1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, such as CH 2 C 6 H 5 .\",\n \"In other embodiments, OR 1 is a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R 1 is —CH 2 CONR 4 R 5 , R 4 and R 5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH 2 ) m CH 3 , —CH 2 OH, and —CH 2 (CH 2 ) n OH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In certain of these embodiments one or both of R 4 and R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —CH 3 , or —CH 2 CH 2 OH.\",\n \"In any of the previously discussed embodiments, one or both of R 2 and R 3 can be H. In some enantiomers of the compound R 1 =R 2 =R 3 =H, or R 2 =R 3 =H and R 1 =valinyl amide.\",\n \"In still further embodiments of the present compounds R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.\",\n \"In some compounds only one of R 2 or R 3 is a phosphate group.\",\n \"In other compounds R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.\",\n \"In any of the above embodiments, one of R 2 and R 3 are H. In certain of the present compounds, the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.\",\n \"The above compounds can further comprise an inhibitor of p-glycoprotein transport.\",\n \"Any of these compounds can also further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.\",\n \"The present invention also provides a method of using the above compounds therapeutically of/for: pulmonary hypertension, ischemic diseases, heart failure, conditions requiring anticoagulation, thrombotic microangiopathy, extracorporeal circulation, central retinal vein occlusion, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, reproduction and parturition, cancer or other conditions of unregulated cell growth, cell/tissue preservation and other emerging therapeutic areas where prostacyclin treatment appears to have a beneficial role.\",\n \"A preferred embodiment is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension and/or peripheral vascular disease in a subject comprising orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of structure II: wherein, R 1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, arylalkyl groups and groups wherein OR 1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester; R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or polymorph of the compound.\",\n \"In some of these methods, when OR 1 forms a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R 1 is —CH 2 CONR 4 R 5 , wherein R 4 and R 5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH 2 ) m CH 3 , —CH 2 OH, and —CH 2 (CH 2 ) n OH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In other methods R 1 is a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.\",\n \"In the disclosed methods, R 1 can also be a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group.\",\n \"In other methods, R 1 can be —CH 3 or —CH 2 C 6 H 5 .\",\n \"In still other methods R 4 and R 5 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH 3 , and —CH 2 CH 2 OH.\",\n \"In yet other methods, one or both of R 2 and R 3 are H. Alternatively, one or both of R 2 and R 3 are not H and R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.\",\n \"In some methods, only one of R 2 or R 3 is a phosphate group.\",\n \"In additional methods, R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR 2 and OR 3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.\",\n \"In further methods one of R 1 and R 2 is H. In some methods, enantiomers of the compound where R 1 =R 2 =R 3 =H, or R 2 =R 3 =H and R 1 =valinyl amide are used.\",\n \"In various methods the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.\",\n \"The present methods can also comprise administering pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor, simultaneously, sequentially, or prior to administration of the compound of structure II.\",\n \"In some embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered orally or intravenously.\",\n \"The disclosed methods can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"The present invention also provides a method of increasing the oral bioavailability of treprostinil or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor and orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of treprostinil to a subject.\",\n \"In certain of these embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered prior to or simultaneously with the treprostinil.\",\n \"The route of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor administration can vary, such as orally or intravenously.\",\n \"The present invention also provides a composition comprising treprostinil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"The present compound can also be administered topically or transdermally.\",\n \"Pharmaceutical formulations according to the present invention are provided which include any of the compounds described above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.\",\n \"The compounds described above can also be used to treat cancer.\",\n \"Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/239,014, filed Aug. 17, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/881,379, filed Oct. 13, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/710,694, filed May 13, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/490,014, filed Sep. 18, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/906,585, filed May 31, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/558,757, filed Jul.\",\n \"26, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"12/078,955, filed Apr.\",\n \"8, 2008, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"11/603,124, filed Nov. 22, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"10/851,481, filed May 24, 2004, which claims benefit of U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"60/472,407, filed on May 22, 2003, the entire contents of which applications are incorporated by reference herein.\",\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin analogs and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vascular remodeling), providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis and inducing angiogenesis.\",\n \"Through these prostacyclin-mimetic mechanisms, the compounds of the present invention may be used in the treatment of/for: pulmonary hypertension, ischemic diseases (e.g., peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, Scleroderma, myocardial ischemia, ischemic stroke, renal insufficiency), heart failure (including congestive heart failure), conditions requiring anticoagulation (e.g., post MI, post cardiac surgery), thrombotic microangiopathy, extracorporeal circulation, central retinal vein occlusion, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases (e.g., COPD, psoriasis), hypertension (e.g., preeclampsia), reproduction and parturition, cancer or other conditions of unregulated cell growth, cell/tissue preservation and other emerging therapeutic areas where prostacyclin treatment appears to have a beneficial role.\",\n \"These compounds may also demonstrate additive or synergistic benefit in combination with other cardiovascular agents (e.g., calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelial antagonists, antiplatelet agents).\",\n \"BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many valuable pharmacologically active compounds cannot be effectively administered orally for various reasons and are generally administered via intravenous or intramuscular routes.\",\n \"These routes of administration generally require intervention by a physician or other health care professional, and can entail considerable discomfort as well as potential local trauma to the patient.\",\n \"One example of such a compound is treprostinil, a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin.\",\n \"Although treprostinil sodium (Remodulin®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for subcutaneous administration, treprostinil as the free acid has an absolute oral bioavailability of less than 10%.\",\n \"Accordingly, there is clinical interest in providing treprostinil orally.\",\n \"Thus, there is a need for a safe and effective method for increasing the systemic availability of treprostinil via administration of treprostinil or treprostinil analogs.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound having structure I: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups, and groups wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound and polymorphs.\",\n \"In some of these embodiments, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, such as CH2C6H5.In other embodiments, OR1 is a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In certain of these embodiments one or both of R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, —CH3, or —CH2CH2OH.\",\n \"In any of the previously discussed embodiments, one or both of R2 and R3 can be H. In some enantiomers of the compound R1=R2=R3=H, or R2=R3=H and R1=valinyl amide.\",\n \"In still further embodiments of the present compounds R2 and R3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.\",\n \"In some compounds only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.\",\n \"In other compounds R2 and R3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.\",\n \"In any of the above embodiments, one of R2 and R3 are H. In certain of the present compounds, the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.\",\n \"The above compounds can further comprise an inhibitor of p-glycoprotein transport.\",\n \"Any of these compounds can also further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.\",\n \"The present invention also provides a method of using the above compounds therapeutically of/for: pulmonary hypertension, ischemic diseases, heart failure, conditions requiring anticoagulation, thrombotic microangiopathy, extracorporeal circulation, central retinal vein occlusion, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, hypertension, reproduction and parturition, cancer or other conditions of unregulated cell growth, cell/tissue preservation and other emerging therapeutic areas where prostacyclin treatment appears to have a beneficial role.\",\n \"A preferred embodiment is a method of treating pulmonary hypertension and/or peripheral vascular disease in a subject comprising orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of structure II: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, arylalkyl groups and groups wherein OR1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or polymorph of the compound.\",\n \"In some of these methods, when OR1 forms a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, wherein R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In other methods R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.\",\n \"In the disclosed methods, R1 can also be a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group.\",\n \"In other methods, R1 can be —CH3 or —CH2C6H5.In still other methods R4 and R5 are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH3, and —CH2CH2OH.\",\n \"In yet other methods, one or both of R2 and R3 are H. Alternatively, one or both of R2 and R3 are not H and R2 and R3 are independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.\",\n \"In some methods, only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.\",\n \"In additional methods, R2 and R3 are independently selected from groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, such as esters of glycine or alanine.\",\n \"In further methods one of R1 and R2 is H. In some methods, enantiomers of the compound where R1=R2=R3=H, or R2=R3=H and R1=valinyl amide are used.\",\n \"In various methods the oral bioavailability of the compound is greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, such as at least 50% or 100% greater than the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.\",\n \"The present methods can also comprise administering pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor, simultaneously, sequentially, or prior to administration of the compound of structure II.\",\n \"In some embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered orally or intravenously.\",\n \"The disclosed methods can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"The present invention also provides a method of increasing the oral bioavailability of treprostinil or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor and orally administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of treprostinil to a subject.\",\n \"In certain of these embodiments the p-glycoprotein inhibitor is administered prior to or simultaneously with the treprostinil.\",\n \"The route of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor administration can vary, such as orally or intravenously.\",\n \"The present invention also provides a composition comprising treprostinil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"The present compound can also be administered topically or transdermally.\",\n \"Pharmaceutical formulations according to the present invention are provided which include any of the compounds described above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.\",\n \"The compounds described above can also be used to treat cancer.\",\n \"Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.\",\n \"1A and 1B respectively show plasma concentration versus time curves for intravenous and intraportal dosing of treprostinil diethanolamine salt in rats as described in Example 1; FIGS.\",\n \"2A, 2B and 2C respectively show plasma concentration versus time curves for intraduodenal, intracolonic and oral dosing of treprostinil diethanol amine salt in rats as described in Example 1; FIG.\",\n \"3 shows on a logarithmic scale the average plasma concentration versus time curves for the routes of administration described in Example 1; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rats of treprostinil methyl ester as described in Example 2; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rats of treprostinil benzyl ester as described in Example 2; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rats of treprostinil diglycine as described in Example 2; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following oral administration in rates of treprostinil benzyl ester (0.5 mg/kg) and treprostinil diglycine (0.5 mg/kg) as described in Example 2 compared to treprostinil (1 mg/per kg).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) as described in Example 3; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monovaline (ring) as described in Example 3; FIG.\",\n \"10 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) as described in Example 3; FIG.\",\n \"11 is a graphical representation of the plasma concentration versus time curve for treprostinil in rat following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) as described in Example 3; and FIG.\",\n \"12 is a graphical representation of the average plasma concentration versus time curve for each prodrug compared to treprostinil alone from Example 1, as described in Example 3.Treprostinil was dosed at 1 mg/kg whereas the prodrugs were dosed at 0.5 mg/kg.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"13A-13D respectively show doses, administered every two hours for four doses, for either 0.05 mg per dose (total=0.2 mg), 0.125 mg per dose (total=0.5 mg), 0.25 mg per dose (total=1.0 mg), or 0.5 mg per dose (total=2.0 mg).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"14 shows pharmacokinetic profiles of UT-15C sustained release tablets and sustained release capsules, fasted and fed state.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"15 shows an X ray powder diffraction spectrum of the polymorph Form A.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 shows an IR spectrum of the polymorph Form A.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"17 shows a Raman spectrum of the polymorph Form A.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"18 shows thermal data of the polymorph Form A.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"19 shows moisture sorption data of the polymorph Form A.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"20 shows an X ray powder diffraction spectrum of the polymorph Form B.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"21 shows thermal data of the polymorph Form B.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"22 shows moisture sorption data of the polymorph Form B.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “one or more”.\",\n \"The present invention provides compounds and methods for inducing prostacyclin-like effects in a subject or patient.\",\n \"The compounds provided herein can be formulated into pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments that are useful in the methods of the invention.\",\n \"The invention also provides for the use of the compounds in preparing medicaments and pharmaceutical formulations and for use of the compounds in treating biological conditions related to insufficient prostacyclin activity as outlined in the Field of Invention.\",\n \"The present invention also provides compounds and methods for the treatment of cancer and cancer related disorders.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the present compounds are chemical derivatives of (+)-treprostinil, which has the following structure: Treprostinil is a chemically stable analog of prostacyclin, and as such is a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation.\",\n \"The sodium salt of treprostinil, (1R,2R,3aS,9aS)-[[2,3,3a,4,9,9a-Hexahydro-2-hydroxy-1-[(3S)-3-hydroxyoctyl]-1H-benz[f]inden-5-yl] oxy]acetic acid monosodium salt, is sold as a solution for injection as Remodulin® which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the present compounds are derivatives of (−)-treprostinil, the enantiomer of (+)-treprostinil.\",\n \"A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the diethanolamine salt of treprostinil.\",\n \"The present invention further includes polymorphs of the above compounds, with two forms, A and B, being described in the examples below.\",\n \"Of the two forms, B is preferred.\",\n \"A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is form B of treprostinil diethanolamine.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the present compounds are generally classified as prodrugs of treprostinil that convert to treprostinil after administration to a patient, such as through ingestion.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the prodrugs have little or no activity themselves and only show activity after being converted to treprostinil.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the present compounds were produced by chemically derivatizing treprostinil to make stable esters, and in some instances, the compounds were derivatized from the hydroxyl groups.\",\n \"Compounds of the present invention can also be provided by modifying the compounds found in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"4,306,075 and 5,153,222 in like manner.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the present invention provides compounds of structure I: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups and groups wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; enantiomers of the compound; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound.\",\n \"In some embodiments wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters, R1 is —CH2CONR4R5 and R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group or the groups described in the R of structures I and II above and below, the present invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group.\",\n \"Accordingly, for all purposes, the present invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members.\",\n \"The present invention also envisages the explicit exclusion of one or more of any of the group members in the claimed invention.\",\n \"For example, R1 can specifically exclude H, substituted and unsubstituted benzyl groups, or groups wherein OR1 are substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide esters.\",\n \"In some embodiments, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl groups, such as —CH2C6H5, —CH2C6H4NO2, —CH2C6H4OCH3, —CH2C6H4Cl, —CH2C6H4(NO2)2, or —CH2C6H4F.\",\n \"The benzyl group can be ortho, meta, para, ortho/para substituted and combinations thereof.\",\n \"Suitable substituents on the aromatic ring include halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine), —NO2 groups, —OR16 groups wherein R16 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl group, and combinations thereof.\",\n \"Alternatively, when R1 is —CH2CONR4R5 then R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH3, and —CH2CH2OH.\",\n \"In these compounds where R1 is not H, generally one or both of R2 and R3 are H. In some embodiment one or both of R2 and R3 are H and R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, and one or both of R4 and R5 are H, —OH, —CH3, —CH2CH2OH.\",\n \"In compounds where one or both of R2 and R3 are not H, R2 and R3 can be independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.\",\n \"In some embodiments, only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.\",\n \"In compounds where at least one of R2 and R3 is not H, generally R1 is H. In additional embodiments, one of R2 and R3 are H and thus the compound of structure I is derivatized at only one of R2 and R3.In particular compounds, R2 is H and R3 is defined as above.\",\n \"In additional embodiments, R1 and R3 are H and R2 is a group wherein OR2 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.\",\n \"In further embodiments, R1 and R2 are H and R3 is a group wherein OR3 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.\",\n \"When one or both of the OR2 and OR3 groups form esters of amino acids or peptides, i.e., dipeptides, tripeptides or tetrapeptides, these can be depicted generically as —COCHR6NR7R8 wherein R6 is selected from the group consisting of amino acid side chains, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11.Generally, reference to amino acids or peptides refers to the naturally occurring, or L-isomer, of the amino acids or peptides.\",\n \"However, the present compounds and methods are not limited thereto and D-isomer amino acid residues can take the place of some or all of L-amino acids.\",\n \"In like manner, mixtures of D- and L-isomers can also be used.\",\n \"In the embodiments wherein the amino acid is proline, R7 together with R6 forms a pyrrolidine ring structure.\",\n \"R6 can be any of the naturally occurring amino acid side chains, for example —CH3 (alanine), —(CH2)3NHCNH2NH (arginine), —CH2CONH2 (asparagine), —CH2COOH (aspartic acid), —CH2SH (cysteine), —(CH2)2CONH2 (glutamine), —(CH2)2COOH (glutamic acid), —H (glycine), —CHCH3CH2CH3 (isoleucine), —CH2CH(CH3)2 (leucine), —(CH2)4NH2 (lysine), —(CH2)2SCH3 (methionine), —CH2Ph (phenylalanine), —CH2OH (serine), —CHOHCH3 (threonine), —CH(CH3)2 (valine), —(CH2)3NHCONH2 (citrulline) or —(CH2)3NH2 (ornithine).\",\n \"Ph designates a phenyl group.\",\n \"In the above compounds, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11, wherein R9 is a side chain of amino acid, R10 and R11 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR12NR13R14, wherein R12 is an amino acid side chain, R13 and R14 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR15NH2.One skilled in the art will realize that the peptide chains can be extended on the following scheme to the desired length and include the desired amino acid residues.\",\n \"In the embodiments where either or both of OR2 and OR3 groups form an ester of a peptide, such as dipeptide, tripeptide, tetrapeptide, etc.\",\n \"the peptides can be either homopeptides, i.e., repeats of the same amino acid, such as arginyl-arginine, or heteropeptides, i.e., made up of different combinations of amino acids.\",\n \"Examples of heterodipeptides include alanyl-glutamine, glycyl-glutamine, lysyl-arginine, etc.\",\n \"As will be understood by the skilled artisan when only one R7 and R8 includes a peptide bond to further amino acid, such as in the di, tri and tetrapeptides, the resulting peptide chain will be linear.\",\n \"When both R7 and R8 include a peptide bond, then the peptide can be branched.\",\n \"In still other embodiments of the present compounds R1 is H and one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group or H while the other R2 or R3 is a group such the OR2 or OR3 is an ester of an amino acid, such as an ester of glycine or alanine.\",\n \"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds as well as pharmaceutical formulation of these compounds are also provided.\",\n \"Generally, the compounds described herein have enhanced oral bioavailability compared to the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, either in free acid or salt form.\",\n \"The described compounds can have oral bioavailability that is at least 25%, 50% 100%, 200%, 400% or more compared to the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.\",\n \"The absolute oral bioavailability of these compounds can range between 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or more when administered orally.\",\n \"For comparison, the absolute oral bioavailability of treprostinil is on the order of 10%, although treprostinil sodium has an absolute bioavailability approximating 100% when administered by subcutaneous infusion.\",\n \"As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein, and in particular the bioavailability ranges described herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof.\",\n \"As only one example, a range of 20% to 40%, can be broken down into ranges of 20% to 32.5% and 32.5% to 40%, 20% to 27.5% and 27.5% to 40%, etc.\",\n \"Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc.\",\n \"As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.\",\n \"As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “more than” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above.\",\n \"In the same manner, all ratios disclosed herein also include all subratios falling within the broader ratio.\",\n \"Administration of these compounds can be by any route by which the compound will be bioavailable in effective amounts including oral and parenteral routes.\",\n \"The compounds can be administered intravenously, topically, subcutaneously, intranasally, rectally, intramuscularly, transdermally or by other parenteral routes.\",\n \"When administered orally, the compounds can be administered in any convenient dosage form including, for example, capsule, tablet, liquid, suspension, and the like.\",\n \"Testing has shown that that treprostinil can be irritating upon skin contact.\",\n \"In contrast, some of the compounds disclosed herein, generally as prodrugs of treprostinil, are not irritating to the skin.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present compounds are well suited for topical or transdermal administration.\",\n \"When administered to a subject, the above compounds, and in particular the compounds of structure I, are prostacyclin-mimetic and are useful in treating conditions or disorders where vasodilation and/or inhibition of platelet aggregation or other disorders where prostacyclin has shown benefit, such as in treating pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for inducing prostacyclin-like effects in a subject comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more of the compounds described herein, such as those of structure I above, preferably orally, to a patient in need of such treatment.\",\n \"As an example, the vasodilating effects of the present compounds can be used to treat pulmonary hypertension, which result from various forms of connective tissue disease, such as lupus, scleroderma or mixed connective tissue disease.\",\n \"These compounds are thus useful for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"In another embodiment, the present invention also provides methods of promoting prostacyclin-like effect in a subject by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of structure II: wherein, R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, arylalkyl groups and groups wherein OR1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester; R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 form esters of amino acids or proteins, with the proviso that all of R1, R2 and R3 are not H; an enantiomer of the compound; and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound.\",\n \"In groups wherein OR1 form a substituted or unsubstituted glycolamide ester, R1 can be —CH2CONR4R5, wherein R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups, —(CH2)mCH3, —CH2OH, and —CH2(CH2)nOH, with the proviso that m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4.In other methods of inducing vasodilation or treating hypertension, R1 can be a C1-C4 alkyl group, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.\",\n \"In other methods R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl groups, such as —CH2C6H5, —CH2C6H4NO2, —CH2C6H4OCH3, —CH2C6H4Cl, —CH2C6H4(NO2)2, or —CH2C6H4F.\",\n \"The benzyl group can be ortho, meta, para, ortho/para substituted and combinations thereof.\",\n \"Suitable substituents on the aromatic ring include halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine), —NO2 groups, —OR16 groups wherein R16 is H or a C1-C4 alkyl group, and combinations thereof.\",\n \"Alternatively, when R1 is —CH2CONR4R5 then R4 and R5 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, —CH3, and —CH2CH2OH.\",\n \"In these methods, where R1 is not H, generally one or both of R2 and R3 are H. In some methods, one or both of R2 and R3 are H and R1 is —CH3, —CH2C6H5.In other methods where one or both of R2 and R3 are H, then R1 is —CH2CONR4R5, and one or both of R4 and R5 are H, —OH, —CH3, —CH2CH2OH.\",\n \"In methods where one or both of R2 and R3 are not H, R2 and R3 can be independently selected from phosphate and groups wherein OR2 and OR3 are esters of amino acids, dipeptides, esters of tripeptides and esters of tetrapeptides.\",\n \"In some embodiments, only one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group.\",\n \"In methods where at least one of R2 and R3 is not H, generally R1 is H. In other methods, one of R2 or R3 is H and the other R2 or R3 is as defined elsewhere herein.\",\n \"In some methods, R2 is H and R3 is not H. In additional embodiments, R1 and R3 are H and R2 is a group wherein OR2 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.\",\n \"In further embodiments, R1 and R2 are H and R3 is a group wherein OR3 is an ester of an amino acid or a dipeptide.\",\n \"In the methods, where one or both of the OR2 and OR3 groups form esters of amino acids or peptides, i.e., dipeptides, tripeptides or tetrapeptides, these can be depicted generically as —COCHR6NR7R8 wherein R6 is selected from the group consisting of amino acid side chains, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11.In the embodiments wherein the amino acid is proline, R7 together with R6 forms a pyrrolidine ring structure.\",\n \"R6 can be any of the naturally occurring amino acid side chains, for example —CH3 (alanine), —(CH2)3NHCNH2NH (arginine), —CH2CONH2 (asparagine), —CH2COOH (aspartic acid), —CH2SH (cysteine), —(CH2)2CONH2 (glutamine), —(CH2)2COOH (glutamic acid), —H (glycine), —CHCH3CH2CH3 (isoleucine), —CH2CH(CH3)2 (leucine), —(CH2)4NH2 (lysine), —(CH2)2SCH3 (methionine), —CH2Ph (phenylalanine), —CH2OH (serine), —CHOHCH3 (threonine), —CH(CH3)2 (valine), —(CH2)3NHCONH2 (citrulline) or —(CH2)3NH2 (ornithine).\",\n \"Ph designates a phenyl group.\",\n \"In the above methods, R7 and R8 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR9NR10R11, wherein R9 is a side chain of amino acid, R10 and R11 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR12NR13R14, wherein R12 is an amino acid side chain, R13 and R14 may be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of H, and —COCHR15NH2.One skilled in the art will realize that the peptide chains can be extended on the following scheme to the desired length and include the desired amino acid residues.\",\n \"In the embodiments where either or both of OR2 and OR3 groups form an ester of a peptide, such as dipeptide, tripeptide, tetrapeptide, etc.\",\n \"the peptides can be either homopeptides, i.e., repeats of the same amino residue, or heteropeptides, i.e., made up of different combinations of amino acids.\",\n \"As will be understood by the skilled artisan when only one of R7 and R8 includes a peptide bond to further amino acid, such as in the di, tri and tetrapeptides, the resulting peptide chain will be linear.\",\n \"When both R7 and R8 include a peptide bond, then the peptide can be branched.\",\n \"In still other methods R1 is H and one of R2 or R3 is a phosphate group or H while the other R2 or R3 is a group such the OR2 or OR3 is an ester of an amino acid, such as an ester of glycine or alanine.\",\n \"In some methods, the administered compound can have an oral bioavailability that is at least 25%, 50% 100%, 200%, 400% of the oral bioavailability of treprostinil.\",\n \"It is generally preferred to administer compounds that have higher absolute oral bioavailabilities, such as 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60% or more when administered orally.\",\n \"Treprostinil has also been discovered to inhibit metastasis of cancer cells as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"10/006,197 filed Dec. 10, 2001 and Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"10/047,802 filed Jan. 16, 2002, both of which are hereby incorporated into this application.\",\n \"Accordingly, the compounds described above, and in particular those of structure I and II, can also be used in the treatment of cancer and cancer related disorders, and as such the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating cancer.\",\n \"Suitable formulations and methods of using the present compounds can be achieved by substituting the compounds of the present invention, such as those of structure I and II and in particular prodrugs of treprostinil, for the active compounds disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"10/006,197 and 10/047,802 filed Jan. 16, 2002.Synthesis of the following compounds of structure I and structure II can be achieved as follows: Synthesis of Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (2) and Biphosphate Ester of Treprostinil Synthesis of Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (2) Methyl ester of treprostinil (2) was prepared by treating 1.087 g (2.8 mmoles) of treprostinil (1) with 50 ml of a saturated solution of dry hydrochloric acid in methanol.\",\n \"After 24 hours at room temperature, the methanol was evaporated to dryness and the residue was taken in 200 ml dichloromethane.\",\n \"The dichloromethane solution was washed with a 10% aqueous potassium carbonate solution, and then with water to a neutral pH, it was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo affording treprostinil methyl ester (2) in 98% yield as a yellow oil.\",\n \"The crude methyl ester was used as such in subsequent reactions.\",\n \"Synthesis of Biphosphate Ester of Treprostinil (4) The procedure was adapted after Steroids, 2(6), 567-603(1963).\",\n \"The methyl ester of treprostinil (2) (60 mg, 0.15 mmoles) was dissolved in 2 ml dry pyridine and a pyridinium solution of the previously prepared pyridinium solution of 2-cyanoethylphosphate 1M (0.3 ml, 0.3 mmoles) (cf.\",\n \"Methods in Enzymology, 1971, 18(c), 54-57) were concentrated to dryness in vacuo at 40° C. Anhydrous pyridine was added and the reaction mixture was again concentrated; the operation was repeated twice in order to remove water completely.\",\n \"Finally the residue was dissolved in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine and 190 mg (0.9 mmoles) dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were added as a solution in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine.\",\n \"The reaction mixture in a closed flask was stirred magnetically for 48 hours at room temperature.\",\n \"1 ml water was added and after one hour, the mixture was concentrated to a thick paste in vacuo.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was treated overnight at room temperature with 3 ml of a 1/9 water/methanol solution containing 35 mg sodium hydroxide.\",\n \"The white solid (dicyclohexylurea) formed was removed by filtration and it was washed well with water.\",\n \"The aqueous-methanolic solution was concentrated almost to dryness in vacuo, water was added and the solution was extracted with n-butanol (3×2 ml), then with methylene chloride (1×2 ml).\",\n \"The pH of the solution was adjusted to 9.0 by treatment with a sulfonic acid ion exchange resin (H+ cycle-Dowex), treatment with Dowex resin for a longer time (˜12 hours) lead to both the cleavage of the TBDMS group and the recovery of the free carboxyl group.\",\n \"The resin was filtered and the solution was concentrated to dryness affording the corresponding bisphosphate 4 (43 mg, yield 52%).\",\n \"Synthesis of 3′-Monophosphate Ester of Treprostinil (8) and 2-Monophosphate Ester of Treprostinil (10) Synthesis of Monoprotected TBDMS Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (5 and 6) The procedure was adapted from Org.\",\n \"Synth., 1998, 75, 139-145.The treprostinil methyl ester (2) (305.8 mg, 0.75 mmoles) was dissolved in 15 ml anhydrous dichloromethane and the solution was cooled on an ice bath to 0° C. Imidazole (102 mg, 1.5 mmoles) and tert-butyldimethyl silyl chloride (226.2 mg, 1.5 mmoles) were added and the mixture was maintained under stirring at 0° C. for 30 minutes, then stirred overnight at room temperature.\",\n \"Water (25 ml) was added and the organic layer was separated.\",\n \"The aqueous layer was then extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml).\",\n \"The organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, the solution was filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo affording 447 mg crude reaction product.\",\n \"The crude reaction product was separated by column chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexanes) affording 140 mg bis-TBDMS protected Treprostinil methyl ester, 160 mg 2-TBDMS protected treprostinil methyl ester (6) and 60 mg 3′-TBDMS protected Treprostinil methyl ester (5).\",\n \"Synthesis of Monophosphate Ester of Treprostinil 8/10 The procedure was adapted after Steroids, 1963, 2(6), 567-603 and is the same for (8) and (10) starting from (6) and (5), respectively.\",\n \"The TBDMS protected methyl ester of treprostinil (6) (46 mg, 0.09 mmoles) was dissolved in 2 ml dry pyridine and a pyridinium solution of the previously prepared pyridinium solution of 2-cyanoethyiphosphate 1M (0.2 ml, 0.2 mmoles) (cf.\",\n \"Methods in Enzymology, 1971, 18(c), 54-57) were concentrated to dryness in vacuo at 40° C. Anhydrous pyridine was added and the reaction mixture was again concentrated; the operation was repeated twice in order to remove water completely.\",\n \"Finally the residue was dissolved in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine and 116 mg (0.56 mmoles) dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were added as a solution in 2 ml anhydrous pyridine.\",\n \"The reaction mixture in a closed flask was stirred magnetically for 48 hours at room temperature in the dark.\",\n \"5 ml water were added and after one hour, the mixture was concentrated to a thick paste in vacuo.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was treated overnight at room temperature with 10 ml of a 1/9 water/methanol solution containing 100 mg sodium hydroxide.\",\n \"The white solid (dicyclohexylurea) formed was removed by filtration and it was washed well with water.\",\n \"The aqueous-methanolic solution was concentrated almost to dryness in vacuo, water was added and the solution was extracted with n-butanol (3×10 ml), then with methylene chloride (1×10 ml).\",\n \"The pH of the solution was adjusted to 9.0 by treatment with a sulfonic acid ion exchange resin (H+ cycle-Dowex); treatment with Dowex resin for a longer time (−˜12 hours) lead to both the cleavage of the TBDMS group and the recovery of the free carboxyl group.\",\n \"The resin was filtered and the solution was concentrated to dryness affording the corresponding monophosphate 8 (33 mg, yield 68%).\",\n \"Synthesis of Methyl Ester of Treprostinil (2) (2) (1 g; 2.56 mmol) was added to methanol (50 ml) prior saturated with gaseous hydrochloric acid and the mixture swirled to give a clear solution that was left to stand overnight at room temperature.\",\n \"Solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was neutralized with a 20% potassium carbonate solution and extracted in dichloromethane.\",\n \"The organic layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated to yield the crude product (0.96 g).\",\n \"Purification by preparative tlc (silica gel plate; eluent: 7:3 (v/v) hexane-ethyl acetate) afforded 2 (0.803; 77.5%), colorless oil.\",\n \"Synthesis of Treprostinil Diethanolamine (UT-15C) Treprostinil acid is dissolved in a 1:1 molar ratio mixture of ethanol:water and diethanolamine is added and dissolved.\",\n \"The solution is heated and acetone is added as an antisolvent during cooling.\",\n \"Synthesis of Diglycil Ester of Treprostinil Methyl Ester (12) To a magnetically stirred solution of (2) methyl ester 2 (0.268 g; 0.66 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 ml) N-carbobenzyloxyglycine p-nitrophenyl ester (0.766 g; 2.32 mmol) and 4-(dimethyamino)pyridine (250 mg; 2.05 mmol) were successively added.\",\n \"The resulted yellow solution was stirred at 20° C. for 24 hrs., then treated with 5% sodium hydroxide solution (20 ml) and stirring continued for 15 mm.\",\n \"Dichloromethane (50 ml) was added, layers separated and the organic phase washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (6×20 ml), water (30 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (2×40 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (40 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate.\",\n \"Removal of the solvent afforded crude (11) (0.61 g), pale-yellow viscous oil.\",\n \"Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with gradient 9/1 to 1/2 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether afforded 0.445 g (85.3%) of 11, white crystals, m.p.\",\n \"70-72° C. ′F1-NMR [CDCl3; δ(ppm)]: 3.786 (s)(3H, COOCH3), 3.875 (d)(2H) and 3.940 (d)(2H)(NH—CH2—COO), 4.631 (s) (2H, OCH2COOCH3), 4.789 (m)(1H, adjacent to OOC—CH2NHcbz) and 4.903 (m) (1H, adjacent to OOCCH2NHcbz), 5.09 (s)(4H, C6H5CH2O), 5.378 (m)(1H) and 5.392 (m)(1H)(NH), 7.295-7.329 (m)(10H, C6H5).\",\n \"LR ESI-MS (m/z): 787.1 [M+H]+, 804.1 [M+NH4]+, 809.3 [M+Na]+, 825.2 [M+K]+, 1590.5 [2M+NH4]+, 1595.6 [2M+Na]+.\",\n \"Methyl Ester, Diglycyl Ester (12) A solution of ester (11) (0.4 g; 0.51 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was introduced in the pressure bottle of a Parr hydrogenation apparatus, 10% palladium on charcoal (0.2 g; 0.197 mmol Pd) was added, apparatus closed, purged thrice with hydrogen and loaded with hydrogen at 50 p.s.i.\",\n \"Stirring was started and hydrogenation carried out for 5 hrs.\",\n \"at room temperature.\",\n \"Hydrogen was removed from the installation by vacuum suction and replaced with argon.\",\n \"The catalyst was filtered off through celite deposited on a fit and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give 0.240 g (91%) of 4, white solid m.p.\",\n \"98-100° C. Synthesis of Benzyl Ester of Treprostinil (13) To a stirred solution of (2) (2 g; 5.12 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) benzyl bromide (0.95 ml; 7.98 mmol) and freshly distilled triethylamine (1.6 ml; 11.48 mmol) were consecutively added at room temperature and the obtained solution was refluxed with stirring for 12 hrs.\",\n \"A white precipitate was gradually formed.\",\n \"Solvent was distilled off in vacuo and the residue treated with water (30 ml).\",\n \"Upon extraction with methylene chloride emulsion formation occurs.\",\n \"The organic and aqueous layers could be separated only after treatment with 5% hydrochloric acid solution (20 ml).\",\n \"The organic layer was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulfate, and evaporated, the residue was further dried under reduced pressure over phosphorus pentoxide to give a yellow viscous oil (2.32 g) that was purified by preparative thin layer chromatography (silica gel plate; eluent: 1:2, v/v, hexane/ethyl ether).\",\n \"Yield: 81.2%.\",\n \"Synthesis of Bis-Glycyl Ester of Treprostinil (15) Benzy Ester, Di-cbzGly Ester (14) To a magnetically stirred solution of benzyl ester 13 (1 g; 2.08 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 ml) N-carbobenzyloxyglycine p-nitrophenyl ester (2.41 g; 7.28 mmol) and 4-(dimethyamino) pyridine (788 mg; 6.45 mmol) were added.\",\n \"The resulted yellow solution was stirred at 20° C. for 21 hrs., then successively washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (6×45 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (2×40 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (40 ml) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate.\",\n \"Removal of the solvent, followed by drying over phosphorus pentoxide under reduced pressure, afforded crude 14 (2.61 g), pale-yellow oil.\",\n \"Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with gradient 9:1 to 1:2 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether gave (14_(1.51 g; 84.1%) as a colorless, very viscous oil.\",\n \"Diglycyl Ester (15) A solution of ester (14) (0.4 g; 0.46 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd/C as described for ester (12).\",\n \"Work-up and drying over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo yielded 0.170 g (72.7%) of ester 15, white solid m.p.\",\n \"155-158° C. Synthesis of 3′-Glycyl Ester of Treprostinil 19 Benzyl Ester, t-Butyldimethysilyl Monoester (16) A solution of tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (0.45 g; 2.98 mmol) in dichloromethane (8 ml) was added dropwise over 10 min., at room temperature, into a stirred solution of benzyl ester 13 (0.83 g; 1.73 mmol) and imidazole (0.33 g; 4.85 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml).\",\n \"Stirring was continued overnight then water (20 ml) was added, the mixture stirred for one hour, layers separated, organic layer dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give a slightly yellow oil (1.15 g).\",\n \"The crude product is a mixture of the mono-TBDMS (16) and di-TBDMS esters (1H-NMR).\",\n \"Column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with a 9:1 (v/v) hexane-ethyl acetate mixture, readily afforded the di-ester (0.618 g) in a first fraction, and ester 16 (0.353 g; yield relative to 13:34.4%) in subsequent fractions.\",\n \"Analytical tlc on silica gel of the ester 16 showed only one spot (eluent: 3:2 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether).\",\n \"Consequently, under the above reaction conditions, the other possible isomer (mono-TBDMS ester at the side-chain hydroxyl) was not observed.\",\n \"Another experiment in which the molar ratio tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride:ester 13 was lowered to 1.49 (followed by flash column chromatography of the product on silica gel, eluting with gradient 9.5/0.5 to 3/1 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether) lead to a decreased content (36.5%, as pure isolated material) of the undesired di-OTBDMS by-product.\",\n \"The mono-OTBDMS ester fractions (45.1%; isolated material) consisted of ester 16 (98%) and its side-chain isomer (2%) that could be distinctly separated; the latter was evidenced (tlc, NMR) only in the last of the monoester fractions.\",\n \"Benzyl Ester, Cbz-Glycyl Monoester (18) To a magnetically stirred solution of ester 16 (0.340 g; 0.57 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 ml) N-carbobenzyloxyglycine p-nitrophenyl ester (0.445 g; 1.35 mmol) and 4-(dimethyamino) pyridine (150 mg; 1.23 mmol) were successively added.\",\n \"The solution was stirred at 20° C. for 40 hrs.\",\n \"Work-up as described for esters 11 and 14 yielded a crude product (0.63 g) containing 90% 17 and 10% 18 (1H-NMR).\",\n \"To completely remove the protective TBDMS group, this mixture was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml) and subjected to acid hydrolysis (5% HCl, 7 ml) by stirring overnight at room temperature.\",\n \"Solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the residue extracted in dichloromethane (3×50 ml); the organic layer was separated, washed once with water (50 ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to give crude ester 18 (0.51 g).\",\n \"Purification by flash column chromatography as for esters 11 and 14 afforded ester 18 (0.150 g; overall yield: 39.1%) as a colorless, viscous oil.\",\n \"Glycyl Monoester (19) A solution of ester 18 (0.15 g; 0.22 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd/C as described for ester 12 and 15.Work-up and drying over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo yielded ester 10 (0.98 g; 98.0%), white, shiny crystals m.p.\",\n \"74-76° C. LR ESI-MS (m/z): 448.2 [M+H]+, 446.4 [M−H]−.\",\n \"Synthesis of 3′-L-Leucyl Ester of Treprostinil 22 Benzyl Ester, t-Butyldimethysilyl Monoester, Cbz-L-Leucyl Monoester (20) To a stirred solution of ester 16 (0.38 g: 0.64 mmol) and N-carbobenzyloxy-L-leucine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (0.37 g; 1.02 mmol) in 10 ml dichloromethane 4-(dimethyamino)pyridine (0.17 g; 1.39 mmol) was added, then stirring continued at room temperature for 2 days.\",\n \"The solvent was removed in vacuo and the crude product (0.9 g) subjected to flash column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 9:1 hexane-ethyl acetate; the firstly collected fraction yielded an oil (0.51 g) which, based on the its NMR spectrum and tlc, was proved to be a 2:1 mixture of ester 20 and the starting ester 16.Preparative tlc on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate-hexane 1:4) gave pure 20, colorless oil (overall yield based on 7:62.6%).\",\n \"Benzyl Ester, Cbz-L-Leucyl Monoester (21) De-protection of the cyclopentenyl hydroxyl in the t-butyldimethysilyl monoester 20 succeeded by treatment with diluted hydrochloric acid solution as described for 18, with the exception that a 1:5 (v/v) chloroform-ethanol mixture, instead of ethanol alone, was used to ensure homogeneity.\",\n \"Work-up afforded 20, colorless oil, in 87.6% yield.\",\n \"L-Leucyl Monoester (22) Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl and N-carbobenzyloxy groups in 21 was carried out as for 18.Work-up afforded 22 (95.3%), white solid, m.p.\",\n \"118-120° C. Synthesis of 2-L-Leucyl Ester of Treprostinil 25 Benzyl Ester, Cbz-L-Ieucyl Monoesters (21, 23) and -Diester (24) To a stirred solution of ester 13 (0.53 g: 1.10 mmol) and N-carbobenzyloxy-L-leucine N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (0.76 g; 2.05 mmol) in dichloromethane (30 ml) 4-(dimethyamino) pyridine (0.29 g; 2.37 mmol) was added, then stirring continued at room temperature for 1 day.\",\n \"The solution was diluted with dichioromethane (40 mnl), successively washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (4×25 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (2×30 ml), 5% sodium bicarbonate solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude product (0.85 g), as a viscous, yellow oil.\",\n \"Thin layer chromatography revealed a complex mixture in which esters 13 and 21 as well as cbz-L-leucine could be identified through the corresponding rF values, only as minor products.\",\n \"The crude product was flash-chromatographed through a silica gel column eluting with gradient hexane-ethyl ether.\",\n \"At 7:3 (v/v) hexane-ethyl ether, the first fraction gave the cbz-L-leucyl diester 24 (6% of the product subjected to chromatography) while the two subsequent fractions afforded the cbz-L-leucyl monoester 23 (54% of the crude product, as pure isolated 23; 57.6% yield, relative to 2).\",\n \"Purity of both compounds was verified by analytical tlc and NMR.\",\n \"The other isomer, cbz-L-leucyl monoester 21 constituted only about 5% of the crude product and was isolated by preparative tlc of the latter only a 3.1 23/21 mixture L-Leucyl Monoester (25) Hydrogenolysis of 23 to the ester 25 was performed as described for compound 12 but reaction was carried out at 35 p.s.i., overnight.\",\n \"Work-up and drying over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo afforded 25, white solid m. p. 153-155° C., in quantitative yield.\",\n \"Synthesis of 3′-L-Alanyl Ester of Treprostinil 30 N-Cbz-L-Alanyl p-Nitro Phenyl Ester (27) To a stirred solution containing N-carbobenzyloxy-L-alanine (1 g; 4.48 mmol) and p-nitrophenol (1 g; 7.19 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (7 ml) a fine suspension of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (1.11 g; 5.38 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (5 ml) was added over 30 min.\",\n \"Stirring was continued at room temperature for 18 hrs., glacial acetic acid (0.3 ml) added, 1,3-dicyclohexylurea filtered off and solvent removed in vacuo, at 40° C., to give a viscous, yellow-reddish oil (2.5 g).\",\n \"The 1H-NMR spectrum showed a mixture consisting of N-carbobenzyloxy-Lalanine p-nitrophenyl ester (27), unreacted p-nitrophenol and a small amount of DCU, which was used as such in the next reaction step.\",\n \"Benzyl Ester, Cbz-L-Alanyl Monoester (29) A solution of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (0.30 g; 2.49 mmol) in dichloromethane (3 ml) was quickly dropped (over 5 min.)\",\n \"into a magnetically stirred solution of ester 16 (0.37 g; 0.62 mmol) and crude N-carbobenzyloxy-L-alanine p-nitrophenyl ester (0.98 g) in dichloromethane (12 ml).\",\n \"The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, then diluted with dichloromethanc (50 ml), and thoroughly washed with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution (7×35 ml), 10% hydrochloric acid (3×35 ml), 5°/a sodium bicarbonate solution (50 ml), dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the crude ester 28 (1.1 g).\",\n \"The latter was dissolved in ethanol (30 ml), 5% hydrochloric acid (8 ml) and chloroform (5 ml) were added and the solution stirred overnight.\",\n \"Solvents were removed in vacuo, the residue taken-up in dichloromethane, washed to pH 7 with a 5% sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated affording crude 29 (1.04 g).\",\n \"Purification by column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with gradient hexane-ethyl ether, enabled separation of a fraction (at hexane:ethyl ether=1:1 v/v) of pure 29 as a colorless very viscous oil (0.11 g; 25.8% overall yield, based on 16).\",\n \"L-Alanyl Monoester (30) Removal of the benzyl and N-carbobenzyloxy groups in 29 was achieved through catalytic hydrogenation as described for 12.Ester 30 was obtained (yield: 97.2%) as a pale-yellow, partially crystallized, oil.\",\n \"Synthesis of the 3′-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 33 Synthesis of the Benzyl Ester of Treprostinil 13 The benzyl ester 11 was synthesized by adapting the method described by J. C. Lee et al.\",\n \"in Organic Prep.\",\n \"and Proc.\",\n \"Intl., 1996, 28(4), 480-483.To a solution of 1 (620 mg, 1.6 mmoles) and cesium carbonate (782.4 mg, 2.4 mmoles) in acetonitrile (30 ml) was added benzyl bromide (0.48 ml, 4 mmoles) and the mixture was stirred at reflux for 1 hour.\",\n \"After cooling at room temperature, the precipitate was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo.\",\n \"The residue was dissolved in chloroform (150 ml) and washed with a 2% aqueous solution of NaHCO3 (3×30 ml).\",\n \"The organic layer was washed with brine, dried on Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 750 mg of the crude benzyl ester 13 (yield 98%) as a yellow viscous oil.\",\n \"The crude benzyl ester 13 can be purified by column chromatography (100-0% dichioromethane(methanol) but it can also be used crude in subsequent reactions.\",\n \"Synthesis of the TBDMS Protected Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 16 The procedure for the synthesis of the TBDMS protected benzyl ester was adapted from Organic Synth., 1998, 75, 139-145.The benzyl ester 13 (679 mg, 1.4 mmoles) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethanc (20 ml) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. on an ice bath.\",\n \"Imidazole (192 mg, 2.8 mmoles) and t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (TBDMSCl) (420 mg, 2.8 mmoles) were added and the mixture was maintained under stirring for another half hour on the ice bath and then it was left overnight at room temperature.\",\n \"40 ml water was added to the reaction mixture and the organic layer was separated.\",\n \"The aqueous layer was extracted with 3×50 ml dichloromethane.\",\n \"The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo.\",\n \"This afforded 795 mg of material which proved to be a mixture of the desired mono TBDMS protected 5 benzyl ester with the bis-TBDMS protected benzyl ester.\",\n \"Pure 16 (249 mg) was obtained by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent 35% ethyl acetate/hexane).\",\n \"Synthesis of N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of the TBDMS Protected Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 31 The procedure used was adapted from Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 46, 4475-4478.A solution of NCbz-L-valine (127 mg, 0.5 mmoles), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (111 mg, 0.5 mmoles), compound 16 (249 mg, 0.4 mmoles) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) (6 mg, 0.05 mmoles) in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature until esterification was complete.\",\n \"The solution was filtered and the formed N,N-dicyclohexylurea was filtered.\",\n \"The filtrate was diluted with dichloromethane (80 ml) and washed with water (3×30 ml), a 5% aqueous acetic acid solution (2×30 ml) and then again with water (3×30 ml).\",\n \"The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo affording 369 mg crude 31.Pure 31 was obtained by chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexane).\",\n \"Synthesis of the 3′-N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 32 Cleavage of the TBDMS group in compound 31 was achieved using an adaptation of the procedure described in Org.\",\n \"Letters, 2000, 2(26), 4177-4180.The N-Cbz-L-valine ester of the TBDMS protected benzyl ester 31 (33 mg, 0.04 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (5 ml) and tetrabutylammonium tribromide (TBATB) (2 mg, 0.004 mmoles) was added.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hrs until the TBDMS deprotection was complete.\",\n \"The methanol was evaporated and the residue was taken in dichloromethane.\",\n \"The dichloromethane solution was washed with brine and then dried over Na2SO4.After filtering the drying agent the solvent was evaporated to dryness affording 30.2 mg of crude compound 32.Synthesis of the 3′-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 33 The benzyl and benzyl carboxy groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure in the presence of palladium 10% wt on activated carbon.\",\n \"The 3′-N-Cbz-L-valine ester of benzyl ester 32 (30.2 mg, 0.04 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and a catalytic amount of Pd/C was added.\",\n \"Under magnetic stirring the air was removed from the flask and then hydrogen was admitted.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was maintained under hydrogen and stirring at room temperature for 24 hrs, then the hydrogen was removed with vacuum.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was then filtered through a layer of celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the pure 3′-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 33 (15 mg, 0.03 mmoles).\",\n \"Synthesis of 2-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 36/Bis-L-Valine Ester of Trenrostinil 37 Synthesis of 2-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 36′/Bis-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 37′ Synthesis of 2-N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 34 and Bis-N-Cbz-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 35 The procedure used was adapted from Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 46, 4475-4478.A solution of NCbz-L-valine (186 mg, 0.7 mmoles), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (167 mg, 0.8 mmoles), compound 13 (367 mg, 0.8 mmoles) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) (12 mg, 0.09 mmoles) in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature until esterification was complete.\",\n \"The solution was filtered and the formed N,N-dicyclohexylurea was filtered.\",\n \"The filtrate was diluted with dichloromethane (100 ml) and washed with water (3×50 ml), a 5% aqueous acetic acid solution (2×50 ml) and then again with water (3×50 ml).\",\n \"The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo affording 556 mg crude product.\",\n \"The product was separated by chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexane) yielding 369.4 mg 2-valine ester 34 and 98 mg bis-valine ester 35.Synthesis of 2 N-Cbz-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 34′ and Bis-N-Cbz-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil Benzyl Ester 35′ The procedure used was adapted from Tetrahedron Lett., 1978, 46, 4475-4478.A solution of NCbz-L-alanine (187 mg, 0.84 mmoles), N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (175 mg, 0.85 mmoles), compound 13 (401 mg, 0.84 mmoles) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (UMAP) (11.8 mg, 0.1 mmoles) in anhydrous dichloromethane (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature until esterification was complete.\",\n \"The solution was filtered and the formed N,N-dicyclohexylurea was filtered.\",\n \"The filtrate was diluted with dichloromethane (100 ml) and washed with water (3×50 ml), a 5% aqueous acetic acid solution (2×50 ml) and then again with water (3×50 ml).\",\n \"The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo affording 516 mg crude product.\",\n \"The product was separated by chromatography (silica gel, 35% ethyl acetate/hexane) yielding 93.4 mg 2-alanine ester 34′ and 227 mg bis-alanine ester 35′.\",\n \"Synthesis of 2-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 36/Bis-L-Valine Ester of Treprostinil 37 The benzyl and benzyl carboxy groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure in the presence of palladium 10% wt on activated carbon.\",\n \"The 2-N-Cbz-L-valine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 34 (58.2 mg, 0.08 mmoles)/bis-N-Cbz-L-valine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 35 (55.1 mg, 0.06 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and a catalytic amount of Pd/C was added.\",\n \"Under magnetic stirring the air was removed from the flask and hydrogen was admitted.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was maintained under hydrogen and stirring at room temperature for 20 hrs, then hydrogen was removed with vacuum.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was then filtered through a layer of celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the pure 2-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 36 (40 mg, 0.078 mmoles)/bis-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 37 (23 mg, 0.04 mmoles).\",\n \"Synthesis of 2-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 36′/Bis-L-Alanine Ester of Treprostinil 37′ The benzyl and benzyl carboxy groups were removed by catalytic hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure in the presence of palladium 10% wt on activated carbon.\",\n \"The 2-N-Cbz-L-alanine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 34′ (87.4 mg, 0.13 mmoles)/bis-N-Cbz-L-alanine ester of Treprostinil benzyl ester 35′ (135 mg, 0.15 mmoles) was dissolved in methanol (15 ml) and a catalytic amount of Pd/C was added.\",\n \"Under magnetic stirring the air was removed from the flask and hydrogen was admitted.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was maintained under hydrogen and stirring at room temperature for 20 hrs, then hydrogen was removed with vacuum.\",\n \"The reaction mixture was then filtered through a layer of celite and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford the pure 2-L-valine ester of Treprostinil 36′ (57 mg, 0.12 mmoles)/bis-L-alanine ester of Treprostinil 37′ (82 mg, 0.15 mmoles).\",\n \"Synthesis of Benzyl Esters of Treprostinil 38 a-e a 4-NO2C6H4CH2; b 4-(CH3O)C6H4CH2; c 2-ClC6H4CH2; d 2,4-(NO2)2C6H3CH2; e 4-FC6H4CH2 Synthesis of the benzyl esters of treprostinil 38 a-e was performed using the procedure for the benzyl ester 13.Enantiomers of these compounds, shown below, can be synthesized using reagents and synthons of enantiomeric chirality of the above reagents.\",\n \"(−)-treprostinil can be synthesized as follows: (a) (S)-2-methyl-CBS-oxazaborolidine, BH3.SMe2, THF, −30° C., 85%.\",\n \"(b) TBDMSCl, imidazole, CH2Cl2, 95%.\",\n \"(c) Co2(CO)8, CH2Cl2, 2 hr.\",\n \"r.t., then CH3CN, 2 hr.\",\n \"reflux.\",\n \"98%.\",\n \"(d) K2CO3, Pd/C (10%), EtOH, 50 psi/24 hr.\",\n \"78% (e) NaOH, EtOH, NaBH4.95%.\",\n \"(f) BnBr, NaH, THF, 98%.\",\n \"(g).\",\n \"CH3OH, TsOH.\",\n \"96%.\",\n \"(h) i. p-nitrobenzoic acid, DEAD, TPP, benzene.\",\n \"(i) CH3OH, KOH.\",\n \"94%.\",\n \"(j) Pd/C (10%), EtOH, 50 psi/2 hr.\",\n \"quant.\",\n \"(k).\",\n \"Ph2PLi, THF.\",\n \"(1) i. ClCH2CN, K2CO3.ii, KOH, CH3OH, reflux.\",\n \"83% (2 steps).\",\n \"Briefly, the enantiomer of the commercial drug (+)-Treprostinil was synthesized using the stereoselective intramolecular Pauson Khand reaction as a key step and Mitsunobu inversion of the side-chain hydroxyl group.\",\n \"The absolute configuration of (−)-Treprostinil was confirmed by an X-ray structure of the L-valine amide derivative.\",\n \"The following procedure was used to make (−)-treprostinil-methyl-L-valine amide: To a stirred solution of (−)-Treprostinil (391 mg, 1 mmol) and L-valine methyl ester hydrochloride (184 mg, 1.1 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) under Ar was sequentially added pyBOP reagent (1.04 g, 2 mmol), diisopropylethyl amine (0.52 ml, 3 mmol).\",\n \"The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight (15 hrs).\",\n \"Removal of the solvent in vacuo and purification by chromatography yielded white solid 12 (481 mg, 86%), which was recrystallized (10% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give suitable crystals for X-ray.\",\n \"Various modifications of these synthetic schemes capable of producing additional compounds discussed herein will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.\",\n \"There are two major barriers to deliver treprostinil in the circulatory system.\",\n \"One of these barriers is that treprostinil undergoes a large first pass effect.\",\n \"Upon first circulating through the liver, about 60% of treprostinil plasma levels are metabolized, which leaves only about 40% of the absorbed dose.\",\n \"Also, a major barrier to oral delivery for treprostinil is that the compound is susceptible to an efflux mechanism in the gastrointestinal tract.\",\n \"The permeability of treprostinil has been measured across Caco-2 cell monolayers.\",\n \"The apical to basal transport rate was measured to be 1.39×106 cm/sec, which is indicative of a highly permeable compound.\",\n \"However, the basal to apical transport rate was 12.3×106 cm/sec, which suggests that treprostinil is efficiently effluxed from the serosal to lumenal side of the epithelial cell.\",\n \"These data suggest that treprostinil is susceptible to p-glycoprotein, a membrane bound multidrug transporter.\",\n \"It is believed that the p-glycoprotein efflux pump prevents certain pharmaceutical compounds from traversing the mucosal cells of the small intestine and, therefore, from being absorbed into systemic circulation.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising treprostinil, the compound of structure I or the compound of structure II, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and combinations thereof in combination with one or more inhibitors of p-glycoprotein.\",\n \"A number of known non-cytotoxic pharmacological agents have been shown to inhibit p-glycoprotein are disclosed in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"6,451,815, 6,469,022, and 6,171,786.P-glycoprotein inhibitors include water soluble forms of vitamin E, polyethylene glycol, poloxamers including Pluronic F-68, polyethylene oxide, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives including Cremophor EL and Cremophor RH 40, Chrysin, (+)-Taxifolin, Naringenin, Diosmin, Quercetin, cyclosporin A (also known as cyclosporine), verapamil, tamoxifen, quinidine, phenothiazines, and 9,10-dihydro-5-methoxy-9-oxo-N-[4-[2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7,-dimethoxy-2-isoquinolinyl)ethyl]phenyl]-4-acridinecarboxamide or a salt thereof.\",\n \"Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are liquid and solid polymers of the general formula H(OCH2CH2)nOH, where n is greater than or equal to 4, having various average molecular weights ranging from about 200 to about 20,000.PEGs are also known as alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly-(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)polyethylene glycols.\",\n \"For example, PEG 200 is a polyethylene glycol wherein the average value of n is 4 and the average molecular weight is from about 190 to about 210.PEG 400 is a polyethylene glycol wherein the average value of n is between 8.2 and 9.1 and the average molecular weight is from about 380 to about 420.Likewise, PEG 600, PEG 1500 and PEG 4000 have average values of n of 12.5-13.9, 29-36 and 68-84, respectively, and average molecular weights of 570-630, 1300-1600 and 3000-3700, respectively, and PEG 1000, PEG 6000 and PEG 8000 have average molecular weights of 950-1050, 5400-6600, and 7000-9000, respectively.\",\n \"Polyethylene glycols of varying average molecular weight of from 200 to 20000 are well known and appreciated in the art of pharmaceutical science and are readily available.\",\n \"The preferred polyethylene glycols for use in the instant invention are polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 20,000.The more preferred polyethylene glycols have an average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 8000.More specifically, the more preferred polyethylene glycols for use in the present invention are PEG 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 1500, PEG 4000, PEG 4600, and PEG 8000.The most preferred polyethylene glycols for use in the instant invention is PEG 400, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 4600 and PEG 8000.Polysorbate 80 is an oleate ester of sorbitol and its anhydrides copolymerized with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide for each mole of sorbitol and sorbitol anhydrides.\",\n \"Polysorbate 80 is made up of sorbitan mono-9-octadecanoate poly(oxy-1,2-ethandiyl) derivatives.\",\n \"Polysorbate 80, also known as Tween 80, is well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and is readily available.\",\n \"Water-soluble vitamin E, also known as d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate [TPGS], is a water-soluble derivative of natural-source vitamin E. TPGS may be prepared by the esterification of the acid group of crystalline d-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate by polyethylene glycol 1000.This product is well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and is readily available.\",\n \"For example, a water-soluble vitamin E product is available commercially from Eastman Corporation as Vitamin E TPGS.\",\n \"Naringenin is the bioflavonoid compound 2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one and is also known as 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone.\",\n \"Naringenin is the aglucon of naringen which is a natural product found in the fruit and rind of grapefruit.\",\n \"Naringenin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.\",\n \"Quercetin is the bioflavonoid compound 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one and is also known as 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone.\",\n \"Quercetin is the aglucon of quercitrin, of rutin and of other glycosides.\",\n \"Quercetin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.\",\n \"Diosmin is the naturally occurring flavonic glycoside compound 7-[[6-O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one.\",\n \"Diosmin can be isolated from various plant sources including citrus fruits.\",\n \"Diosmin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.\",\n \"Chrysin is the naturally occurring compound 5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one which can be isolated from various plant sources.\",\n \"Chrysin is readily available to the public from commercial sources.\",\n \"Poloxamers are alpha-hydro-omega-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)poly (oxypropylene)poly(oxyethylene) block copolymers.\",\n \"Poloxamers are a series of closely related block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide conforming to the general formula HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)aH.\",\n \"For example, poloxamer 124 is a liquid with “a” being 12, “b” being 20, and having an average molecular weight of from about 2090 to about 2360; poloxamer 188 is a solid with “a” being 80, “b” being 27, and having an average molecular weight of from about 7680 to about 9510; poloxamer 237 is a solid with “a” being 64, “b” being 37, and having an average molecular weight of from about 6840 to about 8830; poloxamer 338 is a solid with “a” being 141, “b” being 44, and having an average molecular weight of from about 12700 to about 17400; and poloxamer 407 is a solid with “a” being 101, “b” being 56, and having an average molecular weight of from about 9840 to about 14600.Poloxamers are well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and are readily available commercially.\",\n \"For example, Pluronic F-68 is a commercially available poloxamer from BASF Corp.\",\n \"The preferred poloxamers for use in the present invention are those such as poloxamer 188, Pluronic F-68, and the like.\",\n \"Polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are a series of materials obtained by reacting varying amounts of ethylene oxide with either castor oil or hydrogenated castor oil.\",\n \"These polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are well known and appreciated in the pharmaceutical arts and several different types of material are commercially available, including the Cremophors available from BASF Corporation.\",\n \"Polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are complex mixtures of various hydrophobic and hydrophilic components.\",\n \"For example, in polyoxyl 35 castor oil (also known as Cremophor EL), the hydrophobic constituents comprise about 83% of the total mixture, the main component being glycerol polyethylene glycol ricinoleate.\",\n \"Other hydrophobic constituents include fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol along with some unchanged castor oil.\",\n \"The hydrophilic part of polyoxyl 35 castor oil (17%) consists of polyethylene glycols and glyceryl ethoxylates.\",\n \"In polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil (Cremophor RH 40) approximately 75% of the components of the mixture are hydrophobic.\",\n \"These comprise mainly fatty acid esters of glycerol polyethylene glycol and fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol.\",\n \"The hydrophilic portion consists of polyethylene glycols and glycerol ethoxylates.\",\n \"The preferred polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives for use in the present invention are polyoxyl 35 castor oil, such as Cremophor EL, and polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, such as Cremophor RH 40.Cremophor EL and Cremophor RH 40 are commercially available from BASF Corporation.\",\n \"Polyethylene oxide is a nonionic homopolymer of ethylene oxide conforming to the general formula (OCH2CH2)n in which n represents the average number of oxyethylene groups.\",\n \"Polyethylene oxides are available in various grades which are well known and appreciated by those in the pharmaceutical arts and several different types of material are commercially available.\",\n \"The preferred grade of polyethylene oxide is NF and the like which are commercially available.\",\n \"(+)-Taxifolin is (2R-trans)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzo pyran-4-one.\",\n \"Other common names for (+)-taxifolin are (+)-dihydroquercetin; 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxy-flavanone; diquertin; taxifoliol; and distylin.\",\n \"(+)-Taxifolin is well know and appreciated in the art of pharmaceutical arts and is readily available commercially.\",\n \"The preferred p-glycoprotein inhibitor for use in the present invention are water soluble vitamin E, such as vitamin E TPGS, and the polyethylene glycols.\",\n \"Of the polyethylene glycols, the most preferred p-glycoprotein inhibitors are PEG 400, PEG 1000, PEG 1450, PEG 4600 and PEG 8000.Administration of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be by any route by which the p-glycoprotein inhibitor will be bioavailable in effective amounts including oral and parenteral routes.\",\n \"Although oral administration is preferred, the p-glycoprotein inhibitors may also be administered intravenously, topically, subcutaneously, intranasally, rectally, intramuscularly, or by other parenteral routes.\",\n \"When administered orally, the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered in any convenient dosage form including, for example, capsule, tablet, liquid, suspension, and the like.\",\n \"Generally, an effective p-glycoprotein inhibiting amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor is that amount which is effective in providing inhibition of the activity of the p-glycoprotein mediated active transport system present in the gut.\",\n \"An effective p-glycoprotein inhibiting amount can vary between about 5 mg to about 1000 mg of p-glycoprotein inhibitor as a daily dose depending upon the particular p-glycoprotein inhibitor selected, the species of patient to be treated, the dosage regimen, and other factors which are all well within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the medical arts to evaluate and assess.\",\n \"A preferred amount however will typically be from about 50 mg to about 500 mg, and a more preferred amount will typically be from about 100 mg to about 500 mg.\",\n \"The above amounts of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor can be administered from once to multiple times per day.\",\n \"Typically for oral dosing, doses will be administered on a regimen requiring one, two or three doses per day.\",\n \"Where water soluble vitamin E or a polyethylene glycol is selected as the p-glycoprotein inhibitor, a preferred amount will typically be from about 5 mg to about 1000 mg, a more preferred amount will typically be from about 50 mg to about 500 mg, and a further preferred amount will typically be from about 100 mg to about 500 mg.\",\n \"The most preferred amount of water soluble vitamin E or a polyethylene glycol will be from about 200 mg to about 500 mg.\",\n \"The above amounts of water soluble vitamin E or polyethylene glycol can be administered from once to multiple times per day.\",\n \"Typically, doses will be administered on a regimen requiring one, two or three doses per day with one and two being preferred.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “co-administration” refers to administration to a patient of both a compound that has vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting properties, including the compounds described in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"Nos.\",\n \"4,306,075 and 5,153,222 which include treprostinil and structures I and II described herein, and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor so that the pharmacologic effect of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor in inhibiting p-glycoprotein mediated transport in the gut is manifest at the time at which the compound is being absorbed from the gut.\",\n \"Of course, the compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered at different times or concurrently.\",\n \"For example, the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered to the patient at a time prior to administration of the therapeutic compound so as to pre-treat the patient in preparation for dosing with the vasodilating compound.\",\n \"Furthermore, it may be convenient for a patient to be pre-treated with the p-glycoprotein inhibitor so as to achieve steady state levels of p-glycoprotein inhibitor prior to administration of the first dose of the therapeutic compound.\",\n \"It is also contemplated that the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compounds and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered essentially concurrently either in separate dosage forms or in the same oral dosage form.\",\n \"The present invention further provides that the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may be administered in separate dosage forms or in the same combination oral dosage form.\",\n \"Co-administration of the compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor may conveniently be accomplished by oral administration of a combination dosage form containing both the compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"Thus, an additional embodiment of the present invention is a combination pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising an effective vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting amount of a compound described herein and an effective p-glycoprotein inhibiting amount of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"This combination oral dosage form may provide for immediate release of both the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor or may provide for sustained release of one or both of the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"One skilled in the art would readily be able to determine the appropriate properties of the combination dosage form so as to achieve the desired effect of co-administration of the vasodilating and/or platelet aggregation inhibiting compound and the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present invention provides for an enhancement of the bioavailability of treprostinil, a drug of structure I or II, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof by co-administration of a p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"By co-administration of these compounds and a p-glycoprotein inhibitor, the total amount of the compound can be increased over that which would otherwise circulate in the blood in the absence of the p-glycoprotein inhibitor.\",\n \"Thus, co-administration in accordance with the present invention can cause an increase in the AUC of the present compounds over that seen with administration of the compounds alone.\",\n \"Typically, bioavailability is assessed by measuring the drug concentration in the blood at various points of time after administration of the drug and then integrating the values obtained over time to yield the total amount of drug circulating in the blood.\",\n \"This measurement, called the Area Under the Curve (AUC), is a direct measurement of the bioavailability of the drug.\",\n \"Without limiting the scope of the invention, it is believed that in some embodiments derivatizing treprostinil at the R2 and R3 hydroxyl groups can help overcome the barriers to oral treprostinil delivery by blocking these sites, and thus the metabolism rate may be reduced to permit the compound to bypass some of the first pass effect.\",\n \"Also, with an exposed amino acid, the prodrug may be actively absorbed from the dipeptide transporter system that exists in the gastrointestinal tract.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present invention provides compounds, such as those found in structures I and II, that reduce the first pass effect of treprostinil and/or reduce the efflux mechanism of the gastrointestinal tract.\",\n \"In some embodiments of the method of treating hypertension in a subject, the subject is a mammal, and in some embodiments is a human.\",\n \"Pharmaceutical formulations may include any of the compounds of any of the embodiments described above, either alone or in combination, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as those described herein.\",\n \"The instant invention also provides for compositions which may be prepared by mixing one or more compounds of the instant invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, binders, diluents or the like, to treat or ameliorate a variety of disorders related vasoconstriction and/or platelet aggregation.\",\n \"A therapeutically effective dose further refers to that amount of one or more compounds of the instant invention sufficient to result in amelioration of symptoms of the disorder.\",\n \"The pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention can be manufactured by methods well known in the art such as conventional granulating, mixing, dissolving, encapsulating, lyophilizing, emulsifying or levigating processes, among others.\",\n \"The compositions can be in the form of, for example, granules, powders, tablets, capsules, syrup, suppositories, injections, emulsions, elixirs, suspensions or solutions.\",\n \"The instant compositions can be formulated for various routes of administration, for example, by oral administration, by transmucosal administration, by rectal administration, transdermal or subcutaneous administration as well as intrathecal, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intranasal, intraocular or intraventricular injection.\",\n \"The compound or compounds of the instant invention can also be administered by any of the above routes, for example in a local rather than a systemic fashion, such as injection as a sustained release formulation.\",\n \"The following dosage forms are given by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the instant invention.\",\n \"For oral, buccal, and sublingual administration, powders, suspensions, granules, tablets, pills, capsules, gelcaps, and caplets are acceptable as solid dosage forms.\",\n \"These can be prepared, for example, by mixing one or more compounds of the instant invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with at least one additive or excipient such as a starch or other additive.\",\n \"Suitable additives or excipients are sucrose, lactose, cellulose sugar, mannitol, maltitol, dextran, sorbitol, starch, agar, alginates, chitins, chitosans, pectins, tragacanth gum, gum arabic, gelatins, collagens, casein, albumin, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers or glycerides, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone.\",\n \"Optionally, oral dosage forms can contain other ingredients to aid in administration, such as an inactive diluent, or lubricants such as magnesium stearate, or preservatives such as paraben or sorbic acid, or anti-oxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol or cysteine, a disintegrating agent, binders, thickeners, buffers, sweeteners, flavoring agents or perfuming agents.\",\n \"Additionally, dyestuffs or pigments may be added for identification.\",\n \"Tablets may be further treated with suitable coating materials known in the art.\",\n \"Additionally, tests have shown that the present compounds, including treprostinil, and in particular the compounds of structure I and II have increased bioavailability when delivered to the duodenum.\",\n \"Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention involves preferential delivery of the desired compound to the duodenum as well as pharmaceutical formulations that achieve duodenal delivery.\",\n \"Duodenal administration can be achieved by any means known in the art.\",\n \"In one of these embodiments, the present compounds can be formulated in an enteric-coated dosage form.\",\n \"Generally, enteric-coated dosage forms are usually coated with a polymer that is not soluble at low pH, but dissolves quickly when exposed to pH conditions of 3 or above.\",\n \"This delivery form takes advantage of the difference in pH between the stomach, which is about 1 to 2, and the duodenum, where the pH tends to be greater than 4.Liquid dosage forms for oral administration may be in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, syrups, elixirs, suspensions, slurries and solutions, which may contain an inactive diluent, such as water.\",\n \"Pharmaceutical formulations may be prepared as liquid suspensions or solutions using a sterile liquid, such as, but not limited to, an oil, water, an alcohol, and combinations of these.\",\n \"Pharmaceutically suitable surfactants, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, may be added for oral or parenteral administration.\",\n \"As noted above, suspensions may include oils.\",\n \"Such oil include, but are not limited to, peanut oil, sesame oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil and olive oil.\",\n \"Suspension preparation may also contain esters of fatty acids such as ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, fatty acid glycerides and acetylated fatty acid glycerides.\",\n \"Suspension formulations may include alcohols, such as, but not limited to, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, glycerol and propylene glycol.\",\n \"Ethers, such as but not limited to, poly(ethyleneglycol), petroleum hydrocarbons such as mineral oil and petrolatum; and water may also be used in suspension formulations.\",\n \"Injectable dosage forms generally include aqueous suspensions or oil suspensions which may be prepared using a suitable dispersant or wetting agent and a suspending agent.\",\n \"Injectable forms may be in solution phase or in the form of a suspension, which is prepared with a solvent or diluent.\",\n \"Acceptable solvents or vehicles include sterilized water, Ringer's solution, or an isotonic aqueous saline solution.\",\n \"Alternatively, sterile oils may be employed as solvents or suspending agents.\",\n \"Preferably, the oil or fatty acid is non-volatile, including natural or synthetic oils, fatty acids, mono-, di- or tri-glycerides.\",\n \"For injection, the pharmaceutical formulation may be a powder suitable for reconstitution with an appropriate solution as described above.\",\n \"Examples of these include, but are not limited to, freeze dried, rotary dried or spray dried powders, amorphous powders, granules, precipitates, or particulates.\",\n \"For injection, the formulations may optionally contain stabilizers, pH modifiers, surfactants, bioavailability modifiers and combinations of these.\",\n \"The compounds may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection such as by bolus injection or continuous infusion.\",\n \"A unit dosage form for injection may be in ampoules or in multi-dose containers.\",\n \"Besides those representative dosage forms described above, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and carries are generally known to those skilled in the art and are thus included in the instant invention.\",\n \"Such excipients and carriers are described, for example, in “Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences” Mack Pub.\",\n \"Co., New Jersey (1991), which is incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"The formulations of the invention may be designed for to be short-acting, fast-releasing, long-acting, and sustained-releasing as described below.\",\n \"Thus, the pharmaceutical formulations may also be formulated for controlled release or for slow release.\",\n \"The instant compositions may also comprise, for example, micelles or liposomes, or some other encapsulated form, or may be administered in an extended release form to provide a prolonged storage and/or delivery effect.\",\n \"Therefore, the pharmaceutical formulations may be compressed into pellets or cylinders and implanted intramuscularly or subcutaneously as depot injections or as implants such as stents.\",\n \"Such implants may employ known inert materials such as silicones and biodegradable polymers.\",\n \"Specific dosages may be adjusted depending on conditions of disease, the age, body weight, general health conditions, sex, and diet of the subject, dose intervals, administration routes, excretion rate, and combinations of drugs.\",\n \"Any of the above dosage forms containing effective amounts are well within the bounds of routine experimentation and therefore, well within the scope of the instant invention.\",\n \"A therapeutically effective dose may vary depending upon the route of administration and dosage form.\",\n \"The preferred compound or compounds of the instant invention is a formulation that exhibits a high therapeutic index.\",\n \"The therapeutic index is the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects which can be expressed as the ratio between LD50 and ED50.The LD50 is the dose lethal to 50% of the population and the ED50 is the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population.\",\n \"The LD50 and ED50 are determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in animal cell cultures or experimental animals.\",\n \"A method of preparing pharmaceutical formulations includes mixing any of the above-described compounds with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and water or an aqueous solution.\",\n \"Pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments according to the invention include any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of compound of structure I, II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof described above in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.\",\n \"Thus, the compounds of the invention may be used to prepare medicaments and pharmaceutical formulations.\",\n \"In some such embodiments, the medicaments and pharmaceutical formulations comprise any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of the compounds of structure I or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.\",\n \"The invention also provides for the use of any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of the compounds of structure I, II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for prostacyclin-like effects.\",\n \"The invention also provides for the use of any of the compounds of any of the embodiments of the compounds of structure I, II or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.\",\n \"The invention also pertains to kits comprising one or more of the compounds of structure I or II along with instructions for use of the compounds.\",\n \"In another embodiment, kits having compounds with prostacyclin-like effects described herein in combination with one or more p-glycoprotein inhibitors is provided along with instructions for using the kit.\",\n \"By way of illustration, a kit of the invention may include one or more tablets, capsules, caplets, gelcaps or liquid formulations containing the bioenhancer of the present invention, and one or more tablets, capsules, caplets, gelcaps or liquid formulations containing a prostacyclin-like effect compound described herein in dosage amounts within the ranges described above.\",\n \"Such kits may be used in hospitals, clinics, physician's offices or in patients' homes to facilitate the co-administration of the enhancing and target agents.\",\n \"The kits should also include as an insert printed dosing information for the co-administration of the enhancing and target agents.\",\n \"The following abbreviations and definitions are used throughout this application: Generally, reference to a certain element such as hydrogen or H is meant to include all isotopes of that element.\",\n \"For example, if an R group is defined to include hydrogen or H, it also includes deuterium and tritium.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “p-glycoprotein inhibitor” refers to organic compounds which inhibit the activity of the p-glycoprotein mediated active transport system present in the gut.\",\n \"This transport system actively transports drugs which have been absorbed from the intestinal lumen and into the gut epithelium back out into the lumen.\",\n \"Inhibition of this p-glycoprotein mediated active transport system will cause less drug to be transported back into the lumen and will thus increase the net drug transport across the gut epithelium and will increase the amount of drug ultimately available in the blood.\",\n \"The phrases “oral bioavailability” and “bioavailability upon oral administration” as used herein refer to the systemic availability (i.e., blood/plasma levels) of a given amount of drug administered orally to a patient.\",\n \"The phrase “unsubstituted alkyl” refers to alkyl groups that do not contain heteroatoms.\",\n \"Thus the phrase includes straight chain alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and the like.\",\n \"The phrase also includes branched chain isomers of straight chain alkyl groups, including but not limited to, the following which are provided by way of example: —CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH(CH2CH3)2, —C(CH3)3, —C(CH2CH3)3, —CH2CH(CH3)2, —CH2CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH2CH(CH2CH3)2, —CH2C(CH3)3, —CH2C(CH2CH3)3, —CH(CH3)CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH2CH2CH(CH3)2, —CH2CH2CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), —CH2CH2CH(CH2CH3)2, —CH2CH2C(CH3)3, —CH2CH2C(CH2CH3)3, —CH(CH3)CH2CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH3)CH(CH3)CH(CH3)2, —CH(CH2CH3)CH(CH3)CH(CH3)(CH2CH3), and others.\",\n \"The phrase also includes cyclic alkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl and such rings substituted with straight and branched chain alkyl groups as defined above.\",\n \"The phrase also includes polycyclic alkyl groups such as, but not limited to, adamantyl norbornyl, and bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl and such rings substituted with straight and branched chain alkyl groups as defined above.\",\n \"Thus, the phrase unsubstituted alkyl groups includes primary alkyl groups, secondary alkyl groups, and tertiary alkyl groups.\",\n \"Unsubstituted alkyl groups may be bonded to one or more carbon atom(s), oxygen atom(s), nitrogen atom(s), and/or sulfur atom(s) in the parent compound.\",\n \"Preferred unsubstituted alkyl groups include straight and branched chain alkyl groups and cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.\",\n \"More preferred such unsubstituted alkyl groups have from 1 to 10 carbon atoms while even more preferred such groups have from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.\",\n \"Most preferred unsubstituted alkyl groups include straight and branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and include methyl, ethyl, propyl, and —CH(CH3)2.The phrase “substituted alkyl” refers to an unsubstituted alkyl group as defined above in which one or more bonds to a carbon(s) or hydrogen(s) are replaced by a bond to non-hydrogen and non-carbon atoms such as, but not limited to, a halogen atom in halides such as F, Cl, Br, and I; and oxygen atom in groups such as hydroxyl groups, alkoxy groups, aryloxy groups, and ester groups; a sulfur atom in groups such as thiol groups, alkyl and aryl sulfide groups, sulfone groups, sulfonyl groups, and sulfoxide groups; a nitrogen atom in groups such as amines, amides, alkylamines, dialkylamines, arylamines, alkylarylamines, diarylamines, N-oxides, imides, and enamines; a silicon atom in groups such as in trialkylsilyl groups, dialkylarylsilyl groups, alkyldiarylsilyl groups, and triarylsilyl groups; and other heteroatoms in various other groups.\",\n \"Substituted alkyl groups also include groups in which one or more bonds to a carbon(s) or hydrogen(s) atom is replaced by a bond to a heteroatom such as oxygen in carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups; nitrogen in groups such as imines, oximes, hydrazones, and nitriles.\",\n \"Preferred substituted alkyl groups include, among others, alkyl groups in which one or more bonds to a carbon or hydrogen atom is/are replaced by one or more bonds to fluorine atoms.\",\n \"One example of a substituted alkyl group is the trifluoromethyl group and other alkyl groups that contain the trifluoromethyl group.\",\n \"Other alkyl groups include those in which one or more bonds to a carbon or hydrogen atom is replaced by a bond to an oxygen atom such that the substituted alkyl group contains a hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxy group, or heterocyclyloxy group.\",\n \"Still other alkyl groups include alkyl groups that have an amine, alkylamine, dialkylamine, arylamine, (alkyl)(aryl)amine, diarylamine, heterocyclylamine, (alkyl)(heterocyclyl)amine, (aryl)(heterocyclyl)amine, or diheterocyclylamine group.\",\n \"The phrase “unsubstituted arylalkyl” refers to unsubstituted alkyl groups as defined above in which a hydrogen or carbon bond of the unsubstituted alkyl group is replaced with a bond to an aryl group as defined above.\",\n \"For example, methyl (—CH3) is an unsubstituted alkyl group.\",\n \"If a hydrogen atom of the methyl group is replaced by a bond to a phenyl group, such as if the carbon of the methyl were bonded to a carbon of benzene, then the compound is an unsubstituted arylalkyl group (i.e., a benzyl group).\",\n \"Thus the phrase includes, but is not limited to, groups such as benzyl, diphenylmethyl, and 1-phenylethyl (—CH(C6H5)(CH3)) among others.\",\n \"The phrase “substituted arylalkyl” has the same meaning with respect to unsubstituted arylalkyl groups that substituted aryl groups had with respect to unsubstituted aryl groups.\",\n \"However, a substituted arylalkyl group also includes groups in which a carbon or hydrogen bond of the alkyl part of the group is replaced by a bond to a non-carbon or a non-hydrogen atom.\",\n \"Examples of substituted arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, —CH2C(═O)(C6H5), and —CH2(2-methylphenyl) among others.\",\n \"A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes a salt with an inorganic base, organic base, inorganic acid, organic acid, or basic or acidic amino acid.\",\n \"As salts of inorganic bases, the invention includes, for example, alkali metals such as sodium or potassium; alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium or aluminum; and ammonia.\",\n \"As salts of organic bases, the invention includes, for example, trimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, picoline, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine.\",\n \"As salts of inorganic acids, the instant invention includes, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydroboric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid.\",\n \"As salts of organic acids, the instant invention includes, for example, formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and p-toluenesulfonic acid.\",\n \"As salts of basic amino acids, the instant invention includes, for example, arginine, lysine and ornithine.\",\n \"Acidic amino acids include, for example, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.\",\n \"“Treating” within the context of the instant invention, means an alleviation of symptoms associated with a biological condition, disorder, or disease, or halt of further progression or worsening of those symptoms, or prevention or prophylaxis of the disease or disorder.\",\n \"For example, within the context of treating patients having pulmonary hypertension, successful treatment may include a reduction direct vasodilation of pulmonary and/or systemic arterial vascular beds and inhibition of platelet aggregation.\",\n \"The result of this vasodilation will generally reduce right and left ventricular afterload and increased cardiac output and stroke volume.\",\n \"Dose-related negative inotropic and lusitropic effects can also result.\",\n \"The outward manifestation of these physical effects can include a decrease in the symptoms of hypertension, such as shortness of breath, and an increase in exercise capacity.\",\n \"The present invention, thus generally described, will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention.\",\n \"EXAMPLES Example 1 In this Example, the bioavailability of treprostinil in rats after dosing orally, intraduodenally, intracolonically and via the portal vein was compared to determine possible barriers to bioavailability.\",\n \"In addition to bioavailability, a number of pharmacokinetic parameters were determined.\",\n \"Animal Dosing The bioavailability of treprostinil was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley, male rats.\",\n \"Fifteen surgically modified rats were purchased from Hilltop Lab Animals (Scottdale, Pa.).\",\n \"The animals were shipped from Hilltop to Absorption Systems' West Chester University facility (West Chester, Pa.), where they were housed for at least twenty-four hours prior to being used in the study.\",\n \"The animals were fasted for approximately 16 hours prior to dosing.\",\n \"The fifteen rats used in this study were divided into five groups (I, II, III, IV and V).\",\n \"The weight of the animals and the dosing regimen are presented in Table 1.TABLE 1 Dose Weight Route of Study Volume Dose Group Rat # (g) Administration Day (mL/kg) (mg/kg) I 118 327 Intravenous 0 2 1 119 329 Intravenous 0 2 1 120 320 Intravenous 0 2 1 II 121 337 Intraportal Vein 0 2 1 122 319 Intraportal Vein 0 2 1 123 330 Intraportal Vein 0 2 1 III 124 329 Intraduodenal 0 2 1 125 331 Intraduodenal 0 2 1 126 324 Intraduodenal 0 2 1 IV 127 339 Intracolonic 0 2 1 128 333 Intracolonic 0 2 1 129 320 Intracolonic 0 2 1 V 130 293 Oral 0 2 1 131 323 Oral 0 2 1 132 332 Oral 0 2 1 Samples were withdrawn at the following time points.\",\n \"IV and IPV: 0 (pre-dose) 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480 minutes ID, IC and Oral: 0 (pre-dose), 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480 minutes Approximately 0.50 to 0.75 mL of whole blood was collected from the jugular vein of a cannulated rat.\",\n \"The blood was transferred to heparinized tubes and placed on ice until centrifuged.\",\n \"Following centrifugation the plasma was placed on ice until frozen at −70□C prior to shipment to Absorption Systems Analysis of Plasma Samples Samples were analyzed using the following methodology: Dosing Solution Preparation The dosing solution was prepared by combining 15.2 mg of treprostinil diethanolamine (12.0 mg of the free acid form) with 24 mL of 5% dextrose.\",\n \"The solution was then sonicated until dissolved for a final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL.\",\n \"The final pH of the dosing solution was 4.6.At the time of dosing, the dosing solution was clear and homogenous.\",\n \"Standards and Sample Preparation To determine the concentration of treprostinil in rat plasma samples, standards were prepared with rat plasma collected in heparin obtained from Lampire Biological Laboratories (Lot #021335263) to contain 1000, 300, 100, 30, 10, 3, 1 and 0.3 ng/mL of treprostinil.\",\n \"Plasma standards were treated identically to the plasma samples.\",\n \"Plasma samples were prepared by solid phase extraction.\",\n \"After an extraction plate was equilibrated, 150 μL of a plasma sample was placed into the well and vacuumed through.\",\n \"The extraction bed was then washed with 600 μL of acetonitrile:deionized water (25:75) with 0.2% formic acid.\",\n \"The compound was eluted with 600 μL of 90% acetonitrile and 10% ammonium acetate.\",\n \"The eluates were collected and evaporated to dryness.\",\n \"The residue was reconstituted with 150 μL of acetonitrile:deionized water (50:50) with 0.5 μg/mL of tolbutamide (used as an internal standard).\",\n \"HPLC Conditions Column: Keystone Hypersil BDS C18 30×2 mm i.d., 3 μm.\",\n \"Mobile Phase Buffer: 25 mM NH4OH to pH 3.5 w/85% formic acid.\",\n \"Reservoir A: 10% buffer and 90% water.\",\n \"Reservoir B: 10% buffer and 90% acetonitrile.\",\n \"Mobile Phase Composition: Gradient Program: Time Duration Grad.\",\n \"Curve % A % B −0.1 0.10 0 80 20 0 3.00 1.0 10 90 3.00 1.00 1.0 0 100 4.00 2.00 0 80 20 Flow Rate: 300 μL/min.\",\n \"Inj.\",\n \"Vol.\",\n \": 10 μL Run Time: 6.0 min.\",\n \"Retention Time: 2.6 min.\",\n \"Mass Spectrometer Instrument: PE SCIEX API 2000 Interface: Electrospray (“Turbo Ion Spray”) Mode: Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Precursor Ion Product Ion Treprostinil 389.2 331.2 IS 269.0 170.0 Nebulizing Drying Gas: Curtain Gas: 25 Ion Spray: Gas: 25 60, 350° C. −5000 V Orifice: −80 V Ring: −350 V Q0: 10 V IQ1: 11 V ST: 15 V R01: 11 V IQ2: 35 V R02: 40 V IQ3: 55 V R03: 45 V CAD Gas: 4 Method Validation Table 2 lists the average recoveries (n=6) and coefficient of variation (c.v.) for rat plasma spiked with treprostinil.\",\n \"All samples were compared to a standard curve prepared in 50:50 dH2O:acetonitrile with 0.5 μg/mL of tolbutamide to determine the percent of treprostinil recovered from the plasma.\",\n \"TABLE 2 Accuracy and Precision of Method Spiked Coefficient of Concentration Percent Recovered Variation 1000 ng/mL 85.6 5.2 100 ng/mL 89.6 11.6 10 ng/mL 98.8 7.0 Pharmacokinetic Analysis Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the average plasma concentration for each time point.\",\n \"The data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis using the pharmacokinetic program WinNonlin v. 3.1 (2).\",\n \"Results Clinical Observations Prior to beginning the experiments it was noted that supra-pharmacological doses of treprostinil would be needed to achieve plasma concentrations that could be analyzed with adequate sensitivity.\",\n \"Using the dose of 1 mg/kg some adverse effects were noted in animals dosed intravenously and via the intraportal vein.\",\n \"All rats dosed intravenously displayed signs of extreme lethargy five minutes after dosing but fully recovered to normal activity thirty minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"In addition, fifteen minutes after dosing all three animals dosed via the portal vein exhibited signs of lethargy.\",\n \"One rat (#123) expired before the thirty-minute sample was drawn.\",\n \"The other rats fully recovered.\",\n \"The remaining animals did not display any adverse reactions after administration of the compound.\",\n \"Sample Analysis Average plasma concentrations for each route of administration are shown in Table 3.TABLE 3 Average (n = 3) plasma concentrations (ng/mL) Pre- Time (min) dose 2 5 15 30 60 120 240 360 480 Intravenous 0 1047.96 364.28 130.91 55.56 14.45 4.45 1.09 0.50 0.30 Intraportal Vein* 0 302.28 97.39 47.98 21.94 11.06 3.87 2.51 4.95 5.14 Intraduodenal 0 — 61.76 31.67 18.57 13.55 5.91 1.11 0.89 0.90 Intracolonic 0 — 7.46 3.43 3.52 1.48 0.64 0.36 0.062λ 0.202λ Oral 0 — 4.52 2.90 3.67 2.06 4.52 1.82 0.90 0.96 *n = 2, λconcentration falls below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the analytical method The plasma concentration versus time curves for intravenous, intraportal, intraduodenal, intracolonic and oral dosing are shown in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2.FIG.\",\n \"3 shows the average plasma concentration versus time curves for all five routes of administration.\",\n \"In the experiments shown in these figures, the diethanolamine salt was used.\",\n \"Table 4 shows the pharmacokinetic parameters determined for treprostinil.\",\n \"The individual bioavailabilities of each rat are found in Table 5.TABLE 4 Average Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Treprostinil in Rats Average Average Volume of CLs Route of AUC480 min Cmax Tmax T1/2 Bioavailability Distribution* (mL · min−1 · Administration (min · ng/mL) (ng/mL) (min) (min) (%) ± SD (L · kg−1) kg−1)* Intravenous 11253.49 2120Ψ 0 94 NA 1.98 88.54 Intraportal Vein 4531.74 302 2 ND 40.3 ± 5.5 ND ND Intraduodenal 2712.55 62 5 ND 24.1 ± 0.5 ND ND Intracolonic 364.63 8 5 ND 3.2 ± 2.5 ND ND Oral 1036.23 5 5 ND 9.2 ± 1.4 ND ND *Normalized to the average weight of the rats ND:Not determined ΨExtrapolated Value TABLE 5 Individual Bioavailabilities of Treprostinil in Rats Route of Individual AUC480 min Individual Administration Rat # (min · ng/mL) Bioavailability (%) Intravenous 118 10302.85 NA 119 9981.52 NA 120 13510.65 NA Intraportal Vein 121 4970.67 44.2 122 4093.21 36.4 123 ND ND Intraduodenal 124 2725.68 24.2 125 2763.60 24.6 126 2646.05 23.5 Intracolonic 127 72.63 0.7 128 395.08 3.5 129 625.20 5.6 Oral 130 998.70 8.9 131 907.60 8.1 132 1203.73 10.7 NA: Not applicable ND: Not determined Conclusions Treprostinil has a terminal plasma half-life of 94 minutes.\",\n \"The distribution phase of treprostinil has a half-life of 10.3 minutes and over 90% of the distribution and elimination of the compound occurs by 60 minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"The volume of distribution (Vd=1.98 L/kg) is greater than the total body water of the rat (0.67 L/kg) indicating extensive partitioning into tissues.\",\n \"The systemic clearance of treprostinil (88.54 mL/min/kg) is greater than the hepatic blood flow signifying that extra-hepatic clearance mechanisms are involved in the elimination of the compound.\",\n \"First pass hepatic elimination of treprostinil results in an average intraportal vein bioavailability of 40.3%.\",\n \"Fast but incomplete absorption is observed after intraduodenal, intracolonic and oral dosing (Tmax≤5 min).\",\n \"By comparing the intraportal vein (40.3%) and intraduodenal bioavailability (24.1%) it appears that approximately 60% of the compound is absorbed in the intestine.\",\n \"The average intraduodenal bioavailibility is almost three times greater than the oral bioavailibility suggesting that degradation of treprostinil in the stomach or gastric emptying may influence the extent of systemic absorption.\",\n \"Example 2 In this Example, Treprostinil concentrations were determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single oral dose of the following compounds: Treprostinil Benzyl Ester Treprostinil Diglycine Treprostinil Methyl Ester Experimental Dosing Solution Preparation All dosing vehicles were prepared less than 2 hours prior to dosing.\",\n \"1.Treprostinil Methyl Ester A solution of treprostinil methyl ester was prepared by dissolving 2.21 mg of treprostinil methyl ester with 0.85 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).\",\n \"This solution was then diluted with 7.65 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.26 mg/mL of treprostinil methyl ester equivalent to 0.25 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"2.Treprostinil Benzyl Ester A solution of treprostinil benzyl ester was prepared by dissolving 2.58 mg of treprostinil benzyl ester with 0.84 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).\",\n \"This solution was then diluted with 7.54 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.268 mg/mL of treprostinil benzyl ester equivalent to 0.25 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"3.Treprostinil Diglycine A solution of treprostinil diglycine was prepared by dissolving 1.86 mg of compound with 0.58 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).\",\n \"This solution was then diluted with 5.18 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.323 mg/mL of treprostinil diglycine equivalent to 0.25 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"Animal Dosing The plasma concentrations of Treprostinil following administration of each prodrug were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats.\",\n \"Rats were purchased from Hilltop Lab Animals (Scottdale, Pa.).\",\n \"The animals were shipped from Hilltop to Absorption Systems' West Chester University facility (West Chester, Pa.).\",\n \"They were housed for at least twenty-four hours prior to being used in the study.\",\n \"The animals were fasted for approximately 16 hours prior to dosing.\",\n \"The rats used in this study were divided into three groups (I, II and III).\",\n \"Groups I-III were dosed on the same day.\",\n \"The weight of the animals and the dosing regimen are presented in Table 6.TABLE 6 Study Design Route of Dose Weight Ad- Compound Volume Dose* Group Rat # (kg) ministration Dosed (mL/kg) (mg/kg) I 638 306 Oral Treprostinil 2 0.520 639 310 Oral methyl ester 640 319 Oral II 641 319 Oral Treprostinil 2 0.616 642 309 Oral benzyl ester 643 320 Oral III 644 318 Oral Treprostinil 2 0.646 645 313 Oral diglycine 646 322 Oral *This dose of prodrug = 0.500 mg/kg of the active, Treprostinil Animals were dosed via oral gavage.\",\n \"Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein cannula at the following time points: 0 (pre-dose) 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 480 minutes The blood samples were withdrawn and placed into tubes containing 30 μL of a solution of 500 units per mL of heparin in saline, and centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes.\",\n \"Approximately 200 μL of plasma was then removed and dispensed into appropriately labeled polypropylene tubes containing 4 μL of acetic acid in order to stabilize any prodrug remaining in the samples.\",\n \"The plasma samples were frozen at −20° C. and were transported on ice to Absorption Systems Exton Facility.\",\n \"There they were stored in a −80° C. freezer pending analysis.\",\n \"Analysis of Plasma Samples Plasma samples were analyzed as described in Example 1.In brief, Treprostinil was extracted from the plasma via liquid-liquid extraction then analyzed by LC/MS/MS.\",\n \"The analytical validation results were reported previously in Example 1.The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the analytical method was 0.01 ng/mL.\",\n \"Samples were not assayed for unchanged prodrug.\",\n \"Acceptance Criteria for Analytical Runs Two standard curves, with a minimum of five points per curve, and a minimum of two quality control samples (QCs) were dispersed throughout each run.\",\n \"Each route of administration was bracketed by a standard curve used for back-calculation.\",\n \"The standards and QCs must be within ±15% (20% for the LLOQ) accuracy and precision for the run to be accepted.\",\n \"At least 75% of all standards and QCs must pass the acceptance criteria.\",\n \"Pharmacokinetic Analysis Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the plasma concentration of Treprostinil for each individual rat at each time point and on the average plasma concentration for all three rats in the group for each time point.\",\n \"The data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis using the pharmacokinetic program WinNonLin v. 3.1 (2).\",\n \"Results Study Observations No adverse reactions were observed following oral administration of treprostinil methyl ester, treprostinil benzyl ester or treprostinil diglycine.\",\n \"Plasma Stability of Prodrugs in Acidified Rat Plasma In order to terminate any conversion of prodrug to active after samples were withdrawn the plasma was acidified.\",\n \"Acetic acid (v/v) was added to each plasma sample immediately after centrifugation of the red blood cells to a concentration of 2%.\",\n \"In-vitro plasma stability of each prodrug was performed to insure that the compound was stable in acidified plasma.\",\n \"To perform this assay 2% acetic acid was added to blank rat plasma obtained from Lampire Biological.\",\n \"The acidified rat plasma was equilibrated at 37° C. for three minutes prior to addition of prodrug.\",\n \"The initial concentration of each prodrug was 1000 ng/mL.\",\n \"A 100 μL aliquot of plasma (n=3 per time point) was taken at 0, 60 and 120 minutes.\",\n \"Each aliquot was combined with 20 μL of HCl and vortexed.\",\n \"Liquid-liquid extraction was then performed and the concentration of Treprostinil in each sample determined.\",\n \"The concentration of Treprostinil at each time point in acidified rat plasma is given in Table 7.Small amounts of Treprostinil appear to be present in the neat compound sample of treprostinil methyl ester and treprostinil diglycine.\",\n \"The concentration of Treprostinil remained constant throughout the course of the experiment, indicating that there was no conversion of prodrug into active compound occurring in acidified plasma.\",\n \"TABLE 7 Plasma Stability of Prodrugs in Acidified Dog Plasma Treprostinil Concentration (ng/mL) ± SD (n = 3) Treprostinil Treprostinil Treprostinil Time (min) methyl ester benzyl ester diglycine 0 56.8 ± 9.3 <0.01 54.9 ± 4.3 60 55.1 ± 5.0 <0.01 51.8 ± 5.9 120 53.8 ± 1.3 <0.01 54.5 ± 0.8 Total % Treprostinil 5.7 <0.01 5.5 Average Treprostinil plasma concentrations following administration of treprostinil methyl ester, treprostinil benzyl ester or treprostinil diglycine are shown in Table 8.TABLE 8 Treprostinil Concentrations (Average ± SD (n = 3) Plasma Concentrations (ng/mL) Oral Dosing Pre- 5 15 30 60 120 240 360 480 Solution Dose (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) Treprostinil 0 <0.01 0.2 ± 0.0 0.3 ± 0.1 0.5 ± 0.1 1.5 ± 0.8 0.2 ± 0.7 <0.01 0.1 ± 0.1 methyl ester Treprostinil 0 3.1 ± 2.8 1.9 ± 0.8 2.5 ± 1.5 3.2 ± 1.9 7.3 ± 4.9 1.6 ± 1.2 0.4 ± 0.40 0.6 ± 0.9 benzyl ester Treprostinil 0 <0.01 1.1 ± 1.9 6.6 ± 10.7 0.5 ± 0.3* 40.± 5.8 9.0 ± 13.5 2.1 ± 2.9 1.3 ± 0.8 diglycine *Due to insufficient amount of sample collected this time point is the average of n = 2 rats.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"4-7 contain graphical representations of the plasma concentration versus time curves for Treprostinil in rat following administration of each prodrug.\",\n \"Table 9 lists each figure and the information displayed.\",\n \"TABLE 9 List of Figures FIG.\",\n \"Description 4 Oral Dose of Treprostinil methyl ester 5 Oral Dose of Treprostinil benzyl ester 6 Oral Dose of Treprostinil diglycine 7 Oral Dose of Treprostinil benzyl ester and Treprostinil diglycine Compared to Treprostinil Alone from Example 1 Pharmacokinetic Analysis Bioavailability of the prodrug was determined relative to that of the active compound based on Example 1 in which Treprostinil was dosed to rats.\",\n \"The following formula was used to determine relative bioavailability (F): Relative F=(AUC(Prodrug Dose)/Dose)/(AUC(Treprostinil Dose)/Dose)*100 Bioavailability was also determined relative to an intravenous dose of Treprostinil in rats determined in Example 1.Results are listed in Table 10.TABLE 10 Average Relative Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Treprostinil in Rats Test Average Relative Compound Dose AUC0-t Cmax Tmax Bioavailability Bioavailability Administered (mg/kg) (min · ng/mL) (ng/mL) (min) (%) ± SD (n = 3) (%) ± SD (n = 3) Treprostinil 0.5 212 1.50 120 41.0 ± 16 3.8 ± 2 methyl ester Treprostinil 0.5 1171 7.20 120 226 ± 155 20.8 ± 14 benzyl ester Treprostinil 0.5 2242 9.04 240 433 ± 631 39.9 ± 58 diglycine Conclusions In this study the relative oral bioavailabilities of prodrugs of Treprostinil were determined in rats.\",\n \"Treprostinil methyl ester resulted in Treprostinil area under the plasma concentration versus time curves (AUCs) less than that after dosing the active compound.\",\n \"Prodrugs treprostinil benzyl ester and treprostinil diglycine both had Treprostinil average AUCs greater than that after dosing of the active compound.\",\n \"Treprostinil diglycine had the highest relative bioavailability of 433% with over 4 times more Treprostinil reaching the systemic circulation.\",\n \"The Cmax of 9 ng/mL of Treprostinil following administration of treprostinil diglycine occurred at 240 minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"The Cmax following dosing of Treprostinil is 5 ng/mL and occurs only 5 minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"Treprostinil benzyl ester had a relative bioavailability of 226±155% with a Cmax of 7.2 ng/mL occurring 120 minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"It should also be noted that the AUCs are not extrapolated to infinity.\",\n \"REFERENCES 1.WinNonlin User's Guide, version 3.1, 1998-1999, Pharsight Co., Mountain View, Calif. 94040.Example 3 This example illustrates a pharmacokinetic study of treprostinil following administration of a single duodenal dose of treprostinil and various prodrugs of the present invention.\",\n \"In this study, the area under the curve of Treprostinil in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monophosphate (ring), treprostinil monovaline (ring), treprostinil monoalanine (ring) or treprostinil monoalanine (chain), prodrugs of treprostinil was compared.\",\n \"The compounds were as follows: having the following substituents: Compound R1 R2 R3 treprostinil H —PO3H3 H monophosphate (ring) treprostinil H —COCH(CH(CH3)2)NH2 H monovaline (ring) treprostinil H —COCH(CH3)NH2 H monoalanine (ring) treprostinil H H —COCH(CH3)NH2 monoalanine (chain) Experimental Dosing Solution Preparation All dosing vehicles were prepared less than 2 hours prior to dosing.\",\n \"1.Treprostinil Monophosphate (Ring) A dosing solution of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) was prepared by dissolving 1.01 mg of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) in 0.167 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA) until dissolved.\",\n \"This solution was further diluted with 1.50 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.603 mg/mL of prodrug equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"2.Treprostinil Monovaline (Ring) A 50 mg/mL solution of treprostinil monovaline (ring) was prepared in dimethylacetamide (DMA).\",\n \"A 25 μL aliquot of the 50 mg/mL stock solution was then diluted with 175 μL of DMA and 1.8 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.625 mg/mL of prodrug equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"3.Treprostinil Monoalanine (Ring) A solution of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) was prepared by dissolving 1.05 mg of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) in 0.178 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA) until dissolved.\",\n \"This solution was further diluted with 1.60 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.590 mg/mL of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"4.Treprostinil Monoalanine (Chain) A solution of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) was prepared by dissolving 0.83 mg of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) in 0.14 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA) until dissolved.\",\n \"This solution was further diluted with 1.26 mL of PEG 400:Polysorbate 80:Water, 40:1:49.The final concentration of the dosing vehicle was 0.591 mg/mL of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) equivalent to 0.5 mg/mL of Treprostinil.\",\n \"The dosing vehicle was a clear solution at the time of dosing.\",\n \"Animal Dosing The plasma concentrations of Treprostinil following oral administration of each prodrug were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats.\",\n \"Twelve rats were purchased from Hilltop Lab Animals (Scottdale, Pa.).\",\n \"The animals were shipped from Hilltop to Absorption Systems' West Chester University facility (West Chester, Pa.).\",\n \"They were housed for at least twenty-four hours prior to being used in the study.\",\n \"The animals were fasted for approximately 16 hours prior to dosing.\",\n \"The twelve rats used in this study were divided into four groups.\",\n \"All groups were dosed on day 1 of the study.\",\n \"The weight of the animals and the dosing regimen are presented in Table 11.TABLE 11 Dose Volume Dose* Rat # Weight (g) Compound (mL/kg) (mg/kg) 130 327 treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 1 0.603 131 321 treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 1 0.603 132 310 treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 1 0.603 133 328 treprostinil monovaline (ring) 1 0.625 134 326 treprostinil monovaline (ring) 1 0.625 135 346 treprostinil monovaline (ring) 1 0.625 136 321 treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 1 0.591 137 319 treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 1 0.591 138 330 treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 1 0.591 139 316 treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 1 0.590 140 330 treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 1 0.590 141 339 treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 1 0.590 *This dose of prodrug = 0.500 mg/kg of treprostinil Animals were dosed via an indwelling duodenal cannula.\",\n \"Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein cannula at the following time points: 0 (pre-dose) 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 480 minutes.\",\n \"The blood samples were withdrawn and placed into tubes containing 30 μL of a solution of 500 units per mL of heparin in saline, and centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes.\",\n \"Approximately 200 μL of plasma was then removed and dispensed into appropriately labeled polypropylene tubes containing 4 μL of acetic acid in order to stabilize any prodrug remaining in the samples.\",\n \"The plasma samples were frozen at −20° C. and were transported on ice to Absorption Systems Exton Facility.\",\n \"There they were stored in a −80° C. freezer pending analysis.\",\n \"Analysis of Plasma Samples Plasma samples were analyzed using the methods described above.\",\n \"In brief, Treprostinil was extracted from the plasma via solid phase extraction then analyzed by LC/MS/MS.\",\n \"The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the analytical method was 0.03 ng/mL.\",\n \"Acceptance Criteria for Analytical Runs Four standard curves, with a minimum of five points per curve, and a minimum of two quality control samples (QCs) at 3 concentrations were dispersed throughout each run.\",\n \"Each prodrug set was bracketed by a standard curve used for back-calculation.\",\n \"The standards and QCs must be within ±15% (20% for the LLOQ) accuracy and precision for the run to be accepted.\",\n \"At least 75% of all standards and QCs must pass the acceptance criteria.\",\n \"Pharmacokinetic Analysis Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on the plasma concentration of Treprostinil for each individual rat at each time point and on the average plasma concentration for all three rats in the group for each time point.\",\n \"The data were subjected to non-compartmental analysis using the pharmacokinetic program WinNonLin v. 3.1 (2).\",\n \"Results Study Observations No adverse reactions were observed following intraduodenal administration of treprostinil monophosphate (ring), treprostinil monovaline (ring), treprostinil monoalanine (ring) or treprostinil monoalanine (chain).\",\n \"Ex-Vivo Plasma Stability of Prodrugs in Acidified Rat Plasma In order to terminate any conversion of prodrug to active after samples were withdrawn, the plasma was acidified.\",\n \"Acetic acid (v/v) was added to each plasma sample immediately after separation of the red blood cells to a concentration of 2%.\",\n \"In-vitro plasma stability of each prodrug was performed to insure that the compound was stable in acidified plasma.\",\n \"To perform this assay 2% acetic acid was added to blank rat plasma obtained from Lampire Biological.\",\n \"The acidified rat plasma was brought to room temperature for three minutes prior to addition of prodrug.\",\n \"The initial concentration of each prodrug was 1000 ng/mL.\",\n \"A 100 μL aliquot of plasma (n=3 per time point) was taken at 0, 60 and 120 minutes.\",\n \"Sample preparation of each plasma sample was performed as described above and the concentration of Treprostinil monitored.\",\n \"Treprostinil concentrations did not increase in any of the acidified plasma samples spiked with prodrug over the two-hour period of the experiment.\",\n \"Sample Analysis Average Treprostinil plasma concentrations following administration of treprostinil monophosphate (ring), treprostinil monovaline (ring), treprostinil monoalanine (ring) or treprostinil monoalanine (chain) are shown in Table 12.TABLE 12 AVERAGE ± SD (N = 3) PLASMA TREPROSTINIL CONCENTRATIONS (NG/ML) Oral Dosing Pre- 5 15 30 60 120 240 360 480 Solution dose (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) (min) treprostinil 0 8.62 ± 3.0 6.57 ± 1.7 3.31 ± 1.2 4.31 ± 0.8 2.07 ± 0.4 0.91 ± 0.5 0.26 ± 0.08 0.3 ± 0.08 monophosphate (ring) treprostinil 0 0.76 ± 0.2 0.91 ± 0.7 1.52 ± 0.6 1.53 ± 0.6 1.65 ± 0.7 0.66 ± 0.1 0.15 ± 0.03 0.05 ± 0.02 monovaline (ring) treprostinil 0 2.42 ± 0.6 2.52 ± 0.4 2.91 ± 0.6 3.25 ± 1.5 1.69 ± 0.4 0.55 ± 0.2 0.20 ± 0.1 0.22 ± 0.2 monoalanine (ring) treprostinil 0 9.53 ± 2.6 3.92 ± 0.6 3.83 ± 0.7 2.74 ± 0.9 0.86 ± 0.4 0.29 ± 0.2 0.08 ± 0.04 0.19 ± 0.3 monoalanine (chain) FIGS.\",\n \"8-12 contain graphical representations of the plasma concentration versus time curves for Treprostinil in rat following administration of each prodrug.\",\n \"Table 13 lists each figure and the information displayed.\",\n \"TABLE 13 FIG.\",\n \"Description 8 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 9 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monovaline (ring) 10 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 11 Intraduodenal dose of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 12 Intraduodenal dose of each prodrug compared to treprostinil alone from Example 1 Pharmacokinetic Analysis Bioavailability of the prodrug was determined relative to that of the active compound based on a previous study in which Treprostinil was dosed to rats.\",\n \"The following formula was used to determine relative bioavailability (F): Relative F=(AUC(ProdrugDose)/Dose)/(AUC(Treprostinil Dose)/Dose)*100 Absolute bioavailability was also estimated using data from an intravenous dose of Treprostinil in rats determined in Example 1.Results are listed in Table 14.TABLE 14 List of Figures FIG.\",\n \"Description 8 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monophosphate (ring) 9 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monovaline (ring) 10 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monoalanine (ring) 11 Intraduodenal Dose of treprostinil monoalanine (chain) 12 Intraduodenal Dose of Each Prodrug Compared to Treprostinil Alone from Example 1 Conclusions The relative intraduodenal bioavailabilities of four prodrugs of Treprostinil were determined in rats.\",\n \"All the compounds had relative intraduodenal bioavailabilities less than that of the active compound.\",\n \"treprostinil monophosphate (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (ring) had the highest relative intraduodenal bioavailability at 56% and 38% respectively.\",\n \"The Tmax for treprostinil monophosphate (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (chain) occurred 5 minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"treprostinil monovaline (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (ring) had longer absorption times with Tmax values of 120 and 60 minutes respectively.\",\n \"Maximum Treprostinil concentrations were highest following treprostinil monophosphate (ring) and treprostinil monoalanine (chain) dosing.\",\n \"They reached approximately 9 ng/mL 5 minutes post-dosing.\",\n \"The bioavailabilities are much greater when dosed intraduodenally than when dosed orally as measured by treprostinil plasma levels.\",\n \"REFERENCES 1.WinNonlin User's Guide, version 3.1, 1998-1999, Pharsight Co., Mountain View, Calif. 94040.Example 4 In this Example, Treprostinil concentrations will be determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats following a single oral or intraduodenal dose of the following compounds of structure II: having the following substituents: Cpd.\",\n \"R1 R2 R3 A —CH2CONH2 H H B —CH2CON(CH2)2OH H H C —CH2CON(CH3)2 H H D —CH2CONHOH H H E —CH2C6H4NO2 (p)* H H F —CH2C6H4OCH3 (p)* H H G —CH2C6H4Cl (o)* H H H —CH2C6H4(NO2)2* H H (o,p) I —CH2C6H4F (p)* H H J H —PO3H3 H K H H —PO3H3 L H —COCH2NH2 H M H H —COCH2NH2 N H —COCH(CH3)NH2 H O H H —COCH(CH3)NH2 P H —COCH(CH3)NH2 —COCH(CH3)NH2 *o denotes ortho substitution, m denotes meta substitution and p denotes para substitution.\",\n \"Examples of these compounds include: Prodrug preparation and analysis will take place as described in Examples 1 and 2 above.\",\n \"Additionally, the oral bioavailability of treprostinil, treprostinil sodium and the compounds shown in Example 2 and this Example will be administered in close proximity to or simultaneously with various different p-glycoprotein inhibiting compounds at varying concentrations and tested to determine the effect of the p-glycoprotein inhibitors on the oral bioavailability of the compounds.\",\n \"The p-glycoprotein inhibitors will be administered both intravenously and orally.\",\n \"Example 5 Clinical Studies with Treprostinil Diethanolamine Introduction Prior to proceeding directly into clinical studies with a sustained release (SR) solid dosage form of UT-15C (treprostinil diethanolamine), a determination of the pharmacokinetics of an oral “immediate release” solution was performed.\",\n \"The first clinical study (01-101) evaluated the ability of escalating doses of an oral solution of UT-15C to reach detectable levels in plasma, potential dose-plasma concentration relationship, bioavailability and the overall safety of UT-15C.\",\n \"Volunteers were dosed with the solutions in a manner that simulated a sustained release formulation releasing drug over approximately 8 hours.\",\n \"The second clinical study (01-102) assessed the ability of two SR solid dosage form prototypes (i.e., 1.microparticulate beads in a capsule and, 2.tablet) to reach detectable levels in plasma and the potential influence of food on these plasma drug concentrations.\",\n \"The SR prototypes were designed to release UT-15C over approximately an 8 hour time period.\",\n \"Details of the two clinical studies are described below.\",\n \"Clinical Study 01-101 A Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Study of Multiple Escalating Doses of UT-15C (Treprostinil Diethanolamine) Administered as an Oral Solution in Healthy Adult Volunteers (Including Study of Bioavailability).\",\n \"The oral solution of UT-15C was administered to 24 healthy volunteers to assess the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of UT-15C as well as its bioavailability.\",\n \"To mimic a SR release profile, doses were administered every two hours for four doses at either 0.05 mg per dose (total=0.2 mg), 0.125 mg per dose (total=0.5 mg), 0.25 mg per dose (total=1.0 mg), or 0.5 mg per dose (total=2.0 mg).\",\n \"Study endpoints included standard safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, laboratory parameters, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms) as well as pharmacokinetic parameters.\",\n \"All subjects received all four scheduled doses and completed the study in its entirety.\",\n \"Treprostinil plasma concentrations were detectable in all subjects following administration of an oral solution dose of UT-15C.\",\n \"Both AUCinf and Cmax increased in a linear fashion with dose for each of the four dose aliquots.\",\n \"The highest concentration observed in this study was 5.51 ng/mL after the third 0.25 mg solution dose aliquot of the 2.0 mg UT-15C total dose.\",\n \"Based on historical intravenous treprostinil sodium data, the mean absolute bioavailability values for the 0.2 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg doses of UT-15C were estimated to be 21%, 23%, 24% and 25%, respectively.\",\n \"The results of this study are respectively shown in FIGS.\",\n \"13A-13D.\",\n \"UT-15C was well tolerated by the majority of subjects at all doses given.\",\n \"There were no clinically significant, treatment emergent changes in hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, vital signs, physical exams, and ECGs.\",\n \"The most frequently reported adverse events were flushing, headache, and dizziness.\",\n \"This safety profile with UT-15C (treprostinil diethanolamine) is consistent with the reported safety profile and product labeling of Remodulin (treprostinil sodium) and other prostacyclin analogs.\",\n \"Thus, changing the salt form of treprostinil did not result in any unexpected safety issues following the protocol specified dosing regimen (i.e.\",\n \"single dose every 2 hours for four total doses on a single day).\",\n \"Clinical Study 01-102 A Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Study Comparing a Single Dose of a Sustained Release Capsule and Tablet Formulation of UT-15C (Treprostinil Diethanolamine) Administered to Healthy Adult Volunteers in the Fasted and Fed State The 01-102 study was designed to evaluate and compare the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of a (1) UT-15C SR tablet prototype and, (2) UT-15C SR capsule prototype (microparticulate beads in a capsule) in both the fasted and fed state.\",\n \"Each of the SR dosage forms were designed to release UT-15C (1 mg) over an approximate 8-hour time period.\",\n \"Fourteen healthy adult volunteers were assigned to receive the SR tablet formulation while an additional fourteen volunteers were assigned to receive the SR capsule formulation.\",\n \"Subjects were randomized to receive a single dose (1 mg) of their assigned SR prototype in both the fasted and fed state.\",\n \"A crossover design was employed with a seven day wash-out period separating the fed/fasted states.\",\n \"For the fed portion of the study, subjects received a high calorie, high fat meal.\",\n \"Study endpoints included standard safety assessments (adverse events, vital signs, laboratory parameters, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms) as well as pharmacokinetic parameters.\",\n \"All subjects administered UT-15C SR tablets and capsules had detectable treprostinil plasma concentrations.\",\n \"Calculations of area under the curve from zero to twenty-four hours (AUC0-24) indicate that total exposure to UT-15C SR occurred in the following order: Tablet Fed>Capsule Fasted>Tablet Fasted>Capsule Fed.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"14 displays the pharmacokinetic profiles of the two formulations in the fasted and fed states.\",\n \"UT-15C SR tablets and capsules were tolerated by the majority of subjects.\",\n \"All adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and were similar to those described in Study 01-101 and in Remodulin's product labeling.\",\n \"Additionally, there were no treatment-emergent changes in vital signs, laboratory parameters, physical examinations, or electrocardiograms throughout the study.\",\n \"These results demonstrate that detectable and potentially therapeutic drug concentrations can be obtained from a solid dosage form of UT-15C and that these concentrations can be maintained over an extended period of time through sustained release formulation technology.\",\n \"Polymorphs of Treprostinil Diethanolamine Two crystalline forms of UT-15C were identified as well as an amorphous form.\",\n \"The first, which is metastable, is termed Form A.\",\n \"The second, which is thermodynamically more stable, is Form B.\",\n \"Each form was characterized and interconversion studies were conducted to demonstrate which form was thermodynamically stable.\",\n \"Form A is made according to the methods in Table 15.Form B is made from Form A, in accordance with the procedures of Table 16.TABLE 15 XRPD Sample Solvent Conditionsa Habit/Description Resultb ID tetrahydrofuran FE opaque white solids; morphology A 1440- unknown, birefringent 72-02 SE glassy transparent solids A (PO) 1440- 72-03 SC (60° C.) translucent, colorless glassy sheets A 1440- of material, birefringent 72-16 Toluene slurry (RT), 6 d white solids; opaque masses of A + B 1440- smaller particles 72-01 toluene:IPA SC(60° C.) white solids; spherical clusters of A 1480- (11.4:1) fibers, birefringent 21-03 Water FE opaque white solids; morphology A 1440- unknowm, birefringent 72-07 SE opaque ring of solids, birefringent A + B 1440- 72-08 freeze dry white, glassy transparent solids A + B 1480- 58-02 water:ethanol FE opaque white solids; morphology A + 1440- (1:1) unknown, birefringent 11.5 pk 72-09 FE clear and oily substance with some B 1480- opaque solids 79-02 SE glassy opaque ring of solid A 1440- 72-10 aFE = fast evaporation; SE = slow evaporation; SC = slow cool bIS = insufficient sample; PO = preferred orientation; LC = low crystallinity; pk = peak cXRPD = X-ray powder diffraction TABLE 16 XRPD Solvent Conditions Habit/Description Result Sample ID ethanol/water FE glassy appearing solids of —b 1519-68-01 (1:1) unknown morphology; birefringent 1,4-dioxane slurry(50° C.), 6 d white solids; opaque masses of B 1519-73-02a material; morphology unknown slurry(50° C.), 2 d small grainy solids; with B 1557-12-01 birefringence subsample of — B 1557-15-01 1557-12-01 subsample of white solids B 1557-15-02 1557-12-01 slurry(50° C.), 2 d — B 1557-17-01 isopropanol slurry(RT), 1 d white solids —b 1519-96-03 tetrahydrofuran slurry(RT), 1 d — —b 1519-96-02 toluene slurry(50° C.), 6 d white solids B 1519-73-01 aSeeds of sample #1480-58-01 (A + B) added bSamples not analyzed Characterization of Crystal Forms: Form A The initial material synthesized (termed Form A) was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), hot stage microscopy, infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, and moisture sorption.\",\n \"Representative XRPD of Form A is shown in FIG.\",\n \"15.The IR and Raman spectra for Form A are shown in FIGS.\",\n \"16 and 17, respectively.\",\n \"The thermal data for Form A are shown in FIG.\",\n \"18.The DSC thermogram shows an endotherm at 103° C. that is consistent with melting (from hot stage microscopy).\",\n \"The sample was observed to recrystallize to needles on cooling from the melt.\",\n \"The TG data shows no measurable weight loss up to 100° C., indicating that the material is not solvated.\",\n \"The moisture sorption data are shown graphically in FIG.\",\n \"19.Form A material shows significant weight gain (>33%) during the course of the experiment (beginning between 65 to 75% RH), indicating that the material is hygroscopic.\",\n \"In addition, hygroscopicity of treprostinil diethanolamine was evaluated in humidity chambers at approximately 52% RH and 68% RH.\",\n \"The materials were observed to gain 4.9% and 28% weight after 23 days in the ˜52% RH and ˜68% RH chambers, respectively.\",\n \"Based on the above characterization data, Form A is a crystalline, anhydrous material which is hygroscopic and melts at 103° C. Form B Treprostinil diethanolamine Form B was made from heated slurries (50° C.) of Form A in 1,4 dioxane and toluene, as shown in Table 16.Material isolated from 1,4-dioxane was used to fully characterize Form B.\",\n \"A representative XRPD pattern of Form B is shown in FIG.\",\n \"20.Form A and Form B XRPD patterns are similar, however, significant differences are observed in the range of approximately 12-17°2θ (FIG.\",\n \"20).\",\n \"The thermal data for Form B are shown in FIG.\",\n \"21.The DSC thermogram (Sample ID 1557-17-01) shows a single endotherm at 107° C. that is consistent with a melting event (as determined by hotstage microscopy).\",\n \"The TG shows minimal weight loss up to 100° C. The moisture sorption/desorption data for Form B are shown in FIG.\",\n \"22.There is minimal weight loss at 5% RH and the material absorbs approximately 49% water at 95% RH.\",\n \"Upon desorption from 95% down to 5% RH, the sample loses approximately 47%.\",\n \"Form A and Form B can easily be detected in the DSC curve.\",\n \"Based on the above characterization data, Form B appears to be a crystalline material which melts at 107° C. Thermodynamic Properties: Inter-conversion experiments were carried out in order to determine the thermodynamically most stable form at various temperatures.\",\n \"These studies were performed in two different solvents, using Forms A and B material, and the data are summarized in Table 17.Experiments in isopropanol exhibit full conversion to Form B at ambient, 15° C., and 30° C. after 7 days, 11 days, and 1 day, respectively.\",\n \"Experiments in tetrahydrofuran also exhibit conversion to Form B at ambient, 15° C., and 30° C. conditions.\",\n \"Full conversion was obtained after 11 days at 15° C., and 1 day at 30° C. At ambient conditions, however, a minor amount of Form A remained after 7 days based on XRPD data obtained.\",\n \"Full conversion would likely occur upon extended slurry time.\",\n \"Based on these slurry inter-conversion experiments, Form B appears to be the most thermodynamically stable form.\",\n \"Form A and Form B appear to be related monotropically with Form B being more thermodynamically stable.\",\n \"TABLE 17 Interconversion Studies of Treprostinil Diethanolamine Experiment/ Sample No.\",\n \"Forms Solvent Starting Materials Temperature Time 1557-22- A vs. B isopropanol solid mixture ambient 7 days 01 # 1557-20-01a 1557-47- A vs. B solid mixture 15° C. 11 days 02 # 1557-35-01d 1557-33- A vs. B solid mixture 30° C. 1 day 02 # 1557-35-01d 1557-21- A vs. B solid mixture 50° C. — 02e # 1557-20-01b 1557-20- A vs. B tetrahydrofuran solid mixture ambient 7 days 03 # 1557-20-01c 1557-47- A vs. B solid mixture 15° C. 11 days 01 # 1557-35-01d 1557-33- A vs. B solid mixture 30° C. 1 day 01 # 1557-35-01d 1557-21- A vs. B solid mixture 50° C. — 01e # 1557-20-01c asaturated solution Sample ID 1557-21-03 bsaturated solution Sample ID 1519-96-03 csaturated solution Sample ID 1519-96-02 dsaturated solution prepared just prior to addition of solids esamples not analyzed as solubility (at 50° C.) of treprostinil diethanolamine was very high and solutions became discolored.\",\n \"All references disclosed herein are specifically incorporated by reference thereto.\",\n \"While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as defined herein.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875101"}}},{"rowIdx":4494782,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["DISPLAY WITH SURFACE MOUNT EMISSIVE ELEMENTS AND ACTIVE MATRIX DRIVE","A surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.","A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface.","A post extends from the bottom surface.","An emissive display is also provided made from surface mount emissive elements and an emissions substrate.","The emissions substrate has a top surface with a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface.","Each well has a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface.","The emissions substrate also includes a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well.","A first plurality of emissive elements populates the wells."],["1.An emissive display comprising: an emissions substrate comprising: a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections; a first plurality of surface mount emissive elements, each emissive element comprising; a top surface overlying the emissions substrate; a bottom surface; a first electrical contact formed on the top surface; a second electrical contact formed on the top surface; and, wherein each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding emissive element.","2.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits, each AM drive circuit having inputs connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and an output associated with the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element; and, a network of reference voltage traces associated with the second electrical contact of each emissive element.","3.The emissive display of claim 2 wherein the AM drive circuit comprises at least one thin-film transistor (TFT) including a semiconductor material selected from the group consisting of low temperature poly silicon (LTPS), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and amorphous silicon (a-Si).","4.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element, and a second electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element.","5.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein each emissive element further comprises: a post extending from its bottom surface.","6.The emissive display of claim 1 further comprising: a color modifier overlying each emissive element bottom surface.","7.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein the emissive elements are surface mount light emitting diodes (SMLEDs), each SMLED comprising: a first semiconductor layer, with a dopant selected from a first group consisting of an n-dopant or a p-dopant; a second semiconductor layer, with the unselected dopant from the first group; and, a multiple quantum well (MQW) layer interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.","8.The emissive display of claim 7 wherein the first and second semiconductor layers are selected from the group consisting of gallium nitride (GaN) and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP).","9.The emissive display of claim 7 further comprising: a second plurality of first color modifiers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality; a second plurality of second color modifiers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs, where the second color is different than the first color.","10.The emissive display of claim 9 further comprising: a second plurality of light diffusers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier.","11.The emissive display of claim 10 further comprising: a second plurality of pixel regions, each pixel region comprising a SMLED with an overlying first color modifier, a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier, and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier; and, wherein the first color is green, the second color is red, and wherein the SMLED with no overlying color modifier emits a blue color light.","12.The emissive display of claim 7 further comprising: a second plurality of red color modifiers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality; a third plurality of light diffusers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding third plurality of SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier, where the third plurality is less than the first plurality and equal to twice the second plurality; and, a second plurality of pixel regions, each pixel region comprising a SMLED with an overlying red color modifier, a blue color SMLED with no overlying color modifier, and a green color SMLED with no color modifier.","13.The emissive display of claim 7 wherein the first electrical contact of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter; wherein the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED form a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring; wherein the second electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a first electrical contact ring perimeter; wherein the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a center portion overlying the second electrical contact; wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface configured as a partial ring with a mouth opening and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED, and a second electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding first electrical interface partial ring and connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED.","14.The emissive display of claim 7 wherein the second electrical contact of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter; wherein the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a perimeter overlying the second electrical contact ring; wherein the first electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a second electrical contact ring perimeter; wherein the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact; wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface configured as a partial ring with the first diameter with a mouth opening and connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED, and a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding second electrical interface partial ring and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED.","15.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein each emissive element top surface is planar; and, wherein each well bottom surface is planar.","16.The emissive display of claim 4 wherein each emissive element top surface is bi-planar with a first level and a second level; wherein each emissive element first electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface; wherein each emissive element second electrical contact is formed on the second level of the top surface; wherein each well bottom surface is bi-planar with a first level and a second level; wherein each well first electrical interface is formed on the well bottom first level; and, wherein each well second electrical interface is formed on the well bottom second level.","17.An emissive display comprising: a first plurality of surface mount emissive elements, each emissive element comprising; a top surface; a bottom surface; a first electrical contact formed on the top surface; a second electrical contact formed on the top surface; and, an emissions substrate comprising: a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding emissive element; a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits, each AM drive circuit having inputs connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and an output associated with the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element; and, a network of reference voltage traces associated with the second electrical contact of each emissive element.","18.The emissive display of claim 17 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element, and a second electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element.","19.The emissive display of claim 17 wherein each emissive element further comprises: a post extending from its bottom surface.","20.The emissive display of claim 17 wherein the AM drive circuit comprises at least one thin-film transistor (TFT) including a semiconductor material selected from the group consisting of low temperature poly silicon (LTPS), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and amorphous silicon (a-Si).","21.An emissive display comprising: an emissions substrate comprising: a top surface; a first plurality of pre-formed wells in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a pre-formed bottom surface, preformed sidewalls, a first electrical interface pre-formed on the well bottom surface, and a second electrical interface pre-formed on the well bottom surface; a pre-formed matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row trace is associated with a corresponding well; a first plurality of surface mount emissive elements deposited in the pre-formed wells, each emissive element comprising; a top surface overlying a corresponding well bottom surface; a bottom surface; a first electrical contact formed on the top surface and connected to a corresponding first electrical interface; and, a second electrical contact formed on the top surface and connected to a corresponding second electrical interface.","22.The emissive display of claim 21 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a first plurality of pre-formed active matrix (AM) drive circuits, each AM drive circuit having inputs connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and an output connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well; and, a pre-formed network of reference voltage traces connected with the second electrical interface of each well."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Disclosed herein is a direct emission display or liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight using inorganic micro light emitting diodes (LEDs), to enable the fabrication of a large area high dynamic range display with reasonable cost and high reliability.","For example, an array of inorganic micro-LEDs (uLEDs) in a surface mount configuration can be fabricated by fluidic assembly to make a high dynamic range emissive display.","uLED emitters are fabricated by etching small disk shapes in a conventional planar LED structure fabricated on a sapphire substrate.","Disks are processed to form separate anode and cathode electrodes on the top surface of the uLED.","The resulting uLEDs are released by a laser lift off process and harvested to form a suspension in a suitable liquid such as isopropanol (IPA), acetone, or distilled water.","This suspension is deposited on a display substrate that has been prepared with an array of well structures with two electrodes that match the anode and cathode electrodes on a uLED disk.","The well is a cylindrical opening slightly larger than the disk diameter so that one uLED can be deposited in the well in a position with the LED electrodes in contact with the electrodes on the substrate.","Since both the LED electrodes directly overlie and are adjacent to the well bottom surface, electrical connections are greatly simplified, in contrast to LED disks having one or both electrodes exposed by the well opening, and so requiring addition interconnection layers and processing.","As a result of suitable annealing, the uLEDs are connected to the array electrodes on the substrate so they can be powered by a suitable drive circuit to emit light.","The array can be powered as a passive matrix so each row is turned on in sequence with each sub-pixel in the array powered at a controlled current to produce the required brightness.","However, due to sampling and power restraints this simple driving scheme is necessarily limited to a relatively small number of rows.","Alternatively, each sub-pixel can be controlled by a thin-film transistor (TFT) driving circuit, which can control the amount of drive current based on the charge stored in a capacitor.","This active matrix (AM) circuit configuration allows the uLED to be powered nearly 100% of the time so there is no limit on the number of rows in a display, except for the power supplied to each column.","The surface mount uLED architecture offers several major advantages compared with the current vertical uLED display, where the vertical uLEDs have top and bottom surface electrical contacts: 1) The small emitter area is better suited to high resolution active matrix (AM) display but the overall disk size is large enough for fluidic assembly.","2) The process of fluidic assembly occurs as the last major operation so smaller glass can be used without returning to an LCD fab for metallization after assembly.","3) Interconnect patterning occurs before wells are formed, so no metal defects exist from misaligned uLEDs and there is no need for deep interconnect from the substrate through the well layer.","4) After annealing, the uLED is electrically connected but exposed so there is the possibility of electrical testing to see if a given uLED lights up, followed by pick-place repair of defective uLEDs.","These advantages tend to offset the emission area of the surface mount LEDs being a relatively small proportion of the area of the LED growth substrate, increasing the cost per pixel.","Further, the uLED fabrication process is relatively complex with multiple patterning steps including post fabrication which occurs after laser lift off (LLO).","Accordingly, a surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.","A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface.","A post extends from the bottom surface.","In one aspect, the surface mount emissive element is a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED), made from a first semiconductor layer, with either an n-dopant or a p-dopant, and a second semiconductor layer, made with the opposite dopant used for the first semiconductor layer.","A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer is interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.","Typically, the first semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer are gallium nitride (GaN) or aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP).","An emissive display is also provided made from surface mount emissive elements, as described above, and an emissions substrate.","The emissions substrate has a top surface with a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface.","Each well has a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface.","The emissions substrate also includes a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well.","A first plurality of emissive elements populates the wells.","In one aspect, a color modifier overlies each emissive element bottom surface (e.g., to produce a monochrome color such as white), and the display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate overlying the emissions substrate top surface.","The emissive display may also be a direct emissions type of display, in which case a plurality of first color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs.","A plurality of second color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs, where the second color is different than the first color.","If the display is red-green-blue (RGB) and only one type of LED is used (e.g., a blue color GaN LED), then a plurality of light diffusers would overlie the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier.","The result is a display with pixel regions, each pixel region including a SMLED with an overlying first color modifier (e.g., green), a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier (e.g., red), and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier (e.g., blue).","Alternatively, if both blue and green emitting GaNs LEDs are used, then color modifiers are only need to create the red color.","In one aspect, the first electrical contact (electrode) of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter, and the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.","Then, the second electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a first electrical contact ring perimeter, and the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a center portion overlying the second electrical contact.","Each well first electrical interface is configured as a partial ring with the first diameter, and having a mouth opening, and each well second electrical interface is configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding first electrical interface partial ring.","Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED may be a stack overlying the second electrical contact, and the second semiconductor layer overlies the first electrical contact.","As another alternative, each emissive element top surface may be bi-planar with a first level and a second level, so that each emissive element first electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface and each emissive element second electrical contact is formed in the second level of the top surface.","Each well bottom surface is likewise bi-planar with a first level and a second level, with each well first electrical interface formed on the well bottom first level and each well second electrical interface formed on the well bottom second level.","The emissive elements may be enabling using active matrix (AM) drive circuits, with each drive circuit connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well.","Then, the emissions substrate would also include a network of reference voltage (e.g., ground) traces connected to the second electrical interface of each well.","Alternatively, the matrix of column and row traces form a passive matrix (PM) with the column trace of each column/row intersection connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well, and the row trace of each column/row intersection connected to the second electrical interface of each well.","Additional details of the above-described surface mount emissive element and emissive display are provided below."],["RELATED APPLICATIONS Any and all applications, if any, for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet of the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1.Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to integrated circuits (ICs) and, more particularly, to a surface mount emissive element, and an emissive display made using the surface mount emissive elements.","2.Description of the Related Art The current competing technologies for large area display are liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting device (OLED) display, and more recently, inorganic LED display.","The weaknesses of LCD, which the current disclosure directly addresses, are 1) low efficiency where only about 5% of the light generated by the backlight is seen as an image by the user, and 2) low dynamic range because the LC material cannot completely block light to produce a black pixel.","The weaknesses of OLED display are poor reliability and low efficiency (˜5% QE) of the blue OLED material.","The use of inorganic micro-LEDs (uLEDs) in a display would provide a very high efficiency because the display would not use color filters and polarizers to absorb light.","As used herein, a uLED is an LED with a diameter or cross-sectional area of 100 microns or less.","The inorganic uLED display would have very high contrast because black pixels are set to emit no light.","For an inorganic uLED display, blue gallium nitride (GaN) LEDs would be 35-40% efficient, with a reliability of over 50,000 hours, as has been established in general lighting.","Sony has developed a passive matrix of uLEDs arranged in a display array using a pick and place system.","However, since large displays require millions of LEDs, displays made by this process are time and cost prohibitive compared to other technologies.","The fluidic transfer of microfabricated electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and sub-systems from a donor substrate/wafer to a large area and/or unconventional substrate provides a new opportunity to extend the application range of electronic and optoelectronic devices.","For example, display pixel size LED micro structures, such as rods, fins or disks, can be first fabricated on small size wafers and then be transferred to large panel glass substrate to make a direct emitting display requiring no backlighting.","Conventional transfer techniques such as inkjet printing or robotic pick-and-place work reasonable well in certain particular applications.","However, these conventional techniques are either not cost effective or so poor in yield that they cannot be applied to directly transfer LED micro structures.","There are three major processes in the fabrication of inorganic uLED disks for use in direct emission displays.","These processes are: uLED disk fabrication; uLED disk distribution onto a transparent substrate; and, uLED disk interconnection.","Since a fluidic assembly process distributes uLED disks randomly inside transparent substrate placement wells, it makes conventional IC style contact hole opening/metal interconnection design extremely challenging.","Extra tolerances are required in the (opaque) interconnections to address this random distribution, resulting in a substantial loss in the emission area fill factor.","Further, the complexity required to make these connections results in either a poor yield and/or high cost.","FIGS.","1A and 1B are plan views of a top-contact LED disk located in a substrate well (prior art).","In FIG.","1A, Dd denotes the diameter of the LED (e.g., GaN) disk, Dc denotes the diameter of the micro-cavity or well into which the uLED disk has been distributed, and Dp denotes the diameter of the p-doped GaN (p-GaN) area, assuming the p-GaN is formed on the top of the disk.","Area 100 is the n-GaN contact, where the p-GaN and MQW have been removed by a reactive ion etch (RIE).","The inner circular area 102 is the full LED stack with p-GaN on top.","A layer of nickel oxide (NiOx)/indium tin oxide (ITO) may be formed on the surface of area 102.In considering typical photolithography misalignment tolerances (up to 2 microns (μm)), the circular area 102 is off the GaN disk center by 2 μm.","Since only the area 102 can emit light, the emission area fill factor is only about 70.6%.","Nearly 30% of emission area is lost due to the n-GaN opening 100.FIG.","1B shows the working area for anode end connection 104 (Dpc).","Connections made outside of the 24 μm diameter area 104 are likely to result in either a short circuit or open circuit.","Conventional metal interconnection to the n-GaN area 100 further reduces the emission area fill factor.","Only 31.4% area of the GaN disk will emit light in this example.","FIG.","2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bottom cathode contact architecture (prior art).","This option avoids the significant emission area fill factor loss associated with a conventional top-contact LED disk.","A bottom interconnection electrode 200 is first evaporated and patterned on a substrate 202, followed by micro-cavity (well) 204 formation.","A thin layer of low melting temperature metal 206 is then coated on the bottom electrode surface inside the micro-cavity 204.The GaN disk 208 (n-GaN 210/p-GaN 212) is then distributed into the micro-cavity 204.After interlayer dielectric film 214 patterning, the top interconnection electrode 216 is evaporated and patterned to complete the whole process flow.","The process flow described by FIG.","2 is relatively simple.","The front-side emission area fill factor can possible reach a maximum of 85% with a carefully selected top metal wiring design.","Major challenges of this flow include the bottom contact yield, uniformity, reliability and repeatability, and the tradeoff between the bottom contact yield and the bottom electrode area if a backside emission opening is needed.","It would be advantageous if large emissive displays could be efficiently fabricated using a fluidic assembly process, through the employment of surface mount emissive elements.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed herein is a direct emission display or liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight using inorganic micro light emitting diodes (LEDs), to enable the fabrication of a large area high dynamic range display with reasonable cost and high reliability.","For example, an array of inorganic micro-LEDs (uLEDs) in a surface mount configuration can be fabricated by fluidic assembly to make a high dynamic range emissive display.","uLED emitters are fabricated by etching small disk shapes in a conventional planar LED structure fabricated on a sapphire substrate.","Disks are processed to form separate anode and cathode electrodes on the top surface of the uLED.","The resulting uLEDs are released by a laser lift off process and harvested to form a suspension in a suitable liquid such as isopropanol (IPA), acetone, or distilled water.","This suspension is deposited on a display substrate that has been prepared with an array of well structures with two electrodes that match the anode and cathode electrodes on a uLED disk.","The well is a cylindrical opening slightly larger than the disk diameter so that one uLED can be deposited in the well in a position with the LED electrodes in contact with the electrodes on the substrate.","Since both the LED electrodes directly overlie and are adjacent to the well bottom surface, electrical connections are greatly simplified, in contrast to LED disks having one or both electrodes exposed by the well opening, and so requiring addition interconnection layers and processing.","As a result of suitable annealing, the uLEDs are connected to the array electrodes on the substrate so they can be powered by a suitable drive circuit to emit light.","The array can be powered as a passive matrix so each row is turned on in sequence with each sub-pixel in the array powered at a controlled current to produce the required brightness.","However, due to sampling and power restraints this simple driving scheme is necessarily limited to a relatively small number of rows.","Alternatively, each sub-pixel can be controlled by a thin-film transistor (TFT) driving circuit, which can control the amount of drive current based on the charge stored in a capacitor.","This active matrix (AM) circuit configuration allows the uLED to be powered nearly 100% of the time so there is no limit on the number of rows in a display, except for the power supplied to each column.","The surface mount uLED architecture offers several major advantages compared with the current vertical uLED display, where the vertical uLEDs have top and bottom surface electrical contacts: 1) The small emitter area is better suited to high resolution active matrix (AM) display but the overall disk size is large enough for fluidic assembly.","2) The process of fluidic assembly occurs as the last major operation so smaller glass can be used without returning to an LCD fab for metallization after assembly.","3) Interconnect patterning occurs before wells are formed, so no metal defects exist from misaligned uLEDs and there is no need for deep interconnect from the substrate through the well layer.","4) After annealing, the uLED is electrically connected but exposed so there is the possibility of electrical testing to see if a given uLED lights up, followed by pick-place repair of defective uLEDs.","These advantages tend to offset the emission area of the surface mount LEDs being a relatively small proportion of the area of the LED growth substrate, increasing the cost per pixel.","Further, the uLED fabrication process is relatively complex with multiple patterning steps including post fabrication which occurs after laser lift off (LLO).","Accordingly, a surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.","A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface.","A post extends from the bottom surface.","In one aspect, the surface mount emissive element is a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED), made from a first semiconductor layer, with either an n-dopant or a p-dopant, and a second semiconductor layer, made with the opposite dopant used for the first semiconductor layer.","A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer is interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.","Typically, the first semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer are gallium nitride (GaN) or aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP).","An emissive display is also provided made from surface mount emissive elements, as described above, and an emissions substrate.","The emissions substrate has a top surface with a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface.","Each well has a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface.","The emissions substrate also includes a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well.","A first plurality of emissive elements populates the wells.","In one aspect, a color modifier overlies each emissive element bottom surface (e.g., to produce a monochrome color such as white), and the display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate overlying the emissions substrate top surface.","The emissive display may also be a direct emissions type of display, in which case a plurality of first color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs.","A plurality of second color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs, where the second color is different than the first color.","If the display is red-green-blue (RGB) and only one type of LED is used (e.g., a blue color GaN LED), then a plurality of light diffusers would overlie the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier.","The result is a display with pixel regions, each pixel region including a SMLED with an overlying first color modifier (e.g., green), a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier (e.g., red), and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier (e.g., blue).","Alternatively, if both blue and green emitting GaNs LEDs are used, then color modifiers are only need to create the red color.","In one aspect, the first electrical contact (electrode) of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter, and the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.","Then, the second electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a first electrical contact ring perimeter, and the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a center portion overlying the second electrical contact.","Each well first electrical interface is configured as a partial ring with the first diameter, and having a mouth opening, and each well second electrical interface is configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding first electrical interface partial ring.","Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED may be a stack overlying the second electrical contact, and the second semiconductor layer overlies the first electrical contact.","As another alternative, each emissive element top surface may be bi-planar with a first level and a second level, so that each emissive element first electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface and each emissive element second electrical contact is formed in the second level of the top surface.","Each well bottom surface is likewise bi-planar with a first level and a second level, with each well first electrical interface formed on the well bottom first level and each well second electrical interface formed on the well bottom second level.","The emissive elements may be enabling using active matrix (AM) drive circuits, with each drive circuit connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well.","Then, the emissions substrate would also include a network of reference voltage (e.g., ground) traces connected to the second electrical interface of each well.","Alternatively, the matrix of column and row traces form a passive matrix (PM) with the column trace of each column/row intersection connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well, and the row trace of each column/row intersection connected to the second electrical interface of each well.","Additional details of the above-described surface mount emissive element and emissive display are provided below.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.","1A and 1B are plan views of a top-contact LED disk located in a substrate well (prior art).","FIG.","2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bottom cathode contact architecture (prior art).","FIG.","3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface mount emissive element.","FIGS.","4A and 4B are, respectively, partial cross-sectional and plan views of a surface mount emissive element enabled as a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED).","FIG.","5 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting an alternative to the LED of FIG.","4A.","FIG.","6 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting a bi-level variation of the emissive element.","FIGS.","7A and 7B are bottom surface views depicting surface mount emissive element post variations.","FIGS.","8A and 8B are, respectively, plan and partial cross-sectional views of an emissive display.","FIGS.","9A and 9B are partial cross-sectional views depicting two different approaches to enable the emissions substrate of FIGS.","8A and 8B as a backlight.","FIGS.","10A and 10B are partial cross-sectional views depicting different approaches enabling the emissions substrate as a direct emission display.","FIGS.","11A and 11B are, respectively, a plan view of a well bottom surface and a partial cross-sectional view of the emissions substrate.","FIGS.","12A and 12B are, respectively, a variation of the well bottom surface plan view and emissions substrate partial cross-sectional view of FIGS.","11A and 11B.","FIGS.","13A, 13B, and 13C are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view of an emissive element variation, a well variation, and the emissive element seated in the well.","FIGS.","14A and 14B are, respectively, schematic and partial cross-sectional views of an emissions substrate enabled with a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits.","One particular variation of a drive circuit is shown in FIG.","14C.","FIGS.","15A and 15B are, respectively, a schematic and a partial cross-sectional view of an emissions substrate where the emissive elements are enabled using a passive matrix.","FIG.","16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface mount uLED designed for fluidic assembly.","FIGS.","17A through 17L depict plan and partial cross-sectional views of an exemplary emissions substrate fabrication process.","FIG.","18 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting color generation through the use of a separate color conversion sheet.","FIG.","19 is a partial cross-sectional view of color generation through the use of phosphors deposited over the emissive elements.","FIGS.","20A and 20B are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view and light intensity graph for an emissive substrate using three different LED types, to respectively generate three different colors.","FIGS.","21A, 21B, and 21C respectively depict a white light phosphor intensity graph, exemplary stacked color filter, and associated stacked color filter intensity graph.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.","3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface mount emissive element.","The surface mount emissive element 300 comprises a top surface 302, a bottom surface 304, a first electrical contact 306 formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact 308 formed exclusively on the top surface.","By “exclusively on the top surface” it is meant that the electrical contacts or electrodes do not extend over the emissive element sides 312 or bottom surface 304.The electrical contacts may be a metal, doped semiconductor, or transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO).","Although not explicitly shown as a distinct layer, the electrical contacts 306 and 308 may be solder or solder-coated (e.g., a eutectic solder) for subsequent connection to an emissive substrate.","The emissive element 300 further comprises a post 310 extending from the bottom surface 304.In one aspect, the post 310 is centered in the middle of the bottom surface 304.One example of a emissive element is a light emitting diode (LED).","Although not light emissive, other two-terminal surface mount elements include photodiodes, thermistors, pressure sensors, and piezoelectric devices.","FIGS.","4A and 4B are, respectively, partial cross-sectional and plan views of a surface mount emissive element enabled as a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED).","The SMLED 300 comprises a first semiconductor layer 402, with either an n-dopant or a p-dopant.","A second semiconductor layer 404 with the dopant type not used in the first semiconductor layer 402.A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer 406 is interposed between the first semiconductor layer 402 and the second semiconductor layer 404.The MQW layer 406 may typically be a series of quantum well layers (typically 5 layers—e.g., alternating 5 nm of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) with 9 nm of n-doped GaN (n-GaN)) not shown.","There may also be an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) electron blocking layer (not shown) between MQW layers and the p-doped semiconductor layer.","The outer semiconductor layer may be p-doped GaN (Mg doping) about 200 nm thick.","A high-brightness blue LED can be formed, or a green LED if a higher indium content is used in the MQW.","The most practical first and second semiconductor layer materials are either gallium nitride (GaN), capable of emitting a blue or green light, and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP), capable of emitting red light.","The second electrical contact 308 is configured as a ring, and the second semiconductor layer 404 has a disk shape with a perimeter underlying the second electrical contact ring.","The first electrical contact 306 is formed within a second electrical contact 308 ring perimeter, and the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are a stack underlying the first electrical contact.","A moat may be formed between the second electrical contact 308 ring and the first electrical contact 306, filled with an electrical insulator 408.Conventional LED processing (e.g., LEDs used for lighting) only occurs on one surface prior to separation from the sapphire substrate.","Some of these processes use a laser liftoff (LLO) to separate the LEDs from the sapphire substrate as the final step.","Other processes do not use LLO, but rather, cut up the sapphire substrate to singulate the LEDs.","However, the SMLED architecture requires electrodes on the surface opposite the post, so that the post is made after the uLED is lifted off the sapphire substrate.","Conventional processes do not provide a means of maintaining the known position of each LED as the LEDs are removed from the sapphire so that photolithography can be performed on the bottom of the LED.","Precise x-y position is required to accurately locate the posts at the desired location of the LED top surface (e.g., in the center).","Precise z (vertical) position is required to establish a focal plane to image the post structure with the dimensional control required for fluidic assembly (e.g., surface orientation).","That is, SMLED LLO requires that the SMLEDs must be located on a transfer substrate in a controlled manner to form their post, and then released from the transfer substrate to make the suspension for fluidic assembly.","FIG.","5 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting an alternative to the LED of FIG.","4A.","In this aspect, the first electrical contact (electrode) 306 is configured as a ring, and the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are a stack underlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.","The second electrical contact 308 is formed within a first electrical contact 306 ring perimeter.","The second semiconductor layer 404 has a disk shape with a center portion underlying the second electrical contact.","As shown, a moat is formed between the first electrical contact 306 ring and the second electrical contact 308.An electrical insulator 408 fills the moat.","FIG.","6 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting a bi-level variation of the emissive element.","In FIGS.","4A and 5 it can be seen that the top surface is planar and the bottom surface is planar.","As used herein, “planar” refers to a surface that is globally flat with a root mean square (RMS) roughness of less than 10 nanometers (nm).","Alternatively, as shown in FIG.","6, the surface mount emissive element top surface is bi-planar with a first level 600 and a second level 602.The first electrical contact 306 is formed on the first level 600 of the top surface, and the second electrical contact 308 is formed on the second level 602 of the top surface.","Alternatively but not shown, the second electrical contact may be formed on the first level of the top surface, and the first electrical contact may be formed on the second level of the top surface.","FIGS.","7A and 7B are bottom surface views depicting surface mount emissive element post variations.","In one aspect, the surface mount emissive element may comprise a plurality of posts 310 extending from the bottom surface 304, as shown in FIG.","7A.","Note: the surface mount emissive element 300 is not limited to any particular number of posts, placement of posts, or any particular post shape.","Two posts are shown in FIG.","7A, and a post in the shape of a fin is depicted in FIG.","7B.","Other shapes or combination of shapes are also feasible.","In one aspect, particularly in the case of a single post, the post is centered on the emissive element bottom surface, which acts to tip one edge of the emissive element into the fluidic flow.","In FIGS.","7A and 7B, the post(s) act to tip the emissive element in a direction perpendicular to a vertical axis coming out of the page.","FIGS.","8A and 8B are, respectively, plan and partial cross-sectional views of an emissive display.","Some examples of emissive displays include televisions, computer monitors, handheld device screens, and backlights for LCD displays, as might be used for some of the above-mentioned examples, or as a direct emissions display.","The emissive display 800 comprises an emissions substrate 802 with a top surface 804.The emissions substrate 802 also comprises a first plurality of wells 806 formed in the emissions substrate top surface 804.Each well 806 comprises a bottom surface 808, sidewalls 810, a first electrical interface 812 formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface 814 formed on the bottom surface.","Although not explicitly shown as a distinct layer, the first electrical interface 812 and the second electrical interface 814 may be solder-coated for connection to emissive element electrical contacts.","A matrix of column conductive traces 816 and row conductive traces 818 form a first plurality of column/row intersections 820, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well 806.Additional details of the interface between the wells and the matrix of column and row traces are provided below.","A first plurality of emissive elements 300 populates the wells 806.Each emissive element 300 comprises a top surface 302 overlying a corresponding well bottom surface 808.The emissive elements 300 have a bottom surface 304 and a post 310 extending from the bottom surface.","A first electrical contact (electrode) 306 is formed on the emissive element top surface 302 and connected to a corresponding well first electrical interface 812.Although not explicitly shown as a distinct layer, the first electrical contact 306 and the second electrical contact 308 may be solder or solder-coated for connection to emissive substrate electrical interfaces.","A second electrical contact 308 is formed on the emissive element top surface 302 and connected to a corresponding well second electrical interface 814.Note that the electrical contacts of the emissive device, and the electrical interfaces of wells can be made of a reflective material (e.g., a metal) to direct light towards the top surface 804 of the emissions substrate 802.Since both the emissive element contacts are formed on the top surface 302, the device may be referred to as a surface mount emissive element.","It should also be noted that the bottom surface 304 of the emissive element overlies the top surface 302 when the emissive element has been captured in a well 806.As noted in the explanations above, the emissive element first and second electrical contacts 306/308 are formed exclusively on the emissive element top surface 302.As a result, there is no need for an electrical interface to be formed over the emissions substrate top surface 804 after the wells are populated.","As noted above, the emissive elements may be surface mount light emitting diodes (SMLEDs), the details of which are not repeated here in the interest of brevity.","In one aspect, each emissive element top surface 302 is planar and each well bottom surface 808 is planar, as defined above.","The emissive element bottom surface 304 may also be planar.","The emissive elements have dimensions that permit the emissive elements to fit inside the well cavities.","As used herein, the word “fit” refers to the mating of two mechanical components.","Manufactured parts are very frequently required to mate with one another.","They may be designed to slide freely against one another or they may be designed to bind together to form a single unit or assembly.","There are three general categories of fits.","A clearance fit may be desirable for an object (e.g., emissive element) to rotate or slide freely within the well, this is usually referred to as a “sliding fit.” An interference fits may be desirable for when as object is to be securely held within the well, this is usually referred to as an interference fit, A transition fits may be desirable for when the object is to be held securely, yet not so securely that it cannot be disassembled or rotated in the well, this is usually referred to herein as a location or transition fit.","The emissive elements typically have a clearance or sliding fit with respect to the well.","FIGS.","9A and 9B are partial cross-sectional views depicting two different approaches to enable the emissions substrate of FIGS.","8A and 8B as a backlight.","A color modifier 902 overlies each emissive element bottom surface 304, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate 900 overlies the modifier.","Many different types of LCD substrates are well known in the art and details of their construction are omitted in the interest of brevity.","In short, the LCD substrate 900 forms selectively engageable “windows” over each emissive element 300, and the color modifier 902 changes the color of light emitted by the emissive element to one appropriate to employ as an LCD display backlight.","For example, if the emissive elements are GaN LEDs emitting a blue color light, the color modifier 902 may act to convert the blue light to a white color.","For example, the color modifier 902 may be a stack comprising a red color modifier and a green color modifier, as explained in greater detail below.","In FIG.","9A the color modifier is formed directly over the emissive elements 300, for example, by a printing process.","In FIG.","9B the color modifiers 902 are a layer in the LCD substrate 900.FIGS.","10A and 10B are partial cross-sectional views depicting different approaches enabling the emissions substrate as a direct emission display.","In FIG.","10A a second plurality of first color modifiers 1000 overlie the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality.","A second plurality of second color modifiers 1002 overlie the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300, where the second color is different than the first color.","Further, a second plurality of light diffusers 1004 overlies the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300 with no overlying color modifier.","Thus, if only GaN LEDs are used, the result is a second plurality of pixel regions (only one pixel region is shown), where each pixel region comprises a SMLED 300 with an overlying first color modifier 1000 (e.g., green), a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier 1002 (e.g., red), and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier (e.g., blue).","Although a red-green-blue (RGB) display is described, it should be understood that additional colors could be added to each pixel region using additional color modifiers.","In FIG.","10B, a second plurality of green color modifiers 1010 overlie the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality.","A third plurality of light diffusers 1012 overlies the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding third plurality of SMLEDs 300 with no overlying color modifier.","The third plurality is less than the first plurality and equal to twice the second plurality in the case of an RGB display.","The result is a second plurality of pixel regions, where each pixel region comprises a SMLED 300 (e.g., GaN LED) with an overlying red color modifier 1010, a blue color SMLED 300 (e.g., GaN LED) with no overlying color modifier 1012, and a green color SMLED 1014 (e.g., GaN LED) with no color modifier 1012.In one aspect, layers 1012 are light diffusers.","In another aspect, color combinations may be enabled using both GaN and red emitting AlGaInP SMLEDs.","FIGS.","11A and 11B are, respectively, a plan view of a well bottom surface and a partial cross-sectional view of the emissions substrate.","Referring briefly to FIG.","5, the first electrical contact 306 of each SMLED 300 may be configured as a ring with a first diameter.","The first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 of each SMLED 300 are a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.","Note, first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are shown underling the first electrical contact 306 in FIG.","5, however when seated in the well, the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 overlie the first electrical contact.","The second electrical contact 308 of each SMLED 300 is formed within a first electrical contact 306 ring perimeter.","The second semiconductor layer 404 of each SMLED 300 has a disk shape with a center portion overlying (as explained above) the second electrical contact 308.Returning to FIGS.","11A and 11B, each well first electrical interface 812 is configured as a partial ring with the first diameter, having a mouth 1100 opening, and is connected to trace 816.Each well second electrical interface 814 is connected to trace 818 extending into the mouth 1100 of a corresponding first electrical interface 812 partial ring.","FIGS.","12A and 12B are, respectively, a variation of the well bottom surface plan view and emissions substrate partial cross-sectional view of FIGS.","11A and 11B.","Referring briefly to FIGS.","4A and 4B, the second electrical contact 308 of each SMLED 300 may be configured as a ring with a first diameter.","The second semiconductor layer 404 of each SMLED has a disk shape with a perimeter overlying the second electrical contact ring.","The first electrical contact 306 of each SMLED is formed within a second electrical contact 308 ring perimeter.","The first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact 306.Note, first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are shown underling the first electrical contact 306 in FIG.","4A, however when seated in the well, the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 overlie the first electrical contact.","Returning to FIGS.","12A and 12B, each well second electrical interface 814 is configured as a partial ring or circular electrode with the first diameter, having a mouth opening 1100 and connected to trace 816.Each well first electrical interface 812 is connected to a trace 818 extending into the mouth 1100 of a corresponding second electrical interface 814 partial ring.","One other feature of note with respect to FIGS.","11B and 12B is that the emissions substrate 802 may be comprised of multiple levels.","In FIG.","12B for example, the emissions substrate 802 may comprise a glass or plastic layer 1200, with conductive traces overlying layer 1200 connected to the well electrical interfaces.","A transparent material layer 1202 may overlie the conductive traces and layer 1200, into which the wells are formed.","For example, transparent material layer 1202 may be a dielectric material or a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film.","FIGS.","13A, 13B, and 13C are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view an emissive element variation, a well variation, and the emissive element seated in the well.","In one aspect, each emissive element top surface 302 is bi-planar with a first level 1300 and a second level 1302.The first electrical contact 306 is formed on the first level 1300 of the top surface 302, and the second electrical contact is formed 308 on the second level of the top surface.","Alternatively but not shown, the first electrical contact 306 is formed on the second level of the top surface, and the second electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface.","Likewise, each well bottom surface 808 is bi-planar with a first level 1304 and a second level 1306.Thus, each well first electrical interface is formed 812 on the well bottom first level 1304, and each well second electrical interface 814 is formed on the well bottom second level 1306.FIGS.","14A and 14B are, respectively, schematic and partial cross-sectional views of an emissions substrate enabled with a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits.","One particular variation of a drive circuit is shown in FIG.","14C.","Each drive circuit 1400 is connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, with an output connected to the first electrical interface 812 of a corresponding well.","Alternatively, each drive circuit output may be connected to the second electrical interface of each well.","A network of reference voltage (e.g., ground) traces 1402 are connected to the second electrical interface 814 of each well.","FIG.","14B depicts just the final output transistor 1404 of a drive circuit that controls the output of a corresponding LED 300 by changing the interposing variable resistance between the dc power trace (Vdd) 1406 and the LED.","FIGS.","15A and 15B are, respectively, a schematic and a partial cross-sectional view of an emissions substrate where the emissive elements are enabled using a passive matrix.","In this aspect, a series of column traces 816 and row traces 818 form a passive matrix (PM) with the column trace of each column/row intersection 820 is connected to the first electrical interface 812 of a corresponding well, and the row trace of each column/row intersection is connected to the second electrical interface 814 of each well.","uLED emitter elements can be manufactured using processes similar to those used for uLED lighting.","However the size, shape, and configuration of the disks have additional requirements that do not exist for general lighting, as described below.","Otherwise, the LEDs may be fabricated on a suitable backplane that can hold a large area array of uLEDs, with electrical connections made to them.","Again, there are specific requirements for the size, shape, and position of features so that the uLEDs can be successfully positioned and connected.","Finally, a fluidic assembly process can be used to position the uLEDs in an array and establish electrical connections to between each uLED and the backplane.","The emitter size point is an important distinction for displays.","For general lighting and LCD backlights the emitter (emissive element) size tends to be whatever is convenient, and the important consideration is cost per photon.","The most common (cheapest) LED for general lighting has an area of about 200×200 um, an LED thickness of about 5 um, a sapphire thickness of about 100 um.","So the aspect ratio of the emissive element is about 2:1.In direct emissions applications the uLED emission area is chosen to produce sufficient illumination for one sub-pixel, which may be less than 25 um in diameter.","Because of the uLED size, the fraction of the device area needed to make contact is important as larger contacts result in less emitter area, but smaller contacts increase loss due to the spreading resistance in the GaN layers.","uLED Fabrication Surface mount uLEDs that might be used to make the emissive display disclosed herein may be fabricated from conventional high brightness LED wafers like those used to make emitters for general lighting as is well known in the art.","The resulting uLEDs are from 10 to 100 microns (μm) in diameter and typically are in the form of round disks as shown in several of the above figures.","The round disk shape is typical but other planar shapes such as triangles, squares, or hexagons could also be made in the same way and the display substrate would be fabricated with a well structure matching the uLED shape for fluidic assembly.","Briefly the process flow for manufacturing one particular type of uLED proceeds as follows: 1) Manufacture a planar high brightness blue LED wafer in the conventional manner as follows: a.","On a sapphire substrate deposit a buffer layer and n-GaN (404) to form the LED cathode, see FIGS.","4A and 4B.","The N doped GaN can be intrinsic (i.e.","defect doped) or doped by the inclusion of trace amounts of silicon (Si).","b.","Deposit alternating layers of InGaN and GaN (406) to form a multiple quantum well structure (MQW).","c. Deposit a hole blocking layer of AlGaN and a thin p-GaN layer (402) to form the LED anode.","The p-GaN is typically magnesium (Mg) doped.","d. Deposit an ITO current spreading layer on the p-GaN.","2) Form the LED emission area by etching the ITO, p-GaN, and MQW layers to make a mesa with some overetch into the n-GaN layer.","3) Form the uLED disk shape that is larger than the mesa formed in 2) by etching the n-GaN to the sapphire substrate.","This is typically a close packed array of round disk shapes to maximize utilization of the device area.","Other simple plate shapes such as triangles, squares, or hexagons can be used as long as the aspect ratio is suitable for fluidic assembly.","4) Deposit an insulating material (408) in a ring shape to electrically isolate the anode and cathode regions.","This material can also contain a light absorbing material to prevent light leakage between the anode and cathode electrodes.","5) Deposit the anode electrode stack (308) to a suitable height.","The electrode stack has several components in successive layers: a.","A material such as titanium (Ti) having a work function matching that of n-GaN.","b.","A thick electrode that bonds to the display substrate well electrode, such as a layered structure of indium (In) and tin (Sn) with a thin gold cap to prevent oxidation.","6) Deposit the cathode electrode stack to a suitable height.","The electrode stack has several components in successive layers: a.","A material such as nickel/gold (Ni/Au), chromium/gold (Cr/Au), or Ti that makes good contact to the ITO current spreading layer.","b.","An electrode that bonds to the display substrate well electrode such as a layered structure of In and Sn with a thin gold cap to prevent oxidation.","7) Attach the top surface of the wafer to a glass handling substrate with an adhesive coating.","8) Laser liftoff (LLO) is used to remove the sapphire substrate and allow access to the bottom surface of the uLED structure.","9) The handle substrate with the uLEDs positioned in an array with the n-GaN side up is processed to make the orientation post (310).","The post may be a photo patternable material such as SU-8 (a commonly used epoxy-based negative photoresist) or a deposited oxide or metal.","The completed uLEDs are harvested by dissolving the adhesive and collecting the disks in a fluid suspension, which may be an alcohol, polyol, ketone, halocarbon, or distilled (DI) water.","FIG.","16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vertical uLED designed for fluidic assembly.","There are a number of constraints on the LED structure to improve the device performance as well as the fluidic assembly yield.","In one aspect, commercially available GaN LED structures can be etched to make surface mount uLEDs (SM uLEDs), as shown.","As used herein a SMuLED is defined as a device having two electrical contacts (adjacent the well bottom surface).","In more detail, the SMuLED of FIG.","16 comprises p+-GaN 1600, MQW 1606, n+-GaN 1604, and n-GaN 1606.The c dimension may be 2 to 4 microns, and the b dimension may be 1 to 2 microns.","Most of the characteristics required for fluidic assembly of vertical LEDs are also important for the surface mount uLED configuration.","The following guidelines may be used for the production of vertical or surface mount uLEDs for surface fluidic assembly: Substrate: is preferably sapphire for laser lift off.","The surface may be planar or textured to improve light extraction.","n-GaN thickness (1604 and 1606): The main body of the SMuLED consists of intrinsic n-type GaN (1606) and Si-doped n-type GaN (1604).","The thickness of each layer may be 3 μm or less, for each layer.","Disc diameter (d): The uLED thickness “a” determines the disk diameter.","Usually, the d/a ratio is in the range of 5-50 um.","If the disc thickness is ˜5 μm, the disc diameter “d” may be between 30 and 120 μm.","If disc thickness is 2 μm, the diameter “d” can be reduced to 5 μm-50 μm.","Post diameter (e): The ratio of e/d is between 10%-20%.","For a 50 μm diameter disc, the post diameter may be 5-10 μm.","For a 5 μm disc, the post diameter may be 0.5-1 μm.","Post height (f): The post height is about 30% to 100% of post diameter.","For a 50 μm diameter disk, a 1 μm post height can be used, but a height of 2 μm is more effective at flipping surface-misoriented disks during fluidic assembly.","Stack height (a): The height of the stack “a”, which is the summation of (“b”+“c”+the height of the MQW 1602+the height of the p+-GaN 1600) is in the range of 2 to 7 microns.","Emissions Substrate Fabrication and Requirements FIGS.","17A through 17L depict plan and partial cross-sectional views of an exemplary emissions substrate fabrication process.","The uLED display emissions substrate (backplane) can be fabricated on large area glass or plastic substrates using conventional processes on the same equipment set that is used to fabricate LCD displays.","A brief exemplary process flow to produce a simple passive matrix array connecting uLEDs in rows and columns proceeds as follows: 1) On a glass or plastic substrate 1200 deposit a first layer of metal interconnect, which may be tungsten or Ti/Al/Ti or some other low resistance metal.","Pattern the first metal 1701 to form interconnects that will connect the electrical interface in the well bottom surface to a row and column.","One basic electrode shape is the “C” or partial ring shape with a centered circle, as shown in FIGS.","17A and 17B.","2) Deposit an insulating layer 1700 (silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), or an insulating organic film) over the first metal 1701 and etch contact openings 1702 to connect with a subsequently deposited second metal, see FIGS.","17C and 17D.","3) Deposit a second layer of metal interconnect 1704, which may be tungsten or Ti/Al/Ti or some other low resistance metal.","Pattern the metal 1704.Deposit an insulating layer 1706 (SiO2, Si3N4, or an insulating organic film) over the second metal 1704, see FIGS.","17E and 17F.","4) Etch contact openings 1708 and 1710 to connect a subsequently deposited third metal layer, see FIGS.","17G and 1711.5) Deposit a third local interconnect metal, forming 1712 and 1714 after patterning, which may be Ti, molybdenum (Mo), a gold/germanium stack (Au/Ge), or tungsten (w), and pattern the shape to match the size and spacing of the anode and cathode electrodes on the uLED.","Interconnects 1712 and 1714 are shown as electrical interfaces in FIG.","8B.","At this point the electrode layers as described are co-planar so the electrode surface of the uLED will rest evenly on the third metal surfaces 1712 and 1714, see FIGS.","171 and 17J.","6) Deposit an insulating material 1202 to form well structures to capture uLEDs in the fluidic assembly process.","This may be spin-on glass (SOG), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) oxide, or polyimide and the patterning may be by photolithography or an etching process.","By whatever means they are formed, the well sidewalls are preferably greater than 70 degrees, the depth of the well should be approximately the same as the thickness of the uLED, and the electrodes in the bottom of the well must be open to make contact with the uLED electrodes, see FIG.","17K.","7) After a fluidic assembly process, the uLED 300 is seated in the well, see FIG.","17L.","Fluidic Assembly of Surface Mount uLEDs The suspension of surface mount uLEDs in a liquid is deposited on the prepared substrate and some means to induce flow is used to move the liquid across the substrate such that the uLEDs flow laterally across the surface of the substrate.","Many possible techniques can be used to flow the liquid including pumping, gravity, brushing, ultrasonic transducers, an air knife, or nozzle, etc.","One key point is that the disks are moved quickly enough across the surface to create many assembly opportunities without exerting so much force that disks are forced out of the wells.","The uLEDs have a higher density than the liquid so they settle to the substrate surface and can be captured by an open well.","If the disk settles in the well with a post-down orientation, the edge of the disk bottom surface (with attached post) is above the surface of the substrate and the liquid flow exerts a torque that tends to flip the disk out of the well.","If the disk settles in the well with a post-up orientation, only the post is subject to flow forces and the disk stays in the well with the proper surface orientation.","Carrying out this process with a sufficient number of disks over a long enough period of time increases the number of assembly attempts at each site until each well has a working uLED deposited in a post-up orientation.","When assembly is complete the unused uLEDs are swept off the substrate into a sump or reservoir for recycling and the remaining liquid is allowed to evaporate or exchanged with a second liquid.","At this point it may be appropriate to use a visual inspection method to look for defects such as missing disks, wells that have been blocked by particles, or even disks in wells that are post down.","It should be possible to repair a small number of defects using a pick and place technique to remove the defect if necessary.","It is clear that more than one emitter per sub-pixel can be used to compensate for a single defect by redundancy, and a laser cutting strategy can be used to isolate a shorted uLED from the drive circuit.","After assembly, all of the uLEDs are positioned with the anode and cathode electrodes over and in contact with the corresponding substrate electrodes, as shown in the FIG.","17L.","The substrate is heated to a suitable temperature to cause the anode and cathode electrodes to interact with the substrate electrodes to form a stable mechanical and electrical connection.","For In/Sn electrodes, a connection to Ti substrate electrodes can be made at an annealing temperature of 220° C. and the connection process is facilitated by the application of a liquid flux that breaks down surface oxide.","LED electrodes made of other materials may be covered with a layer of In/Sn solder, or the substrate electrodes may be coated with In/Sn solder to aid in making electrical connections.","AuGe eutectic solder electrodes, or electrodes coated with AuGe eutectic solder may also be used.","However, AuGe has a higher annealing temperature of 380° C., which may not be appropriate for some fabrication processes.","After annealing, the substrate can be rinsed to remove residual flux and a passivation coat such as polyimide or Si3N4 or the like may be deposited to prevent contact between the electrode interface and the environment.","Passive Matrix Array The uLED pixel described above can be combined in an array to form a passive matrix array that has external driving circuits for each row and column, see FIG.","15A.","Thus, the driving scheme works by setting an appropriate drive voltage at each column electrode, then turning on the appropriate row while all other rows are disconnected.","The signal is applied for a short time (e.g., a few microseconds), the row electrode is disconnected, and the process is repeated for the next row.","In this way each row is illuminated for the refresh time divided by the number of rows.","If the refresh time is reasonably short, like 1/60 of a second, the human vision system averages everything out producing an image composed of all of the rows.","However, it is clear that this approach is limited to a modest number of rows to maintain reasonable peak intensity and power.","Active Matrix Array The passive matrix array described above is very simple but it has significant weaknesses for making a high resolution display.","Because each row is addressed separately, there is a limited number of rows in the display that can be cycled for a realistic row duty cycle and power level.","Further, the high emission required for the short time durations of LED enablement decreases the uLED lifetime.","Consequently, it is advantageous to use an active matrix display where a control element is fabricated on the display substrate, to control the emission for each sub pixel (LED) independently.","With this architecture it is possible for each pixel to be illuminated continuously, although lower duty cycles may be advantageous in some situations.","There are many possible circuits to accomplish this but the simplest consists of two transistors and a storage capacitor in addition to the uLED emissive element.","As shown in FIG.","14C, transistor 1404 (T1) determines the amount of current flowing from Vdd through the uLED to Vss, based on the setting of the gate voltage established by the amount of charge stored on the storage capacitor (Cs).","So in operation the pixel is programmed by setting an appropriate voltage on the column line and turning on the access gate T2, waiting for a few time constants for the voltage on Cs to stabilize, and then turning the access gate off to hold the charge on Cs.","The circuit may use a low temperature poly silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistor (TFT) process to make a PMOS device for the drive transistor T1 because of the combination of high mobility and stability exhibited by these devices.","It is possible that a similar pixel made with indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) TFTs can be used, but IGZO has only 10-20% as much mobility as an LTPS transistor of the same size.","So for a given pixel size, the limitations of the IGZO TFT performance yield lower luminance per pixel, as compared with LTPS.","As is well known in the art, there are a great number of drive circuits used in displays to selectively power emissive elements, many of which use more than two TFTs.","The display described herein is not limited to any particular type of drive circuit or any particular number of transistors per drive circuit.","Color Generation Using Blue uLEDs In one aspect, the emissive substrate is monochrome, typically blue, for use as an LCD backlight.","However, the substrate can also be used for RGB color generation.","There are two approaches to generating color (green and red) by down-conversion of a blue LED light.","FIG.","18 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting color generation through the use of a separate color conversion sheet.","The quantum dot color filter (QDCF) approach uses quantum dots (QD) in a matrix printed on a separate substrate, similar to the color filter process used in LCD display.","The color conversion sheet 1800 has a diffuser 1802 over the blue sub-pixel 300 and quantum dot color converters 1804 and 1806 to respectively generate red and green light, and color filters 1808 and 1810 to block blue contamination.","Each conversion element is surrounded by an absorber 1812 (black matrix) to prevent light scattering to adjacent pixels.","The color conversion sheet 1800 is aligned and bonded to the emissions substrate (1200/1202) over the uLED emitters 300.Layer 1816 represents an adhesive used to bind the emissive substrate 1200 to the color conversion sheet 1800.FIG.","19 is a partial cross-sectional view of color generation through the use of phosphors deposited over the emissive elements.","The phosphor can be conventional ceramic phosphor with diameter in micron-meter range or QD with diameter in nanometer range.","The quantum dot LED (QDLED) approach is similar to the QDCF approach with a diffuser 1802, red QD matrix 1804, and green QD matrix 1806 printed directly on the uLEDs 300 and surrounded by black matrix 1812.Then, any unwanted blue light contamination for red and green pixels is absorbed by red and green color filters 1808 and 1810 on the separate color filter sheet 1800 bonded to the emissions substrate.","Conventional phosphors are mixed as received into phosphor binder.","Commercially available red and green phosphor materials have particle sizes of around an 8 μm diameter.","The particles are mixed with an appropriate binder material that is suitable for the printing process.","A gravure printing technique, for example, entails inking a pattern plate, wiping excess ink from the pattern plate, and subsequent transfer of the phosphor ink pattern from the pattern plate to the emissions substrate.","Other printing techniques could be applied for this process such as screen print, flexography, offset, extrusion, or inkjet.","In one aspect, the phosphor ink is thermally cured on a hotplate at 140° C. for 8 minutes.","Further processing is dictated by the specific materials used for phosphor and binder.","It is also possible to use this approach and two separate LED fluidic assembly flows, to make a hybrid display with blue and green uLEDs and red generated using a blue uLED and red QD color converter.","The QDCF approach has the advantage of placing the QD material away from the LEDs so there is a lower temperature and consequently less thermal impact on the performance and reliability of the QDs.","Both approaches require high loading of QDs to achieve high efficiency of color conversion in a relatively thin film, and both approaches are challenging for ink jet printing resolution.","Color Generation Using all Inorganic uLEDs FIGS.","20A and 20B are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view and light intensity graph for an emissive substrate using three different LED types, to respectively generate three different colors.","FIG.","20A depicts a cover glass 2000 bound to substrate 1200 with adhesive layer 1816.In this approach color generation may be achieved using three inorganic LEDs 300a, 300b, and 300c, respectively emitting at 450 nm (blue), 530 nm (green), and 630 nm (red).","This gives very narrow emission peaks for each color, which gives the best color gamut and image appearance, as shown in FIG.","20B.","There are two major hurdles for this approach however.","Red LEDs are not made using GaN, but rather, with AlGaInP diodes grown on a GaAs substrate.","Consequently, the LED fabrication and harvest procedures recited for GaN (blue) LEDs are not appropriate for red uLEDs.","Further, three-emitter displays require the development of fluidic assembly techniques that can align three different LED shapes or size.","The red LEDs made from AlGaInP may have different operating voltages and temperature behavior than GaN LEDs, in addition to being more brittle than GaN based devices.","Color Conversion for LCD Back Light Unit (BLU) FIGS.","21A, 21B, and 21C respectively depict a white light phosphor intensity graph, exemplary stacked color modifier, and associated stacked color modifier intensity graph.","The uLED emissive display can also be used as a local dimming backlight unit (BLU) by including a phosphor material to generate red and green colors by down-conversion of the blue light emitted by the uLEDs.","So the BLU will be a low resolution copy of the display image to increase dynamic range by better matching the output of the backlight to the requirements of the image.","One simple version of the BLU is a uniform coating of white light color conversion phosphor.","A more sophisticated version might use a layer of a red color conversion phosphor 2100 printed over the LED 300, followed by a coating of green color conversion phosphor 2102, as shown in FIG.","21B.","Using high quality quantum dot color converters with an optical density tuned to allow the right amount of blue to pass through, the spectrum of FIG.","21C is obtained.","A printing process may be used to deposit QDs only over the uLED, and depositing the green layer over the red layer helps by limiting the absorption of green light in the red converter.","However, a uniform coating over the whole substrate with mixed red and green converters is also effective, albeit at a higher cost.","A surface mount emissive device and display fabrication method using a surface mount emissive device are provided.","Examples of particular material, dimensions, and circuit layouts have been presented to illustrate the invention.","However, the invention is not limited to merely these examples.","Other variations and embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"DISPLAY WITH SURFACE MOUNT EMISSIVE ELEMENTS AND ACTIVE MATRIX DRIVE\",\n \"A surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.\",\n \"A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface.\",\n \"A post extends from the bottom surface.\",\n \"An emissive display is also provided made from surface mount emissive elements and an emissions substrate.\",\n \"The emissions substrate has a top surface with a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface.\",\n \"Each well has a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface.\",\n \"The emissions substrate also includes a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well.\",\n \"A first plurality of emissive elements populates the wells.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.An emissive display comprising: an emissions substrate comprising: a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections; a first plurality of surface mount emissive elements, each emissive element comprising; a top surface overlying the emissions substrate; a bottom surface; a first electrical contact formed on the top surface; a second electrical contact formed on the top surface; and, wherein each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding emissive element.\",\n \"2.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits, each AM drive circuit having inputs connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and an output associated with the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element; and, a network of reference voltage traces associated with the second electrical contact of each emissive element.\",\n \"3.The emissive display of claim 2 wherein the AM drive circuit comprises at least one thin-film transistor (TFT) including a semiconductor material selected from the group consisting of low temperature poly silicon (LTPS), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and amorphous silicon (a-Si).\",\n \"4.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element, and a second electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element.\",\n \"5.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein each emissive element further comprises: a post extending from its bottom surface.\",\n \"6.The emissive display of claim 1 further comprising: a color modifier overlying each emissive element bottom surface.\",\n \"7.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein the emissive elements are surface mount light emitting diodes (SMLEDs), each SMLED comprising: a first semiconductor layer, with a dopant selected from a first group consisting of an n-dopant or a p-dopant; a second semiconductor layer, with the unselected dopant from the first group; and, a multiple quantum well (MQW) layer interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.\",\n \"8.The emissive display of claim 7 wherein the first and second semiconductor layers are selected from the group consisting of gallium nitride (GaN) and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP).\",\n \"9.The emissive display of claim 7 further comprising: a second plurality of first color modifiers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality; a second plurality of second color modifiers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs, where the second color is different than the first color.\",\n \"10.The emissive display of claim 9 further comprising: a second plurality of light diffusers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier.\",\n \"11.The emissive display of claim 10 further comprising: a second plurality of pixel regions, each pixel region comprising a SMLED with an overlying first color modifier, a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier, and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier; and, wherein the first color is green, the second color is red, and wherein the SMLED with no overlying color modifier emits a blue color light.\",\n \"12.The emissive display of claim 7 further comprising: a second plurality of red color modifiers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality; a third plurality of light diffusers overlying the bottom surfaces of a corresponding third plurality of SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier, where the third plurality is less than the first plurality and equal to twice the second plurality; and, a second plurality of pixel regions, each pixel region comprising a SMLED with an overlying red color modifier, a blue color SMLED with no overlying color modifier, and a green color SMLED with no color modifier.\",\n \"13.The emissive display of claim 7 wherein the first electrical contact of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter; wherein the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED form a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring; wherein the second electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a first electrical contact ring perimeter; wherein the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a center portion overlying the second electrical contact; wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface configured as a partial ring with a mouth opening and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED, and a second electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding first electrical interface partial ring and connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED.\",\n \"14.The emissive display of claim 7 wherein the second electrical contact of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter; wherein the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a perimeter overlying the second electrical contact ring; wherein the first electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a second electrical contact ring perimeter; wherein the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact; wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface configured as a partial ring with the first diameter with a mouth opening and connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED, and a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding second electrical interface partial ring and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding SMLED.\",\n \"15.The emissive display of claim 1 wherein each emissive element top surface is planar; and, wherein each well bottom surface is planar.\",\n \"16.The emissive display of claim 4 wherein each emissive element top surface is bi-planar with a first level and a second level; wherein each emissive element first electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface; wherein each emissive element second electrical contact is formed on the second level of the top surface; wherein each well bottom surface is bi-planar with a first level and a second level; wherein each well first electrical interface is formed on the well bottom first level; and, wherein each well second electrical interface is formed on the well bottom second level.\",\n \"17.An emissive display comprising: a first plurality of surface mount emissive elements, each emissive element comprising; a top surface; a bottom surface; a first electrical contact formed on the top surface; a second electrical contact formed on the top surface; and, an emissions substrate comprising: a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding emissive element; a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits, each AM drive circuit having inputs connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and an output associated with the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element; and, a network of reference voltage traces associated with the second electrical contact of each emissive element.\",\n \"18.The emissive display of claim 17 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a top surface; and, a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface and connected to the first electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element, and a second electrical interface formed on the well bottom surface connected to the second electrical contact of a corresponding emissive element.\",\n \"19.The emissive display of claim 17 wherein each emissive element further comprises: a post extending from its bottom surface.\",\n \"20.The emissive display of claim 17 wherein the AM drive circuit comprises at least one thin-film transistor (TFT) including a semiconductor material selected from the group consisting of low temperature poly silicon (LTPS), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and amorphous silicon (a-Si).\",\n \"21.An emissive display comprising: an emissions substrate comprising: a top surface; a first plurality of pre-formed wells in the emissions substrate top surface, each well comprising a pre-formed bottom surface, preformed sidewalls, a first electrical interface pre-formed on the well bottom surface, and a second electrical interface pre-formed on the well bottom surface; a pre-formed matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row trace is associated with a corresponding well; a first plurality of surface mount emissive elements deposited in the pre-formed wells, each emissive element comprising; a top surface overlying a corresponding well bottom surface; a bottom surface; a first electrical contact formed on the top surface and connected to a corresponding first electrical interface; and, a second electrical contact formed on the top surface and connected to a corresponding second electrical interface.\",\n \"22.The emissive display of claim 21 wherein the emissions substrate further comprises: a first plurality of pre-formed active matrix (AM) drive circuits, each AM drive circuit having inputs connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and an output connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well; and, a pre-formed network of reference voltage traces connected with the second electrical interface of each well.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>Disclosed herein is a direct emission display or liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight using inorganic micro light emitting diodes (LEDs), to enable the fabrication of a large area high dynamic range display with reasonable cost and high reliability.\",\n \"For example, an array of inorganic micro-LEDs (uLEDs) in a surface mount configuration can be fabricated by fluidic assembly to make a high dynamic range emissive display.\",\n \"uLED emitters are fabricated by etching small disk shapes in a conventional planar LED structure fabricated on a sapphire substrate.\",\n \"Disks are processed to form separate anode and cathode electrodes on the top surface of the uLED.\",\n \"The resulting uLEDs are released by a laser lift off process and harvested to form a suspension in a suitable liquid such as isopropanol (IPA), acetone, or distilled water.\",\n \"This suspension is deposited on a display substrate that has been prepared with an array of well structures with two electrodes that match the anode and cathode electrodes on a uLED disk.\",\n \"The well is a cylindrical opening slightly larger than the disk diameter so that one uLED can be deposited in the well in a position with the LED electrodes in contact with the electrodes on the substrate.\",\n \"Since both the LED electrodes directly overlie and are adjacent to the well bottom surface, electrical connections are greatly simplified, in contrast to LED disks having one or both electrodes exposed by the well opening, and so requiring addition interconnection layers and processing.\",\n \"As a result of suitable annealing, the uLEDs are connected to the array electrodes on the substrate so they can be powered by a suitable drive circuit to emit light.\",\n \"The array can be powered as a passive matrix so each row is turned on in sequence with each sub-pixel in the array powered at a controlled current to produce the required brightness.\",\n \"However, due to sampling and power restraints this simple driving scheme is necessarily limited to a relatively small number of rows.\",\n \"Alternatively, each sub-pixel can be controlled by a thin-film transistor (TFT) driving circuit, which can control the amount of drive current based on the charge stored in a capacitor.\",\n \"This active matrix (AM) circuit configuration allows the uLED to be powered nearly 100% of the time so there is no limit on the number of rows in a display, except for the power supplied to each column.\",\n \"The surface mount uLED architecture offers several major advantages compared with the current vertical uLED display, where the vertical uLEDs have top and bottom surface electrical contacts: 1) The small emitter area is better suited to high resolution active matrix (AM) display but the overall disk size is large enough for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"2) The process of fluidic assembly occurs as the last major operation so smaller glass can be used without returning to an LCD fab for metallization after assembly.\",\n \"3) Interconnect patterning occurs before wells are formed, so no metal defects exist from misaligned uLEDs and there is no need for deep interconnect from the substrate through the well layer.\",\n \"4) After annealing, the uLED is electrically connected but exposed so there is the possibility of electrical testing to see if a given uLED lights up, followed by pick-place repair of defective uLEDs.\",\n \"These advantages tend to offset the emission area of the surface mount LEDs being a relatively small proportion of the area of the LED growth substrate, increasing the cost per pixel.\",\n \"Further, the uLED fabrication process is relatively complex with multiple patterning steps including post fabrication which occurs after laser lift off (LLO).\",\n \"Accordingly, a surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.\",\n \"A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface.\",\n \"A post extends from the bottom surface.\",\n \"In one aspect, the surface mount emissive element is a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED), made from a first semiconductor layer, with either an n-dopant or a p-dopant, and a second semiconductor layer, made with the opposite dopant used for the first semiconductor layer.\",\n \"A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer is interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.\",\n \"Typically, the first semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer are gallium nitride (GaN) or aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP).\",\n \"An emissive display is also provided made from surface mount emissive elements, as described above, and an emissions substrate.\",\n \"The emissions substrate has a top surface with a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface.\",\n \"Each well has a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface.\",\n \"The emissions substrate also includes a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well.\",\n \"A first plurality of emissive elements populates the wells.\",\n \"In one aspect, a color modifier overlies each emissive element bottom surface (e.g., to produce a monochrome color such as white), and the display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate overlying the emissions substrate top surface.\",\n \"The emissive display may also be a direct emissions type of display, in which case a plurality of first color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs.\",\n \"A plurality of second color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs, where the second color is different than the first color.\",\n \"If the display is red-green-blue (RGB) and only one type of LED is used (e.g., a blue color GaN LED), then a plurality of light diffusers would overlie the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier.\",\n \"The result is a display with pixel regions, each pixel region including a SMLED with an overlying first color modifier (e.g., green), a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier (e.g., red), and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier (e.g., blue).\",\n \"Alternatively, if both blue and green emitting GaNs LEDs are used, then color modifiers are only need to create the red color.\",\n \"In one aspect, the first electrical contact (electrode) of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter, and the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.\",\n \"Then, the second electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a first electrical contact ring perimeter, and the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a center portion overlying the second electrical contact.\",\n \"Each well first electrical interface is configured as a partial ring with the first diameter, and having a mouth opening, and each well second electrical interface is configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding first electrical interface partial ring.\",\n \"Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED may be a stack overlying the second electrical contact, and the second semiconductor layer overlies the first electrical contact.\",\n \"As another alternative, each emissive element top surface may be bi-planar with a first level and a second level, so that each emissive element first electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface and each emissive element second electrical contact is formed in the second level of the top surface.\",\n \"Each well bottom surface is likewise bi-planar with a first level and a second level, with each well first electrical interface formed on the well bottom first level and each well second electrical interface formed on the well bottom second level.\",\n \"The emissive elements may be enabling using active matrix (AM) drive circuits, with each drive circuit connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well.\",\n \"Then, the emissions substrate would also include a network of reference voltage (e.g., ground) traces connected to the second electrical interface of each well.\",\n \"Alternatively, the matrix of column and row traces form a passive matrix (PM) with the column trace of each column/row intersection connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well, and the row trace of each column/row intersection connected to the second electrical interface of each well.\",\n \"Additional details of the above-described surface mount emissive element and emissive display are provided below.\"\n ],\n [\n \"RELATED APPLICATIONS Any and all applications, if any, for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet of the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1.Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to integrated circuits (ICs) and, more particularly, to a surface mount emissive element, and an emissive display made using the surface mount emissive elements.\",\n \"2.Description of the Related Art The current competing technologies for large area display are liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting device (OLED) display, and more recently, inorganic LED display.\",\n \"The weaknesses of LCD, which the current disclosure directly addresses, are 1) low efficiency where only about 5% of the light generated by the backlight is seen as an image by the user, and 2) low dynamic range because the LC material cannot completely block light to produce a black pixel.\",\n \"The weaknesses of OLED display are poor reliability and low efficiency (˜5% QE) of the blue OLED material.\",\n \"The use of inorganic micro-LEDs (uLEDs) in a display would provide a very high efficiency because the display would not use color filters and polarizers to absorb light.\",\n \"As used herein, a uLED is an LED with a diameter or cross-sectional area of 100 microns or less.\",\n \"The inorganic uLED display would have very high contrast because black pixels are set to emit no light.\",\n \"For an inorganic uLED display, blue gallium nitride (GaN) LEDs would be 35-40% efficient, with a reliability of over 50,000 hours, as has been established in general lighting.\",\n \"Sony has developed a passive matrix of uLEDs arranged in a display array using a pick and place system.\",\n \"However, since large displays require millions of LEDs, displays made by this process are time and cost prohibitive compared to other technologies.\",\n \"The fluidic transfer of microfabricated electronic devices, optoelectronic devices, and sub-systems from a donor substrate/wafer to a large area and/or unconventional substrate provides a new opportunity to extend the application range of electronic and optoelectronic devices.\",\n \"For example, display pixel size LED micro structures, such as rods, fins or disks, can be first fabricated on small size wafers and then be transferred to large panel glass substrate to make a direct emitting display requiring no backlighting.\",\n \"Conventional transfer techniques such as inkjet printing or robotic pick-and-place work reasonable well in certain particular applications.\",\n \"However, these conventional techniques are either not cost effective or so poor in yield that they cannot be applied to directly transfer LED micro structures.\",\n \"There are three major processes in the fabrication of inorganic uLED disks for use in direct emission displays.\",\n \"These processes are: uLED disk fabrication; uLED disk distribution onto a transparent substrate; and, uLED disk interconnection.\",\n \"Since a fluidic assembly process distributes uLED disks randomly inside transparent substrate placement wells, it makes conventional IC style contact hole opening/metal interconnection design extremely challenging.\",\n \"Extra tolerances are required in the (opaque) interconnections to address this random distribution, resulting in a substantial loss in the emission area fill factor.\",\n \"Further, the complexity required to make these connections results in either a poor yield and/or high cost.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"1A and 1B are plan views of a top-contact LED disk located in a substrate well (prior art).\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"1A, Dd denotes the diameter of the LED (e.g., GaN) disk, Dc denotes the diameter of the micro-cavity or well into which the uLED disk has been distributed, and Dp denotes the diameter of the p-doped GaN (p-GaN) area, assuming the p-GaN is formed on the top of the disk.\",\n \"Area 100 is the n-GaN contact, where the p-GaN and MQW have been removed by a reactive ion etch (RIE).\",\n \"The inner circular area 102 is the full LED stack with p-GaN on top.\",\n \"A layer of nickel oxide (NiOx)/indium tin oxide (ITO) may be formed on the surface of area 102.In considering typical photolithography misalignment tolerances (up to 2 microns (μm)), the circular area 102 is off the GaN disk center by 2 μm.\",\n \"Since only the area 102 can emit light, the emission area fill factor is only about 70.6%.\",\n \"Nearly 30% of emission area is lost due to the n-GaN opening 100.FIG.\",\n \"1B shows the working area for anode end connection 104 (Dpc).\",\n \"Connections made outside of the 24 μm diameter area 104 are likely to result in either a short circuit or open circuit.\",\n \"Conventional metal interconnection to the n-GaN area 100 further reduces the emission area fill factor.\",\n \"Only 31.4% area of the GaN disk will emit light in this example.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bottom cathode contact architecture (prior art).\",\n \"This option avoids the significant emission area fill factor loss associated with a conventional top-contact LED disk.\",\n \"A bottom interconnection electrode 200 is first evaporated and patterned on a substrate 202, followed by micro-cavity (well) 204 formation.\",\n \"A thin layer of low melting temperature metal 206 is then coated on the bottom electrode surface inside the micro-cavity 204.The GaN disk 208 (n-GaN 210/p-GaN 212) is then distributed into the micro-cavity 204.After interlayer dielectric film 214 patterning, the top interconnection electrode 216 is evaporated and patterned to complete the whole process flow.\",\n \"The process flow described by FIG.\",\n \"2 is relatively simple.\",\n \"The front-side emission area fill factor can possible reach a maximum of 85% with a carefully selected top metal wiring design.\",\n \"Major challenges of this flow include the bottom contact yield, uniformity, reliability and repeatability, and the tradeoff between the bottom contact yield and the bottom electrode area if a backside emission opening is needed.\",\n \"It would be advantageous if large emissive displays could be efficiently fabricated using a fluidic assembly process, through the employment of surface mount emissive elements.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed herein is a direct emission display or liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight using inorganic micro light emitting diodes (LEDs), to enable the fabrication of a large area high dynamic range display with reasonable cost and high reliability.\",\n \"For example, an array of inorganic micro-LEDs (uLEDs) in a surface mount configuration can be fabricated by fluidic assembly to make a high dynamic range emissive display.\",\n \"uLED emitters are fabricated by etching small disk shapes in a conventional planar LED structure fabricated on a sapphire substrate.\",\n \"Disks are processed to form separate anode and cathode electrodes on the top surface of the uLED.\",\n \"The resulting uLEDs are released by a laser lift off process and harvested to form a suspension in a suitable liquid such as isopropanol (IPA), acetone, or distilled water.\",\n \"This suspension is deposited on a display substrate that has been prepared with an array of well structures with two electrodes that match the anode and cathode electrodes on a uLED disk.\",\n \"The well is a cylindrical opening slightly larger than the disk diameter so that one uLED can be deposited in the well in a position with the LED electrodes in contact with the electrodes on the substrate.\",\n \"Since both the LED electrodes directly overlie and are adjacent to the well bottom surface, electrical connections are greatly simplified, in contrast to LED disks having one or both electrodes exposed by the well opening, and so requiring addition interconnection layers and processing.\",\n \"As a result of suitable annealing, the uLEDs are connected to the array electrodes on the substrate so they can be powered by a suitable drive circuit to emit light.\",\n \"The array can be powered as a passive matrix so each row is turned on in sequence with each sub-pixel in the array powered at a controlled current to produce the required brightness.\",\n \"However, due to sampling and power restraints this simple driving scheme is necessarily limited to a relatively small number of rows.\",\n \"Alternatively, each sub-pixel can be controlled by a thin-film transistor (TFT) driving circuit, which can control the amount of drive current based on the charge stored in a capacitor.\",\n \"This active matrix (AM) circuit configuration allows the uLED to be powered nearly 100% of the time so there is no limit on the number of rows in a display, except for the power supplied to each column.\",\n \"The surface mount uLED architecture offers several major advantages compared with the current vertical uLED display, where the vertical uLEDs have top and bottom surface electrical contacts: 1) The small emitter area is better suited to high resolution active matrix (AM) display but the overall disk size is large enough for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"2) The process of fluidic assembly occurs as the last major operation so smaller glass can be used without returning to an LCD fab for metallization after assembly.\",\n \"3) Interconnect patterning occurs before wells are formed, so no metal defects exist from misaligned uLEDs and there is no need for deep interconnect from the substrate through the well layer.\",\n \"4) After annealing, the uLED is electrically connected but exposed so there is the possibility of electrical testing to see if a given uLED lights up, followed by pick-place repair of defective uLEDs.\",\n \"These advantages tend to offset the emission area of the surface mount LEDs being a relatively small proportion of the area of the LED growth substrate, increasing the cost per pixel.\",\n \"Further, the uLED fabrication process is relatively complex with multiple patterning steps including post fabrication which occurs after laser lift off (LLO).\",\n \"Accordingly, a surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.\",\n \"A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface.\",\n \"A post extends from the bottom surface.\",\n \"In one aspect, the surface mount emissive element is a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED), made from a first semiconductor layer, with either an n-dopant or a p-dopant, and a second semiconductor layer, made with the opposite dopant used for the first semiconductor layer.\",\n \"A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer is interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer.\",\n \"Typically, the first semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer are gallium nitride (GaN) or aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP).\",\n \"An emissive display is also provided made from surface mount emissive elements, as described above, and an emissions substrate.\",\n \"The emissions substrate has a top surface with a first plurality of wells formed in the emissions substrate top surface.\",\n \"Each well has a bottom surface, sidewalls, a first electrical interface formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface formed on the bottom surface.\",\n \"The emissions substrate also includes a matrix of column and row conductive traces forming a first plurality of column/row intersections, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well.\",\n \"A first plurality of emissive elements populates the wells.\",\n \"In one aspect, a color modifier overlies each emissive element bottom surface (e.g., to produce a monochrome color such as white), and the display includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate overlying the emissions substrate top surface.\",\n \"The emissive display may also be a direct emissions type of display, in which case a plurality of first color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs.\",\n \"A plurality of second color modifiers overlies the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs, where the second color is different than the first color.\",\n \"If the display is red-green-blue (RGB) and only one type of LED is used (e.g., a blue color GaN LED), then a plurality of light diffusers would overlie the bottom surfaces of corresponding SMLEDs with no overlying color modifier.\",\n \"The result is a display with pixel regions, each pixel region including a SMLED with an overlying first color modifier (e.g., green), a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier (e.g., red), and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier (e.g., blue).\",\n \"Alternatively, if both blue and green emitting GaNs LEDs are used, then color modifiers are only need to create the red color.\",\n \"In one aspect, the first electrical contact (electrode) of each SMLED is configured as a ring with a first diameter, and the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.\",\n \"Then, the second electrical contact of each SMLED is formed within a first electrical contact ring perimeter, and the second semiconductor layer of each SMLED has a disk shape with a center portion overlying the second electrical contact.\",\n \"Each well first electrical interface is configured as a partial ring with the first diameter, and having a mouth opening, and each well second electrical interface is configured as a trace extending into the mouth of a corresponding first electrical interface partial ring.\",\n \"Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer and MQW layer of each SMLED may be a stack overlying the second electrical contact, and the second semiconductor layer overlies the first electrical contact.\",\n \"As another alternative, each emissive element top surface may be bi-planar with a first level and a second level, so that each emissive element first electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface and each emissive element second electrical contact is formed in the second level of the top surface.\",\n \"Each well bottom surface is likewise bi-planar with a first level and a second level, with each well first electrical interface formed on the well bottom first level and each well second electrical interface formed on the well bottom second level.\",\n \"The emissive elements may be enabling using active matrix (AM) drive circuits, with each drive circuit connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, and connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well.\",\n \"Then, the emissions substrate would also include a network of reference voltage (e.g., ground) traces connected to the second electrical interface of each well.\",\n \"Alternatively, the matrix of column and row traces form a passive matrix (PM) with the column trace of each column/row intersection connected to the first electrical interface of a corresponding well, and the row trace of each column/row intersection connected to the second electrical interface of each well.\",\n \"Additional details of the above-described surface mount emissive element and emissive display are provided below.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.\",\n \"1A and 1B are plan views of a top-contact LED disk located in a substrate well (prior art).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a bottom cathode contact architecture (prior art).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface mount emissive element.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B are, respectively, partial cross-sectional and plan views of a surface mount emissive element enabled as a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting an alternative to the LED of FIG.\",\n \"4A.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting a bi-level variation of the emissive element.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B are bottom surface views depicting surface mount emissive element post variations.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"8A and 8B are, respectively, plan and partial cross-sectional views of an emissive display.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"9A and 9B are partial cross-sectional views depicting two different approaches to enable the emissions substrate of FIGS.\",\n \"8A and 8B as a backlight.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"10A and 10B are partial cross-sectional views depicting different approaches enabling the emissions substrate as a direct emission display.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"11A and 11B are, respectively, a plan view of a well bottom surface and a partial cross-sectional view of the emissions substrate.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"12A and 12B are, respectively, a variation of the well bottom surface plan view and emissions substrate partial cross-sectional view of FIGS.\",\n \"11A and 11B.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"13A, 13B, and 13C are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view of an emissive element variation, a well variation, and the emissive element seated in the well.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"14A and 14B are, respectively, schematic and partial cross-sectional views of an emissions substrate enabled with a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits.\",\n \"One particular variation of a drive circuit is shown in FIG.\",\n \"14C.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"15A and 15B are, respectively, a schematic and a partial cross-sectional view of an emissions substrate where the emissive elements are enabled using a passive matrix.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface mount uLED designed for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"17A through 17L depict plan and partial cross-sectional views of an exemplary emissions substrate fabrication process.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"18 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting color generation through the use of a separate color conversion sheet.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"19 is a partial cross-sectional view of color generation through the use of phosphors deposited over the emissive elements.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"20A and 20B are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view and light intensity graph for an emissive substrate using three different LED types, to respectively generate three different colors.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"21A, 21B, and 21C respectively depict a white light phosphor intensity graph, exemplary stacked color filter, and associated stacked color filter intensity graph.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.\",\n \"3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surface mount emissive element.\",\n \"The surface mount emissive element 300 comprises a top surface 302, a bottom surface 304, a first electrical contact 306 formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact 308 formed exclusively on the top surface.\",\n \"By “exclusively on the top surface” it is meant that the electrical contacts or electrodes do not extend over the emissive element sides 312 or bottom surface 304.The electrical contacts may be a metal, doped semiconductor, or transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO).\",\n \"Although not explicitly shown as a distinct layer, the electrical contacts 306 and 308 may be solder or solder-coated (e.g., a eutectic solder) for subsequent connection to an emissive substrate.\",\n \"The emissive element 300 further comprises a post 310 extending from the bottom surface 304.In one aspect, the post 310 is centered in the middle of the bottom surface 304.One example of a emissive element is a light emitting diode (LED).\",\n \"Although not light emissive, other two-terminal surface mount elements include photodiodes, thermistors, pressure sensors, and piezoelectric devices.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B are, respectively, partial cross-sectional and plan views of a surface mount emissive element enabled as a surface mount light emitting diode (SMLED).\",\n \"The SMLED 300 comprises a first semiconductor layer 402, with either an n-dopant or a p-dopant.\",\n \"A second semiconductor layer 404 with the dopant type not used in the first semiconductor layer 402.A multiple quantum well (MQW) layer 406 is interposed between the first semiconductor layer 402 and the second semiconductor layer 404.The MQW layer 406 may typically be a series of quantum well layers (typically 5 layers—e.g., alternating 5 nm of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) with 9 nm of n-doped GaN (n-GaN)) not shown.\",\n \"There may also be an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) electron blocking layer (not shown) between MQW layers and the p-doped semiconductor layer.\",\n \"The outer semiconductor layer may be p-doped GaN (Mg doping) about 200 nm thick.\",\n \"A high-brightness blue LED can be formed, or a green LED if a higher indium content is used in the MQW.\",\n \"The most practical first and second semiconductor layer materials are either gallium nitride (GaN), capable of emitting a blue or green light, and aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP), capable of emitting red light.\",\n \"The second electrical contact 308 is configured as a ring, and the second semiconductor layer 404 has a disk shape with a perimeter underlying the second electrical contact ring.\",\n \"The first electrical contact 306 is formed within a second electrical contact 308 ring perimeter, and the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are a stack underlying the first electrical contact.\",\n \"A moat may be formed between the second electrical contact 308 ring and the first electrical contact 306, filled with an electrical insulator 408.Conventional LED processing (e.g., LEDs used for lighting) only occurs on one surface prior to separation from the sapphire substrate.\",\n \"Some of these processes use a laser liftoff (LLO) to separate the LEDs from the sapphire substrate as the final step.\",\n \"Other processes do not use LLO, but rather, cut up the sapphire substrate to singulate the LEDs.\",\n \"However, the SMLED architecture requires electrodes on the surface opposite the post, so that the post is made after the uLED is lifted off the sapphire substrate.\",\n \"Conventional processes do not provide a means of maintaining the known position of each LED as the LEDs are removed from the sapphire so that photolithography can be performed on the bottom of the LED.\",\n \"Precise x-y position is required to accurately locate the posts at the desired location of the LED top surface (e.g., in the center).\",\n \"Precise z (vertical) position is required to establish a focal plane to image the post structure with the dimensional control required for fluidic assembly (e.g., surface orientation).\",\n \"That is, SMLED LLO requires that the SMLEDs must be located on a transfer substrate in a controlled manner to form their post, and then released from the transfer substrate to make the suspension for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting an alternative to the LED of FIG.\",\n \"4A.\",\n \"In this aspect, the first electrical contact (electrode) 306 is configured as a ring, and the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are a stack underlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.\",\n \"The second electrical contact 308 is formed within a first electrical contact 306 ring perimeter.\",\n \"The second semiconductor layer 404 has a disk shape with a center portion underlying the second electrical contact.\",\n \"As shown, a moat is formed between the first electrical contact 306 ring and the second electrical contact 308.An electrical insulator 408 fills the moat.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting a bi-level variation of the emissive element.\",\n \"In FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 5 it can be seen that the top surface is planar and the bottom surface is planar.\",\n \"As used herein, “planar” refers to a surface that is globally flat with a root mean square (RMS) roughness of less than 10 nanometers (nm).\",\n \"Alternatively, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"6, the surface mount emissive element top surface is bi-planar with a first level 600 and a second level 602.The first electrical contact 306 is formed on the first level 600 of the top surface, and the second electrical contact 308 is formed on the second level 602 of the top surface.\",\n \"Alternatively but not shown, the second electrical contact may be formed on the first level of the top surface, and the first electrical contact may be formed on the second level of the top surface.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B are bottom surface views depicting surface mount emissive element post variations.\",\n \"In one aspect, the surface mount emissive element may comprise a plurality of posts 310 extending from the bottom surface 304, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"7A.\",\n \"Note: the surface mount emissive element 300 is not limited to any particular number of posts, placement of posts, or any particular post shape.\",\n \"Two posts are shown in FIG.\",\n \"7A, and a post in the shape of a fin is depicted in FIG.\",\n \"7B.\",\n \"Other shapes or combination of shapes are also feasible.\",\n \"In one aspect, particularly in the case of a single post, the post is centered on the emissive element bottom surface, which acts to tip one edge of the emissive element into the fluidic flow.\",\n \"In FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B, the post(s) act to tip the emissive element in a direction perpendicular to a vertical axis coming out of the page.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"8A and 8B are, respectively, plan and partial cross-sectional views of an emissive display.\",\n \"Some examples of emissive displays include televisions, computer monitors, handheld device screens, and backlights for LCD displays, as might be used for some of the above-mentioned examples, or as a direct emissions display.\",\n \"The emissive display 800 comprises an emissions substrate 802 with a top surface 804.The emissions substrate 802 also comprises a first plurality of wells 806 formed in the emissions substrate top surface 804.Each well 806 comprises a bottom surface 808, sidewalls 810, a first electrical interface 812 formed on the bottom surface, and a second electrical interface 814 formed on the bottom surface.\",\n \"Although not explicitly shown as a distinct layer, the first electrical interface 812 and the second electrical interface 814 may be solder-coated for connection to emissive element electrical contacts.\",\n \"A matrix of column conductive traces 816 and row conductive traces 818 form a first plurality of column/row intersections 820, where each column/row intersection is associated with a corresponding well 806.Additional details of the interface between the wells and the matrix of column and row traces are provided below.\",\n \"A first plurality of emissive elements 300 populates the wells 806.Each emissive element 300 comprises a top surface 302 overlying a corresponding well bottom surface 808.The emissive elements 300 have a bottom surface 304 and a post 310 extending from the bottom surface.\",\n \"A first electrical contact (electrode) 306 is formed on the emissive element top surface 302 and connected to a corresponding well first electrical interface 812.Although not explicitly shown as a distinct layer, the first electrical contact 306 and the second electrical contact 308 may be solder or solder-coated for connection to emissive substrate electrical interfaces.\",\n \"A second electrical contact 308 is formed on the emissive element top surface 302 and connected to a corresponding well second electrical interface 814.Note that the electrical contacts of the emissive device, and the electrical interfaces of wells can be made of a reflective material (e.g., a metal) to direct light towards the top surface 804 of the emissions substrate 802.Since both the emissive element contacts are formed on the top surface 302, the device may be referred to as a surface mount emissive element.\",\n \"It should also be noted that the bottom surface 304 of the emissive element overlies the top surface 302 when the emissive element has been captured in a well 806.As noted in the explanations above, the emissive element first and second electrical contacts 306/308 are formed exclusively on the emissive element top surface 302.As a result, there is no need for an electrical interface to be formed over the emissions substrate top surface 804 after the wells are populated.\",\n \"As noted above, the emissive elements may be surface mount light emitting diodes (SMLEDs), the details of which are not repeated here in the interest of brevity.\",\n \"In one aspect, each emissive element top surface 302 is planar and each well bottom surface 808 is planar, as defined above.\",\n \"The emissive element bottom surface 304 may also be planar.\",\n \"The emissive elements have dimensions that permit the emissive elements to fit inside the well cavities.\",\n \"As used herein, the word “fit” refers to the mating of two mechanical components.\",\n \"Manufactured parts are very frequently required to mate with one another.\",\n \"They may be designed to slide freely against one another or they may be designed to bind together to form a single unit or assembly.\",\n \"There are three general categories of fits.\",\n \"A clearance fit may be desirable for an object (e.g., emissive element) to rotate or slide freely within the well, this is usually referred to as a “sliding fit.” An interference fits may be desirable for when as object is to be securely held within the well, this is usually referred to as an interference fit, A transition fits may be desirable for when the object is to be held securely, yet not so securely that it cannot be disassembled or rotated in the well, this is usually referred to herein as a location or transition fit.\",\n \"The emissive elements typically have a clearance or sliding fit with respect to the well.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"9A and 9B are partial cross-sectional views depicting two different approaches to enable the emissions substrate of FIGS.\",\n \"8A and 8B as a backlight.\",\n \"A color modifier 902 overlies each emissive element bottom surface 304, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate 900 overlies the modifier.\",\n \"Many different types of LCD substrates are well known in the art and details of their construction are omitted in the interest of brevity.\",\n \"In short, the LCD substrate 900 forms selectively engageable “windows” over each emissive element 300, and the color modifier 902 changes the color of light emitted by the emissive element to one appropriate to employ as an LCD display backlight.\",\n \"For example, if the emissive elements are GaN LEDs emitting a blue color light, the color modifier 902 may act to convert the blue light to a white color.\",\n \"For example, the color modifier 902 may be a stack comprising a red color modifier and a green color modifier, as explained in greater detail below.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"9A the color modifier is formed directly over the emissive elements 300, for example, by a printing process.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"9B the color modifiers 902 are a layer in the LCD substrate 900.FIGS.\",\n \"10A and 10B are partial cross-sectional views depicting different approaches enabling the emissions substrate as a direct emission display.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"10A a second plurality of first color modifiers 1000 overlie the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality.\",\n \"A second plurality of second color modifiers 1002 overlie the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300, where the second color is different than the first color.\",\n \"Further, a second plurality of light diffusers 1004 overlies the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300 with no overlying color modifier.\",\n \"Thus, if only GaN LEDs are used, the result is a second plurality of pixel regions (only one pixel region is shown), where each pixel region comprises a SMLED 300 with an overlying first color modifier 1000 (e.g., green), a SMLED with an overlying second color modifier 1002 (e.g., red), and a SMLED with no overlying color modifier (e.g., blue).\",\n \"Although a red-green-blue (RGB) display is described, it should be understood that additional colors could be added to each pixel region using additional color modifiers.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"10B, a second plurality of green color modifiers 1010 overlie the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding second plurality of SMLEDs 300, where the second plurality is less than the first plurality.\",\n \"A third plurality of light diffusers 1012 overlies the bottom surfaces 304 of a corresponding third plurality of SMLEDs 300 with no overlying color modifier.\",\n \"The third plurality is less than the first plurality and equal to twice the second plurality in the case of an RGB display.\",\n \"The result is a second plurality of pixel regions, where each pixel region comprises a SMLED 300 (e.g., GaN LED) with an overlying red color modifier 1010, a blue color SMLED 300 (e.g., GaN LED) with no overlying color modifier 1012, and a green color SMLED 1014 (e.g., GaN LED) with no color modifier 1012.In one aspect, layers 1012 are light diffusers.\",\n \"In another aspect, color combinations may be enabled using both GaN and red emitting AlGaInP SMLEDs.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"11A and 11B are, respectively, a plan view of a well bottom surface and a partial cross-sectional view of the emissions substrate.\",\n \"Referring briefly to FIG.\",\n \"5, the first electrical contact 306 of each SMLED 300 may be configured as a ring with a first diameter.\",\n \"The first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 of each SMLED 300 are a stack overlying the first electrical contact, in the shape of a ring.\",\n \"Note, first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are shown underling the first electrical contact 306 in FIG.\",\n \"5, however when seated in the well, the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 overlie the first electrical contact.\",\n \"The second electrical contact 308 of each SMLED 300 is formed within a first electrical contact 306 ring perimeter.\",\n \"The second semiconductor layer 404 of each SMLED 300 has a disk shape with a center portion overlying (as explained above) the second electrical contact 308.Returning to FIGS.\",\n \"11A and 11B, each well first electrical interface 812 is configured as a partial ring with the first diameter, having a mouth 1100 opening, and is connected to trace 816.Each well second electrical interface 814 is connected to trace 818 extending into the mouth 1100 of a corresponding first electrical interface 812 partial ring.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"12A and 12B are, respectively, a variation of the well bottom surface plan view and emissions substrate partial cross-sectional view of FIGS.\",\n \"11A and 11B.\",\n \"Referring briefly to FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B, the second electrical contact 308 of each SMLED 300 may be configured as a ring with a first diameter.\",\n \"The second semiconductor layer 404 of each SMLED has a disk shape with a perimeter overlying the second electrical contact ring.\",\n \"The first electrical contact 306 of each SMLED is formed within a second electrical contact 308 ring perimeter.\",\n \"The first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 of each SMLED are a stack overlying the first electrical contact 306.Note, first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 are shown underling the first electrical contact 306 in FIG.\",\n \"4A, however when seated in the well, the first semiconductor layer 402 and MQW layer 406 overlie the first electrical contact.\",\n \"Returning to FIGS.\",\n \"12A and 12B, each well second electrical interface 814 is configured as a partial ring or circular electrode with the first diameter, having a mouth opening 1100 and connected to trace 816.Each well first electrical interface 812 is connected to a trace 818 extending into the mouth 1100 of a corresponding second electrical interface 814 partial ring.\",\n \"One other feature of note with respect to FIGS.\",\n \"11B and 12B is that the emissions substrate 802 may be comprised of multiple levels.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"12B for example, the emissions substrate 802 may comprise a glass or plastic layer 1200, with conductive traces overlying layer 1200 connected to the well electrical interfaces.\",\n \"A transparent material layer 1202 may overlie the conductive traces and layer 1200, into which the wells are formed.\",\n \"For example, transparent material layer 1202 may be a dielectric material or a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"13A, 13B, and 13C are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view an emissive element variation, a well variation, and the emissive element seated in the well.\",\n \"In one aspect, each emissive element top surface 302 is bi-planar with a first level 1300 and a second level 1302.The first electrical contact 306 is formed on the first level 1300 of the top surface 302, and the second electrical contact is formed 308 on the second level of the top surface.\",\n \"Alternatively but not shown, the first electrical contact 306 is formed on the second level of the top surface, and the second electrical contact is formed on the first level of the top surface.\",\n \"Likewise, each well bottom surface 808 is bi-planar with a first level 1304 and a second level 1306.Thus, each well first electrical interface is formed 812 on the well bottom first level 1304, and each well second electrical interface 814 is formed on the well bottom second level 1306.FIGS.\",\n \"14A and 14B are, respectively, schematic and partial cross-sectional views of an emissions substrate enabled with a first plurality of active matrix (AM) drive circuits.\",\n \"One particular variation of a drive circuit is shown in FIG.\",\n \"14C.\",\n \"Each drive circuit 1400 is connected to a corresponding column/row intersection, with an output connected to the first electrical interface 812 of a corresponding well.\",\n \"Alternatively, each drive circuit output may be connected to the second electrical interface of each well.\",\n \"A network of reference voltage (e.g., ground) traces 1402 are connected to the second electrical interface 814 of each well.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"14B depicts just the final output transistor 1404 of a drive circuit that controls the output of a corresponding LED 300 by changing the interposing variable resistance between the dc power trace (Vdd) 1406 and the LED.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"15A and 15B are, respectively, a schematic and a partial cross-sectional view of an emissions substrate where the emissive elements are enabled using a passive matrix.\",\n \"In this aspect, a series of column traces 816 and row traces 818 form a passive matrix (PM) with the column trace of each column/row intersection 820 is connected to the first electrical interface 812 of a corresponding well, and the row trace of each column/row intersection is connected to the second electrical interface 814 of each well.\",\n \"uLED emitter elements can be manufactured using processes similar to those used for uLED lighting.\",\n \"However the size, shape, and configuration of the disks have additional requirements that do not exist for general lighting, as described below.\",\n \"Otherwise, the LEDs may be fabricated on a suitable backplane that can hold a large area array of uLEDs, with electrical connections made to them.\",\n \"Again, there are specific requirements for the size, shape, and position of features so that the uLEDs can be successfully positioned and connected.\",\n \"Finally, a fluidic assembly process can be used to position the uLEDs in an array and establish electrical connections to between each uLED and the backplane.\",\n \"The emitter size point is an important distinction for displays.\",\n \"For general lighting and LCD backlights the emitter (emissive element) size tends to be whatever is convenient, and the important consideration is cost per photon.\",\n \"The most common (cheapest) LED for general lighting has an area of about 200×200 um, an LED thickness of about 5 um, a sapphire thickness of about 100 um.\",\n \"So the aspect ratio of the emissive element is about 2:1.In direct emissions applications the uLED emission area is chosen to produce sufficient illumination for one sub-pixel, which may be less than 25 um in diameter.\",\n \"Because of the uLED size, the fraction of the device area needed to make contact is important as larger contacts result in less emitter area, but smaller contacts increase loss due to the spreading resistance in the GaN layers.\",\n \"uLED Fabrication Surface mount uLEDs that might be used to make the emissive display disclosed herein may be fabricated from conventional high brightness LED wafers like those used to make emitters for general lighting as is well known in the art.\",\n \"The resulting uLEDs are from 10 to 100 microns (μm) in diameter and typically are in the form of round disks as shown in several of the above figures.\",\n \"The round disk shape is typical but other planar shapes such as triangles, squares, or hexagons could also be made in the same way and the display substrate would be fabricated with a well structure matching the uLED shape for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"Briefly the process flow for manufacturing one particular type of uLED proceeds as follows: 1) Manufacture a planar high brightness blue LED wafer in the conventional manner as follows: a.\",\n \"On a sapphire substrate deposit a buffer layer and n-GaN (404) to form the LED cathode, see FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B.\",\n \"The N doped GaN can be intrinsic (i.e.\",\n \"defect doped) or doped by the inclusion of trace amounts of silicon (Si).\",\n \"b.\",\n \"Deposit alternating layers of InGaN and GaN (406) to form a multiple quantum well structure (MQW).\",\n \"c. Deposit a hole blocking layer of AlGaN and a thin p-GaN layer (402) to form the LED anode.\",\n \"The p-GaN is typically magnesium (Mg) doped.\",\n \"d. Deposit an ITO current spreading layer on the p-GaN.\",\n \"2) Form the LED emission area by etching the ITO, p-GaN, and MQW layers to make a mesa with some overetch into the n-GaN layer.\",\n \"3) Form the uLED disk shape that is larger than the mesa formed in 2) by etching the n-GaN to the sapphire substrate.\",\n \"This is typically a close packed array of round disk shapes to maximize utilization of the device area.\",\n \"Other simple plate shapes such as triangles, squares, or hexagons can be used as long as the aspect ratio is suitable for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"4) Deposit an insulating material (408) in a ring shape to electrically isolate the anode and cathode regions.\",\n \"This material can also contain a light absorbing material to prevent light leakage between the anode and cathode electrodes.\",\n \"5) Deposit the anode electrode stack (308) to a suitable height.\",\n \"The electrode stack has several components in successive layers: a.\",\n \"A material such as titanium (Ti) having a work function matching that of n-GaN.\",\n \"b.\",\n \"A thick electrode that bonds to the display substrate well electrode, such as a layered structure of indium (In) and tin (Sn) with a thin gold cap to prevent oxidation.\",\n \"6) Deposit the cathode electrode stack to a suitable height.\",\n \"The electrode stack has several components in successive layers: a.\",\n \"A material such as nickel/gold (Ni/Au), chromium/gold (Cr/Au), or Ti that makes good contact to the ITO current spreading layer.\",\n \"b.\",\n \"An electrode that bonds to the display substrate well electrode such as a layered structure of In and Sn with a thin gold cap to prevent oxidation.\",\n \"7) Attach the top surface of the wafer to a glass handling substrate with an adhesive coating.\",\n \"8) Laser liftoff (LLO) is used to remove the sapphire substrate and allow access to the bottom surface of the uLED structure.\",\n \"9) The handle substrate with the uLEDs positioned in an array with the n-GaN side up is processed to make the orientation post (310).\",\n \"The post may be a photo patternable material such as SU-8 (a commonly used epoxy-based negative photoresist) or a deposited oxide or metal.\",\n \"The completed uLEDs are harvested by dissolving the adhesive and collecting the disks in a fluid suspension, which may be an alcohol, polyol, ketone, halocarbon, or distilled (DI) water.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vertical uLED designed for fluidic assembly.\",\n \"There are a number of constraints on the LED structure to improve the device performance as well as the fluidic assembly yield.\",\n \"In one aspect, commercially available GaN LED structures can be etched to make surface mount uLEDs (SM uLEDs), as shown.\",\n \"As used herein a SMuLED is defined as a device having two electrical contacts (adjacent the well bottom surface).\",\n \"In more detail, the SMuLED of FIG.\",\n \"16 comprises p+-GaN 1600, MQW 1606, n+-GaN 1604, and n-GaN 1606.The c dimension may be 2 to 4 microns, and the b dimension may be 1 to 2 microns.\",\n \"Most of the characteristics required for fluidic assembly of vertical LEDs are also important for the surface mount uLED configuration.\",\n \"The following guidelines may be used for the production of vertical or surface mount uLEDs for surface fluidic assembly: Substrate: is preferably sapphire for laser lift off.\",\n \"The surface may be planar or textured to improve light extraction.\",\n \"n-GaN thickness (1604 and 1606): The main body of the SMuLED consists of intrinsic n-type GaN (1606) and Si-doped n-type GaN (1604).\",\n \"The thickness of each layer may be 3 μm or less, for each layer.\",\n \"Disc diameter (d): The uLED thickness “a” determines the disk diameter.\",\n \"Usually, the d/a ratio is in the range of 5-50 um.\",\n \"If the disc thickness is ˜5 μm, the disc diameter “d” may be between 30 and 120 μm.\",\n \"If disc thickness is 2 μm, the diameter “d” can be reduced to 5 μm-50 μm.\",\n \"Post diameter (e): The ratio of e/d is between 10%-20%.\",\n \"For a 50 μm diameter disc, the post diameter may be 5-10 μm.\",\n \"For a 5 μm disc, the post diameter may be 0.5-1 μm.\",\n \"Post height (f): The post height is about 30% to 100% of post diameter.\",\n \"For a 50 μm diameter disk, a 1 μm post height can be used, but a height of 2 μm is more effective at flipping surface-misoriented disks during fluidic assembly.\",\n \"Stack height (a): The height of the stack “a”, which is the summation of (“b”+“c”+the height of the MQW 1602+the height of the p+-GaN 1600) is in the range of 2 to 7 microns.\",\n \"Emissions Substrate Fabrication and Requirements FIGS.\",\n \"17A through 17L depict plan and partial cross-sectional views of an exemplary emissions substrate fabrication process.\",\n \"The uLED display emissions substrate (backplane) can be fabricated on large area glass or plastic substrates using conventional processes on the same equipment set that is used to fabricate LCD displays.\",\n \"A brief exemplary process flow to produce a simple passive matrix array connecting uLEDs in rows and columns proceeds as follows: 1) On a glass or plastic substrate 1200 deposit a first layer of metal interconnect, which may be tungsten or Ti/Al/Ti or some other low resistance metal.\",\n \"Pattern the first metal 1701 to form interconnects that will connect the electrical interface in the well bottom surface to a row and column.\",\n \"One basic electrode shape is the “C” or partial ring shape with a centered circle, as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"17A and 17B.\",\n \"2) Deposit an insulating layer 1700 (silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), or an insulating organic film) over the first metal 1701 and etch contact openings 1702 to connect with a subsequently deposited second metal, see FIGS.\",\n \"17C and 17D.\",\n \"3) Deposit a second layer of metal interconnect 1704, which may be tungsten or Ti/Al/Ti or some other low resistance metal.\",\n \"Pattern the metal 1704.Deposit an insulating layer 1706 (SiO2, Si3N4, or an insulating organic film) over the second metal 1704, see FIGS.\",\n \"17E and 17F.\",\n \"4) Etch contact openings 1708 and 1710 to connect a subsequently deposited third metal layer, see FIGS.\",\n \"17G and 1711.5) Deposit a third local interconnect metal, forming 1712 and 1714 after patterning, which may be Ti, molybdenum (Mo), a gold/germanium stack (Au/Ge), or tungsten (w), and pattern the shape to match the size and spacing of the anode and cathode electrodes on the uLED.\",\n \"Interconnects 1712 and 1714 are shown as electrical interfaces in FIG.\",\n \"8B.\",\n \"At this point the electrode layers as described are co-planar so the electrode surface of the uLED will rest evenly on the third metal surfaces 1712 and 1714, see FIGS.\",\n \"171 and 17J.\",\n \"6) Deposit an insulating material 1202 to form well structures to capture uLEDs in the fluidic assembly process.\",\n \"This may be spin-on glass (SOG), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) oxide, or polyimide and the patterning may be by photolithography or an etching process.\",\n \"By whatever means they are formed, the well sidewalls are preferably greater than 70 degrees, the depth of the well should be approximately the same as the thickness of the uLED, and the electrodes in the bottom of the well must be open to make contact with the uLED electrodes, see FIG.\",\n \"17K.\",\n \"7) After a fluidic assembly process, the uLED 300 is seated in the well, see FIG.\",\n \"17L.\",\n \"Fluidic Assembly of Surface Mount uLEDs The suspension of surface mount uLEDs in a liquid is deposited on the prepared substrate and some means to induce flow is used to move the liquid across the substrate such that the uLEDs flow laterally across the surface of the substrate.\",\n \"Many possible techniques can be used to flow the liquid including pumping, gravity, brushing, ultrasonic transducers, an air knife, or nozzle, etc.\",\n \"One key point is that the disks are moved quickly enough across the surface to create many assembly opportunities without exerting so much force that disks are forced out of the wells.\",\n \"The uLEDs have a higher density than the liquid so they settle to the substrate surface and can be captured by an open well.\",\n \"If the disk settles in the well with a post-down orientation, the edge of the disk bottom surface (with attached post) is above the surface of the substrate and the liquid flow exerts a torque that tends to flip the disk out of the well.\",\n \"If the disk settles in the well with a post-up orientation, only the post is subject to flow forces and the disk stays in the well with the proper surface orientation.\",\n \"Carrying out this process with a sufficient number of disks over a long enough period of time increases the number of assembly attempts at each site until each well has a working uLED deposited in a post-up orientation.\",\n \"When assembly is complete the unused uLEDs are swept off the substrate into a sump or reservoir for recycling and the remaining liquid is allowed to evaporate or exchanged with a second liquid.\",\n \"At this point it may be appropriate to use a visual inspection method to look for defects such as missing disks, wells that have been blocked by particles, or even disks in wells that are post down.\",\n \"It should be possible to repair a small number of defects using a pick and place technique to remove the defect if necessary.\",\n \"It is clear that more than one emitter per sub-pixel can be used to compensate for a single defect by redundancy, and a laser cutting strategy can be used to isolate a shorted uLED from the drive circuit.\",\n \"After assembly, all of the uLEDs are positioned with the anode and cathode electrodes over and in contact with the corresponding substrate electrodes, as shown in the FIG.\",\n \"17L.\",\n \"The substrate is heated to a suitable temperature to cause the anode and cathode electrodes to interact with the substrate electrodes to form a stable mechanical and electrical connection.\",\n \"For In/Sn electrodes, a connection to Ti substrate electrodes can be made at an annealing temperature of 220° C. and the connection process is facilitated by the application of a liquid flux that breaks down surface oxide.\",\n \"LED electrodes made of other materials may be covered with a layer of In/Sn solder, or the substrate electrodes may be coated with In/Sn solder to aid in making electrical connections.\",\n \"AuGe eutectic solder electrodes, or electrodes coated with AuGe eutectic solder may also be used.\",\n \"However, AuGe has a higher annealing temperature of 380° C., which may not be appropriate for some fabrication processes.\",\n \"After annealing, the substrate can be rinsed to remove residual flux and a passivation coat such as polyimide or Si3N4 or the like may be deposited to prevent contact between the electrode interface and the environment.\",\n \"Passive Matrix Array The uLED pixel described above can be combined in an array to form a passive matrix array that has external driving circuits for each row and column, see FIG.\",\n \"15A.\",\n \"Thus, the driving scheme works by setting an appropriate drive voltage at each column electrode, then turning on the appropriate row while all other rows are disconnected.\",\n \"The signal is applied for a short time (e.g., a few microseconds), the row electrode is disconnected, and the process is repeated for the next row.\",\n \"In this way each row is illuminated for the refresh time divided by the number of rows.\",\n \"If the refresh time is reasonably short, like 1/60 of a second, the human vision system averages everything out producing an image composed of all of the rows.\",\n \"However, it is clear that this approach is limited to a modest number of rows to maintain reasonable peak intensity and power.\",\n \"Active Matrix Array The passive matrix array described above is very simple but it has significant weaknesses for making a high resolution display.\",\n \"Because each row is addressed separately, there is a limited number of rows in the display that can be cycled for a realistic row duty cycle and power level.\",\n \"Further, the high emission required for the short time durations of LED enablement decreases the uLED lifetime.\",\n \"Consequently, it is advantageous to use an active matrix display where a control element is fabricated on the display substrate, to control the emission for each sub pixel (LED) independently.\",\n \"With this architecture it is possible for each pixel to be illuminated continuously, although lower duty cycles may be advantageous in some situations.\",\n \"There are many possible circuits to accomplish this but the simplest consists of two transistors and a storage capacitor in addition to the uLED emissive element.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"14C, transistor 1404 (T1) determines the amount of current flowing from Vdd through the uLED to Vss, based on the setting of the gate voltage established by the amount of charge stored on the storage capacitor (Cs).\",\n \"So in operation the pixel is programmed by setting an appropriate voltage on the column line and turning on the access gate T2, waiting for a few time constants for the voltage on Cs to stabilize, and then turning the access gate off to hold the charge on Cs.\",\n \"The circuit may use a low temperature poly silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistor (TFT) process to make a PMOS device for the drive transistor T1 because of the combination of high mobility and stability exhibited by these devices.\",\n \"It is possible that a similar pixel made with indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) TFTs can be used, but IGZO has only 10-20% as much mobility as an LTPS transistor of the same size.\",\n \"So for a given pixel size, the limitations of the IGZO TFT performance yield lower luminance per pixel, as compared with LTPS.\",\n \"As is well known in the art, there are a great number of drive circuits used in displays to selectively power emissive elements, many of which use more than two TFTs.\",\n \"The display described herein is not limited to any particular type of drive circuit or any particular number of transistors per drive circuit.\",\n \"Color Generation Using Blue uLEDs In one aspect, the emissive substrate is monochrome, typically blue, for use as an LCD backlight.\",\n \"However, the substrate can also be used for RGB color generation.\",\n \"There are two approaches to generating color (green and red) by down-conversion of a blue LED light.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"18 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting color generation through the use of a separate color conversion sheet.\",\n \"The quantum dot color filter (QDCF) approach uses quantum dots (QD) in a matrix printed on a separate substrate, similar to the color filter process used in LCD display.\",\n \"The color conversion sheet 1800 has a diffuser 1802 over the blue sub-pixel 300 and quantum dot color converters 1804 and 1806 to respectively generate red and green light, and color filters 1808 and 1810 to block blue contamination.\",\n \"Each conversion element is surrounded by an absorber 1812 (black matrix) to prevent light scattering to adjacent pixels.\",\n \"The color conversion sheet 1800 is aligned and bonded to the emissions substrate (1200/1202) over the uLED emitters 300.Layer 1816 represents an adhesive used to bind the emissive substrate 1200 to the color conversion sheet 1800.FIG.\",\n \"19 is a partial cross-sectional view of color generation through the use of phosphors deposited over the emissive elements.\",\n \"The phosphor can be conventional ceramic phosphor with diameter in micron-meter range or QD with diameter in nanometer range.\",\n \"The quantum dot LED (QDLED) approach is similar to the QDCF approach with a diffuser 1802, red QD matrix 1804, and green QD matrix 1806 printed directly on the uLEDs 300 and surrounded by black matrix 1812.Then, any unwanted blue light contamination for red and green pixels is absorbed by red and green color filters 1808 and 1810 on the separate color filter sheet 1800 bonded to the emissions substrate.\",\n \"Conventional phosphors are mixed as received into phosphor binder.\",\n \"Commercially available red and green phosphor materials have particle sizes of around an 8 μm diameter.\",\n \"The particles are mixed with an appropriate binder material that is suitable for the printing process.\",\n \"A gravure printing technique, for example, entails inking a pattern plate, wiping excess ink from the pattern plate, and subsequent transfer of the phosphor ink pattern from the pattern plate to the emissions substrate.\",\n \"Other printing techniques could be applied for this process such as screen print, flexography, offset, extrusion, or inkjet.\",\n \"In one aspect, the phosphor ink is thermally cured on a hotplate at 140° C. for 8 minutes.\",\n \"Further processing is dictated by the specific materials used for phosphor and binder.\",\n \"It is also possible to use this approach and two separate LED fluidic assembly flows, to make a hybrid display with blue and green uLEDs and red generated using a blue uLED and red QD color converter.\",\n \"The QDCF approach has the advantage of placing the QD material away from the LEDs so there is a lower temperature and consequently less thermal impact on the performance and reliability of the QDs.\",\n \"Both approaches require high loading of QDs to achieve high efficiency of color conversion in a relatively thin film, and both approaches are challenging for ink jet printing resolution.\",\n \"Color Generation Using all Inorganic uLEDs FIGS.\",\n \"20A and 20B are, respectively, a partial cross-sectional view and light intensity graph for an emissive substrate using three different LED types, to respectively generate three different colors.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"20A depicts a cover glass 2000 bound to substrate 1200 with adhesive layer 1816.In this approach color generation may be achieved using three inorganic LEDs 300a, 300b, and 300c, respectively emitting at 450 nm (blue), 530 nm (green), and 630 nm (red).\",\n \"This gives very narrow emission peaks for each color, which gives the best color gamut and image appearance, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"20B.\",\n \"There are two major hurdles for this approach however.\",\n \"Red LEDs are not made using GaN, but rather, with AlGaInP diodes grown on a GaAs substrate.\",\n \"Consequently, the LED fabrication and harvest procedures recited for GaN (blue) LEDs are not appropriate for red uLEDs.\",\n \"Further, three-emitter displays require the development of fluidic assembly techniques that can align three different LED shapes or size.\",\n \"The red LEDs made from AlGaInP may have different operating voltages and temperature behavior than GaN LEDs, in addition to being more brittle than GaN based devices.\",\n \"Color Conversion for LCD Back Light Unit (BLU) FIGS.\",\n \"21A, 21B, and 21C respectively depict a white light phosphor intensity graph, exemplary stacked color modifier, and associated stacked color modifier intensity graph.\",\n \"The uLED emissive display can also be used as a local dimming backlight unit (BLU) by including a phosphor material to generate red and green colors by down-conversion of the blue light emitted by the uLEDs.\",\n \"So the BLU will be a low resolution copy of the display image to increase dynamic range by better matching the output of the backlight to the requirements of the image.\",\n \"One simple version of the BLU is a uniform coating of white light color conversion phosphor.\",\n \"A more sophisticated version might use a layer of a red color conversion phosphor 2100 printed over the LED 300, followed by a coating of green color conversion phosphor 2102, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"21B.\",\n \"Using high quality quantum dot color converters with an optical density tuned to allow the right amount of blue to pass through, the spectrum of FIG.\",\n \"21C is obtained.\",\n \"A printing process may be used to deposit QDs only over the uLED, and depositing the green layer over the red layer helps by limiting the absorption of green light in the red converter.\",\n \"However, a uniform coating over the whole substrate with mixed red and green converters is also effective, albeit at a higher cost.\",\n \"A surface mount emissive device and display fabrication method using a surface mount emissive device are provided.\",\n \"Examples of particular material, dimensions, and circuit layouts have been presented to illustrate the invention.\",\n \"However, the invention is not limited to merely these examples.\",\n \"Other variations and embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875108"}}},{"rowIdx":4494783,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING FORMING PROTECTIVE FILM WITHIN RECESS IN SUBSTRATE","An n-type layer (3) is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate (1).","A recess (4) is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate (1).","After forming the n-type layer (3), an oxide film (5) is formed on the back surface and in the recess (4).","The oxide film (5) on the back surface is removed while the oxide film (5) in the recess (4) is left.","After removing the oxide film (5), an Al—Si film (6) is formed on the back surface.","A metal electrode (7) is formed on the Al—Si film (6).","The oxide film (5) in the recess (4) prevents Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film (6) into the Si substrate (1) through the recess (4)."],["1.A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: forming an n-type layer by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate wherein a recess is formed in the back surface; recrystallizing the back surface by laser annealing the back surface while the recess is left, thereby re-forming the n-type layer; after the laser annealing, forming an Al—Si film on the back surface; and forming a metal electrode on the Al—Si film.","2.The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the laser annealing is selectively performed on the recess."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>In a power semiconductor device for driving a large current, a metal electrode is formed on a back surface of a Si substrate (see, for example, PTL 1).","An Al—Si film is formed between the Si substrate and the metal electrode for the purpose of inhibiting separation therebetween."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>"],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/304,558 filed Oct. 17, 2016, which is the U.S. National Phase Application of International Application No.","PCT/JP2014/070246, filed Jul.","31, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.","FIELD The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device wherein a metal electrode is formed on a back surface of a Si substrate.","BACKGROUND In a power semiconductor device for driving a large current, a metal electrode is formed on a back surface of a Si substrate (see, for example, PTL 1).","An Al—Si film is formed between the Si substrate and the metal electrode for the purpose of inhibiting separation therebetween.","CITATION LIST Patent Literature PTL 1: JP 2006-074024 A SUMMARY Technical Problem A recess is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate due to mechanical stress at the time of wafer manufacturing.","Al diffuses from the Al—Si film into the Si substrate through this recess, thereby forming a p-type layer.","There is a problem that a depletion layer reaches this p-type layer to cause a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage of the device.","The present invention has been achieved to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of inhibiting a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage even in a case where a recess exists in a back surface of a Si substrate.","Solution to Problem A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: forming an n-type layer by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate wherein a recess is formed in the back surface; after forming the n-type layer, forming a protective film on the back surface and in the recess; removing the protective film on the back surface while the protective film in the recess is left; after removing the protective film, forming an Al—Si film on the back surface; and forming a metal electrode on the Al—Si film, wherein the protective film in the recess prevents Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film into the Si substrate through the recess.","Advantageous Effects of Invention In the present invention, the protective film in the recess prevents Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film into the Si substrate through the recess.","Thus, although the recess exists in the back surface of the Si substrate, a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage can be inhibited.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.","1 to 4 are sectional views showing the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.","FIG.","5 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to a comparative example.","FIG.","6 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.","FIG.","7 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.","FIG.","8 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.","FIG.","9 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.","FIGS.","10 and 11 are sectional views showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.","FIG.","12 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.","DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.","The same components will be denoted by the same symbols, and the repeated description thereof may be omitted.","Embodiment 1 A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.","FIGS.","1 to 4 are sectional views showing the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.","First, as shown in FIG.","1, a p-type layer 2 is formed by implanting a p-type impurity into a front surface of an n−-type Si substrate 1, and an n-type layer 3 is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of the substrate 1.A recess 4 (flaw) is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate 1.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.","2, an oxide film 5 is formed on the back surface and in the recess 4.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.","3, the oxide film 5 on the back surface is removed by sputter-etching while the oxide film 5 in the recess 4 is left.","It is necessary that at this time part of the oxide film 5 be left at least in an innermost portion of the recess 4.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.","4, an Al—Si film 6 is formed on the back surface.","Subsequently, a metal electrode 7 is formed on the Al—Si film 6.The metal electrode 7 is a multilayer electrode.","The advantageous effect of the present embodiment will be described through comparison with a comparative example.","FIG.","5 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to a comparative example.","In the comparative example, the Al—Si film 6 is in direct contact with the Si substrate 1 in an innermost portion of the recess 4.When a reverse voltage is applied to the device, therefore, Al diffuses from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4 to form a p-type layer.","Because a depletion layer reaches this p-type layer, a leak current is generated and the withstand voltage of the device is reduced.","On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the oxide film 5 in the recess 4 functions as a protective film for preventing Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4.Thus, although the recess 4 exists in the back surface of the Si substrate 1, a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage can be inhibited.","Also, separation between the Si substrate 1 and the metal electrode 7 can be inhibited with the Al—Si film 6.Embodiment 2 FIG.","6 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.","In the present embodiment, an n-type doped polysilicon 8 is formed as a protective film in place of the oxide film 5 in Embodiment 1.In this case, the n-type doped polysilicon 8 in the recess 4 prevents Al from diffusing the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4, thus obtaining the same advantage as in Embodiment 1.Since the n-doped polysilicon 8 is of the n-type, there is a margin for Al that activates the Si substrate 1 into the p-type and energization can be effected even through the recess 4.Embodiment 3 FIG.","7 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.","In the present embodiment, a phosphosilicate glass 9 is formed as a protective film in place of the oxide film 5 in Embodiment 1.Also in this case, the same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can be obtained.","Since the phosphosilicate glass 9 is of the n-type, there is a margin for Al that activates the Si substrate 1 into the p-type and energization can be effected even through the recess 4.Embodiment 4 FIG.","8 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.","In the present embodiment, a metal simple substance 10 (titanium) not silicidized is formed as a protective film in place of the oxide film 5 in Embodiment 1.Because the metal simple substance 10 in the recess 4 functions as a barrier metal for preventing diffusion of Al, the same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can be obtained.","The metal simple substance 10 has a good ohmic characteristic with respect to the n-type.","Embodiment 5 FIG.","9 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.","In the present embodiment, a metal film (titanium, cobalt, tungsten or molybdenum) is formed on the back surface and in the recess 4 after the n-type layer 3 is formed.","Thereafter, metal silicide 11 (titanium silicide, cobalt silicide, tungsten silicide or molybdenum silicide) is formed by performing annealing.","Subsequently, the metal silicide 11 on the back surface is removed by sputter-etching while the metal silicide 11 in the recess 4 is left.","Al—Si film 6 and a metal electrode 7 are thereafter formed, as are those in Embodiment 1.The metal silicide 11 in the recess 4 functions as a protective film for preventing Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4.The same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can therefore be obtained.","The metal silicide 11 is higher in ohmic characteristic with respect to the n-type layer 3 than the metal simple substance 10 and functions as a barrier metal for preventing diffusion of Al.","Embodiment 6 FIGS.","10 and 11 are sectional views showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.","First, in the same way as in Embodiment 1, and as shown in FIG.","1, the p-type layer 2 is formed by implanting a p-type impurity into a front surface of the n−-type Si substrate 1, and the n-type layer 3 is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in the back surface of the substrate 1.The recess 4 is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate 1.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.","10, the back surface is recrystallized by laser annealing the back surface while the recess 4 is left, thereby re-forming the n-type layer 3.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.","11, the Al—Si film 6 is formed on the back surface.","The metal electrode 7 is formed on the Al—Si film 6.Prevention of diffusion of Al from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4 is thus enabled.","The same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can therefore be obtained.","Also, since the n-type layer 3 can be re-formed, a change in characteristic can be inhibited.","While the method of eliminating the recess 4 by melting the back surface by laser application requires a long processing time, the recess 4 is left in the present embodiment to enable shortening the laser annealing processing time and, hence, reducing the manufacturing cost.","FIG.","12 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.","Laser annealing is selectively performed only on the recess 4.Recrystallization of a portion including and around the recess 4 can be performed in this way and the advantage of Embodiment 6 can therefore be obtained.","Since laser annealing is selectively performed, the laser annealing processing time can be further reduced and a reduction in manufacturing cost can therefore be achieved.","REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Si substrate; 3 n-type layer; 4 recess; 5 oxide film; 6 Al—Si film; 7 metal electrode; 8 n-type doped polysilicon; 9 phosphosilicate glass; 10 metal simple substance; 11 metal silicide"]],"string":"[\n [\n \"METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING FORMING PROTECTIVE FILM WITHIN RECESS IN SUBSTRATE\",\n \"An n-type layer (3) is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate (1).\",\n \"A recess (4) is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate (1).\",\n \"After forming the n-type layer (3), an oxide film (5) is formed on the back surface and in the recess (4).\",\n \"The oxide film (5) on the back surface is removed while the oxide film (5) in the recess (4) is left.\",\n \"After removing the oxide film (5), an Al—Si film (6) is formed on the back surface.\",\n \"A metal electrode (7) is formed on the Al—Si film (6).\",\n \"The oxide film (5) in the recess (4) prevents Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film (6) into the Si substrate (1) through the recess (4).\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: forming an n-type layer by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate wherein a recess is formed in the back surface; recrystallizing the back surface by laser annealing the back surface while the recess is left, thereby re-forming the n-type layer; after the laser annealing, forming an Al—Si film on the back surface; and forming a metal electrode on the Al—Si film.\",\n \"2.The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the laser annealing is selectively performed on the recess.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>In a power semiconductor device for driving a large current, a metal electrode is formed on a back surface of a Si substrate (see, for example, PTL 1).\",\n \"An Al—Si film is formed between the Si substrate and the metal electrode for the purpose of inhibiting separation therebetween.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/304,558 filed Oct. 17, 2016, which is the U.S. National Phase Application of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/JP2014/070246, filed Jul.\",\n \"31, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"FIELD The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device wherein a metal electrode is formed on a back surface of a Si substrate.\",\n \"BACKGROUND In a power semiconductor device for driving a large current, a metal electrode is formed on a back surface of a Si substrate (see, for example, PTL 1).\",\n \"An Al—Si film is formed between the Si substrate and the metal electrode for the purpose of inhibiting separation therebetween.\",\n \"CITATION LIST Patent Literature PTL 1: JP 2006-074024 A SUMMARY Technical Problem A recess is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate due to mechanical stress at the time of wafer manufacturing.\",\n \"Al diffuses from the Al—Si film into the Si substrate through this recess, thereby forming a p-type layer.\",\n \"There is a problem that a depletion layer reaches this p-type layer to cause a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage of the device.\",\n \"The present invention has been achieved to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of inhibiting a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage even in a case where a recess exists in a back surface of a Si substrate.\",\n \"Solution to Problem A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: forming an n-type layer by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate wherein a recess is formed in the back surface; after forming the n-type layer, forming a protective film on the back surface and in the recess; removing the protective film on the back surface while the protective film in the recess is left; after removing the protective film, forming an Al—Si film on the back surface; and forming a metal electrode on the Al—Si film, wherein the protective film in the recess prevents Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film into the Si substrate through the recess.\",\n \"Advantageous Effects of Invention In the present invention, the protective film in the recess prevents Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film into the Si substrate through the recess.\",\n \"Thus, although the recess exists in the back surface of the Si substrate, a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage can be inhibited.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS.\",\n \"1 to 4 are sectional views showing the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to a comparative example.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11 are sectional views showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.\",\n \"DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.\",\n \"The same components will be denoted by the same symbols, and the repeated description thereof may be omitted.\",\n \"Embodiment 1 A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"1 to 4 are sectional views showing the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.\",\n \"First, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, a p-type layer 2 is formed by implanting a p-type impurity into a front surface of an n−-type Si substrate 1, and an n-type layer 3 is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of the substrate 1.A recess 4 (flaw) is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate 1.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2, an oxide film 5 is formed on the back surface and in the recess 4.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, the oxide film 5 on the back surface is removed by sputter-etching while the oxide film 5 in the recess 4 is left.\",\n \"It is necessary that at this time part of the oxide film 5 be left at least in an innermost portion of the recess 4.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"4, an Al—Si film 6 is formed on the back surface.\",\n \"Subsequently, a metal electrode 7 is formed on the Al—Si film 6.The metal electrode 7 is a multilayer electrode.\",\n \"The advantageous effect of the present embodiment will be described through comparison with a comparative example.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to a comparative example.\",\n \"In the comparative example, the Al—Si film 6 is in direct contact with the Si substrate 1 in an innermost portion of the recess 4.When a reverse voltage is applied to the device, therefore, Al diffuses from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4 to form a p-type layer.\",\n \"Because a depletion layer reaches this p-type layer, a leak current is generated and the withstand voltage of the device is reduced.\",\n \"On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the oxide film 5 in the recess 4 functions as a protective film for preventing Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4.Thus, although the recess 4 exists in the back surface of the Si substrate 1, a leak current and a reduction in withstand voltage can be inhibited.\",\n \"Also, separation between the Si substrate 1 and the metal electrode 7 can be inhibited with the Al—Si film 6.Embodiment 2 FIG.\",\n \"6 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, an n-type doped polysilicon 8 is formed as a protective film in place of the oxide film 5 in Embodiment 1.In this case, the n-type doped polysilicon 8 in the recess 4 prevents Al from diffusing the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4, thus obtaining the same advantage as in Embodiment 1.Since the n-doped polysilicon 8 is of the n-type, there is a margin for Al that activates the Si substrate 1 into the p-type and energization can be effected even through the recess 4.Embodiment 3 FIG.\",\n \"7 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, a phosphosilicate glass 9 is formed as a protective film in place of the oxide film 5 in Embodiment 1.Also in this case, the same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can be obtained.\",\n \"Since the phosphosilicate glass 9 is of the n-type, there is a margin for Al that activates the Si substrate 1 into the p-type and energization can be effected even through the recess 4.Embodiment 4 FIG.\",\n \"8 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, a metal simple substance 10 (titanium) not silicidized is formed as a protective film in place of the oxide film 5 in Embodiment 1.Because the metal simple substance 10 in the recess 4 functions as a barrier metal for preventing diffusion of Al, the same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can be obtained.\",\n \"The metal simple substance 10 has a good ohmic characteristic with respect to the n-type.\",\n \"Embodiment 5 FIG.\",\n \"9 is a sectional view showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.\",\n \"In the present embodiment, a metal film (titanium, cobalt, tungsten or molybdenum) is formed on the back surface and in the recess 4 after the n-type layer 3 is formed.\",\n \"Thereafter, metal silicide 11 (titanium silicide, cobalt silicide, tungsten silicide or molybdenum silicide) is formed by performing annealing.\",\n \"Subsequently, the metal silicide 11 on the back surface is removed by sputter-etching while the metal silicide 11 in the recess 4 is left.\",\n \"Al—Si film 6 and a metal electrode 7 are thereafter formed, as are those in Embodiment 1.The metal silicide 11 in the recess 4 functions as a protective film for preventing Al from diffusing from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4.The same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can therefore be obtained.\",\n \"The metal silicide 11 is higher in ohmic characteristic with respect to the n-type layer 3 than the metal simple substance 10 and functions as a barrier metal for preventing diffusion of Al.\",\n \"Embodiment 6 FIGS.\",\n \"10 and 11 are sectional views showing a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.\",\n \"First, in the same way as in Embodiment 1, and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, the p-type layer 2 is formed by implanting a p-type impurity into a front surface of the n−-type Si substrate 1, and the n-type layer 3 is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in the back surface of the substrate 1.The recess 4 is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate 1.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"10, the back surface is recrystallized by laser annealing the back surface while the recess 4 is left, thereby re-forming the n-type layer 3.Subsequently, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"11, the Al—Si film 6 is formed on the back surface.\",\n \"The metal electrode 7 is formed on the Al—Si film 6.Prevention of diffusion of Al from the Al—Si film 6 into the Si substrate 1 through the recess 4 is thus enabled.\",\n \"The same advantage as that in Embodiment 1 can therefore be obtained.\",\n \"Also, since the n-type layer 3 can be re-formed, a change in characteristic can be inhibited.\",\n \"While the method of eliminating the recess 4 by melting the back surface by laser application requires a long processing time, the recess 4 is left in the present embodiment to enable shortening the laser annealing processing time and, hence, reducing the manufacturing cost.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"12 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.\",\n \"Laser annealing is selectively performed only on the recess 4.Recrystallization of a portion including and around the recess 4 can be performed in this way and the advantage of Embodiment 6 can therefore be obtained.\",\n \"Since laser annealing is selectively performed, the laser annealing processing time can be further reduced and a reduction in manufacturing cost can therefore be achieved.\",\n \"REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Si substrate; 3 n-type layer; 4 recess; 5 oxide film; 6 Al—Si film; 7 metal electrode; 8 n-type doped polysilicon; 9 phosphosilicate glass; 10 metal simple substance; 11 metal silicide\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875111"}}},{"rowIdx":4494784,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["USING HYPERVISOR TRAPPING FOR PROTECTION AGAINST INTERRUPTS IN VIRTUAL MACHINE FUNCTIONS","A system, methods, and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions are disclosed.","A system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virtual machine executing on the one or more physical processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more physical processors.","The hypervisor reads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.","The hypervisor determines whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.","Responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, the hypervisor disables a virtual machine function."],["1.A method of restricting access to memory resources by a virtual machine, the method comprising: activating a trap to a hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, wherein the virtual machine executes with a default page view stored in a default page table; reading the interrupt data structure to determine that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view stored in an alternate page table, which is different from the default page view and the alternate page view includes a reference to a memory location outside of a memory location of a virtual machine function; and disabling the virtual machine function.","2.The method of claim 1 further comprising determining that the interrupt data structure points to the alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.","3.The method of claim 2 further comprising reading the one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.","4.The method of claim 2, wherein the page data structure is the alternate page data structure.","5.The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.","6.The method of claim 5, wherein modifying code of the virtual machine function includes incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.","7.The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.","8.The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more memory resources are memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.","9.The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the virtual machine function by modifying the alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.","10.The method of claim 1 further comprising modifying a permission of the interrupt data structure.","11.The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the permission of the interrupt data structure includes making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.","12.The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the permission of the interrupt data structure includes making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.","13.The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual machine function is re-enabled by the hypervisor based on an override request.","14.The method of claim 13, wherein the virtual machine function changes a first mapping of a virtual machine memory address to a second mapping of a host memory address, granting access to the host memory address to the virtual machine.","15.The method of claim 1, wherein the interrupt data structure is stored separately from and outside of the virtual machine.","16.A system of restricting access to memory resources by a virtual machine, the system comprising: a default page table storing a default page view, wherein the virtual machine executes with the default page view; an alternate page table storing an alternate page view; and a hypervisor executing on a processor to: activate a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine; read the interrupt data structure to determine that the interrupt data structure points to the alternate page view, which is different from the default page view and the alternate page view includes a reference to a memory location outside of a memory location of a virtual machine function; and disable the virtual machine function.","17.The system of claim 16, wherein the virtual machine function is re-enabled by the hypervisor based on an override request.","18.The system of claim 17, wherein the virtual machine function changes a first mapping of a virtual machine memory address to a second mapping of a host memory address, granting access to the host memory address to the virtual machine.","19.The system of claim 16, wherein the interrupt data structure is stored separately from and outside of the virtual machine.","20.A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium comprising executable instructions of restricting access to memory resources by a virtual machine, a host operating system, and a guest operating system that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to: activate a trap to a hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, wherein the virtual machine executes with a default page view stored in a default page table; read the interrupt data structure to determine that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view stored in an alternate page table, which is different from the default page view and the alternate page view includes a reference to a memory location outside of a memory location of a virtual machine function; and disable the virtual machine function."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Virtualization may be used to provide some physical components as logical objects in order to allow running various software modules, for example, multiple operating systems, concurrently and in isolation from other software modules, on one or more interconnected physical computer systems.","Virtualization allows, for example, consolidating multiple physical servers into one physical server running multiple virtual machines in order to improve the hardware utilization rate.","Virtualization may be achieved by running a software layer, often referred to as hypervisor, above the hardware and below the virtual machines.","A hypervisor may run directly on the server hardware without an operating system beneath it or as an application running under a traditional operating system.","A hypervisor may virtualize the physical layer and provide interfaces between the underlying hardware and virtual devices of virtual machines.","Processor virtualization may be implemented by the hypervisor scheduling time slots on one or more physical processors for a virtual machine, rather than a virtual machine actually having a dedicated physical processor.","A virtualized computer system may provide routing and processing of interrupts.","An interrupt generally refers to an event that requires a processor to execute event-specific instructions, which might involve the processor's holding the current thread of execution and/or switching contexts."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure provides a new and innovative system, methods and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions.","In an example embodiment, a system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virtual machine executing on the one or more physical processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more physical processors.","The hypervisor activates a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.","The hypervisor reads the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.","The hypervisor determines based on reading the interrupt data structure whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.","Responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, the hypervisor disables a virtual machine function.","Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.","No.","14/603,984, filed Jan. 23, 2015 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.","BACKGROUND Virtualization may be used to provide some physical components as logical objects in order to allow running various software modules, for example, multiple operating systems, concurrently and in isolation from other software modules, on one or more interconnected physical computer systems.","Virtualization allows, for example, consolidating multiple physical servers into one physical server running multiple virtual machines in order to improve the hardware utilization rate.","Virtualization may be achieved by running a software layer, often referred to as hypervisor, above the hardware and below the virtual machines.","A hypervisor may run directly on the server hardware without an operating system beneath it or as an application running under a traditional operating system.","A hypervisor may virtualize the physical layer and provide interfaces between the underlying hardware and virtual devices of virtual machines.","Processor virtualization may be implemented by the hypervisor scheduling time slots on one or more physical processors for a virtual machine, rather than a virtual machine actually having a dedicated physical processor.","A virtualized computer system may provide routing and processing of interrupts.","An interrupt generally refers to an event that requires a processor to execute event-specific instructions, which might involve the processor's holding the current thread of execution and/or switching contexts.","SUMMARY The present disclosure provides a new and innovative system, methods and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions.","In an example embodiment, a system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virtual machine executing on the one or more physical processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more physical processors.","The hypervisor activates a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.","The hypervisor reads the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.","The hypervisor determines based on reading the interrupt data structure whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.","Responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, the hypervisor disables a virtual machine function.","Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG.","1 is a block diagram of an example multiprocessor computer system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.","FIG.","2 is a block diagram of an example virtual machine including an interrupt data structure according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.","FIG.","3 a block diagram of an example default page table and alternate page table according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.","FIG.","4 is a block diagram of exemplary page views and pages according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.","FIG.","5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for using interrupt descriptor exiting for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure FIG.","6 is a flow diagram illustrating a guest operating system and hypervisor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS FIG.","1 depicts a high-level component diagram of an example multi-processor (or host) computer system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.","The computer system 100 may include one or more interconnected nodes 110.Each node 110 may in turn include one or more physical processors 120 communicatively coupled to memory devices (MD) 130 and input/output (I/O) devices 140.As used herein, physical processor or processor refers to a device capable of executing instructions encoding arithmetic, logical, and/or I/O operations.","In one illustrative example, a processor may follow Von Neumann architectural model and may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a control unit, and a plurality of registers.","In a further aspect, a processor may be a single core processor which is typically capable of executing one instruction at a time (or process a single pipeline of instructions), or a multi-core processor which may simultaneously execute multiple instructions.","In another aspect, a processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit, two or more integrated circuits, or may be a component of a multi-chip module (e.g., in which individual microprocessor dies are included in a single integrated circuit package and hence share a single socket).","A processor may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU).","As discussed herein, a memory device refers to a volatile or non-volatile memory device, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or any other device capable of storing data.","As discussed herein, I/O device refers to a device capable of providing an interface between one or more processor pins and an external device capable of inputting and/or outputting binary data.","Processors 120 may be interconnected using a variety of techniques, ranging from a point-to-point processor interconnect, to a system area network 150, as shown in FIG.","1, such as an Ethernet-based network.","Local connections within each node 110, including the connections between a processor 120 and a memory 130 and between a processor 120 and an I/O device 140 may be provided by one or more local buses 160 of suitable architecture, for example, peripheral component interconnect (PCI).","As noted above, computer system 100 may run multiple virtual machines 170, by executing a software layer (e.g.","hypervisor 180) above the hardware and below the virtual machines, as schematically shown in FIG.","1.In one illustrative example, the hypervisor 180 may be a component of the operating system 185 executed by the computer system 100.Alternatively, the hypervisor 180 may be provided by an application running under the host operating system 185, or may run directly on the host computer system 100 without an operating system beneath it.","The hypervisor 180 may virtualize the physical layer, including processors, memory, and I/O devices, and present this virtualization to virtual machines 170 as virtual devices, including virtual processors (VCPU) 190, virtual memory 192, and virtual I/O devices 194.A virtual machine 170 may execute a guest operating system 196 which may utilize the underlying virtual processors 190, virtual memory 192, and virtual I/O devices 194.One or more applications 198 may be running on a virtual machine 170 under the guest operating system 196.The guest operating system may include a virtual interrupt data structure (VIDS) 197.Exemplary embodiments of the VIDS 197 are described in greater detail below and as shown in FIG.","2.A virtual machine 170 may include multiple virtual processors (VCPU) 190.Processor virtualization may be implemented by the hypervisor 180 scheduling time slots on one or more physical processors 120 such that from the guest operating system's perspective those time slots are scheduled on a virtual processor 190.The hypervisor 180 may provide one or more virtual machine functions (VM Functions 183) to a virtual machine 170.The code that a VM Function 183 runs on the physical processor(s) 120 may utilize the resources of host operating system (Host OS) 185, such as the memory devices 130, and the input/output devices 140 as well as the resources of one or more of the virtual machines 170 including the virtual processors 190, the virtual memory 192, and the virtual I/O devices 194.For example, the VM Function 183 may be called by a VM 170 to transfer data to, or access the resources of another VM 170.By contrast, each VM 170 may be limited to the use of its own resources including its VCPUs 190, virtual memory 192, and virtual I/O devices 194 unless it invokes a VM Function 183 as described below.","In an example embodiment, the VM Function 183 may be invoked for a VM 170, by the guest OS 196 that is running on it.","In an example embodiment, a VM Function 183 may only be invoked if hypervisor 180 provides permission or grants a request.","For example, a VM 170 or guest OS 196 may invoke a VM Function to handle a task more efficiently or using greater resources than are presently available to the VM 170 or guest OS 196.In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 may also deny the request by causing an undefined opcode exception or a general protection fault exception whenever the VM Function 183 is invoked.","The hypervisor may also include a default page table 181 and an alternate page table 182.Exemplary embodiments of these data structures are described in greater detail below and as shown in FIG.","3.FIG.","2 illustrates an example embodiment of a virtual machine 170.During operation, an event may be triggered by the operation of virtual device 250.The virtual device 250 can report the event by sending a virtual interrupt request (VIRQ 245) to one of the VCPUs 190 via an interrupt controller 240.The VIRQ 245 is sent with an interrupt vector that is assigned to the event.","The VIRQ 245 is passed to a system handler 210, which consults a virtual interrupt data structure (VIDS) 197, using the interrupt vector as an index.","The VIDS 197 associates each interrupt vector with an interrupt service routine 220.For example, the VIDS 197 is indexed by interrupt vectors, allowing the system handler 210 to use interrupt vectors to locate pointers to the corresponding interrupt service routines 220.The interrupt service routines 220 may then handle the event by causing the VCPU 190 to execute event handling code to perform appropriate operations.","The present disclosure is not limited to the structure of the system illustrated in FIG.","2.In an example embodiment, the virtual device 250 may be external to the VM 170 and/or the VIDS 197 may be stored externally to the VM 170.In another example embodiment, the system handler 210, interrupt service routines 220, and interrupt manager 230 may be on the hypervisor 180.FIG.","3 illustrates a default page table 181 and an alternate page table 182 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.","In general, the hypervisor 180 manages the memory usage of the VMs 170.Both virtual memory and physical memory may be divided into pages which are identified with a unique number (e.g., Page Frame Number (PFN) 310A-E or 340A-F).","Exemplary embodiments of pages and page views are described in greater detail below and as shown in FIG.","4.A page table is a data structure used by the hypervisor 180 to store a mapping of physical addresses for the guest (e.g., used by the guest OS 196 on VM 170) to physical addresses for the host (e.g., used by the host hardware platform 100).","Accordingly, address translation from guest-physical to host-physical memory addresses is handled using page tables.","For example, each process or application operating within the VMs 170 may be given the impression that there is a contiguous section of memory available, when in reality, the available memory may be spread across various memory devices 130.The page tables 181 and 182 comprise entries that map a virtual PFN 310A-E (or 340A-F) with a physical address 330A-E (or 360A-F).","The page tables 181 and 182 may be used together with any paging data structure used by the VMs 170 to support translation from virtual to physical addresses (e.g., 32-bit linear address space using a two-level hierarchical paging structure, Physical Address Extension mode, INTEL Extended Memory 64 Technology mode, etc.).","In an example embodiment, page tables 181 and 182 may also include a protection identifier 320A-E (or 350A-F).","The protection identifier 320A-E (or 350A-F) indicates the access protection status of a page for the page view described by the page table.","A protection status may used to define for example that a given page is writable (or read-write), write-protected (or read-only), executable (or executable and readable), executable only, inaccessible (or non-present), etc.","For example, in FIG.","3, the page associated with virtual PFN x0001 and memory location x03FF has been defined in default page table 181 as ‘Read-Only’.","The page associated with virtual PFN x0001 is associated with memory location x01AF in alternate page table 182 and has been defined as ‘Read-Write’.","The hypervisor 180 may be used to control to protection status of pages.","In addition, in an example embodiment, the page tables 181 and 182 may include additional information not shown in FIG.","3 including statistics information, background information, dirty identifiers which indicate that modifications to a page must be written back to disk, etc.","In an example embodiment, one or more default page tables 181 may be maintained by the hypervisor 180 for each of the VMs 170 which maps virtual addresses to physical addresses that are accessible by each of the VMs 170.For example, the page table entries in the default page table 181 corresponding to the virtual PFNs (e.g.","310A-E) of an interrupt data structure (e.g., VIDS 197) on the VM 170 is accessed by physical CPU 120 when looking up pointers to interrupt service routines.","The pointers to these interrupt service routines themselves provide a virtual PFN that is consulted in the default page table 181 to convert the pointers to physical addresses of the host computer system 100.In an example embodiment, in order to convert a virtual PFN to a host physical address, the hypervisor 180 may also consult page table 181, together with any paging data structure that the VMs 170 use to support translation from virtual to physical addresses.","One or more alternate page tables 182 may be maintained by the hypervisor 180 for each of one or more VM Functions 183 which maps virtual addresses to physical addresses that are accessible by each of the VM Functions 183.For example, a portion of the entries in an alternate page table 182 (e.g., 360B-360E) may correspond to physical pages at which the VM Function 183 is located.","In an example embodiment, one or more alternate page tables 182 may additionally be maintained by the hypervisor 180 for an interrupt data structure (e.g.","VIDS 197) on the VM 170.As illustrated in FIG.","3, in an example embodiment, an alternate page table 182 may be more expansive than a default page table 181 in order to permit the VM Functions 183 to access a larger set of memory resources than the VMs 170 have access to.","However, the sizes of different page tables may vary and that the degree of overlap between different page tables may vary (e.g., there may be no overlap).","FIG.","4 illustrates page views and pages, for example a default page view 410, an alternate page view 420, and pages 430A-E and 440A-F, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.","As noted above, a page may be a portion of physical or virtual memory designated for storing data.","As used herein, a page view denotes a mapping from guest-physical addresses to host-physical addresses.","For example, a default page view 410 is a page view that is referenced by a default page table 181.In an example embodiment, the default page view 410 may denote the mapping from virtual PFNs of a VM 170 to host-physical addresses, as used during normal execution of the virtual machine.","An alternate page view 420 is a page view that is referenced by an alternate page table 182, as used during execution of the VM Function 183.In an example embodiment, the alternate page view 420 may denote a mapping from addresses designated for use by the VM Function 183 to host-physical addresses.","In the illustrated example in FIG.","4, only a portion of pages on alternate page view 420 are designated for use by the VM Function 183 (e.g., 440B-E) and the remaining pages (e.g., 440A and 440F) refer to locations in the alternate page view 420 that are outside the memory location of the VM Function 183.As illustrated in FIG.","4, pages (e.g., 430A and 440A) may be defined by access protections (described above in more detail) such as ‘Read-Only’ or ‘Read-Write’ in accordance with their respective page table protection identifiers (e.g., 320A and 350A).","A VM Function 183 may change the mapping of guest-physical addresses to host-physical addresses, e.g., page views 410 or 420, by changing the page tables 181 or 182 that the processor 120 uses to perform memory accesses in the VM 170.FIG.","5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500 for using interrupt descriptor exiting for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions.","Although the example method 500 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.","5, it will be appreciated that many other methods of performing the acts associated with the method 500 may be used.","For example, the order of some of the blocks may be changed, certain blocks may be combined with other blocks, and some of the blocks described are optional.","The method 500 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.","), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both.","In an example embodiment, the method is performed by a hypervisor (e.g., hypervisor 180 of FIG.","1).","The example method 500 starts and the hypervisor 180, block 510, activates a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine.","For example, prior to a guest OS 196 executing an instruction that loads VIDS 197 on VM 170, the hypervisor 180 may activate a trap.","Activating a trap to hypervisor 180 for a particular instruction in this manner can be used to cause the hypervisor to emulate the execution of guest instructions on the code of the hypervisor itself.","For example, when the guest OS 196 executes an instruction that loads VIDS 197 on VM 170, the prior activated trap may cause a descriptor exit to the hypervisor 180 that causes the hypervisor to emulate running the guest OS 196 on the hypervisor's own code and processors.","The use of descriptor exiting is merely exemplary, and there are many other ways to activate a trap to the hypervisor in accordance with the present disclosure.","In an exemplary embodiment, activating a trap may include requesting that a processor 120 enable a trap to the hypervisor 180 such that responsive to the guest OS 196 executing an instruction, the enabled (i.e.","activated) trap causes the hypervisor 180 to emulate running the guest OS 196.The hypervisor 180 then, block 520, reads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine.","In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 reads an interrupt data structure 197 by first detecting a ‘load pointer to interrupt data structure’ instruction, whose operands could include a pointer to the first entry of the interrupt data structure.","For example, the hypervisor 180 may load an internal register code with this pointer and call an analysis routine internal to the hypervisor 180.The hypervisor 180 then, block 530, determines based on reading the interrupt data structure whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.","For example, the hypervisor 182 may determine whether the interrupt service routines 220 associated with the interrupt data structure 197 points to an executable page in the alternate page table 182.In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 makes this determination by retrieving the addresses of the interrupt service routines 220 from the interrupt data structure 197 of a particular VM 170 and reading the entries that correspond to the addresses in one or more page tables (e.g.","page tables 181 and/or 182) on the hypervisor 180.For example, the hypervisor 180 may read the address for the interrupt service routine and then the entry for the address in one or more alternate page tables 182 to determine if the interrupt service routine can be accessed as an alternate page view 420 corresponding to the alternate page tables 182.If the hypervisor 180 determines that the interrupt data structure 197 points to an alternate page view 420, then the hypervisor 180 disables a virtual machine function 183 (block 540).","For example, if the hypervisor 180 determines that an interrupt service routine 220 listed in the interrupt data structure 197 is executable when accessed as an alternate page view 420, then the hypervisor 180 disables a virtual machine function 183.A virtual machine function 183 may be disabled in a variety of ways.","In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 may disable the virtual machine function 183 by modifying code that invokes virtual machine function 183.For example, this code modification might involve adding or replacing code in the memory location where the VM Function 183 execution instruction is stored.","This modification may involve incorporating code that returns an error message when executed or generating a hypercall that executes code in the hypervisor 180 that would have been available in the alternate page view 420.In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine on which the analyzed interrupt data structure resides, to restrict access to one or more memory resources.","For example, the hypervisor 180 can set a flag of one or more VCPUs 190 on the virtual machine 170 so that the virtual machine 170 will not be able to access alternate page views 420 or alternate resources.","Accordingly, upon encountering a VM Function 183 instruction, a processor 120 may then exit to the hypervisor 180 and execute code in the hypervisor 180 that returns an error message, or execute code in the hypervisor 180 that would have been available in the alternate page view 420.In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 disables the virtual machine function by modifying access permissions of one or more memory resources accessed by the virtual machine function.","In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 disables the VM Function 183 by modifying one or more alternate page views 420 associated with the VM Function 183 that the hypervisor 180 seeks to disable to match a default page view 410 associated with the virtual machine.","Additionally, the hypervisor 180 may determine that certain alternate page views 420 are associated with a VM Function 183 that the hypervisor 180 seeks to disable.","Then the hypervisor 180 can modify one or more alternate page tables 182 to make these page views non-present or inaccessible.","The hypervisor 180 may determine which VM function 183 to disable based on the following.","Upon determining that the interrupt data structure of interest points to an alternate page view 420 (as described in block 520), the hypervisor 180 may analyze which virtual machine function corresponds to the one or more alternate page tables 182 that contain pointers to the alternate page view 420 described in determining block 520.In yet another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 modify the permissions of the interrupt data structure 197 to restrict access by the virtual machine 170.For example, the hypervisor can change the alternate page view 420 for the interrupt data structure 197 of a virtual machine 170, modifying the permissions of the interrupt data structure 197 to restrict access by the virtual machine 170.The hypervisor 180 may modify these permissions in alternate page tables 182 to make one or more alternate page views 420 that correspond to the interrupt data structure non-present or inaccessible to the virtual machine 170.In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 can modify permissions of the interrupt data structure to make the interrupt data structure non-writable or read-only by the virtual machine.","The hypervisor 180 can modify permissions in this manner preemptively, without the above discussed analyzing and determining according to blocks 510 and 520, or in addition to example method 500.For example, a hypervisor may modify permissions in the alternate page table responsive to a determination that an interrupt data structure 197 does not point to alternate page view 420.More particularly, if the hypervisor 180 determines that the interrupt service routines 220 listed in the interrupt data structure 197 are not executable when accessed as alternate page views 420, the hypervisor 180 may modify the permissions of the interrupt data structure 197 to make the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine 170.Disabling a VM Function 183 or modifying the permissions of a page data structure 181, 182 as described in the present disclosure, significantly limits the access to virtual and physical resources of a computer system by the source of an interrupt (e.g.","a VM 170, guest OS 196, application 198, physical or virtual devices, malicious code, etc.)","through the use of an interrupt data structure 197.Moreover, injecting interrupts via a virtual machine while a virtual machine function is executing may cause one or more VMs, host OS's, or guest OS's to crash, for example, if the interrupt data structure 197 points to code in memory that adversely affects execution of code for VM Function 183, or accesses resources that are not available in a default page view 410, but which are available in an alternate page view 420.The present disclosure advantageously protects a computer system 100 from the above described problems.","FIG.","6 illustrates a flow diagram including a VM 170 and hypervisor 180 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.","At block 630, the guest OS 196 loads a VIDS 197 on VM 170 prior to sending a request to the hypervisor 180 to invoke a virtual machine function 183.This request is transmitted to the hypervisor 180 (block 640).","The hypervisor 180 may then determine whether to block the VM Function 183.At block 650, hypervisor 180 reads VIDS 197.The hypervisor 180 may then determine whether an interrupt data structure 197 points to an alternate page view 420 as described above and shown in FIG.","5 (block 652).","For example, the hypervisor 180 may determine whether an interrupt service routine 220 listed in VIDS 197 points to an executable page in an alternate page table 182.In response to this determination the hypervisor 180 may then disable VM Function 183 as described above and shown in FIG.","5 (block 654).","Then, the hypervisor may finish executing and return (blocks 656 and 660).","It will be appreciated that all of the disclosed methods and procedures described herein can be implemented using one or more computer programs or components.","These components may be provided as a series of computer instructions on any conventional computer readable medium or machine readable medium, including volatile or non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, optical memory, or other storage media.","The instructions may be provided as software or firmware, and/or may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware components such as ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs or any other similar devices.","The instructions may be configured to be executed by one or more processors, which when executing the series of computer instructions, performs or facilitates the performance of all or part of the disclosed methods and procedures.","Aspects of the subject matter described herein may be useful alone or in combination with one or more other aspects described herein.","Without limiting the following description, in a first exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises a memory, one or more processors coupled to the memory, a virtual machine executing on the one or more processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more processors to activate a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine, read the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine, determine based on reading the interrupt data structure that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, and responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, disable a virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with the first aspect, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in an alternate page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function including incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying an alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.","In a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method comprises activating, by a hypervisor executing on a computer system, a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, reading, by the hypervisor, the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine, determining, by the hypervisor, based on reading the interrupt data structure that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, and responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, disabling, by the hypervisor, a virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in an alternate page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function including incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying an alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.","In a third exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium comprises executable instructions that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to activate, by a hypervisor executing on a computer system, a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, read, by the hypervisor, an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, determine, by the hypervisor, based on reading the interrupt data structure that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, and responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, disable, by the hypervisor, a virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in an alternate page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function including incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying an alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.","In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.","It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the example embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.","Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages.","It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"USING HYPERVISOR TRAPPING FOR PROTECTION AGAINST INTERRUPTS IN VIRTUAL MACHINE FUNCTIONS\",\n \"A system, methods, and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions are disclosed.\",\n \"A system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virtual machine executing on the one or more physical processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more physical processors.\",\n \"The hypervisor reads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.\",\n \"The hypervisor determines whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.\",\n \"Responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, the hypervisor disables a virtual machine function.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method of restricting access to memory resources by a virtual machine, the method comprising: activating a trap to a hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, wherein the virtual machine executes with a default page view stored in a default page table; reading the interrupt data structure to determine that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view stored in an alternate page table, which is different from the default page view and the alternate page view includes a reference to a memory location outside of a memory location of a virtual machine function; and disabling the virtual machine function.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1 further comprising determining that the interrupt data structure points to the alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 2 further comprising reading the one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 2, wherein the page data structure is the alternate page data structure.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 5, wherein modifying code of the virtual machine function includes incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more memory resources are memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.\",\n \"9.The method of claim 1 further comprising disabling the virtual machine function by modifying the alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 1 further comprising modifying a permission of the interrupt data structure.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the permission of the interrupt data structure includes making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the permission of the interrupt data structure includes making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual machine function is re-enabled by the hypervisor based on an override request.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 13, wherein the virtual machine function changes a first mapping of a virtual machine memory address to a second mapping of a host memory address, granting access to the host memory address to the virtual machine.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 1, wherein the interrupt data structure is stored separately from and outside of the virtual machine.\",\n \"16.A system of restricting access to memory resources by a virtual machine, the system comprising: a default page table storing a default page view, wherein the virtual machine executes with the default page view; an alternate page table storing an alternate page view; and a hypervisor executing on a processor to: activate a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine; read the interrupt data structure to determine that the interrupt data structure points to the alternate page view, which is different from the default page view and the alternate page view includes a reference to a memory location outside of a memory location of a virtual machine function; and disable the virtual machine function.\",\n \"17.The system of claim 16, wherein the virtual machine function is re-enabled by the hypervisor based on an override request.\",\n \"18.The system of claim 17, wherein the virtual machine function changes a first mapping of a virtual machine memory address to a second mapping of a host memory address, granting access to the host memory address to the virtual machine.\",\n \"19.The system of claim 16, wherein the interrupt data structure is stored separately from and outside of the virtual machine.\",\n \"20.A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium comprising executable instructions of restricting access to memory resources by a virtual machine, a host operating system, and a guest operating system that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to: activate a trap to a hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, wherein the virtual machine executes with a default page view stored in a default page table; read the interrupt data structure to determine that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view stored in an alternate page table, which is different from the default page view and the alternate page view includes a reference to a memory location outside of a memory location of a virtual machine function; and disable the virtual machine function.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Virtualization may be used to provide some physical components as logical objects in order to allow running various software modules, for example, multiple operating systems, concurrently and in isolation from other software modules, on one or more interconnected physical computer systems.\",\n \"Virtualization allows, for example, consolidating multiple physical servers into one physical server running multiple virtual machines in order to improve the hardware utilization rate.\",\n \"Virtualization may be achieved by running a software layer, often referred to as hypervisor, above the hardware and below the virtual machines.\",\n \"A hypervisor may run directly on the server hardware without an operating system beneath it or as an application running under a traditional operating system.\",\n \"A hypervisor may virtualize the physical layer and provide interfaces between the underlying hardware and virtual devices of virtual machines.\",\n \"Processor virtualization may be implemented by the hypervisor scheduling time slots on one or more physical processors for a virtual machine, rather than a virtual machine actually having a dedicated physical processor.\",\n \"A virtualized computer system may provide routing and processing of interrupts.\",\n \"An interrupt generally refers to an event that requires a processor to execute event-specific instructions, which might involve the processor's holding the current thread of execution and/or switching contexts.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure provides a new and innovative system, methods and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, a system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virtual machine executing on the one or more physical processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more physical processors.\",\n \"The hypervisor activates a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.\",\n \"The hypervisor reads the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.\",\n \"The hypervisor determines based on reading the interrupt data structure whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.\",\n \"Responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, the hypervisor disables a virtual machine function.\",\n \"Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/603,984, filed Jan. 23, 2015 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Virtualization may be used to provide some physical components as logical objects in order to allow running various software modules, for example, multiple operating systems, concurrently and in isolation from other software modules, on one or more interconnected physical computer systems.\",\n \"Virtualization allows, for example, consolidating multiple physical servers into one physical server running multiple virtual machines in order to improve the hardware utilization rate.\",\n \"Virtualization may be achieved by running a software layer, often referred to as hypervisor, above the hardware and below the virtual machines.\",\n \"A hypervisor may run directly on the server hardware without an operating system beneath it or as an application running under a traditional operating system.\",\n \"A hypervisor may virtualize the physical layer and provide interfaces between the underlying hardware and virtual devices of virtual machines.\",\n \"Processor virtualization may be implemented by the hypervisor scheduling time slots on one or more physical processors for a virtual machine, rather than a virtual machine actually having a dedicated physical processor.\",\n \"A virtualized computer system may provide routing and processing of interrupts.\",\n \"An interrupt generally refers to an event that requires a processor to execute event-specific instructions, which might involve the processor's holding the current thread of execution and/or switching contexts.\",\n \"SUMMARY The present disclosure provides a new and innovative system, methods and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, a system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virtual machine executing on the one or more physical processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more physical processors.\",\n \"The hypervisor activates a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.\",\n \"The hypervisor reads the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine.\",\n \"The hypervisor determines based on reading the interrupt data structure whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.\",\n \"Responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, the hypervisor disables a virtual machine function.\",\n \"Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram of an example multiprocessor computer system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a block diagram of an example virtual machine including an interrupt data structure according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 a block diagram of an example default page table and alternate page table according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a block diagram of exemplary page views and pages according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for using interrupt descriptor exiting for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure FIG.\",\n \"6 is a flow diagram illustrating a guest operating system and hypervisor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS FIG.\",\n \"1 depicts a high-level component diagram of an example multi-processor (or host) computer system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.\",\n \"The computer system 100 may include one or more interconnected nodes 110.Each node 110 may in turn include one or more physical processors 120 communicatively coupled to memory devices (MD) 130 and input/output (I/O) devices 140.As used herein, physical processor or processor refers to a device capable of executing instructions encoding arithmetic, logical, and/or I/O operations.\",\n \"In one illustrative example, a processor may follow Von Neumann architectural model and may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a control unit, and a plurality of registers.\",\n \"In a further aspect, a processor may be a single core processor which is typically capable of executing one instruction at a time (or process a single pipeline of instructions), or a multi-core processor which may simultaneously execute multiple instructions.\",\n \"In another aspect, a processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit, two or more integrated circuits, or may be a component of a multi-chip module (e.g., in which individual microprocessor dies are included in a single integrated circuit package and hence share a single socket).\",\n \"A processor may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU).\",\n \"As discussed herein, a memory device refers to a volatile or non-volatile memory device, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or any other device capable of storing data.\",\n \"As discussed herein, I/O device refers to a device capable of providing an interface between one or more processor pins and an external device capable of inputting and/or outputting binary data.\",\n \"Processors 120 may be interconnected using a variety of techniques, ranging from a point-to-point processor interconnect, to a system area network 150, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, such as an Ethernet-based network.\",\n \"Local connections within each node 110, including the connections between a processor 120 and a memory 130 and between a processor 120 and an I/O device 140 may be provided by one or more local buses 160 of suitable architecture, for example, peripheral component interconnect (PCI).\",\n \"As noted above, computer system 100 may run multiple virtual machines 170, by executing a software layer (e.g.\",\n \"hypervisor 180) above the hardware and below the virtual machines, as schematically shown in FIG.\",\n \"1.In one illustrative example, the hypervisor 180 may be a component of the operating system 185 executed by the computer system 100.Alternatively, the hypervisor 180 may be provided by an application running under the host operating system 185, or may run directly on the host computer system 100 without an operating system beneath it.\",\n \"The hypervisor 180 may virtualize the physical layer, including processors, memory, and I/O devices, and present this virtualization to virtual machines 170 as virtual devices, including virtual processors (VCPU) 190, virtual memory 192, and virtual I/O devices 194.A virtual machine 170 may execute a guest operating system 196 which may utilize the underlying virtual processors 190, virtual memory 192, and virtual I/O devices 194.One or more applications 198 may be running on a virtual machine 170 under the guest operating system 196.The guest operating system may include a virtual interrupt data structure (VIDS) 197.Exemplary embodiments of the VIDS 197 are described in greater detail below and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.A virtual machine 170 may include multiple virtual processors (VCPU) 190.Processor virtualization may be implemented by the hypervisor 180 scheduling time slots on one or more physical processors 120 such that from the guest operating system's perspective those time slots are scheduled on a virtual processor 190.The hypervisor 180 may provide one or more virtual machine functions (VM Functions 183) to a virtual machine 170.The code that a VM Function 183 runs on the physical processor(s) 120 may utilize the resources of host operating system (Host OS) 185, such as the memory devices 130, and the input/output devices 140 as well as the resources of one or more of the virtual machines 170 including the virtual processors 190, the virtual memory 192, and the virtual I/O devices 194.For example, the VM Function 183 may be called by a VM 170 to transfer data to, or access the resources of another VM 170.By contrast, each VM 170 may be limited to the use of its own resources including its VCPUs 190, virtual memory 192, and virtual I/O devices 194 unless it invokes a VM Function 183 as described below.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, the VM Function 183 may be invoked for a VM 170, by the guest OS 196 that is running on it.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, a VM Function 183 may only be invoked if hypervisor 180 provides permission or grants a request.\",\n \"For example, a VM 170 or guest OS 196 may invoke a VM Function to handle a task more efficiently or using greater resources than are presently available to the VM 170 or guest OS 196.In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 may also deny the request by causing an undefined opcode exception or a general protection fault exception whenever the VM Function 183 is invoked.\",\n \"The hypervisor may also include a default page table 181 and an alternate page table 182.Exemplary embodiments of these data structures are described in greater detail below and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3.FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an example embodiment of a virtual machine 170.During operation, an event may be triggered by the operation of virtual device 250.The virtual device 250 can report the event by sending a virtual interrupt request (VIRQ 245) to one of the VCPUs 190 via an interrupt controller 240.The VIRQ 245 is sent with an interrupt vector that is assigned to the event.\",\n \"The VIRQ 245 is passed to a system handler 210, which consults a virtual interrupt data structure (VIDS) 197, using the interrupt vector as an index.\",\n \"The VIDS 197 associates each interrupt vector with an interrupt service routine 220.For example, the VIDS 197 is indexed by interrupt vectors, allowing the system handler 210 to use interrupt vectors to locate pointers to the corresponding interrupt service routines 220.The interrupt service routines 220 may then handle the event by causing the VCPU 190 to execute event handling code to perform appropriate operations.\",\n \"The present disclosure is not limited to the structure of the system illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"2.In an example embodiment, the virtual device 250 may be external to the VM 170 and/or the VIDS 197 may be stored externally to the VM 170.In another example embodiment, the system handler 210, interrupt service routines 220, and interrupt manager 230 may be on the hypervisor 180.FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates a default page table 181 and an alternate page table 182 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"In general, the hypervisor 180 manages the memory usage of the VMs 170.Both virtual memory and physical memory may be divided into pages which are identified with a unique number (e.g., Page Frame Number (PFN) 310A-E or 340A-F).\",\n \"Exemplary embodiments of pages and page views are described in greater detail below and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"4.A page table is a data structure used by the hypervisor 180 to store a mapping of physical addresses for the guest (e.g., used by the guest OS 196 on VM 170) to physical addresses for the host (e.g., used by the host hardware platform 100).\",\n \"Accordingly, address translation from guest-physical to host-physical memory addresses is handled using page tables.\",\n \"For example, each process or application operating within the VMs 170 may be given the impression that there is a contiguous section of memory available, when in reality, the available memory may be spread across various memory devices 130.The page tables 181 and 182 comprise entries that map a virtual PFN 310A-E (or 340A-F) with a physical address 330A-E (or 360A-F).\",\n \"The page tables 181 and 182 may be used together with any paging data structure used by the VMs 170 to support translation from virtual to physical addresses (e.g., 32-bit linear address space using a two-level hierarchical paging structure, Physical Address Extension mode, INTEL Extended Memory 64 Technology mode, etc.).\",\n \"In an example embodiment, page tables 181 and 182 may also include a protection identifier 320A-E (or 350A-F).\",\n \"The protection identifier 320A-E (or 350A-F) indicates the access protection status of a page for the page view described by the page table.\",\n \"A protection status may used to define for example that a given page is writable (or read-write), write-protected (or read-only), executable (or executable and readable), executable only, inaccessible (or non-present), etc.\",\n \"For example, in FIG.\",\n \"3, the page associated with virtual PFN x0001 and memory location x03FF has been defined in default page table 181 as ‘Read-Only’.\",\n \"The page associated with virtual PFN x0001 is associated with memory location x01AF in alternate page table 182 and has been defined as ‘Read-Write’.\",\n \"The hypervisor 180 may be used to control to protection status of pages.\",\n \"In addition, in an example embodiment, the page tables 181 and 182 may include additional information not shown in FIG.\",\n \"3 including statistics information, background information, dirty identifiers which indicate that modifications to a page must be written back to disk, etc.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, one or more default page tables 181 may be maintained by the hypervisor 180 for each of the VMs 170 which maps virtual addresses to physical addresses that are accessible by each of the VMs 170.For example, the page table entries in the default page table 181 corresponding to the virtual PFNs (e.g.\",\n \"310A-E) of an interrupt data structure (e.g., VIDS 197) on the VM 170 is accessed by physical CPU 120 when looking up pointers to interrupt service routines.\",\n \"The pointers to these interrupt service routines themselves provide a virtual PFN that is consulted in the default page table 181 to convert the pointers to physical addresses of the host computer system 100.In an example embodiment, in order to convert a virtual PFN to a host physical address, the hypervisor 180 may also consult page table 181, together with any paging data structure that the VMs 170 use to support translation from virtual to physical addresses.\",\n \"One or more alternate page tables 182 may be maintained by the hypervisor 180 for each of one or more VM Functions 183 which maps virtual addresses to physical addresses that are accessible by each of the VM Functions 183.For example, a portion of the entries in an alternate page table 182 (e.g., 360B-360E) may correspond to physical pages at which the VM Function 183 is located.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, one or more alternate page tables 182 may additionally be maintained by the hypervisor 180 for an interrupt data structure (e.g.\",\n \"VIDS 197) on the VM 170.As illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"3, in an example embodiment, an alternate page table 182 may be more expansive than a default page table 181 in order to permit the VM Functions 183 to access a larger set of memory resources than the VMs 170 have access to.\",\n \"However, the sizes of different page tables may vary and that the degree of overlap between different page tables may vary (e.g., there may be no overlap).\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates page views and pages, for example a default page view 410, an alternate page view 420, and pages 430A-E and 440A-F, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"As noted above, a page may be a portion of physical or virtual memory designated for storing data.\",\n \"As used herein, a page view denotes a mapping from guest-physical addresses to host-physical addresses.\",\n \"For example, a default page view 410 is a page view that is referenced by a default page table 181.In an example embodiment, the default page view 410 may denote the mapping from virtual PFNs of a VM 170 to host-physical addresses, as used during normal execution of the virtual machine.\",\n \"An alternate page view 420 is a page view that is referenced by an alternate page table 182, as used during execution of the VM Function 183.In an example embodiment, the alternate page view 420 may denote a mapping from addresses designated for use by the VM Function 183 to host-physical addresses.\",\n \"In the illustrated example in FIG.\",\n \"4, only a portion of pages on alternate page view 420 are designated for use by the VM Function 183 (e.g., 440B-E) and the remaining pages (e.g., 440A and 440F) refer to locations in the alternate page view 420 that are outside the memory location of the VM Function 183.As illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"4, pages (e.g., 430A and 440A) may be defined by access protections (described above in more detail) such as ‘Read-Only’ or ‘Read-Write’ in accordance with their respective page table protection identifiers (e.g., 320A and 350A).\",\n \"A VM Function 183 may change the mapping of guest-physical addresses to host-physical addresses, e.g., page views 410 or 420, by changing the page tables 181 or 182 that the processor 120 uses to perform memory accesses in the VM 170.FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500 for using interrupt descriptor exiting for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions.\",\n \"Although the example method 500 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5, it will be appreciated that many other methods of performing the acts associated with the method 500 may be used.\",\n \"For example, the order of some of the blocks may be changed, certain blocks may be combined with other blocks, and some of the blocks described are optional.\",\n \"The method 500 may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.\",\n \"), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, the method is performed by a hypervisor (e.g., hypervisor 180 of FIG.\",\n \"1).\",\n \"The example method 500 starts and the hypervisor 180, block 510, activates a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine.\",\n \"For example, prior to a guest OS 196 executing an instruction that loads VIDS 197 on VM 170, the hypervisor 180 may activate a trap.\",\n \"Activating a trap to hypervisor 180 for a particular instruction in this manner can be used to cause the hypervisor to emulate the execution of guest instructions on the code of the hypervisor itself.\",\n \"For example, when the guest OS 196 executes an instruction that loads VIDS 197 on VM 170, the prior activated trap may cause a descriptor exit to the hypervisor 180 that causes the hypervisor to emulate running the guest OS 196 on the hypervisor's own code and processors.\",\n \"The use of descriptor exiting is merely exemplary, and there are many other ways to activate a trap to the hypervisor in accordance with the present disclosure.\",\n \"In an exemplary embodiment, activating a trap may include requesting that a processor 120 enable a trap to the hypervisor 180 such that responsive to the guest OS 196 executing an instruction, the enabled (i.e.\",\n \"activated) trap causes the hypervisor 180 to emulate running the guest OS 196.The hypervisor 180 then, block 520, reads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 reads an interrupt data structure 197 by first detecting a ‘load pointer to interrupt data structure’ instruction, whose operands could include a pointer to the first entry of the interrupt data structure.\",\n \"For example, the hypervisor 180 may load an internal register code with this pointer and call an analysis routine internal to the hypervisor 180.The hypervisor 180 then, block 530, determines based on reading the interrupt data structure whether the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view.\",\n \"For example, the hypervisor 182 may determine whether the interrupt service routines 220 associated with the interrupt data structure 197 points to an executable page in the alternate page table 182.In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 makes this determination by retrieving the addresses of the interrupt service routines 220 from the interrupt data structure 197 of a particular VM 170 and reading the entries that correspond to the addresses in one or more page tables (e.g.\",\n \"page tables 181 and/or 182) on the hypervisor 180.For example, the hypervisor 180 may read the address for the interrupt service routine and then the entry for the address in one or more alternate page tables 182 to determine if the interrupt service routine can be accessed as an alternate page view 420 corresponding to the alternate page tables 182.If the hypervisor 180 determines that the interrupt data structure 197 points to an alternate page view 420, then the hypervisor 180 disables a virtual machine function 183 (block 540).\",\n \"For example, if the hypervisor 180 determines that an interrupt service routine 220 listed in the interrupt data structure 197 is executable when accessed as an alternate page view 420, then the hypervisor 180 disables a virtual machine function 183.A virtual machine function 183 may be disabled in a variety of ways.\",\n \"In an example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 may disable the virtual machine function 183 by modifying code that invokes virtual machine function 183.For example, this code modification might involve adding or replacing code in the memory location where the VM Function 183 execution instruction is stored.\",\n \"This modification may involve incorporating code that returns an error message when executed or generating a hypercall that executes code in the hypervisor 180 that would have been available in the alternate page view 420.In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine on which the analyzed interrupt data structure resides, to restrict access to one or more memory resources.\",\n \"For example, the hypervisor 180 can set a flag of one or more VCPUs 190 on the virtual machine 170 so that the virtual machine 170 will not be able to access alternate page views 420 or alternate resources.\",\n \"Accordingly, upon encountering a VM Function 183 instruction, a processor 120 may then exit to the hypervisor 180 and execute code in the hypervisor 180 that returns an error message, or execute code in the hypervisor 180 that would have been available in the alternate page view 420.In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 disables the virtual machine function by modifying access permissions of one or more memory resources accessed by the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 disables the VM Function 183 by modifying one or more alternate page views 420 associated with the VM Function 183 that the hypervisor 180 seeks to disable to match a default page view 410 associated with the virtual machine.\",\n \"Additionally, the hypervisor 180 may determine that certain alternate page views 420 are associated with a VM Function 183 that the hypervisor 180 seeks to disable.\",\n \"Then the hypervisor 180 can modify one or more alternate page tables 182 to make these page views non-present or inaccessible.\",\n \"The hypervisor 180 may determine which VM function 183 to disable based on the following.\",\n \"Upon determining that the interrupt data structure of interest points to an alternate page view 420 (as described in block 520), the hypervisor 180 may analyze which virtual machine function corresponds to the one or more alternate page tables 182 that contain pointers to the alternate page view 420 described in determining block 520.In yet another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 modify the permissions of the interrupt data structure 197 to restrict access by the virtual machine 170.For example, the hypervisor can change the alternate page view 420 for the interrupt data structure 197 of a virtual machine 170, modifying the permissions of the interrupt data structure 197 to restrict access by the virtual machine 170.The hypervisor 180 may modify these permissions in alternate page tables 182 to make one or more alternate page views 420 that correspond to the interrupt data structure non-present or inaccessible to the virtual machine 170.In another example embodiment, the hypervisor 180 can modify permissions of the interrupt data structure to make the interrupt data structure non-writable or read-only by the virtual machine.\",\n \"The hypervisor 180 can modify permissions in this manner preemptively, without the above discussed analyzing and determining according to blocks 510 and 520, or in addition to example method 500.For example, a hypervisor may modify permissions in the alternate page table responsive to a determination that an interrupt data structure 197 does not point to alternate page view 420.More particularly, if the hypervisor 180 determines that the interrupt service routines 220 listed in the interrupt data structure 197 are not executable when accessed as alternate page views 420, the hypervisor 180 may modify the permissions of the interrupt data structure 197 to make the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine 170.Disabling a VM Function 183 or modifying the permissions of a page data structure 181, 182 as described in the present disclosure, significantly limits the access to virtual and physical resources of a computer system by the source of an interrupt (e.g.\",\n \"a VM 170, guest OS 196, application 198, physical or virtual devices, malicious code, etc.)\",\n \"through the use of an interrupt data structure 197.Moreover, injecting interrupts via a virtual machine while a virtual machine function is executing may cause one or more VMs, host OS's, or guest OS's to crash, for example, if the interrupt data structure 197 points to code in memory that adversely affects execution of code for VM Function 183, or accesses resources that are not available in a default page view 410, but which are available in an alternate page view 420.The present disclosure advantageously protects a computer system 100 from the above described problems.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates a flow diagram including a VM 170 and hypervisor 180 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"At block 630, the guest OS 196 loads a VIDS 197 on VM 170 prior to sending a request to the hypervisor 180 to invoke a virtual machine function 183.This request is transmitted to the hypervisor 180 (block 640).\",\n \"The hypervisor 180 may then determine whether to block the VM Function 183.At block 650, hypervisor 180 reads VIDS 197.The hypervisor 180 may then determine whether an interrupt data structure 197 points to an alternate page view 420 as described above and shown in FIG.\",\n \"5 (block 652).\",\n \"For example, the hypervisor 180 may determine whether an interrupt service routine 220 listed in VIDS 197 points to an executable page in an alternate page table 182.In response to this determination the hypervisor 180 may then disable VM Function 183 as described above and shown in FIG.\",\n \"5 (block 654).\",\n \"Then, the hypervisor may finish executing and return (blocks 656 and 660).\",\n \"It will be appreciated that all of the disclosed methods and procedures described herein can be implemented using one or more computer programs or components.\",\n \"These components may be provided as a series of computer instructions on any conventional computer readable medium or machine readable medium, including volatile or non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical disks, optical memory, or other storage media.\",\n \"The instructions may be provided as software or firmware, and/or may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware components such as ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs or any other similar devices.\",\n \"The instructions may be configured to be executed by one or more processors, which when executing the series of computer instructions, performs or facilitates the performance of all or part of the disclosed methods and procedures.\",\n \"Aspects of the subject matter described herein may be useful alone or in combination with one or more other aspects described herein.\",\n \"Without limiting the following description, in a first exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises a memory, one or more processors coupled to the memory, a virtual machine executing on the one or more processors, and a hypervisor executing on the one or more processors to activate a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on the virtual machine, read the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine, determine based on reading the interrupt data structure that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, and responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, disable a virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with the first aspect, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in an alternate page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function including incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying an alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.\",\n \"In a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method comprises activating, by a hypervisor executing on a computer system, a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, reading, by the hypervisor, the interrupt data structure on the virtual machine, determining, by the hypervisor, based on reading the interrupt data structure that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, and responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, disabling, by the hypervisor, a virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in an alternate page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function including incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying an alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.\",\n \"In a third exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium comprises executable instructions that, when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to activate, by a hypervisor executing on a computer system, a trap to the hypervisor prior to an execution of an instruction that loads an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, read, by the hypervisor, an interrupt data structure on a virtual machine, determine, by the hypervisor, based on reading the interrupt data structure that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, and responsive to determining that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view, disable, by the hypervisor, a virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in a page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in two or more page data structures.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor determines that the interrupt data structure points to an alternate page view by retrieving one or more addresses of the interrupt service routines from the interrupt data structure and reading one or more entries that correspond to the one or more addresses in an alternate page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying code that invokes the virtual machine function including incorporating code that returns an error message when executed.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by setting an access flag of the virtual machine to restrict access to one or more memory resources that can be accessed by the virtual machine function.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor disables the virtual machine function by modifying an alternate page data structure to match a default page data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the alternate page view non-present to the virtual machine.\",\n \"In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used in combination with any one or more of the preceding aspects, the hypervisor modifies a permission of the interrupt data structure including making the interrupt data structure non-writable by the virtual machine.\",\n \"It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the example embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.\",\n \"Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages.\",\n \"It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875112"}}},{"rowIdx":4494785,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND/OR TREATING ONE OR MORE MEDICAL CONDITIONS VIA NEUROMODULATION","Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.","The systems and methods can employ a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site."],["1.A microstimulator comprising: a body; and an electrically conductive insert, arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with an external electronic device, wherein the electrically conductive insert receives a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site.","2.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert further comprises: an electrically conductive plate having a surface area to receive the power signal from the external electronic device; and an electrode, electrically coupled to the electrically conductive plate, to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site.","3.The microstimulator of claim 2, wherein the electrode is physically connected to the conductive plate.","4.The microstimulator of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a reference electrode or a return electrode isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.","5.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a curved portion extending between and connecting the horizontal portion and the vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion and the vertical portion are arranged at an angle relative to one another.","6.The microstimulator of claim 5, wherein the angle is from 70 degrees to 120 degrees.","7.The microstimulator of claim 5, wherein the vertical portion has a length that is less than a length of the horizontal portion.","8.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert is arranged in a circular or oval cross section.","9.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert comprises at least one other material deposited upon a nonconductive material.","10.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a longitudinal central lumen.","11.The microstimulator of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises at least one radial channel in fluid communication with the central lumen, wherein the at least one radial channel allows fluid drainage to coat at least a portion of the exterior of the body.","12.The microstimulator of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises one or more peripheral channels that extend transverse to, and are in fluid communication with, the central lumen, wherein the one or more peripheral channels is configured to facilitate at least one of fluid drainage and pharmaceutical delivery in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site.","13.The microstimulator of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises a sensor to measure a property of a fluid flowing therethrough.","14.The microstimulator of claim 1, further comprising a faceplate disposed at a proximal end of the body and covering at least a portion of the body.","15.The microstimulator of claim 14, wherein the faceplate is impregnated with a pharmaceutical for release into the biological target site.","16.The microstimulator of claim 15, wherein the body comprises one or more radial channels to control the release of the pharmaceutical into the biological target site.","17.The microstimulator of claim 16, wherein an outside surface of the faceplate is bathed in tear fluid in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site to trigger release of the pharmaceutical."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.","The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.","Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.","The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.","Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.","Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.","A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega- 3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.","Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.","The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.","The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal."],["RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/851,842, filed Dec. 22, 2017, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Preventing, Diagnosing, and/or Treating one or More Medical Conditions via Neuromodulation”.","U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/851,842 claims the benefit of U.S.","Provisional Application No.","62/589,877, filed Nov. 22, 2017, entitled “Nasolacrimal Tear Microstimulator”.","U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/851,842 is also a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451, filed Jun.","13, 2016, and entitled “Nasolacrimal Implants and Related Methods for Tear Stimulation”, which claims priority to U.S.","Provisional Applications 62/321,961, filed Apr.","13, 2016, and 62/180,225, filed Jun.","16, 2015.Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.","TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions via neuromodulation.","The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used, as an example, to use neuromodulation to induce tear production to treat or prevent the medical condition of dry eye disease.","BACKGROUND Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.","The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.","Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.","The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.","Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.","Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.","A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.","Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time.","SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.","The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.","The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 illustrates a neural modulation system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG.","2 illustrates a capacitive coupling between the implantable microstimulator and the external electronic device of FIG.","1 established across a dielectric medium; FIG.","3 illustrates an example configuration of the implantable microstimulator of FIG.","1; FIG.","4 illustrates a side-view of an eye of a subject, depicting the three layers of naturally produced tears; FIG.","5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.","6 illustrates anatomical features related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.","7 illustrates an example structure of the microstimulator of FIG.","1 implemented for inducing tear production; FIG.","8 illustrates an example configuration of a flex circuit of the microstimulator of FIG.","7; FIG.","9 illustrates another example configuration of the microstimulator of FIG.","7 constructed without the flex circuit; FIGS.","10, 11, and 12 each illustrate different views of the example structure of the microstimulator of FIGS.","8 and 9; FIG.","13 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for powering an implantable microstimulator in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG.","14 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a number of terms are defined below.","Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in the areas relevant to this disclosure.","Terms such as “a,” “an” and “the” are not intended to refer only to the singular entity, but can also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.","The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.","As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.","Additionally, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.","may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.","These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.","Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.","The sequence of operations (or acts/steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.","As used herein, the term “medical condition” can refer to an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","As used herein, the term “ocular” can refer to something of, for, or like the eye.","An ocular disorder can be, for example, dry eye.","In order to restore ocular health to a patient with dry eye, a physiology normal amount, level, and/or degree of tears in the eye can be restored and/or maintained to minimize and/or alleviate dryness.","Such minimization and/or alleviation of dryness may treat or prevent at least one symptom associated with dry eye disease, such as stinging, burning, and/or scratchy sensation in the eyes; stringy mucus in or around an eye; increased eye irritation from smoke or wind; eye fatigue; eye sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in the eye; difficulty wearing contact lenses; periods of excessive tearing; and blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period.","As used herein, the terms “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system” can be used interchangeably to refer to any one or more connected anatomical structures having two small openings (e.g., puncta).","As an example, the puncta may be located in an upper and/or a lower eyelid, wherein these small openings lead to a small tube (e.g., canaliculus) which, in turn, empties into a lacrimal sac and then into a canal called the nasolacrimal duct.","It will be understood that the term “drainage system” also may be used interchangeably with “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system”.","As used herein, the term “medical device” can refer to any objected that is designed to be placed or implanted partially or wholly within a patient's body and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the patient's body for one or more therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.","Examples of such therapeutic or prophylactic purposes can include: tissue augmentation, tissue stimulation, contouring, restoring physiological function, repairing and/or restoring tissues damaged by disease or trauma, and/or delivering therapeutic agents to normal, damaged, and/or diseased organs and tissues.","While medical devices are often composed of biologically compatible synthetic materials (e.g., medical-grade stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, and/or other metals; exogenous polymers, such as polyurethane, silicone, PLA, PLGA, PGA, PCL, etc.","), other materials also may be used in the construction of the medical implant.","While not limiting the present disclosure to any particular device, specific medical devices and implants that are particularly relevant to this disclosure include stents, punctal plugs, Crawford tubes, catheters, lacrimal tubes, ocular or other shunts.","In some examples, the device may incorporate a contrast material and/or opaque material(s) that may allow for visualization with standard imaging devices (for example, barium to allow for x-ray visualization).","In some instances, the medical device can be an implantable device, such as: a neurostimulator, a microstimulator, a device configured to monitor a physiological response of the patient's tissue, a therapeutic agent delivery device, a bone graft, and a sensor.","In other instances, the medical device can be a removable device, such as a surgical instrument.","As used herein, the terms “medical device”, “implant”, “device”, “medical implant”, “implant/device”, and the like can be used interchangeably.","As used herein, the term “implanted” can refer to a state in which at least a portion of a device (such as a medical device) is placed or inserted within a host and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the host.","In some instances, a medical device can be completely placed or implanted within the host.","However, in other instances, some of the medical device can reach or extend to the outside of the host.","When a device is referred to as being “implantable”, the device can be capable of being implanted within the host.","As used herein, the term “proximal” can refer to a location situation and/or positioned toward a point of origin (e.g., between a medical professional and an implantable microstimulator).","In other words, the term “proximal” may refer to a position relatively close to the exterior of the body of a patient and/or closer to a medical professional.","As used herein, the term “distal” can refer to a location situation and/or position away from a point of origin (e.g., behind a lacrimal implant device relative to a physician).","In other words, the term “distal” may refer to a position relatively further away from the exterior of the body of a patient and/or further away from a medical processional.","As used herein, the terms “prevention” and/or “preventing” can refer to preventing or slowing development of a disease or disorder in a patient.","As used herein, the terms “treat”, “treating”, and/or “treatment” can refer to the act of reducing and/or eliminating symptoms of a disease or disorder to improve a condition of a patient to some degree, delaying progression of the disease or disorder, or providing some other effect related to the disease or disorder.","As used herein, the terms “therapeutically effective amount” and/or “pharmaceutically effective amount” can refer to an amount which, when administered to a patient for treating a disease or disorder, will effect such treatment for the disease or disorder.","As used herein, the terms “therapy signal” and “stimulation signal” can refer to an electrical signal designed for neuromodulation.","The stimulation signal can be delivered to a patient's tissue of interest for neuromodulation (e.g., stimulation).","As used herein, the term “feedback signal” can refer to a signal provided in response to application of the therapy signal for neuromodulation.","As used herein, the term “medical professional” can refer to any person involved the conducting a procedure involving a medical device including, but not limited to, physicians, medical students, nurse practitioners, nurses, operators, and other staff.","As used herein, the term “patient” can refer to any living or non-living warm-blooded organism including, but not limited to, a human being, a pig, a rat, a mouse, a dog, a cat, a goat, a sheep, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a rabbit, a cow, etc.","Non-limiting examples of human subjects are adults, juveniles, infants, and fetuses.","The terms “patient” and “subject” can be used interchangeably herein.","As used herein, the term “coupled” and/or “coupling” can refer to the pairing of two objects.","The coupling can be wireless, but, in other instances, the coupling can be wired or a combination of wired and wireless.","The coupling can facilitate the exchange of current between the two objects and may be, for example, capacitive, resistive, inductive, or the like.","As used herein, the term “biomaterial” can refer to any substance (other than a drug or pharmaceutical) or combination of substances, synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used for any period of time as a hole or as a part of a system that treats, augments, or replaces any cell, tissue, organ, and/or function of the body.","As used herein, the term “biocompatibility” can refer to the ability of a material, such as a biomaterial, to perform a specific application with an appropriate host response.","As used herein, the term “dielectric medium” can refer to a substance, medium, ir bidy that can sustain an electrical field therewithin.","II.","Overview The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","As an example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to induce tear production via neuromodulation to treat or prevent dry eye disease.","Although the induction of tear production is an example use of the present disclosure, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to induction of treat production.","Instead, the present disclosure is related to preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.","Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, and/or glaucoma.","As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but is not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.","Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods employing neuromodulation to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.","The neuromodulation can be achieved via application of an electrical signal to an anatomical structure.","As an example, when the medical condition is dry eye disease, the anatomical structure can include at least a portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system, so that one or more nerves within the portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system can be neuromodulated to produce bilateral or unilateral lacrimation.","The electrical signal can be delivered to the anatomical structure by a microstimulator.","The microstimulator can be placed or inserted within the anatomical structure and wirelessly coupled to an external electronic device.","For example, the microstimulator can be capacitively coupled to the external electronic device with the patient's skin acting as a dielectric medium.","As such, the microstimulator can receive a power signal from the external electronic device.","III.","Systems One aspect of the present disclosure can include a neuromodulation system.","The neuromodulation system can deliver a therapy signal to a target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.","The therapy signal can be, for example, a stimulation signal configured to stimulate a portion of the target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.","The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.","As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.","Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","The neuromodulation system can include an implantable microstimulator 201 and an external electronic device 202.The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to the anatomical structure.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured for insertion into an anatomical structure of a subject.","At least a portion of the implantable microstimulator 201 configured to contact the anatomical structure can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can be shaped and sized to correspond to the specific anatomical structure.","The anatomical structure can be chosen based on the presence of a particular target nerve or nerves.","The target nerve, upon activation, can cause the occurrence of a physiologic function.","As an example, the target nerve can be part of a neurological reflex.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can have the capability to deliver a stimulation signal (or therapy signal) to the target nerve or nerves within the anatomical structure to induce a physiologic function.","The stimulation signal can be an electrical signal, such as a direct current signal, an alternating current signal, or the like, and can be configured as a charge balanced symmetric or asymmetric biphasic waveform, a charge imbalanced asymmetric biphasic waveform, and/or a monophasic waveform depending on the application.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can also provide additional functionality in addition to delivering the stimulation signal.","As one example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can have the ability to facilitate drainage of one or more fluids inside the anatomical structure.","As another example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be capable of eluding a drug or other pharmaceutical substance into the anatomical structure.","In a further example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can provide feedback related to application of the stimulation signal.","In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be activated, powered, and/or controlled by the external electronic device 202.The microstimulator 201, in an example, can be operable as a slave device to the master external electronic device 201.However, in other examples, the microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202 can be components of a closed loop control system, where the implantable microstimulator 201 provides the additional functionality of recording feedback information from the anatomical structure and sending the feedback information back to the external electronic device 202.The external electronic device can send the feedback information to an external expert device 203 for further analysis.","In either example, the external electronic device 202 can be configured to generate a power transfer waveform (or power signal) that is sent to the implantable microstimulator 201 to activate, power, and/or control the implantable microstimulator 201.The implantable microstimulator 201 may not include a dedicated power source, like a battery, and, instead, may rely on the power signal for activation, power, and/or control.","In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can pair the power transfer waveform with a carrier waveform.","For example, the carrier waveform can be transposed on top of the power transfer waveform and may be used for data transmission and/or control functions.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can be electronically coupled to the external electronic device 202 to exchange the power signal and/or a feedback signal.","The electronic coupling can be a wired coupling and/or a wireless coupling.","One example of a wireless coupling between the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 is a capacitive coupling, as shown in FIG.","2.Although capacitive coupling is the example of wireless coupling described in more detail herein, it will be understood that the wireless coupling may be an antenna coupling, an inductive coupling, a resonant inductive coupling, a resistive coupling, an optical coupling, or the like.","It will be understood that the implantable microstimulator 201 may include circuitry necessary to be activated, powered, and/or controlled from the external electronic device 202 according to the type of coupling.","Using the capacitive coupling of FIG.","2, the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 can achieve capacitive power transfer.","Both the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are separated by a dielectric medium 213 (or dielectric medium), so that the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are on either side of the dielectric medium 213.The dielectric medium 213 can be, for example, at least a portion of a subject's body.","For example, the portion of the subject's body can include skin.","Although the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are both illustrated as contacting the dielectric medium 213, it will be understood that one or both of the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 need not contact the dielectric medium 213 and may be separated from the dielectric medium 213 by a distance less than or equal to a threshold value.","The threshold value can depend on the use and orientation of the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202 can include an external plate 212, while the implantable microstimulator 201 can include an internal plate 211.When the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211 are aligned across the dielectric medium 213 (e.g., each plate 211, 212 being in parallel to the dielectric medium 213), the capacitive coupling is created.","The “external plate” and the “internal plate” need not be plates per se.","Instead, term “plate” is used to mean “portion” or “component”, which may be of a length, width, and/or diameter limited only by the length, width, and/or diameter of the implantable microstimulator 201.Capacitive power transfer can occur when the voltage of either the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211 is varied.","The configuration of the overall capacitance, surface area of the capacitive plates 211, 212, distance between the plates 211, 212, dielectric medium 213 separating the plates 211, 212, and/or the voltage of the power signal is deterministic for the amount and efficiency of the capacitive power transfer.","Compared to traditional capacitive power transfer, the capacitive power transfer of FIG.","2 has a reduced complexity by varying the voltage at just one of the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211.FIG.","3 shows an example of the capacitive power transfer within the implantable microstimulator 201.The capacitive power transfer can occur using the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211, with a reference electrode located on the external electronic device 202 and another reference electrode located in the microstimulator 201 (represented as return electrode 214).","Stimulation occurs via a power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 is connected to the internal plate 211 so the power signal is converted to the stimulation signal directly.","In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 may include additional components between the internal plate 211 and the power electrode 213 to facilitate the conversion of the power signal to the stimulation signal.","The internal plate 212 is used in the transfer of power from the external electronic device 202 to the implantable microstimulator 201, the power electrode 213 delivers the stimulation signal to the tissue of interest (the stimulation signal is based on the power received from the external electronic device 202), while the return electrode 214 acts as a passive return reference, establishing a common ground between the implantable microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202.The internal plate 211 of the microstimulator 201 can be electrically connected to the power electrode 213, but electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 can also be electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214, but connected to the subject's body to deliver the stimulation signal.","It should be noted that the components of the implantable microstimulator 201 are not drawn to scale.","In some examples, the internal plate 211 can extend along the entirety of the implantable microstimulator 201.In other examples, the insulation 215 can be more extensive or less extensive than shown.","Additionally, the power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214 can be arranged in a different manner than shown.","As an example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can include a flex circuit or other means to establish an internal capacitor between the internal plate 211/power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.Advantageously, in this example, the implantable microstimulator 201 need not include any active or passive circuit elements within the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, shown in FIG.","1, can be operated by a medical professional and/or by the subject in need of the neuromodulation.","In instances where the subject operates the external electronic device 202, the external electronic device 202 can be designed in a manner that is easy for the subject to use, such as in a form that is attachable to the subject's skin, in a form capable of being held or placed against the subject's skin, worn by the patient, or the like.","For example, the external electronic device 202 can be embodied in a form that is familiar to the subject, such as a key fob, a pen-like cylinder, a sleep mask, pair of glasses, a nose clip, a flexible bandage, virtual reality (VR) goggles, or the like.","Regardless of form, the external electronic device 202 includes all elements necessary to generate the power signal and/or the carrier signal, and other electronics to power, control and/or manipulate the microstimulator 201.For example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a power source to deliver the power signal and/or the carrier signal.","As another example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a controller to control delivery of the power signal.","The power source and the controller can be enclosed within a casing.","Additionally, the casing can also include at least a portion configured to contact the subject's skin that includes an electrically conductive material, which can be at least partially biocompatible.","Additionally, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with one or more microstimulators 201.However, in some instances, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with two or more microstimulators 201 so that each of the microstimulators 201 can apply the therapy signal when signaled to do so.","In some instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a unilateral manner, but in other instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a bilateral manner.","The unilateral or bilateral nature of capacitive power transfer can be controlled individually.","Moreover, the external electronic device 201 can include a mechanism to allow the subject to control the amount and duration of the stimulation, such as one or more input buttons that allow the subject to control stimulation amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and/or stimulation duration or other aspects of the stimulation.","The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can include one or more input buttons that allow for user control of the stimulation parameters.","In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can have an onboard memory to store data related to use of the system, including stimulation parameters, duration, power efficiencies, biofeedback signals, subject input, and the like.","For example, the external electronic device 202 can include the ability to store data relative to the subject's medical condition via sensors within the microstimulator 201, via sensors on the external electronic device 202, or via input from the subject (e.g., in an application that is linked via Bluetooth or other wireless communication mechanism to the external electronic device 202).","The data that is collected can be used to create closed loop therapies, provide relative health data to a medical professional, track personal health related information, saved for future therapy improvements or innovations (e.g., stored as “big data”), or the like.","The stored data can be used, for example, to alert a medical provider when the microstimulator 201 may need to be replaced or feedback regarding the medical condition, to alert the subject when the medical condition occurs, to determine when the stimulation should be delivered, etc.","In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a feedback system to provide feedback to the subject.","The feedback provided to the subject can be a visual feedback, an audio feedback, a touch/pressure/vibration feedback, or the like.","The feedback system can be used to guide placement of the external electronic device 202 to establish the capacitive link with the implantable microstimulator 201.The feedback system may also provide alerts to the subject during therapy.","For example, the alerts can be provided when 50% of the max amplitude has been reached, 100% of the max amplitude has been reached, the duration of the stimulation is 50% complete, the duration of the stimulation is 100% complete, the position of the external electronic device 202 has been moved and needs to be realigned, or the like.","In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can automatically control therapy.","The subject can use the feedback system to place the external electronic device 202 correctly, and the external electronic device 202 can automatically ramp up the therapy signal until the therapy signal reaches a pre-determined level that is known to be comfortable and effective for the subject.","The external electronic device 202 can receive biofeedback to control delivery of the therapy signal.","For example, the external electronic device 202 can include or interface with a camera, a Doppler system, or other type of sensor to provide biofeedback signals.","In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a communication mechanism to communicate with an external expert device 203 and/or to communicate with the microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can receive control and power parameters from the external expert device 203 according to a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.","For example, the communication mechanism can include a Bluetooth communication mechanism or other type of wireless communication mechanism.","The expert device 203 can be associated with a medical professional to communicate with the external electronic device 202 to adjust stimulation parameters associated with the microstimulator 201 and/or to assess functionality of the microstimulator 201.Alternatively, the expert device 203 can include a mobile application that can interact with the external electronic device 202 and a device associated with a medical professional.","As another example, the expert device 203 can be a cloud-based server.","In another instance, the expert device 203 can interface with and/or include a physician programmer.","The physician programmer can be configured as a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone appliance, a tablet application or other suitable means.","The physician programmer allows the physician to modulate the therapy for each subject.","The physician programmer is configured to allow the physician to input, save, store and recall information about a specific subject's therapy into/from a secure database.","As an example, the physician programmer can establish different therapy levels for the subject (e.g., the first instance of a therapeutic effect, the highest level tolerated by the subject, etc.","), and the subject can choose from the different therapy levels for each application of the therapy.","The physician programmer can also determine the effectiveness of the capacitive link, the power transfer efficiency, and the like.","As such, the physician programmer can determine the optimum placement of the external conductive pads by providing real time feedback regarding the capacitive link.","An example use of the neuromodulation system of FIG.","1 is inducing tear production to treat or prevent dry eye disease.","A description of dry eye disease is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.","Tears are produced via unilateral or bilateral reflex lacrimation, which can be induced via neuromodulation of one or more nerves that innervate the punctum and/or canaliculus of the nasolacrimal drainage system.","Similarly, a description of tear production is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.","A general depiction of physiology of an eye of a subject is shown in FIGS.","4-6.However, U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451 provides a more detailed description of the physiology of the subject's eye.","FIG.","4 illustrates a side view of an eye 6 of a subject, including three layers of naturally produced tears.","For example, as shown in FIG.","4, naturally produced tears include an outer oily layer 6A, a middle watery layer (or aqueous layer) 6B, and an inner mucus layer 6C, which is spread across the surface of the eye (the ocular surface) whenever the subject blinks, thereby providing lubrication, washing away foreign matter, reducing the risk of infection, and keeping the surface of the eye 6 smooth and clear.","FIG.","5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye 6 and the lacrimal system of a subject.","Such nerves and blood vessels include the dorsal nasal vessel 80, the frontal 81, the medial palpebral 82, the supraorbital 83, the anterior ethmoidal 84, the posterior ethmoidal 85, the muscular 88, the bulb of the eye 89, the ciliary 90, the arteria centralis retinae 91, the lacrimal 92, the zygomatic branches 94, the ophthalmic 96, the internal carotid 97, the lacrimal gland 2, and the optic nerve 98.FIG.","6 illustrates additional anatomical features related to the lacrimal system of the eye 6 of a subject.","As shown, the lacrimal gland 2 is positioned in the upper outer portion of the orbit of each eye 6.The lacrimal gland 2 includes the orbital (superior) portion 2A and the palpebral (inferior) portion 2B.","The lacrimal gland 2 secretes the aqueous layer 6B of tears 4, which are delivered from the lacrimal gland 2 to the surface of the eye 6 via one or more channels or ducts 8 of the lacrimal gland 2.Tears 4 drain from the eye 6, towards a plica semilunaris 11 and lacrimal caruncle 13 via the nasolacrimal drainage system, which includes two puncta 10 located on a lacrimal papilla (e.g., superior lacrimal papilla 10A or inferior lacrimal papilla 10B).","Each puncta 10 includes a minute orifice or opening in fluid communication with canaliculi 12.The canaliculi 12 converge and drain into the lacrimal sac 16, which in turn, is in fluid communication with the nasolacrimal duct 18.In order to induce tear production, one or more devices (like implantable microstimulator 201, an example of which is shown in FIG.","7 that is configured for the induction of tear production) may be positioned within the nasolacrimal drainage system to prompt or stimulate the lacrimal gland 2.As shown in FIG.","7, the microstimulator has a body 112; an electrically conductive insert (an example of a flex circuit shown in FIG.","8) can be arranged within the body 112 to create the capacitively coupled link with an external electronic device, as described above with regard to FIGS.","1-3.However, an example an equivalent microstimulator without the flex circuit (with the electrically conductive parts deposited on the body 112) is shown in FIG.","9.Additional views of the microstimulator are shown in FIGS.","10-12.FIG.","10 shows an anterior view; FIG.","11 shows a medial view; FIG.","12 shows a posterior view.","At least a portion of the body 112 configured to be implanted within the nasolacrimal drainage system can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.","Biocompatible materials can include certain polymer materials, metal materials, silicone materials, urethane materials, or the like, which do not cause an appreciable immune reaction.","Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, polyimide, palladium, silicone, and/or urethane.","The body 112 includes a vertical component (V), a horizontal component (H), and a curved portion (A) extending between and connecting the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V).","The curved portion (A) can arrange the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V) at an angle relative to one another.","At least one of the horizontal component (H) and the vertical component (V) can have a cylindrical cross section with a diameter from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.","However, the horizontal component (H) includes an end portion that is tapered to facilitate implantation of the microstimulator.","The horizontal component (H) can be longer than the vertical component (V).","For example, the horizontal component (H) can be between 1 and 8 mm in length, or between 4 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 0.1 and 3 mm in length, or between 0.5 and 2 mm in length.","Even more specifically, the horizontal component (H) can be between 5 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 1.6 and 1.8 mm in length.","The angle between the vertical component (V) and the horizontal component (H) established by the curved portion (A) can be between 70 degrees and 120 degrees.","As another example, the angle can be between 90 and 110 degrees.","Even more specifically, the angle can be 90 degrees.","The angle is specifically chosen to aid in retention of the microstimulator within the punctum and canaliculus.","The microstimulator is not anchored by any means within the punctum or canaliculus.","The microstimulator shape and angle are selected to enhance the unanchored in vivo retention.","In some instances, a faceplate 105 can cover the vertical component (V) of the body 112.The faceplate can be, in its most general form, a surface that is wider than the vertical component (V).","For example, the faceplate 105 may aid in the unanchored in vivo retention based on the associated shape and/or thickness.","The faceplate 105 is a cap like structure that is placed on the proximal portion 104 of the microstimulator to prevent internal migration of the microstimulator, ease implantation (e.g., insertion) of the microstimulator, or other functions.","The faceplate 105 can cover at least a portion of the body 112.Additionally, the faceplate 105 can include circuitry required to communicate with the external electronic device in a way other than the capacitive coupling, such as a wireless transceiver.","As an example, the faceplate 105 can be positioned on the outer surface of the punctum.","The shape of the faceplate 105 can be oval with a long dimension of 0.5 to 2 mm and a short dimension of 0.2 to 1 mm, or, more specifically, 1×0.8 mm (long vs. short axis).","The long axis can be orientated lateral to medial when inserted such that the long axis is orientated from the nose to temple.","The corresponding thickness of the faceplate 105 can be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, more specifically, 0.2 mm.","In instances, the faceplate 105 has an infinity design with the edges of the oval faceplate 105 being rounded to a very thin or infinity edge.","The faceplate 105 can also be used to ease the insertion of the microstimulator into the punctum and canaliculus by forceps or other insertion tools.","The distal end 103 of the microstimulator can be tapered down to ease insertion, as well.","Since the microstimulator is configured to be inserted into the punctum and the canaliculus and to stimulate the surrounding tissue, the microstimulator may occlude tear drainage.","If the microstimulator occludes the tear drainage, this may inadvertently cause the electrical properties of the tissue surrounding the microstimulator to change in a manner that will alter the stimulation characteristics adversely.","Specifically, in a dry environment, the tissue impedances will increase and this will cause the stimulation amplitudes needed to achieve the desired result to increase over time.","These changes in system impedance may cause changes in how the stimulation is perceived by the subject, the overall effect of stimulation and thus the efficacy of the therapy.","To eliminate some of the variable tissue impedances caused by the placement of the microstimulator, the microstimulator may include features that allow for ongoing tear drainage as well as tear fluid to flow over and around the microstimulator while inserted into the punctum and canaliculus.","In one example, the microstimulator may include a central lumen (shown as element 116 in FIGS.","9 and 10) that extends longitudinally.","For example, the central lumen can extend between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 103.The central lumen 116 allows for tear drainage.","In some instances, the radial channels may allow the tear drainage to coat the mucosa lining of the punctum and canaliculus throughout the length of the microstimulator body 112.The radial channels may be spaced to occur around the circumference of the microstimulator and spaced such that they occur along the entire length of the microstimulator.","In one example, the radial channels occur every 2 mm from the faceplate to the end of the microstimulator and, at each 2 mm occurrence, there are two or more channels radially orientated equally around the circumference of the microstimulator.","The diameter of the radial channels can be from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.","The axial lumen and radial channels may be open and allow for free flowing of tears throughout the nasolacrimal system.","In another example, the microstimulator includes the central lumen 116, as well as one or more micro-channels and/or grooves on the outside of the body of the microstimulator.","The micro-channels extend from the distal portion of the microstimulator to the proximal portion just below the faceplate 105.Tear fluid can drain from the eye through the lower punctum (through the central lumen 116 in the microstimulator), as well as through the punctum on the upper eyelid.","Fluid draining from the upper punctum will also flow in a retrograde manner around the lower canaliculus and surround the microstimulator by flowing through the micro-channels to bath the microstimulator (including at least a portion of the body 112) and surrounding tissue.","In other examples, the central lumen 116, radial channels, micro-channels, and/or faceplate 105 may contain or be impregnated with a material that allows for drug elution into a target site.","The faceplate 105, central lumen 116, and/or radial channels may elute a NSAID or other corticosteroids, which will help to reduce inflammation of the surrounding tissue from the insertion of the device and help to promote healing and stable tissue interface after the insertion of the microstimulator.","Other drugs can also be eluted that are helpful in dry eye disease or other ocular diseases as well.","The drug concentration amounts can be controlled by the amount of tear fluid that is allowed to flow through or around the microstimulator.","The drug can be eluted using electrical energy, using iontophoresis methods, in which small micro-currents are used to release and drive the compound or drug in precise areas and/or in precise amounts.","Such drug delivery can be done based on a pre-determined schedule, or using biofeedback in a closed loop manner.","The biofeedback can include bathing the faceplate 105 in tear fluid in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site to trigger release of the pharmaceutical.","In some instances, the drug delivery can occur through degradation or erosion of a biodegradable or erodible coating (like PLGA or similar co-polymer).","The central lumen 116, in another example, may have a means of measuring the volume or velocity of tears flowing through the microstimulator.","For example, the central lumen can have one or more sensors therein to measure a property of fluid flowing therethrough, including volume, velocity, and the like.","The volume or velocity of tear flow could be used as a close-loop system, in which the microstimulator alerts the user that the tear production is dropping and that would cause the user to apply the therapy.","Such a measurement may be done using a piezoelectric sensor, a bladder diaphragm or using Doppler (ultrasound, laser, optical, etc.).","The microstimulator will communicate (via long range communication, Bluetooth or other suitable means) with a smartphone, smartwatch, or other device that can alert the patients to the need to re-apply therapy.","In one example, the closed loop sensor can also be placed in the faceplate and adjacent to the central lumen but situated within the faceplate along with any necessary components (e.g.","circuits, etc.,) to allow for proper functionality of the tear sensor.","In another embodiment, the sensor may be configured to sense the chemical composition of the tear fluid, sensing the amount of certain proteins or other cellular components that would trigger an additional application of therapy by the patient user.","In another embodiment, the microstimulator may use electrode impedances to characterize the amount of tear productions.","For example, if the impedances start to increase, this would simulate a decrease in fluid flowing through the nasolacrimal system, and in a closed loop fashion trigger use of the therapy to produce more tears.","Long or short-term trending of the impedance values over time can also be used to provide treatment options that are individualized for each patient.","If the impedance indicates that the patient's tear production is the lowest during the morning, the system can remind the patient to stimulate at certain times that are associated with the lowest amount of tear production.","This can be done through a smartphone app or through an associated wearable smart device or other suitable means of interacting with the subject.","In some instances, the stimulation can be automatic as part of a closed loop control system.","Inside the body, the microstimulator can include the electrically conductive plate (like internal plate 213 of FIGS.","2 and 3).","The surface area of the electrically conductive plate can be chosen large enough to receive the power signal from the external electronic device strong enough to create the stimulation signal that facilitates tear production.","The electrically conductive insert can also include the electrode coupled to the electrically conductive plate (shown in FIG.","3) to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site in the subject.","In some examples, the electrode can be physically connected to the electrically conductive plate.","The electrically conductive plate can also include a reference electrode or return electrode (shown in FIG.","3) isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.","Each of the electrodes can be made of an electrically conductive material, like platinum, platinum/iridium, palladium, or another inert metal that is electrically conductive and appropriate for electrical stimulation.","The electrodes can be positioned between the distal portion 104 of the microstimulator and the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.","For example, the electrodes can be positioned such that they are equally spaced longitudinally from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.","Each electrode is then radially exposed to the surrounding tissue in a 180-degree orientation.","In one example, the electrodes can be quarter moon-shaped so that these electrodes are only exposed in quarter segments on the top and bottom of the microstimulator to avoid any overlap with the internal plate.","The overlap is avoided to ensure the capacitance created remains consistent.","The rise/fall time (e.g., time constant) of the capacitor created is important in creating the therapy signal waveform.","Changes in the capacitance created can change the waveform and waveform efficiency.","In some instances, four electrodes are exposed to the surrounding environment and each electrode is exposed to the environment at two locations around the circumference of the microstimulator body.","The exposed portions are between 40 and 180 degrees from each other around the circumference of the microstimulator body.","It should be appreciated that the exposed electrodes can be positioned using any orientation around or within the microstimulator body from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator body.","For example, the orientation can be determined based on the orientation of the microstimulator 201 compared to the external device 202.In some instances, the microstimulator can be configured such that there is no battery contained within the microstimulator.","The microstimulator can be configured to receive power from an external electronic device.","In other words, the microstimulator can be a slave to the external electronic device and can deliver stimulation when activated by the external electronic device.","The microstimulator and the external electronic device can exchange energy wirelessly, using a capacitive power transfer method, as described above with respect to FIGS.","2 and 3.In these instances, the microstimulator is configured for insertion through the punctum of the lower eyelid into the canaliculus and configured such that the associated “plate” is oriented to be parallel with the external skin overlaying the canaliculus to establish the capacitive link with the external electronic device.","The “plate” can be located on a side of the microstimulator and covers the majority of the surface area on the one side of the microstimulator.","Capacitive power transfer is useful for the microstimulator, when the microstimulator requires charge balancing.","The external electronic device is responsible for generating the power transfer waveform, which capacitively couples power to the internal device.","Additionally, the external electronic device is responsible for generating the carrier waveform, which can be used for data transmission or control of the microstimulator.","As such, the external electronic device creates the carrier waveform by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), or voltage to frequency converter (VFC).","The frequency is set by a digital to analog converter from a microcontroller.","This carrier waveform may be buffered by a unity gain configured op-amp, such that the VCO/VFC is not loaded.","The buffer waveform is then amplified/attenuated and DC shifted by a second op-amp.","The gain of waveform is set by a series of feedback resistors.","Alternatively, the feedback resistors can be replaced with analog or digital potentiometers to adjust the gain.","In this embodiment, the microcontroller is able to control the gain through digital communication solely.","In this embodiment, the carrier waveform is also DC shifted using a second stage.","This is done by asserting a DC bias voltage to the op-amp.","This DC bias voltage is generated and adjusted using a Digital to Analog Converter on the micro-controller.","The generated output waveform at the power electrode may be biphasic, in which each pulse may include a first phase, an interphase delay, and a second phase.","During the first phase, a positive DC bias is applied to the output, with the carrier frequency transposed on top.","During this phase, electrical current is induced through a capacitively coupled load.","During the interphase delay, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off and no waveform is generated.","During the second phase, a negative DC bias is applied to the output, with a carrier frequency transposed on top, which induces a current in the opposite direction of the first phase.","This phase is used as an active recovery, or charge-balancing phase for stimulation.","Between pulses, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off, and the output remains off until the next active stimulation phase.","This period between pulses also acts as a passive recovery phase, allowing any excess charge to be recaptured.","The power transfer through the capacitive link is generated by the edge transition of the DC bias.","The capacitive link between the external and internal device is high impedance at DC, but is low impedance when an AC signal is applied.","The actual impedance varies based on the frequency of the signal and the value of the capacitance.","In this respect, by applying an increasing/decreasing voltage across the capacitive link, the link acts as a low impedance medium and current is induced.","The magnitude of the current is determined by the slew rate of the signal and total capacitance of the link.","The rising and falling edges at the beginning of each phase of the waveform generate this induced current at the electrodes on the inserted microstimulator.","In some instances, the capacitive link between the external electronic device and the microstimulator can be through an electrically conductive insert within the body 112.The electrically conductive insert can be a flex circuit configured or formed into a circular cross section.","The flex circuit can be positioned between the central lumen 116 and the surface of the body 112 of the microstimulator.","The flex circuit can include the plate, the power electrode, and the return electrode.","Similar to FIG, 3, the power electrode is electrically connected to the plate.","However, the plate is electrically isolated from the body 112, leaving only the power electrode exposed to the tissue in the anatomical area.","The return electrode is isolated from the capacitive plate and the power electrode, but electrically connected to the body 112.When activated by the external electronic device 202, the stimulation waveform can be generated between the power electrode and the return electrode.","The resulting electrical field will then activate nerves that innervate the punctum and canalicus, which will then result in reflexive lacrimation.","However, the return electrode is not necessarily in the flex circuit; instead, the return electrode can be located on the external electronic device to create a common system ground for the external electronic device and the flex circuit.","The flex circuit can be created in different ways.","One example is by sputtering, depositing, or otherwise adhering a biocompatible material to a base substrate.","An example of this is shown in element 106A of FIG.","8, where a biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to a base substrate 108.As an example, the base substrate 108 can be polyimide (such as a thin polyimide sheet) and the biocompatible conductive material 107 is a metal.","As illustrated, the base substrate 108 can be configured into a geometry that can be furled, rolled, or otherwise curled into a circular cross-section.","After the biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to the base substrate, a third layer is applied to the areas of the flex circuit to be electrically isolated from the subject's body upon insertion.","The third layer can be a liquid polyimide (such as a very thin liquid polyimide), for example.","The resulting flex circuit 106A is configured into a circular cross-section shown in element 1068.The circular cross section creates the internal capacitor, which allows for energy and/or the stimulation waveform to be transferred or delivered without any internal circuit components.","As such, there are no passive circuit elements or active circuit elements within the body 112 and no internal battery.","As an alternative to FIG.","8, the flex circuit can be created by sputtering or depositing a biocompatible material onto the base layer that is pre-configured in the tubular cross-section.","One example alternative is shown in FIG.","9, in which the metal is deposited directly onto the microstimulator in a defined way with very precise placement of the electrodes and plate metals.","In this example, the base material 401 can be polyimide, silicone or polyurethane, other polymers, or other co-polymers.","One or more metal layers (e.g., metal layer 402 that adheres better to the base layer 401, like titanium, and metal layer 403 like palladium) are then sputtered or deposited onto the tubular base 401 layer (e.g., the horizontal component of the microstimulator 201) directly.","The amount of metal deposited may vary to allow for exposure to the tissue of the electrodes without exposing the plate.","The base layer 401 can be configured, prior to deposition, into the J shape (90-degree shape between the vertical component and the horizontal component) required for the microstimulator.","A second layer 402 (and subsequent layers 403) of material may be sputtered or deposited onto the base layer 401.An isolating material 404 can be applied of the same material as the base layer 401.To create the right capacitive power transfer and to translate the waveform correctly, the dielectric constant must be created for the applications, which means adjusting the thickness of the metal, the surface area, etc.","In an example, the tubular base layer is silicone.","The dielectric created with the metal deposited onto the silicone will need to match the dielectric created in when the polyimide flex circuit is rolled to create the capacitor system for power transfer.","Polyimide provides a significant contribution to the dielectric and thus if that is replaced with Silicone or other material as mentioned above, then the metal and position needs to be altered to match the dielectric constant.","However, this process provides the advantage of reducing the amount of manual processing steps needed to manufacture the microstimulator.","The other advantage of this technique is that delamination between the metal layer and the base layer is significantly reduced by depositing the metal onto the pre-formed tube base layer.","When the flex circuit is rolled, certain areas see higher bend radii and hence are more susceptible to delamination events and thus causing further fallout in the manufacturing process.","Also important for the microstimulator is the overall stiffness of the flex circuit.","A microstimulator at this scale, less than one mm in diameter and 5-6 mm in length, containing a full polyimide tube could cause the microstimulator to be quite rigid overall.","To avoid this, the polyimide can be laser etched post deposition to create “bend joints” corresponding to areas in the microstimulator that are anticipated to have more flex and allow these areas to flex better.","Using Silicone or Polyurethane as the base material will allow for ultimate flexibility, without having to laser etch areas out of the tubular cross-section to allow for bending of the microstimulator.","In another example, the electrodes can be mesh electrodes.","Using mesh electrodes may eliminate the need for the radial channel extending from the central lumen 116 to wet the tissue surrounding the microstimulator.","The mesh electrode allows for tear drainage from the central lumen through the mesh electrode.","The mesh electrodes can be placed circumferentially around the entire microstimulator or can be placed and configured as directional electrodes.","In other words, the electrodes are placed in a manner that is not circumferential, but sized and shaped accordingly to cover only a portion of the circumferential area of the microstimulator and allowing stimulation to occur in a directional manner.","Alternatively, the directional electrodes can be made of a solid inert metal that is suitable for electrical stimulation or of a conductive polymer resin or other suitable material.","IV.","Methods Another aspect of the present disclosure can include methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","FIG.","13 illustrates a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","FIG.","14 illustrates a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","The methods of FIGS.","13 and 14 can be implemented using the system of FIGS.","1-3, in which the implantable microstimulator may be as shown in FIGS.","7-12.FIGS.","13 and 14, respectively, are illustrated as process flow diagrams with flowchart illustrations.","For purposes of simplicity, the methods of FIGS.","13 and 14 are shown and described as being executed serially; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order as some steps could occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps shown and described herein.","Moreover, not all illustrated aspects may be required to implement the methods of FIGS.","13 and 14.Additionally, FIGS.","13 and 14 may also include steps that can be implemented by computer program instructions.","These computer program instructions can be stored in memory and provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps/acts specified in the flowchart blocks and/or the associated description.","In other words, the steps/acts can be implemented by a system comprising a processor that can access the computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory.","Referring to FIG.","13, an aspect of the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","As an example, the implantable microstimulator can be as shown in FIGS.","7-12, including a body and an electrically conductive insert.","The powering can be through a wireless connection between the implantable microstimulator and an external electronic device.","At 301, the connection can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a dielectric material.","The conductive material, in some examples, can be a biological material, such as the subject's skin.","An example of this connection is shown in FIG.","2.At 302, a link can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","The link can be a capacitively coupled link link for capacitive power transfer upon a voltage change of an external plate associated with the external electronic device relative to an internal plate associated with the implantable microstimulator (shown in FIG.","2).","The internal plate can be part of the electrically conductive insert within the body of the microstimulator.","The electrically conductive insert can deliver a therapy signal (or stimulation signal) to the surrounding anatomical site in response to receiving the power signal.","Referring now to FIG.","14, illustrated is a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.","As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.","Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","At 311, a microstimulator can be delivered into an anatomical structure of a subject.","The anatomical structure can be any structure in the subject's body containing one or more target nerves.","The microstimulator can be sized and dimensioned for the particular anatomical structure.","For example, when inserted into a nasolacrimal structure, such as the punctum and canaliculus, to induce tear production, the microstimulator can be arranged in the shape shown in FIG.","7 with the dimensions described in connection to FIG.","7.At 312, a capacitive link can be established between the microstimulator and an external electronic device.","At 313, the external electronic device can be used to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator across the capacitive link.","For example, the voltage of a plate of the external device can change relative to a plate of the internal device.","As noted, “plates” is a general term describing a capacitive element; the “plates” are not necessarily shaped like plates.","At 314, a therapy signal can be delivered by the microstimulator to a target portion of the anatomical structure.","The target portion can include the one or more target nerves From the above description, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.","Such improvements, changes and modifications are within the skill of one in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND/OR TREATING ONE OR MORE MEDICAL CONDITIONS VIA NEUROMODULATION\",\n \"Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.\",\n \"The systems and methods can employ a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A microstimulator comprising: a body; and an electrically conductive insert, arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with an external electronic device, wherein the electrically conductive insert receives a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site.\",\n \"2.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert further comprises: an electrically conductive plate having a surface area to receive the power signal from the external electronic device; and an electrode, electrically coupled to the electrically conductive plate, to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"3.The microstimulator of claim 2, wherein the electrode is physically connected to the conductive plate.\",\n \"4.The microstimulator of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a reference electrode or a return electrode isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.\",\n \"5.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a curved portion extending between and connecting the horizontal portion and the vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion and the vertical portion are arranged at an angle relative to one another.\",\n \"6.The microstimulator of claim 5, wherein the angle is from 70 degrees to 120 degrees.\",\n \"7.The microstimulator of claim 5, wherein the vertical portion has a length that is less than a length of the horizontal portion.\",\n \"8.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert is arranged in a circular or oval cross section.\",\n \"9.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert comprises at least one other material deposited upon a nonconductive material.\",\n \"10.The microstimulator of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a longitudinal central lumen.\",\n \"11.The microstimulator of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises at least one radial channel in fluid communication with the central lumen, wherein the at least one radial channel allows fluid drainage to coat at least a portion of the exterior of the body.\",\n \"12.The microstimulator of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises one or more peripheral channels that extend transverse to, and are in fluid communication with, the central lumen, wherein the one or more peripheral channels is configured to facilitate at least one of fluid drainage and pharmaceutical delivery in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site.\",\n \"13.The microstimulator of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises a sensor to measure a property of a fluid flowing therethrough.\",\n \"14.The microstimulator of claim 1, further comprising a faceplate disposed at a proximal end of the body and covering at least a portion of the body.\",\n \"15.The microstimulator of claim 14, wherein the faceplate is impregnated with a pharmaceutical for release into the biological target site.\",\n \"16.The microstimulator of claim 15, wherein the body comprises one or more radial channels to control the release of the pharmaceutical into the biological target site.\",\n \"17.The microstimulator of claim 16, wherein an outside surface of the faceplate is bathed in tear fluid in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site to trigger release of the pharmaceutical.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.\",\n \"The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.\",\n \"Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.\",\n \"The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.\",\n \"Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.\",\n \"Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.\",\n \"A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega- 3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.\",\n \"Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal.\"\n ],\n [\n \"RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/851,842, filed Dec. 22, 2017, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Preventing, Diagnosing, and/or Treating one or More Medical Conditions via Neuromodulation”.\",\n \"U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/851,842 claims the benefit of U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application No.\",\n \"62/589,877, filed Nov. 22, 2017, entitled “Nasolacrimal Tear Microstimulator”.\",\n \"U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/851,842 is also a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451, filed Jun.\",\n \"13, 2016, and entitled “Nasolacrimal Implants and Related Methods for Tear Stimulation”, which claims priority to U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Applications 62/321,961, filed Apr.\",\n \"13, 2016, and 62/180,225, filed Jun.\",\n \"16, 2015.Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.\",\n \"TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions via neuromodulation.\",\n \"The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used, as an example, to use neuromodulation to induce tear production to treat or prevent the medical condition of dry eye disease.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.\",\n \"The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.\",\n \"Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.\",\n \"The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.\",\n \"Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.\",\n \"Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.\",\n \"A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.\",\n \"Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time.\",\n \"SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates a neural modulation system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates a capacitive coupling between the implantable microstimulator and the external electronic device of FIG.\",\n \"1 established across a dielectric medium; FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an example configuration of the implantable microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a side-view of an eye of a subject, depicting the three layers of naturally produced tears; FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates anatomical features related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates an example structure of the microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"1 implemented for inducing tear production; FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates an example configuration of a flex circuit of the microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"7; FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates another example configuration of the microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"7 constructed without the flex circuit; FIGS.\",\n \"10, 11, and 12 each illustrate different views of the example structure of the microstimulator of FIGS.\",\n \"8 and 9; FIG.\",\n \"13 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for powering an implantable microstimulator in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG.\",\n \"14 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a number of terms are defined below.\",\n \"Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in the areas relevant to this disclosure.\",\n \"Terms such as “a,” “an” and “the” are not intended to refer only to the singular entity, but can also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.\",\n \"The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.\",\n \"Additionally, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.\",\n \"may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.\",\n \"These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.\",\n \"Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.\",\n \"The sequence of operations (or acts/steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “medical condition” can refer to an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “ocular” can refer to something of, for, or like the eye.\",\n \"An ocular disorder can be, for example, dry eye.\",\n \"In order to restore ocular health to a patient with dry eye, a physiology normal amount, level, and/or degree of tears in the eye can be restored and/or maintained to minimize and/or alleviate dryness.\",\n \"Such minimization and/or alleviation of dryness may treat or prevent at least one symptom associated with dry eye disease, such as stinging, burning, and/or scratchy sensation in the eyes; stringy mucus in or around an eye; increased eye irritation from smoke or wind; eye fatigue; eye sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in the eye; difficulty wearing contact lenses; periods of excessive tearing; and blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system” can be used interchangeably to refer to any one or more connected anatomical structures having two small openings (e.g., puncta).\",\n \"As an example, the puncta may be located in an upper and/or a lower eyelid, wherein these small openings lead to a small tube (e.g., canaliculus) which, in turn, empties into a lacrimal sac and then into a canal called the nasolacrimal duct.\",\n \"It will be understood that the term “drainage system” also may be used interchangeably with “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system”.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “medical device” can refer to any objected that is designed to be placed or implanted partially or wholly within a patient's body and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the patient's body for one or more therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.\",\n \"Examples of such therapeutic or prophylactic purposes can include: tissue augmentation, tissue stimulation, contouring, restoring physiological function, repairing and/or restoring tissues damaged by disease or trauma, and/or delivering therapeutic agents to normal, damaged, and/or diseased organs and tissues.\",\n \"While medical devices are often composed of biologically compatible synthetic materials (e.g., medical-grade stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, and/or other metals; exogenous polymers, such as polyurethane, silicone, PLA, PLGA, PGA, PCL, etc.\",\n \"), other materials also may be used in the construction of the medical implant.\",\n \"While not limiting the present disclosure to any particular device, specific medical devices and implants that are particularly relevant to this disclosure include stents, punctal plugs, Crawford tubes, catheters, lacrimal tubes, ocular or other shunts.\",\n \"In some examples, the device may incorporate a contrast material and/or opaque material(s) that may allow for visualization with standard imaging devices (for example, barium to allow for x-ray visualization).\",\n \"In some instances, the medical device can be an implantable device, such as: a neurostimulator, a microstimulator, a device configured to monitor a physiological response of the patient's tissue, a therapeutic agent delivery device, a bone graft, and a sensor.\",\n \"In other instances, the medical device can be a removable device, such as a surgical instrument.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “medical device”, “implant”, “device”, “medical implant”, “implant/device”, and the like can be used interchangeably.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “implanted” can refer to a state in which at least a portion of a device (such as a medical device) is placed or inserted within a host and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the host.\",\n \"In some instances, a medical device can be completely placed or implanted within the host.\",\n \"However, in other instances, some of the medical device can reach or extend to the outside of the host.\",\n \"When a device is referred to as being “implantable”, the device can be capable of being implanted within the host.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “proximal” can refer to a location situation and/or positioned toward a point of origin (e.g., between a medical professional and an implantable microstimulator).\",\n \"In other words, the term “proximal” may refer to a position relatively close to the exterior of the body of a patient and/or closer to a medical professional.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “distal” can refer to a location situation and/or position away from a point of origin (e.g., behind a lacrimal implant device relative to a physician).\",\n \"In other words, the term “distal” may refer to a position relatively further away from the exterior of the body of a patient and/or further away from a medical processional.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “prevention” and/or “preventing” can refer to preventing or slowing development of a disease or disorder in a patient.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “treat”, “treating”, and/or “treatment” can refer to the act of reducing and/or eliminating symptoms of a disease or disorder to improve a condition of a patient to some degree, delaying progression of the disease or disorder, or providing some other effect related to the disease or disorder.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “therapeutically effective amount” and/or “pharmaceutically effective amount” can refer to an amount which, when administered to a patient for treating a disease or disorder, will effect such treatment for the disease or disorder.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “therapy signal” and “stimulation signal” can refer to an electrical signal designed for neuromodulation.\",\n \"The stimulation signal can be delivered to a patient's tissue of interest for neuromodulation (e.g., stimulation).\",\n \"As used herein, the term “feedback signal” can refer to a signal provided in response to application of the therapy signal for neuromodulation.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “medical professional” can refer to any person involved the conducting a procedure involving a medical device including, but not limited to, physicians, medical students, nurse practitioners, nurses, operators, and other staff.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “patient” can refer to any living or non-living warm-blooded organism including, but not limited to, a human being, a pig, a rat, a mouse, a dog, a cat, a goat, a sheep, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a rabbit, a cow, etc.\",\n \"Non-limiting examples of human subjects are adults, juveniles, infants, and fetuses.\",\n \"The terms “patient” and “subject” can be used interchangeably herein.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “coupled” and/or “coupling” can refer to the pairing of two objects.\",\n \"The coupling can be wireless, but, in other instances, the coupling can be wired or a combination of wired and wireless.\",\n \"The coupling can facilitate the exchange of current between the two objects and may be, for example, capacitive, resistive, inductive, or the like.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “biomaterial” can refer to any substance (other than a drug or pharmaceutical) or combination of substances, synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used for any period of time as a hole or as a part of a system that treats, augments, or replaces any cell, tissue, organ, and/or function of the body.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “biocompatibility” can refer to the ability of a material, such as a biomaterial, to perform a specific application with an appropriate host response.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “dielectric medium” can refer to a substance, medium, ir bidy that can sustain an electrical field therewithin.\",\n \"II.\",\n \"Overview The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"As an example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to induce tear production via neuromodulation to treat or prevent dry eye disease.\",\n \"Although the induction of tear production is an example use of the present disclosure, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to induction of treat production.\",\n \"Instead, the present disclosure is related to preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.\",\n \"Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, and/or glaucoma.\",\n \"As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but is not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.\",\n \"Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods employing neuromodulation to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The neuromodulation can be achieved via application of an electrical signal to an anatomical structure.\",\n \"As an example, when the medical condition is dry eye disease, the anatomical structure can include at least a portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system, so that one or more nerves within the portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system can be neuromodulated to produce bilateral or unilateral lacrimation.\",\n \"The electrical signal can be delivered to the anatomical structure by a microstimulator.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be placed or inserted within the anatomical structure and wirelessly coupled to an external electronic device.\",\n \"For example, the microstimulator can be capacitively coupled to the external electronic device with the patient's skin acting as a dielectric medium.\",\n \"As such, the microstimulator can receive a power signal from the external electronic device.\",\n \"III.\",\n \"Systems One aspect of the present disclosure can include a neuromodulation system.\",\n \"The neuromodulation system can deliver a therapy signal to a target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The therapy signal can be, for example, a stimulation signal configured to stimulate a portion of the target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.\",\n \"As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.\",\n \"Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"The neuromodulation system can include an implantable microstimulator 201 and an external electronic device 202.The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured for insertion into an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"At least a portion of the implantable microstimulator 201 configured to contact the anatomical structure can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can be shaped and sized to correspond to the specific anatomical structure.\",\n \"The anatomical structure can be chosen based on the presence of a particular target nerve or nerves.\",\n \"The target nerve, upon activation, can cause the occurrence of a physiologic function.\",\n \"As an example, the target nerve can be part of a neurological reflex.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can have the capability to deliver a stimulation signal (or therapy signal) to the target nerve or nerves within the anatomical structure to induce a physiologic function.\",\n \"The stimulation signal can be an electrical signal, such as a direct current signal, an alternating current signal, or the like, and can be configured as a charge balanced symmetric or asymmetric biphasic waveform, a charge imbalanced asymmetric biphasic waveform, and/or a monophasic waveform depending on the application.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can also provide additional functionality in addition to delivering the stimulation signal.\",\n \"As one example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can have the ability to facilitate drainage of one or more fluids inside the anatomical structure.\",\n \"As another example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be capable of eluding a drug or other pharmaceutical substance into the anatomical structure.\",\n \"In a further example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can provide feedback related to application of the stimulation signal.\",\n \"In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be activated, powered, and/or controlled by the external electronic device 202.The microstimulator 201, in an example, can be operable as a slave device to the master external electronic device 201.However, in other examples, the microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202 can be components of a closed loop control system, where the implantable microstimulator 201 provides the additional functionality of recording feedback information from the anatomical structure and sending the feedback information back to the external electronic device 202.The external electronic device can send the feedback information to an external expert device 203 for further analysis.\",\n \"In either example, the external electronic device 202 can be configured to generate a power transfer waveform (or power signal) that is sent to the implantable microstimulator 201 to activate, power, and/or control the implantable microstimulator 201.The implantable microstimulator 201 may not include a dedicated power source, like a battery, and, instead, may rely on the power signal for activation, power, and/or control.\",\n \"In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can pair the power transfer waveform with a carrier waveform.\",\n \"For example, the carrier waveform can be transposed on top of the power transfer waveform and may be used for data transmission and/or control functions.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can be electronically coupled to the external electronic device 202 to exchange the power signal and/or a feedback signal.\",\n \"The electronic coupling can be a wired coupling and/or a wireless coupling.\",\n \"One example of a wireless coupling between the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 is a capacitive coupling, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.Although capacitive coupling is the example of wireless coupling described in more detail herein, it will be understood that the wireless coupling may be an antenna coupling, an inductive coupling, a resonant inductive coupling, a resistive coupling, an optical coupling, or the like.\",\n \"It will be understood that the implantable microstimulator 201 may include circuitry necessary to be activated, powered, and/or controlled from the external electronic device 202 according to the type of coupling.\",\n \"Using the capacitive coupling of FIG.\",\n \"2, the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 can achieve capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"Both the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are separated by a dielectric medium 213 (or dielectric medium), so that the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are on either side of the dielectric medium 213.The dielectric medium 213 can be, for example, at least a portion of a subject's body.\",\n \"For example, the portion of the subject's body can include skin.\",\n \"Although the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are both illustrated as contacting the dielectric medium 213, it will be understood that one or both of the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 need not contact the dielectric medium 213 and may be separated from the dielectric medium 213 by a distance less than or equal to a threshold value.\",\n \"The threshold value can depend on the use and orientation of the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202 can include an external plate 212, while the implantable microstimulator 201 can include an internal plate 211.When the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211 are aligned across the dielectric medium 213 (e.g., each plate 211, 212 being in parallel to the dielectric medium 213), the capacitive coupling is created.\",\n \"The “external plate” and the “internal plate” need not be plates per se.\",\n \"Instead, term “plate” is used to mean “portion” or “component”, which may be of a length, width, and/or diameter limited only by the length, width, and/or diameter of the implantable microstimulator 201.Capacitive power transfer can occur when the voltage of either the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211 is varied.\",\n \"The configuration of the overall capacitance, surface area of the capacitive plates 211, 212, distance between the plates 211, 212, dielectric medium 213 separating the plates 211, 212, and/or the voltage of the power signal is deterministic for the amount and efficiency of the capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"Compared to traditional capacitive power transfer, the capacitive power transfer of FIG.\",\n \"2 has a reduced complexity by varying the voltage at just one of the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211.FIG.\",\n \"3 shows an example of the capacitive power transfer within the implantable microstimulator 201.The capacitive power transfer can occur using the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211, with a reference electrode located on the external electronic device 202 and another reference electrode located in the microstimulator 201 (represented as return electrode 214).\",\n \"Stimulation occurs via a power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 is connected to the internal plate 211 so the power signal is converted to the stimulation signal directly.\",\n \"In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 may include additional components between the internal plate 211 and the power electrode 213 to facilitate the conversion of the power signal to the stimulation signal.\",\n \"The internal plate 212 is used in the transfer of power from the external electronic device 202 to the implantable microstimulator 201, the power electrode 213 delivers the stimulation signal to the tissue of interest (the stimulation signal is based on the power received from the external electronic device 202), while the return electrode 214 acts as a passive return reference, establishing a common ground between the implantable microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202.The internal plate 211 of the microstimulator 201 can be electrically connected to the power electrode 213, but electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 can also be electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214, but connected to the subject's body to deliver the stimulation signal.\",\n \"It should be noted that the components of the implantable microstimulator 201 are not drawn to scale.\",\n \"In some examples, the internal plate 211 can extend along the entirety of the implantable microstimulator 201.In other examples, the insulation 215 can be more extensive or less extensive than shown.\",\n \"Additionally, the power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214 can be arranged in a different manner than shown.\",\n \"As an example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can include a flex circuit or other means to establish an internal capacitor between the internal plate 211/power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.Advantageously, in this example, the implantable microstimulator 201 need not include any active or passive circuit elements within the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, can be operated by a medical professional and/or by the subject in need of the neuromodulation.\",\n \"In instances where the subject operates the external electronic device 202, the external electronic device 202 can be designed in a manner that is easy for the subject to use, such as in a form that is attachable to the subject's skin, in a form capable of being held or placed against the subject's skin, worn by the patient, or the like.\",\n \"For example, the external electronic device 202 can be embodied in a form that is familiar to the subject, such as a key fob, a pen-like cylinder, a sleep mask, pair of glasses, a nose clip, a flexible bandage, virtual reality (VR) goggles, or the like.\",\n \"Regardless of form, the external electronic device 202 includes all elements necessary to generate the power signal and/or the carrier signal, and other electronics to power, control and/or manipulate the microstimulator 201.For example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a power source to deliver the power signal and/or the carrier signal.\",\n \"As another example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a controller to control delivery of the power signal.\",\n \"The power source and the controller can be enclosed within a casing.\",\n \"Additionally, the casing can also include at least a portion configured to contact the subject's skin that includes an electrically conductive material, which can be at least partially biocompatible.\",\n \"Additionally, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with one or more microstimulators 201.However, in some instances, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with two or more microstimulators 201 so that each of the microstimulators 201 can apply the therapy signal when signaled to do so.\",\n \"In some instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a unilateral manner, but in other instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a bilateral manner.\",\n \"The unilateral or bilateral nature of capacitive power transfer can be controlled individually.\",\n \"Moreover, the external electronic device 201 can include a mechanism to allow the subject to control the amount and duration of the stimulation, such as one or more input buttons that allow the subject to control stimulation amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and/or stimulation duration or other aspects of the stimulation.\",\n \"The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can include one or more input buttons that allow for user control of the stimulation parameters.\",\n \"In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can have an onboard memory to store data related to use of the system, including stimulation parameters, duration, power efficiencies, biofeedback signals, subject input, and the like.\",\n \"For example, the external electronic device 202 can include the ability to store data relative to the subject's medical condition via sensors within the microstimulator 201, via sensors on the external electronic device 202, or via input from the subject (e.g., in an application that is linked via Bluetooth or other wireless communication mechanism to the external electronic device 202).\",\n \"The data that is collected can be used to create closed loop therapies, provide relative health data to a medical professional, track personal health related information, saved for future therapy improvements or innovations (e.g., stored as “big data”), or the like.\",\n \"The stored data can be used, for example, to alert a medical provider when the microstimulator 201 may need to be replaced or feedback regarding the medical condition, to alert the subject when the medical condition occurs, to determine when the stimulation should be delivered, etc.\",\n \"In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a feedback system to provide feedback to the subject.\",\n \"The feedback provided to the subject can be a visual feedback, an audio feedback, a touch/pressure/vibration feedback, or the like.\",\n \"The feedback system can be used to guide placement of the external electronic device 202 to establish the capacitive link with the implantable microstimulator 201.The feedback system may also provide alerts to the subject during therapy.\",\n \"For example, the alerts can be provided when 50% of the max amplitude has been reached, 100% of the max amplitude has been reached, the duration of the stimulation is 50% complete, the duration of the stimulation is 100% complete, the position of the external electronic device 202 has been moved and needs to be realigned, or the like.\",\n \"In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can automatically control therapy.\",\n \"The subject can use the feedback system to place the external electronic device 202 correctly, and the external electronic device 202 can automatically ramp up the therapy signal until the therapy signal reaches a pre-determined level that is known to be comfortable and effective for the subject.\",\n \"The external electronic device 202 can receive biofeedback to control delivery of the therapy signal.\",\n \"For example, the external electronic device 202 can include or interface with a camera, a Doppler system, or other type of sensor to provide biofeedback signals.\",\n \"In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a communication mechanism to communicate with an external expert device 203 and/or to communicate with the microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can receive control and power parameters from the external expert device 203 according to a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.\",\n \"For example, the communication mechanism can include a Bluetooth communication mechanism or other type of wireless communication mechanism.\",\n \"The expert device 203 can be associated with a medical professional to communicate with the external electronic device 202 to adjust stimulation parameters associated with the microstimulator 201 and/or to assess functionality of the microstimulator 201.Alternatively, the expert device 203 can include a mobile application that can interact with the external electronic device 202 and a device associated with a medical professional.\",\n \"As another example, the expert device 203 can be a cloud-based server.\",\n \"In another instance, the expert device 203 can interface with and/or include a physician programmer.\",\n \"The physician programmer can be configured as a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone appliance, a tablet application or other suitable means.\",\n \"The physician programmer allows the physician to modulate the therapy for each subject.\",\n \"The physician programmer is configured to allow the physician to input, save, store and recall information about a specific subject's therapy into/from a secure database.\",\n \"As an example, the physician programmer can establish different therapy levels for the subject (e.g., the first instance of a therapeutic effect, the highest level tolerated by the subject, etc.\",\n \"), and the subject can choose from the different therapy levels for each application of the therapy.\",\n \"The physician programmer can also determine the effectiveness of the capacitive link, the power transfer efficiency, and the like.\",\n \"As such, the physician programmer can determine the optimum placement of the external conductive pads by providing real time feedback regarding the capacitive link.\",\n \"An example use of the neuromodulation system of FIG.\",\n \"1 is inducing tear production to treat or prevent dry eye disease.\",\n \"A description of dry eye disease is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"Tears are produced via unilateral or bilateral reflex lacrimation, which can be induced via neuromodulation of one or more nerves that innervate the punctum and/or canaliculus of the nasolacrimal drainage system.\",\n \"Similarly, a description of tear production is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"A general depiction of physiology of an eye of a subject is shown in FIGS.\",\n \"4-6.However, U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451 provides a more detailed description of the physiology of the subject's eye.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a side view of an eye 6 of a subject, including three layers of naturally produced tears.\",\n \"For example, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"4, naturally produced tears include an outer oily layer 6A, a middle watery layer (or aqueous layer) 6B, and an inner mucus layer 6C, which is spread across the surface of the eye (the ocular surface) whenever the subject blinks, thereby providing lubrication, washing away foreign matter, reducing the risk of infection, and keeping the surface of the eye 6 smooth and clear.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye 6 and the lacrimal system of a subject.\",\n \"Such nerves and blood vessels include the dorsal nasal vessel 80, the frontal 81, the medial palpebral 82, the supraorbital 83, the anterior ethmoidal 84, the posterior ethmoidal 85, the muscular 88, the bulb of the eye 89, the ciliary 90, the arteria centralis retinae 91, the lacrimal 92, the zygomatic branches 94, the ophthalmic 96, the internal carotid 97, the lacrimal gland 2, and the optic nerve 98.FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates additional anatomical features related to the lacrimal system of the eye 6 of a subject.\",\n \"As shown, the lacrimal gland 2 is positioned in the upper outer portion of the orbit of each eye 6.The lacrimal gland 2 includes the orbital (superior) portion 2A and the palpebral (inferior) portion 2B.\",\n \"The lacrimal gland 2 secretes the aqueous layer 6B of tears 4, which are delivered from the lacrimal gland 2 to the surface of the eye 6 via one or more channels or ducts 8 of the lacrimal gland 2.Tears 4 drain from the eye 6, towards a plica semilunaris 11 and lacrimal caruncle 13 via the nasolacrimal drainage system, which includes two puncta 10 located on a lacrimal papilla (e.g., superior lacrimal papilla 10A or inferior lacrimal papilla 10B).\",\n \"Each puncta 10 includes a minute orifice or opening in fluid communication with canaliculi 12.The canaliculi 12 converge and drain into the lacrimal sac 16, which in turn, is in fluid communication with the nasolacrimal duct 18.In order to induce tear production, one or more devices (like implantable microstimulator 201, an example of which is shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 that is configured for the induction of tear production) may be positioned within the nasolacrimal drainage system to prompt or stimulate the lacrimal gland 2.As shown in FIG.\",\n \"7, the microstimulator has a body 112; an electrically conductive insert (an example of a flex circuit shown in FIG.\",\n \"8) can be arranged within the body 112 to create the capacitively coupled link with an external electronic device, as described above with regard to FIGS.\",\n \"1-3.However, an example an equivalent microstimulator without the flex circuit (with the electrically conductive parts deposited on the body 112) is shown in FIG.\",\n \"9.Additional views of the microstimulator are shown in FIGS.\",\n \"10-12.FIG.\",\n \"10 shows an anterior view; FIG.\",\n \"11 shows a medial view; FIG.\",\n \"12 shows a posterior view.\",\n \"At least a portion of the body 112 configured to be implanted within the nasolacrimal drainage system can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.\",\n \"Biocompatible materials can include certain polymer materials, metal materials, silicone materials, urethane materials, or the like, which do not cause an appreciable immune reaction.\",\n \"Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, polyimide, palladium, silicone, and/or urethane.\",\n \"The body 112 includes a vertical component (V), a horizontal component (H), and a curved portion (A) extending between and connecting the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V).\",\n \"The curved portion (A) can arrange the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V) at an angle relative to one another.\",\n \"At least one of the horizontal component (H) and the vertical component (V) can have a cylindrical cross section with a diameter from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.\",\n \"However, the horizontal component (H) includes an end portion that is tapered to facilitate implantation of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The horizontal component (H) can be longer than the vertical component (V).\",\n \"For example, the horizontal component (H) can be between 1 and 8 mm in length, or between 4 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 0.1 and 3 mm in length, or between 0.5 and 2 mm in length.\",\n \"Even more specifically, the horizontal component (H) can be between 5 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 1.6 and 1.8 mm in length.\",\n \"The angle between the vertical component (V) and the horizontal component (H) established by the curved portion (A) can be between 70 degrees and 120 degrees.\",\n \"As another example, the angle can be between 90 and 110 degrees.\",\n \"Even more specifically, the angle can be 90 degrees.\",\n \"The angle is specifically chosen to aid in retention of the microstimulator within the punctum and canaliculus.\",\n \"The microstimulator is not anchored by any means within the punctum or canaliculus.\",\n \"The microstimulator shape and angle are selected to enhance the unanchored in vivo retention.\",\n \"In some instances, a faceplate 105 can cover the vertical component (V) of the body 112.The faceplate can be, in its most general form, a surface that is wider than the vertical component (V).\",\n \"For example, the faceplate 105 may aid in the unanchored in vivo retention based on the associated shape and/or thickness.\",\n \"The faceplate 105 is a cap like structure that is placed on the proximal portion 104 of the microstimulator to prevent internal migration of the microstimulator, ease implantation (e.g., insertion) of the microstimulator, or other functions.\",\n \"The faceplate 105 can cover at least a portion of the body 112.Additionally, the faceplate 105 can include circuitry required to communicate with the external electronic device in a way other than the capacitive coupling, such as a wireless transceiver.\",\n \"As an example, the faceplate 105 can be positioned on the outer surface of the punctum.\",\n \"The shape of the faceplate 105 can be oval with a long dimension of 0.5 to 2 mm and a short dimension of 0.2 to 1 mm, or, more specifically, 1×0.8 mm (long vs. short axis).\",\n \"The long axis can be orientated lateral to medial when inserted such that the long axis is orientated from the nose to temple.\",\n \"The corresponding thickness of the faceplate 105 can be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, more specifically, 0.2 mm.\",\n \"In instances, the faceplate 105 has an infinity design with the edges of the oval faceplate 105 being rounded to a very thin or infinity edge.\",\n \"The faceplate 105 can also be used to ease the insertion of the microstimulator into the punctum and canaliculus by forceps or other insertion tools.\",\n \"The distal end 103 of the microstimulator can be tapered down to ease insertion, as well.\",\n \"Since the microstimulator is configured to be inserted into the punctum and the canaliculus and to stimulate the surrounding tissue, the microstimulator may occlude tear drainage.\",\n \"If the microstimulator occludes the tear drainage, this may inadvertently cause the electrical properties of the tissue surrounding the microstimulator to change in a manner that will alter the stimulation characteristics adversely.\",\n \"Specifically, in a dry environment, the tissue impedances will increase and this will cause the stimulation amplitudes needed to achieve the desired result to increase over time.\",\n \"These changes in system impedance may cause changes in how the stimulation is perceived by the subject, the overall effect of stimulation and thus the efficacy of the therapy.\",\n \"To eliminate some of the variable tissue impedances caused by the placement of the microstimulator, the microstimulator may include features that allow for ongoing tear drainage as well as tear fluid to flow over and around the microstimulator while inserted into the punctum and canaliculus.\",\n \"In one example, the microstimulator may include a central lumen (shown as element 116 in FIGS.\",\n \"9 and 10) that extends longitudinally.\",\n \"For example, the central lumen can extend between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 103.The central lumen 116 allows for tear drainage.\",\n \"In some instances, the radial channels may allow the tear drainage to coat the mucosa lining of the punctum and canaliculus throughout the length of the microstimulator body 112.The radial channels may be spaced to occur around the circumference of the microstimulator and spaced such that they occur along the entire length of the microstimulator.\",\n \"In one example, the radial channels occur every 2 mm from the faceplate to the end of the microstimulator and, at each 2 mm occurrence, there are two or more channels radially orientated equally around the circumference of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The diameter of the radial channels can be from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.\",\n \"The axial lumen and radial channels may be open and allow for free flowing of tears throughout the nasolacrimal system.\",\n \"In another example, the microstimulator includes the central lumen 116, as well as one or more micro-channels and/or grooves on the outside of the body of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The micro-channels extend from the distal portion of the microstimulator to the proximal portion just below the faceplate 105.Tear fluid can drain from the eye through the lower punctum (through the central lumen 116 in the microstimulator), as well as through the punctum on the upper eyelid.\",\n \"Fluid draining from the upper punctum will also flow in a retrograde manner around the lower canaliculus and surround the microstimulator by flowing through the micro-channels to bath the microstimulator (including at least a portion of the body 112) and surrounding tissue.\",\n \"In other examples, the central lumen 116, radial channels, micro-channels, and/or faceplate 105 may contain or be impregnated with a material that allows for drug elution into a target site.\",\n \"The faceplate 105, central lumen 116, and/or radial channels may elute a NSAID or other corticosteroids, which will help to reduce inflammation of the surrounding tissue from the insertion of the device and help to promote healing and stable tissue interface after the insertion of the microstimulator.\",\n \"Other drugs can also be eluted that are helpful in dry eye disease or other ocular diseases as well.\",\n \"The drug concentration amounts can be controlled by the amount of tear fluid that is allowed to flow through or around the microstimulator.\",\n \"The drug can be eluted using electrical energy, using iontophoresis methods, in which small micro-currents are used to release and drive the compound or drug in precise areas and/or in precise amounts.\",\n \"Such drug delivery can be done based on a pre-determined schedule, or using biofeedback in a closed loop manner.\",\n \"The biofeedback can include bathing the faceplate 105 in tear fluid in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site to trigger release of the pharmaceutical.\",\n \"In some instances, the drug delivery can occur through degradation or erosion of a biodegradable or erodible coating (like PLGA or similar co-polymer).\",\n \"The central lumen 116, in another example, may have a means of measuring the volume or velocity of tears flowing through the microstimulator.\",\n \"For example, the central lumen can have one or more sensors therein to measure a property of fluid flowing therethrough, including volume, velocity, and the like.\",\n \"The volume or velocity of tear flow could be used as a close-loop system, in which the microstimulator alerts the user that the tear production is dropping and that would cause the user to apply the therapy.\",\n \"Such a measurement may be done using a piezoelectric sensor, a bladder diaphragm or using Doppler (ultrasound, laser, optical, etc.).\",\n \"The microstimulator will communicate (via long range communication, Bluetooth or other suitable means) with a smartphone, smartwatch, or other device that can alert the patients to the need to re-apply therapy.\",\n \"In one example, the closed loop sensor can also be placed in the faceplate and adjacent to the central lumen but situated within the faceplate along with any necessary components (e.g.\",\n \"circuits, etc.,) to allow for proper functionality of the tear sensor.\",\n \"In another embodiment, the sensor may be configured to sense the chemical composition of the tear fluid, sensing the amount of certain proteins or other cellular components that would trigger an additional application of therapy by the patient user.\",\n \"In another embodiment, the microstimulator may use electrode impedances to characterize the amount of tear productions.\",\n \"For example, if the impedances start to increase, this would simulate a decrease in fluid flowing through the nasolacrimal system, and in a closed loop fashion trigger use of the therapy to produce more tears.\",\n \"Long or short-term trending of the impedance values over time can also be used to provide treatment options that are individualized for each patient.\",\n \"If the impedance indicates that the patient's tear production is the lowest during the morning, the system can remind the patient to stimulate at certain times that are associated with the lowest amount of tear production.\",\n \"This can be done through a smartphone app or through an associated wearable smart device or other suitable means of interacting with the subject.\",\n \"In some instances, the stimulation can be automatic as part of a closed loop control system.\",\n \"Inside the body, the microstimulator can include the electrically conductive plate (like internal plate 213 of FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3).\",\n \"The surface area of the electrically conductive plate can be chosen large enough to receive the power signal from the external electronic device strong enough to create the stimulation signal that facilitates tear production.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can also include the electrode coupled to the electrically conductive plate (shown in FIG.\",\n \"3) to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site in the subject.\",\n \"In some examples, the electrode can be physically connected to the electrically conductive plate.\",\n \"The electrically conductive plate can also include a reference electrode or return electrode (shown in FIG.\",\n \"3) isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.\",\n \"Each of the electrodes can be made of an electrically conductive material, like platinum, platinum/iridium, palladium, or another inert metal that is electrically conductive and appropriate for electrical stimulation.\",\n \"The electrodes can be positioned between the distal portion 104 of the microstimulator and the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.\",\n \"For example, the electrodes can be positioned such that they are equally spaced longitudinally from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.\",\n \"Each electrode is then radially exposed to the surrounding tissue in a 180-degree orientation.\",\n \"In one example, the electrodes can be quarter moon-shaped so that these electrodes are only exposed in quarter segments on the top and bottom of the microstimulator to avoid any overlap with the internal plate.\",\n \"The overlap is avoided to ensure the capacitance created remains consistent.\",\n \"The rise/fall time (e.g., time constant) of the capacitor created is important in creating the therapy signal waveform.\",\n \"Changes in the capacitance created can change the waveform and waveform efficiency.\",\n \"In some instances, four electrodes are exposed to the surrounding environment and each electrode is exposed to the environment at two locations around the circumference of the microstimulator body.\",\n \"The exposed portions are between 40 and 180 degrees from each other around the circumference of the microstimulator body.\",\n \"It should be appreciated that the exposed electrodes can be positioned using any orientation around or within the microstimulator body from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator body.\",\n \"For example, the orientation can be determined based on the orientation of the microstimulator 201 compared to the external device 202.In some instances, the microstimulator can be configured such that there is no battery contained within the microstimulator.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be configured to receive power from an external electronic device.\",\n \"In other words, the microstimulator can be a slave to the external electronic device and can deliver stimulation when activated by the external electronic device.\",\n \"The microstimulator and the external electronic device can exchange energy wirelessly, using a capacitive power transfer method, as described above with respect to FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3.In these instances, the microstimulator is configured for insertion through the punctum of the lower eyelid into the canaliculus and configured such that the associated “plate” is oriented to be parallel with the external skin overlaying the canaliculus to establish the capacitive link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The “plate” can be located on a side of the microstimulator and covers the majority of the surface area on the one side of the microstimulator.\",\n \"Capacitive power transfer is useful for the microstimulator, when the microstimulator requires charge balancing.\",\n \"The external electronic device is responsible for generating the power transfer waveform, which capacitively couples power to the internal device.\",\n \"Additionally, the external electronic device is responsible for generating the carrier waveform, which can be used for data transmission or control of the microstimulator.\",\n \"As such, the external electronic device creates the carrier waveform by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), or voltage to frequency converter (VFC).\",\n \"The frequency is set by a digital to analog converter from a microcontroller.\",\n \"This carrier waveform may be buffered by a unity gain configured op-amp, such that the VCO/VFC is not loaded.\",\n \"The buffer waveform is then amplified/attenuated and DC shifted by a second op-amp.\",\n \"The gain of waveform is set by a series of feedback resistors.\",\n \"Alternatively, the feedback resistors can be replaced with analog or digital potentiometers to adjust the gain.\",\n \"In this embodiment, the microcontroller is able to control the gain through digital communication solely.\",\n \"In this embodiment, the carrier waveform is also DC shifted using a second stage.\",\n \"This is done by asserting a DC bias voltage to the op-amp.\",\n \"This DC bias voltage is generated and adjusted using a Digital to Analog Converter on the micro-controller.\",\n \"The generated output waveform at the power electrode may be biphasic, in which each pulse may include a first phase, an interphase delay, and a second phase.\",\n \"During the first phase, a positive DC bias is applied to the output, with the carrier frequency transposed on top.\",\n \"During this phase, electrical current is induced through a capacitively coupled load.\",\n \"During the interphase delay, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off and no waveform is generated.\",\n \"During the second phase, a negative DC bias is applied to the output, with a carrier frequency transposed on top, which induces a current in the opposite direction of the first phase.\",\n \"This phase is used as an active recovery, or charge-balancing phase for stimulation.\",\n \"Between pulses, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off, and the output remains off until the next active stimulation phase.\",\n \"This period between pulses also acts as a passive recovery phase, allowing any excess charge to be recaptured.\",\n \"The power transfer through the capacitive link is generated by the edge transition of the DC bias.\",\n \"The capacitive link between the external and internal device is high impedance at DC, but is low impedance when an AC signal is applied.\",\n \"The actual impedance varies based on the frequency of the signal and the value of the capacitance.\",\n \"In this respect, by applying an increasing/decreasing voltage across the capacitive link, the link acts as a low impedance medium and current is induced.\",\n \"The magnitude of the current is determined by the slew rate of the signal and total capacitance of the link.\",\n \"The rising and falling edges at the beginning of each phase of the waveform generate this induced current at the electrodes on the inserted microstimulator.\",\n \"In some instances, the capacitive link between the external electronic device and the microstimulator can be through an electrically conductive insert within the body 112.The electrically conductive insert can be a flex circuit configured or formed into a circular cross section.\",\n \"The flex circuit can be positioned between the central lumen 116 and the surface of the body 112 of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The flex circuit can include the plate, the power electrode, and the return electrode.\",\n \"Similar to FIG, 3, the power electrode is electrically connected to the plate.\",\n \"However, the plate is electrically isolated from the body 112, leaving only the power electrode exposed to the tissue in the anatomical area.\",\n \"The return electrode is isolated from the capacitive plate and the power electrode, but electrically connected to the body 112.When activated by the external electronic device 202, the stimulation waveform can be generated between the power electrode and the return electrode.\",\n \"The resulting electrical field will then activate nerves that innervate the punctum and canalicus, which will then result in reflexive lacrimation.\",\n \"However, the return electrode is not necessarily in the flex circuit; instead, the return electrode can be located on the external electronic device to create a common system ground for the external electronic device and the flex circuit.\",\n \"The flex circuit can be created in different ways.\",\n \"One example is by sputtering, depositing, or otherwise adhering a biocompatible material to a base substrate.\",\n \"An example of this is shown in element 106A of FIG.\",\n \"8, where a biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to a base substrate 108.As an example, the base substrate 108 can be polyimide (such as a thin polyimide sheet) and the biocompatible conductive material 107 is a metal.\",\n \"As illustrated, the base substrate 108 can be configured into a geometry that can be furled, rolled, or otherwise curled into a circular cross-section.\",\n \"After the biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to the base substrate, a third layer is applied to the areas of the flex circuit to be electrically isolated from the subject's body upon insertion.\",\n \"The third layer can be a liquid polyimide (such as a very thin liquid polyimide), for example.\",\n \"The resulting flex circuit 106A is configured into a circular cross-section shown in element 1068.The circular cross section creates the internal capacitor, which allows for energy and/or the stimulation waveform to be transferred or delivered without any internal circuit components.\",\n \"As such, there are no passive circuit elements or active circuit elements within the body 112 and no internal battery.\",\n \"As an alternative to FIG.\",\n \"8, the flex circuit can be created by sputtering or depositing a biocompatible material onto the base layer that is pre-configured in the tubular cross-section.\",\n \"One example alternative is shown in FIG.\",\n \"9, in which the metal is deposited directly onto the microstimulator in a defined way with very precise placement of the electrodes and plate metals.\",\n \"In this example, the base material 401 can be polyimide, silicone or polyurethane, other polymers, or other co-polymers.\",\n \"One or more metal layers (e.g., metal layer 402 that adheres better to the base layer 401, like titanium, and metal layer 403 like palladium) are then sputtered or deposited onto the tubular base 401 layer (e.g., the horizontal component of the microstimulator 201) directly.\",\n \"The amount of metal deposited may vary to allow for exposure to the tissue of the electrodes without exposing the plate.\",\n \"The base layer 401 can be configured, prior to deposition, into the J shape (90-degree shape between the vertical component and the horizontal component) required for the microstimulator.\",\n \"A second layer 402 (and subsequent layers 403) of material may be sputtered or deposited onto the base layer 401.An isolating material 404 can be applied of the same material as the base layer 401.To create the right capacitive power transfer and to translate the waveform correctly, the dielectric constant must be created for the applications, which means adjusting the thickness of the metal, the surface area, etc.\",\n \"In an example, the tubular base layer is silicone.\",\n \"The dielectric created with the metal deposited onto the silicone will need to match the dielectric created in when the polyimide flex circuit is rolled to create the capacitor system for power transfer.\",\n \"Polyimide provides a significant contribution to the dielectric and thus if that is replaced with Silicone or other material as mentioned above, then the metal and position needs to be altered to match the dielectric constant.\",\n \"However, this process provides the advantage of reducing the amount of manual processing steps needed to manufacture the microstimulator.\",\n \"The other advantage of this technique is that delamination between the metal layer and the base layer is significantly reduced by depositing the metal onto the pre-formed tube base layer.\",\n \"When the flex circuit is rolled, certain areas see higher bend radii and hence are more susceptible to delamination events and thus causing further fallout in the manufacturing process.\",\n \"Also important for the microstimulator is the overall stiffness of the flex circuit.\",\n \"A microstimulator at this scale, less than one mm in diameter and 5-6 mm in length, containing a full polyimide tube could cause the microstimulator to be quite rigid overall.\",\n \"To avoid this, the polyimide can be laser etched post deposition to create “bend joints” corresponding to areas in the microstimulator that are anticipated to have more flex and allow these areas to flex better.\",\n \"Using Silicone or Polyurethane as the base material will allow for ultimate flexibility, without having to laser etch areas out of the tubular cross-section to allow for bending of the microstimulator.\",\n \"In another example, the electrodes can be mesh electrodes.\",\n \"Using mesh electrodes may eliminate the need for the radial channel extending from the central lumen 116 to wet the tissue surrounding the microstimulator.\",\n \"The mesh electrode allows for tear drainage from the central lumen through the mesh electrode.\",\n \"The mesh electrodes can be placed circumferentially around the entire microstimulator or can be placed and configured as directional electrodes.\",\n \"In other words, the electrodes are placed in a manner that is not circumferential, but sized and shaped accordingly to cover only a portion of the circumferential area of the microstimulator and allowing stimulation to occur in a directional manner.\",\n \"Alternatively, the directional electrodes can be made of a solid inert metal that is suitable for electrical stimulation or of a conductive polymer resin or other suitable material.\",\n \"IV.\",\n \"Methods Another aspect of the present disclosure can include methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"13 illustrates a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"14 illustrates a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"The methods of FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14 can be implemented using the system of FIGS.\",\n \"1-3, in which the implantable microstimulator may be as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"7-12.FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14, respectively, are illustrated as process flow diagrams with flowchart illustrations.\",\n \"For purposes of simplicity, the methods of FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14 are shown and described as being executed serially; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order as some steps could occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps shown and described herein.\",\n \"Moreover, not all illustrated aspects may be required to implement the methods of FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14.Additionally, FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14 may also include steps that can be implemented by computer program instructions.\",\n \"These computer program instructions can be stored in memory and provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps/acts specified in the flowchart blocks and/or the associated description.\",\n \"In other words, the steps/acts can be implemented by a system comprising a processor that can access the computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"13, an aspect of the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"As an example, the implantable microstimulator can be as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"7-12, including a body and an electrically conductive insert.\",\n \"The powering can be through a wireless connection between the implantable microstimulator and an external electronic device.\",\n \"At 301, the connection can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a dielectric material.\",\n \"The conductive material, in some examples, can be a biological material, such as the subject's skin.\",\n \"An example of this connection is shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.At 302, a link can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"The link can be a capacitively coupled link link for capacitive power transfer upon a voltage change of an external plate associated with the external electronic device relative to an internal plate associated with the implantable microstimulator (shown in FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"The internal plate can be part of the electrically conductive insert within the body of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can deliver a therapy signal (or stimulation signal) to the surrounding anatomical site in response to receiving the power signal.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"14, illustrated is a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.\",\n \"As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.\",\n \"Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"At 311, a microstimulator can be delivered into an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The anatomical structure can be any structure in the subject's body containing one or more target nerves.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be sized and dimensioned for the particular anatomical structure.\",\n \"For example, when inserted into a nasolacrimal structure, such as the punctum and canaliculus, to induce tear production, the microstimulator can be arranged in the shape shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 with the dimensions described in connection to FIG.\",\n \"7.At 312, a capacitive link can be established between the microstimulator and an external electronic device.\",\n \"At 313, the external electronic device can be used to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator across the capacitive link.\",\n \"For example, the voltage of a plate of the external device can change relative to a plate of the internal device.\",\n \"As noted, “plates” is a general term describing a capacitive element; the “plates” are not necessarily shaped like plates.\",\n \"At 314, a therapy signal can be delivered by the microstimulator to a target portion of the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The target portion can include the one or more target nerves From the above description, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.\",\n \"Such improvements, changes and modifications are within the skill of one in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875113"}}},{"rowIdx":4494786,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["METHOD FOR REPORTING A MEASUREMENT REPORT OF A MEASUREMENT EVENT","The present disclosure discloses a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","The present disclosure can improve a success rate of mobility handover between cells or wireless link quality."],["1.User equipment (UE) for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, comprising: a memory comprising instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor executes the instructions to: determine that a measurement event is generated in the UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; determine whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; use, when it is determined that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; and when it is determined that the first time to trigger is invalid, using a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; determine whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; and when the previous one measurement event is still valid, reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to a network; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; wherein in using the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the processor is configured to: use an effective second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein before determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of DRX mode, the processor further executes the instructions to: receive measurement parameters configured by a network, wherein the measurement parameters comprising a duration of the first time to trigger; or wherein the measurement parameters comprising a duration of the first time to trigger, a duration of the second time to trigger and a starting timing of the second time to trigger.","2.The UE according to claim 1, wherein in using the effective second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the processor is configured to: make the UE change the duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or at a timing when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponding to the previous one measurement event has expired and the UE exiting the DRX sleep state, start the second time to trigger configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or configure the duration of at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","3.The UE according to claim 1, wherein in determining whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the processor is configured to: determine whether a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE enters a DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from the time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be invalid; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from the time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be valid.","4.The UE according to claim 1, wherein in the step of determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report.","5.A network equipment for configuring measurement parameters for a user equipment (UE) which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, comprising: a memory comprising instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor executes the instructions to: issue measurement parameters comprising a duration of a first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell, according to the issued measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger; and receive a measurement report obtained by the UE with the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring a duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or a reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at an expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein in issuing the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, the processor is configured to: issue the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the second time to trigger, wherein the second time to trigger is applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state; or issue a duration of at least two second times to trigger to the UE, the at least two second times to trigger respectively corresponding to neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from the time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger, which corresponds to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","6.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer in a user equipment (UE), cause the computer to: determine that a measurement event is generated in the UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; determine whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; use, when it is determined that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; and when it is determined that the first time to trigger is invalid, using a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; determine whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; and when the previous one measurement event is still valid, reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to a network; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; wherein in using the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the instructions cause the computer to: use a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at an expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein before determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of DRX mode, the instructions cause the computer to: receive measurement parameters configured by a network, wherein the measurement parameters comprise a duration of the first time to trigger; or wherein the measurement parameters comprise a duration of the first time to trigger, a duration of the second time to trigger and a starting timing of the second time to trigger.","7.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein in using the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the instructions cause the computer to: make the UE change a duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or at a timing when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponds to the previous one measurement event has expired and the UE has exited the DRX sleep state, start the second time to trigger configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or configure a duration of at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","8.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein in determining whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the instructions cause the computer to: determine whether a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE enters a DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be invalid; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be valid.","9.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein in the step of determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network, and reporting the measurement report.","10.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer in a user equipment (UE), cause the computer to: issue measurement parameters comprising a duration of a first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell, according to the issued measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger; and receive a measurement report obtained by the UE with the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring a duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or a reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at an expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein in issuing the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, the instructions cause the computer to: issue the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the second time to trigger, the second time to trigger applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state; or issue a duration of at least two second times to trigger to the UE, the at least two second times to trigger respectively corresponding to neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger, which corresponds to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>A base station in a wireless communication system, which may include a BS, eNodeB, node B, node, BTS (Base Transceiver Station) or AP (Access Point), etc., transmits data and/or control information to a user equipment UE via downlink, the user equipment UE may include an access terminal, access point, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), laptop, etc., and the base station receives the data and/or control information of the user equipment via an uplink.","Similarly, the user equipment transmits the data and/or control information for the base station via the uplink, and receives the data and/or control information transmitted from the base station via the downlink.","In the prior art, in order to satisfy or improve performance requirement of the wireless communication system (such as, an LTE-A and/or LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) communication system), various types of base stations or base stations of various standards are deployed in a homogeneous network so as to enhance coverage and performance of a network.","Such a network structure is referred to as a heterogeneous network, wherein for example, the original base station, which is a lower transmission power base station (abbreviated as lower power node (LPN)) or an transmission /reception node, may include an Micro BS, Pico BS, Home BS, femto BS, Relay BS or RRH (Radio Remote Head), etc., whereas various types of base stations deployed in the heterogeneous network can be a high transmission power base station (such as Macro eNodeB, MeNB), the high transmission power base station and the lower power base station have different transmission powers.","As LTE of a 3G communication system, the LTE communication system can provide high-speed upstream and downstream data transmission.","Due to a large amount of data transmission in the LTE communication system, data transmission has a relatively high requirement on power consumption of a receiving antenna: during the reception of data, the antenna shall monitor PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) only when data exists as far as possible, to receive downlink data or uplink authorization, and shall be in a sleep state as far as possible when there is no data.","For example, when browse web pages, other web pages might be opened for a short while.","To this end, it is necessary to be in a sleep state in a short time, and then monitor PDCCH after a certain timing relationship.","Therefore, in order to reduce energy consumption while ensuring performance, a discontinuous reception (DRX) technology is generated.","A DRX function control entity in the LTE communication system is in an MAC layer of a protocol stack, with a main function of controlling the transmission of instructions to a physical layer, informing the physical layer to monitor PDCCH at a certain time, and disenabling the receiving antenna at all the other time, and making the system to be in sleep state.","The DRX technology is a new power-saving working mechanism introduced in the LTE communication system, which cause the UE does not need to enter into an idle mode when there is no data transmission, while keeps in synchronization with the base station.","For example, a DRX algorithm has been applied in TD-SCDMA.","However, the algorithm is relatively simple, in particularly, the algorithm operates with a single DRX loop, receives downlink data and uplink authorization only during an activation period, and performs DRX loop according to a paging cycle in the idle mode.","However, the DRX algorithm in a RRC (Radio Resource Control) protocol connection state adopts various types of timers which are cooperatively operated, so as to ensure the receiving of downlink data and uplink authorization.","Although the DRX function can greatly reduce the power consumption in the LTE communication system, a DRX cycle is much longer than a time to trigger of the UE.","If there is a measurement event satisfying a generation condition before the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger starts.","After the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger still runs normally; when returning back to an activated state, the UE reports a measurement report to the base station, but if the time to trigger expires at this time, signal quality states of a serving cell and a neighboring cell at this moment have changed, which will lead to handover failure or wireless link failure, thereby exerting a great influence on mobility performance."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, which is capable of increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.","An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, to obtain a measurement result; judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","An aspect of the present disclosure provides another method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a DRX mode; using a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event to time the measurement event; if the first time to trigger has not expired when the UE enters a DRX sleep state, deciding whether the UE continues measuring in the sleep state until a first time to trigger expires and whether the measurement result is reported when the first time to trigger expires, according to measurement parameters configured for the measurement event by the network.","Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring measurement parameters for a UE which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: issuing measurement parameters including a duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger; receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a user equipment, including a determining unit for determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; a first judging unit for judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when the determining unit determines that there is a measurement event generated; a configuring unit for using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event and using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; a measurement unit for re-performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network when the configuring unit uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; a second judging unit for judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit; a reporting processing unit for reporting, when the second judging unit judges that the previous one measurement event is still valid, to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; the measurement event being generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report, the measurement operation generating the measurement report when the conditions are met.","A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a network equipment which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: an issuing unit for issuing measurement parameters to a UE, such that the UE in an activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters; a receiving unit for receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of the time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","Different from the situation in the prior art where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, in an aspect of the present disclosure, it is judged whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is an measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report; if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event and if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is invalid, it indicates that it will result in the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, design is changed to make the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement, to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid, and not to report to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event when the previous one measurement event is invalid, thereby enabling to avoid the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, and increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/158,309, filed on May 18, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/318,984, filed on Jun.","30, 2014, now U.S. Pat.","No.","9,374,745, which is a continuation of International Patent Application No.","PCT/CN2012/087362, filed on Dec. 25, 2012, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.","201110459643.9, filed on Dec. 31, 2011.The afore-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.","TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the communication technical field, and particularly, to a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event.","BACKGROUND A base station in a wireless communication system, which may include a BS, eNodeB, node B, node, BTS (Base Transceiver Station) or AP (Access Point), etc., transmits data and/or control information to a user equipment UE via downlink, the user equipment UE may include an access terminal, access point, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), laptop, etc., and the base station receives the data and/or control information of the user equipment via an uplink.","Similarly, the user equipment transmits the data and/or control information for the base station via the uplink, and receives the data and/or control information transmitted from the base station via the downlink.","In the prior art, in order to satisfy or improve performance requirement of the wireless communication system (such as, an LTE-A and/or LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) communication system), various types of base stations or base stations of various standards are deployed in a homogeneous network so as to enhance coverage and performance of a network.","Such a network structure is referred to as a heterogeneous network, wherein for example, the original base station, which is a lower transmission power base station (abbreviated as lower power node (LPN)) or an transmission /reception node, may include an Micro BS, Pico BS, Home BS, femto BS, Relay BS or RRH (Radio Remote Head), etc., whereas various types of base stations deployed in the heterogeneous network can be a high transmission power base station (such as Macro eNodeB, MeNB), the high transmission power base station and the lower power base station have different transmission powers.","As LTE of a 3G communication system, the LTE communication system can provide high-speed upstream and downstream data transmission.","Due to a large amount of data transmission in the LTE communication system, data transmission has a relatively high requirement on power consumption of a receiving antenna: during the reception of data, the antenna shall monitor PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) only when data exists as far as possible, to receive downlink data or uplink authorization, and shall be in a sleep state as far as possible when there is no data.","For example, when browse web pages, other web pages might be opened for a short while.","To this end, it is necessary to be in a sleep state in a short time, and then monitor PDCCH after a certain timing relationship.","Therefore, in order to reduce energy consumption while ensuring performance, a discontinuous reception (DRX) technology is generated.","A DRX function control entity in the LTE communication system is in an MAC layer of a protocol stack, with a main function of controlling the transmission of instructions to a physical layer, informing the physical layer to monitor PDCCH at a certain time, and disenabling the receiving antenna at all the other time, and making the system to be in sleep state.","The DRX technology is a new power-saving working mechanism introduced in the LTE communication system, which cause the UE does not need to enter into an idle mode when there is no data transmission, while keeps in synchronization with the base station.","For example, a DRX algorithm has been applied in TD-SCDMA.","However, the algorithm is relatively simple, in particularly, the algorithm operates with a single DRX loop, receives downlink data and uplink authorization only during an activation period, and performs DRX loop according to a paging cycle in the idle mode.","However, the DRX algorithm in a RRC (Radio Resource Control) protocol connection state adopts various types of timers which are cooperatively operated, so as to ensure the receiving of downlink data and uplink authorization.","Although the DRX function can greatly reduce the power consumption in the LTE communication system, a DRX cycle is much longer than a time to trigger of the UE.","If there is a measurement event satisfying a generation condition before the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger starts.","After the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger still runs normally; when returning back to an activated state, the UE reports a measurement report to the base station, but if the time to trigger expires at this time, signal quality states of a serving cell and a neighboring cell at this moment have changed, which will lead to handover failure or wireless link failure, thereby exerting a great influence on mobility performance.","SUMMARY An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, which is capable of increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.","An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, to obtain a measurement result; judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","An aspect of the present disclosure provides another method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a DRX mode; using a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event to time the measurement event; if the first time to trigger has not expired when the UE enters a DRX sleep state, deciding whether the UE continues measuring in the sleep state until a first time to trigger expires and whether the measurement result is reported when the first time to trigger expires, according to measurement parameters configured for the measurement event by the network.","Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring measurement parameters for a UE which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: issuing measurement parameters including a duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger; receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a user equipment, including a determining unit for determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; a first judging unit for judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when the determining unit determines that there is a measurement event generated; a configuring unit for using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event and using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; a measurement unit for re-performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network when the configuring unit uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; a second judging unit for judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit; a reporting processing unit for reporting, when the second judging unit judges that the previous one measurement event is still valid, to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; the measurement event being generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report, the measurement operation generating the measurement report when the conditions are met.","A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a network equipment which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: an issuing unit for issuing measurement parameters to a UE, such that the UE in an activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters; a receiving unit for receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of the time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","Different from the situation in the prior art where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, in an aspect of the present disclosure, it is judged whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is an measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report; if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event and if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is invalid, it indicates that it will result in the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, design is changed to make the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement, to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid, and not to report to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event when the previous one measurement event is invalid, thereby enabling to avoid the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, and increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a flowchart of an example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","2 is a schematic diagram shows the influence of the time to trigger on the reporting of the measurement report in the DRX mode in FIG.","1; FIG.","3 is a flowchart of another example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","4 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","5 is a schematic diagram shows the influence of the time to trigger on the reporting of the measurement report in the DRX mode in FIG.","4; FIG.","6 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","7 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","8 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","9 is a schematic diagram shows the influence of the time to trigger on the reporting of the measurement report in the DRX mode in FIG.","6; FIG.","10 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.","11 is a flowchart of an example of the method for configuring a measurement parameter for UE of the present disclosure; FIG.","12 is a functional block diagram of an example of the user equipment of the present disclosure; FIG.","13 is a functional block diagram of an example of the network equipment of the present disclosure.","DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Generally, in order to ensure communication quality, the UE will perform a measurement operation to a serving cell and a neighboring cell according to a measurement parameter configured by the network in the activated state of the DRX mode, generate a measurement event under a certain condition, and report the measurement report when a certain condition is satisfied after the time to trigger (TTT) expires.","When the DRX mode is configured for the UE, a 3GPP protocol restricts the measurement report reported to the network by the UE to some extent.","For example, in order to avoid the UE frequently return to the activated state from the sleep state caused by the reporting of the measurement result, the UE delays the reporting of the measurement result (including two modes: event reporting and periodical reporting) as far as possible, and does not report the measurement result until a next activation time (from TS 36.331).","Meanwhile, the inventor of the present disclosure found in long-term research and development that in the prior art, if the UE is configured with the DRX mode and the cycle of the DRX mode is much longer than the time to trigger, then if there is a measurement event which satisfies generation condition before the UE enters the sleep state, a timer of the time to trigger is started and before long the UE enters into DRX sleep state, but the timer for the time to trigger normally runs; when the UE returns back to the activated state again and finds that the time to trigger has expired, then reports the measurement report obtained in the previous activated state to the base station.","However, practically, the signal quality states of the serving cell and the neighboring cell in the activated state of this time may have changed, therefore the measurement report reported at this moment is no longer applicable, but the base station still continues the utilization of this measurement report unwittingly.","In this way, it leads to the handover failure or wireless link failure.","In view of system efficiency, the above technical problem will exert great influences on the mobility performance.","Especially in an emerging heterogeneous system scenario mentioned in the above Background portion, the number of times for the user equipment moving between cells will greatly increase.","Therefore, in order to obtain relatively robust measurement function and seamless handover effect, the present disclosure provides the examples of corresponding method and equipment, allowing breaking the above limitation to the measurement report of the measurement event, such that the duration of the time to trigger and the measuring accuracy satisfy the demand before the measurement report is reported.","With reference to FIG.","1 and FIG.","2, one example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event includes: Step 101: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception (DRX) mode.","The network configures the DRX mode and the measurement parameters to the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE; when the UE is in the activated state of the DRX mode, it is determined that there is a measurement event generated.","When a certain condition is satisfied, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; whereas the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","Step 102: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated.","In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that there is the measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger), which is configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.","2; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.","Step 103: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and the measured cell signal strength/quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed to make the UE before the second time to trigger expires or when the second time to trigger expires in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the measurement report of the last time.","The step of making the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the second time to trigger in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event can not only be realized by the control performed by UE itself, but also could be realized by the network controlling UE, and can not only be realized by adjusting the duration of the first time to trigger or rearrange the second time to trigger without changing the distribution of the activated state or sleep state of the existing DRX mode, but also could be realized by making the UE have a report indication of reporting the measurement event before the first time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the first time to trigger without changing the duration of the first time to trigger, for example, making the UE in the activated state at this time, etc.","The example of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.","Step 104: re-performing a measurement operation on a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, when the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain the measurement result.","As stated above, by various methods, the UE is caused to have an opportunity to perform measurement when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous measurement report is still valid.","Step 105: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.","For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation corresponding to the first time to trigger is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.","However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.","Step 106: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","As stated before, if the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated, it is judged to be invalid, then at this time, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is not reported to the network and the measurement event is not updated; certainly, when the judgment result is that the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is not outdated and is valid, then the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is reported to the network.","It can be understood that in the example of the present disclosure, it is judged whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is an measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report; if it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that it will result in the use of an outdated measurement report and might lead to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, design is changed to make the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the second time to trigger in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement, to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid, and not to report to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event or update the measurement event when the previous one measurement event is invalid, thereby enabling to avoid the use of an outdated measurement report which might lead to handover failure or wireless link failure, and increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.","With reference to FIGS.","2 and 3, another example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 201: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception DRX mode.","When a certain condition is satisfied, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation on the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","Step 202: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that a measurement event is generated.","In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that the measurement event is generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.","2; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.","Step 203: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; making, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, the UE initiatively change the duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger (new time to trigger), such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the second time to trigger in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and the measured cell signal strength/quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the UE automatically changes the duration of the first time to trigger according to the duration of entering the DRX sleep state this time and the measurement accuracy demands, such that when entering an activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.","Step 204: re-performing a measurement operation on a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network when the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain the measurement result.","As stated above, by various methods, when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE is caused to have an opportunity to perform measurement so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.","Step 205: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.","For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.","However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.","Step 206: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","As stated before, the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid, and at this time, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is not reported to the network and the measurement event is not updated; certainly, when the judgment result is that the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is not outdated and is valid, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is reported to the network.","In the present example, the UE initiatively adjusts the duration of the time to trigger.","In the next example, it is possible to control the duration of the time to trigger by the network.","With reference to FIGS.","4 and 5, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 301: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode.","The network configures the DRX mode and measurement parameters to the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, and include the second time to trigger pre-configured to the DRX mode by the base station.","The second time to trigger includes an initial starting time point at which the UE restarts the second time to trigger and the duration of the time to trigger; for example, the initial starting time point of the second time to trigger can be the timing at which the UE re-enters the DRX activated state or 2 ms after the UE re-enters the DRX activated state.","The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","Step 302: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that a measurement event is generated.","In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that a measurement event is generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.","5; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.","When it is determined that there is a measurement event generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger; when the first time to trigger does not expire, the UE enters the sleep state of the DRX mode.","Step 303: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; enabling, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, the second time to trigger configured by the network at a timing when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponding to the previous one measurement event has been expired and the UE entering the initial starting time point for starting the second time to trigger (new time to trigger) configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and if the measured cell signal strength and/or quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the network pre-configures the second time to trigger.","When the UE re-enters the activated state of the DRX mode and if the condition of step 302 is satisfied, the measurement event is generated again, the UE uses the second time to trigger, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.","Step 304: when the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain a measurement result.","As stated above, various methods are adopted to let the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement at the time of entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.","Step 305: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.","For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.","However, in the present activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.","Step 306: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","As stated before, if the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated, it is judged to be invalid, and at this time, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is not reported to the network or the measurement event is updated; certainly, if the judgment result is that the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is not outdated and is valid, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is reported to the network.","With reference to FIGS.","5 and 6, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 401: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in an activated state of DRX mode.","The network configures the DRX mode and measurement parameters to the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include the first time to trigger and the second time to trigger pre-configured for the DRX mode by the base station.","The second time to trigger only includes an initial starting time point at which the UE restarts the second time to trigger.","The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","Step 402: when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated, judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid.","In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that there is the measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state for the present time is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.","5; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state for the present time is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state for the present time is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.","When it is determined that there is the measurement event generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger; when the first time to trigger does not expire, the UE enters the sleep state of the DRX mode.","Step 403: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, the second time to trigger to time the measurement event by the UE, thereby making the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and if the measured cell signal strength and/or quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, then the measurement event is reported to a network side at the expiring moment of the first time to trigger.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the network pre-configures the second time to trigger.","The UE uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.","Step 404: when the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain the measurement result.","As stated above, various methods are adopted to let the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.","Step 405: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.","For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.","However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, and the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.","Step 406: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","With reference to FIGS.","5 and 7, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 501: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a DRX mode.","The network configures the DRX mode for the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE, and configures the measurement parameters for the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, and include the second time to trigger pre-configured for the DRX mode by the base station.","The second time to trigger includes the duration of the second time to trigger.","The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","Step 502: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated.","In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that the measurement event is generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.","5; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.","When it is determined that the measurement event is generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger; when the first time to trigger has not expired, the UE enters the sleep state of the DRX mode.","Step 503: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, and if the first time to trigger(corresponding to the measurement event of the last time and being configured by the network) has expired and at a timing of the UE entering next one or the next several activated states of DRX mode, enabling the second time to trigger (new time to trigger) configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, be in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and the measured cell signal strength/quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.","When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.","Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the network pre-configures the second time to trigger.","When the UE re-enters the activated state of the DRX mode, UE starts the second time to trigger, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.","Step 504: when the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain measurement result.","As stated above, various methods are adopted to let the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement at the timing of entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.","Step 505: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.","For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.","However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.","Step 506: when the previous one measurement event is still valid, reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","In the present example, the duration of the time to trigger is controlled by the network.","In the next example, the duration of the time to trigger is still controlled by the network.","With reference to FIGS.","8 and 9, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 601: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode.","The network configures the DRX mode for the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE, and configures measurement parameters for the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include a trigger type of measurement and the first time to trigger.","The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","If the trigger type of the measurement is periodic, the UE reports the measurement result according to the existing technology.","Step 602: the UE applying, when it is determined that there is the measurement event generated, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event.","When the first time to trigger has not expired, the UE enters the DRX sleep state.","Step 603: if the network configures the trigger type of the measurement event to be an event trigger type during the course of the configuration of the measurement parameters for the UE, when the first time to trigger expires, the measurement report is reported immediately.","In the present example, the duration of the time to trigger is controlled by the network.","In the next example, the duration of the time to trigger is still controlled by the network.","With reference to FIGS.","9 and 10, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 701: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode.","The network configures the DRX mode for the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE, and configures measurement parameters for the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include a trigger type of measurement, the first time to trigger and an indication of reporting the measurement report which is related with corresponding measurement event and set in a measurement report configuration file.","The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.","If the trigger type of measurement is periodic, the UE reports the measurement result according to the existing technology.","Step 702: when it is determined that the measurement event is generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger to time the measurement event.","When the first time to trigger has not expired, the UE enters the DRX sleep state.","Step 703: during the course of the configuring measurement parameters for the UE, the network sets an indication of reporting the measurement report in a measurement report configuration file corresponding to the measurement event; after the indication of reporting the measurement report is triggered, once the first time to trigger expires, the measurement report will be reported immediately.","After the corresponding measurement event is generated, once the time specified by the first time to trigger arrives, and the indication of reporting the measurement report is triggered, the UE reports the measurement report immediately, regardless of the UE being in the DRX activated state or the sleep state.","In this case, UE still performs the measurement operation in the DRX sleep state.","During the course of the configuring measurement parameters for the UE, the network sets the indication of reporting the measurement report in the measurement report configuration file corresponding to the measurement event, wherein, when the indication of reporting the measurement report is not triggered or the indication does not appear, the UE does not report the measurement result until re-entering the next activated state.","In another example, the step of making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, to be in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event further may also be: configuring at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different sizes of coverage, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger of the corresponding neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, to be in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","Further, the example of the present disclosure can further provide other ideas.","For example: Step 1: configuring, by the network, measurement parameters for the UE, which include the trigger type and the time to trigger of measurement.","The measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, the second time to trigger and the third time to trigger, .",".",".",", pre-configured for the UE by the base station, these times to trigger respectively corresponding to different type of cells with different sizes of coverage.","Step 2: measuring, by the UE, the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network.","The UE judges that one measurement event is generated according to the measurement result.","Step 3: the UE needs to deduce a level of the coverage area provided to the corresponding neighboring cell with the transmission power capacity contained in a system message broadcasted in the neighboring cell; or to deduce a level of the coverage area provided to the corresponding neighboring cell, according to information of different PCI (Physics Community ID) groups division corresponding to known cells with different levels of the coverage area as well as the PCI of the neighboring cell.","Step 4: applying, by the UE, corresponding TTT (time to trigger) according to the acknowledged level of the coverage area of the detected neighboring cell; Step 5: reporting, when the duration specified by the effective time to trigger arrives and the condition of the measurement event is still satisfied, then the measurement report of the previous one activated state is reported.","Or, Step 1: configuring, by the network, measurement parameters for the UE; including the trigger type and the time to trigger of measurement.","The measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, and a first scaling factor coefficient, a second scaling factor coefficient, .",".",".",", pre-configured to the UE by the base station, these scaling factor coefficients respectively corresponding to the cell types(optional) with different coverage areas; Step 2: measuring, by the UE, the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network.","The UE judges that one measurement event is generated according to the measurement result.","Step 3: the UE needs to deduce the level of the coverage area of the corresponding neighboring cell with the transmission power capacity contained in a system message broadcasted in the neighboring cell; or to deduce the level of the coverage area provided to the corresponding neighboring cell, according to information of different PCI (Physics Community ID) groups division corresponding to known cells with different levels of the coverage area as well as the PCI of the neighboring cell.","Step 4: the UE multiplying the corresponding scaling factor coefficient with the time to trigger so as to generate the effective time to trigger, according to the acknowledged level of the coverage area of the detected neighboring cell.","The scaling factor coefficient can be configured by the base station during the measurement configuration, or can be a value saved by the UE itself.","Step 5: when the duration specified by the effective time to trigger arrives and the condition of the measurement event is still satisfied, the measurement report is then reported.","With reference to FIG.","11, the present disclosure further provides an example of the method for configuring measurement parameters for UE, the method including: Step 801: issuing to the UE measurement parameters including a duration of the first time to trigger, the measurement parameters being provided to the user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode, so that the UE performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network.","In connection with the former description, there are at least the following ways of issuing the measurement parameters to the UE: 1) issuing the measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger and the duration of the second time to trigger, the second time to trigger applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state.","2) issuing to the UE the duration of at least two second times to trigger, the at least two second times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage areas, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","Step 802: receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate second time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report, such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, be in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","In the present example, the process of controlling the UE is performed at the network side, so that to make the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the time to trigger, be is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","With reference to FIG.","12, the present disclosure further provides an example of the user equipment, the user equipment including: a determining unit, for determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode; a first judging unit, for judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when the determining unit determines that a measurement event is generated; a configuring unit for using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event, and when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is invalid, using a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; a measurement unit, for re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain a measurement result, when the configuring unit uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event; a second judging unit for judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid, according to the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit; a reporting processing unit for reporting, when the second judging unit judges that the previous one measurement event is still valid, to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; the measurement event being generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and by reporting the measurement report, the measurement operation generating the measurement report when the conditions are met.","The configuring unit is specifically used to: 1) make the UE initiatively change the duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger, such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in an activated state of the DRX mode again; or 2) enable the second time to trigger configured by the network at a timing, when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponding to the previous one measurement event expires and at the timing of the UE exiting the DRX sleep state, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or 3) when the first time to trigger expires, report the measurement report immediately according to the event trigger type configured by the network for the measurement event.","Wherein, the trigger type of the measurement event is configured as the event trigger type, and the indication of reporting the measurement report is set in the measurement report configuration files corresponding to the measurement event.","Or, 4) configure the duration of the at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage areas, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger of corresponding neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","With reference to FIG.","13, the present disclosure further provides an example of a network equipment, the network equipment including: an issuing unit, for issuing measurement parameters to the UE, the measurement parameters being provided to the user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode, so that the UE performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network; a receiving unit, for receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE with the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate time to trigger for the measurement event or a reporting manner of the measurement report, such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","Wherein, the issuing unit is specifically used to: 1) issue the measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger and the duration of the second time to trigger, the first time to trigger is applied to the corresponding previous one measurement event, the second time to trigger is applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state, or 2) issue to the UE the measurement parameters for configuring the trigger type of the measurement event to be event trigger, so that the measurement report is immediately reported at the expiring moment of the time to trigger; or 3) issue the duration of the at least two times to trigger to the UE, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage areas, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.","It can be understood that based on the spirit of the present disclosure, there may have more examples; each of the examples, each of the steps and units in the above can also be reasonably combined to obtain new examples; each of the units in the above can be arbitrarily merged, changed in sub-ordination relation, split and combined under the precondition of realizing the same purpose, and the example of the present disclosure is not limited.","Persons skilled in the art can further understand that all or part of the steps in the above method examples can be realized by programs to instruct the related hardware.","The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and includes, when executed, the steps of any of the above method examples, for example, including the following steps of: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in a discontinuous reception DRX mode activated state; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to a measurement parameter configured by a network when the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain the measurement result; judging whether a previous one measurement event is still valid according to the measurement result; reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.","The storage medium can be: ROM/RAM, disk, solid state disk, memory card, USB flash disk or optical disk, etc.","The aforementioned description is just an embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of limiting the patent scope of the present disclosure.","Any equivalent structure or equivalent flow transformation made by using the specification and drawings of the present disclosure is directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, and similarly fall within the patent protection scope of the present disclosure."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"METHOD FOR REPORTING A MEASUREMENT REPORT OF A MEASUREMENT EVENT\",\n \"The present disclosure discloses a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"The present disclosure can improve a success rate of mobility handover between cells or wireless link quality.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.User equipment (UE) for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, comprising: a memory comprising instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor executes the instructions to: determine that a measurement event is generated in the UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; determine whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; use, when it is determined that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; and when it is determined that the first time to trigger is invalid, using a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; determine whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; and when the previous one measurement event is still valid, reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to a network; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; wherein in using the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the processor is configured to: use an effective second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein before determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of DRX mode, the processor further executes the instructions to: receive measurement parameters configured by a network, wherein the measurement parameters comprising a duration of the first time to trigger; or wherein the measurement parameters comprising a duration of the first time to trigger, a duration of the second time to trigger and a starting timing of the second time to trigger.\",\n \"2.The UE according to claim 1, wherein in using the effective second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the processor is configured to: make the UE change the duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or at a timing when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponding to the previous one measurement event has expired and the UE exiting the DRX sleep state, start the second time to trigger configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or configure the duration of at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"3.The UE according to claim 1, wherein in determining whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the processor is configured to: determine whether a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE enters a DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from the time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be invalid; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from the time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be valid.\",\n \"4.The UE according to claim 1, wherein in the step of determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report.\",\n \"5.A network equipment for configuring measurement parameters for a user equipment (UE) which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, comprising: a memory comprising instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the processor executes the instructions to: issue measurement parameters comprising a duration of a first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell, according to the issued measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger; and receive a measurement report obtained by the UE with the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring a duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or a reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at an expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein in issuing the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, the processor is configured to: issue the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the second time to trigger, wherein the second time to trigger is applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state; or issue a duration of at least two second times to trigger to the UE, the at least two second times to trigger respectively corresponding to neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from the time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger, which corresponds to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"6.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer in a user equipment (UE), cause the computer to: determine that a measurement event is generated in the UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; determine whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; use, when it is determined that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; and when it is determined that the first time to trigger is invalid, using a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; determine whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; and when the previous one measurement event is still valid, reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to a network; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; wherein in using the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the instructions cause the computer to: use a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at an expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein before determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of DRX mode, the instructions cause the computer to: receive measurement parameters configured by a network, wherein the measurement parameters comprise a duration of the first time to trigger; or wherein the measurement parameters comprise a duration of the first time to trigger, a duration of the second time to trigger and a starting timing of the second time to trigger.\",\n \"7.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein in using the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, the instructions cause the computer to: make the UE change a duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or at a timing when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponds to the previous one measurement event has expired and the UE has exited the DRX sleep state, start the second time to trigger configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or configure a duration of at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"8.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein in determining whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the instructions cause the computer to: determine whether a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE enters a DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be invalid; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is determined to be valid.\",\n \"9.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, wherein in the step of determining that the measurement event is generated in the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network, and reporting the measurement report.\",\n \"10.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer in a user equipment (UE), cause the computer to: issue measurement parameters comprising a duration of a first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell, according to the issued measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger; and receive a measurement report obtained by the UE with the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring a duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or a reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to a time point at which the UE exits a DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at an expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; wherein in issuing the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, the instructions cause the computer to: issue the measurement parameters comprising the duration of the second time to trigger, the second time to trigger applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state; or issue a duration of at least two second times to trigger to the UE, the at least two second times to trigger respectively corresponding to neighboring cells with different coverage area, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger, which corresponds to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>A base station in a wireless communication system, which may include a BS, eNodeB, node B, node, BTS (Base Transceiver Station) or AP (Access Point), etc., transmits data and/or control information to a user equipment UE via downlink, the user equipment UE may include an access terminal, access point, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), laptop, etc., and the base station receives the data and/or control information of the user equipment via an uplink.\",\n \"Similarly, the user equipment transmits the data and/or control information for the base station via the uplink, and receives the data and/or control information transmitted from the base station via the downlink.\",\n \"In the prior art, in order to satisfy or improve performance requirement of the wireless communication system (such as, an LTE-A and/or LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) communication system), various types of base stations or base stations of various standards are deployed in a homogeneous network so as to enhance coverage and performance of a network.\",\n \"Such a network structure is referred to as a heterogeneous network, wherein for example, the original base station, which is a lower transmission power base station (abbreviated as lower power node (LPN)) or an transmission /reception node, may include an Micro BS, Pico BS, Home BS, femto BS, Relay BS or RRH (Radio Remote Head), etc., whereas various types of base stations deployed in the heterogeneous network can be a high transmission power base station (such as Macro eNodeB, MeNB), the high transmission power base station and the lower power base station have different transmission powers.\",\n \"As LTE of a 3G communication system, the LTE communication system can provide high-speed upstream and downstream data transmission.\",\n \"Due to a large amount of data transmission in the LTE communication system, data transmission has a relatively high requirement on power consumption of a receiving antenna: during the reception of data, the antenna shall monitor PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) only when data exists as far as possible, to receive downlink data or uplink authorization, and shall be in a sleep state as far as possible when there is no data.\",\n \"For example, when browse web pages, other web pages might be opened for a short while.\",\n \"To this end, it is necessary to be in a sleep state in a short time, and then monitor PDCCH after a certain timing relationship.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to reduce energy consumption while ensuring performance, a discontinuous reception (DRX) technology is generated.\",\n \"A DRX function control entity in the LTE communication system is in an MAC layer of a protocol stack, with a main function of controlling the transmission of instructions to a physical layer, informing the physical layer to monitor PDCCH at a certain time, and disenabling the receiving antenna at all the other time, and making the system to be in sleep state.\",\n \"The DRX technology is a new power-saving working mechanism introduced in the LTE communication system, which cause the UE does not need to enter into an idle mode when there is no data transmission, while keeps in synchronization with the base station.\",\n \"For example, a DRX algorithm has been applied in TD-SCDMA.\",\n \"However, the algorithm is relatively simple, in particularly, the algorithm operates with a single DRX loop, receives downlink data and uplink authorization only during an activation period, and performs DRX loop according to a paging cycle in the idle mode.\",\n \"However, the DRX algorithm in a RRC (Radio Resource Control) protocol connection state adopts various types of timers which are cooperatively operated, so as to ensure the receiving of downlink data and uplink authorization.\",\n \"Although the DRX function can greatly reduce the power consumption in the LTE communication system, a DRX cycle is much longer than a time to trigger of the UE.\",\n \"If there is a measurement event satisfying a generation condition before the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger starts.\",\n \"After the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger still runs normally; when returning back to an activated state, the UE reports a measurement report to the base station, but if the time to trigger expires at this time, signal quality states of a serving cell and a neighboring cell at this moment have changed, which will lead to handover failure or wireless link failure, thereby exerting a great influence on mobility performance.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, which is capable of increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.\",\n \"An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, to obtain a measurement result; judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"An aspect of the present disclosure provides another method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a DRX mode; using a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event to time the measurement event; if the first time to trigger has not expired when the UE enters a DRX sleep state, deciding whether the UE continues measuring in the sleep state until a first time to trigger expires and whether the measurement result is reported when the first time to trigger expires, according to measurement parameters configured for the measurement event by the network.\",\n \"Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring measurement parameters for a UE which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: issuing measurement parameters including a duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger; receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a user equipment, including a determining unit for determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; a first judging unit for judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when the determining unit determines that there is a measurement event generated; a configuring unit for using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event and using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; a measurement unit for re-performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network when the configuring unit uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; a second judging unit for judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit; a reporting processing unit for reporting, when the second judging unit judges that the previous one measurement event is still valid, to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; the measurement event being generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report, the measurement operation generating the measurement report when the conditions are met.\",\n \"A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a network equipment which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: an issuing unit for issuing measurement parameters to a UE, such that the UE in an activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters; a receiving unit for receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of the time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"Different from the situation in the prior art where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, in an aspect of the present disclosure, it is judged whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is an measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report; if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event and if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is invalid, it indicates that it will result in the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, design is changed to make the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement, to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid, and not to report to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event when the previous one measurement event is invalid, thereby enabling to avoid the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, and increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/158,309, filed on May 18, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/318,984, filed on Jun.\",\n \"30, 2014, now U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"9,374,745, which is a continuation of International Patent Application No.\",\n \"PCT/CN2012/087362, filed on Dec. 25, 2012, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.\",\n \"201110459643.9, filed on Dec. 31, 2011.The afore-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.\",\n \"TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the communication technical field, and particularly, to a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event.\",\n \"BACKGROUND A base station in a wireless communication system, which may include a BS, eNodeB, node B, node, BTS (Base Transceiver Station) or AP (Access Point), etc., transmits data and/or control information to a user equipment UE via downlink, the user equipment UE may include an access terminal, access point, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), laptop, etc., and the base station receives the data and/or control information of the user equipment via an uplink.\",\n \"Similarly, the user equipment transmits the data and/or control information for the base station via the uplink, and receives the data and/or control information transmitted from the base station via the downlink.\",\n \"In the prior art, in order to satisfy or improve performance requirement of the wireless communication system (such as, an LTE-A and/or LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) communication system), various types of base stations or base stations of various standards are deployed in a homogeneous network so as to enhance coverage and performance of a network.\",\n \"Such a network structure is referred to as a heterogeneous network, wherein for example, the original base station, which is a lower transmission power base station (abbreviated as lower power node (LPN)) or an transmission /reception node, may include an Micro BS, Pico BS, Home BS, femto BS, Relay BS or RRH (Radio Remote Head), etc., whereas various types of base stations deployed in the heterogeneous network can be a high transmission power base station (such as Macro eNodeB, MeNB), the high transmission power base station and the lower power base station have different transmission powers.\",\n \"As LTE of a 3G communication system, the LTE communication system can provide high-speed upstream and downstream data transmission.\",\n \"Due to a large amount of data transmission in the LTE communication system, data transmission has a relatively high requirement on power consumption of a receiving antenna: during the reception of data, the antenna shall monitor PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) only when data exists as far as possible, to receive downlink data or uplink authorization, and shall be in a sleep state as far as possible when there is no data.\",\n \"For example, when browse web pages, other web pages might be opened for a short while.\",\n \"To this end, it is necessary to be in a sleep state in a short time, and then monitor PDCCH after a certain timing relationship.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to reduce energy consumption while ensuring performance, a discontinuous reception (DRX) technology is generated.\",\n \"A DRX function control entity in the LTE communication system is in an MAC layer of a protocol stack, with a main function of controlling the transmission of instructions to a physical layer, informing the physical layer to monitor PDCCH at a certain time, and disenabling the receiving antenna at all the other time, and making the system to be in sleep state.\",\n \"The DRX technology is a new power-saving working mechanism introduced in the LTE communication system, which cause the UE does not need to enter into an idle mode when there is no data transmission, while keeps in synchronization with the base station.\",\n \"For example, a DRX algorithm has been applied in TD-SCDMA.\",\n \"However, the algorithm is relatively simple, in particularly, the algorithm operates with a single DRX loop, receives downlink data and uplink authorization only during an activation period, and performs DRX loop according to a paging cycle in the idle mode.\",\n \"However, the DRX algorithm in a RRC (Radio Resource Control) protocol connection state adopts various types of timers which are cooperatively operated, so as to ensure the receiving of downlink data and uplink authorization.\",\n \"Although the DRX function can greatly reduce the power consumption in the LTE communication system, a DRX cycle is much longer than a time to trigger of the UE.\",\n \"If there is a measurement event satisfying a generation condition before the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger starts.\",\n \"After the UE enters into the sleep state, the time to trigger still runs normally; when returning back to an activated state, the UE reports a measurement report to the base station, but if the time to trigger expires at this time, signal quality states of a serving cell and a neighboring cell at this moment have changed, which will lead to handover failure or wireless link failure, thereby exerting a great influence on mobility performance.\",\n \"SUMMARY An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, which is capable of increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.\",\n \"An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell when being in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, to obtain a measurement result; judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result; reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"An aspect of the present disclosure provides another method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a DRX mode; using a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event to time the measurement event; if the first time to trigger has not expired when the UE enters a DRX sleep state, deciding whether the UE continues measuring in the sleep state until a first time to trigger expires and whether the measurement result is reported when the first time to trigger expires, according to measurement parameters configured for the measurement event by the network.\",\n \"Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring measurement parameters for a UE which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: issuing measurement parameters including a duration of the first time to trigger to the UE, such that the UE in the activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger; receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of a second time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report, such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for a last time is less than or equal to a duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a user equipment, including a determining unit for determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode; a first judging unit for judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when the determining unit determines that there is a measurement event generated; a configuring unit for using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event and using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; a measurement unit for re-performs a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network when the configuring unit uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, so as to obtain a measurement result; a second judging unit for judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit; a reporting processing unit for reporting, when the second judging unit judges that the previous one measurement event is still valid, to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; the measurement event being generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report, the measurement operation generating the measurement report when the conditions are met.\",\n \"A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a network equipment which generates a measurement event in an activated state of a DRX mode, including: an issuing unit for issuing measurement parameters to a UE, such that the UE in an activated state of the DRX mode performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the issued measurement parameters; a receiving unit for receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate duration of the time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report such that a time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"Different from the situation in the prior art where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, in an aspect of the present disclosure, it is judged whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is an measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report; if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event and if it is judged that the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is invalid, it indicates that it will result in the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, design is changed to make the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement, to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid, and not to report to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event when the previous one measurement event is invalid, thereby enabling to avoid the situation where the use of an outdated measurement report leads to handover failure or wireless link failure, and increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a flowchart of an example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic diagram shows the influence of the time to trigger on the reporting of the measurement report in the DRX mode in FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a flowchart of another example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a schematic diagram shows the influence of the time to trigger on the reporting of the measurement report in the DRX mode in FIG.\",\n \"4; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a schematic diagram shows the influence of the time to trigger on the reporting of the measurement report in the DRX mode in FIG.\",\n \"6; FIG.\",\n \"10 is a flowchart of a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"11 is a flowchart of an example of the method for configuring a measurement parameter for UE of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"12 is a functional block diagram of an example of the user equipment of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"13 is a functional block diagram of an example of the network equipment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Generally, in order to ensure communication quality, the UE will perform a measurement operation to a serving cell and a neighboring cell according to a measurement parameter configured by the network in the activated state of the DRX mode, generate a measurement event under a certain condition, and report the measurement report when a certain condition is satisfied after the time to trigger (TTT) expires.\",\n \"When the DRX mode is configured for the UE, a 3GPP protocol restricts the measurement report reported to the network by the UE to some extent.\",\n \"For example, in order to avoid the UE frequently return to the activated state from the sleep state caused by the reporting of the measurement result, the UE delays the reporting of the measurement result (including two modes: event reporting and periodical reporting) as far as possible, and does not report the measurement result until a next activation time (from TS 36.331).\",\n \"Meanwhile, the inventor of the present disclosure found in long-term research and development that in the prior art, if the UE is configured with the DRX mode and the cycle of the DRX mode is much longer than the time to trigger, then if there is a measurement event which satisfies generation condition before the UE enters the sleep state, a timer of the time to trigger is started and before long the UE enters into DRX sleep state, but the timer for the time to trigger normally runs; when the UE returns back to the activated state again and finds that the time to trigger has expired, then reports the measurement report obtained in the previous activated state to the base station.\",\n \"However, practically, the signal quality states of the serving cell and the neighboring cell in the activated state of this time may have changed, therefore the measurement report reported at this moment is no longer applicable, but the base station still continues the utilization of this measurement report unwittingly.\",\n \"In this way, it leads to the handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"In view of system efficiency, the above technical problem will exert great influences on the mobility performance.\",\n \"Especially in an emerging heterogeneous system scenario mentioned in the above Background portion, the number of times for the user equipment moving between cells will greatly increase.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to obtain relatively robust measurement function and seamless handover effect, the present disclosure provides the examples of corresponding method and equipment, allowing breaking the above limitation to the measurement report of the measurement event, such that the duration of the time to trigger and the measuring accuracy satisfy the demand before the measurement report is reported.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"1 and FIG.\",\n \"2, one example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event includes: Step 101: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception (DRX) mode.\",\n \"The network configures the DRX mode and the measurement parameters to the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE; when the UE is in the activated state of the DRX mode, it is determined that there is a measurement event generated.\",\n \"When a certain condition is satisfied, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; whereas the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"Step 102: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated.\",\n \"In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that there is the measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger), which is configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.\",\n \"Step 103: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in a next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and the measured cell signal strength/quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed to make the UE before the second time to trigger expires or when the second time to trigger expires in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the measurement report of the last time.\",\n \"The step of making the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the second time to trigger in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event can not only be realized by the control performed by UE itself, but also could be realized by the network controlling UE, and can not only be realized by adjusting the duration of the first time to trigger or rearrange the second time to trigger without changing the distribution of the activated state or sleep state of the existing DRX mode, but also could be realized by making the UE have a report indication of reporting the measurement event before the first time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the first time to trigger without changing the duration of the first time to trigger, for example, making the UE in the activated state at this time, etc.\",\n \"The example of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.\",\n \"Step 104: re-performing a measurement operation on a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, when the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain the measurement result.\",\n \"As stated above, by various methods, the UE is caused to have an opportunity to perform measurement when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous measurement report is still valid.\",\n \"Step 105: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.\",\n \"For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation corresponding to the first time to trigger is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.\",\n \"However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.\",\n \"Step 106: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"As stated before, if the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated, it is judged to be invalid, then at this time, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is not reported to the network and the measurement event is not updated; certainly, when the judgment result is that the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is not outdated and is valid, then the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is reported to the network.\",\n \"It can be understood that in the example of the present disclosure, it is judged whether the first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is an measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report; if it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that it will result in the use of an outdated measurement report and might lead to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, design is changed to make the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the second time to trigger in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement, to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid, and not to report to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event or update the measurement event when the previous one measurement event is invalid, thereby enabling to avoid the use of an outdated measurement report which might lead to handover failure or wireless link failure, and increasing a success rate of mobility handover between cells or improving wireless link quality.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3, another example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 201: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception DRX mode.\",\n \"When a certain condition is satisfied, the measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation on the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"Step 202: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that a measurement event is generated.\",\n \"In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that the measurement event is generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.\",\n \"Step 203: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; making, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, the UE initiatively change the duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger (new time to trigger), such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the overtime moment of the second time to trigger in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and the measured cell signal strength/quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the UE automatically changes the duration of the first time to trigger according to the duration of entering the DRX sleep state this time and the measurement accuracy demands, such that when entering an activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.\",\n \"Step 204: re-performing a measurement operation on a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network when the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain the measurement result.\",\n \"As stated above, by various methods, when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE is caused to have an opportunity to perform measurement so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.\",\n \"Step 205: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.\",\n \"For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.\",\n \"However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.\",\n \"Step 206: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"As stated before, the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid, and at this time, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is not reported to the network and the measurement event is not updated; certainly, when the judgment result is that the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is not outdated and is valid, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is reported to the network.\",\n \"In the present example, the UE initiatively adjusts the duration of the time to trigger.\",\n \"In the next example, it is possible to control the duration of the time to trigger by the network.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"4 and 5, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 301: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode.\",\n \"The network configures the DRX mode and measurement parameters to the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, and include the second time to trigger pre-configured to the DRX mode by the base station.\",\n \"The second time to trigger includes an initial starting time point at which the UE restarts the second time to trigger and the duration of the time to trigger; for example, the initial starting time point of the second time to trigger can be the timing at which the UE re-enters the DRX activated state or 2 ms after the UE re-enters the DRX activated state.\",\n \"The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"Step 302: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that a measurement event is generated.\",\n \"In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that a measurement event is generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.\",\n \"When it is determined that there is a measurement event generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger; when the first time to trigger does not expire, the UE enters the sleep state of the DRX mode.\",\n \"Step 303: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; enabling, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, the second time to trigger configured by the network at a timing when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponding to the previous one measurement event has been expired and the UE entering the initial starting time point for starting the second time to trigger (new time to trigger) configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and if the measured cell signal strength and/or quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the network pre-configures the second time to trigger.\",\n \"When the UE re-enters the activated state of the DRX mode and if the condition of step 302 is satisfied, the measurement event is generated again, the UE uses the second time to trigger, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.\",\n \"Step 304: when the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain a measurement result.\",\n \"As stated above, various methods are adopted to let the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement at the time of entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.\",\n \"Step 305: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.\",\n \"For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.\",\n \"However, in the present activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.\",\n \"Step 306: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"As stated before, if the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated, it is judged to be invalid, and at this time, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is not reported to the network or the measurement event is updated; certainly, if the judgment result is that the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is not outdated and is valid, the measurement report of the previous one measurement event is reported to the network.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 401: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in an activated state of DRX mode.\",\n \"The network configures the DRX mode and measurement parameters to the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include the first time to trigger and the second time to trigger pre-configured for the DRX mode by the base station.\",\n \"The second time to trigger only includes an initial starting time point at which the UE restarts the second time to trigger.\",\n \"The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"Step 402: when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated, judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid.\",\n \"In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that there is the measurement event generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state for the present time is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time (i.e., the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX activated state again) from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state for the present time is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state for the present time is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.\",\n \"When it is determined that there is the measurement event generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger; when the first time to trigger does not expire, the UE enters the sleep state of the DRX mode.\",\n \"Step 403: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, the second time to trigger to time the measurement event by the UE, thereby making the UE before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and if the measured cell signal strength and/or quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, then the measurement event is reported to a network side at the expiring moment of the first time to trigger.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the network pre-configures the second time to trigger.\",\n \"The UE uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.\",\n \"Step 404: when the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain the measurement result.\",\n \"As stated above, various methods are adopted to let the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.\",\n \"Step 405: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.\",\n \"For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.\",\n \"However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, and the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.\",\n \"Step 406: reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 7, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 501: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a DRX mode.\",\n \"The network configures the DRX mode for the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE, and configures the measurement parameters for the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, and include the second time to trigger pre-configured for the DRX mode by the base station.\",\n \"The second time to trigger includes the duration of the second time to trigger.\",\n \"The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"Step 502: judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated.\",\n \"In case of satisfying a certain condition, when it is determined that the measurement event is generated and it is necessary to report the measurement report, it is judged whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger (original time to trigger) configured to the measurement event by the network, and whether the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"5; if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is less than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is larger than the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be invalid, if the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE enters the DRX sleep state is greater than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, and the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the first time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, the first time to trigger is judged to be valid.\",\n \"When it is determined that the measurement event is generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger; when the first time to trigger has not expired, the UE enters the sleep state of the DRX mode.\",\n \"Step 503: using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, and if the first time to trigger(corresponding to the measurement event of the last time and being configured by the network) has expired and at a timing of the UE entering next one or the next several activated states of DRX mode, enabling the second time to trigger (new time to trigger) configured by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, be in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger is used to time the measurement event, i.e., after the measurement event is generated, the first time to trigger is started, and when the first time to trigger expires and the measured cell signal strength/quality satisfies the measurement event condition all the time before the first time to trigger expires, the measurement event is reported to a network side.\",\n \"When it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, it indicates that the outdated measurement report will be used in the next activated state, thereby possibly leading to handover failure or wireless link failure.\",\n \"Therefore, in order to avoid such situation, design is changed: the network pre-configures the second time to trigger.\",\n \"When the UE re-enters the activated state of the DRX mode, UE starts the second time to trigger, such that when entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement so as to select whether to use the previous one measurement report.\",\n \"Step 504: when the UE is in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain measurement result.\",\n \"As stated above, various methods are adopted to let the UE has an opportunity to perform measurement at the timing of entering the activated state of the DRX mode again, so as to judge whether the previous one measurement report is still valid.\",\n \"Step 505: judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid according to the measurement result.\",\n \"For example, in the previous one activated state, the result of the previous one measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is better than that of the current serving cell.\",\n \"However, in this activated state, the result of the measurement operation is that the signal of the neighboring cell is worse than that of the current serving cell, then the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event in the activated state is outdated and is judged to be invalid.\",\n \"Step 506: when the previous one measurement event is still valid, reporting the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event to the network; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"In the present example, the duration of the time to trigger is controlled by the network.\",\n \"In the next example, the duration of the time to trigger is still controlled by the network.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"8 and 9, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 601: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode.\",\n \"The network configures the DRX mode for the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE, and configures measurement parameters for the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include a trigger type of measurement and the first time to trigger.\",\n \"The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"If the trigger type of the measurement is periodic, the UE reports the measurement result according to the existing technology.\",\n \"Step 602: the UE applying, when it is determined that there is the measurement event generated, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event.\",\n \"When the first time to trigger has not expired, the UE enters the DRX sleep state.\",\n \"Step 603: if the network configures the trigger type of the measurement event to be an event trigger type during the course of the configuration of the measurement parameters for the UE, when the first time to trigger expires, the measurement report is reported immediately.\",\n \"In the present example, the duration of the time to trigger is controlled by the network.\",\n \"In the next example, the duration of the time to trigger is still controlled by the network.\",\n \"With reference to FIGS.\",\n \"9 and 10, a further example of the method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event of the disclosure includes: Step 701: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode.\",\n \"The network configures the DRX mode for the UE according to factors such as a traffic feature of the UE, and configures measurement parameters for the UE; wherein the measurement parameters include a trigger type of measurement, the first time to trigger and an indication of reporting the measurement report which is related with corresponding measurement event and set in a measurement report configuration file.\",\n \"The measurement event is generated by performing a measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and reporting the measurement report; the measurement operation generates the measurement report when a certain condition is met.\",\n \"If the trigger type of measurement is periodic, the UE reports the measurement result according to the existing technology.\",\n \"Step 702: when it is determined that the measurement event is generated, the UE applies the first time to trigger to time the measurement event.\",\n \"When the first time to trigger has not expired, the UE enters the DRX sleep state.\",\n \"Step 703: during the course of the configuring measurement parameters for the UE, the network sets an indication of reporting the measurement report in a measurement report configuration file corresponding to the measurement event; after the indication of reporting the measurement report is triggered, once the first time to trigger expires, the measurement report will be reported immediately.\",\n \"After the corresponding measurement event is generated, once the time specified by the first time to trigger arrives, and the indication of reporting the measurement report is triggered, the UE reports the measurement report immediately, regardless of the UE being in the DRX activated state or the sleep state.\",\n \"In this case, UE still performs the measurement operation in the DRX sleep state.\",\n \"During the course of the configuring measurement parameters for the UE, the network sets the indication of reporting the measurement report in the measurement report configuration file corresponding to the measurement event, wherein, when the indication of reporting the measurement report is not triggered or the indication does not appear, the UE does not report the measurement result until re-entering the next activated state.\",\n \"In another example, the step of making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, to be in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event further may also be: configuring at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different sizes of coverage, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger of the corresponding neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, to be in next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"Further, the example of the present disclosure can further provide other ideas.\",\n \"For example: Step 1: configuring, by the network, measurement parameters for the UE, which include the trigger type and the time to trigger of measurement.\",\n \"The measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, the second time to trigger and the third time to trigger, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", pre-configured for the UE by the base station, these times to trigger respectively corresponding to different type of cells with different sizes of coverage.\",\n \"Step 2: measuring, by the UE, the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network.\",\n \"The UE judges that one measurement event is generated according to the measurement result.\",\n \"Step 3: the UE needs to deduce a level of the coverage area provided to the corresponding neighboring cell with the transmission power capacity contained in a system message broadcasted in the neighboring cell; or to deduce a level of the coverage area provided to the corresponding neighboring cell, according to information of different PCI (Physics Community ID) groups division corresponding to known cells with different levels of the coverage area as well as the PCI of the neighboring cell.\",\n \"Step 4: applying, by the UE, corresponding TTT (time to trigger) according to the acknowledged level of the coverage area of the detected neighboring cell; Step 5: reporting, when the duration specified by the effective time to trigger arrives and the condition of the measurement event is still satisfied, then the measurement report of the previous one activated state is reported.\",\n \"Or, Step 1: configuring, by the network, measurement parameters for the UE; including the trigger type and the time to trigger of measurement.\",\n \"The measurement parameters include the first time to trigger, and a first scaling factor coefficient, a second scaling factor coefficient, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", pre-configured to the UE by the base station, these scaling factor coefficients respectively corresponding to the cell types(optional) with different coverage areas; Step 2: measuring, by the UE, the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network.\",\n \"The UE judges that one measurement event is generated according to the measurement result.\",\n \"Step 3: the UE needs to deduce the level of the coverage area of the corresponding neighboring cell with the transmission power capacity contained in a system message broadcasted in the neighboring cell; or to deduce the level of the coverage area provided to the corresponding neighboring cell, according to information of different PCI (Physics Community ID) groups division corresponding to known cells with different levels of the coverage area as well as the PCI of the neighboring cell.\",\n \"Step 4: the UE multiplying the corresponding scaling factor coefficient with the time to trigger so as to generate the effective time to trigger, according to the acknowledged level of the coverage area of the detected neighboring cell.\",\n \"The scaling factor coefficient can be configured by the base station during the measurement configuration, or can be a value saved by the UE itself.\",\n \"Step 5: when the duration specified by the effective time to trigger arrives and the condition of the measurement event is still satisfied, the measurement report is then reported.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"11, the present disclosure further provides an example of the method for configuring measurement parameters for UE, the method including: Step 801: issuing to the UE measurement parameters including a duration of the first time to trigger, the measurement parameters being provided to the user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode, so that the UE performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network.\",\n \"In connection with the former description, there are at least the following ways of issuing the measurement parameters to the UE: 1) issuing the measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger and the duration of the second time to trigger, the second time to trigger applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state.\",\n \"2) issuing to the UE the duration of at least two second times to trigger, the at least two second times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage areas, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"Step 802: receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE using the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate second time to trigger for the measurement event or an reporting manner of the measurement report, such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, be in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"In the present example, the process of controlling the UE is performed at the network side, so that to make the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the time to trigger, be is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"12, the present disclosure further provides an example of the user equipment, the user equipment including: a determining unit, for determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode; a first judging unit, for judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when the determining unit determines that a measurement event is generated; a configuring unit for using, when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event, and when it is judged by the first judging unit that the first time to trigger is invalid, using a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; a measurement unit, for re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to measurement parameters configured by a network, so as to obtain a measurement result, when the configuring unit uses the second time to trigger to time the measurement event; a second judging unit for judging whether a previous one measurement event corresponding to the first time to trigger is still valid, according to the measurement result obtained by the measuring unit; a reporting processing unit for reporting, when the second judging unit judges that the previous one measurement event is still valid, to the network the measurement report of the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event; the measurement event being generated by performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network and by reporting the measurement report, the measurement operation generating the measurement report when the conditions are met.\",\n \"The configuring unit is specifically used to: 1) make the UE initiatively change the duration of the first time to trigger so as to obtain the second time to trigger, such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in an activated state of the DRX mode again; or 2) enable the second time to trigger configured by the network at a timing, when the first time to trigger configured by the network corresponding to the previous one measurement event expires and at the timing of the UE exiting the DRX sleep state, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; or 3) when the first time to trigger expires, report the measurement report immediately according to the event trigger type configured by the network for the measurement event.\",\n \"Wherein, the trigger type of the measurement event is configured as the event trigger type, and the indication of reporting the measurement report is set in the measurement report configuration files corresponding to the measurement event.\",\n \"Or, 4) configure the duration of the at least two second times to trigger for the measurement event, the at least two times to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage areas, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the second time to trigger of corresponding neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"With reference to FIG.\",\n \"13, the present disclosure further provides an example of a network equipment, the network equipment including: an issuing unit, for issuing measurement parameters to the UE, the measurement parameters being provided to the user equipment UE in activated state of a discontinuous reception DRX mode, so that the UE performs the measurement operation to the serving cell and at least one neighboring cell according to the measurement parameters configured by the network; a receiving unit, for receiving a measurement report obtained by the UE with the measurement parameters, the measurement parameters configuring an appropriate time to trigger for the measurement event or a reporting manner of the measurement report, such that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the second time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in next one or next several activated states of DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"Wherein, the issuing unit is specifically used to: 1) issue the measurement parameters including the duration of the first time to trigger and the duration of the second time to trigger, the first time to trigger is applied to the corresponding previous one measurement event, the second time to trigger is applied to the measurement event after the UE exits the DRX sleep state, or 2) issue to the UE the measurement parameters for configuring the trigger type of the measurement event to be event trigger, so that the measurement report is immediately reported at the expiring moment of the time to trigger; or 3) issue the duration of the at least two times to trigger to the UE, the at least two times to trigger respectively corresponding to the neighboring cells with different coverage areas, so that the time from a time point at which the measurement event is generated to the time point at which the UE exits the DRX sleep state for the last time is less than or equal to the duration of the time to trigger corresponding to the neighboring cell configured to the measurement event by the network, thereby making the UE, before the time to trigger expires or at the expiring moment of the second time to trigger, in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event.\",\n \"It can be understood that based on the spirit of the present disclosure, there may have more examples; each of the examples, each of the steps and units in the above can also be reasonably combined to obtain new examples; each of the units in the above can be arbitrarily merged, changed in sub-ordination relation, split and combined under the precondition of realizing the same purpose, and the example of the present disclosure is not limited.\",\n \"Persons skilled in the art can further understand that all or part of the steps in the above method examples can be realized by programs to instruct the related hardware.\",\n \"The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and includes, when executed, the steps of any of the above method examples, for example, including the following steps of: determining that there is a measurement event generated in a user equipment UE in a discontinuous reception DRX mode activated state; judging whether a first time to trigger corresponding to the measurement event is valid when it is determined that there is a measurement event generated; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is valid, the first time to trigger to time the measurement event; using, when it is judged that the first time to trigger is invalid, a second time to trigger to time the measurement event, such that the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event; re-performing a measurement operation to a serving cell and at least one neighboring cell of the serving cell according to a measurement parameter configured by a network when the UE is in the next one or next several activated states of the DRX mode after the generation of the measurement event, so as to obtain the measurement result; judging whether a previous one measurement event is still valid according to the measurement result; reporting, when the previous one measurement event is still valid, to a network the measurement report corresponding to the previous one measurement event; otherwise, not reporting the measurement report of the previous one measurement event to the network or updating the measurement event.\",\n \"The storage medium can be: ROM/RAM, disk, solid state disk, memory card, USB flash disk or optical disk, etc.\",\n \"The aforementioned description is just an embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of limiting the patent scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"Any equivalent structure or equivalent flow transformation made by using the specification and drawings of the present disclosure is directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, and similarly fall within the patent protection scope of the present disclosure.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875123"}}},{"rowIdx":4494787,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["NOISE ESTIMATION FOR DYNAMIC SOUND ADJUSTMENT","A system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space.","A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy.","The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space.","A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value."],["1.A sound adjustment system for a vehicle cabin, comprising: an audio speaker that transduces an audio signal; a first microphone that senses a source of acoustic energy in the vehicle cabin and generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy, wherein the acoustic energy comprises a combination of the audio signal transduced by the speaker and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the vehicle cabin; a second microphone that senses the source of acoustic energy in the vehicle cabin and generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy; a noise compensation system that determines a plurality of coherence values from a comparison of frequency bands of the first and second microphone signals, determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise in the acoustic energy from the coherence values, and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.","2.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the estimate is determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.","3.The sound adjustment system of claim 2, wherein the high frequency band is between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","4.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the noise compensation system comprises a coherence calculator that receives the first microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in the vehicle cabin, and receives the second microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.","5.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the sound adjustment system determines an amount of energy in the first and second microphone signals that is attributable to the environmental noise, and wherein a coherence corresponding to the at least one coherence value is related to an energy level of the first and second microphone signals.","6.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the noise compensation system further comprises a noise estimate computation processor that includes a high frequency noise estimator that derives the estimate based on an approximation according to the coherence values to generate the adjustment value for adjusting the audio signal to compensate for effects from the noise.","7.The sound adjustment system of claim 6, wherein the noise estimator includes at least one noise estimation scheme to derive the estimate.","8.The sound adjustment system of claim 7, wherein the noise estimation scheme includes an adaptive filter and a noise level derivation system.","9.A system for coherence processing, comprising: a plurality of coherence calculators that each generates a coherence value from a frequency band of an audio signal detected by first and second microphones; and a noise estimate computation processor that determines an estimate of a level of the noise in the acoustic energy based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.","10.The system of claim 9, wherein the frequency bands received by the coherence calculators are each centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.","11.The system of claim 10, wherein the frequency bands include frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","12.The system of claim 9, wherein each of the coherence calculators receives a first signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in a vehicle cabin, and receives a second signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.","13.A dynamic audio adjustment system, comprising: a first filter that processes a first microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input; a second filter that processes a second microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input, the first and second microphone signal inputs representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; a first frequency analyzer that divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band; a second frequency analyzer that divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band; a coherence calculator for each frequency band, each coherence calculator determining a coherence value between frequency band values output from each of the first and second frequency analyzers; and a noise estimate computation processor that derives an estimate of a level of noise in the listening space based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.","14.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the estimate of the noise level is determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.","15.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the high frequency band is between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","16.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the noise estimate computation processor determines from the coherence values a coherence level relative to the microphone signals to derive the estimate of the level of noise.","17.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the first microphone is positioned at a first location in the listening space and the second microphone is positioned at a second location in the listening space for sensing the acoustic energy.","18.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the adjustment value is output for adjusting different electrical audio signals input to multiple speakers.","19.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 18, wherein the multiple speakers include a first speaker receiving left channel audio content and a second speaker receiving right channel audio content.","20.A method for sound adjustment/noise compensation comprising: processing, by a special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a first microphone signal from a first microphone; processing, by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a second microphone signal from a second microphone, the first and second microphone signals representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; performing by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals; determining by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an estimate of a level of the noise in the listening space based on the approximation according to coherence values corresponding to the coherence levels; generating an adjustment value from the estimate; and adjusting the audio signal with the adjustment value."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>This description relates generally to dynamic sound adjustment, and more specifically, to noise estimation for dynamic sound adjustment, e.g., where sound is reproduced in a vehicle having an acoustic system."],["<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY <EOH>In accordance with one aspect, a system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space.","A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy.","The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space.","A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value.","Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The estimate of the noise level may be determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.","The high frequency band may be between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","The listening space may comprise a vehicle cabin.","The coherence calculator may receive the first microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in the vehicle cabin, and may receive the second microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.","The system may determine an amount of energy in the first and second microphone signals that is attributable to the noise.","A coherence measurement corresponding to the at least one coherence value may be related to an energy level of the first and second microphone signals.","The system may further comprise a high frequency noise estimator that processes an output of the noise estimate computation processor to generate an adjustment value for adjusting the first and second audio signals to compensate for effects from the noise.","In accordance with another aspect, a noise compensation system, comprises a first input for receiving a first microphone signal; and a second input for receiving a second microphone signal.","The first and second microphone signals generated from acoustic energy are detected by the first and second microphones.","The acoustic energy represents a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals.","The system further comprises a first coherence calculator that determines a first coherence value from a comparison of a first frequency band of a plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; a second coherence calculator that determines a second coherence value from a comparison of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; and a noise estimate computation processor that determines an estimate of a level of the noise in the acoustic energy in response to the first and second coherence values.","Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.","The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","The noise level of the first and second microphone signals may be derived from the environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals, respectively.","The noise estimate computation processor may include a noise estimator that implements and may execute one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of the noise based on an approximation according to the first and second coherence values.","In another aspect, a dynamic audio adjustment system comprises a first filter that processes a first microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input; and a second filter that processes a second microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input.","The first and second microphone signal inputs represent acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively.","The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space.","A first frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.","A second frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.","A coherence calculator is for each frequency band, each coherence calculator determining a coherence value between frequency band values output from each of the first and second frequency analyzers.","A noise estimate computation processor derives an estimate of a level of noise in the listening space based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.","Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.","The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","The noise estimate computation processor may determine from the coherence values a coherence level relative to the microphone signals to derive the estimate of the level of noise.","The first microphone may be positioned at a first location in the listening space and the second microphone may be positioned at a second location in the listening space for sensing the acoustic energy.","The adjustment value may be output for adjusting different electrical audio signals input to multiple speakers.","The multiple speakers may include a first speaker receiving left channel audio content and a second speaker receiving right channel audio content.","In another aspect, a method for sound adjustment/noise compensation comprises processing, by a special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a first microphone signal from a first microphone; processing, by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a second microphone signal from a second microphone, the first and second microphone signals representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; performing by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals; determining by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an estimate of a level of the noise in the listening space based on the approximation; generating an adjustment value from the estimate; and adjusting the audio signal with the adjustment value.","In another aspect, a sound system, comprises a speaker that transduces an audio signal; a first microphone and a second microphone that each senses acoustic energy comprising the transduced audio signal and environmental noise and generates a corresponding microphone signal; and a dynamic audio adjustment system that performs a coherence processing technique on the first and second microphone signals and adjusts the audio signal in response to the coherence processing.","The dynamic audio adjustment system may include a noise estimator that implements and executes one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on an approximation according to the coherence processing technique."],["RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/282,652, filed Sep. 30, 2016, and entitled “Noise Estimation for Dynamic Sound Adjustment”, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.","BACKGROUND This description relates generally to dynamic sound adjustment, and more specifically, to noise estimation for dynamic sound adjustment, e.g., where sound is reproduced in a vehicle having an acoustic system.","BRIEF SUMMARY In accordance with one aspect, a system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space.","A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy.","The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space.","A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value.","Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The estimate of the noise level may be determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.","The high frequency band may be between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","The listening space may comprise a vehicle cabin.","The coherence calculator may receive the first microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in the vehicle cabin, and may receive the second microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.","The system may determine an amount of energy in the first and second microphone signals that is attributable to the noise.","A coherence measurement corresponding to the at least one coherence value may be related to an energy level of the first and second microphone signals.","The system may further comprise a high frequency noise estimator that processes an output of the noise estimate computation processor to generate an adjustment value for adjusting the first and second audio signals to compensate for effects from the noise.","In accordance with another aspect, a noise compensation system, comprises a first input for receiving a first microphone signal; and a second input for receiving a second microphone signal.","The first and second microphone signals generated from acoustic energy are detected by the first and second microphones.","The acoustic energy represents a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals.","The system further comprises a first coherence calculator that determines a first coherence value from a comparison of a first frequency band of a plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; a second coherence calculator that determines a second coherence value from a comparison of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; and a noise estimate computation processor that determines an estimate of a level of the noise in the acoustic energy in response to the first and second coherence values.","Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.","The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","The noise level of the first and second microphone signals may be derived from the environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals, respectively.","The noise estimate computation processor may include a noise estimator that implements and may execute one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of the noise based on an approximation according to the first and second coherence values.","In another aspect, a dynamic audio adjustment system comprises a first filter that processes a first microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input; and a second filter that processes a second microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input.","The first and second microphone signal inputs represent acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively.","The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space.","A first frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.","A second frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.","A coherence calculator is for each frequency band, each coherence calculator determining a coherence value between frequency band values output from each of the first and second frequency analyzers.","A noise estimate computation processor derives an estimate of a level of noise in the listening space based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.","Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.","The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.","The noise estimate computation processor may determine from the coherence values a coherence level relative to the microphone signals to derive the estimate of the level of noise.","The first microphone may be positioned at a first location in the listening space and the second microphone may be positioned at a second location in the listening space for sensing the acoustic energy.","The adjustment value may be output for adjusting different electrical audio signals input to multiple speakers.","The multiple speakers may include a first speaker receiving left channel audio content and a second speaker receiving right channel audio content.","In another aspect, a method for sound adjustment/noise compensation comprises processing, by a special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a first microphone signal from a first microphone; processing, by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a second microphone signal from a second microphone, the first and second microphone signals representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; performing by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals; determining by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an estimate of a level of the noise in the listening space based on the approximation; generating an adjustment value from the estimate; and adjusting the audio signal with the adjustment value.","In another aspect, a sound system, comprises a speaker that transduces an audio signal; a first microphone and a second microphone that each senses acoustic energy comprising the transduced audio signal and environmental noise and generates a corresponding microphone signal; and a dynamic audio adjustment system that performs a coherence processing technique on the first and second microphone signals and adjusts the audio signal in response to the coherence processing.","The dynamic audio adjustment system may include a noise estimator that implements and executes one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on an approximation according to the coherence processing technique.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION The above and further advantages of examples of the present inventive concepts may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures.","The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of features and implementations.","FIG.","1 is block diagram illustrating an environment in which examples of a dynamic audio adjustment system operate.","FIG.","2 is a flowchart of an example process performed by a dynamic audio adjustment system.","FIG.","3 is a block diagram of an example of a dynamic audio adjustment system.","FIG.","4 is a block diagram of an example of a noise compensation system of the dynamic audio adjustment system of FIG.","3.FIG.","5 is a graph illustrating a feature of an example of a dynamic sound adjustment system.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Modern audio reproduction systems installed in vehicles, which are capable of dynamic sound adjustment, may include noise detectors, such as a set of microphones positioned in the vehicle cabin that detects a combination of speaker output and surrounding noise (from a vehicle engine, wind, road noise, etc.","), and may further include a processor that applies complex adaptive filtering to separate the noise from the current audio output from the speaker.","A limitation with this approach relates to the cost and feasibility of an acoustic system that is associated with how many audio channels its audio source includes, for example, mono, stereo, two channel, left/center/right (LCR), surround sound, and so on.","For example, if the source provides a mono signal, then only one reference signal is present.","This requires at least a single adaptive filter providing at least one transfer function logic for the single audio channel.","However, if the source is stereo audio, then at least two adaptive filters are necessary for modeling at least two different transfer functions, because the left channel and the right channel take different paths to the microphone.","Similarly, a 5.1 surround format requires six different channels, and therefore, at least six different adaptive filters, to separate the noise from the output audio at the microphones.","In cases where an up-mixer is applied to the stereo input, the channel count can increase to a high number such as 32.Such an acoustic system may become more expensive due to the added complexity of multiple adaptive filters.","Another limitation pertains to multichannel adaptive filtering, where if the left channel and the right channel are highly correlated, then it is difficult for the left channel adaptive filter and the right channel adaptive filter to converge to the true transfer functions.","For example, the similarity in the left and right channel reference signals may cause the adaptive filters to model similar transfer functions, even though the left and right channel transmission paths are clearly distinct from each other.","The addition of more channels will only magnify this problem, possibly to the point that the adaptive filters will never converge to the correct transfer functions.","Another limitation pertains to acoustic systems that perform non-linear processing.","Examples of non-linear processing include limiters, soft clippers, and the aforementioned up-mixers, which may include features such as compressed audio enhancement (CAE).","Non-linear processing is not amenable to modeling by adaptive filters.","Therefore, the presence of non-linear processing in the acoustic system renders the use of adaptive filtering in noise estimation difficult and expensive to perform.","In brief overview, examples of the present inventive concepts include the determining and processing of coherence between two microphones for high-frequency noise estimation, thereby reducing cost and complexity associated with the use of adaptive filtering in noise estimation.","A system in these examples can process additional varieties of input sources such as 5.1-channel surround sound, since the abovementioned coherence processing is performed on the microphone signals who are sensing the output of the system.","Accordingly, there is no need for scaling to accommodate the number of channels in the input source.","Also, the system will not fail in the presence of non-linear signals in the audio system.","FIG.","1 shows a block diagram of an example dynamic audio adjustment system 10 installed in a vehicle (only a vehicle cabin is shown).","Although an application of the system 10 in a vehicle is described, in other examples, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 may be applied in any environment where the presence of noise may degrade the quality of sound reproduced by an audio system.","The dynamic audio adjustment system 10 is configured to compensate for effects of variable noise on a vehicle occupant's listening experience by automatically and dynamically adjusting the music, speech, or other sounds generated by an audio source 11 of an audio system as electrical audio signals, which are presented as sound by a speaker 20 so that users within earshot of the speaker 20, for example, occupants of a vehicle, can hear the sound produced by the speaker 20 in response to the received electrical audio signals.","Although a single speaker 20 is shown and described in FIG.","1, some examples may include a plurality of speakers, each of which may present different audio signals.","For example, one speaker may receive left channel audio data content and another may receive right channel audio data content.","The dynamic audio adjustment system 10 may be part of an audio control system.","Other elements of the audio control system may include an audio source 11, for example, an acoustic system that plays music, speech, or other sound signals, one or more speakers 20, and one or more noise detectors, such as microphones 12A and 12B.","The audio control system may be configured for mono, stereo, two channel, left/center/right (LCR), N:1 surround sound (where N is an integer greater than 1), or other multi-channel configuration.","The microphones 12 may be placed at a location near a listener's ears, e.g., along a headliner of the vehicle cabin.","For example, the first microphone 12A may be at a first location in a vehicle cabin, for example, near a right ear of a driver or passenger, and the second microphone 12B may be at a second location in the vehicle cabin, for example, near a left ear of the driver or passenger.","Each of the first microphone 12A and the second microphone 12B generates a microphone signal input in response to a detected audio signal.","A detected audio signal received by the first microphone 12A may represent a combination of a common source of audio from the speaker (which is also detected by the second microphone 12B) and a source of noise from an environment (also referred to as environmental noise) within a range of detection of the first microphone 12A.","For example, random sources outside or inside the vehicle cabin may contribute to the noise that is picked up by the first microphone 12A in addition to the audio output from the speaker 20.Similarly, a detected audio signal received by the second microphone 12B may represent a combination of the source of audio from the speaker (which is also detected by the first microphone 12A) and a source of noise from an environment within a range of detection of the second microphone 12B.","In brief overview, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 separates the undesirable noise from the entertainment audio provided by the audio source 11.To do so, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 performs a coherence processing technique on the first and second microphone signals, and processes the results to derive a noise estimate, which is then used to adjust an electrical audio signal input to the speaker 20.It is well-known that coherence is related to energy.","Therefore, the system 10 can determine how much of the energy in a microphone signal is attributable to noise, since coherence is related to the energy level of the signal or the noise at the microphone.","The two microphones 12A, 12B, when listening to the same audio output from a speaker 20, are expected to receive highly correlated audio signals.","However, noise from random sources such as wind or rain on the vehicle's windows, squealing brakes, or other high frequency sound sources, and/or from inside the vehicle may generate uncorrelated audio signals at the microphones 12A, 12B.","By determining the coherence between the microphones 12A, 12B, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 may derive an estimate of the noise level, which is then used to adjust the sound output from the vehicle's audio speakers.","FIG.","2 is a flowchart of an example process 200 performed by a dynamic audio adjustment system.","For example, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 of FIG.","1 can apply the example process 200 to electrical audio signals input to a speaker 20 in real time in response to noise changes detected in a vehicle cabin.","According to process 200, two or more detectors, for example, microphones 12A and 12B, may detect a combination of acoustic energy output from the speaker 20 and environmental noise, for example, engine noise, wind, rain, or other high frequency noise sources, collectively referred to as an acoustic signal.","The acoustic signal is detected by the microphones 12A and 12B, which each transfers the received combined acoustic signal to the adjustment system as an electronic microphone signal.","At block 202, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 receives a first microphone signal from the first microphone 12A and a second microphone signal from the second microphone 12B.","At block 204, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 performs coherence processing on the first and second microphone signals received from the first microphone 12A and second microphone 12B, respectively.","In particular, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 performs an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals.","In theory, the first and second microphone signals are correlated in the absence of high frequency noise, since the microphones 12A, 12B detect a common source of audio, i.e., entertainment audio output from the speaker 20.However, when the vehicle's windows are rolled down, wind, rain, and related noise may result in a drop in coherence between the first and second microphone signals, as the microphone signals may become more uncorrelated.","In particular, a lack of correlation between the signals is indicative of the level of noise in the listening space.","Coherence values, also referred to as coherence processing results, ranging from 0 to 1, may be derived using coherence processing.","A coherence value, or the coherence between microphones 12A and 12B, of “0” may refer to an approximation that everything detected by the microphones 12A and 12B is noise-related.","A coherence value of “1” may refer to an approximation that there is no noise present at microphones 12A and 12B.","The coherence values of 0 and 1 can serve as the two boundaries, or points.","Any point on the curve between the two points of 0 and 1 can be used to calculate a noise estimate (step 206).","For example, a determined coherence value of 0.3 can be used to determine a noise estimate, for example, according to the following equation: Noise level=microphone energy*y0, where y0 is a multiplicative factor that may be derived using a pre-determined function of the coherence value FIG.","5 illustrates coherence values related to various detected microphone signals.","At step 208, an adjustment value is generated by the dynamic audio adjustment system.","The adjustment value is partially derived from the noise estimate calculated at step 206.Examples of other factors on which the adjustment value may be based include information from other noise detectors, and the energy level of the audio signal output.","The adjustment value may be input to an audio processor 22 which combines the adjustment value with the electrical audio signal output from the audio source 11 to the speaker 20.The adjustment value adjusts the electrical audio signal input to the speaker 20 as a result of the coherence processing performed at step 204.As shown in FIG.","3, an example of a dynamic audio adjustment system 10 comprises a plurality of filters 14A, 14B (generally, 14), a plurality of frequency analyzers 16A, 16B (generally, 16), and a noise compensation system 50.In some examples, the microphones 12 and speaker 20 are part of the system 10.In other examples, the microphones 12 and speaker 20 exchange electronic signals with the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 via inputs and outputs of the dynamic audio adjustment system 10.First filter 14A processes a microphone signal received from a first microphone 12A.","Second filter 14B likewise processes a microphone signal received from a second microphone 12B.","In some examples, more than two microphones 12 may be deployed in a vehicle cabin.","Each microphone 12A and 12B (generally, 12) independently listens to a common source of audio, and generates a microphone signal in response to a received audio signal that represents combination of a common source of audio from the speaker 20 and environmental noise local to the respective microphone 12.One filter 14 is provided for each microphone 12.Microphone signals output to filters 14A and 14B, respectively, may be different due to differences in noise detected at each microphone 12A, 12B.","Each filter 14 serves to isolate from the input audio signals of the microphone signal from each microphone 12 in a predetermined and specific frequency band, for example a band that is located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz, but not limited thereto.","Each filter 14 therefore outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the corresponding received microphone signal input.","A first frequency analyzer 16A divides the range of frequencies, e.g., a frequency band between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz, of the microphone signal output from the first filter 14A into a plurality of frequency bands.","Similarly, a second frequency analyzer 16B divides the range of frequencies, e.g., a frequency band between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz, of the microphone signal output from the second filter 14B into a plurality of frequency bands.","The frequency analyzers 16 are therefore configured to isolate components at the same frequency from each microphone signal for comparison using coherence processing.","The noise compensation system 50 computes a separate coherence value between the microphone signals 12A and 12B for each corresponding frequency band.","These values are then aggregated and used to determine an approximation factor.","The relationship between the aggregate coherence value and the factor can be established by a predefined curve or a lookup table.","This factor is then multiplied to the total energy of the signals output from filter 14A and 14B directly to the noise compensation system 50 to derive the noise level.","Based on the results of that processing, the established noise level estimates may be used to generate the adjustment values, which may be output to an audio processor 22 which combines the adjustment values with electrical audio signals output from the audio source 11 to the speaker 20.In some examples, also referring to FIG.","4, the noise compensation system 50 may comprise a plurality of coherence calculators 102-1 through 102-N, wherein N is an integer greater than 0, and a noise estimate computation processor 104.Each coherence calculator 102-1 to 102-N (generally, 102) includes two inputs, each communicating with a frequency analyzer 16A and 16B, and each receiving a frequency band ((1−x), where x=N or another integer greater than 0).","Thus, each coherence calculator 102 receives an output from each frequency analyzer 16A and 16B.","For example, coherence calculator 102-1 may receive a first frequency band (freq.","band 1), e.g.","4.0-4.1 kHz, from first frequency analyzer 16A that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone 12A, and also receive the first frequency band (freq.","band 1), e.g.","4.0-4.1 kHz, from second frequency analyzer 16B that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone 12B.","Also in this example, coherence calculator 102-2 may receive a second frequency band (freq.","band 2), e.g.","4.1-4.2 kHz, from first frequency analyzer 16A that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone, and also receive the second frequency band (freq.","band 2), e.g.","4.0-4.1 kHz, from second frequency analyzer 16B that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone 12B.","Each coherence calculator 102-1 to 102-N (generally, 102) generates a coherence value in response to a comparison of a frequency band of the microphone signals output from the first and second frequency analyzers 16A and 16B, respectively.","As described above, the microphone signals are generated in response to a received audio signal that represents a combination of a common source of audio from the speaker 20 and environmental noise local to the respective microphone 12A, 12B.","Thus, the computed coherence results apply to a particular frequency range of the entire audio that may be heard by a listener, including noise and desirable audio.","Also, the coherence at different frequency bands may vary, for example, higher coherence, or more correlation, between microphone signals at the various frequency bands for entertainment audio, lower coherence, or less correlation, between microphone signals at the various frequency bands for wind or road noise.","The noise estimate computation processor 104 may include a noise estimator that implements and executes one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of the noise based on an approximation according to the coherence values generated by the coherence calculators 102.Examples of such noise estimation schemes include the aforementioned noise estimation using adaptive filtering, as well as noise level derivation based on vehicle speed.","An approximation value based on the noise level estimate is generated, and output to the audio processor 22 for adjusting an audio input to the speaker 20 to compensate for the noise detected by the microphones 12.A number of implementations have been described.","Nevertheless, it will be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the inventive concepts which are defined by the scope of the claims.","Other examples are within the scope of the following claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"NOISE ESTIMATION FOR DYNAMIC SOUND ADJUSTMENT\",\n \"A system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space.\",\n \"A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy.\",\n \"The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space.\",\n \"A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A sound adjustment system for a vehicle cabin, comprising: an audio speaker that transduces an audio signal; a first microphone that senses a source of acoustic energy in the vehicle cabin and generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy, wherein the acoustic energy comprises a combination of the audio signal transduced by the speaker and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the vehicle cabin; a second microphone that senses the source of acoustic energy in the vehicle cabin and generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy; a noise compensation system that determines a plurality of coherence values from a comparison of frequency bands of the first and second microphone signals, determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise in the acoustic energy from the coherence values, and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.\",\n \"2.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the estimate is determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"3.The sound adjustment system of claim 2, wherein the high frequency band is between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"4.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the noise compensation system comprises a coherence calculator that receives the first microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in the vehicle cabin, and receives the second microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.\",\n \"5.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the sound adjustment system determines an amount of energy in the first and second microphone signals that is attributable to the environmental noise, and wherein a coherence corresponding to the at least one coherence value is related to an energy level of the first and second microphone signals.\",\n \"6.The sound adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the noise compensation system further comprises a noise estimate computation processor that includes a high frequency noise estimator that derives the estimate based on an approximation according to the coherence values to generate the adjustment value for adjusting the audio signal to compensate for effects from the noise.\",\n \"7.The sound adjustment system of claim 6, wherein the noise estimator includes at least one noise estimation scheme to derive the estimate.\",\n \"8.The sound adjustment system of claim 7, wherein the noise estimation scheme includes an adaptive filter and a noise level derivation system.\",\n \"9.A system for coherence processing, comprising: a plurality of coherence calculators that each generates a coherence value from a frequency band of an audio signal detected by first and second microphones; and a noise estimate computation processor that determines an estimate of a level of the noise in the acoustic energy based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.\",\n \"10.The system of claim 9, wherein the frequency bands received by the coherence calculators are each centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"11.The system of claim 10, wherein the frequency bands include frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"12.The system of claim 9, wherein each of the coherence calculators receives a first signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in a vehicle cabin, and receives a second signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.\",\n \"13.A dynamic audio adjustment system, comprising: a first filter that processes a first microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input; a second filter that processes a second microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input, the first and second microphone signal inputs representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; a first frequency analyzer that divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band; a second frequency analyzer that divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band; a coherence calculator for each frequency band, each coherence calculator determining a coherence value between frequency band values output from each of the first and second frequency analyzers; and a noise estimate computation processor that derives an estimate of a level of noise in the listening space based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.\",\n \"14.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the estimate of the noise level is determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"15.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the high frequency band is between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"16.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the noise estimate computation processor determines from the coherence values a coherence level relative to the microphone signals to derive the estimate of the level of noise.\",\n \"17.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the first microphone is positioned at a first location in the listening space and the second microphone is positioned at a second location in the listening space for sensing the acoustic energy.\",\n \"18.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 13, wherein the adjustment value is output for adjusting different electrical audio signals input to multiple speakers.\",\n \"19.The dynamic audio adjustment system of claim 18, wherein the multiple speakers include a first speaker receiving left channel audio content and a second speaker receiving right channel audio content.\",\n \"20.A method for sound adjustment/noise compensation comprising: processing, by a special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a first microphone signal from a first microphone; processing, by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a second microphone signal from a second microphone, the first and second microphone signals representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; performing by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals; determining by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an estimate of a level of the noise in the listening space based on the approximation according to coherence values corresponding to the coherence levels; generating an adjustment value from the estimate; and adjusting the audio signal with the adjustment value.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>This description relates generally to dynamic sound adjustment, and more specifically, to noise estimation for dynamic sound adjustment, e.g., where sound is reproduced in a vehicle having an acoustic system.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BRIEF SUMMARY <EOH>In accordance with one aspect, a system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space.\",\n \"A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy.\",\n \"The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space.\",\n \"A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value.\",\n \"Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The estimate of the noise level may be determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"The high frequency band may be between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"The listening space may comprise a vehicle cabin.\",\n \"The coherence calculator may receive the first microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in the vehicle cabin, and may receive the second microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.\",\n \"The system may determine an amount of energy in the first and second microphone signals that is attributable to the noise.\",\n \"A coherence measurement corresponding to the at least one coherence value may be related to an energy level of the first and second microphone signals.\",\n \"The system may further comprise a high frequency noise estimator that processes an output of the noise estimate computation processor to generate an adjustment value for adjusting the first and second audio signals to compensate for effects from the noise.\",\n \"In accordance with another aspect, a noise compensation system, comprises a first input for receiving a first microphone signal; and a second input for receiving a second microphone signal.\",\n \"The first and second microphone signals generated from acoustic energy are detected by the first and second microphones.\",\n \"The acoustic energy represents a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals.\",\n \"The system further comprises a first coherence calculator that determines a first coherence value from a comparison of a first frequency band of a plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; a second coherence calculator that determines a second coherence value from a comparison of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; and a noise estimate computation processor that determines an estimate of a level of the noise in the acoustic energy in response to the first and second coherence values.\",\n \"Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"The noise level of the first and second microphone signals may be derived from the environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals, respectively.\",\n \"The noise estimate computation processor may include a noise estimator that implements and may execute one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of the noise based on an approximation according to the first and second coherence values.\",\n \"In another aspect, a dynamic audio adjustment system comprises a first filter that processes a first microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input; and a second filter that processes a second microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input.\",\n \"The first and second microphone signal inputs represent acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively.\",\n \"The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space.\",\n \"A first frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.\",\n \"A second frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.\",\n \"A coherence calculator is for each frequency band, each coherence calculator determining a coherence value between frequency band values output from each of the first and second frequency analyzers.\",\n \"A noise estimate computation processor derives an estimate of a level of noise in the listening space based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.\",\n \"Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"The noise estimate computation processor may determine from the coherence values a coherence level relative to the microphone signals to derive the estimate of the level of noise.\",\n \"The first microphone may be positioned at a first location in the listening space and the second microphone may be positioned at a second location in the listening space for sensing the acoustic energy.\",\n \"The adjustment value may be output for adjusting different electrical audio signals input to multiple speakers.\",\n \"The multiple speakers may include a first speaker receiving left channel audio content and a second speaker receiving right channel audio content.\",\n \"In another aspect, a method for sound adjustment/noise compensation comprises processing, by a special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a first microphone signal from a first microphone; processing, by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a second microphone signal from a second microphone, the first and second microphone signals representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; performing by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals; determining by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an estimate of a level of the noise in the listening space based on the approximation; generating an adjustment value from the estimate; and adjusting the audio signal with the adjustment value.\",\n \"In another aspect, a sound system, comprises a speaker that transduces an audio signal; a first microphone and a second microphone that each senses acoustic energy comprising the transduced audio signal and environmental noise and generates a corresponding microphone signal; and a dynamic audio adjustment system that performs a coherence processing technique on the first and second microphone signals and adjusts the audio signal in response to the coherence processing.\",\n \"The dynamic audio adjustment system may include a noise estimator that implements and executes one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on an approximation according to the coherence processing technique.\"\n ],\n [\n \"RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/282,652, filed Sep. 30, 2016, and entitled “Noise Estimation for Dynamic Sound Adjustment”, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.\",\n \"BACKGROUND This description relates generally to dynamic sound adjustment, and more specifically, to noise estimation for dynamic sound adjustment, e.g., where sound is reproduced in a vehicle having an acoustic system.\",\n \"BRIEF SUMMARY In accordance with one aspect, a system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoustic energy in a listening space.\",\n \"A first microphone of the at least two microphones generates a first microphone signal from the acoustic energy and a second microphone of the at least two microphones generates a second microphone signal from the acoustic energy.\",\n \"The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise of the acoustic energy that is local to the listening space.\",\n \"A noise estimate computation processor determines an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on the at least one coherence value.\",\n \"Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The estimate of the noise level may be determined in a high frequency band that is greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"The high frequency band may be between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"The listening space may comprise a vehicle cabin.\",\n \"The coherence calculator may receive the first microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the first microphone at a first location in the vehicle cabin, and may receive the second microphone signal generated in response to the acoustic energy detected by the second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin.\",\n \"The system may determine an amount of energy in the first and second microphone signals that is attributable to the noise.\",\n \"A coherence measurement corresponding to the at least one coherence value may be related to an energy level of the first and second microphone signals.\",\n \"The system may further comprise a high frequency noise estimator that processes an output of the noise estimate computation processor to generate an adjustment value for adjusting the first and second audio signals to compensate for effects from the noise.\",\n \"In accordance with another aspect, a noise compensation system, comprises a first input for receiving a first microphone signal; and a second input for receiving a second microphone signal.\",\n \"The first and second microphone signals generated from acoustic energy are detected by the first and second microphones.\",\n \"The acoustic energy represents a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals.\",\n \"The system further comprises a first coherence calculator that determines a first coherence value from a comparison of a first frequency band of a plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; a second coherence calculator that determines a second coherence value from a comparison of a second frequency band of the plurality of frequencies of the first and second microphone signals; and a noise estimate computation processor that determines an estimate of a level of the noise in the acoustic energy in response to the first and second coherence values.\",\n \"Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"The noise level of the first and second microphone signals may be derived from the environmental noise local to the first and second microphone signals, respectively.\",\n \"The noise estimate computation processor may include a noise estimator that implements and may execute one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of the noise based on an approximation according to the first and second coherence values.\",\n \"In another aspect, a dynamic audio adjustment system comprises a first filter that processes a first microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input; and a second filter that processes a second microphone signal input and outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input.\",\n \"The first and second microphone signal inputs represent acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively.\",\n \"The acoustic energy comprises a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space.\",\n \"A first frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the first microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.\",\n \"A second frequency analyzer divides the predetermined range of frequencies of the second microphone signal input into a plurality of separate frequency bands, and outputs a frequency band value for each frequency band.\",\n \"A coherence calculator is for each frequency band, each coherence calculator determining a coherence value between frequency band values output from each of the first and second frequency analyzers.\",\n \"A noise estimate computation processor derives an estimate of a level of noise in the listening space based on an approximation according to the coherence values and generates an adjustment value from the estimate that adjusts the audio signal.\",\n \"Aspects may include one or more of the following features: The first and second frequency bands may be centered at a frequency greater than 4 kHz.\",\n \"The first and second frequency bands may be located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz.\",\n \"The noise estimate computation processor may determine from the coherence values a coherence level relative to the microphone signals to derive the estimate of the level of noise.\",\n \"The first microphone may be positioned at a first location in the listening space and the second microphone may be positioned at a second location in the listening space for sensing the acoustic energy.\",\n \"The adjustment value may be output for adjusting different electrical audio signals input to multiple speakers.\",\n \"The multiple speakers may include a first speaker receiving left channel audio content and a second speaker receiving right channel audio content.\",\n \"In another aspect, a method for sound adjustment/noise compensation comprises processing, by a special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a first microphone signal from a first microphone; processing, by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer, a second microphone signal from a second microphone, the first and second microphone signals representing acoustic energy in a listening space that is sensed by the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively, the acoustic energy comprising a combination of an audio signal transduced by one or more speakers and noise within the listening space; performing by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals; determining by the special-purpose dynamic audio adjustment computer an estimate of a level of the noise in the listening space based on the approximation; generating an adjustment value from the estimate; and adjusting the audio signal with the adjustment value.\",\n \"In another aspect, a sound system, comprises a speaker that transduces an audio signal; a first microphone and a second microphone that each senses acoustic energy comprising the transduced audio signal and environmental noise and generates a corresponding microphone signal; and a dynamic audio adjustment system that performs a coherence processing technique on the first and second microphone signals and adjusts the audio signal in response to the coherence processing.\",\n \"The dynamic audio adjustment system may include a noise estimator that implements and executes one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of a level of the environmental noise based on an approximation according to the coherence processing technique.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION The above and further advantages of examples of the present inventive concepts may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures.\",\n \"The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of features and implementations.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is block diagram illustrating an environment in which examples of a dynamic audio adjustment system operate.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a flowchart of an example process performed by a dynamic audio adjustment system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a block diagram of an example of a dynamic audio adjustment system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a block diagram of an example of a noise compensation system of the dynamic audio adjustment system of FIG.\",\n \"3.FIG.\",\n \"5 is a graph illustrating a feature of an example of a dynamic sound adjustment system.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Modern audio reproduction systems installed in vehicles, which are capable of dynamic sound adjustment, may include noise detectors, such as a set of microphones positioned in the vehicle cabin that detects a combination of speaker output and surrounding noise (from a vehicle engine, wind, road noise, etc.\",\n \"), and may further include a processor that applies complex adaptive filtering to separate the noise from the current audio output from the speaker.\",\n \"A limitation with this approach relates to the cost and feasibility of an acoustic system that is associated with how many audio channels its audio source includes, for example, mono, stereo, two channel, left/center/right (LCR), surround sound, and so on.\",\n \"For example, if the source provides a mono signal, then only one reference signal is present.\",\n \"This requires at least a single adaptive filter providing at least one transfer function logic for the single audio channel.\",\n \"However, if the source is stereo audio, then at least two adaptive filters are necessary for modeling at least two different transfer functions, because the left channel and the right channel take different paths to the microphone.\",\n \"Similarly, a 5.1 surround format requires six different channels, and therefore, at least six different adaptive filters, to separate the noise from the output audio at the microphones.\",\n \"In cases where an up-mixer is applied to the stereo input, the channel count can increase to a high number such as 32.Such an acoustic system may become more expensive due to the added complexity of multiple adaptive filters.\",\n \"Another limitation pertains to multichannel adaptive filtering, where if the left channel and the right channel are highly correlated, then it is difficult for the left channel adaptive filter and the right channel adaptive filter to converge to the true transfer functions.\",\n \"For example, the similarity in the left and right channel reference signals may cause the adaptive filters to model similar transfer functions, even though the left and right channel transmission paths are clearly distinct from each other.\",\n \"The addition of more channels will only magnify this problem, possibly to the point that the adaptive filters will never converge to the correct transfer functions.\",\n \"Another limitation pertains to acoustic systems that perform non-linear processing.\",\n \"Examples of non-linear processing include limiters, soft clippers, and the aforementioned up-mixers, which may include features such as compressed audio enhancement (CAE).\",\n \"Non-linear processing is not amenable to modeling by adaptive filters.\",\n \"Therefore, the presence of non-linear processing in the acoustic system renders the use of adaptive filtering in noise estimation difficult and expensive to perform.\",\n \"In brief overview, examples of the present inventive concepts include the determining and processing of coherence between two microphones for high-frequency noise estimation, thereby reducing cost and complexity associated with the use of adaptive filtering in noise estimation.\",\n \"A system in these examples can process additional varieties of input sources such as 5.1-channel surround sound, since the abovementioned coherence processing is performed on the microphone signals who are sensing the output of the system.\",\n \"Accordingly, there is no need for scaling to accommodate the number of channels in the input source.\",\n \"Also, the system will not fail in the presence of non-linear signals in the audio system.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a block diagram of an example dynamic audio adjustment system 10 installed in a vehicle (only a vehicle cabin is shown).\",\n \"Although an application of the system 10 in a vehicle is described, in other examples, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 may be applied in any environment where the presence of noise may degrade the quality of sound reproduced by an audio system.\",\n \"The dynamic audio adjustment system 10 is configured to compensate for effects of variable noise on a vehicle occupant's listening experience by automatically and dynamically adjusting the music, speech, or other sounds generated by an audio source 11 of an audio system as electrical audio signals, which are presented as sound by a speaker 20 so that users within earshot of the speaker 20, for example, occupants of a vehicle, can hear the sound produced by the speaker 20 in response to the received electrical audio signals.\",\n \"Although a single speaker 20 is shown and described in FIG.\",\n \"1, some examples may include a plurality of speakers, each of which may present different audio signals.\",\n \"For example, one speaker may receive left channel audio data content and another may receive right channel audio data content.\",\n \"The dynamic audio adjustment system 10 may be part of an audio control system.\",\n \"Other elements of the audio control system may include an audio source 11, for example, an acoustic system that plays music, speech, or other sound signals, one or more speakers 20, and one or more noise detectors, such as microphones 12A and 12B.\",\n \"The audio control system may be configured for mono, stereo, two channel, left/center/right (LCR), N:1 surround sound (where N is an integer greater than 1), or other multi-channel configuration.\",\n \"The microphones 12 may be placed at a location near a listener's ears, e.g., along a headliner of the vehicle cabin.\",\n \"For example, the first microphone 12A may be at a first location in a vehicle cabin, for example, near a right ear of a driver or passenger, and the second microphone 12B may be at a second location in the vehicle cabin, for example, near a left ear of the driver or passenger.\",\n \"Each of the first microphone 12A and the second microphone 12B generates a microphone signal input in response to a detected audio signal.\",\n \"A detected audio signal received by the first microphone 12A may represent a combination of a common source of audio from the speaker (which is also detected by the second microphone 12B) and a source of noise from an environment (also referred to as environmental noise) within a range of detection of the first microphone 12A.\",\n \"For example, random sources outside or inside the vehicle cabin may contribute to the noise that is picked up by the first microphone 12A in addition to the audio output from the speaker 20.Similarly, a detected audio signal received by the second microphone 12B may represent a combination of the source of audio from the speaker (which is also detected by the first microphone 12A) and a source of noise from an environment within a range of detection of the second microphone 12B.\",\n \"In brief overview, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 separates the undesirable noise from the entertainment audio provided by the audio source 11.To do so, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 performs a coherence processing technique on the first and second microphone signals, and processes the results to derive a noise estimate, which is then used to adjust an electrical audio signal input to the speaker 20.It is well-known that coherence is related to energy.\",\n \"Therefore, the system 10 can determine how much of the energy in a microphone signal is attributable to noise, since coherence is related to the energy level of the signal or the noise at the microphone.\",\n \"The two microphones 12A, 12B, when listening to the same audio output from a speaker 20, are expected to receive highly correlated audio signals.\",\n \"However, noise from random sources such as wind or rain on the vehicle's windows, squealing brakes, or other high frequency sound sources, and/or from inside the vehicle may generate uncorrelated audio signals at the microphones 12A, 12B.\",\n \"By determining the coherence between the microphones 12A, 12B, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 may derive an estimate of the noise level, which is then used to adjust the sound output from the vehicle's audio speakers.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a flowchart of an example process 200 performed by a dynamic audio adjustment system.\",\n \"For example, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 of FIG.\",\n \"1 can apply the example process 200 to electrical audio signals input to a speaker 20 in real time in response to noise changes detected in a vehicle cabin.\",\n \"According to process 200, two or more detectors, for example, microphones 12A and 12B, may detect a combination of acoustic energy output from the speaker 20 and environmental noise, for example, engine noise, wind, rain, or other high frequency noise sources, collectively referred to as an acoustic signal.\",\n \"The acoustic signal is detected by the microphones 12A and 12B, which each transfers the received combined acoustic signal to the adjustment system as an electronic microphone signal.\",\n \"At block 202, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 receives a first microphone signal from the first microphone 12A and a second microphone signal from the second microphone 12B.\",\n \"At block 204, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 performs coherence processing on the first and second microphone signals received from the first microphone 12A and second microphone 12B, respectively.\",\n \"In particular, the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 performs an approximation based on a coherence level between the first and second microphone signals.\",\n \"In theory, the first and second microphone signals are correlated in the absence of high frequency noise, since the microphones 12A, 12B detect a common source of audio, i.e., entertainment audio output from the speaker 20.However, when the vehicle's windows are rolled down, wind, rain, and related noise may result in a drop in coherence between the first and second microphone signals, as the microphone signals may become more uncorrelated.\",\n \"In particular, a lack of correlation between the signals is indicative of the level of noise in the listening space.\",\n \"Coherence values, also referred to as coherence processing results, ranging from 0 to 1, may be derived using coherence processing.\",\n \"A coherence value, or the coherence between microphones 12A and 12B, of “0” may refer to an approximation that everything detected by the microphones 12A and 12B is noise-related.\",\n \"A coherence value of “1” may refer to an approximation that there is no noise present at microphones 12A and 12B.\",\n \"The coherence values of 0 and 1 can serve as the two boundaries, or points.\",\n \"Any point on the curve between the two points of 0 and 1 can be used to calculate a noise estimate (step 206).\",\n \"For example, a determined coherence value of 0.3 can be used to determine a noise estimate, for example, according to the following equation: Noise level=microphone energy*y0, where y0 is a multiplicative factor that may be derived using a pre-determined function of the coherence value FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates coherence values related to various detected microphone signals.\",\n \"At step 208, an adjustment value is generated by the dynamic audio adjustment system.\",\n \"The adjustment value is partially derived from the noise estimate calculated at step 206.Examples of other factors on which the adjustment value may be based include information from other noise detectors, and the energy level of the audio signal output.\",\n \"The adjustment value may be input to an audio processor 22 which combines the adjustment value with the electrical audio signal output from the audio source 11 to the speaker 20.The adjustment value adjusts the electrical audio signal input to the speaker 20 as a result of the coherence processing performed at step 204.As shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, an example of a dynamic audio adjustment system 10 comprises a plurality of filters 14A, 14B (generally, 14), a plurality of frequency analyzers 16A, 16B (generally, 16), and a noise compensation system 50.In some examples, the microphones 12 and speaker 20 are part of the system 10.In other examples, the microphones 12 and speaker 20 exchange electronic signals with the dynamic audio adjustment system 10 via inputs and outputs of the dynamic audio adjustment system 10.First filter 14A processes a microphone signal received from a first microphone 12A.\",\n \"Second filter 14B likewise processes a microphone signal received from a second microphone 12B.\",\n \"In some examples, more than two microphones 12 may be deployed in a vehicle cabin.\",\n \"Each microphone 12A and 12B (generally, 12) independently listens to a common source of audio, and generates a microphone signal in response to a received audio signal that represents combination of a common source of audio from the speaker 20 and environmental noise local to the respective microphone 12.One filter 14 is provided for each microphone 12.Microphone signals output to filters 14A and 14B, respectively, may be different due to differences in noise detected at each microphone 12A, 12B.\",\n \"Each filter 14 serves to isolate from the input audio signals of the microphone signal from each microphone 12 in a predetermined and specific frequency band, for example a band that is located between frequencies ranging from 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz, but not limited thereto.\",\n \"Each filter 14 therefore outputs a predetermined range of frequencies of the corresponding received microphone signal input.\",\n \"A first frequency analyzer 16A divides the range of frequencies, e.g., a frequency band between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz, of the microphone signal output from the first filter 14A into a plurality of frequency bands.\",\n \"Similarly, a second frequency analyzer 16B divides the range of frequencies, e.g., a frequency band between 4.5 kHz and 6 kHz, of the microphone signal output from the second filter 14B into a plurality of frequency bands.\",\n \"The frequency analyzers 16 are therefore configured to isolate components at the same frequency from each microphone signal for comparison using coherence processing.\",\n \"The noise compensation system 50 computes a separate coherence value between the microphone signals 12A and 12B for each corresponding frequency band.\",\n \"These values are then aggregated and used to determine an approximation factor.\",\n \"The relationship between the aggregate coherence value and the factor can be established by a predefined curve or a lookup table.\",\n \"This factor is then multiplied to the total energy of the signals output from filter 14A and 14B directly to the noise compensation system 50 to derive the noise level.\",\n \"Based on the results of that processing, the established noise level estimates may be used to generate the adjustment values, which may be output to an audio processor 22 which combines the adjustment values with electrical audio signals output from the audio source 11 to the speaker 20.In some examples, also referring to FIG.\",\n \"4, the noise compensation system 50 may comprise a plurality of coherence calculators 102-1 through 102-N, wherein N is an integer greater than 0, and a noise estimate computation processor 104.Each coherence calculator 102-1 to 102-N (generally, 102) includes two inputs, each communicating with a frequency analyzer 16A and 16B, and each receiving a frequency band ((1−x), where x=N or another integer greater than 0).\",\n \"Thus, each coherence calculator 102 receives an output from each frequency analyzer 16A and 16B.\",\n \"For example, coherence calculator 102-1 may receive a first frequency band (freq.\",\n \"band 1), e.g.\",\n \"4.0-4.1 kHz, from first frequency analyzer 16A that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone 12A, and also receive the first frequency band (freq.\",\n \"band 1), e.g.\",\n \"4.0-4.1 kHz, from second frequency analyzer 16B that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone 12B.\",\n \"Also in this example, coherence calculator 102-2 may receive a second frequency band (freq.\",\n \"band 2), e.g.\",\n \"4.1-4.2 kHz, from first frequency analyzer 16A that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone, and also receive the second frequency band (freq.\",\n \"band 2), e.g.\",\n \"4.0-4.1 kHz, from second frequency analyzer 16B that includes a microphone signal from the first microphone 12B.\",\n \"Each coherence calculator 102-1 to 102-N (generally, 102) generates a coherence value in response to a comparison of a frequency band of the microphone signals output from the first and second frequency analyzers 16A and 16B, respectively.\",\n \"As described above, the microphone signals are generated in response to a received audio signal that represents a combination of a common source of audio from the speaker 20 and environmental noise local to the respective microphone 12A, 12B.\",\n \"Thus, the computed coherence results apply to a particular frequency range of the entire audio that may be heard by a listener, including noise and desirable audio.\",\n \"Also, the coherence at different frequency bands may vary, for example, higher coherence, or more correlation, between microphone signals at the various frequency bands for entertainment audio, lower coherence, or less correlation, between microphone signals at the various frequency bands for wind or road noise.\",\n \"The noise estimate computation processor 104 may include a noise estimator that implements and executes one or more noise estimation schemes that are used in combination to derive an estimate of the noise based on an approximation according to the coherence values generated by the coherence calculators 102.Examples of such noise estimation schemes include the aforementioned noise estimation using adaptive filtering, as well as noise level derivation based on vehicle speed.\",\n \"An approximation value based on the noise level estimate is generated, and output to the audio processor 22 for adjusting an audio input to the speaker 20 to compensate for the noise detected by the microphones 12.A number of implementations have been described.\",\n \"Nevertheless, it will be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the inventive concepts which are defined by the scope of the claims.\",\n \"Other examples are within the scope of the following claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875126"}}},{"rowIdx":4494788,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND/OR TREATING ONE OR MORE MEDICAL CONDITIONS VIA NEUROMODULATION","Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.","The systems and methods can employ a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site."],["1.A system comprising: an external electronic device; and a microstimulator configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject comprising: a body; and an electrically conductive insert, arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device, wherein the electrically conductive insert receives a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","2.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device is configured to deliver the power signal through a patient's skin as a dielectric medium.","3.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device comprises circuitry to control the microstimulator and at least a portion of the external electronic device is located within a pair of glasses, a sleep mask, a nose clip, a flexible bandage, or a key fob.","4.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device comprises: a power source to deliver the power signal to the microstimulator; and a controller to control delivery of the power signal to the microstimulator, wherein the power source and the controller are enclosed in a casing, wherein at least a portion of the casing that contacts a patient's skin comprises an electrically conductive material.","5.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device further comprises a wireless transceiver to exchange data with a wireless transceiver of the microstimulator or a device corresponding to a medical professional.","6.The system of claim 5, wherein the data comprises control data and the system is a closed-loop control system, wherein the external device is a master and the microstimulator is a slave.","7.The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a curved portion extending between and connecting the horizontal portion and the vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion and the vertical portion are arranged at an angle relative to one another.","8.The system of claim 7, wherein the angle is from 70 degrees to 120 degrees.","9.The system of claim 8, wherein the vertical portion has a length that is less than a length of the horizontal portion.","10.The system of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert is arranged in a circular or oval cross section.","11.The system of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert further comprises: an electrically conductive plate having a surface area to receive the power signal from the external electronic device; a stimulating electrode physically connected to and electrically coupled with the electrically conductive plate to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site.","12.The system of claim 11, further comprising a reference electrode or a return electrode isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.","13.The system of claim 11, wherein the electrically conductive insert comprises an electrically conductive material layered upon a nonconductive material.","14.The system of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a longitudinal central lumen.","15.The system of claim 14, wherein the body further comprises one or more radial channels in fluid communication with the central lumen, wherein the at least one radial channel allows tear drainage to coat at least a portion of the exterior of the body.","16.The system of claim 1, wherein the microstimulator further comprises a faceplate disposed at a proximal end of the body and covering at least a portion of the body.","17.The system of claim 16, wherein the faceplate is impregnated with a pharmaceutical for release into the biological target site in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site.","18.The system of claim 17, wherein the body comprises one or more radial channels to control the release of the pharmaceutical into the biological target site.","19.The system of claim 16, wherein the faceplate comprises a wireless transceiver to exchange a signal with the external electronic device.","20.A method for powering an implantable microstimulator comprising: establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a dielectric biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","21.The method of claim 20, wherein the dielectric biological material comprises skin.","22.The method of claim 20, wherein the microstimulator comprises: a body; and an electrically conductive insert, arranged within the body to create the link with the external electronic device, wherein the electrically conductive insert receives the power signal from the external electronic device and delivers a therapy signal to a biological target site.","23.The method of claim 22, wherein the therapy signal comprises an electrical signal."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.","The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.","Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.","The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.","Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.","Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.","A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.","Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.","The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.","The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal."],["RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/851,842, filed Dec. 22, 2017, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Preventing, Diagnosing, and/or Treating one or More Medical Conditions via Neuromodulation”.","U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/851,842 claims the benefit of U.S.","Provisional Application No.","62/589,877, filed Nov. 22, 2017, entitled “Nasolacrimal Tear Microstimulator”.","U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/851,842 is also a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451, filed Jun.","13, 2016, and entitled “Nasolacrimal Implants and Related Methods for Tear Stimulation”, which claims priority to U.S.","Provisional Applications 62/321,961, filed Apr.","13, 2016, and 62/180,225, filed Jun.","16, 2015.Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.","TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions via neuromodulation.","The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used, as an example, to use neuromodulation to induce tear production to treat or prevent the medical condition of dry eye disease.","BACKGROUND Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.","The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.","Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.","The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.","Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.","Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.","A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.","Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time.","SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.","The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.","The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.","The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.","The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.","The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.","In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 illustrates a neural modulation system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG.","2 illustrates a capacitive coupling between the implantable microstimulator and the external electronic device of FIG.","1 established across a dielectric medium; FIG.","3 illustrates an example configuration of the implantable microstimulator of FIG.","1; FIG.","4 illustrates a side-view of an eye of a subject, depicting the three layers of naturally produced tears; FIG.","5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.","6 illustrates anatomical features related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.","7 illustrates an example structure of the microstimulator of FIG.","1 implemented for inducing tear production; FIG.","8 illustrates an example configuration of a flex circuit of the microstimulator of FIG.","7; FIG.","9 illustrates another example configuration of the microstimulator of FIG.","7 constructed without the flex circuit; FIGS.","10, 11, and 12 each illustrate different views of the example structure of the microstimulator of FIGS.","8 and 9; FIG.","13 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for powering an implantable microstimulator in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG.","14 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a number of terms are defined below.","Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in the areas relevant to this disclosure.","Terms such as “a,” “an” and “the” are not intended to refer only to the singular entity, but can also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.","The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.","As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.","Additionally, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.","may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.","These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.","Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.","The sequence of operations (or acts/steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.","As used herein, the term “medical condition” can refer to an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","As used herein, the term “ocular” can refer to something of, for, or like the eye.","An ocular disorder can be, for example, dry eye.","In order to restore ocular health to a patient with dry eye, a physiology normal amount, level, and/or degree of tears in the eye can be restored and/or maintained to minimize and/or alleviate dryness.","Such minimization and/or alleviation of dryness may treat or prevent at least one symptom associated with dry eye disease, such as stinging, burning, and/or scratchy sensation in the eyes; stringy mucus in or around an eye; increased eye irritation from smoke or wind; eye fatigue; eye sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in the eye; difficulty wearing contact lenses; periods of excessive tearing; and blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period.","As used herein, the terms “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system” can be used interchangeably to refer to any one or more connected anatomical structures having two small openings (e.g., puncta).","As an example, the puncta may be located in an upper and/or a lower eyelid, wherein these small openings lead to a small tube (e.g., canaliculus) which, in turn, empties into a lacrimal sac and then into a canal called the nasolacrimal duct.","It will be understood that the term “drainage system” also may be used interchangeably with “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system”.","As used herein, the term “medical device” can refer to any objected that is designed to be placed or implanted partially or wholly within a patient's body and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the patient's body for one or more therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.","Examples of such therapeutic or prophylactic purposes can include: tissue augmentation, tissue stimulation, contouring, restoring physiological function, repairing and/or restoring tissues damaged by disease or trauma, and/or delivering therapeutic agents to normal, damaged, and/or diseased organs and tissues.","While medical devices are often composed of biologically compatible synthetic materials (e.g., medical-grade stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, and/or other metals; exogenous polymers, such as polyurethane, silicone, PLA, PLGA, PGA, PCL, etc.","), other materials also may be used in the construction of the medical implant.","While not limiting the present disclosure to any particular device, specific medical devices and implants that are particularly relevant to this disclosure include stents, punctal plugs, Crawford tubes, catheters, lacrimal tubes, ocular or other shunts.","In some examples, the device may incorporate a contrast material and/or opaque material(s) that may allow for visualization with standard imaging devices (for example, barium to allow for x-ray visualization).","In some instances, the medical device can be an implantable device, such as: a neurostimulator, a microstimulator, a device configured to monitor a physiological response of the patient's tissue, a therapeutic agent delivery device, a bone graft, and a sensor.","In other instances, the medical device can be a removable device, such as a surgical instrument.","As used herein, the terms “medical device”, “implant”, “device”, “medical implant”, “implant/device”, and the like can be used interchangeably.","As used herein, the term “implanted” can refer to a state in which at least a portion of a device (such as a medical device) is placed or inserted within a host and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the host.","In some instances, a medical device can be completely placed or implanted within the host.","However, in other instances, some of the medical device can reach or extend to the outside of the host.","When a device is referred to as being “implantable”, the device can be capable of being implanted within the host.","As used herein, the term “proximal” can refer to a location situation and/or positioned toward a point of origin (e.g., between a medical professional and an implantable microstimulator).","In other words, the term “proximal” may refer to a position relatively close to the exterior of the body of a patient and/or closer to a medical professional.","As used herein, the term “distal” can refer to a location situation and/or position away from a point of origin (e.g., behind a lacrimal implant device relative to a physician).","In other words, the term “distal” may refer to a position relatively further away from the exterior of the body of a patient and/or further away from a medical processional.","As used herein, the terms “prevention” and/or “preventing” can refer to preventing or slowing development of a disease or disorder in a patient.","As used herein, the terms “treat”, “treating”, and/or “treatment” can refer to the act of reducing and/or eliminating symptoms of a disease or disorder to improve a condition of a patient to some degree, delaying progression of the disease or disorder, or providing some other effect related to the disease or disorder.","As used herein, the terms “therapeutically effective amount” and/or “pharmaceutically effective amount” can refer to an amount which, when administered to a patient for treating a disease or disorder, will effect such treatment for the disease or disorder.","As used herein, the terms “therapy signal” and “stimulation signal” can refer to an electrical signal designed for neuromodulation.","The stimulation signal can be delivered to a patient's tissue of interest for neuromodulation (e.g., stimulation).","As used herein, the term “feedback signal” can refer to a signal provided in response to application of the therapy signal for neuromodulation.","As used herein, the term “medical professional” can refer to any person involved the conducting a procedure involving a medical device including, but not limited to, physicians, medical students, nurse practitioners, nurses, operators, and other staff.","As used herein, the term “patient” can refer to any living or non-living warm-blooded organism including, but not limited to, a human being, a pig, a rat, a mouse, a dog, a cat, a goat, a sheep, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a rabbit, a cow, etc.","Non-limiting examples of human subjects are adults, juveniles, infants, and fetuses.","The terms “patient” and “subject” can be used interchangeably herein.","As used herein, the term “coupled” and/or “coupling” can refer to the pairing of two objects.","The coupling can be wireless, but, in other instances, the coupling can be wired or a combination of wired and wireless.","The coupling can facilitate the exchange of current between the two objects and may be, for example, capacitive, resistive, inductive, or the like.","As used herein, the term “biomaterial” can refer to any substance (other than a drug or pharmaceutical) or combination of substances, synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used for any period of time as a hole or as a part of a system that treats, augments, or replaces any cell, tissue, organ, and/or function of the body.","As used herein, the term “biocompatibility” can refer to the ability of a material, such as a biomaterial, to perform a specific application with an appropriate host response.","As used herein, the term “dielectric medium” can refer to a substance, medium, or body that can sustain an electrical field therewithin.","II.","Overview The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","As an example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to induce tear production via neuromodulation to treat or prevent dry eye disease.","Although the induction of tear production is an example use of the present disclosure, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to induction of treat production.","Instead, the present disclosure is related to preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.","Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, and/or glaucoma.","As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but is not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.","Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods employing neuromodulation to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.","The neuromodulation can be achieved via application of an electrical signal to an anatomical structure.","As an example, when the medical condition is dry eye disease, the anatomical structure can include at least a portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system, so that one or more nerves within the portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system can be neuromodulated to produce bilateral or unilateral lacrimation.","The electrical signal can be delivered to the anatomical structure by a microstimulator.","The microstimulator can be placed or inserted within the anatomical structure and wirelessly coupled to an external electronic device.","For example, the microstimulator can be capacitively coupled to the external electronic device with the patient's skin acting as a dielectric medium.","As such, the microstimulator can receive a power signal from the external electronic device.","III.","Systems One aspect of the present disclosure can include a neuromodulation system.","The neuromodulation system can deliver a therapy signal to a target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.","The therapy signal can be, for example, a stimulation signal configured to stimulate a portion of the target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.","The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.","As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.","Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","The neuromodulation system can include an implantable microstimulator 201 and an external electronic device 202.The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to the anatomical structure.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured for insertion into an anatomical structure of a subject.","At least a portion of the implantable microstimulator 201 configured to contact the anatomical structure can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can be shaped and sized to correspond to the specific anatomical structure.","The anatomical structure can be chosen based on the presence of a particular target nerve or nerves.","The target nerve, upon activation, can cause the occurrence of a physiologic function.","As an example, the target nerve can be part of a neurological reflex.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can have the capability to deliver a stimulation signal (or therapy signal) to the target nerve or nerves within the anatomical structure to induce a physiologic function.","The stimulation signal can be an electrical signal, such as a direct current signal, an alternating current signal, or the like, and can be configured as a charge balanced symmetric or asymmetric biphasic waveform, a charge imbalanced asymmetric biphasic waveform, and/or a monophasic waveform depending on the application.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can also provide additional functionality in addition to delivering the stimulation signal.","As one example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can have the ability to facilitate drainage of one or more fluids inside the anatomical structure.","As another example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be capable of eluding a drug or other pharmaceutical substance into the anatomical structure.","In a further example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can provide feedback related to application of the stimulation signal.","In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be activated, powered, and/or controlled by the external electronic device 202.The microstimulator 201, in an example, can be operable as a slave device to the master external electronic device 201.However, in other examples, the microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202 can be components of a closed loop control system, where the implantable microstimulator 201 provides the additional functionality of recording feedback information from the anatomical structure and sending the feedback information back to the external electronic device 202.The external electronic device can send the feedback information to an external expert device 203 for further analysis.","In either example, the external electronic device 202 can be configured to generate a power transfer waveform (or power signal) that is sent to the implantable microstimulator 201 to activate, power, and/or control the implantable microstimulator 201.The implantable microstimulator 201 may not include a dedicated power source, like a battery, and, instead, may rely on the power signal for activation, power, and/or control.","In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can pair the power transfer waveform with a carrier waveform.","For example, the carrier waveform can be transposed on top of the power transfer waveform and may be used for data transmission and/or control functions.","The implantable microstimulator 201 can be electronically coupled to the external electronic device 202 to exchange the power signal and/or a feedback signal.","The electronic coupling can be a wired coupling and/or a wireless coupling.","One example of a wireless coupling between the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 is a capacitive coupling, as shown in FIG.","2.Although capacitive coupling is the example of wireless coupling described in more detail herein, it will be understood that the wireless coupling may be an antenna coupling, an inductive coupling, a resonant inductive coupling, a resistive coupling, an optical coupling, or the like.","It will be understood that the implantable microstimulator 201 may include circuitry necessary to be activated, powered, and/or controlled from the external electronic device 202 according to the type of coupling.","Using the capacitive coupling of FIG.","2, the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 can achieve capacitive power transfer.","Both the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are separated by a dielectric medium 213 (or dielectric medium), so that the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are on either side of the dielectric medium 213.The dielectric medium 213 can be, for example, at least a portion of a subject's body.","For example, the portion of the subject's body can include skin.","Although the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are both illustrated as contacting the dielectric medium 213, it will be understood that one or both of the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 need not contact the dielectric medium 213 and may be separated from the dielectric medium 213 by a distance less than or equal to a threshold value.","The threshold value can depend on the use and orientation of the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202 can include an external plate 212, while the implantable microstimulator 201 can include an internal plate 211.When the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211 are aligned across the dielectric medium 213 (e.g., each plate 211, 212 being in parallel to the dielectric medium 213), the capacitive coupling is created.","The “external plate” and the “internal plate” need not be plates per se.","Instead, term “plate” is used to mean “portion” or “component”, which may be of a length, width, and/or diameter limited only by the length, width, and/or diameter of the implantable microstimulator 201.Capacitive power transfer can occur when the voltage of either the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211 is varied.","The configuration of the overall capacitance, surface area of the capacitive plates 211, 212, distance between the plates 211, 212, dielectric medium 213 separating the plates 211, 212, and/or the voltage of the power signal is deterministic for the amount and efficiency of the capacitive power transfer.","Compared to traditional capacitive power transfer, the capacitive power transfer of FIG.","2 has a reduced complexity by varying the voltage at just one of the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211.FIG.","3 shows an example of the capacitive power transfer within the implantable microstimulator 201.The capacitive power transfer can occur using the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211, with a reference electrode located on the external electronic device 202 and another reference electrode located in the microstimulator 201 (represented as return electrode 214).","Stimulation occurs via a power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 is connected to the internal plate 211 so the power signal is converted to the stimulation signal directly.","In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 may include additional components between the internal plate 211 and the power electrode 213 to facilitate the conversion of the power signal to the stimulation signal.","The internal plate 212 is used in the transfer of power from the external electronic device 202 to the implantable microstimulator 201, the power electrode 213 delivers the stimulation signal to the tissue of interest (the stimulation signal is based on the power received from the external electronic device 202), while the return electrode 214 acts as a passive return reference, establishing a common ground between the implantable microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202.The internal plate 211 of the microstimulator 201 can be electrically connected to the power electrode 213, but electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 can also be electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214, but connected to the subject's body to deliver the stimulation signal.","It should be noted that the components of the implantable microstimulator 201 are not drawn to scale.","In some examples, the internal plate 211 can extend along the entirety of the implantable microstimulator 201.In other examples, the insulation 215 can be more extensive or less extensive than shown.","Additionally, the power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214 can be arranged in a different manner than shown.","As an example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can include a flex circuit or other means to establish an internal capacitor between the internal plate 211/power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.Advantageously, in this example, the implantable microstimulator 201 need not include any active or passive circuit elements within the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, shown in FIG.","1, can be operated by a medical professional and/or by the subject in need of the neuromodulation.","In instances where the subject operates the external electronic device 202, the external electronic device 202 can be designed in a manner that is easy for the subject to use, such as in a form that is attachable to the subject's skin, in a form capable of being held or placed against the subject's skin, worn by the patient, or the like.","For example, the external electronic device 202 can be embodied in a form that is familiar to the subject, such as a key fob, a pen-like cylinder, a sleep mask, pair of glasses, a nose clip, a flexible bandage, virtual reality (VR) goggles, or the like.","Regardless of form, the external electronic device 202 includes all elements necessary to generate the power signal and/or the carrier signal, and other electronics to power, control and/or manipulate the microstimulator 201.For example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a power source to deliver the power signal and/or the carrier signal.","As another example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a controller to control delivery of the power signal.","The power source and the controller can be enclosed within a casing.","Additionally, the casing can also include at least a portion configured to contact the subject's skin that includes an electrically conductive material, which can be at least partially biocompatible.","Additionally, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with one or more microstimulators 201.However, in some instances, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with two or more microstimulators 201 so that each of the microstimulators 201 can apply the therapy signal when signaled to do so.","In some instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a unilateral manner, but in other instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a bilateral manner.","The unilateral or bilateral nature of capacitive power transfer can be controlled individually.","Moreover, the external electronic device 201 can include a mechanism to allow the subject to control the amount and duration of the stimulation, such as one or more input buttons that allow the subject to control stimulation amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and/or stimulation duration or other aspects of the stimulation.","The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can include one or more input buttons that allow for user control of the stimulation parameters.","In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can have an onboard memory to store data related to use of the system, including stimulation parameters, duration, power efficiencies, biofeedback signals, subject input, and the like.","For example, the external electronic device 202 can include the ability to store data relative to the subject's medical condition via sensors within the microstimulator 201, via sensors on the external electronic device 202, or via input from the subject (e.g., in an application that is linked via Bluetooth or other wireless communication mechanism to the external electronic device 202).","The data that is collected can be used to create closed loop therapies, provide relative health data to a medical professional, track personal health related information, saved for future therapy improvements or innovations (e.g., stored as “big data”), or the like.","The stored data can be used, for example, to alert a medical provider when the microstimulator 201 may need to be replaced or feedback regarding the medical condition, to alert the subject when the medical condition occurs, to determine when the stimulation should be delivered, etc.","In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a feedback system to provide feedback to the subject.","The feedback provided to the subject can be a visual feedback, an audio feedback, a touch/pressure/vibration feedback, or the like.","The feedback system can be used to guide placement of the external electronic device 202 to establish the capacitive link with the implantable microstimulator 201.The feedback system may also provide alerts to the subject during therapy.","For example, the alerts can be provided when 50% of the max amplitude has been reached, 100% of the max amplitude has been reached, the duration of the stimulation is 50% complete, the duration of the stimulation is 100% complete, the position of the external electronic device 202 has been moved and needs to be realigned, or the like.","In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can automatically control therapy.","The subject can use the feedback system to place the external electronic device 202 correctly, and the external electronic device 202 can automatically ramp up the therapy signal until the therapy signal reaches a pre-determined level that is known to be comfortable and effective for the subject.","The external electronic device 202 can receive biofeedback to control delivery of the therapy signal.","For example, the external electronic device 202 can include or interface with a camera, a Doppler system, or other type of sensor to provide biofeedback signals.","In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a communication mechanism to communicate with an external expert device 203 and/or to communicate with the microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can receive control and power parameters from the external expert device 203 according to a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.","For example, the communication mechanism can include a Bluetooth communication mechanism or other type of wireless communication mechanism.","The expert device 203 can be associated with a medical professional to communicate with the external electronic device 202 to adjust stimulation parameters associated with the microstimulator 201 and/or to assess functionality of the microstimulator 201.Alternatively, the expert device 203 can include a mobile application that can interact with the external electronic device 202 and a device associated with a medical professional.","As another example, the expert device 203 can be a cloud-based server.","In another instance, the expert device 203 can interface with and/or include a physician programmer.","The physician programmer can be configured as a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone appliance, a tablet application or other suitable means.","The physician programmer allows the physician to modulate the therapy for each subject.","The physician programmer is configured to allow the physician to input, save, store and recall information about a specific subject's therapy into/from a secure database.","As an example, the physician programmer can establish different therapy levels for the subject (e.g., the first instance of a therapeutic effect, the highest level tolerated by the subject, etc.","), and the subject can choose from the different therapy levels for each application of the therapy.","The physician programmer can also determine the effectiveness of the capacitive link, the power transfer efficiency, and the like.","As such, the physician programmer can determine the optimum placement of the external conductive pads by providing real time feedback regarding the capacitive link.","An example use of the neuromodulation system of FIG.","1 is inducing tear production to treat or prevent dry eye disease.","A description of dry eye disease is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.","Tears are produced via unilateral or bilateral reflex lacrimation, which can be induced via neuromodulation of one or more nerves that innervate the punctum and/or canaliculus of the nasolacrimal drainage system.","Similarly, a description of tear production is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.","A general depiction of physiology of an eye of a subject is shown in FIGS.","4-6.However, U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","15/180,451 provides a more detailed description of the physiology of the subject's eye.","FIG.","4 illustrates a side view of an eye 6 of a subject, including three layers of naturally produced tears.","For example, as shown in FIG.","4, naturally produced tears include an outer oily layer 6A, a middle watery layer (or aqueous layer) 6B, and an inner mucus layer 6C, which is spread across the surface of the eye (the ocular surface) whenever the subject blinks, thereby providing lubrication, washing away foreign matter, reducing the risk of infection, and keeping the surface of the eye 6 smooth and clear.","FIG.","5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye 6 and the lacrimal system of a subject.","Such nerves and blood vessels include the dorsal nasal vessel 80, the frontal 81, the medial palpebral 82, the supraorbital 83, the anterior ethmoidal 84, the posterior ethmoidal 85, the muscular 88, the bulb of the eye 89, the ciliary 90, the arteria centralis retinae 91, the lacrimal 92, the zygomatic branches 94, the ophthalmic 96, the internal carotid 97, the lacrimal gland 2, and the optic nerve 98.FIG.","6 illustrates additional anatomical features related to the lacrimal system of the eye 6 of a subject.","As shown, the lacrimal gland 2 is positioned in the upper outer portion of the orbit of each eye 6.The lacrimal gland 2 includes the orbital (superior) portion 2A and the palpebral (inferior) portion 2B.","The lacrimal gland 2 secretes the aqueous layer 6B of tears 4, which are delivered from the lacrimal gland 2 to the surface of the eye 6 via one or more channels or ducts 8 of the lacrimal gland 2.Tears 4 drain from the eye 6, towards a plica semilunaris 11 and lacrimal caruncle 13 via the nasolacrimal drainage system, which includes two puncta 10 located on a lacrimal papilla (e.g., superior lacrimal papilla 10A or inferior lacrimal papilla 10B).","Each puncta 10 includes a minute orifice or opening in fluid communication with canaliculi 12.The canaliculi 12 converge and drain into the lacrimal sac 16, which in turn, is in fluid communication with the nasolacrimal duct 18.In order to induce tear production, one or more devices (like implantable microstimulator 201, an example of which is shown in FIG.","7 that is configured for the induction of tear production) may be positioned within the nasolacrimal drainage system to prompt or stimulate the lacrimal gland 2.As shown in FIG.","7, the microstimulator has a body 112; an electrically conductive insert (an example of a flex circuit shown in FIG.","8) can be arranged within the body 112 to create the capacitively coupled link with an external electronic device, as described above with regard to FIGS.","1-3.However, an example an equivalent microstimulator without the flex circuit (with the electrically conductive parts deposited on the body 112) is shown in FIG.","9.Additional views of the microstimulator are shown in FIGS.","10-12.FIG.","10 shows an anterior view; FIG.","11 shows a medial view; FIG.","12 shows a posterior view.","At least a portion of the body 112 configured to be implanted within the nasolacrimal drainage system can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.","Biocompatible materials can include certain polymer materials, metal materials, silicone materials, urethane materials, or the like, which do not cause an appreciable immune reaction.","Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, polyimide, palladium, silicone, and/or urethane.","The body 112 includes a vertical component (V), a horizontal component (H), and a curved portion (A) extending between and connecting the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V).","The curved portion (A) can arrange the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V) at an angle relative to one another.","At least one of the horizontal component (H) and the vertical component (V) can have a cylindrical cross section with a diameter from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.","However, the horizontal component (H) includes an end portion that is tapered to facilitate implantation of the microstimulator.","The horizontal component (H) can be longer than the vertical component (V).","For example, the horizontal component (H) can be between 1 and 8 mm in length, or between 4 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 0.1 and 3 mm in length, or between 0.5 and 2 mm in length.","Even more specifically, the horizontal component (H) can be between 5 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 1.6 and 1.8 mm in length.","The angle between the vertical component (V) and the horizontal component (H) established by the curved portion (A) can be between 70 degrees and 120 degrees.","As another example, the angle can be between 90 and 110 degrees.","Even more specifically, the angle can be 90 degrees.","The angle is specifically chosen to aid in retention of the microstimulator within the punctum and canaliculus.","The microstimulator is not anchored by any means within the punctum or canaliculus.","The microstimulator shape and angle are selected to enhance the unanchored in vivo retention.","In some instances, a faceplate 105 can cover the vertical component (V) of the body 112.The faceplate can be, in its most general form, a surface that is wider than the vertical component (V).","For example, the faceplate 105 may aid in the unanchored in vivo retention based on the associated shape and/or thickness.","The faceplate 105 is a cap like structure that is placed on the proximal portion 104 of the microstimulator to prevent internal migration of the microstimulator, ease implantation (e.g., insertion) of the microstimulator, or other functions.","The faceplate 105 can cover at least a portion of the body 112.Additionally, the faceplate 105 can include circuitry required to communicate with the external electronic device in a way other than the capacitive coupling, such as a wireless transceiver.","As an example, the faceplate 105 can be positioned on the outer surface of the punctum.","The shape of the faceplate 105 can be oval with a long dimension of 0.5 to 2 mm and a short dimension of 0.2 to 1 mm, or, more specifically, 1×0.8 mm (long vs. short axis).","The long axis can be orientated lateral to medial when inserted such that the long axis is orientated from the nose to temple.","The corresponding thickness of the faceplate 105 can be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, more specifically, 0.2 mm.","In instances, the faceplate 105 has an infinity design with the edges of the oval faceplate 105 being rounded to a very thin or infinity edge.","The faceplate 105 can also be used to ease the insertion of the microstimulator into the punctum and canaliculus by forceps or other insertion tools.","The distal end 103 of the microstimulator can be tapered down to ease insertion, as well.","Since the microstimulator is configured to be inserted into the punctum and the canaliculus and to stimulate the surrounding tissue, the microstimulator may occlude tear drainage.","If the microstimulator occludes the tear drainage, this may inadvertently cause the electrical properties of the tissue surrounding the microstimulator to change in a manner that will alter the stimulation characteristics adversely.","Specifically, in a dry environment, the tissue impedances will increase and this will cause the stimulation amplitudes needed to achieve the desired result to increase over time.","These changes in system impedance may cause changes in how the stimulation is perceived by the subject, the overall effect of stimulation and thus the efficacy of the therapy.","To eliminate some of the variable tissue impedances caused by the placement of the microstimulator, the microstimulator may include features that allow for ongoing tear drainage as well as tear fluid to flow over and around the microstimulator while inserted into the punctum and canaliculus.","In one example, the microstimulator may include a central lumen (shown as element 116 in FIGS.","9 and 10) that extends longitudinally.","For example, the central lumen can extend between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 103.The central lumen 116 allows for tear drainage.","In some instances, the radial channels may allow the tear drainage to coat the mucosa lining of the punctum and canaliculus throughout the length of the microstimulator body 112.The radial channels may be spaced to occur around the circumference of the microstimulator and spaced such that they occur along the entire length of the microstimulator.","In one example, the radial channels occur every 2 mm from the faceplate to the end of the microstimulator and, at each 2 mm occurrence, there are two or more channels radially orientated equally around the circumference of the microstimulator.","The diameter of the radial channels can be from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.","The axial lumen and radial channels may be open and allow for free flowing of tears throughout the nasolacrimal system.","In another example, the microstimulator includes the central lumen 116, as well as one or more micro-channels and/or grooves on the outside of the body of the microstimulator.","The micro-channels extend from the distal portion of the microstimulator to the proximal portion just below the faceplate 105.Tear fluid can drain from the eye through the lower punctum (through the central lumen 116 in the microstimulator), as well as through the punctum on the upper eyelid.","Fluid draining from the upper punctum will also flow in a retrograde manner around the lower canaliculus and surround the microstimulator by flowing through the micro-channels to bath the microstimulator (including at least a portion of the body 112) and surrounding tissue.","In other examples, the central lumen 116, radial channels, micro-channels, and/or faceplate 105 may contain or be impregnated with a material that allows for drug elution into a target site.","The faceplate 105, central lumen 116, and/or radial channels may elute a NSAID or other corticosteroids, which will help to reduce inflammation of the surrounding tissue from the insertion of the device and help to promote healing and stable tissue interface after the insertion of the microstimulator.","Other drugs can also be eluted that are helpful in dry eye disease or other ocular diseases as well.","The drug concentration amounts can be controlled by the amount of tear fluid that is allowed to flow through or around the microstimulator.","The drug can be eluted using electrical energy, using iontophoresis methods, in which small micro-currents are used to release and drive the compound or drug in precise areas and/or in precise amounts.","Such drug delivery can be done based on a pre-determined schedule, or using biofeedback in a closed loop manner.","The biofeedback can include bathing the faceplate 105 in tear fluid in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site to trigger release of the pharmaceutical.","In some instances, the drug delivery can occur through degradation or erosion of a biodegradable or erodible coating (like PLGA or similar co-polymer).","The central lumen 116, in another example, may have a means of measuring the volume or velocity of tears flowing through the microstimulator.","For example, the central lumen can have one or more sensors therein to measure a property of fluid flowing therethrough, including volume, velocity, and the like.","The volume or velocity of tear flow could be used as a close-loop system, in which the microstimulator alerts the user that the tear production is dropping and that would cause the user to apply the therapy.","Such a measurement may be done using a piezoelectric sensor, a bladder diaphragm or using Doppler (ultrasound, laser, optical, etc.).","The microstimulator will communicate (via long range communication, Bluetooth or other suitable means) with a smartphone, smartwatch, or other device that can alert the patients to the need to re-apply therapy.","In one example, the closed loop sensor can also be placed in the faceplate and adjacent to the central lumen but situated within the faceplate along with any necessary components (e.g.","circuits, etc.,) to allow for proper functionality of the tear sensor.","In another embodiment, the sensor may be configured to sense the chemical composition of the tear fluid, sensing the amount of certain proteins or other cellular components that would trigger an additional application of therapy by the patient user.","In another embodiment, the microstimulator may use electrode impedances to characterize the amount of tear productions.","For example, if the impedances start to increase, this would simulate a decrease in fluid flowing through the nasolacrimal system, and in a closed loop fashion trigger use of the therapy to produce more tears.","Long or short-term trending of the impedance values over time can also be used to provide treatment options that are individualized for each patient.","If the impedance indicates that the patient's tear production is the lowest during the morning, the system can remind the patient to stimulate at certain times that are associated with the lowest amount of tear production.","This can be done through a smartphone app or through an associated wearable smart device or other suitable means of interacting with the subject.","In some instances, the stimulation can be automatic as part of a closed loop control system.","Inside the body, the microstimulator can include the electrically conductive plate (like internal plate 213 of FIGS.","2 and 3).","The surface area of the electrically conductive plate can be chosen large enough to receive the power signal from the external electronic device strong enough to create the stimulation signal that facilitates tear production.","The electrically conductive insert can also include the electrode coupled to the electrically conductive plate (shown in FIG.","3) to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site in the subject.","In some examples, the electrode can be physically connected to the electrically conductive plate.","The electrically conductive plate can also include a reference electrode or return electrode (shown in FIG.","3) isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.","Each of the electrodes can be made of an electrically conductive material, like platinum, platinum/iridium, palladium, or another inert metal that is electrically conductive and appropriate for electrical stimulation.","The electrodes can be positioned between the distal portion 104 of the microstimulator and the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.","For example, the electrodes can be positioned such that they are equally spaced longitudinally from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.","Each electrode is then radially exposed to the surrounding tissue in a 180-degree orientation.","In one example, the electrodes can be quarter moon-shaped so that these electrodes are only exposed in quarter segments on the top and bottom of the microstimulator to avoid any overlap with the internal plate.","The overlap is avoided to ensure the capacitance created remains consistent.","The rise/fall time (e.g., time constant) of the capacitor created is important in creating the therapy signal waveform.","Changes in the capacitance created can change the waveform and waveform efficiency.","In some instances, four electrodes are exposed to the surrounding environment and each electrode is exposed to the environment at two locations around the circumference of the microstimulator body.","The exposed portions are between 40 and 180 degrees from each other around the circumference of the microstimulator body.","It should be appreciated that the exposed electrodes can be positioned using any orientation around or within the microstimulator body from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator body.","For example, the orientation can be determined based on the orientation of the microstimulator 201 compared to the external device 202.In some instances, the microstimulator can be configured such that there is no battery contained within the microstimulator.","The microstimulator can be configured to receive power from an external electronic device.","In other words, the microstimulator can be a slave to the external electronic device and can deliver stimulation when activated by the external electronic device.","The microstimulator and the external electronic device can exchange energy wirelessly, using a capacitive power transfer method, as described above with respect to FIGS.","2 and 3.In these instances, the microstimulator is configured for insertion through the punctum of the lower eyelid into the canaliculus and configured such that the associated “plate” is oriented to be parallel with the external skin overlaying the canaliculus to establish the capacitive link with the external electronic device.","The “plate” can be located on a side of the microstimulator and covers the majority of the surface area on the one side of the microstimulator.","Capacitive power transfer is useful for the microstimulator, when the microstimulator requires charge balancing.","The external electronic device is responsible for generating the power transfer waveform, which capacitively couples power to the internal device.","Additionally, the external electronic device is responsible for generating the carrier waveform, which can be used for data transmission or control of the microstimulator.","As such, the external electronic device creates the carrier waveform by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), or voltage to frequency converter (VFC).","The frequency is set by a digital to analog converter from a microcontroller.","This carrier waveform may be buffered by a unity gain configured op-amp, such that the VCO/VFC is not loaded.","The buffer waveform is then amplified/attenuated and DC shifted by a second op-amp.","The gain of waveform is set by a series of feedback resistors.","Alternatively, the feedback resistors can be replaced with analog or digital potentiometers to adjust the gain.","In this embodiment, the microcontroller is able to control the gain through digital communication solely.","In this embodiment, the carrier waveform is also DC shifted using a second stage.","This is done by asserting a DC bias voltage to the op-amp.","This DC bias voltage is generated and adjusted using a Digital to Analog Converter on the micro-controller.","The generated output waveform at the power electrode may be biphasic, in which each pulse may include a first phase, an interphase delay, and a second phase.","During the first phase, a positive DC bias is applied to the output, with the carrier frequency transposed on top.","During this phase, electrical current is induced through a capacitively coupled load.","During the interphase delay, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off and no waveform is generated.","During the second phase, a negative DC bias is applied to the output, with a carrier frequency transposed on top, which induces a current in the opposite direction of the first phase.","This phase is used as an active recovery, or charge-balancing phase for stimulation.","Between pulses, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off, and the output remains off until the next active stimulation phase.","This period between pulses also acts as a passive recovery phase, allowing any excess charge to be recaptured.","The power transfer through the capacitive link is generated by the edge transition of the DC bias.","The capacitive link between the external and internal device is high impedance at DC, but is low impedance when an AC signal is applied.","The actual impedance varies based on the frequency of the signal and the value of the capacitance.","In this respect, by applying an increasing/decreasing voltage across the capacitive link, the link acts as a low impedance medium and current is induced.","The magnitude of the current is determined by the slew rate of the signal and total capacitance of the link.","The rising and falling edges at the beginning of each phase of the waveform generate this induced current at the electrodes on the inserted microstimulator.","In some instances, the capacitive link between the external electronic device and the microstimulator can be through an electrically conductive insert within the body 112.The electrically conductive insert can be a flex circuit configured or formed into a circular cross section.","The flex circuit can be positioned between the central lumen 116 and the surface of the body 112 of the microstimulator.","The flex circuit can include the plate, the power electrode, and the return electrode.","Similar to FIG, 3, the power electrode is electrically connected to the plate.","However, the plate is electrically isolated from the body 112, leaving only the power electrode exposed to the tissue in the anatomical area.","The return electrode is isolated from the capacitive plate and the power electrode, but electrically connected to the body 112.When activated by the external electronic device 202, the stimulation waveform can be generated between the power electrode and the return electrode.","The resulting electrical field will then activate nerves that innervate the punctum and canalicus, which will then result in reflexive lacrimation.","However, the return electrode is not necessarily in the flex circuit; instead, the return electrode can be located on the external electronic device to create a common system ground for the external electronic device and the flex circuit.","The flex circuit can be created in different ways.","One example is by sputtering, depositing, or otherwise adhering a biocompatible material to a base substrate.","An example of this is shown in element 106A of FIG.","8, where a biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to a base substrate 108.As an example, the base substrate 108 can be polyimide (such as a thin polyimide sheet) and the biocompatible conductive material 107 is a metal.","As illustrated, the base substrate 108 can be configured into a geometry that can be furled, rolled, or otherwise curled into a circular cross-section.","After the biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to the base substrate, a third layer is applied to the areas of the flex circuit to be electrically isolated from the subject's body upon insertion.","The third layer can be a liquid polyimide (such as a very thin liquid polyimide), for example.","The resulting flex circuit 106A is configured into a circular cross-section shown in element 1068.The circular cross section creates the internal capacitor, which allows for energy and/or the stimulation waveform to be transferred or delivered without any internal circuit components.","As such, there are no passive circuit elements or active circuit elements within the body 112 and no internal battery.","As an alternative to FIG.","8, the flex circuit can be created by sputtering or depositing a biocompatible material onto the base layer that is pre-configured in the tubular cross-section.","One example alternative is shown in FIG.","9, in which the metal is deposited directly onto the microstimulator in a defined way with very precise placement of the electrodes and plate metals.","In this example, the base material 401 can be polyimide, silicone or polyurethane, other polymers, or other co-polymers.","One or more metal layers (e.g., metal layer 402 that adheres better to the base layer 401, like titanium, and metal layer 403 like palladium) are then sputtered or deposited onto the tubular base 401 layer (e.g., the horizontal component of the microstimulator 201) directly.","The amount of metal deposited may vary to allow for exposure to the tissue of the electrodes without exposing the plate.","The base layer 401 can be configured, prior to deposition, into the J shape (90-degree shape between the vertical component and the horizontal component) required for the microstimulator.","A second layer 402 (and subsequent layers 403) of material may be sputtered or deposited onto the base layer 401.An isolating material 404 can be applied of the same material as the base layer 401.To create the right capacitive power transfer and to translate the waveform correctly, the dielectric constant must be created for the applications, which means adjusting the thickness of the metal, the surface area, etc.","In an example, the tubular base layer is silicone.","The dielectric created with the metal deposited onto the silicone will need to match the dielectric created in when the polyimide flex circuit is rolled to create the capacitor system for power transfer.","Polyimide provides a significant contribution to the dielectric and thus if that is replaced with Silicone or other material as mentioned above, then the metal and position needs to be altered to match the dielectric constant.","However, this process provides the advantage of reducing the amount of manual processing steps needed to manufacture the microstimulator.","The other advantage of this technique is that delamination between the metal layer and the base layer is significantly reduced by depositing the metal onto the pre-formed tube base layer.","When the flex circuit is rolled, certain areas see higher bend radii and hence are more susceptible to delamination events and thus causing further fallout in the manufacturing process.","Also important for the microstimulator is the overall stiffness of the flex circuit.","A microstimulator at this scale, less than one mm in diameter and 5-6 mm in length, containing a full polyimide tube could cause the microstimulator to be quite rigid overall.","To avoid this, the polyimide can be laser etched post deposition to create “bend joints” corresponding to areas in the microstimulator that are anticipated to have more flex and allow these areas to flex better.","Using Silicone or Polyurethane as the base material will allow for ultimate flexibility, without having to laser etch areas out of the tubular cross-section to allow for bending of the microstimulator.","In another example, the electrodes can be mesh electrodes.","Using mesh electrodes may eliminate the need for the radial channel extending from the central lumen 116 to wet the tissue surrounding the microstimulator.","The mesh electrode allows for tear drainage from the central lumen through the mesh electrode.","The mesh electrodes can be placed circumferentially around the entire microstimulator or can be placed and configured as directional electrodes.","In other words, the electrodes are placed in a manner that is not circumferential, but sized and shaped accordingly to cover only a portion of the circumferential area of the microstimulator and allowing stimulation to occur in a directional manner.","Alternatively, the directional electrodes can be made of a solid inert metal that is suitable for electrical stimulation or of a conductive polymer resin or other suitable material.","IV.","Methods Another aspect of the present disclosure can include methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.","FIG.","13 illustrates a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","FIG.","14 illustrates a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","The methods of FIGS.","13 and 14 can be implemented using the system of FIGS.","1-3, in which the implantable microstimulator may be as shown in FIGS.","7-12.FIGS.","13 and 14, respectively, are illustrated as process flow diagrams with flowchart illustrations.","For purposes of simplicity, the methods of FIGS.","13 and 14 are shown and described as being executed serially; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order as some steps could occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps shown and described herein.","Moreover, not all illustrated aspects may be required to implement the methods of FIGS.","13 and 14.Additionally, FIGS.","13 and 14 may also include steps that can be implemented by computer program instructions.","These computer program instructions can be stored in memory and provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps/acts specified in the flowchart blocks and/or the associated description.","In other words, the steps/acts can be implemented by a system comprising a processor that can access the computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory.","Referring to FIG.","13, an aspect of the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.","As an example, the implantable microstimulator can be as shown in FIGS.","7-12, including a body and an electrically conductive insert.","The powering can be through a wireless connection between the implantable microstimulator and an external electronic device.","At 301, the connection can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a dielectric material.","The conductive material, in some examples, can be a biological material, such as the subject's skin.","An example of this connection is shown in FIG.","2.At 302, a link can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.","The link can be a capacitively coupled link link for capacitive power transfer upon a voltage change of an external plate associated with the external electronic device relative to an internal plate associated with the implantable microstimulator (shown in FIG.","2).","The internal plate can be part of the electrically conductive insert within the body of the microstimulator.","The electrically conductive insert can deliver a therapy signal (or stimulation signal) to the surrounding anatomical site in response to receiving the power signal.","Referring now to FIG.","14, illustrated is a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.","The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.","Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.","As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.","Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.","At 311, a microstimulator can be delivered into an anatomical structure of a subject.","The anatomical structure can be any structure in the subject's body containing one or more target nerves.","The microstimulator can be sized and dimensioned for the particular anatomical structure.","For example, when inserted into a nasolacrimal structure, such as the punctum and canaliculus, to induce tear production, the microstimulator can be arranged in the shape shown in FIG.","7 with the dimensions described in connection to FIG.","7.At 312, a capacitive link can be established between the microstimulator and an external electronic device.","At 313, the external electronic device can be used to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator across the capacitive link.","For example, the voltage of a plate of the external device can change relative to a plate of the internal device.","As noted, “plates” is a general term describing a capacitive element; the “plates” are not necessarily shaped like plates.","At 314, a therapy signal can be delivered by the microstimulator to a target portion of the anatomical structure.","The target portion can include the one or more target nerves From the above description, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.","Such improvements, changes and modifications are within the skill of one in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND/OR TREATING ONE OR MORE MEDICAL CONDITIONS VIA NEUROMODULATION\",\n \"Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.\",\n \"The systems and methods can employ a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A system comprising: an external electronic device; and a microstimulator configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject comprising: a body; and an electrically conductive insert, arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device, wherein the electrically conductive insert receives a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"2.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device is configured to deliver the power signal through a patient's skin as a dielectric medium.\",\n \"3.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device comprises circuitry to control the microstimulator and at least a portion of the external electronic device is located within a pair of glasses, a sleep mask, a nose clip, a flexible bandage, or a key fob.\",\n \"4.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device comprises: a power source to deliver the power signal to the microstimulator; and a controller to control delivery of the power signal to the microstimulator, wherein the power source and the controller are enclosed in a casing, wherein at least a portion of the casing that contacts a patient's skin comprises an electrically conductive material.\",\n \"5.The system of claim 1, wherein the external electronic device further comprises a wireless transceiver to exchange data with a wireless transceiver of the microstimulator or a device corresponding to a medical professional.\",\n \"6.The system of claim 5, wherein the data comprises control data and the system is a closed-loop control system, wherein the external device is a master and the microstimulator is a slave.\",\n \"7.The system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a horizontal portion, a vertical portion, and a curved portion extending between and connecting the horizontal portion and the vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion and the vertical portion are arranged at an angle relative to one another.\",\n \"8.The system of claim 7, wherein the angle is from 70 degrees to 120 degrees.\",\n \"9.The system of claim 8, wherein the vertical portion has a length that is less than a length of the horizontal portion.\",\n \"10.The system of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert is arranged in a circular or oval cross section.\",\n \"11.The system of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive insert further comprises: an electrically conductive plate having a surface area to receive the power signal from the external electronic device; a stimulating electrode physically connected to and electrically coupled with the electrically conductive plate to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"12.The system of claim 11, further comprising a reference electrode or a return electrode isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.\",\n \"13.The system of claim 11, wherein the electrically conductive insert comprises an electrically conductive material layered upon a nonconductive material.\",\n \"14.The system of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a longitudinal central lumen.\",\n \"15.The system of claim 14, wherein the body further comprises one or more radial channels in fluid communication with the central lumen, wherein the at least one radial channel allows tear drainage to coat at least a portion of the exterior of the body.\",\n \"16.The system of claim 1, wherein the microstimulator further comprises a faceplate disposed at a proximal end of the body and covering at least a portion of the body.\",\n \"17.The system of claim 16, wherein the faceplate is impregnated with a pharmaceutical for release into the biological target site in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site.\",\n \"18.The system of claim 17, wherein the body comprises one or more radial channels to control the release of the pharmaceutical into the biological target site.\",\n \"19.The system of claim 16, wherein the faceplate comprises a wireless transceiver to exchange a signal with the external electronic device.\",\n \"20.A method for powering an implantable microstimulator comprising: establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a dielectric biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"21.The method of claim 20, wherein the dielectric biological material comprises skin.\",\n \"22.The method of claim 20, wherein the microstimulator comprises: a body; and an electrically conductive insert, arranged within the body to create the link with the external electronic device, wherein the electrically conductive insert receives the power signal from the external electronic device and delivers a therapy signal to a biological target site.\",\n \"23.The method of claim 22, wherein the therapy signal comprises an electrical signal.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.\",\n \"The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.\",\n \"Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.\",\n \"The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.\",\n \"Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.\",\n \"Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.\",\n \"A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.\",\n \"Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal.\"\n ],\n [\n \"RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/851,842, filed Dec. 22, 2017, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Preventing, Diagnosing, and/or Treating one or More Medical Conditions via Neuromodulation”.\",\n \"U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/851,842 claims the benefit of U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Application No.\",\n \"62/589,877, filed Nov. 22, 2017, entitled “Nasolacrimal Tear Microstimulator”.\",\n \"U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/851,842 is also a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451, filed Jun.\",\n \"13, 2016, and entitled “Nasolacrimal Implants and Related Methods for Tear Stimulation”, which claims priority to U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Applications 62/321,961, filed Apr.\",\n \"13, 2016, and 62/180,225, filed Jun.\",\n \"16, 2015.Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.\",\n \"TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions via neuromodulation.\",\n \"The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used, as an example, to use neuromodulation to induce tear production to treat or prevent the medical condition of dry eye disease.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Dry eye disease is a condition resulting from a disruption of the natural tear film on the ocular surface, leading to ocular discomfort, visual disturbance, and/or a reduction in vision-related quality of life.\",\n \"The disruption in the natural tear film may prevent healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport, promote cellular desiccation, and/or create a poor refractive surface for vision.\",\n \"Such disruption in the natural tear film can be due to an imbalance between tear production from the lacrimal glands and evaporation or drainage by the Meibomian glands, which may be caused by or secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, or the like.\",\n \"The disruption of the natural tear film may cause a low tear volume, which causes a hyperosmolar environment that may induce an inflamed state of the ocular surface.\",\n \"Such an inflammatory response may induce apoptosis of ocular surface cells, which, in turn, prevent proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface, such that any available tear volume delivered to the ocular surface may be rendered less effective initiating a vicious cycle in which more inflammation can ensue, causing more ocular surface damage.\",\n \"Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, may be disrupted because the sensory neurons in the ocular surface are damaged, resulting in fewer tears being secreted, and another vicious cycle may develop, resulting in further progression of dry eye disease, in which fewer tears may cause nerve cell loss, which may result in even fewer tears.\",\n \"A wide spectrum of treatments options exist for dry eye disease, including: artificial tear substitutes, ointments, gels, warm compresses, environmental modification, topical cyclosporine, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, punctal plugs, moisture chamber goggles, punctal cautery, systemic cholinergic antagonists, systemic anti-inflammatory agents, mucolytic agents, autologous serum tears, scleral contact lenses, and tarsorrhaphy.\",\n \"Although the current treatment options are numerous, such treatment options have limited effectiveness and generally provide only mild symptom relief or improvement in ocular health over a short period of time.\",\n \"SUMMARY The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"In one aspect, the present disclosure can include a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link to the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"In another aspect, the present disclosure can include a system for capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"The system can include an external electronic device capacitively coupled to a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject and can include a body and an electrically conductive insert.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can be arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from the external electronic device and converts the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"In a further aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of establishing a connection between an external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a conductive biological material; and capacitively linking the external electronic device with the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"In yet another aspect, the present disclosure can include a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"Examples of the medical condition can include, but are not limited to dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, ocular hypertension, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"The method can include the steps of: delivering a microstimulator into an anatomical structure of the subject innervated by one or more nerves; establishing a capacitive link between the microstimulator and an external electronic device; using the external electronic device to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator; and delivering a therapy signal to a target portion of the anatomical structure via the microstimulator based on the power signal.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates a neural modulation system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates a capacitive coupling between the implantable microstimulator and the external electronic device of FIG.\",\n \"1 established across a dielectric medium; FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an example configuration of the implantable microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a side-view of an eye of a subject, depicting the three layers of naturally produced tears; FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates anatomical features related to the eye and lacrimal system of a subject; FIG.\",\n \"7 illustrates an example structure of the microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"1 implemented for inducing tear production; FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates an example configuration of a flex circuit of the microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"7; FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates another example configuration of the microstimulator of FIG.\",\n \"7 constructed without the flex circuit; FIGS.\",\n \"10, 11, and 12 each illustrate different views of the example structure of the microstimulator of FIGS.\",\n \"8 and 9; FIG.\",\n \"13 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for powering an implantable microstimulator in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG.\",\n \"14 illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Definitions To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, a number of terms are defined below.\",\n \"Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in the areas relevant to this disclosure.\",\n \"Terms such as “a,” “an” and “the” are not intended to refer only to the singular entity, but can also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.\",\n \"The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.\",\n \"Additionally, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.\",\n \"may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.\",\n \"These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.\",\n \"Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.\",\n \"The sequence of operations (or acts/steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “medical condition” can refer to an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “ocular” can refer to something of, for, or like the eye.\",\n \"An ocular disorder can be, for example, dry eye.\",\n \"In order to restore ocular health to a patient with dry eye, a physiology normal amount, level, and/or degree of tears in the eye can be restored and/or maintained to minimize and/or alleviate dryness.\",\n \"Such minimization and/or alleviation of dryness may treat or prevent at least one symptom associated with dry eye disease, such as stinging, burning, and/or scratchy sensation in the eyes; stringy mucus in or around an eye; increased eye irritation from smoke or wind; eye fatigue; eye sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in the eye; difficulty wearing contact lenses; periods of excessive tearing; and blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system” can be used interchangeably to refer to any one or more connected anatomical structures having two small openings (e.g., puncta).\",\n \"As an example, the puncta may be located in an upper and/or a lower eyelid, wherein these small openings lead to a small tube (e.g., canaliculus) which, in turn, empties into a lacrimal sac and then into a canal called the nasolacrimal duct.\",\n \"It will be understood that the term “drainage system” also may be used interchangeably with “tear drainage system”, “nasolacrimal drainage system”, and “lacrimal drainage system”.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “medical device” can refer to any objected that is designed to be placed or implanted partially or wholly within a patient's body and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the patient's body for one or more therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.\",\n \"Examples of such therapeutic or prophylactic purposes can include: tissue augmentation, tissue stimulation, contouring, restoring physiological function, repairing and/or restoring tissues damaged by disease or trauma, and/or delivering therapeutic agents to normal, damaged, and/or diseased organs and tissues.\",\n \"While medical devices are often composed of biologically compatible synthetic materials (e.g., medical-grade stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, and/or other metals; exogenous polymers, such as polyurethane, silicone, PLA, PLGA, PGA, PCL, etc.\",\n \"), other materials also may be used in the construction of the medical implant.\",\n \"While not limiting the present disclosure to any particular device, specific medical devices and implants that are particularly relevant to this disclosure include stents, punctal plugs, Crawford tubes, catheters, lacrimal tubes, ocular or other shunts.\",\n \"In some examples, the device may incorporate a contrast material and/or opaque material(s) that may allow for visualization with standard imaging devices (for example, barium to allow for x-ray visualization).\",\n \"In some instances, the medical device can be an implantable device, such as: a neurostimulator, a microstimulator, a device configured to monitor a physiological response of the patient's tissue, a therapeutic agent delivery device, a bone graft, and a sensor.\",\n \"In other instances, the medical device can be a removable device, such as a surgical instrument.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “medical device”, “implant”, “device”, “medical implant”, “implant/device”, and the like can be used interchangeably.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “implanted” can refer to a state in which at least a portion of a device (such as a medical device) is placed or inserted within a host and/or a naturally occurring orifice of the host.\",\n \"In some instances, a medical device can be completely placed or implanted within the host.\",\n \"However, in other instances, some of the medical device can reach or extend to the outside of the host.\",\n \"When a device is referred to as being “implantable”, the device can be capable of being implanted within the host.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “proximal” can refer to a location situation and/or positioned toward a point of origin (e.g., between a medical professional and an implantable microstimulator).\",\n \"In other words, the term “proximal” may refer to a position relatively close to the exterior of the body of a patient and/or closer to a medical professional.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “distal” can refer to a location situation and/or position away from a point of origin (e.g., behind a lacrimal implant device relative to a physician).\",\n \"In other words, the term “distal” may refer to a position relatively further away from the exterior of the body of a patient and/or further away from a medical processional.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “prevention” and/or “preventing” can refer to preventing or slowing development of a disease or disorder in a patient.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “treat”, “treating”, and/or “treatment” can refer to the act of reducing and/or eliminating symptoms of a disease or disorder to improve a condition of a patient to some degree, delaying progression of the disease or disorder, or providing some other effect related to the disease or disorder.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “therapeutically effective amount” and/or “pharmaceutically effective amount” can refer to an amount which, when administered to a patient for treating a disease or disorder, will effect such treatment for the disease or disorder.\",\n \"As used herein, the terms “therapy signal” and “stimulation signal” can refer to an electrical signal designed for neuromodulation.\",\n \"The stimulation signal can be delivered to a patient's tissue of interest for neuromodulation (e.g., stimulation).\",\n \"As used herein, the term “feedback signal” can refer to a signal provided in response to application of the therapy signal for neuromodulation.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “medical professional” can refer to any person involved the conducting a procedure involving a medical device including, but not limited to, physicians, medical students, nurse practitioners, nurses, operators, and other staff.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “patient” can refer to any living or non-living warm-blooded organism including, but not limited to, a human being, a pig, a rat, a mouse, a dog, a cat, a goat, a sheep, a horse, a monkey, an ape, a rabbit, a cow, etc.\",\n \"Non-limiting examples of human subjects are adults, juveniles, infants, and fetuses.\",\n \"The terms “patient” and “subject” can be used interchangeably herein.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “coupled” and/or “coupling” can refer to the pairing of two objects.\",\n \"The coupling can be wireless, but, in other instances, the coupling can be wired or a combination of wired and wireless.\",\n \"The coupling can facilitate the exchange of current between the two objects and may be, for example, capacitive, resistive, inductive, or the like.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “biomaterial” can refer to any substance (other than a drug or pharmaceutical) or combination of substances, synthetic or natural in origin, which can be used for any period of time as a hole or as a part of a system that treats, augments, or replaces any cell, tissue, organ, and/or function of the body.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “biocompatibility” can refer to the ability of a material, such as a biomaterial, to perform a specific application with an appropriate host response.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “dielectric medium” can refer to a substance, medium, or body that can sustain an electrical field therewithin.\",\n \"II.\",\n \"Overview The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"As an example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to induce tear production via neuromodulation to treat or prevent dry eye disease.\",\n \"Although the induction of tear production is an example use of the present disclosure, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to induction of treat production.\",\n \"Instead, the present disclosure is related to preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.\",\n \"Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection pain and/or side effects, and/or glaucoma.\",\n \"As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but is not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.\",\n \"Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods employing neuromodulation to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The neuromodulation can be achieved via application of an electrical signal to an anatomical structure.\",\n \"As an example, when the medical condition is dry eye disease, the anatomical structure can include at least a portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system, so that one or more nerves within the portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system can be neuromodulated to produce bilateral or unilateral lacrimation.\",\n \"The electrical signal can be delivered to the anatomical structure by a microstimulator.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be placed or inserted within the anatomical structure and wirelessly coupled to an external electronic device.\",\n \"For example, the microstimulator can be capacitively coupled to the external electronic device with the patient's skin acting as a dielectric medium.\",\n \"As such, the microstimulator can receive a power signal from the external electronic device.\",\n \"III.\",\n \"Systems One aspect of the present disclosure can include a neuromodulation system.\",\n \"The neuromodulation system can deliver a therapy signal to a target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The therapy signal can be, for example, a stimulation signal configured to stimulate a portion of the target anatomical area to prevent, diagnose, and/or treat one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.\",\n \"As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.\",\n \"Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"The neuromodulation system can include an implantable microstimulator 201 and an external electronic device 202.The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can be configured for insertion into an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"At least a portion of the implantable microstimulator 201 configured to contact the anatomical structure can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can be shaped and sized to correspond to the specific anatomical structure.\",\n \"The anatomical structure can be chosen based on the presence of a particular target nerve or nerves.\",\n \"The target nerve, upon activation, can cause the occurrence of a physiologic function.\",\n \"As an example, the target nerve can be part of a neurological reflex.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can have the capability to deliver a stimulation signal (or therapy signal) to the target nerve or nerves within the anatomical structure to induce a physiologic function.\",\n \"The stimulation signal can be an electrical signal, such as a direct current signal, an alternating current signal, or the like, and can be configured as a charge balanced symmetric or asymmetric biphasic waveform, a charge imbalanced asymmetric biphasic waveform, and/or a monophasic waveform depending on the application.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can also provide additional functionality in addition to delivering the stimulation signal.\",\n \"As one example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can have the ability to facilitate drainage of one or more fluids inside the anatomical structure.\",\n \"As another example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be capable of eluding a drug or other pharmaceutical substance into the anatomical structure.\",\n \"In a further example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can provide feedback related to application of the stimulation signal.\",\n \"In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 can be activated, powered, and/or controlled by the external electronic device 202.The microstimulator 201, in an example, can be operable as a slave device to the master external electronic device 201.However, in other examples, the microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202 can be components of a closed loop control system, where the implantable microstimulator 201 provides the additional functionality of recording feedback information from the anatomical structure and sending the feedback information back to the external electronic device 202.The external electronic device can send the feedback information to an external expert device 203 for further analysis.\",\n \"In either example, the external electronic device 202 can be configured to generate a power transfer waveform (or power signal) that is sent to the implantable microstimulator 201 to activate, power, and/or control the implantable microstimulator 201.The implantable microstimulator 201 may not include a dedicated power source, like a battery, and, instead, may rely on the power signal for activation, power, and/or control.\",\n \"In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can pair the power transfer waveform with a carrier waveform.\",\n \"For example, the carrier waveform can be transposed on top of the power transfer waveform and may be used for data transmission and/or control functions.\",\n \"The implantable microstimulator 201 can be electronically coupled to the external electronic device 202 to exchange the power signal and/or a feedback signal.\",\n \"The electronic coupling can be a wired coupling and/or a wireless coupling.\",\n \"One example of a wireless coupling between the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 is a capacitive coupling, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.Although capacitive coupling is the example of wireless coupling described in more detail herein, it will be understood that the wireless coupling may be an antenna coupling, an inductive coupling, a resonant inductive coupling, a resistive coupling, an optical coupling, or the like.\",\n \"It will be understood that the implantable microstimulator 201 may include circuitry necessary to be activated, powered, and/or controlled from the external electronic device 202 according to the type of coupling.\",\n \"Using the capacitive coupling of FIG.\",\n \"2, the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 can achieve capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"Both the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are separated by a dielectric medium 213 (or dielectric medium), so that the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are on either side of the dielectric medium 213.The dielectric medium 213 can be, for example, at least a portion of a subject's body.\",\n \"For example, the portion of the subject's body can include skin.\",\n \"Although the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 are both illustrated as contacting the dielectric medium 213, it will be understood that one or both of the external electronic device 202 and the implantable microstimulator 201 need not contact the dielectric medium 213 and may be separated from the dielectric medium 213 by a distance less than or equal to a threshold value.\",\n \"The threshold value can depend on the use and orientation of the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202 can include an external plate 212, while the implantable microstimulator 201 can include an internal plate 211.When the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211 are aligned across the dielectric medium 213 (e.g., each plate 211, 212 being in parallel to the dielectric medium 213), the capacitive coupling is created.\",\n \"The “external plate” and the “internal plate” need not be plates per se.\",\n \"Instead, term “plate” is used to mean “portion” or “component”, which may be of a length, width, and/or diameter limited only by the length, width, and/or diameter of the implantable microstimulator 201.Capacitive power transfer can occur when the voltage of either the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211 is varied.\",\n \"The configuration of the overall capacitance, surface area of the capacitive plates 211, 212, distance between the plates 211, 212, dielectric medium 213 separating the plates 211, 212, and/or the voltage of the power signal is deterministic for the amount and efficiency of the capacitive power transfer.\",\n \"Compared to traditional capacitive power transfer, the capacitive power transfer of FIG.\",\n \"2 has a reduced complexity by varying the voltage at just one of the external plate 212 or the internal plate 211.FIG.\",\n \"3 shows an example of the capacitive power transfer within the implantable microstimulator 201.The capacitive power transfer can occur using the external plate 212 and the internal plate 211, with a reference electrode located on the external electronic device 202 and another reference electrode located in the microstimulator 201 (represented as return electrode 214).\",\n \"Stimulation occurs via a power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 is connected to the internal plate 211 so the power signal is converted to the stimulation signal directly.\",\n \"In some instances, the implantable microstimulator 201 may include additional components between the internal plate 211 and the power electrode 213 to facilitate the conversion of the power signal to the stimulation signal.\",\n \"The internal plate 212 is used in the transfer of power from the external electronic device 202 to the implantable microstimulator 201, the power electrode 213 delivers the stimulation signal to the tissue of interest (the stimulation signal is based on the power received from the external electronic device 202), while the return electrode 214 acts as a passive return reference, establishing a common ground between the implantable microstimulator 201 and the external electronic device 202.The internal plate 211 of the microstimulator 201 can be electrically connected to the power electrode 213, but electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214.The power electrode 213 can also be electrically isolated 215 from the return electrode 214, but connected to the subject's body to deliver the stimulation signal.\",\n \"It should be noted that the components of the implantable microstimulator 201 are not drawn to scale.\",\n \"In some examples, the internal plate 211 can extend along the entirety of the implantable microstimulator 201.In other examples, the insulation 215 can be more extensive or less extensive than shown.\",\n \"Additionally, the power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214 can be arranged in a different manner than shown.\",\n \"As an example, the implantable microstimulator 201 can include a flex circuit or other means to establish an internal capacitor between the internal plate 211/power electrode 213 and the return electrode 214.Advantageously, in this example, the implantable microstimulator 201 need not include any active or passive circuit elements within the implantable microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, can be operated by a medical professional and/or by the subject in need of the neuromodulation.\",\n \"In instances where the subject operates the external electronic device 202, the external electronic device 202 can be designed in a manner that is easy for the subject to use, such as in a form that is attachable to the subject's skin, in a form capable of being held or placed against the subject's skin, worn by the patient, or the like.\",\n \"For example, the external electronic device 202 can be embodied in a form that is familiar to the subject, such as a key fob, a pen-like cylinder, a sleep mask, pair of glasses, a nose clip, a flexible bandage, virtual reality (VR) goggles, or the like.\",\n \"Regardless of form, the external electronic device 202 includes all elements necessary to generate the power signal and/or the carrier signal, and other electronics to power, control and/or manipulate the microstimulator 201.For example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a power source to deliver the power signal and/or the carrier signal.\",\n \"As another example, the elements included with the external electronic device 202 can include a controller to control delivery of the power signal.\",\n \"The power source and the controller can be enclosed within a casing.\",\n \"Additionally, the casing can also include at least a portion configured to contact the subject's skin that includes an electrically conductive material, which can be at least partially biocompatible.\",\n \"Additionally, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with one or more microstimulators 201.However, in some instances, one electrically conductive device 202 can have the capabilities to interface with and communicate with two or more microstimulators 201 so that each of the microstimulators 201 can apply the therapy signal when signaled to do so.\",\n \"In some instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a unilateral manner, but in other instances, the electrically conductive material can be placed in communication with the microstimulator 201 in a bilateral manner.\",\n \"The unilateral or bilateral nature of capacitive power transfer can be controlled individually.\",\n \"Moreover, the external electronic device 201 can include a mechanism to allow the subject to control the amount and duration of the stimulation, such as one or more input buttons that allow the subject to control stimulation amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and/or stimulation duration or other aspects of the stimulation.\",\n \"The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can include one or more input buttons that allow for user control of the stimulation parameters.\",\n \"In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can have an onboard memory to store data related to use of the system, including stimulation parameters, duration, power efficiencies, biofeedback signals, subject input, and the like.\",\n \"For example, the external electronic device 202 can include the ability to store data relative to the subject's medical condition via sensors within the microstimulator 201, via sensors on the external electronic device 202, or via input from the subject (e.g., in an application that is linked via Bluetooth or other wireless communication mechanism to the external electronic device 202).\",\n \"The data that is collected can be used to create closed loop therapies, provide relative health data to a medical professional, track personal health related information, saved for future therapy improvements or innovations (e.g., stored as “big data”), or the like.\",\n \"The stored data can be used, for example, to alert a medical provider when the microstimulator 201 may need to be replaced or feedback regarding the medical condition, to alert the subject when the medical condition occurs, to determine when the stimulation should be delivered, etc.\",\n \"In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a feedback system to provide feedback to the subject.\",\n \"The feedback provided to the subject can be a visual feedback, an audio feedback, a touch/pressure/vibration feedback, or the like.\",\n \"The feedback system can be used to guide placement of the external electronic device 202 to establish the capacitive link with the implantable microstimulator 201.The feedback system may also provide alerts to the subject during therapy.\",\n \"For example, the alerts can be provided when 50% of the max amplitude has been reached, 100% of the max amplitude has been reached, the duration of the stimulation is 50% complete, the duration of the stimulation is 100% complete, the position of the external electronic device 202 has been moved and needs to be realigned, or the like.\",\n \"In other instances, the external electronic device 202 can automatically control therapy.\",\n \"The subject can use the feedback system to place the external electronic device 202 correctly, and the external electronic device 202 can automatically ramp up the therapy signal until the therapy signal reaches a pre-determined level that is known to be comfortable and effective for the subject.\",\n \"The external electronic device 202 can receive biofeedback to control delivery of the therapy signal.\",\n \"For example, the external electronic device 202 can include or interface with a camera, a Doppler system, or other type of sensor to provide biofeedback signals.\",\n \"In some instances, the external electronic device 202 can include a communication mechanism to communicate with an external expert device 203 and/or to communicate with the microstimulator 201.The external electronic device 202, in some instances, can receive control and power parameters from the external expert device 203 according to a wired connection and/or a wireless connection.\",\n \"For example, the communication mechanism can include a Bluetooth communication mechanism or other type of wireless communication mechanism.\",\n \"The expert device 203 can be associated with a medical professional to communicate with the external electronic device 202 to adjust stimulation parameters associated with the microstimulator 201 and/or to assess functionality of the microstimulator 201.Alternatively, the expert device 203 can include a mobile application that can interact with the external electronic device 202 and a device associated with a medical professional.\",\n \"As another example, the expert device 203 can be a cloud-based server.\",\n \"In another instance, the expert device 203 can interface with and/or include a physician programmer.\",\n \"The physician programmer can be configured as a tablet, a personal computer, a smartphone appliance, a tablet application or other suitable means.\",\n \"The physician programmer allows the physician to modulate the therapy for each subject.\",\n \"The physician programmer is configured to allow the physician to input, save, store and recall information about a specific subject's therapy into/from a secure database.\",\n \"As an example, the physician programmer can establish different therapy levels for the subject (e.g., the first instance of a therapeutic effect, the highest level tolerated by the subject, etc.\",\n \"), and the subject can choose from the different therapy levels for each application of the therapy.\",\n \"The physician programmer can also determine the effectiveness of the capacitive link, the power transfer efficiency, and the like.\",\n \"As such, the physician programmer can determine the optimum placement of the external conductive pads by providing real time feedback regarding the capacitive link.\",\n \"An example use of the neuromodulation system of FIG.\",\n \"1 is inducing tear production to treat or prevent dry eye disease.\",\n \"A description of dry eye disease is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"Tears are produced via unilateral or bilateral reflex lacrimation, which can be induced via neuromodulation of one or more nerves that innervate the punctum and/or canaliculus of the nasolacrimal drainage system.\",\n \"Similarly, a description of tear production is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451, which is incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"A general depiction of physiology of an eye of a subject is shown in FIGS.\",\n \"4-6.However, U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"15/180,451 provides a more detailed description of the physiology of the subject's eye.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates a side view of an eye 6 of a subject, including three layers of naturally produced tears.\",\n \"For example, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"4, naturally produced tears include an outer oily layer 6A, a middle watery layer (or aqueous layer) 6B, and an inner mucus layer 6C, which is spread across the surface of the eye (the ocular surface) whenever the subject blinks, thereby providing lubrication, washing away foreign matter, reducing the risk of infection, and keeping the surface of the eye 6 smooth and clear.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates anatomical features of nerves and blood vessels related to the eye 6 and the lacrimal system of a subject.\",\n \"Such nerves and blood vessels include the dorsal nasal vessel 80, the frontal 81, the medial palpebral 82, the supraorbital 83, the anterior ethmoidal 84, the posterior ethmoidal 85, the muscular 88, the bulb of the eye 89, the ciliary 90, the arteria centralis retinae 91, the lacrimal 92, the zygomatic branches 94, the ophthalmic 96, the internal carotid 97, the lacrimal gland 2, and the optic nerve 98.FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates additional anatomical features related to the lacrimal system of the eye 6 of a subject.\",\n \"As shown, the lacrimal gland 2 is positioned in the upper outer portion of the orbit of each eye 6.The lacrimal gland 2 includes the orbital (superior) portion 2A and the palpebral (inferior) portion 2B.\",\n \"The lacrimal gland 2 secretes the aqueous layer 6B of tears 4, which are delivered from the lacrimal gland 2 to the surface of the eye 6 via one or more channels or ducts 8 of the lacrimal gland 2.Tears 4 drain from the eye 6, towards a plica semilunaris 11 and lacrimal caruncle 13 via the nasolacrimal drainage system, which includes two puncta 10 located on a lacrimal papilla (e.g., superior lacrimal papilla 10A or inferior lacrimal papilla 10B).\",\n \"Each puncta 10 includes a minute orifice or opening in fluid communication with canaliculi 12.The canaliculi 12 converge and drain into the lacrimal sac 16, which in turn, is in fluid communication with the nasolacrimal duct 18.In order to induce tear production, one or more devices (like implantable microstimulator 201, an example of which is shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 that is configured for the induction of tear production) may be positioned within the nasolacrimal drainage system to prompt or stimulate the lacrimal gland 2.As shown in FIG.\",\n \"7, the microstimulator has a body 112; an electrically conductive insert (an example of a flex circuit shown in FIG.\",\n \"8) can be arranged within the body 112 to create the capacitively coupled link with an external electronic device, as described above with regard to FIGS.\",\n \"1-3.However, an example an equivalent microstimulator without the flex circuit (with the electrically conductive parts deposited on the body 112) is shown in FIG.\",\n \"9.Additional views of the microstimulator are shown in FIGS.\",\n \"10-12.FIG.\",\n \"10 shows an anterior view; FIG.\",\n \"11 shows a medial view; FIG.\",\n \"12 shows a posterior view.\",\n \"At least a portion of the body 112 configured to be implanted within the nasolacrimal drainage system can be formed of one or more biocompatible materials.\",\n \"Biocompatible materials can include certain polymer materials, metal materials, silicone materials, urethane materials, or the like, which do not cause an appreciable immune reaction.\",\n \"Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, polyimide, palladium, silicone, and/or urethane.\",\n \"The body 112 includes a vertical component (V), a horizontal component (H), and a curved portion (A) extending between and connecting the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V).\",\n \"The curved portion (A) can arrange the horizontal portion (H) and the vertical portion (V) at an angle relative to one another.\",\n \"At least one of the horizontal component (H) and the vertical component (V) can have a cylindrical cross section with a diameter from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.\",\n \"However, the horizontal component (H) includes an end portion that is tapered to facilitate implantation of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The horizontal component (H) can be longer than the vertical component (V).\",\n \"For example, the horizontal component (H) can be between 1 and 8 mm in length, or between 4 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 0.1 and 3 mm in length, or between 0.5 and 2 mm in length.\",\n \"Even more specifically, the horizontal component (H) can be between 5 and 6 mm in length, while the vertical component (V) can be between 1.6 and 1.8 mm in length.\",\n \"The angle between the vertical component (V) and the horizontal component (H) established by the curved portion (A) can be between 70 degrees and 120 degrees.\",\n \"As another example, the angle can be between 90 and 110 degrees.\",\n \"Even more specifically, the angle can be 90 degrees.\",\n \"The angle is specifically chosen to aid in retention of the microstimulator within the punctum and canaliculus.\",\n \"The microstimulator is not anchored by any means within the punctum or canaliculus.\",\n \"The microstimulator shape and angle are selected to enhance the unanchored in vivo retention.\",\n \"In some instances, a faceplate 105 can cover the vertical component (V) of the body 112.The faceplate can be, in its most general form, a surface that is wider than the vertical component (V).\",\n \"For example, the faceplate 105 may aid in the unanchored in vivo retention based on the associated shape and/or thickness.\",\n \"The faceplate 105 is a cap like structure that is placed on the proximal portion 104 of the microstimulator to prevent internal migration of the microstimulator, ease implantation (e.g., insertion) of the microstimulator, or other functions.\",\n \"The faceplate 105 can cover at least a portion of the body 112.Additionally, the faceplate 105 can include circuitry required to communicate with the external electronic device in a way other than the capacitive coupling, such as a wireless transceiver.\",\n \"As an example, the faceplate 105 can be positioned on the outer surface of the punctum.\",\n \"The shape of the faceplate 105 can be oval with a long dimension of 0.5 to 2 mm and a short dimension of 0.2 to 1 mm, or, more specifically, 1×0.8 mm (long vs. short axis).\",\n \"The long axis can be orientated lateral to medial when inserted such that the long axis is orientated from the nose to temple.\",\n \"The corresponding thickness of the faceplate 105 can be between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, more specifically, 0.2 mm.\",\n \"In instances, the faceplate 105 has an infinity design with the edges of the oval faceplate 105 being rounded to a very thin or infinity edge.\",\n \"The faceplate 105 can also be used to ease the insertion of the microstimulator into the punctum and canaliculus by forceps or other insertion tools.\",\n \"The distal end 103 of the microstimulator can be tapered down to ease insertion, as well.\",\n \"Since the microstimulator is configured to be inserted into the punctum and the canaliculus and to stimulate the surrounding tissue, the microstimulator may occlude tear drainage.\",\n \"If the microstimulator occludes the tear drainage, this may inadvertently cause the electrical properties of the tissue surrounding the microstimulator to change in a manner that will alter the stimulation characteristics adversely.\",\n \"Specifically, in a dry environment, the tissue impedances will increase and this will cause the stimulation amplitudes needed to achieve the desired result to increase over time.\",\n \"These changes in system impedance may cause changes in how the stimulation is perceived by the subject, the overall effect of stimulation and thus the efficacy of the therapy.\",\n \"To eliminate some of the variable tissue impedances caused by the placement of the microstimulator, the microstimulator may include features that allow for ongoing tear drainage as well as tear fluid to flow over and around the microstimulator while inserted into the punctum and canaliculus.\",\n \"In one example, the microstimulator may include a central lumen (shown as element 116 in FIGS.\",\n \"9 and 10) that extends longitudinally.\",\n \"For example, the central lumen can extend between the proximal end 104 and the distal end 103.The central lumen 116 allows for tear drainage.\",\n \"In some instances, the radial channels may allow the tear drainage to coat the mucosa lining of the punctum and canaliculus throughout the length of the microstimulator body 112.The radial channels may be spaced to occur around the circumference of the microstimulator and spaced such that they occur along the entire length of the microstimulator.\",\n \"In one example, the radial channels occur every 2 mm from the faceplate to the end of the microstimulator and, at each 2 mm occurrence, there are two or more channels radially orientated equally around the circumference of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The diameter of the radial channels can be from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.\",\n \"The axial lumen and radial channels may be open and allow for free flowing of tears throughout the nasolacrimal system.\",\n \"In another example, the microstimulator includes the central lumen 116, as well as one or more micro-channels and/or grooves on the outside of the body of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The micro-channels extend from the distal portion of the microstimulator to the proximal portion just below the faceplate 105.Tear fluid can drain from the eye through the lower punctum (through the central lumen 116 in the microstimulator), as well as through the punctum on the upper eyelid.\",\n \"Fluid draining from the upper punctum will also flow in a retrograde manner around the lower canaliculus and surround the microstimulator by flowing through the micro-channels to bath the microstimulator (including at least a portion of the body 112) and surrounding tissue.\",\n \"In other examples, the central lumen 116, radial channels, micro-channels, and/or faceplate 105 may contain or be impregnated with a material that allows for drug elution into a target site.\",\n \"The faceplate 105, central lumen 116, and/or radial channels may elute a NSAID or other corticosteroids, which will help to reduce inflammation of the surrounding tissue from the insertion of the device and help to promote healing and stable tissue interface after the insertion of the microstimulator.\",\n \"Other drugs can also be eluted that are helpful in dry eye disease or other ocular diseases as well.\",\n \"The drug concentration amounts can be controlled by the amount of tear fluid that is allowed to flow through or around the microstimulator.\",\n \"The drug can be eluted using electrical energy, using iontophoresis methods, in which small micro-currents are used to release and drive the compound or drug in precise areas and/or in precise amounts.\",\n \"Such drug delivery can be done based on a pre-determined schedule, or using biofeedback in a closed loop manner.\",\n \"The biofeedback can include bathing the faceplate 105 in tear fluid in response to delivery of the therapy signal to the target biological site to trigger release of the pharmaceutical.\",\n \"In some instances, the drug delivery can occur through degradation or erosion of a biodegradable or erodible coating (like PLGA or similar co-polymer).\",\n \"The central lumen 116, in another example, may have a means of measuring the volume or velocity of tears flowing through the microstimulator.\",\n \"For example, the central lumen can have one or more sensors therein to measure a property of fluid flowing therethrough, including volume, velocity, and the like.\",\n \"The volume or velocity of tear flow could be used as a close-loop system, in which the microstimulator alerts the user that the tear production is dropping and that would cause the user to apply the therapy.\",\n \"Such a measurement may be done using a piezoelectric sensor, a bladder diaphragm or using Doppler (ultrasound, laser, optical, etc.).\",\n \"The microstimulator will communicate (via long range communication, Bluetooth or other suitable means) with a smartphone, smartwatch, or other device that can alert the patients to the need to re-apply therapy.\",\n \"In one example, the closed loop sensor can also be placed in the faceplate and adjacent to the central lumen but situated within the faceplate along with any necessary components (e.g.\",\n \"circuits, etc.,) to allow for proper functionality of the tear sensor.\",\n \"In another embodiment, the sensor may be configured to sense the chemical composition of the tear fluid, sensing the amount of certain proteins or other cellular components that would trigger an additional application of therapy by the patient user.\",\n \"In another embodiment, the microstimulator may use electrode impedances to characterize the amount of tear productions.\",\n \"For example, if the impedances start to increase, this would simulate a decrease in fluid flowing through the nasolacrimal system, and in a closed loop fashion trigger use of the therapy to produce more tears.\",\n \"Long or short-term trending of the impedance values over time can also be used to provide treatment options that are individualized for each patient.\",\n \"If the impedance indicates that the patient's tear production is the lowest during the morning, the system can remind the patient to stimulate at certain times that are associated with the lowest amount of tear production.\",\n \"This can be done through a smartphone app or through an associated wearable smart device or other suitable means of interacting with the subject.\",\n \"In some instances, the stimulation can be automatic as part of a closed loop control system.\",\n \"Inside the body, the microstimulator can include the electrically conductive plate (like internal plate 213 of FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3).\",\n \"The surface area of the electrically conductive plate can be chosen large enough to receive the power signal from the external electronic device strong enough to create the stimulation signal that facilitates tear production.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can also include the electrode coupled to the electrically conductive plate (shown in FIG.\",\n \"3) to deliver the therapy signal to the biological target site in the subject.\",\n \"In some examples, the electrode can be physically connected to the electrically conductive plate.\",\n \"The electrically conductive plate can also include a reference electrode or return electrode (shown in FIG.\",\n \"3) isolated from the conductive plate to create a reference or return path that is connected to the external electronic device.\",\n \"Each of the electrodes can be made of an electrically conductive material, like platinum, platinum/iridium, palladium, or another inert metal that is electrically conductive and appropriate for electrical stimulation.\",\n \"The electrodes can be positioned between the distal portion 104 of the microstimulator and the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.\",\n \"For example, the electrodes can be positioned such that they are equally spaced longitudinally from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator.\",\n \"Each electrode is then radially exposed to the surrounding tissue in a 180-degree orientation.\",\n \"In one example, the electrodes can be quarter moon-shaped so that these electrodes are only exposed in quarter segments on the top and bottom of the microstimulator to avoid any overlap with the internal plate.\",\n \"The overlap is avoided to ensure the capacitance created remains consistent.\",\n \"The rise/fall time (e.g., time constant) of the capacitor created is important in creating the therapy signal waveform.\",\n \"Changes in the capacitance created can change the waveform and waveform efficiency.\",\n \"In some instances, four electrodes are exposed to the surrounding environment and each electrode is exposed to the environment at two locations around the circumference of the microstimulator body.\",\n \"The exposed portions are between 40 and 180 degrees from each other around the circumference of the microstimulator body.\",\n \"It should be appreciated that the exposed electrodes can be positioned using any orientation around or within the microstimulator body from the distal portion 104 to the proximal portion 103 of the microstimulator body.\",\n \"For example, the orientation can be determined based on the orientation of the microstimulator 201 compared to the external device 202.In some instances, the microstimulator can be configured such that there is no battery contained within the microstimulator.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be configured to receive power from an external electronic device.\",\n \"In other words, the microstimulator can be a slave to the external electronic device and can deliver stimulation when activated by the external electronic device.\",\n \"The microstimulator and the external electronic device can exchange energy wirelessly, using a capacitive power transfer method, as described above with respect to FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3.In these instances, the microstimulator is configured for insertion through the punctum of the lower eyelid into the canaliculus and configured such that the associated “plate” is oriented to be parallel with the external skin overlaying the canaliculus to establish the capacitive link with the external electronic device.\",\n \"The “plate” can be located on a side of the microstimulator and covers the majority of the surface area on the one side of the microstimulator.\",\n \"Capacitive power transfer is useful for the microstimulator, when the microstimulator requires charge balancing.\",\n \"The external electronic device is responsible for generating the power transfer waveform, which capacitively couples power to the internal device.\",\n \"Additionally, the external electronic device is responsible for generating the carrier waveform, which can be used for data transmission or control of the microstimulator.\",\n \"As such, the external electronic device creates the carrier waveform by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), or voltage to frequency converter (VFC).\",\n \"The frequency is set by a digital to analog converter from a microcontroller.\",\n \"This carrier waveform may be buffered by a unity gain configured op-amp, such that the VCO/VFC is not loaded.\",\n \"The buffer waveform is then amplified/attenuated and DC shifted by a second op-amp.\",\n \"The gain of waveform is set by a series of feedback resistors.\",\n \"Alternatively, the feedback resistors can be replaced with analog or digital potentiometers to adjust the gain.\",\n \"In this embodiment, the microcontroller is able to control the gain through digital communication solely.\",\n \"In this embodiment, the carrier waveform is also DC shifted using a second stage.\",\n \"This is done by asserting a DC bias voltage to the op-amp.\",\n \"This DC bias voltage is generated and adjusted using a Digital to Analog Converter on the micro-controller.\",\n \"The generated output waveform at the power electrode may be biphasic, in which each pulse may include a first phase, an interphase delay, and a second phase.\",\n \"During the first phase, a positive DC bias is applied to the output, with the carrier frequency transposed on top.\",\n \"During this phase, electrical current is induced through a capacitively coupled load.\",\n \"During the interphase delay, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off and no waveform is generated.\",\n \"During the second phase, a negative DC bias is applied to the output, with a carrier frequency transposed on top, which induces a current in the opposite direction of the first phase.\",\n \"This phase is used as an active recovery, or charge-balancing phase for stimulation.\",\n \"Between pulses, the carrier waveform and DC bias are shut off, and the output remains off until the next active stimulation phase.\",\n \"This period between pulses also acts as a passive recovery phase, allowing any excess charge to be recaptured.\",\n \"The power transfer through the capacitive link is generated by the edge transition of the DC bias.\",\n \"The capacitive link between the external and internal device is high impedance at DC, but is low impedance when an AC signal is applied.\",\n \"The actual impedance varies based on the frequency of the signal and the value of the capacitance.\",\n \"In this respect, by applying an increasing/decreasing voltage across the capacitive link, the link acts as a low impedance medium and current is induced.\",\n \"The magnitude of the current is determined by the slew rate of the signal and total capacitance of the link.\",\n \"The rising and falling edges at the beginning of each phase of the waveform generate this induced current at the electrodes on the inserted microstimulator.\",\n \"In some instances, the capacitive link between the external electronic device and the microstimulator can be through an electrically conductive insert within the body 112.The electrically conductive insert can be a flex circuit configured or formed into a circular cross section.\",\n \"The flex circuit can be positioned between the central lumen 116 and the surface of the body 112 of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The flex circuit can include the plate, the power electrode, and the return electrode.\",\n \"Similar to FIG, 3, the power electrode is electrically connected to the plate.\",\n \"However, the plate is electrically isolated from the body 112, leaving only the power electrode exposed to the tissue in the anatomical area.\",\n \"The return electrode is isolated from the capacitive plate and the power electrode, but electrically connected to the body 112.When activated by the external electronic device 202, the stimulation waveform can be generated between the power electrode and the return electrode.\",\n \"The resulting electrical field will then activate nerves that innervate the punctum and canalicus, which will then result in reflexive lacrimation.\",\n \"However, the return electrode is not necessarily in the flex circuit; instead, the return electrode can be located on the external electronic device to create a common system ground for the external electronic device and the flex circuit.\",\n \"The flex circuit can be created in different ways.\",\n \"One example is by sputtering, depositing, or otherwise adhering a biocompatible material to a base substrate.\",\n \"An example of this is shown in element 106A of FIG.\",\n \"8, where a biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to a base substrate 108.As an example, the base substrate 108 can be polyimide (such as a thin polyimide sheet) and the biocompatible conductive material 107 is a metal.\",\n \"As illustrated, the base substrate 108 can be configured into a geometry that can be furled, rolled, or otherwise curled into a circular cross-section.\",\n \"After the biocompatible conductive material 107 is adhered to the base substrate, a third layer is applied to the areas of the flex circuit to be electrically isolated from the subject's body upon insertion.\",\n \"The third layer can be a liquid polyimide (such as a very thin liquid polyimide), for example.\",\n \"The resulting flex circuit 106A is configured into a circular cross-section shown in element 1068.The circular cross section creates the internal capacitor, which allows for energy and/or the stimulation waveform to be transferred or delivered without any internal circuit components.\",\n \"As such, there are no passive circuit elements or active circuit elements within the body 112 and no internal battery.\",\n \"As an alternative to FIG.\",\n \"8, the flex circuit can be created by sputtering or depositing a biocompatible material onto the base layer that is pre-configured in the tubular cross-section.\",\n \"One example alternative is shown in FIG.\",\n \"9, in which the metal is deposited directly onto the microstimulator in a defined way with very precise placement of the electrodes and plate metals.\",\n \"In this example, the base material 401 can be polyimide, silicone or polyurethane, other polymers, or other co-polymers.\",\n \"One or more metal layers (e.g., metal layer 402 that adheres better to the base layer 401, like titanium, and metal layer 403 like palladium) are then sputtered or deposited onto the tubular base 401 layer (e.g., the horizontal component of the microstimulator 201) directly.\",\n \"The amount of metal deposited may vary to allow for exposure to the tissue of the electrodes without exposing the plate.\",\n \"The base layer 401 can be configured, prior to deposition, into the J shape (90-degree shape between the vertical component and the horizontal component) required for the microstimulator.\",\n \"A second layer 402 (and subsequent layers 403) of material may be sputtered or deposited onto the base layer 401.An isolating material 404 can be applied of the same material as the base layer 401.To create the right capacitive power transfer and to translate the waveform correctly, the dielectric constant must be created for the applications, which means adjusting the thickness of the metal, the surface area, etc.\",\n \"In an example, the tubular base layer is silicone.\",\n \"The dielectric created with the metal deposited onto the silicone will need to match the dielectric created in when the polyimide flex circuit is rolled to create the capacitor system for power transfer.\",\n \"Polyimide provides a significant contribution to the dielectric and thus if that is replaced with Silicone or other material as mentioned above, then the metal and position needs to be altered to match the dielectric constant.\",\n \"However, this process provides the advantage of reducing the amount of manual processing steps needed to manufacture the microstimulator.\",\n \"The other advantage of this technique is that delamination between the metal layer and the base layer is significantly reduced by depositing the metal onto the pre-formed tube base layer.\",\n \"When the flex circuit is rolled, certain areas see higher bend radii and hence are more susceptible to delamination events and thus causing further fallout in the manufacturing process.\",\n \"Also important for the microstimulator is the overall stiffness of the flex circuit.\",\n \"A microstimulator at this scale, less than one mm in diameter and 5-6 mm in length, containing a full polyimide tube could cause the microstimulator to be quite rigid overall.\",\n \"To avoid this, the polyimide can be laser etched post deposition to create “bend joints” corresponding to areas in the microstimulator that are anticipated to have more flex and allow these areas to flex better.\",\n \"Using Silicone or Polyurethane as the base material will allow for ultimate flexibility, without having to laser etch areas out of the tubular cross-section to allow for bending of the microstimulator.\",\n \"In another example, the electrodes can be mesh electrodes.\",\n \"Using mesh electrodes may eliminate the need for the radial channel extending from the central lumen 116 to wet the tissue surrounding the microstimulator.\",\n \"The mesh electrode allows for tear drainage from the central lumen through the mesh electrode.\",\n \"The mesh electrodes can be placed circumferentially around the entire microstimulator or can be placed and configured as directional electrodes.\",\n \"In other words, the electrodes are placed in a manner that is not circumferential, but sized and shaped accordingly to cover only a portion of the circumferential area of the microstimulator and allowing stimulation to occur in a directional manner.\",\n \"Alternatively, the directional electrodes can be made of a solid inert metal that is suitable for electrical stimulation or of a conductive polymer resin or other suitable material.\",\n \"IV.\",\n \"Methods Another aspect of the present disclosure can include methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"13 illustrates a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"14 illustrates a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"The methods of FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14 can be implemented using the system of FIGS.\",\n \"1-3, in which the implantable microstimulator may be as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"7-12.FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14, respectively, are illustrated as process flow diagrams with flowchart illustrations.\",\n \"For purposes of simplicity, the methods of FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14 are shown and described as being executed serially; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited by the illustrated order as some steps could occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps shown and described herein.\",\n \"Moreover, not all illustrated aspects may be required to implement the methods of FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14.Additionally, FIGS.\",\n \"13 and 14 may also include steps that can be implemented by computer program instructions.\",\n \"These computer program instructions can be stored in memory and provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps/acts specified in the flowchart blocks and/or the associated description.\",\n \"In other words, the steps/acts can be implemented by a system comprising a processor that can access the computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"13, an aspect of the present disclosure can include a method for powering an implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"As an example, the implantable microstimulator can be as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"7-12, including a body and an electrically conductive insert.\",\n \"The powering can be through a wireless connection between the implantable microstimulator and an external electronic device.\",\n \"At 301, the connection can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator through a dielectric material.\",\n \"The conductive material, in some examples, can be a biological material, such as the subject's skin.\",\n \"An example of this connection is shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.At 302, a link can be established between the external electronic device and the implantable microstimulator to deliver a power signal from the external electronic device to the implantable microstimulator.\",\n \"The link can be a capacitively coupled link link for capacitive power transfer upon a voltage change of an external plate associated with the external electronic device relative to an internal plate associated with the implantable microstimulator (shown in FIG.\",\n \"2).\",\n \"The internal plate can be part of the electrically conductive insert within the body of the microstimulator.\",\n \"The electrically conductive insert can deliver a therapy signal (or stimulation signal) to the surrounding anatomical site in response to receiving the power signal.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"14, illustrated is a method for treating, diagnosing, or preventing a medical condition in a subject.\",\n \"The medical condition can be an ocular, orbital, autoimmune, and/or neurological disease, disorder, and/or condition.\",\n \"Diseases that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, goblet cell degranulation, presbyopia, Sjogren's syndrome, pain, ocular pain, corneal pain, facial pain, atypical facial pain, neuralgia, facial neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ocular neuralgia, autonomic dysfunctions, headache, primary headache, secondary headache, myasthenia gravis, intravitreal injection side effects, and/or glaucoma.\",\n \"As another example, disorders that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, contact lens over wear, contact lens keratopathy, contact lens intolerance, and/or ocular hypertension.\",\n \"Conditions that can be prevented, diagnosed, and/or treated can include, but are not limited to, loose skin, skin redness, lip ptosis, and/or winkles.\",\n \"At 311, a microstimulator can be delivered into an anatomical structure of a subject.\",\n \"The anatomical structure can be any structure in the subject's body containing one or more target nerves.\",\n \"The microstimulator can be sized and dimensioned for the particular anatomical structure.\",\n \"For example, when inserted into a nasolacrimal structure, such as the punctum and canaliculus, to induce tear production, the microstimulator can be arranged in the shape shown in FIG.\",\n \"7 with the dimensions described in connection to FIG.\",\n \"7.At 312, a capacitive link can be established between the microstimulator and an external electronic device.\",\n \"At 313, the external electronic device can be used to deliver a power signal to the microstimulator across the capacitive link.\",\n \"For example, the voltage of a plate of the external device can change relative to a plate of the internal device.\",\n \"As noted, “plates” is a general term describing a capacitive element; the “plates” are not necessarily shaped like plates.\",\n \"At 314, a therapy signal can be delivered by the microstimulator to a target portion of the anatomical structure.\",\n \"The target portion can include the one or more target nerves From the above description, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.\",\n \"Such improvements, changes and modifications are within the skill of one in the art and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875141"}}},{"rowIdx":4494789,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Radio-Frequency Identification Device for a Tubular Element to Be Identified in a Constrained Environment","A radio-frequency identification device for identifying a tubular element is provided that includes a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands and a flexible envelope enveloping the radio-frequency identification chip and strands.","The envelope is a silicone material and includes a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip, and two strips extend on either side of the central portion and each strip overmolds at least one strand.","Each of the two strips has a free end with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.","The two strips are thermoformed in a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis."],["1.A radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified in a constrained environment, said radio-frequency identification device comprising: a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands connected to the radio-frequency identification chip; and a flexible envelope completely enveloping said radio-frequency identification chip and said two conductive strands, wherein the flexible envelope is made by an overmolding with a silicone material of said radio-frequency identification chip and of the two conductive strands, said flexible envelope comprising: a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip; and two strips extending on either side of said central portion, each strip overmolds at least one of the two conductive strands, wherein the two strips of the flexible envelope are thermoformed in a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis to temporarily hold said radio-frequency identification device around said tubular element, and wherein each of the two strips includes a free end having a pierced boss configured to cooperate with a hose clamp for final fastening of said radio-frequency identification device around said tubular element.","2.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein the central portion further includes a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.","3.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein, before thermoforming, the two strips of the flexible envelope extend from the central portion up to their respective free ends according to two main axes, wherein said two main axes intersect at an angle between 60 and 120 degrees such that the flexible envelope has a “V” shape.","4.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 3, wherein the two main axes intersect at an angle between 75 and 105 degrees.","5.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 3, wherein the two main axes intersect at an angle between 85 and 95 degrees.","6.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein, before thermoforming, the two strips of the flexible envelope extend from the central portion up to their respective free ends according to a common main axis such that the flexible envelope has a rectilinear shape.","7.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein, before thermoforming, each strip of the flexible envelope extends from the central portion up to its free end according to a main axis, and a corresponding boss includes a hole extending according to a passage axis inclined with respect to said main axis at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees.","8.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein each of the two conductive strands includes a sheath made of a dielectric material is and disposed inside the flexible envelope that overmolds said sheaths.","9.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 8 further comprising two double-stranded antennas, each double-stranded antenna comprising two conductive strands, wherein each strip of the flexible envelope overmolds two adjacent conductive strands spaced apart from each other, and wherein, inside each strip of the flexible envelope, the sheaths of the two conductive strands are longitudinally linked by a ribbon made of a thermoplastic material that overmolds the two sheaths and maintains a constant spacing between the two sheaths.","10.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 9, wherein the two conductive strands of a first antenna of the two double-stranded antennas extends in a first strip of the flexible envelope, and the two conductive strands of a second antenna of the two double-stranded antennas extends in a second strip of the flexible envelope.","11.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 9, wherein one conductive strand of each of the two antennas extends in a first strip of the flexible envelope and the other conductive strand of each of the two antennas extends in a second strip of the flexible envelope.","12.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1 further comprising two double-stranded antennas, each double-stranded antennas comprising two conductive strands, wherein each strip of the flexible envelope overmolds two adjacent conductive strands spaced apart from each other.","13.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein the radio-frequency identification chip is soldered on an electronic board on which the conductive strands are soldered.","14.A method of identifying a tubular element, the method comprising: providing the radio-frequency identification device of claim 1; positioning the two twisted strips of the flexible envelope around the tubular element to be identified; tightening said flexible envelope with at least two hose clamps passing through the pierced bosses of the flexible envelope; and clasping said tubular element to be identified.","15.The method according to claim 14, wherein the tubular element is an electric cable, a fluid circulation conduit, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath.","16.A method for manufacturing a radio-frequency identification device comprising the steps: connecting two conductive strands of at least one antenna to a radio-frequency identification chip; enveloping the radio-frequency identification chip and two conductive strands with a flexible envelope made of a silicone material by overmolding said radio-frequency identification chip and the two conductive strands such that the flexible envelope includes: a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip; and two strips extending on either side of said central portion, wherein each strip overmolds at least one conductive strand of the two conducive strands, wherein each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp; and thermoforming the flexible envelope such that the two strips of the flexible envelope are thermoformed into a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.","In the fields of automotive industry, energy and in particular nuclear energy, telecommunications, avionics, industrial machines, electronic appliances, communication networks, and in a general manner in the industrial field, it is often complex to ensure the individual identification of the cables, conduits and other tubular elements, for the purposes of servicing, repair, maintenance, traceability, logistics, distribution, configuration management or tamper-resistant safety.","To this end, it is known, in particular from the document EP 2 765 537 A1, to use radio-frequency identification devices mounted on such tubular elements, in order to establish a radio-frequency identification according to the RFID technology.","Document EP 2 765 537 A1 proposes a radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to a dipolar antenna with strands, with an envelope made of a shape-memory material, such as in particular polytetrafluoroethylene.","The radio-frequency identification device is fastened on the tubular element by taking advantage of the shape-memory characteristics of the envelope, and more specifically by arranging the envelope in the form of a twisted ribbon and by ensuring the fastening by clasping by performing a retraction subsequently to a stretching.","However, it turns out that such a fastening by clasping subsequently to a stretching, using the shape-memory properties of the envelope, does not offer a sufficient mechanical strength under all conditions.","Indeed, in environments called constrained environments subjected to vibrations, and possibly to considerable temperature variations and/or chemically toxic or corrosive atmospheres and/or severe pressure conditions, it is essential to guarantee a durable and stable fastening of the radio-frequency identification device on the element to be identified, while offering an effective protection of the radio-frequency identification chip.","There is also known from U.S. Patent Application No.","2006/0186210 a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element, where the device comprises a flexible sleeve protecting an RFID transponder in connection with an antenna which forms at least one peripheral turn in order to enable proceeding to reading regardless of the orientation.","However, such a device turns out to be impractical, because it requires fitting the sleeve around the tubular element, which completely prohibitive for cables or conduits networks, in particular in bulky and difficult to access spaces.","In addition, such a device may have sealing issues and also defects in stable holding around the tubular element.","Indeed, the sleeve is held only by elastic tightening and by friction, which cannot be considered in constrained environments subjected to high vibrations and to considerable temperature variations."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure addresses the issue of holding a radio-frequency identification device on a tubular element, while enabling a radio-frequency identification reading in all directions (in order to overcome the final position of the radio-frequency identification device on the tubular element), at reasonable detection distances, in particular in the range of at least 1 to 2 meter, the detection distance corresponding to the minimum distance necessary for the detection of the radio-frequency identification device by an appropriate reader, and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.","The present disclosure provides a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified in a constrained environment, said radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands connected to the radio-frequency identification chip, and a flexible envelope completely enveloping said radio-frequency identification chip and said strands.","This radio-frequency identification device is remarkable in that: the envelope is made by overmolding with a silicone material of the radio-frequency identification chip and of the strands of the antennas, this envelope having a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and having two strips, extending on either side of the central portion, which each overmold at least one strand; the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis in order to enable a temporary holding of said device around said element; and each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp in order to enable a final fastening of said device around said element.","Thus, the envelope is made of silicone, a material offering excellent properties in terms of thermal protection and vibration isolation, and allowing a thermoforming of the envelope in a twisted (or helical) shape which is stable and which will allow positioning the radio-frequency identification device temporarily on the tubular element, before achieving a durable anchorage by means of at least two hose clamps passing in the orifices or holes of the pierced bosses.","The tightening at the level of the free ends of the strips provides a holding over the entire length of the envelope.","Advantageously, the central portion also has a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.","The tightening at the level of the central portion provides extreme stability of the radio-frequency identification chip.","In one form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to two main axes, wherein these two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 60 and 120 degrees, so that the envelope has a general “V” shape.","The Applicant has observed that such a “V” shape confers improved performances in terms of detection distance and detection angles around the tubular element.","Advantageously, the two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 75 and 105 degrees, and in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, for an enhanced reading performance.","In another form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to the same common main axis, so that the envelope has a rectilinear general shape.","Although less performing than the first “V” shaped form, this second form still offers interesting performances in terms of detection distance, for detecting and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.","According to one feature, before thermoforming, each strip of the envelope extends, from the central portion up to its free end, according to a main axis, and the corresponding boss has a hole extending according to a passage axis inclined with respect to said main axis at an angle comprised between 30 and 60 degrees.","This inclination of the holes for the passage of the hose clamps is advantageous for guiding the hose clamps along the circumference of the element to be identified, by taking into account the twisted shape of the strips of the envelope.","According to another feature, the envelope has an inner face intended to bear against the element to be identified, and an opposite outer face, wherein the bosses protrude from said outer face and/or from said inner face.","It should be noted that the inner face may be planar, smooth or still have, over all or part of its surface area, rough elements promoting the gripping on the element to be identified.","In particular, in one variation, these rough elements may be provided only at the level of the bosses.","According to another feature, each of the strands is sheathed with a sheath made of a dielectric thermoplastic material, inside the envelope which overmolds said sheaths.","Such sheaths allow protection and stabilization of the strands during the operation of overmolding the envelope.","In one aspect, the device comprises two double-stranded antennas, each strip of the envelope overmolding two adjacent strands spaced apart from each other.","With two double-stranded antennas, two configurations may be considered, namely: a configuration (a) with a first antenna having its two strands in a first strip, and a second antenna having its two strands in a second strip; and a configuration (b) with a first antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip, and a second antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.","In the configuration (b), two forms are possible, namely: a first form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the first antenna, and wherein the first strand of the second antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna; and a second form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the first strand of the second antenna, and wherein the second strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna.","Alternatively, the device comprises one single double-stranded antenna, with a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.","In accordance with an advantageous feature of the present disclosure, inside each strip, the two sheaths overmolding the concerned two strands are longitudinally linked to each other by a ribbon which maintains a constant spacing between the two sheaths.","Such a ribbon is particularly adapted to address the requirements of constrained environments, and to allow improved operation despite the high pressures, the variations of temperature and the vibrations.","In one aspect, inside each strip, the ribbon is made by overmolding of the sheaths.","According to a possibility of the present disclosure, the radio-frequency identification chip is soldered on an electronic board on which the strands are soldered.","The present disclosure also concerns a method for manufacturing a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, comprising the following steps of: connecting the strands to the radio-frequency identification chip; making an envelope in a silicone material by overmolding of said radio-frequency identification chip and the strands of said antennas, so that the envelope has a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and two strips, extending on either side of said central portion, respectively overmolding the strands of the antennas, wherein each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp; and thermoforming the envelope so that the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.","The present disclosure also relates to a use of a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, to identify a tubular element to be identified, such as in particular an electrical cable, a fluid circulation conduit, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath, by positioning the twisted strips of the envelope around the element to be identified, and by tightening said envelope by means of at least two hose clamps passing through the pierced bosses of the envelope and clasping said element to be identified.","Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.","It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of International Application No.","PCT/FR2016/051896, filed on Jul.","21, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of FR 15/56877 filed on Jul.","21, 2015.The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.","FIELD The present disclosure relates to radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified, and more particularly to a radio-frequency identification device for identifying a fluid circulation conduit, an electrical cable, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath.","BACKGROUND The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.","In the fields of automotive industry, energy and in particular nuclear energy, telecommunications, avionics, industrial machines, electronic appliances, communication networks, and in a general manner in the industrial field, it is often complex to ensure the individual identification of the cables, conduits and other tubular elements, for the purposes of servicing, repair, maintenance, traceability, logistics, distribution, configuration management or tamper-resistant safety.","To this end, it is known, in particular from the document EP 2 765 537 A1, to use radio-frequency identification devices mounted on such tubular elements, in order to establish a radio-frequency identification according to the RFID technology.","Document EP 2 765 537 A1 proposes a radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to a dipolar antenna with strands, with an envelope made of a shape-memory material, such as in particular polytetrafluoroethylene.","The radio-frequency identification device is fastened on the tubular element by taking advantage of the shape-memory characteristics of the envelope, and more specifically by arranging the envelope in the form of a twisted ribbon and by ensuring the fastening by clasping by performing a retraction subsequently to a stretching.","However, it turns out that such a fastening by clasping subsequently to a stretching, using the shape-memory properties of the envelope, does not offer a sufficient mechanical strength under all conditions.","Indeed, in environments called constrained environments subjected to vibrations, and possibly to considerable temperature variations and/or chemically toxic or corrosive atmospheres and/or severe pressure conditions, it is essential to guarantee a durable and stable fastening of the radio-frequency identification device on the element to be identified, while offering an effective protection of the radio-frequency identification chip.","There is also known from U.S. Patent Application No.","2006/0186210 a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element, where the device comprises a flexible sleeve protecting an RFID transponder in connection with an antenna which forms at least one peripheral turn in order to enable proceeding to reading regardless of the orientation.","However, such a device turns out to be impractical, because it requires fitting the sleeve around the tubular element, which completely prohibitive for cables or conduits networks, in particular in bulky and difficult to access spaces.","In addition, such a device may have sealing issues and also defects in stable holding around the tubular element.","Indeed, the sleeve is held only by elastic tightening and by friction, which cannot be considered in constrained environments subjected to high vibrations and to considerable temperature variations.","SUMMARY The present disclosure addresses the issue of holding a radio-frequency identification device on a tubular element, while enabling a radio-frequency identification reading in all directions (in order to overcome the final position of the radio-frequency identification device on the tubular element), at reasonable detection distances, in particular in the range of at least 1 to 2 meter, the detection distance corresponding to the minimum distance necessary for the detection of the radio-frequency identification device by an appropriate reader, and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.","The present disclosure provides a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified in a constrained environment, said radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands connected to the radio-frequency identification chip, and a flexible envelope completely enveloping said radio-frequency identification chip and said strands.","This radio-frequency identification device is remarkable in that: the envelope is made by overmolding with a silicone material of the radio-frequency identification chip and of the strands of the antennas, this envelope having a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and having two strips, extending on either side of the central portion, which each overmold at least one strand; the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis in order to enable a temporary holding of said device around said element; and each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp in order to enable a final fastening of said device around said element.","Thus, the envelope is made of silicone, a material offering excellent properties in terms of thermal protection and vibration isolation, and allowing a thermoforming of the envelope in a twisted (or helical) shape which is stable and which will allow positioning the radio-frequency identification device temporarily on the tubular element, before achieving a durable anchorage by means of at least two hose clamps passing in the orifices or holes of the pierced bosses.","The tightening at the level of the free ends of the strips provides a holding over the entire length of the envelope.","Advantageously, the central portion also has a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.","The tightening at the level of the central portion provides extreme stability of the radio-frequency identification chip.","In one form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to two main axes, wherein these two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 60 and 120 degrees, so that the envelope has a general “V” shape.","The Applicant has observed that such a “V” shape confers improved performances in terms of detection distance and detection angles around the tubular element.","Advantageously, the two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 75 and 105 degrees, and in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, for an enhanced reading performance.","In another form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to the same common main axis, so that the envelope has a rectilinear general shape.","Although less performing than the first “V” shaped form, this second form still offers interesting performances in terms of detection distance, for detecting and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.","According to one feature, before thermoforming, each strip of the envelope extends, from the central portion up to its free end, according to a main axis, and the corresponding boss has a hole extending according to a passage axis inclined with respect to said main axis at an angle comprised between 30 and 60 degrees.","This inclination of the holes for the passage of the hose clamps is advantageous for guiding the hose clamps along the circumference of the element to be identified, by taking into account the twisted shape of the strips of the envelope.","According to another feature, the envelope has an inner face intended to bear against the element to be identified, and an opposite outer face, wherein the bosses protrude from said outer face and/or from said inner face.","It should be noted that the inner face may be planar, smooth or still have, over all or part of its surface area, rough elements promoting the gripping on the element to be identified.","In particular, in one variation, these rough elements may be provided only at the level of the bosses.","According to another feature, each of the strands is sheathed with a sheath made of a dielectric thermoplastic material, inside the envelope which overmolds said sheaths.","Such sheaths allow protection and stabilization of the strands during the operation of overmolding the envelope.","In one aspect, the device comprises two double-stranded antennas, each strip of the envelope overmolding two adjacent strands spaced apart from each other.","With two double-stranded antennas, two configurations may be considered, namely: a configuration (a) with a first antenna having its two strands in a first strip, and a second antenna having its two strands in a second strip; and a configuration (b) with a first antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip, and a second antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.","In the configuration (b), two forms are possible, namely: a first form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the first antenna, and wherein the first strand of the second antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna; and a second form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the first strand of the second antenna, and wherein the second strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna.","Alternatively, the device comprises one single double-stranded antenna, with a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.","In accordance with an advantageous feature of the present disclosure, inside each strip, the two sheaths overmolding the concerned two strands are longitudinally linked to each other by a ribbon which maintains a constant spacing between the two sheaths.","Such a ribbon is particularly adapted to address the requirements of constrained environments, and to allow improved operation despite the high pressures, the variations of temperature and the vibrations.","In one aspect, inside each strip, the ribbon is made by overmolding of the sheaths.","According to a possibility of the present disclosure, the radio-frequency identification chip is soldered on an electronic board on which the strands are soldered.","The present disclosure also concerns a method for manufacturing a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, comprising the following steps of: connecting the strands to the radio-frequency identification chip; making an envelope in a silicone material by overmolding of said radio-frequency identification chip and the strands of said antennas, so that the envelope has a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and two strips, extending on either side of said central portion, respectively overmolding the strands of the antennas, wherein each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp; and thermoforming the envelope so that the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.","The present disclosure also relates to a use of a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, to identify a tubular element to be identified, such as in particular an electrical cable, a fluid circulation conduit, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath, by positioning the twisted strips of the envelope around the element to be identified, and by tightening said envelope by means of at least two hose clamps passing through the pierced bosses of the envelope and clasping said element to be identified.","Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.","It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.","DRAWINGS In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 is a schematic perspective view of a first form of a radio-frequency identification device before thermoforming in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.","2 is another schematic perspective view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device before thermoforming of FIG.","1; FIG.","3 is a schematic profile view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device of FIGS.","1 and 2; FIG.","4 is a schematic top view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device of FIGS.","1 and 2, in which an inner element is illustrated in dashed lines; FIG.","5 is a schematic view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device, according to a section plane V-V of FIG.","4; FIG.","6 is a schematic perspective view of two antenna strands sheathed in sheaths assembled to a ribbon, serving to make an antenna for a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.","7 is a schematic perspective view of a second form of a radio-frequency identification device before thermoforming in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.","8 is a schematic profile view of the radio-frequency identification device of FIG.","7 with two portions enlarged for more clarity; FIG.","9 is a schematic top view of the radio-frequency identification device of FIG.","7; FIG.","10 is a schematic view of the radio-frequency identification device according to a section plane X-X of FIG.","9; FIG.","11 is a schematic perspective view of a first form of a radio-frequency identification device after a thermoforming operation and in place on an element to be identified in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.","12 is a schematic perspective view of a second form of a radio-frequency identification device after the thermoforming operation in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.","13 is a schematic perspective view of a second form of a radio-frequency identification device after a thermoforming operation and in place on an element to be identified in accordance with the present disclosure; and FIG.","14 represents curves of a variation of a maximum detection distance as a function of a frequency of a radio-frequency identification signal for a first and a second radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure.","The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.","It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.","In general, a radio-frequency identification device 1 in accordance with the present disclosure is provided to be fastened on a tubular element EL to be identified, in order to enable the radio-frequency identification of such an element EL with an appropriate radio-frequency identification reader.","The following description covers two non-limiting forms, among which the first form is described with reference to FIGS.","1 to 5 and 11, and the second form is described with reference to FIGS.","7 to 10, 12 and 13.The radio-frequency identification device 1 comprises a radio-frequency identification chip 2 (shown in FIG.","4 for the first form and in FIGS.","8 and 9 for the second form) soldered on an electronic board 20, as well as two antennas 3 each comprising two conductive strands 30 connected to the chip 2 by being soldered on the electronic board 20.The strands 30 extend on either side of the chip 2, respectively at the right side and at the left side, with two strands at the right side and two strands at the left side.","The two right-side strands may be associated to a first antenna, and the two left-side strands may be associated to a second antenna.","Alternatively, a right-side strand and a left-side strand are associated to a first antenna, and the other right-side strand and the other left-side strand are associated to a second antenna.","It would have also been possible to consider providing one single antenna having a right-side strand and a left-side strand.","As shown in FIGS.","4 and 5 for the first form and in FIGS.","8 to 10 for the second form, and also in FIG.","6 associated to both forms, each pair of strands 30 (at the right side as well as the left side) is supplied in the form of a strip called primary strip 8 (shown alone in FIG.","6) comprising: the two strands 30, each sheathed with a sheath 31 made of a dielectric material, such as for example a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) polymer, each strand 30 may be composed of a metallic wire or of a set of several metallic wires; and a ribbon 32 which overmolds the two sheaths 31 and which has two end portions 33 which overmold the respective sheaths 31, and a central portion 34 which forms a thin strip which maintains the two sheaths 31 parallel to each other, so that the two sheaths 31 (and therefore the two strands 30) are maintained away from each other with a constant spacing, said ribbon 32 being made of a dielectric thermoplastic material.","For example, the dielectric thermoplastic material of the ribbon 32 is a FEP (Perfluoro Ethylene Propylene) polymer material.","Thus, the pair of strands 30/sheaths 31/ribbon 32 set is supplied in the form of this primary strip 8 which will be cut to the desired length; such a primary strip 8 may be used for both the first device of FIGS.","1 to 5 as well as for the second device of FIGS.","7 to 10.At one end of this primary strip 8, the ribbon 32 and the sheaths 31 are stripped off in order to expose the strands 30 to enable a connection by soldering with the electronic board 20, in particular by directly soldering each strand 30 on the electronic board 20.The device 1 further comprises an envelope 4 made of silicone which completely envelops the chip 2, the electronic board 20 and the two primary strands 8, and therefore the two pairs of strands 30.This envelope 4 is made by overmolding and has: a central portion 40 which overmolds the chip 2 and the electronic board 20; and two strips 41 which overmold the two primary strips 8, and consequently the pairs of strands 30 of the antennas 3, these two strips 41 extending on either side of the central portion 40, respectively at the right side and at the left side.","The central portion 40 has a boss 400 which forms a thickened portion in comparison with the thicknesses of the two strips 41.In the first form, this boss 400 is pierced with a hole 401 (FIGS.","1 to 3) capable of cooperating with a hose clamp 5, whereas in the second form, this boss 400 is not pierced.","In both forms, each of the two strips 41 has a free end also provided with a boss 410 pierced with a hole 411 capable of cooperating with a hose clamp 5.These bosses 400 form thickened portions, in comparison with the thicknesses of the strips 41 considered between the central portion 40 and the bosses 410.Thus, and as shown in FIGS.","11 and 13, the envelope 4 has two or three holes 401, 411 provided for the passage of respective hose clamps 5, in particular of the RILSAN™ clamp or TY-RAP™ clamp type.","It should be noted that the holes 401, 411 may be for example delimited by protruding arches atop the bosses, or yet be made directly in the material of the bosses.","The strips 41 have an inner face 42 provided to bear against the element EL, the inner face 42 may be substantially planar and smooth or still optionally have, over all or part of its surface area, rough elements (such as in particular grains, teeth or tips) which will reinforce the gripping of the envelope 4 on the element EL.","The envelope 4 also has an opposite outer face 43.In the first form, and as shown in FIG.","3, the three bosses 400, 410 protrude from the outer faces 43 of the strips 41, without surpassing the inner faces 42, so that the envelope 4 has a continuous inner face 42 (smooth with rough elements).","In the second form, and as shown in FIG.","8, the three bosses 400, 410 protrude from both the inner 42 and outer 43 faces of the strips 41, so that the envelope 4 has a discontinuous inner face 42 with steps at the level of the bosses 400, 410.For example, the rough elements may be provided only on the inside of the bosses 400, 410 according to one variation.","Of course, the shape of the bosses 400, 410 of the first device 1 may be applied to the second device 1, and vice versa.","In the first form illustrated in FIGS.","1 to 4, the two strips 41 of the envelope 4 extend, from the central portion 40 up to their respective free ends, according to two main axes A1, A2, where the two main axes A1, A2 intersect at an angle AN comprised between 85 and 95 degrees, so that the envelope 4 has a general “V” shape.","In the second form and as shown in FIG.","9, the two strips 41 of the envelope 4 extend, from the central portion 40 up to their respective free ends, according to the same common main axis AC, so that the envelope 4 has a rectilinear general shape.","Moreover, in both forms, and as shown in FIGS.","4 to 9, the hole 411 of each end boss 410 extends according to a passage axis 412 inclined with respect to the main axis A1, A2, AC corresponding to an angle AP comprised between 30 and 60 degrees, and in particular in the range of 45 degrees.","Thus, and as shown in FIGS.","11 and 13, after the twisted winding of the strips 41 around the element EL to be identified, the holes 411 extend substantially orthogonally to the element EL, so that the hose clamps 5 are wound around the element EL orthogonally to the latter.","As shown in FIG.","13, although the second device 1 device does not have holes on the boss 400 of the central portion 40, it is nevertheless possible to consider providing a third hose clamp 5 which passes above this boss 400 to clasp it around the element EL.","The method for manufacturing the radio-frequency identification device 1 may include a first sequence comprising the following steps of: providing two cables each comprising one strand 30 (with one or several semi-rigid metallic wires) sheathed with a sheath 31; making a ribbon 32 with the two cables (strand 30 and sheath 31) inside, with a desired and observed spacing distance between the two sheaths 31, so as to form the aforementioned primary strip 8, this ribbon 32 may be made by overmolding; a first operation of overmolding with silicone comprising overmolding with a silicone material the ribbon 32 (in other words the primary strip 8 and its strands 30), in particular according to an extrusion process, in order to form a strip called secondary strip comprising the two strands 30 sheathed with the sheaths 31, the ribbon 32 and the silicone overmolding layer; cutting the secondary strip into two sections with the same predefined length (these sections forming the future strips 41 of the envelope 4), the length of the sections or strips 41 being predefined so as to obtain enhanced adaptation between the impedance of the antenna 3 and the conjugate impedance of the chip 2 while taking into account the element EL to be identified; exposing the strands 30 at one end of each section, by stripping off the ribbons 32 and the sheaths 31; soldering the strands 30 to the electronic board 20, on which is soldered the chip 2, while taking care to orientate the main axes of the sections (or strips 41) according to the desired angle (either a substantially right angle in the first form, or a substantially zero angle in the second form); and a second operation of overmolding with silicone, in particular according to a molding process, comprising overmolding with a silicone material: the chip 2, the electronic board 20 and the exposed ends of the strands 30 in order to form the central portion 40 with its boss 400; and the free ends of the sections in order to form the bosses 410 and to cover the ends of the sections.","In the forms illustrated in the figures, each strip 41 envelops two antenna strands 30, so that the device 1 comprises two dipolar or double-stranded antennas 3.With two double-stranded antennas 3, two configurations may be considered, namely: a configuration (a) with a first antenna 3 having its two strands 30 in a first strip (the right-side one), and a second antenna 3 having its two strands 30 in a second strip (the left-side one); or a configuration (b) with a first antenna 3 having a first strand 30 in a first strip (the right-side one) and a second strand 30 in a second strip (the left-side one), and a second antenna 3 having a first strand 30 in a first strip (the right-side one) and a second strand in a second strip (the left-side one).","In the configuration (a), the device 1 therefore comprises two opposite antennas 3, on either side of the chip 2.In the configuration (b), the device 1 therefore comprises two antennas 3 each having two opposite strands 30 on either side of the chip 2.In the configuration (b), two forms are possible, namely: a first form where the first strand 30 of the first antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand 30 of the first antenna 3, and where the first strand 30 of the second antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand 30 of the second antenna 3; and a second form where the first strand 30 of the first antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the first strand 30 of the second antenna 3, and where the second strand 30 of the first antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand 30 of the second antenna 3.The silicone material used during the two overmolding operations forms a hydrophobic material, guaranteed against fungi and mildew, resisting sand and dust, having elastic properties adapted to its use, and offering thermoforming properties desired in the second sequence of the manufacturing method of the radio-frequency identification device 1.In other words, the device 1 may be subjected to high temperatures, high pressures and will be capable of withstanding different aggressions (fire, different liquids, thermal variations, pressure variations .",".",".",").","The second sequence of the manufacturing method comprises thermoforming the envelope 4 so that the two strips 41 are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.","This thermoforming operation is carried out in an oven at a temperature comprised between 80 and 100° C., until the strips 41 take on a helical or twisted shape, in particular around a jig.","Afterwards, after cooling, and as shown in FIG.","12 for the second device 1, the strips 41 will have a solid twisted shape and the radio-frequency identification device 1 is ready to be placed on the element EL.","Referring to FIGS.","11 and 13, the radio-frequency identification device 1 is used by fastening it on the element EL as follows: the twisted strips 41 are positioned (or wound) around the element EL; and two or three hose clamps 5 are placed in the holes 401, 411 of the respective bosses 400,410, and are afterwards clasped around the element EL in order to clamp and press the device 1 on the element EL.","The devices 1 in accordance with either one of the two forms described hereinabove, have excellent performances in terms of detection distance, even in constrained environments, as illustrated in FIG.","14 which are modellings of the variation of the maximum detection distance as a function of frequency for the first device 1 (curve C1) and for the second device 1 (curve C2).","In the models of FIG.","14, the maximum detection distance has a maximum of about 3.70 meter for the first device 1 and about 2 meter for the second device 1.It should also be noted that the first device 1 outperforms the second device 1.In practice, it should be noted that the maximum detection distance is larger and varies between 2.5 meter and about 4 meter.","The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.","Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Radio-Frequency Identification Device for a Tubular Element to Be Identified in a Constrained Environment\",\n \"A radio-frequency identification device for identifying a tubular element is provided that includes a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands and a flexible envelope enveloping the radio-frequency identification chip and strands.\",\n \"The envelope is a silicone material and includes a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip, and two strips extend on either side of the central portion and each strip overmolds at least one strand.\",\n \"Each of the two strips has a free end with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.\",\n \"The two strips are thermoformed in a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified in a constrained environment, said radio-frequency identification device comprising: a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands connected to the radio-frequency identification chip; and a flexible envelope completely enveloping said radio-frequency identification chip and said two conductive strands, wherein the flexible envelope is made by an overmolding with a silicone material of said radio-frequency identification chip and of the two conductive strands, said flexible envelope comprising: a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip; and two strips extending on either side of said central portion, each strip overmolds at least one of the two conductive strands, wherein the two strips of the flexible envelope are thermoformed in a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis to temporarily hold said radio-frequency identification device around said tubular element, and wherein each of the two strips includes a free end having a pierced boss configured to cooperate with a hose clamp for final fastening of said radio-frequency identification device around said tubular element.\",\n \"2.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein the central portion further includes a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.\",\n \"3.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein, before thermoforming, the two strips of the flexible envelope extend from the central portion up to their respective free ends according to two main axes, wherein said two main axes intersect at an angle between 60 and 120 degrees such that the flexible envelope has a “V” shape.\",\n \"4.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 3, wherein the two main axes intersect at an angle between 75 and 105 degrees.\",\n \"5.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 3, wherein the two main axes intersect at an angle between 85 and 95 degrees.\",\n \"6.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein, before thermoforming, the two strips of the flexible envelope extend from the central portion up to their respective free ends according to a common main axis such that the flexible envelope has a rectilinear shape.\",\n \"7.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein, before thermoforming, each strip of the flexible envelope extends from the central portion up to its free end according to a main axis, and a corresponding boss includes a hole extending according to a passage axis inclined with respect to said main axis at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees.\",\n \"8.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein each of the two conductive strands includes a sheath made of a dielectric material is and disposed inside the flexible envelope that overmolds said sheaths.\",\n \"9.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 8 further comprising two double-stranded antennas, each double-stranded antenna comprising two conductive strands, wherein each strip of the flexible envelope overmolds two adjacent conductive strands spaced apart from each other, and wherein, inside each strip of the flexible envelope, the sheaths of the two conductive strands are longitudinally linked by a ribbon made of a thermoplastic material that overmolds the two sheaths and maintains a constant spacing between the two sheaths.\",\n \"10.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 9, wherein the two conductive strands of a first antenna of the two double-stranded antennas extends in a first strip of the flexible envelope, and the two conductive strands of a second antenna of the two double-stranded antennas extends in a second strip of the flexible envelope.\",\n \"11.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 9, wherein one conductive strand of each of the two antennas extends in a first strip of the flexible envelope and the other conductive strand of each of the two antennas extends in a second strip of the flexible envelope.\",\n \"12.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1 further comprising two double-stranded antennas, each double-stranded antennas comprising two conductive strands, wherein each strip of the flexible envelope overmolds two adjacent conductive strands spaced apart from each other.\",\n \"13.The radio-frequency identification device according to claim 1, wherein the radio-frequency identification chip is soldered on an electronic board on which the conductive strands are soldered.\",\n \"14.A method of identifying a tubular element, the method comprising: providing the radio-frequency identification device of claim 1; positioning the two twisted strips of the flexible envelope around the tubular element to be identified; tightening said flexible envelope with at least two hose clamps passing through the pierced bosses of the flexible envelope; and clasping said tubular element to be identified.\",\n \"15.The method according to claim 14, wherein the tubular element is an electric cable, a fluid circulation conduit, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath.\",\n \"16.A method for manufacturing a radio-frequency identification device comprising the steps: connecting two conductive strands of at least one antenna to a radio-frequency identification chip; enveloping the radio-frequency identification chip and two conductive strands with a flexible envelope made of a silicone material by overmolding said radio-frequency identification chip and the two conductive strands such that the flexible envelope includes: a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip; and two strips extending on either side of said central portion, wherein each strip overmolds at least one conductive strand of the two conducive strands, wherein each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp; and thermoforming the flexible envelope such that the two strips of the flexible envelope are thermoformed into a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.\",\n \"In the fields of automotive industry, energy and in particular nuclear energy, telecommunications, avionics, industrial machines, electronic appliances, communication networks, and in a general manner in the industrial field, it is often complex to ensure the individual identification of the cables, conduits and other tubular elements, for the purposes of servicing, repair, maintenance, traceability, logistics, distribution, configuration management or tamper-resistant safety.\",\n \"To this end, it is known, in particular from the document EP 2 765 537 A1, to use radio-frequency identification devices mounted on such tubular elements, in order to establish a radio-frequency identification according to the RFID technology.\",\n \"Document EP 2 765 537 A1 proposes a radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to a dipolar antenna with strands, with an envelope made of a shape-memory material, such as in particular polytetrafluoroethylene.\",\n \"The radio-frequency identification device is fastened on the tubular element by taking advantage of the shape-memory characteristics of the envelope, and more specifically by arranging the envelope in the form of a twisted ribbon and by ensuring the fastening by clasping by performing a retraction subsequently to a stretching.\",\n \"However, it turns out that such a fastening by clasping subsequently to a stretching, using the shape-memory properties of the envelope, does not offer a sufficient mechanical strength under all conditions.\",\n \"Indeed, in environments called constrained environments subjected to vibrations, and possibly to considerable temperature variations and/or chemically toxic or corrosive atmospheres and/or severe pressure conditions, it is essential to guarantee a durable and stable fastening of the radio-frequency identification device on the element to be identified, while offering an effective protection of the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"There is also known from U.S. Patent Application No.\",\n \"2006/0186210 a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element, where the device comprises a flexible sleeve protecting an RFID transponder in connection with an antenna which forms at least one peripheral turn in order to enable proceeding to reading regardless of the orientation.\",\n \"However, such a device turns out to be impractical, because it requires fitting the sleeve around the tubular element, which completely prohibitive for cables or conduits networks, in particular in bulky and difficult to access spaces.\",\n \"In addition, such a device may have sealing issues and also defects in stable holding around the tubular element.\",\n \"Indeed, the sleeve is held only by elastic tightening and by friction, which cannot be considered in constrained environments subjected to high vibrations and to considerable temperature variations.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The present disclosure addresses the issue of holding a radio-frequency identification device on a tubular element, while enabling a radio-frequency identification reading in all directions (in order to overcome the final position of the radio-frequency identification device on the tubular element), at reasonable detection distances, in particular in the range of at least 1 to 2 meter, the detection distance corresponding to the minimum distance necessary for the detection of the radio-frequency identification device by an appropriate reader, and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"The present disclosure provides a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified in a constrained environment, said radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands connected to the radio-frequency identification chip, and a flexible envelope completely enveloping said radio-frequency identification chip and said strands.\",\n \"This radio-frequency identification device is remarkable in that: the envelope is made by overmolding with a silicone material of the radio-frequency identification chip and of the strands of the antennas, this envelope having a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and having two strips, extending on either side of the central portion, which each overmold at least one strand; the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis in order to enable a temporary holding of said device around said element; and each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp in order to enable a final fastening of said device around said element.\",\n \"Thus, the envelope is made of silicone, a material offering excellent properties in terms of thermal protection and vibration isolation, and allowing a thermoforming of the envelope in a twisted (or helical) shape which is stable and which will allow positioning the radio-frequency identification device temporarily on the tubular element, before achieving a durable anchorage by means of at least two hose clamps passing in the orifices or holes of the pierced bosses.\",\n \"The tightening at the level of the free ends of the strips provides a holding over the entire length of the envelope.\",\n \"Advantageously, the central portion also has a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.\",\n \"The tightening at the level of the central portion provides extreme stability of the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"In one form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to two main axes, wherein these two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 60 and 120 degrees, so that the envelope has a general “V” shape.\",\n \"The Applicant has observed that such a “V” shape confers improved performances in terms of detection distance and detection angles around the tubular element.\",\n \"Advantageously, the two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 75 and 105 degrees, and in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, for an enhanced reading performance.\",\n \"In another form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to the same common main axis, so that the envelope has a rectilinear general shape.\",\n \"Although less performing than the first “V” shaped form, this second form still offers interesting performances in terms of detection distance, for detecting and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"According to one feature, before thermoforming, each strip of the envelope extends, from the central portion up to its free end, according to a main axis, and the corresponding boss has a hole extending according to a passage axis inclined with respect to said main axis at an angle comprised between 30 and 60 degrees.\",\n \"This inclination of the holes for the passage of the hose clamps is advantageous for guiding the hose clamps along the circumference of the element to be identified, by taking into account the twisted shape of the strips of the envelope.\",\n \"According to another feature, the envelope has an inner face intended to bear against the element to be identified, and an opposite outer face, wherein the bosses protrude from said outer face and/or from said inner face.\",\n \"It should be noted that the inner face may be planar, smooth or still have, over all or part of its surface area, rough elements promoting the gripping on the element to be identified.\",\n \"In particular, in one variation, these rough elements may be provided only at the level of the bosses.\",\n \"According to another feature, each of the strands is sheathed with a sheath made of a dielectric thermoplastic material, inside the envelope which overmolds said sheaths.\",\n \"Such sheaths allow protection and stabilization of the strands during the operation of overmolding the envelope.\",\n \"In one aspect, the device comprises two double-stranded antennas, each strip of the envelope overmolding two adjacent strands spaced apart from each other.\",\n \"With two double-stranded antennas, two configurations may be considered, namely: a configuration (a) with a first antenna having its two strands in a first strip, and a second antenna having its two strands in a second strip; and a configuration (b) with a first antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip, and a second antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.\",\n \"In the configuration (b), two forms are possible, namely: a first form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the first antenna, and wherein the first strand of the second antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna; and a second form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the first strand of the second antenna, and wherein the second strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna.\",\n \"Alternatively, the device comprises one single double-stranded antenna, with a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.\",\n \"In accordance with an advantageous feature of the present disclosure, inside each strip, the two sheaths overmolding the concerned two strands are longitudinally linked to each other by a ribbon which maintains a constant spacing between the two sheaths.\",\n \"Such a ribbon is particularly adapted to address the requirements of constrained environments, and to allow improved operation despite the high pressures, the variations of temperature and the vibrations.\",\n \"In one aspect, inside each strip, the ribbon is made by overmolding of the sheaths.\",\n \"According to a possibility of the present disclosure, the radio-frequency identification chip is soldered on an electronic board on which the strands are soldered.\",\n \"The present disclosure also concerns a method for manufacturing a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, comprising the following steps of: connecting the strands to the radio-frequency identification chip; making an envelope in a silicone material by overmolding of said radio-frequency identification chip and the strands of said antennas, so that the envelope has a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and two strips, extending on either side of said central portion, respectively overmolding the strands of the antennas, wherein each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp; and thermoforming the envelope so that the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.\",\n \"The present disclosure also relates to a use of a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, to identify a tubular element to be identified, such as in particular an electrical cable, a fluid circulation conduit, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath, by positioning the twisted strips of the envelope around the element to be identified, and by tightening said envelope by means of at least two hose clamps passing through the pierced bosses of the envelope and clasping said element to be identified.\",\n \"Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.\",\n \"It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/FR2016/051896, filed on Jul.\",\n \"21, 2016, which claims priority to and the benefit of FR 15/56877 filed on Jul.\",\n \"21, 2015.The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"FIELD The present disclosure relates to radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified, and more particularly to a radio-frequency identification device for identifying a fluid circulation conduit, an electrical cable, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath.\",\n \"BACKGROUND The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.\",\n \"In the fields of automotive industry, energy and in particular nuclear energy, telecommunications, avionics, industrial machines, electronic appliances, communication networks, and in a general manner in the industrial field, it is often complex to ensure the individual identification of the cables, conduits and other tubular elements, for the purposes of servicing, repair, maintenance, traceability, logistics, distribution, configuration management or tamper-resistant safety.\",\n \"To this end, it is known, in particular from the document EP 2 765 537 A1, to use radio-frequency identification devices mounted on such tubular elements, in order to establish a radio-frequency identification according to the RFID technology.\",\n \"Document EP 2 765 537 A1 proposes a radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to a dipolar antenna with strands, with an envelope made of a shape-memory material, such as in particular polytetrafluoroethylene.\",\n \"The radio-frequency identification device is fastened on the tubular element by taking advantage of the shape-memory characteristics of the envelope, and more specifically by arranging the envelope in the form of a twisted ribbon and by ensuring the fastening by clasping by performing a retraction subsequently to a stretching.\",\n \"However, it turns out that such a fastening by clasping subsequently to a stretching, using the shape-memory properties of the envelope, does not offer a sufficient mechanical strength under all conditions.\",\n \"Indeed, in environments called constrained environments subjected to vibrations, and possibly to considerable temperature variations and/or chemically toxic or corrosive atmospheres and/or severe pressure conditions, it is essential to guarantee a durable and stable fastening of the radio-frequency identification device on the element to be identified, while offering an effective protection of the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"There is also known from U.S. Patent Application No.\",\n \"2006/0186210 a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element, where the device comprises a flexible sleeve protecting an RFID transponder in connection with an antenna which forms at least one peripheral turn in order to enable proceeding to reading regardless of the orientation.\",\n \"However, such a device turns out to be impractical, because it requires fitting the sleeve around the tubular element, which completely prohibitive for cables or conduits networks, in particular in bulky and difficult to access spaces.\",\n \"In addition, such a device may have sealing issues and also defects in stable holding around the tubular element.\",\n \"Indeed, the sleeve is held only by elastic tightening and by friction, which cannot be considered in constrained environments subjected to high vibrations and to considerable temperature variations.\",\n \"SUMMARY The present disclosure addresses the issue of holding a radio-frequency identification device on a tubular element, while enabling a radio-frequency identification reading in all directions (in order to overcome the final position of the radio-frequency identification device on the tubular element), at reasonable detection distances, in particular in the range of at least 1 to 2 meter, the detection distance corresponding to the minimum distance necessary for the detection of the radio-frequency identification device by an appropriate reader, and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"The present disclosure provides a radio-frequency identification device for a tubular element to be identified in a constrained environment, said radio-frequency identification device comprising a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive strands connected to the radio-frequency identification chip, and a flexible envelope completely enveloping said radio-frequency identification chip and said strands.\",\n \"This radio-frequency identification device is remarkable in that: the envelope is made by overmolding with a silicone material of the radio-frequency identification chip and of the strands of the antennas, this envelope having a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and having two strips, extending on either side of the central portion, which each overmold at least one strand; the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis in order to enable a temporary holding of said device around said element; and each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp in order to enable a final fastening of said device around said element.\",\n \"Thus, the envelope is made of silicone, a material offering excellent properties in terms of thermal protection and vibration isolation, and allowing a thermoforming of the envelope in a twisted (or helical) shape which is stable and which will allow positioning the radio-frequency identification device temporarily on the tubular element, before achieving a durable anchorage by means of at least two hose clamps passing in the orifices or holes of the pierced bosses.\",\n \"The tightening at the level of the free ends of the strips provides a holding over the entire length of the envelope.\",\n \"Advantageously, the central portion also has a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp.\",\n \"The tightening at the level of the central portion provides extreme stability of the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"In one form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to two main axes, wherein these two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 60 and 120 degrees, so that the envelope has a general “V” shape.\",\n \"The Applicant has observed that such a “V” shape confers improved performances in terms of detection distance and detection angles around the tubular element.\",\n \"Advantageously, the two main axes intersect at an angle comprised between 75 and 105 degrees, and in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, for an enhanced reading performance.\",\n \"In another form, before thermoforming, the two strips of the envelope extend, from the central portion up to their respective free ends, according to the same common main axis, so that the envelope has a rectilinear general shape.\",\n \"Although less performing than the first “V” shaped form, this second form still offers interesting performances in terms of detection distance, for detecting and possibly for writing on the radio-frequency identification chip.\",\n \"According to one feature, before thermoforming, each strip of the envelope extends, from the central portion up to its free end, according to a main axis, and the corresponding boss has a hole extending according to a passage axis inclined with respect to said main axis at an angle comprised between 30 and 60 degrees.\",\n \"This inclination of the holes for the passage of the hose clamps is advantageous for guiding the hose clamps along the circumference of the element to be identified, by taking into account the twisted shape of the strips of the envelope.\",\n \"According to another feature, the envelope has an inner face intended to bear against the element to be identified, and an opposite outer face, wherein the bosses protrude from said outer face and/or from said inner face.\",\n \"It should be noted that the inner face may be planar, smooth or still have, over all or part of its surface area, rough elements promoting the gripping on the element to be identified.\",\n \"In particular, in one variation, these rough elements may be provided only at the level of the bosses.\",\n \"According to another feature, each of the strands is sheathed with a sheath made of a dielectric thermoplastic material, inside the envelope which overmolds said sheaths.\",\n \"Such sheaths allow protection and stabilization of the strands during the operation of overmolding the envelope.\",\n \"In one aspect, the device comprises two double-stranded antennas, each strip of the envelope overmolding two adjacent strands spaced apart from each other.\",\n \"With two double-stranded antennas, two configurations may be considered, namely: a configuration (a) with a first antenna having its two strands in a first strip, and a second antenna having its two strands in a second strip; and a configuration (b) with a first antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip, and a second antenna having a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.\",\n \"In the configuration (b), two forms are possible, namely: a first form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the first antenna, and wherein the first strand of the second antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna; and a second form wherein the first strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the first strand of the second antenna, and wherein the second strand of the first antenna is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand of the second antenna.\",\n \"Alternatively, the device comprises one single double-stranded antenna, with a first strand in a first strip and a second strand in a second strip.\",\n \"In accordance with an advantageous feature of the present disclosure, inside each strip, the two sheaths overmolding the concerned two strands are longitudinally linked to each other by a ribbon which maintains a constant spacing between the two sheaths.\",\n \"Such a ribbon is particularly adapted to address the requirements of constrained environments, and to allow improved operation despite the high pressures, the variations of temperature and the vibrations.\",\n \"In one aspect, inside each strip, the ribbon is made by overmolding of the sheaths.\",\n \"According to a possibility of the present disclosure, the radio-frequency identification chip is soldered on an electronic board on which the strands are soldered.\",\n \"The present disclosure also concerns a method for manufacturing a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, comprising the following steps of: connecting the strands to the radio-frequency identification chip; making an envelope in a silicone material by overmolding of said radio-frequency identification chip and the strands of said antennas, so that the envelope has a central portion overmolding the radio-frequency identification chip and two strips, extending on either side of said central portion, respectively overmolding the strands of the antennas, wherein each of the two strips has a free end provided with a pierced boss capable of cooperating with a hose clamp; and thermoforming the envelope so that the two strips of the envelope are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.\",\n \"The present disclosure also relates to a use of a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure, to identify a tubular element to be identified, such as in particular an electrical cable, a fluid circulation conduit, a braided sheath or a metallic sheath, by positioning the twisted strips of the envelope around the element to be identified, and by tightening said envelope by means of at least two hose clamps passing through the pierced bosses of the envelope and clasping said element to be identified.\",\n \"Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.\",\n \"It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"DRAWINGS In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a schematic perspective view of a first form of a radio-frequency identification device before thermoforming in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"2 is another schematic perspective view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device before thermoforming of FIG.\",\n \"1; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic profile view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device of FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2; FIG.\",\n \"4 is a schematic top view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device of FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, in which an inner element is illustrated in dashed lines; FIG.\",\n \"5 is a schematic view of the first form of the radio-frequency identification device, according to a section plane V-V of FIG.\",\n \"4; FIG.\",\n \"6 is a schematic perspective view of two antenna strands sheathed in sheaths assembled to a ribbon, serving to make an antenna for a radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"7 is a schematic perspective view of a second form of a radio-frequency identification device before thermoforming in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"8 is a schematic profile view of the radio-frequency identification device of FIG.\",\n \"7 with two portions enlarged for more clarity; FIG.\",\n \"9 is a schematic top view of the radio-frequency identification device of FIG.\",\n \"7; FIG.\",\n \"10 is a schematic view of the radio-frequency identification device according to a section plane X-X of FIG.\",\n \"9; FIG.\",\n \"11 is a schematic perspective view of a first form of a radio-frequency identification device after a thermoforming operation and in place on an element to be identified in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"12 is a schematic perspective view of a second form of a radio-frequency identification device after the thermoforming operation in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG.\",\n \"13 is a schematic perspective view of a second form of a radio-frequency identification device after a thermoforming operation and in place on an element to be identified in accordance with the present disclosure; and FIG.\",\n \"14 represents curves of a variation of a maximum detection distance as a function of a frequency of a radio-frequency identification signal for a first and a second radio-frequency identification device in accordance with the present disclosure.\",\n \"The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.\",\n \"It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.\",\n \"In general, a radio-frequency identification device 1 in accordance with the present disclosure is provided to be fastened on a tubular element EL to be identified, in order to enable the radio-frequency identification of such an element EL with an appropriate radio-frequency identification reader.\",\n \"The following description covers two non-limiting forms, among which the first form is described with reference to FIGS.\",\n \"1 to 5 and 11, and the second form is described with reference to FIGS.\",\n \"7 to 10, 12 and 13.The radio-frequency identification device 1 comprises a radio-frequency identification chip 2 (shown in FIG.\",\n \"4 for the first form and in FIGS.\",\n \"8 and 9 for the second form) soldered on an electronic board 20, as well as two antennas 3 each comprising two conductive strands 30 connected to the chip 2 by being soldered on the electronic board 20.The strands 30 extend on either side of the chip 2, respectively at the right side and at the left side, with two strands at the right side and two strands at the left side.\",\n \"The two right-side strands may be associated to a first antenna, and the two left-side strands may be associated to a second antenna.\",\n \"Alternatively, a right-side strand and a left-side strand are associated to a first antenna, and the other right-side strand and the other left-side strand are associated to a second antenna.\",\n \"It would have also been possible to consider providing one single antenna having a right-side strand and a left-side strand.\",\n \"As shown in FIGS.\",\n \"4 and 5 for the first form and in FIGS.\",\n \"8 to 10 for the second form, and also in FIG.\",\n \"6 associated to both forms, each pair of strands 30 (at the right side as well as the left side) is supplied in the form of a strip called primary strip 8 (shown alone in FIG.\",\n \"6) comprising: the two strands 30, each sheathed with a sheath 31 made of a dielectric material, such as for example a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) polymer, each strand 30 may be composed of a metallic wire or of a set of several metallic wires; and a ribbon 32 which overmolds the two sheaths 31 and which has two end portions 33 which overmold the respective sheaths 31, and a central portion 34 which forms a thin strip which maintains the two sheaths 31 parallel to each other, so that the two sheaths 31 (and therefore the two strands 30) are maintained away from each other with a constant spacing, said ribbon 32 being made of a dielectric thermoplastic material.\",\n \"For example, the dielectric thermoplastic material of the ribbon 32 is a FEP (Perfluoro Ethylene Propylene) polymer material.\",\n \"Thus, the pair of strands 30/sheaths 31/ribbon 32 set is supplied in the form of this primary strip 8 which will be cut to the desired length; such a primary strip 8 may be used for both the first device of FIGS.\",\n \"1 to 5 as well as for the second device of FIGS.\",\n \"7 to 10.At one end of this primary strip 8, the ribbon 32 and the sheaths 31 are stripped off in order to expose the strands 30 to enable a connection by soldering with the electronic board 20, in particular by directly soldering each strand 30 on the electronic board 20.The device 1 further comprises an envelope 4 made of silicone which completely envelops the chip 2, the electronic board 20 and the two primary strands 8, and therefore the two pairs of strands 30.This envelope 4 is made by overmolding and has: a central portion 40 which overmolds the chip 2 and the electronic board 20; and two strips 41 which overmold the two primary strips 8, and consequently the pairs of strands 30 of the antennas 3, these two strips 41 extending on either side of the central portion 40, respectively at the right side and at the left side.\",\n \"The central portion 40 has a boss 400 which forms a thickened portion in comparison with the thicknesses of the two strips 41.In the first form, this boss 400 is pierced with a hole 401 (FIGS.\",\n \"1 to 3) capable of cooperating with a hose clamp 5, whereas in the second form, this boss 400 is not pierced.\",\n \"In both forms, each of the two strips 41 has a free end also provided with a boss 410 pierced with a hole 411 capable of cooperating with a hose clamp 5.These bosses 400 form thickened portions, in comparison with the thicknesses of the strips 41 considered between the central portion 40 and the bosses 410.Thus, and as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"11 and 13, the envelope 4 has two or three holes 401, 411 provided for the passage of respective hose clamps 5, in particular of the RILSAN™ clamp or TY-RAP™ clamp type.\",\n \"It should be noted that the holes 401, 411 may be for example delimited by protruding arches atop the bosses, or yet be made directly in the material of the bosses.\",\n \"The strips 41 have an inner face 42 provided to bear against the element EL, the inner face 42 may be substantially planar and smooth or still optionally have, over all or part of its surface area, rough elements (such as in particular grains, teeth or tips) which will reinforce the gripping of the envelope 4 on the element EL.\",\n \"The envelope 4 also has an opposite outer face 43.In the first form, and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3, the three bosses 400, 410 protrude from the outer faces 43 of the strips 41, without surpassing the inner faces 42, so that the envelope 4 has a continuous inner face 42 (smooth with rough elements).\",\n \"In the second form, and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"8, the three bosses 400, 410 protrude from both the inner 42 and outer 43 faces of the strips 41, so that the envelope 4 has a discontinuous inner face 42 with steps at the level of the bosses 400, 410.For example, the rough elements may be provided only on the inside of the bosses 400, 410 according to one variation.\",\n \"Of course, the shape of the bosses 400, 410 of the first device 1 may be applied to the second device 1, and vice versa.\",\n \"In the first form illustrated in FIGS.\",\n \"1 to 4, the two strips 41 of the envelope 4 extend, from the central portion 40 up to their respective free ends, according to two main axes A1, A2, where the two main axes A1, A2 intersect at an angle AN comprised between 85 and 95 degrees, so that the envelope 4 has a general “V” shape.\",\n \"In the second form and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"9, the two strips 41 of the envelope 4 extend, from the central portion 40 up to their respective free ends, according to the same common main axis AC, so that the envelope 4 has a rectilinear general shape.\",\n \"Moreover, in both forms, and as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"4 to 9, the hole 411 of each end boss 410 extends according to a passage axis 412 inclined with respect to the main axis A1, A2, AC corresponding to an angle AP comprised between 30 and 60 degrees, and in particular in the range of 45 degrees.\",\n \"Thus, and as shown in FIGS.\",\n \"11 and 13, after the twisted winding of the strips 41 around the element EL to be identified, the holes 411 extend substantially orthogonally to the element EL, so that the hose clamps 5 are wound around the element EL orthogonally to the latter.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"13, although the second device 1 device does not have holes on the boss 400 of the central portion 40, it is nevertheless possible to consider providing a third hose clamp 5 which passes above this boss 400 to clasp it around the element EL.\",\n \"The method for manufacturing the radio-frequency identification device 1 may include a first sequence comprising the following steps of: providing two cables each comprising one strand 30 (with one or several semi-rigid metallic wires) sheathed with a sheath 31; making a ribbon 32 with the two cables (strand 30 and sheath 31) inside, with a desired and observed spacing distance between the two sheaths 31, so as to form the aforementioned primary strip 8, this ribbon 32 may be made by overmolding; a first operation of overmolding with silicone comprising overmolding with a silicone material the ribbon 32 (in other words the primary strip 8 and its strands 30), in particular according to an extrusion process, in order to form a strip called secondary strip comprising the two strands 30 sheathed with the sheaths 31, the ribbon 32 and the silicone overmolding layer; cutting the secondary strip into two sections with the same predefined length (these sections forming the future strips 41 of the envelope 4), the length of the sections or strips 41 being predefined so as to obtain enhanced adaptation between the impedance of the antenna 3 and the conjugate impedance of the chip 2 while taking into account the element EL to be identified; exposing the strands 30 at one end of each section, by stripping off the ribbons 32 and the sheaths 31; soldering the strands 30 to the electronic board 20, on which is soldered the chip 2, while taking care to orientate the main axes of the sections (or strips 41) according to the desired angle (either a substantially right angle in the first form, or a substantially zero angle in the second form); and a second operation of overmolding with silicone, in particular according to a molding process, comprising overmolding with a silicone material: the chip 2, the electronic board 20 and the exposed ends of the strands 30 in order to form the central portion 40 with its boss 400; and the free ends of the sections in order to form the bosses 410 and to cover the ends of the sections.\",\n \"In the forms illustrated in the figures, each strip 41 envelops two antenna strands 30, so that the device 1 comprises two dipolar or double-stranded antennas 3.With two double-stranded antennas 3, two configurations may be considered, namely: a configuration (a) with a first antenna 3 having its two strands 30 in a first strip (the right-side one), and a second antenna 3 having its two strands 30 in a second strip (the left-side one); or a configuration (b) with a first antenna 3 having a first strand 30 in a first strip (the right-side one) and a second strand 30 in a second strip (the left-side one), and a second antenna 3 having a first strand 30 in a first strip (the right-side one) and a second strand in a second strip (the left-side one).\",\n \"In the configuration (a), the device 1 therefore comprises two opposite antennas 3, on either side of the chip 2.In the configuration (b), the device 1 therefore comprises two antennas 3 each having two opposite strands 30 on either side of the chip 2.In the configuration (b), two forms are possible, namely: a first form where the first strand 30 of the first antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand 30 of the first antenna 3, and where the first strand 30 of the second antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand 30 of the second antenna 3; and a second form where the first strand 30 of the first antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the first strand 30 of the second antenna 3, and where the second strand 30 of the first antenna 3 is in the extension (or the alignment) of the second strand 30 of the second antenna 3.The silicone material used during the two overmolding operations forms a hydrophobic material, guaranteed against fungi and mildew, resisting sand and dust, having elastic properties adapted to its use, and offering thermoforming properties desired in the second sequence of the manufacturing method of the radio-frequency identification device 1.In other words, the device 1 may be subjected to high temperatures, high pressures and will be capable of withstanding different aggressions (fire, different liquids, thermal variations, pressure variations .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \").\",\n \"The second sequence of the manufacturing method comprises thermoforming the envelope 4 so that the two strips 41 are thermoformed according to a twisted configuration around a common twisting axis.\",\n \"This thermoforming operation is carried out in an oven at a temperature comprised between 80 and 100° C., until the strips 41 take on a helical or twisted shape, in particular around a jig.\",\n \"Afterwards, after cooling, and as shown in FIG.\",\n \"12 for the second device 1, the strips 41 will have a solid twisted shape and the radio-frequency identification device 1 is ready to be placed on the element EL.\",\n \"Referring to FIGS.\",\n \"11 and 13, the radio-frequency identification device 1 is used by fastening it on the element EL as follows: the twisted strips 41 are positioned (or wound) around the element EL; and two or three hose clamps 5 are placed in the holes 401, 411 of the respective bosses 400,410, and are afterwards clasped around the element EL in order to clamp and press the device 1 on the element EL.\",\n \"The devices 1 in accordance with either one of the two forms described hereinabove, have excellent performances in terms of detection distance, even in constrained environments, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"14 which are modellings of the variation of the maximum detection distance as a function of frequency for the first device 1 (curve C1) and for the second device 1 (curve C2).\",\n \"In the models of FIG.\",\n \"14, the maximum detection distance has a maximum of about 3.70 meter for the first device 1 and about 2 meter for the second device 1.It should also be noted that the first device 1 outperforms the second device 1.In practice, it should be noted that the maximum detection distance is larger and varies between 2.5 meter and about 4 meter.\",\n \"The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875142"}}},{"rowIdx":4494790,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["DISPLAY APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF","An apparatus includes: a display unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; and a processor configured to control the display unit to display a first user interface (UI) image including a list of content files stored in a first device of the plurality of devices and a second UI image including a list of applications stored in a second device of the plurality of devices, and, in response to receiving a first user input selecting a content file from the list of content files in the first UI image and a second user input selecting an application from the list of applications in the second UI image, to control the selected content file to be processed by the selected application in the second device."],["1.An apparatus comprising: a display unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; and a processor configured: to control the display unit to display a first user interface (UI) image including a list of content files stored in a first device of the plurality of devices and a second UI image including a list of applications stored in a second device of the plurality of devices, and in response to receiving a first user input selecting a content file from the list of content files in the first UI image and a second user input selecting an application from the list of applications in the second UI image, to control the selected content file to be processed by the selected application in the second device.","2.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control the first device to transmit the selected content file from the first device to the second device.","3.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first UI image and the second UI image correspond to UI images provided by the first device and the second device, respectively.","4.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control in response to the selected content file being selected, dragged, and dropped to an execution view of the application included in the second UI image.","5.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises a touch screen, and the first user input and the second user input comprise a touch, drag, and drop of the selected content file through the touch screen.","6.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a third user input designating at least one of the plurality of devices, the processor is further configured to control the second device such that the second device transmits the content file processed by the selected application to a designated device.","7.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive the second UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second device, and to receive the first UI image from the first device to process the content files by the application executed by the second device.","8.The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a user input device, wherein the processor is further configured to receive the first user input, the second user input, and the third user input that are input through the user input device.","9.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to designate at least one among the first device, the second device, and the apparatus, to store the selected content file processed by the selected application.","10.A control method of an apparatus, the control method comprising: communicating with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; displaying a first user interface (UI) image including a list of content files stored in a first device of the plurality of devices and a second UI image including a list of applications stored in a second device of the plurality of devices; receiving a first user input selecting a content file from the list of content files in the first UI image and a second user input selecting an application from the list of applications in the second UI image; and in response to the first user input and the second user input, controlling the selected content file to be processed by the selected application in the second device.","11.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the controlling comprises: controlling the first device to transmit the selected content file from the first device to the second device.","12.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the first UI image and the second UI image correspond to UI images provided by the first device and the second device, respectively.","13.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the receiving the first user input and the second user input comprises: receiving the first user input and the second user input by selecting, dragging and dropping the selected content file into an execution view of the application included in the second UI image.","14.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises a touch screen, and the receiving the first user input and the second user input comprises: a touch, drag, and drop of the selected content file through the touch screen.","15.The control method according to claim 10, further comprises: receiving a third user input designating at least one of the plurality of devices; and in response to the third user input, controlling the second device such that the second device transmits the content file processed by the selected application to a designated device.","16.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the displaying comprises: receiving the first UI image corresponding to content data from the first device and receiving the second UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second device.","17.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the controlling comprises: storing content data processed by the selected application in at least one among the first device, the second device, and the apparatus."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Exemplary embodiments may address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above.","According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display unit; an image processor which processes an image to display the image on the display unit; a communication unit which communicates with at least one first external device in which content data are stored and at least one second external device in which an application for processing the content data is stored; and a controller which controls the communication unit to communicate with the first and second external devices and display a user interface (UI) image corresponding to the content data and the application on the display unit, and controls the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data through the UI image.","The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation for the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.","The first UI image and the second UI image may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.","The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device, and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to first content data from the list as the first content data are dragged and dropped to the execution view of the application.","The display unit may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.","The controller may control the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device, and control the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the section external device.","The controller may control the application of the second external device to be executed in the display apparatus, receive the content data from the first external device and process the content data through the application executed by the display apparatus.","The controller may receive a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device and receive a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.","The display apparatus may further include a user input unit, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on a user's input through the user input unit.","The controller may designate at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus to store in the designated place the content data processed by the application.","According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a control method of a display apparatus including: communicating with at least one first external device storing content data therein and at least one second external device storing an application therein to process the content data and displaying a UI image corresponding to the content data and the application; receiving a command to process the content data by the application through the UI image; and controlling a processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on the command.","The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the processing operation of the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.","The first and second UI images may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.","The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation for the content data according to the interaction input may include controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the first content data by dragging and dropping the first content data of the list to the execution view of the application.","The display apparatus may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.","The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device; and controlling the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.","The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include executing the application of the second external device in the display apparatus; and receiving the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the display apparatus.","The displaying the UI image may include receiving a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device; and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include receiving a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the second external device.","The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include storing the content data processed by the application in at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus as designated."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","13/771,817, filed Feb. 20, 2013, which claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.","10-2012-0016868, filed on Feb. 20, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.","The entire disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.","BACKGROUND 1.Field Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus and a control method thereof displaying various types of images, and more particularly, to a display apparatus and a control method thereof which communicates with a plurality of external devices and relays the plurality of external devices.","2.Description of the Related Art A display apparatus processes image signals or image data which are input from an external image supply source or stored in the display apparatus, and displays an image on a display unit based on the processed image signal and/or image data.","A display apparatus which is available to general users includes a television (TV) or a monitor.","Further, in consideration of special functions required by a user, such display apparatus has been developed into a portable multimedia player (PMP), a mobile phone, etc.","With the development of local area communication in wired and/or wireless manner, a plurality of electronic devices accesses one another to share various signals, information, and/or data.","For example, in the case of editing a photo taken by a camera, the camera takes a photograph of a predetermined object, generates and stores a digital data file.","Then, a computer main body receives the image data from the camera through a preset wired and/or wireless protocol, and executes a prestored editing application to edit and process the image data.","Accordingly, transmission and processing of data is executed between a device which stores the data and a device in which the data processing application has been installed.","SUMMARY Exemplary embodiments may address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above.","According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display unit; an image processor which processes an image to display the image on the display unit; a communication unit which communicates with at least one first external device in which content data are stored and at least one second external device in which an application for processing the content data is stored; and a controller which controls the communication unit to communicate with the first and second external devices and display a user interface (UI) image corresponding to the content data and the application on the display unit, and controls the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data through the UI image.","The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation for the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.","The first UI image and the second UI image may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.","The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device, and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to first content data from the list as the first content data are dragged and dropped to the execution view of the application.","The display unit may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.","The controller may control the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device, and control the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the section external device.","The controller may control the application of the second external device to be executed in the display apparatus, receive the content data from the first external device and process the content data through the application executed by the display apparatus.","The controller may receive a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device and receive a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.","The display apparatus may further include a user input unit, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on a user's input through the user input unit.","The controller may designate at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus to store in the designated place the content data processed by the application.","According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a control method of a display apparatus including: communicating with at least one first external device storing content data therein and at least one second external device storing an application therein to process the content data and displaying a UI image corresponding to the content data and the application; receiving a command to process the content data by the application through the UI image; and controlling a processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on the command.","The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the processing operation of the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.","The first and second UI images may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.","The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation for the content data according to the interaction input may include controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the first content data by dragging and dropping the first content data of the list to the execution view of the application.","The display apparatus may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.","The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device; and controlling the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.","The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include executing the application of the second external device in the display apparatus; and receiving the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the display apparatus.","The displaying the UI image may include receiving a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device; and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include receiving a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the second external device.","The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include storing the content data processed by the application in at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus as designated.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and/or other aspects will become apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 is a block diagram of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.","2 illustrates an example of a UI image corresponding to a first external device and a second external device which are displayed in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.","3 illustrates an example of transmission of signals and data between the display apparatus and the first and second external devices according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.","4 illustrates an example of a UI image corresponding to first and second external devices which are displayed in a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment; and FIG.","5 is a control flowchart of a control method of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Below, certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail with reference to accompanying drawings.","The exemplary embodiments may be embodied in various forms without being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.","In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are used for the like elements, even in different drawings.","The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments.","However, exemplary embodiments can be carried out without those specifically defined matters.","Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since that would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail.","FIG.","1 is a block diagram of a display apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.","As shown therein, a display system according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display apparatus 100 which displays an image, a first external device 210 and a second external device 220 which communicate with the display apparatus 100 and transmit and receive commands, data, information, and/or signals, the types of which are not limited.","The display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a multimedia player which is hand-held and portable.","However, such embodiment of the display apparatus 100 is not limiting.","In this regard, as long as the display apparatus 100 may display an image and communicate with the first and second external devices 210 and 220, the display apparatus 100 which may include a TV, a monitor, a mobile phone, etc.","The first and second external devices 210 and 220 include electronic devices which may store and/or process data.","According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first external device 210 includes a digital camera and the second external device 220 includes a tablet PC.","However, this is an example and the first and second external devices 210 and 220 may include a computer main body, a camera, a camcorder, a mobile phone and a TV as long as they may communicate with the display apparatus 100 based on a preset protocol.","Hereinafter, configuration of the display apparatus 100 will be described.","The display apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110 which communicates with the first external device 210 or the second external device 220, an image processor 120 which processes data received through the communication unit 110 or stored in the display apparatus 100, a display device 130 which displays an image thereon based on the data processed by the image processor 120, and a controller 140 which controls overall operations of the display apparatus 100.The communication unit 110 transmits commands, data, information, and/or signals from the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 to the image processor 120 or the controller 140 depending on the characteristic or nature of such commands, data, information, and signals.","The communication unit 110 may transmit the commands, data, information, and signals supplied by the controller 150, to the first external device 210 or the second external device 220.As above, the communication unit 110 performs interactive communication with the first external device 210 or the second external device 220.The communication unit 110 may directly access the first external device 210 or the second external device 220, or access a local area communication network to which both the first and second external devices 210 and 220 access.","To do the foregoing, the communication unit 110 performs a communication access according to a preset wired and/or wireless communication protocol.","The image processor 120 processes data which are received through the communication unit 110 or data stored in advance in the display apparatus 100 to display an image on the display device 130.If the data include image data, the image processor 120 performs various processing operations.","If the data include control information or script information instead of the image data, the image processor 120 processes the data information according to a preset algorithm to generate an image based on the data.","The image processor 120 may perform image processing operations including a decoding operation corresponding to an image format of an image signal, a de-interlacing operation to convert an interlace image signal into a progressive image signal, a scaling operation to scale an image signal into preset resolution, a noise reduction operation to improve an image quality, a detail enhancement operation and conversion of a frame refresh rate, but not limited thereto.","The image processor 120 includes a system-on-chip (SoC) which integrates various functions, or an image processing board (not shown) which is formed by installing individual elements independently performing various processes in a printed circuit board.","The display device 130 displays an image thereon based on image signals and/or image data output by the image processor 120.The display device 130 may include liquid crystal, plasma, light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), surface-conduction electron-emitter, carbon nano-tube, and nano-crystal, but not limited thereto.","The display device 130 may include additional elements depending on configuration thereof.","For example, if the display device 130 includes liquid crystal, the display device 130 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel (not shown), a backlight (not shown) to emit light to the LCD panel, and a panel driving substrate (not shown) to drive the LCD panel.","The display device 130 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a touch screen.","The display device 130 transmits a preset command and/or signal to the controller 140 corresponding to a user's touch input on the surface of the touch screen.","The controller 140 controls an operation of the display apparatus 100 or generates and transmits a corresponding control signal through the communication unit 110, corresponding to a command received through the communication unit 110 or an input command displayed on the display device 130.For example, the controller 140 may control an image processing operation of the image processor 120 or transmit a preset control signal to the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 to operate the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 by the control signal, according to the nature of the received command.","According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 140 and the image processor 120 are described as separate elements, but not limited thereto.","Alternatively, the controller 140 and the image processor 120 may be provided as a single image processing board (not shown).","With the foregoing configuration, a control method of the display apparatus 100 for processing content data stored in the first external device 210 by an application stored in the second external device 220 will be described hereinafter.","According an exemplary embodiment, editing and processing of an image data file stored in the first external device 210 is performed by an image editing application stored in the second external device 220.However, this is an example, and the nature of the data or application, or exemplary embodiment of a UI image is not limited thereto.","The controller 140 is connected to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 through the communication unit 110 for communication, and controls the image processor 120 to display an UI image of the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively, on the display device 130.The method of realizing a UI image corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 by the controller 140 may vary.","For example, the controller 140 transmits a request signal to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 to generate a UI image.","In response to the request signal received, the first and second external devices 210 and 220 transmit to the display apparatus 100 their own information necessary for generating the UI image.","The controller 140 generates a UI image based on the information transmitted by the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively.","FIG.","2 illustrates an example of a UI image 310 corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 displayed on the display device 130, respectively.","As shown therein, the controller 140 displays the UI image 310 on the display device 130 corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220.The UI image 310 includes a first UI image 311 corresponding to the first external device 210, and a second UI image 312 corresponding to the second external device 220.The controller 140 may control operations of the first and second external devices 210 and 220 through the first and second UI images 311 and 312.If the first and second external devices 210 and 220 provide information and/or image data corresponding to their own UI environment, the first and second UI images 311 and 312 may be formed to correspond to the UI environment information provided by the first and second external devices 210 and 220.For example, the first UI image 311 may reflect the UI environment provided by the first external device 210 itself With respect to the request signal transmitted by the controller 140, the first external device 210 transmits to the display apparatus 100 list information of prestored image data files, and the second external device 220 transmits to the display apparatus 100 the UI environment information on an operating system which can be used to drive the second external device 220.Based on the foregoing information, the controller 140 displays both the first UI image 311 and the second UI image 312.The first UI image 311 includes an image data file list 340 of the first external device 210.The second UI image 312 includes an execution view 342 of an application which is executed in the operating system of the second external device 220.The first and second UI images 311 and 312 are provided to enable interaction input therefrom, e.g., an input from the first and second UI images 311 and 312.For example, a predetermined data file 344 in the list 340 of the first UI image 311 may be processed by an application of the second UI image 312.A user may touch, and drag and drop the data file 344 of the first UI image 311 in to the second UI image 312 to process the data file through the application.","In response to such operation, the controller 140 transmits a control signal to control the first external device 210 to transmit the data file to the second external device 220 and transmits a control signal to the second external device 220 to process the data file transmitted by the first external device 210 through the application, upon receiving an input to drag and drop the data file to the second UI image 312.The first and second external devices 210 and 220 perform a corresponding operation according to the respective control signals.","Then, the display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may relay the first and second external devices 210 and 220 to process the data file of the first external device 210 through the application of the second external device 220.Upon receiving an input to manipulate a processing operation of the application through the second UI image 312, the controller 140 may transmit a control signal to the second external device 220 in response to the corresponding input, and control the second external device 220 to operate the application corresponding to the control signal.","With respect to the operation of the application, real-time information may be provided by the second external device 220 to the display apparatus 100 and displayed on the second UI image 312.If the processing of the data file by the application is completed, the controller 140 may designate at least one of the first external device 210, the second external device 220 and the display apparatus 100 to store therein the processed data file.","To do the foregoing, the controller 140 transmits a corresponding control signal to the second external device 220.Alternatively, the following method is available.","If communication is not available between the first and second external devices 210 and 220, or upon receiving an input for dragging and dropping a predetermined data file of the first UI image 311 to the second UI image 312 even in the case that such communication is available, the controller 140 may transmit the data file from the first external device 210 to the second external device 220.If the system performance of the display apparatus 100 and the communication environment for the display apparatus 100 and the second external device 220 are ensured, the display apparatus 100 may perform at least a part of the processing operation of the data file performed by the application.","In this case, when the application processes the data file in the second external device 220, the controller 140 provides system resources of the display apparatus 100 for processing the data file, or performs at least a part of such processing operation.","In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, a single first external device 210 and a single second external device 220 are described, but not limited thereto.","Alternatively, each of the first external device 210 and the second external device 220 may include a plurality of devices.","In this case, the UI image 310 may be divided into and displayed as a plurality of UI images corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively, and may perform interaction therebetween.","Details of such operation may be similar or equivalent to the described above exemplary embodiment, and thus repetitive description will be omitted.","Hereinafter, transmission of signals and data in the system according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.","3.FIG.","3 illustrates transmission and reception of signals, data, commands, and/or information among the first external device 210, the second external device 220 and the display apparatus 100.As shown therein, the display apparatus 100 transmits to the first and second external devices 210 and 220, signals requesting the relevant information to display a UI image (operations 410 and 420).","In response to the request signals, the first and second external devices 210 and 220 transmit UI information to the display apparatus 100, respectively (operations 430 and 440).","Based on the received UI information, the display apparatus 100 displays a UI image (operation 450).","The display apparatus 100 may receive an input to process predetermined data of the first external device 210 by the application of the second external device 220 through the displayed UI image.","Upon receiving the input, the display apparatus 100 transmits a control signal to the first external device 210 to transmit the concerned data to the second external device 220 (operation 460), and transmits a control signal to the second external device 220 to process the data transmitted by the first external device 210 (operation 470).","According to the control signal received in operation 460, the first external device 210 transmits the data to the second external device 220 (operation 480).","In operation 470, the second external device 220 processes the data transmitted by the first external device 210 by the application according to the control signal received in operation 470.If this control signal includes information regarding storage of the processed data in the first external device 210, the second external device 220 may transmit the processed data to the first external device 210 such that the data is stored in the first external device 210 (operation 500).","According to the transmission and reception processes for signals and data, the display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may relay interaction between the first and second external devices 210 and 220.That is, the display apparatus may serve as an intermediary between the first and second external devices 210 and 220.Regarding processing of the data of the first external device 210 through the application, the display apparatus 100 may have the application of the second external device 220 executed in the display apparatus 100 and may allow the data to be processed by the application executed in the display apparatus 100.For example, the display apparatus 100 may provide system resources necessary for the execution of the application installed in the second external device 220 to thereby execute the application of the second external device 220 in the display apparatus 100.For example, predetermined content data which are stored in the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 may be collected and processed by the application installed in the display apparatus 100.This will be described with reference to FIG.","4.FIG.","4 illustrates an example of a UI image 320 corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 displayed in the display apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.","The configuration of the display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may be similar or equivalent to the one described above.","Thus, repetitive description will be omitted.","In the present exemplary embodiment, an image data file stored in the first external device 210 and a music data file stored in the second external device 220 are edited and processed together to generate an album file.","However, this is an example, which is not limiting.","As shown in FIG.","4, the controller 140 displays the UI image 320 on the display device 130 corresponding to the first external device 210, the second external device 220 and the display apparatus 100.The UI image 320 includes a first UI image 321 corresponding to the first external device 210, a second UI image 322 corresponding to the second external device 220 and a third UI image 323 corresponding to UI environment provided by the display apparatus 100 itself The controller 140 accesses the first and second external devices 210 and 220 and receives information on an image data file list 350 stored in the first external device 210 and information on a music data file list 352 stored in the second external device 220.The controller 140 displays the first UI image 321 including the image data file list 350 of the first external device 210 and the second UI image 322 including the music data file list 352 of the second external device 220, based on the received information.","Together with the first and second UI images 321 and 322, the controller 140 displays a third UI image 323 including an execution view 354 of the application installed in an operating system driven by the display apparatus 100.The first UI image 321, the second UI image 322 and the third UI image 323 may interact with one another by dragging and dropping objects included in the UI image 320.For example, if a user drags and drops a predetermined image data file 360 of the first UI image 321 and a predetermined music data file 362 of the second UI image 322 to the third UI image 323, the controller 140 receives the image data file and the music data file from the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively, edits the received files by the application and generates a new album file.","According to a user's input through the display device 130, the controller 140 may store the generated album file in the display apparatus 100 or transmit to and store the album file in the first external device 210 or the second external device 220.Hereinafter, a control method of the display apparatus 100 according to the an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.","5.FIG.","5 is a control flowchart of the control method of the display apparatus 100.As shown therein, the display apparatus 100 accesses the first external device 210 storing data therein and the second external device 220 storing therein an application to process the data (S100).","The display apparatus 100 displays a UI image corresponding to the data of the first external device 210 and the application of the second external device 220 (S110).","Upon receiving an interaction input command, e.g., a command for processing the data by the application through the UI image (S120), the display apparatus 100 controls the first external device 210 to transmit the data to the second external device 220 to process the data (S130).","Otherwise, the display apparatus 100 may perform at least a part of the processing operation when the application of the second external device 220 processes the data.","The display apparatus 100 stores the processed data in a storage (S140).","In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the interaction input between the UI images is performed by a user touching the display device 130 as a touch screen.","In the case of a display apparatus in which the display device 130 does not include a touch screen, such interaction input may be performed by a user's input through a user input device (not shown) provided additionally.","Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the range of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.","The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting.","The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses.","Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"DISPLAY APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF\",\n \"An apparatus includes: a display unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; and a processor configured to control the display unit to display a first user interface (UI) image including a list of content files stored in a first device of the plurality of devices and a second UI image including a list of applications stored in a second device of the plurality of devices, and, in response to receiving a first user input selecting a content file from the list of content files in the first UI image and a second user input selecting an application from the list of applications in the second UI image, to control the selected content file to be processed by the selected application in the second device.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.An apparatus comprising: a display unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; and a processor configured: to control the display unit to display a first user interface (UI) image including a list of content files stored in a first device of the plurality of devices and a second UI image including a list of applications stored in a second device of the plurality of devices, and in response to receiving a first user input selecting a content file from the list of content files in the first UI image and a second user input selecting an application from the list of applications in the second UI image, to control the selected content file to be processed by the selected application in the second device.\",\n \"2.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control the first device to transmit the selected content file from the first device to the second device.\",\n \"3.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first UI image and the second UI image correspond to UI images provided by the first device and the second device, respectively.\",\n \"4.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control in response to the selected content file being selected, dragged, and dropped to an execution view of the application included in the second UI image.\",\n \"5.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit comprises a touch screen, and the first user input and the second user input comprise a touch, drag, and drop of the selected content file through the touch screen.\",\n \"6.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in response to receiving a third user input designating at least one of the plurality of devices, the processor is further configured to control the second device such that the second device transmits the content file processed by the selected application to a designated device.\",\n \"7.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive the second UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second device, and to receive the first UI image from the first device to process the content files by the application executed by the second device.\",\n \"8.The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a user input device, wherein the processor is further configured to receive the first user input, the second user input, and the third user input that are input through the user input device.\",\n \"9.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to designate at least one among the first device, the second device, and the apparatus, to store the selected content file processed by the selected application.\",\n \"10.A control method of an apparatus, the control method comprising: communicating with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; displaying a first user interface (UI) image including a list of content files stored in a first device of the plurality of devices and a second UI image including a list of applications stored in a second device of the plurality of devices; receiving a first user input selecting a content file from the list of content files in the first UI image and a second user input selecting an application from the list of applications in the second UI image; and in response to the first user input and the second user input, controlling the selected content file to be processed by the selected application in the second device.\",\n \"11.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the controlling comprises: controlling the first device to transmit the selected content file from the first device to the second device.\",\n \"12.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the first UI image and the second UI image correspond to UI images provided by the first device and the second device, respectively.\",\n \"13.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the receiving the first user input and the second user input comprises: receiving the first user input and the second user input by selecting, dragging and dropping the selected content file into an execution view of the application included in the second UI image.\",\n \"14.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus comprises a touch screen, and the receiving the first user input and the second user input comprises: a touch, drag, and drop of the selected content file through the touch screen.\",\n \"15.The control method according to claim 10, further comprises: receiving a third user input designating at least one of the plurality of devices; and in response to the third user input, controlling the second device such that the second device transmits the content file processed by the selected application to a designated device.\",\n \"16.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the displaying comprises: receiving the first UI image corresponding to content data from the first device and receiving the second UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second device.\",\n \"17.The control method according to claim 10, wherein the controlling comprises: storing content data processed by the selected application in at least one among the first device, the second device, and the apparatus.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>Exemplary embodiments may address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above.\",\n \"According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display unit; an image processor which processes an image to display the image on the display unit; a communication unit which communicates with at least one first external device in which content data are stored and at least one second external device in which an application for processing the content data is stored; and a controller which controls the communication unit to communicate with the first and second external devices and display a user interface (UI) image corresponding to the content data and the application on the display unit, and controls the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data through the UI image.\",\n \"The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation for the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.\",\n \"The first UI image and the second UI image may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.\",\n \"The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device, and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to first content data from the list as the first content data are dragged and dropped to the execution view of the application.\",\n \"The display unit may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.\",\n \"The controller may control the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device, and control the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the section external device.\",\n \"The controller may control the application of the second external device to be executed in the display apparatus, receive the content data from the first external device and process the content data through the application executed by the display apparatus.\",\n \"The controller may receive a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device and receive a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.\",\n \"The display apparatus may further include a user input unit, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on a user's input through the user input unit.\",\n \"The controller may designate at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus to store in the designated place the content data processed by the application.\",\n \"According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a control method of a display apparatus including: communicating with at least one first external device storing content data therein and at least one second external device storing an application therein to process the content data and displaying a UI image corresponding to the content data and the application; receiving a command to process the content data by the application through the UI image; and controlling a processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on the command.\",\n \"The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the processing operation of the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.\",\n \"The first and second UI images may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.\",\n \"The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation for the content data according to the interaction input may include controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the first content data by dragging and dropping the first content data of the list to the execution view of the application.\",\n \"The display apparatus may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.\",\n \"The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device; and controlling the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.\",\n \"The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include executing the application of the second external device in the display apparatus; and receiving the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the display apparatus.\",\n \"The displaying the UI image may include receiving a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device; and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include receiving a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the second external device.\",\n \"The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include storing the content data processed by the application in at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus as designated.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"13/771,817, filed Feb. 20, 2013, which claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.\",\n \"10-2012-0016868, filed on Feb. 20, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.\",\n \"The entire disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.\",\n \"BACKGROUND 1.Field Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus and a control method thereof displaying various types of images, and more particularly, to a display apparatus and a control method thereof which communicates with a plurality of external devices and relays the plurality of external devices.\",\n \"2.Description of the Related Art A display apparatus processes image signals or image data which are input from an external image supply source or stored in the display apparatus, and displays an image on a display unit based on the processed image signal and/or image data.\",\n \"A display apparatus which is available to general users includes a television (TV) or a monitor.\",\n \"Further, in consideration of special functions required by a user, such display apparatus has been developed into a portable multimedia player (PMP), a mobile phone, etc.\",\n \"With the development of local area communication in wired and/or wireless manner, a plurality of electronic devices accesses one another to share various signals, information, and/or data.\",\n \"For example, in the case of editing a photo taken by a camera, the camera takes a photograph of a predetermined object, generates and stores a digital data file.\",\n \"Then, a computer main body receives the image data from the camera through a preset wired and/or wireless protocol, and executes a prestored editing application to edit and process the image data.\",\n \"Accordingly, transmission and processing of data is executed between a device which stores the data and a device in which the data processing application has been installed.\",\n \"SUMMARY Exemplary embodiments may address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above.\",\n \"According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display unit; an image processor which processes an image to display the image on the display unit; a communication unit which communicates with at least one first external device in which content data are stored and at least one second external device in which an application for processing the content data is stored; and a controller which controls the communication unit to communicate with the first and second external devices and display a user interface (UI) image corresponding to the content data and the application on the display unit, and controls the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data through the UI image.\",\n \"The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation for the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.\",\n \"The first UI image and the second UI image may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.\",\n \"The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device, and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to first content data from the list as the first content data are dragged and dropped to the execution view of the application.\",\n \"The display unit may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.\",\n \"The controller may control the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device, and control the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the section external device.\",\n \"The controller may control the application of the second external device to be executed in the display apparatus, receive the content data from the first external device and process the content data through the application executed by the display apparatus.\",\n \"The controller may receive a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device and receive a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.\",\n \"The display apparatus may further include a user input unit, and the controller may control the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on a user's input through the user input unit.\",\n \"The controller may designate at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus to store in the designated place the content data processed by the application.\",\n \"According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a control method of a display apparatus including: communicating with at least one first external device storing content data therein and at least one second external device storing an application therein to process the content data and displaying a UI image corresponding to the content data and the application; receiving a command to process the content data by the application through the UI image; and controlling a processing operation of the application with respect to the content data based on the command.\",\n \"The UI image may include a first UI image corresponding to the first external device and a second UI image corresponding to the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the processing operation of the content data according to an interaction input between the first and second UI images.\",\n \"The first and second UI images may correspond to UI images provided by the first and second external devices, respectively.\",\n \"The first UI image may include a list of the content data stored in the first external device and the second UI image may include an execution view of the application of the second external device, and the controlling the processing operation for the content data according to the interaction input may include controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the first content data by dragging and dropping the first content data of the list to the execution view of the application.\",\n \"The display apparatus may include a touch screen, and the interaction input between the first and second UI images may include a drag and drop through the touch screen.\",\n \"The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include controlling the first external device to transmit the content data to the second external device; and controlling the second external device to process the content data through the application executed by the second external device.\",\n \"The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include executing the application of the second external device in the display apparatus; and receiving the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the display apparatus.\",\n \"The displaying the UI image may include receiving a UI image corresponding to an execution view of the application of the second external device; and the controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include receiving a UI image corresponding to the content data from the first external device and processing the content data through the application executed in the second external device.\",\n \"The controlling the processing operation of the application with respect to the content data may include storing the content data processed by the application in at least one of the first external device, the second external device and the display apparatus as designated.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and/or other aspects will become apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an example of a UI image corresponding to a first external device and a second external device which are displayed in the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates an example of transmission of signals and data between the display apparatus and the first and second external devices according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates an example of a UI image corresponding to first and second external devices which are displayed in a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment; and FIG.\",\n \"5 is a control flowchart of a control method of the display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Below, certain exemplary embodiments are described in greater detail with reference to accompanying drawings.\",\n \"The exemplary embodiments may be embodied in various forms without being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.\",\n \"In the following description, like drawing reference numerals are used for the like elements, even in different drawings.\",\n \"The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments.\",\n \"However, exemplary embodiments can be carried out without those specifically defined matters.\",\n \"Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since that would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram of a display apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.\",\n \"As shown therein, a display system according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display apparatus 100 which displays an image, a first external device 210 and a second external device 220 which communicate with the display apparatus 100 and transmit and receive commands, data, information, and/or signals, the types of which are not limited.\",\n \"The display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a multimedia player which is hand-held and portable.\",\n \"However, such embodiment of the display apparatus 100 is not limiting.\",\n \"In this regard, as long as the display apparatus 100 may display an image and communicate with the first and second external devices 210 and 220, the display apparatus 100 which may include a TV, a monitor, a mobile phone, etc.\",\n \"The first and second external devices 210 and 220 include electronic devices which may store and/or process data.\",\n \"According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first external device 210 includes a digital camera and the second external device 220 includes a tablet PC.\",\n \"However, this is an example and the first and second external devices 210 and 220 may include a computer main body, a camera, a camcorder, a mobile phone and a TV as long as they may communicate with the display apparatus 100 based on a preset protocol.\",\n \"Hereinafter, configuration of the display apparatus 100 will be described.\",\n \"The display apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110 which communicates with the first external device 210 or the second external device 220, an image processor 120 which processes data received through the communication unit 110 or stored in the display apparatus 100, a display device 130 which displays an image thereon based on the data processed by the image processor 120, and a controller 140 which controls overall operations of the display apparatus 100.The communication unit 110 transmits commands, data, information, and/or signals from the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 to the image processor 120 or the controller 140 depending on the characteristic or nature of such commands, data, information, and signals.\",\n \"The communication unit 110 may transmit the commands, data, information, and signals supplied by the controller 150, to the first external device 210 or the second external device 220.As above, the communication unit 110 performs interactive communication with the first external device 210 or the second external device 220.The communication unit 110 may directly access the first external device 210 or the second external device 220, or access a local area communication network to which both the first and second external devices 210 and 220 access.\",\n \"To do the foregoing, the communication unit 110 performs a communication access according to a preset wired and/or wireless communication protocol.\",\n \"The image processor 120 processes data which are received through the communication unit 110 or data stored in advance in the display apparatus 100 to display an image on the display device 130.If the data include image data, the image processor 120 performs various processing operations.\",\n \"If the data include control information or script information instead of the image data, the image processor 120 processes the data information according to a preset algorithm to generate an image based on the data.\",\n \"The image processor 120 may perform image processing operations including a decoding operation corresponding to an image format of an image signal, a de-interlacing operation to convert an interlace image signal into a progressive image signal, a scaling operation to scale an image signal into preset resolution, a noise reduction operation to improve an image quality, a detail enhancement operation and conversion of a frame refresh rate, but not limited thereto.\",\n \"The image processor 120 includes a system-on-chip (SoC) which integrates various functions, or an image processing board (not shown) which is formed by installing individual elements independently performing various processes in a printed circuit board.\",\n \"The display device 130 displays an image thereon based on image signals and/or image data output by the image processor 120.The display device 130 may include liquid crystal, plasma, light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), surface-conduction electron-emitter, carbon nano-tube, and nano-crystal, but not limited thereto.\",\n \"The display device 130 may include additional elements depending on configuration thereof.\",\n \"For example, if the display device 130 includes liquid crystal, the display device 130 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel (not shown), a backlight (not shown) to emit light to the LCD panel, and a panel driving substrate (not shown) to drive the LCD panel.\",\n \"The display device 130 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a touch screen.\",\n \"The display device 130 transmits a preset command and/or signal to the controller 140 corresponding to a user's touch input on the surface of the touch screen.\",\n \"The controller 140 controls an operation of the display apparatus 100 or generates and transmits a corresponding control signal through the communication unit 110, corresponding to a command received through the communication unit 110 or an input command displayed on the display device 130.For example, the controller 140 may control an image processing operation of the image processor 120 or transmit a preset control signal to the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 to operate the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 by the control signal, according to the nature of the received command.\",\n \"According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 140 and the image processor 120 are described as separate elements, but not limited thereto.\",\n \"Alternatively, the controller 140 and the image processor 120 may be provided as a single image processing board (not shown).\",\n \"With the foregoing configuration, a control method of the display apparatus 100 for processing content data stored in the first external device 210 by an application stored in the second external device 220 will be described hereinafter.\",\n \"According an exemplary embodiment, editing and processing of an image data file stored in the first external device 210 is performed by an image editing application stored in the second external device 220.However, this is an example, and the nature of the data or application, or exemplary embodiment of a UI image is not limited thereto.\",\n \"The controller 140 is connected to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 through the communication unit 110 for communication, and controls the image processor 120 to display an UI image of the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively, on the display device 130.The method of realizing a UI image corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 by the controller 140 may vary.\",\n \"For example, the controller 140 transmits a request signal to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 to generate a UI image.\",\n \"In response to the request signal received, the first and second external devices 210 and 220 transmit to the display apparatus 100 their own information necessary for generating the UI image.\",\n \"The controller 140 generates a UI image based on the information transmitted by the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an example of a UI image 310 corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 displayed on the display device 130, respectively.\",\n \"As shown therein, the controller 140 displays the UI image 310 on the display device 130 corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220.The UI image 310 includes a first UI image 311 corresponding to the first external device 210, and a second UI image 312 corresponding to the second external device 220.The controller 140 may control operations of the first and second external devices 210 and 220 through the first and second UI images 311 and 312.If the first and second external devices 210 and 220 provide information and/or image data corresponding to their own UI environment, the first and second UI images 311 and 312 may be formed to correspond to the UI environment information provided by the first and second external devices 210 and 220.For example, the first UI image 311 may reflect the UI environment provided by the first external device 210 itself With respect to the request signal transmitted by the controller 140, the first external device 210 transmits to the display apparatus 100 list information of prestored image data files, and the second external device 220 transmits to the display apparatus 100 the UI environment information on an operating system which can be used to drive the second external device 220.Based on the foregoing information, the controller 140 displays both the first UI image 311 and the second UI image 312.The first UI image 311 includes an image data file list 340 of the first external device 210.The second UI image 312 includes an execution view 342 of an application which is executed in the operating system of the second external device 220.The first and second UI images 311 and 312 are provided to enable interaction input therefrom, e.g., an input from the first and second UI images 311 and 312.For example, a predetermined data file 344 in the list 340 of the first UI image 311 may be processed by an application of the second UI image 312.A user may touch, and drag and drop the data file 344 of the first UI image 311 in to the second UI image 312 to process the data file through the application.\",\n \"In response to such operation, the controller 140 transmits a control signal to control the first external device 210 to transmit the data file to the second external device 220 and transmits a control signal to the second external device 220 to process the data file transmitted by the first external device 210 through the application, upon receiving an input to drag and drop the data file to the second UI image 312.The first and second external devices 210 and 220 perform a corresponding operation according to the respective control signals.\",\n \"Then, the display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may relay the first and second external devices 210 and 220 to process the data file of the first external device 210 through the application of the second external device 220.Upon receiving an input to manipulate a processing operation of the application through the second UI image 312, the controller 140 may transmit a control signal to the second external device 220 in response to the corresponding input, and control the second external device 220 to operate the application corresponding to the control signal.\",\n \"With respect to the operation of the application, real-time information may be provided by the second external device 220 to the display apparatus 100 and displayed on the second UI image 312.If the processing of the data file by the application is completed, the controller 140 may designate at least one of the first external device 210, the second external device 220 and the display apparatus 100 to store therein the processed data file.\",\n \"To do the foregoing, the controller 140 transmits a corresponding control signal to the second external device 220.Alternatively, the following method is available.\",\n \"If communication is not available between the first and second external devices 210 and 220, or upon receiving an input for dragging and dropping a predetermined data file of the first UI image 311 to the second UI image 312 even in the case that such communication is available, the controller 140 may transmit the data file from the first external device 210 to the second external device 220.If the system performance of the display apparatus 100 and the communication environment for the display apparatus 100 and the second external device 220 are ensured, the display apparatus 100 may perform at least a part of the processing operation of the data file performed by the application.\",\n \"In this case, when the application processes the data file in the second external device 220, the controller 140 provides system resources of the display apparatus 100 for processing the data file, or performs at least a part of such processing operation.\",\n \"In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, a single first external device 210 and a single second external device 220 are described, but not limited thereto.\",\n \"Alternatively, each of the first external device 210 and the second external device 220 may include a plurality of devices.\",\n \"In this case, the UI image 310 may be divided into and displayed as a plurality of UI images corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively, and may perform interaction therebetween.\",\n \"Details of such operation may be similar or equivalent to the described above exemplary embodiment, and thus repetitive description will be omitted.\",\n \"Hereinafter, transmission of signals and data in the system according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.\",\n \"3.FIG.\",\n \"3 illustrates transmission and reception of signals, data, commands, and/or information among the first external device 210, the second external device 220 and the display apparatus 100.As shown therein, the display apparatus 100 transmits to the first and second external devices 210 and 220, signals requesting the relevant information to display a UI image (operations 410 and 420).\",\n \"In response to the request signals, the first and second external devices 210 and 220 transmit UI information to the display apparatus 100, respectively (operations 430 and 440).\",\n \"Based on the received UI information, the display apparatus 100 displays a UI image (operation 450).\",\n \"The display apparatus 100 may receive an input to process predetermined data of the first external device 210 by the application of the second external device 220 through the displayed UI image.\",\n \"Upon receiving the input, the display apparatus 100 transmits a control signal to the first external device 210 to transmit the concerned data to the second external device 220 (operation 460), and transmits a control signal to the second external device 220 to process the data transmitted by the first external device 210 (operation 470).\",\n \"According to the control signal received in operation 460, the first external device 210 transmits the data to the second external device 220 (operation 480).\",\n \"In operation 470, the second external device 220 processes the data transmitted by the first external device 210 by the application according to the control signal received in operation 470.If this control signal includes information regarding storage of the processed data in the first external device 210, the second external device 220 may transmit the processed data to the first external device 210 such that the data is stored in the first external device 210 (operation 500).\",\n \"According to the transmission and reception processes for signals and data, the display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may relay interaction between the first and second external devices 210 and 220.That is, the display apparatus may serve as an intermediary between the first and second external devices 210 and 220.Regarding processing of the data of the first external device 210 through the application, the display apparatus 100 may have the application of the second external device 220 executed in the display apparatus 100 and may allow the data to be processed by the application executed in the display apparatus 100.For example, the display apparatus 100 may provide system resources necessary for the execution of the application installed in the second external device 220 to thereby execute the application of the second external device 220 in the display apparatus 100.For example, predetermined content data which are stored in the first external device 210 or the second external device 220 may be collected and processed by the application installed in the display apparatus 100.This will be described with reference to FIG.\",\n \"4.FIG.\",\n \"4 illustrates an example of a UI image 320 corresponding to the first and second external devices 210 and 220 displayed in the display apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.\",\n \"The configuration of the display apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may be similar or equivalent to the one described above.\",\n \"Thus, repetitive description will be omitted.\",\n \"In the present exemplary embodiment, an image data file stored in the first external device 210 and a music data file stored in the second external device 220 are edited and processed together to generate an album file.\",\n \"However, this is an example, which is not limiting.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"4, the controller 140 displays the UI image 320 on the display device 130 corresponding to the first external device 210, the second external device 220 and the display apparatus 100.The UI image 320 includes a first UI image 321 corresponding to the first external device 210, a second UI image 322 corresponding to the second external device 220 and a third UI image 323 corresponding to UI environment provided by the display apparatus 100 itself The controller 140 accesses the first and second external devices 210 and 220 and receives information on an image data file list 350 stored in the first external device 210 and information on a music data file list 352 stored in the second external device 220.The controller 140 displays the first UI image 321 including the image data file list 350 of the first external device 210 and the second UI image 322 including the music data file list 352 of the second external device 220, based on the received information.\",\n \"Together with the first and second UI images 321 and 322, the controller 140 displays a third UI image 323 including an execution view 354 of the application installed in an operating system driven by the display apparatus 100.The first UI image 321, the second UI image 322 and the third UI image 323 may interact with one another by dragging and dropping objects included in the UI image 320.For example, if a user drags and drops a predetermined image data file 360 of the first UI image 321 and a predetermined music data file 362 of the second UI image 322 to the third UI image 323, the controller 140 receives the image data file and the music data file from the first and second external devices 210 and 220, respectively, edits the received files by the application and generates a new album file.\",\n \"According to a user's input through the display device 130, the controller 140 may store the generated album file in the display apparatus 100 or transmit to and store the album file in the first external device 210 or the second external device 220.Hereinafter, a control method of the display apparatus 100 according to the an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.\",\n \"5.FIG.\",\n \"5 is a control flowchart of the control method of the display apparatus 100.As shown therein, the display apparatus 100 accesses the first external device 210 storing data therein and the second external device 220 storing therein an application to process the data (S100).\",\n \"The display apparatus 100 displays a UI image corresponding to the data of the first external device 210 and the application of the second external device 220 (S110).\",\n \"Upon receiving an interaction input command, e.g., a command for processing the data by the application through the UI image (S120), the display apparatus 100 controls the first external device 210 to transmit the data to the second external device 220 to process the data (S130).\",\n \"Otherwise, the display apparatus 100 may perform at least a part of the processing operation when the application of the second external device 220 processes the data.\",\n \"The display apparatus 100 stores the processed data in a storage (S140).\",\n \"In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the interaction input between the UI images is performed by a user touching the display device 130 as a touch screen.\",\n \"In the case of a display apparatus in which the display device 130 does not include a touch screen, such interaction input may be performed by a user's input through a user input device (not shown) provided additionally.\",\n \"Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the range of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.\",\n \"The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting.\",\n \"The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses.\",\n \"Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875146"}}},{"rowIdx":4494791,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["IMAGE ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE","Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers.","The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list, and the information of the first layer includes at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture."],["1.A method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by a decoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstructing the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","3.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","4.The method of claim 3, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current decoding target block; and determining motion information of the current decoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.","5.The method of claim 4, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.","6.The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.","7.The method of claim 3, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current decoding target block of the second layer.","8.The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current decoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.","9.An apparatus for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generate prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstruct the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.","10.A method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.","11.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","12.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","13.The method of claim 12, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current encoding target block; and determining motion information of the current encoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.","14.The method of claim 13, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.","15.The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.","16.The method of claim 12, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.","17.The method of claim 10, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current encoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.","18.An apparatus for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generate prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encode the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.","19.A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a bitstream generated by a method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.","Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.","Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.","In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.","Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.","According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.","Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.","In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of application Ser.","No.","14/782,213 filed on Oct. 2, 2015, which is a U.S. national stage application of International Application No.","PCT/KR2014/002899 filed on Apr.","3, 2014, which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) and 365(b) of Korean Patent Application Nos.","10-2013-0037106 filed on Apr.","4, 2013, 10-2013-0039356 filed on Apr.","10, 2013, 10-2013-0081199 filed on Jul.","10, 2013, 10-2013-0082577 filed on Jul.","15, 2013, and 10-2014-0039805 filed on Apr.","3, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.","The entire disclosures of application Ser.","No.","14/782,213, International Application No.","PCT/KR2014/002899, and Korean Patent Application Nos.","10-2013-0037106, 10-2013-0039356, 10-2013-0081199, 10-2013-0082577, and 10-2014-0039805 are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.","BACKGROUND 1.Field The present invention relates to image encoding and decoding, and more particularly, to a method for predicting, and encoding and decoding an image of a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in image encoding and decoding in a multi-layer structure.","2.Description of Related Art In recent years, while a multimedia environment has been built up, various terminals and networks have been used and the resulting use requirement has been diversified.","For example, as a performance and a computing capability of a terminal have been diversified, a supported performance has also been diversified for each apparatus.","Further, in the case of a network in which information is transmitted, a pattern, an information amount, and a transmission speed of the transmitted information, as well as an external structure such as wired and wireless networks have been diversified for each function.","A user has selected a terminal and a network to be used according to a desired function and further, spectrums of a terminal and a network which an enterprise provides to the user have been diversified.","In this regard, in recent years, as a broadcast having a high definition (HD) resolution has been extended and serviced worldwide as well as domestically, a lot of users have been familiar with a high definition image.","As a result, a lot of image service associated organizations have made a lot of efforts to develop a next-generation image apparatus.","Further, with an increase in interest in ultra high definition (UHD) having four times higher resolution than an HDTV as well as the HDTV, a requirement for technology that compresses and processes a higher resolution and higher definition image has been further increased.","In order to compress and process the image, inter prediction technology of predicting a pixel value included in a current image from a temporally prior and/or post image, intra prediction technology of predicting another pixel value included in the current image by using pixel information in the current image, and entropy encoding technology of allocating a short sign to a symbol in which an appearance frequency is high and a long sign to a symbol in which the appearance frequency is low, and the like may be used.","As described above, when respective terminals and networks having different supported functions, and the diversified user requirements are considered, a quality, a size, a frame, and the like of a supported image need to be consequently diversified.","As such, due to heterogeneous communication networks, and terminals having various functions and various types of terminals, scalability that variously supports the quality, resolution, size, frame rate, and the like of the image becomes a primary function of a video format.","Accordingly, it is necessary to provide a scalability function so as to achieve video encoding and decoding in terms of time, space, image quality, and the like in order to provide a service required by the user under various environments based on a high-efficiency video encoding method.","SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.","Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.","Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.","In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.","Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.","According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.","Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.","In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image decoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIGS.","5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.","In describing the embodiments of the present specification, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known art related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the corresponding description thereof may be omitted.","It will be understood that when an element is simply referred to as being ‘connected to’ or ‘coupled to’ another element without being ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element in the present description, it may be ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element or be connected to or coupled to another element, having the other element intervening therebetween.","Moreover, a content of describing “including” a specific component in the specification does not exclude a component other than the corresponding component and means that an additional component may be included in the embodiments of the present invention or the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.","Terms such first, second, and the like may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.","The above terms are used only to discriminate one component from the other component.","For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.","Further, components described in the embodiments of the present invention are independently illustrated in order to show different characteristic functions and each component is not constituted by separated hardware or one software constituting unit.","That is, each component includes respective components which are arranged for easy description and at least two components of the respective components may constitute one component or one component is divided into a plurality of components which may perform their functions.","Even an integrated embodiment and separated embodiments of each component is also included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.","Further, some components are not requisite components that perform essential functions but selective components for just improving performance in the present invention.","The present invention may be implemented with the requisite component for implementing the spirit of the present invention other than the component used to just improve the performance and a structure including only the requisite component other than the selective component used to just improve the performance is also included in the scope of the present invention.","FIG.","1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.","A scalable video encoding apparatus that supports a multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image encoding apparatus having a single-layer structure.","The block diagram of FIG.","1 illustrates an embodiment of an image encoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video encoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.","Referring to FIG.","1, an image encoding apparatus 100 includes an inter prediction module 110, an intra prediction module 120, a switch 115, a subtractor 125, a transform module 130, a quantization module 140, an entropy encoding module 150, a dequantization module 160, an inverse transform module 170, an adder 175, a filter module 180, and a reference picture buffer 190.The image encoding apparatus 100 may encode an input image in an intra mode or an inter mode and output a bitstream.","In the intra mode, the switch 115 may be switched to intra and in the inter mode, the switch 115 may be switched to inter.","The intra prediction means an intra-screen prediction and the inter prediction means an inter-screen prediction.","The image encoding apparatus 100 may generate a prediction block for an input block of the input image and thereafter, encode a residual between the input block and the prediction block.","In this case, the input image may mean an original picture.","In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 120 may generate the prediction block by performing a spatial prediction by using a pixel value of an already encoded/decoded block adjacent to a current block.","The intra prediction module 120 may perform the spatial prediction by using a reference sample and generate prediction samples for the current block.","In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 110 may acquire a motion vector by finding an area of a reference image stored in the reference picture buffer 190 which most matches the input block during a motion prediction process.","The inter prediction module 110 corrects a motion by using the motion vector and the reference image stored in the picture buffer 190 to generate the prediction block for the current block.","In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include an inter-layer prediction.","The inter prediction module 110 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.","An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.","Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.","When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.","For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer between layers that support scalability regarding the resolution.","A layer picture used for configuring the inter-layer reference picture may be determined by considering encoding cost, and the like.","The encoding apparatus may transmit, to the decoding apparatus, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs.","Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).","The subtractor 125 may a residual block by a residual between the input block and the generated prediction block.","The transform module 130 transforms the residual block to output a transform coefficient.","Herein, the transform coefficient may mean a coefficient value generated by converting the residual block and/or a residual signal.","Hereinafter, in this specification, the transform coefficient is quantized and a quantized transform coefficient level may also be called the transform coefficient.","When a transform skip mode is applied, the transform module 130 may skip transforming the residual block.","The quantization module 140 quantizes an input transform coefficient according to a quantization parameter to output a quantized coefficient.","The quantized coefficient may be called the quantized transform coefficient level.","In this case, the quantization module 140 may quantize the input transform coefficient by using a quantization matrix.","The entropy encoding module 150 performs entropy encoding based on values calculated by the quantization module 140 or an encoded parameter value calculated during encoding to output the bitstream.","The entropy encoding module 150 may entropy-encode information (for example, a syntax element, and the like) for video encoding in addition to pixel information of a video.","The coding parameter is a parameter required for encoding and decoding, and may include information encoded in the encoding apparatus to be transferred to the decoding apparatus like the syntax element and information to be inferred during the encoding or decoding process.","The coding parameter may include values or statistics of for example, an intra/inter prediction mode, a movement/motion vector, a reference video index, an encoding block pattern, presence of a residual signal, a transform coefficient, a quantized transform coefficient, a quantization parameter, a block size, block segment information, and the like.","The residual signal may mean a difference between an original signal and a prediction signal, and may also mean a signal having a transformed form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal or a signal having a transformed and quantized form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal.","The residual signal may be referred to as a residual block in a block unit.","In the case where the entropy encoding is applied, a few of bits are allocated to a symbol having high occurrence probability and a lot of bits are allocated to a symbol having low occurrence probability to express the symbols, and as a result, a size of a bitstream for encoding target symbols may be reduced.","Accordingly, compression performance of video encoding may be enhanced through the entropy encoding.","The entropy encoding module 150 may use encoding methods such as exponential-Golomb coding, context-adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC), and context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) for the entropy encoding.","For example, the entropy encoding module 150 may perform entropy encoding by using a variable length coding/code (VLC) table.","Further, the entropy encoding module 150 derives a binarization method of a target symbol and a probability model of a target symbol/bin, and then may also perform the entropy encoding by using the derived binarization method or probability model.","Since the image encoding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of FIG.","1 performs inter prediction encoding, that is, inter-screen prediction encoding, a currently encoded image needs to be decoded and stored to be used as the reference image.","Accordingly, the quantized coefficient may be inversely quantized in the dequantization module 160 and inversely transformed in the inverse transform module 170.The inversely quantized and inversely transformed coefficient is added to the prediction block by the adder 175 and a reconstructed block is generated.","The reconstructed block passes though the filter module 180, and the filter module 180 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, a sample adaptive offset (SAO), and an adaptive loop filter (ALF) to the reconstructed block or a reconstructed picture.","The filter module 180 may be called an adaptive in-loop filter.","The deblocking filter may remove block distortion which occurs on a boundary between blocks.","The SAO may add an appropriate offset value to a pixel value in order to compensate for coding error.","The ALF may perform filtering based on a value acquired by comparing the reconstructed image and the original image.","The reconstructed block which passes through the filter module 180 may be stored in the reference picture buffer 190.FIG.","2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image decoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.","A scalable video decoding apparatus that supports the multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image decoding apparatus having the single-layer structure.","The block diagram of FIG.","2 illustrates an embodiment of an image decoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video decoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.","Referring to FIG.","2, an image decoding apparatus 200 includes an entropy decoding module 210, a dequantization module 220, an inverse transform module 230, an intra prediction module 240, an inter prediction module 250, an adder 255, a filter module 260, and a reference picture buffer 270.The image decoding apparatus 200 may receive a bitstream output by an encoder, decode the received bitstream in the intra mode or the inter mode, and output the reconstructed image, that is, the reconstructed image.","In the intra mode, the switch may be switched to ‘intra’, and in the inter mode, the switch may be switched to ‘inter’.","The image decoding apparatus 200 may acquire a reconstructed residual block from the received bitstream and generate a block reconstructed by adding the reconstructed residual block and the prediction block after generating the prediction block, that is, the reconstruction block.","The entropy decoding module 210 entropy-decodes the input bitstream according to probability distribution to generate information such as a quantized coefficient and a syntax element.","The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized by the dequantization module 220 and inversely transformed by the inverse transform module 230.The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized/inversely transformed, and as a result, the reconstructed residual block may be generated.","In this case, the dequantization module 220 may apply a quantization matrix to the quantized coefficient.","In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 240 may performs a spatial prediction and generate prediction samples for the current block by using a sample value of an already decoded block adjacent to the current block.","In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 250 compensates for a motion by using a motion vector and a reference picture stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to generate the prediction block for the current block.","In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include the inter-layer prediction.","The inter prediction module 250 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.","An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.","Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.","When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.","For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer prediction is applied between the layers that supports scalability regarding the resolution, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer.","In this case, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs may be transmitted from the encoding apparatus to the decoding apparatus.","Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).","The reconstructed residual block and the prediction block are added by the adder 255, and as a result, the reconstructed block may be generated.","In other words, a residual sample and a prediction sample are added to each other, and as a result, a reconstructed sample or a reconstructed picture is generated.","The reconstructed picture is filtered by the filter module 260.The filter module 260 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, an SAO, and an ALF to the reconstructed block or the reconstructed picture.","The filter module 260 outputs a modified or filtered reconstructed picture.","The reconstructed image is stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to be used in the inter prediction.","Further, the video decoding apparatus 200 may further include a parsing unit (not illustrated) parsing information regarding the encoded video included in the bitstream.","The parsing unit may include the entropy decoding module 210, and may also be included in the entropy decoding module 210.The parsing unit may also be implemented as one constituent element of the decoding unit.","Although it has been described that one encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus processes encoding/decoding of multi-layers in FIGS.","1 and 2, it is for easy description and the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may be configured for each layer.","In this case, the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus of a higher layer may perform encoding/decoding of the corresponding higher layer by using information of the higher layer and information of the higher layer.","For example, the prediction unit (inter prediction unit) of the higher layer may perform the intra-prediction or inter-prediction for the current block by using pixel information or picture information of the higher layer, and perform the inter-prediction (inter-layer prediction) of the current block by receiving the reconstructed picture information from the lower layer and using the same.","Herein, only the inter-layer prediction has been described as an example, but the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may perform encoding/decoding for a current layer by using information of a different layer regardless of the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus being configured for each layer or one apparatus processing the multi-layers.","In the present invention, the layer may include a view.","In this case, the prediction of the higher layer is not just performed by using the information of the lower layer, but the inter-layer prediction may be performed by using information of a different layer among layers that are specified to be dependent by information that specifies inter-layer dependence.","FIG.","3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers according to an embodiment of the present invention.","In FIG.","3, a group of picture (GOP) represents a picture group, that is, a group of pictures.","A transmission medium is required to transmit image data and performance thereof is different for each transmission medium according to various network environments.","The scalable video coding method may be provided to be applied to various transmission media or network environments.","The video coding method (hereinafter, referred to as ‘scalable coding’ or ‘scalable video coding’) supporting the scalability is a coding method that increases encoding and decoding performances by removing inter-layer redundancy by using inter-layer texture information, motion information, a residual signal, and the like.","The scalable video coding method may provide various scalabilities in spatial, temporal, quality, and view terms according to surrounding conditions such as transmission bit rate, transmission error rate, a system resource, and the like.","Scalable video coding may be performed by using a multiple-layer structure so as to provide a bitstream which is applicable to various network situations.","For example, a scalable video coding structure may include a basic layer that compresses and processes the image data by using the general image decoding method and may include an improvement layer that compresses and processes the image data by using both decoding information of the basic layer and the general decoding method.","A base layer may be referred to as a base layer or a lower layer.","An enhancement layer may be designated as an enhancement layer or a higher layer.","In this case, the lower layer may represent a layer that supports lower scalability than a specific layer and the higher layer may represent a layer that supports higher scalability than a specific layer.","Further, a layer referred to for encoding/decoding of a different layer may be called a reference layer and a layer encoded/decoded by using the different layer may be a current layer.","The reference layer may be a lower layer than the current layer and the current layer may be a higher layer than the reference layer.","Herein, a layer means a set of images and bitstreams that are distinguished based on a space (for example, an image size), a time (for example, a decoding order, an image output order, and frame rate), image quality, complexity, and the like.","Referring to FIG.","3, for example, the basic layer may be defined as standard definition (SD), a frame rate of 15 Hz, and a bit rate of 1 Mbps, and a first enhanced layer may be defined as high definition (HD), a frame rate of 30 Hz, and a bit rate of 3.9 Mbps, and a second enhanced layer may be defined as ultra high definition (4K-UHE), a frame rate of 60 Hz, and a bit rate of 27.2 Mbps.","The format, frame rate, bit rate, and the like as one embodiment may be decided differently as necessary.","Further, the number of used layers is not limited to the embodiment and may be decided differently according to a situation.","For example, if a transmission bandwidth is 4 Mbps, data may be transmitted at 15 Hz or less by decreasing the frame rate of the HD of the first enhancement layer.","The scalable video coding method may provide spatial, temporal, quality, and view scalabilities by the method described in the embodiment of FIG.","3.In this specification, the scalable video coding has the same as the scalable video encoding in terms of encoding and the scalable video decoding in terms of decoding.","Generally, in the prediction between the screens, at least one of a previous picture or a next picture of the current picture is referred to as a reference picture, and prediction for the current block may be performed based on the reference picture.","A video used for the prediction of the current block is referred to as a reference picture or a reference frame.","A region in the reference picture used for predicting the current block may be represented by using a reference picture index refldx indicating the reference picture, the motion picture, and the like.","In the prediction between the screens, the reference block corresponding to the reference picture and the current block in the reference picture is selected to generate the prediction block for the current block.","In the inter-screen prediction, the prediction block may be created so that a residual signal with the current block is minimized and the size of the motion vector is also minimized.","In order to use the information of the reference picture in the inter-prediction, information of neighboring blocks positioned around the current block may be used.","For example, the inter-prediction may adopt a skip mode, a merge mode, an advanced motion vector prediction, or the like according to a method using the information of the neighboring blocks.","The skip mode, the merge mode, and the AMVP mode may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the information of the neighboring block.","The skip mode may use the information of the neighboring block for the current block as it is.","Accordingly, in the case where the skip mode is applied, the encoder may transmit information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of as the motion information of the current block to the decoder and besides, does not transmit syntax information such as a residual, and the like to the decoder.","The merge mode may generate the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring block.","When the merge mode is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates whether to apply the merge mode to the current block, which neighboring block to use motion information of, and residual information on the current block, and the like.","The decoder generates the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information and adds the generated prediction block and the residual transmitted from the encoder to reconstruct the current block.","The AMVP may predict the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring blocks.","When the AMVP is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of, a difference between a motion vector of the current block and a predicted motion vector, a reference picture index that indicates the reference picture, and the like.","The decoder predicts the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information (motion vector) of the neighboring block, and may calculate the motion vector of the current block by using the motion vector difference received from the encoder.","The decoder may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the calculated motion vector and the reference picture index information received from the encoder.","In case of the inter prediction, the decoder may verify a skip flag, a merge flag, and the like that are received from the encoder and calculate motion information required for the inter-prediction of the current block (for example, information regarding a motion vector, a reference picture index, and the like) according to the verified information.","A processing unit in which the prediction is performed may be different from a processing unit in which a prediction method and a detailed content are determined.","For example, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction may be determined by the coding unit (CU), and a prediction mode for the intra-prediction and a prediction mode for the inter-prediction may be determined by the prediction unit (PU).","Alternatively, the prediction mode is determined by the prediction unit, and as a result, the prediction may be performed by the transform unit (TU).","Meanwhile, since an inter-layer strong correlation is present in the scalable video coding structure that supports the plurality of layers, when the prediction is performed by using the correlation, a duplicative element of data may be removed and encoding performance of the image may be improved.","Accordingly, when a picture (image) of the current layer (higher layer) which is encoded/decoded is predicted, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction using information of the current layer and the inter-layer prediction using information of a different layer may be performed.","Since the plurality of layers may be different from each other in terms of at least one of a resolution, a frame rate, a color format, and a view (that is, an inter-layer scalability difference), signal distortion may occur in the inter-layer prediction for the current layer and the residual signal may be increased.","Accordingly, the present invention provides a method that may perform the inter-prediction for the current layer by mapping the motion information of the reference layer (lower layer) which the current layer (higher layer) refers to in an image size of the current layer and thereafter, adding the mapped motion information to the reference picture list of the current layer.","Further, the present invention relates to encoding and decoding of an image including a plurality of layers or views, and the plurality of layers or views may be expressed as first, second, third, and n-th layers or first, second, third, and n-th views.","Hereinafter, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image in which the first layer and the second layer are present is described as an example, but the embodiment may be applied even to an image in which more layers or views than the first layer and the second layer in the same method as above.","Further, the first layer may be expressed as the lower layer, the base layer, or the reference layer and the second layer may be expressed as the higher layer, the enhancement layer, or the current layer.","FIG.","4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","The method of FIG.","4 may be performed by the image encoding apparatus of FIG.","1 or the image decoding apparatus of FIG.","2.Referring to FIG.","4, the encoding/decoding apparatus decodes information of a first layer which an image (picture) of a second layer refers to (S400).","As described above, the second layer means a layer that performs encoding/decoding at present and may be a higher layer that provides higher scalability than the first layer.","The first layer may be a layer referred to for encoding/decoding the second layer, and may be designated as the reference layer or the lower layer.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may decode and use the first layer by the reference signal for predicting an encoding/decoding target block in the image of the second layer.","Information (decoding target information of the first layer) of the first layer to be decoded may include a sample value and motion information of a first layer image (picture).","Herein, the motion information may include regarding a motion vector value, a reference picture index, a prediction direction indicator, a reference picture POC (picture order count), a prediction mode, a reference picture list, a merge flag, a merge index, a picture type (a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture, and the like.","Decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored by a unit block having a size of N×N.","For example, the decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored every 16×16 blocks.","The encoding/decoding apparatus maps the decoded information of the first layer to an image size of the second layer (S410).","Herein, mapping may represent sampling a sample of an image in order to adjust an image size or a resolution when images are different from each other in size or resolution, and may include sampling of a sample value of the image and motion information of the image.","In other words, the encoding/decoding apparatus may sample the decoded first layer image and refer to a sample information and motion information of the sampled first layer image, in order to map the decoded first layer image to a size of the second layer image.","Since sizes of images of layers may be different in the scalable video coding structure, when sizes of the images between the layers (between the first layer and the second layer) are different, the encoding/decoding apparatus may resample samples values of the decoded first layer image in order to map the size of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer.","For example, when the size of the decoded first layer image is 960×540 and the size of the image of the second layer is 1920×1080, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform upsampling of mapping the size of the decoded first layer image to the size of 1920×1080 which is the image size of the second layer.","The upsampling may be performed in order to adjust image sizes of layers having different image sizes, and interpolation is applied to an image of a layer (the reference layer or the lower layer) having a small image size, and as a result, interpolated samples are calculated to adjust the image size.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may map the decoded motion information of the first layer to the image size of the second layer to use the mapped motion information of the first layer.","Inter-layer motion information mapping of mapping the motion information of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer may divide the second layer image into unit blocks having N×N and use the motion information of the first layer corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer as motion information of a corresponding block of the second layer.","Hereinafter, an inter-layer motion information mapping method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described through an embodiment of FIGS.","5 and 6.FIGS.","5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","5 illustrates an image of a second layer divided into unit blocks having a size of N×N.","For example, as illustrated in FIG.","5, when the image size of the second layer is 1920×1080 and N=16, the encoding/decoding apparatus may divide the image of the second layer into total 8160 (16×16) unit blocks and use motion information of a first layer block corresponding to each unit block of the second layer as motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer.","In this case, the motion information may be stored for each unit block.","Alternatively, the motion information is stored in the form of a look-up table for each picture to be used by referring to each unit block.","FIG.","6 illustrates N×N blocks of the second layer and as one example, illustrates a 16×16 block 600 in case of N=16.Respective quadrangles in the 16×16 block 600 mean one sample and it is assumed that uppermost and leftmost sample position in the 16×16 block 600 is (xP, yP).","As described above, when the inter-layer motion information is mapped, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer is mapped to the motion information of the second layer to be used.","In this case, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N blocks of the second layer may be motion information of a first layer sample position corresponding to a reference sample position of the N×N blocks of the second layer.","For example, as illustrated in FIG.","6, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+8, yP+8) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+8, yP+8) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position the position (xP, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+1, yP+1) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+1, yP+1) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter-layer motion information mapping by using a difference reference sample position as well as the aforementioned reference sample position and the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding thereto.","The sample position of the first layer corresponding to a reference sample position of the second layer may be calculated as illustrated in Equation 1 below by considering the size of an inter-layer image.","xRef=(xP*picWRL+ScaledW/2)/ScaledW yRef=(yP*picHRL+ScaledH/2)/ScaledH [Equation 1] Where xRef and yRef represent the sample position of the first layer, xP and Yp represent the reference sample position of the second layer, ScaledW and ScaledH represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture, and picWRL and picHRL represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture.","For example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 16×16, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 16×16-unit motion information through Equation 2 below.","xRL=(xRef>>4)<<4 yRL=(yRef>>4)<<4 [Equation 2] As another example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 8×8, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 8×8-unit motion information through Equation 3 below.","xRL=(xRef>>3)<<3 yRL=(yRef>>3)<<3 [Equation 3] When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as a motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a value of −1 to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.","Alternatively, when the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as the motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a specific value (for example, allocate 0 to the reference picture index and a POC of a picture indicated by the reference picture index to the reference picture POC) to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.","When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the inter prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as the motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer, the motion vector value of the first layer sample position, the reference picture index, and the reference picture POC.","In case of using the motion vector of the first layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use the motion vector of the first layer by reflecting the size of the inter-layer image as illustrated in Equation 4 below.","mvLX[xP][yP][0]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][0]*ScaledW+offset)/PicWRL mvLX[xP][yP][1]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][1]*ScaledH+offset)/PicHRL [Equation 4] The encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as information of the corresponding block of the second layer, picture type information (picture type information regarding whether the reference picture being a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture which the corresponding block of the first layer corresponding to the block of the second layer refers to.","The aforementioned inter-layer motion information mapping may be determined in a higher level and the encoding apparatus may transmit information related with the inter-layer motion information mapping in the higher level.","The decoding apparatus may acquire the inter-layer motion information mapping related information from the higher level.","The higher level may be a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), a slice segment header, and the like.","Hereinafter, a method for signaling the motion information mapping related information in the higher level according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.","According to the embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in the VPS may be signaled as represented in Table 1.TABLE 1 Descriptor vps_extension( ) { for ( i = 1; i <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 1, when inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of an i-th layer may not be performed.","When inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the i-th layer may be performed.","According to another embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in extension of the SPS may be signaled as represented in Table 2.TABLE 2 Descriptor sps_extension( ) { sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 2, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.","When sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to transmit information (for example, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag) that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined according to information (for example, sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) that indicates whether to use a temporal motion vector prediction transmitted in the SPS as represented in Table 3.TABLE 3 Descriptor sps_extension( ) { if ( sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 3, when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.","When sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.","That is, a reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as a temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined by the value of sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag without transmitting sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag as represented in Table 3.For example, it is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.","It is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 0 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the PPS may be signaled as represented in Table 4.TABLE 4 Descriptor pps_extension( ) { pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 4, when pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.","When pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 5.TABLE 5 Descriptor if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 5, when slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in the extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 6.TABLE 6 Descriptor if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 6, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.","slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted only in a layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer and in case of the enhancement layer, when there is no layer used for a motion prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may not be transmitted.","When the corresponding flag is not present, a value of the corresponding flag value may be inferred as 0.When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.","That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted in the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be present above slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag in the slice segment header of the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer as represented in Table 7.TABLE 7 Descriptor slice_segment_header( ){ if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 7, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.","When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.","That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.","When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information of the first layer may be used in the second layer.","That is, after the motion information of the first layer is mapped to the size of the second layer, the reconstructed image of the first layer may be used as a collocated picture (ColPic) for the TMVP of the second layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 8.For example, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer.","Further, in case of a B slice, a reference picture list direction where the picture of the reference layer is positioned which may be used as the collocated picture may be determined through collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag.","TABLE 8 slice_segment_header( ) { if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) if ( slice_type == B) collocated_ref_layer_from_l0_flag } else { if( slice_type = = B ) collocated_from_l0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l0_active_minus1 > 0 ) | | ( !collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 8, collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.","When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.","In this case, a restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is transmitted in the B slice.","When a value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 1, a picture that is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).","When the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 0, a picture that is present in LIST1 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).","Thereafter, during acquiring a motion vector of a collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag may be used as the same meaning instead of collocated_from_I0_flag.","In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","Alternatively, during acquiring the motion vector of the collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), when the collocated block has motion information in directions of LIST0 and LIST1, motion information in the same direction as a direction indicated by a current encoding/decoding target picture may be brought.","When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer and the information on the reference picture list direction may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 9.For example, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, the reference picture list direction of the collocated picture may be determined from the value of collocated_from_I0_flag, and a referred layer may be known from the value of collocated_ref_layer_idx.","TABLE 9 slice_segment_header( ) { if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { if ( slice_type == B) collocated_from_l0_flag slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else { if( ( collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l0_active_minus1 > 0 ) | | ( !collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 9, collocated_from_I0_flag indicates the reference picture list direction to which the collocated picture belongs when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and in case of the B slice.","When collocated_from_I0_flag is not present, collocated_from_I0_flag may be inferred as 1.In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.","When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.","In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","The list direction for the collocated picture may be determined from collocated_from_I0_flag transmitted in the higher layer.","When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and the motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer, as represented in Table 10.In this case, according to a slice type, in case of a P slice, the picture of the reference layer which is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture and in case of the B slice, one direction of LIST0 and LIST1 is regulated and the picture of the corresponding reference layer is set as the collocated picture to be similarly used by the encoding/decoding apparatus.","When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.","TABLE 10 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else { if( slice_type = = B ) collocated_from_l0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l0_active_minus1 > 0 ) | | ( !collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the picture is divided into N independent slices, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flags in respective slice segment headers need to have the same value and one motion information mapping process per picture may be performed according to the value of slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag in a first independence slice segment header.","In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, ‘sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag’ transmitted in the higher level is used as information that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping, but the information is extended to be used as information that indicates whether to perform an inter-layer syntax prediction.","For example, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the inter-layer syntax (motion information) prediction may be performed as well as the motion information mapping.","In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, a separate syntax that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping is used, but the motion information mapping may be performed according to a syntax information value regarding execution of the inter-layer prediction without transmitting the separate syntax.","In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction signaled in the higher layer.","The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be signaled in the higher level.","The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.","According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be transmitted in the VPS as represented in Table 11.TABLE 11 Descriptor vps_extension( ) { for ( i = 1 ; i <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) no_inter_layer_pred_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 11, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction is transmitted in the VPS, when no_inter_layerpred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed and when no_inter_layerpred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed.","In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction signaled in the higher layer.","The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be signaled in the higher level.","The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.","According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the PPS as represented in Table 12.TABLE 12 Descriptor if ( pps extension_flag ) no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 12, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the PPS, when no_inter_layer_syntaxpred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.","According to another embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the syntax segment heard as represented in Table 13.TABLE 13 Descriptor if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 13, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the slice segment header, when no_inter_layer_syntaxpred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.","Referring back to FIG.","4, the encoding/decoding apparatus adds the information of the first layer to the reference picture list of the second layer to encode/decode the image of the second layer (S420).","That is, the encoding/decoding apparatus may add decoded sample values and motion information of the first layer mapped to the second layer image size to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer through steps S400 to S410 described above, and configure the reference picture list of the second layer image by using the added information of the first layer.","In addition, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter prediction of generating the prediction signal for the image of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","When the reference picture list of the second layer is configured, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a specific position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","In this case, the specific position may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or the specific position may be designated by a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.","Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to reference picture lists L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","In this case, positions added to the reference picture lists L0 and L1 may be the same as each other or different from each other.","For example, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a first position in the reference picture list L0 and the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position in the reference picture list L1.Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to any one of the reference picture list directions L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","For example, when the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer is encoded/decoded to the B slice, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to only the reference picture list L0 or the reference picture list L1.In this case, when the decoded image of the first layer is added to a specific-direction reference picture list, there may be known a position in the specific-direction reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is to be added in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or a specific position may be designated according to a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.","Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to different positions of the reference picture list depending on a depth by using hierarchical depth information of a prediction structure.","In this case, information on the positions may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).","For example, the position in the reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is added may vary based on a value of a temporal level (temporal_Id) depending on the hierarchical depth.","As one example, in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is equal to or more than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the last position and in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is less than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the first position of the reference picture list.","In this case, a reference temporal level value may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).","The decoded image of the first layer may include the decoded motion information of the first layer mapped to the image size of the second layer as well as the decoded sample values of the first layer.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may add the decoded image of the first layer to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer by the aforementioned method and thereafter, predict the current encoding target image of the second layer by a general inter-prediction method.","When the prediction is performed by using the decoded image of the first layer as a reference signal of the current encoding target image of the second layer (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the encoding apparatus may use as a prediction signal a first layer sample value at the same position as a prediction block in the current encoding target image without a motion predicting process.","In this case, the encoding apparatus may not transmit motion information (for example, a motion vector difference value, a motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) of a corresponding block.","The decoding apparatus may use as the prediction signal the first layer sample value at the same position as the prediction block in the current decoding target image without decoding the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the prediction block in the current decoding target image of the second layer when the an image indicated by the reference picture index of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list.","When an image indicated by the reference picture index of the current decoding target block of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the decoding apparatus may predict the current decoding target block of the second layer by judging whether to decode the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the current decoding target block of the second layer based on information transmitted in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).","Table 14 represents one example of a syntax in which information (sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag) that indicates whether an inter-layer motion vector has a value of (0, 0) is transmitted in the SPS.","TABLE 14 Descriptor sps_extension( ) { sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 14, when sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 1 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which has the same position as the current target block without decoding the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag.","When sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 0 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may decode the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag and thereafter, acquire a motion vector value, and use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which is at a position of the acquired motion vector value.","Meanwhile, the encoding apparatus may use the decoded image of the first layer as a collocated picture for predicting the temporal motion vector of the second layer in order to use the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.","In this case, the encoding apparatus may designate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated image through information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header.","When the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header transmitted in the encoder indicates the decoded image of the first layer, the decoding apparatus may use the mapped motion information of the first layer as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer.","When the mapped motion information of the first layer is used as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use at least one of the mapped motion information of the first layer, that is, at least one of the reference picture POC, the reference picture list, and the picture type (the short-term picture and the long-term reference picture) of the reference picture and scale and use a motion vector of the second layer according to a temporal distance by using one or more pieces of mapped motion information of the first layer.","When the prediction is performed by adding only the decoded reference sample values of the first layer image to the reference picture list without permitting the motion information mapping of the first layer, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in a standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture.","As another example of using the mapped motion information of the first layer as the motion information of the second layer, the mapped motion information of the first layer may be used not as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer but as an additional candidate mode.","In this case, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in the standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture, so that the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer is calculated from the reference picture of the second layer.","Further, in order to use the motion information of the first layer mapped to the additional candidate mode, the encoding apparatus may additionally transmit an index (for example, base_ref_idx) that may indicate a position of the mapped image of the first layer in the reference picture list in the slice segment header, and the like in the slice segment header, and the like.","A position of the additional candidate mode in the reference picture list may be applied similarly to the encoding apparatus and the decoding apparatus.","The method according to the present invention is prepared as a program for being executed in a computer to be stored in a computer-readable medium, and examples of the computer readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storing device and the computer readable recording medium may also be implemented in a form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission through the Internet).","Further, the computer-readable recording media are distributed on computer systems connected through the network, and thus the computer-readable recording media may be stored and executed as the computer-readable code by a distribution scheme.","Further, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the method may be easily inferred by a programmer in a technical field to which the present invention belongs.","In the aforementioned embodiments, methods have been described based on flowcharts as a series of steps or blocks, but the methods are not limited to the order of the steps of the present invention and any step may occur in a step or an order different from or simultaneously as the aforementioned step or order.","Further, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that steps shown in the flowcharts are not exclusive and other steps may be included or one or more steps do not influence the scope of the present invention and may be deleted.","While some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may change, modify, and substitute the present invention in various ways without departing from the essential characteristic of the present invention.","Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit but describe with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.","The scope of the present invention may be interpreted by the appended claims and the technical spirit in the equivalent range are intended to be embraced by the invention."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"IMAGE ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE\",\n \"Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list, and the information of the first layer includes at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by a decoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstructing the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 3, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current decoding target block; and determining motion information of the current decoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 4, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 3, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current decoding target block of the second layer.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current decoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.\",\n \"9.An apparatus for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generate prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstruct the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.\",\n \"10.A method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 12, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current encoding target block; and determining motion information of the current encoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 13, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 12, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.\",\n \"17.The method of claim 10, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current encoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.\",\n \"18.An apparatus for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generate prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encode the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.\",\n \"19.A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a bitstream generated by a method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.\",\n \"In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.\",\n \"Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.\",\n \"According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.\",\n \"Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.\",\n \"In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/782,213 filed on Oct. 2, 2015, which is a U.S. national stage application of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/KR2014/002899 filed on Apr.\",\n \"3, 2014, which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) and 365(b) of Korean Patent Application Nos.\",\n \"10-2013-0037106 filed on Apr.\",\n \"4, 2013, 10-2013-0039356 filed on Apr.\",\n \"10, 2013, 10-2013-0081199 filed on Jul.\",\n \"10, 2013, 10-2013-0082577 filed on Jul.\",\n \"15, 2013, and 10-2014-0039805 filed on Apr.\",\n \"3, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.\",\n \"The entire disclosures of application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/782,213, International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/KR2014/002899, and Korean Patent Application Nos.\",\n \"10-2013-0037106, 10-2013-0039356, 10-2013-0081199, 10-2013-0082577, and 10-2014-0039805 are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.\",\n \"BACKGROUND 1.Field The present invention relates to image encoding and decoding, and more particularly, to a method for predicting, and encoding and decoding an image of a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in image encoding and decoding in a multi-layer structure.\",\n \"2.Description of Related Art In recent years, while a multimedia environment has been built up, various terminals and networks have been used and the resulting use requirement has been diversified.\",\n \"For example, as a performance and a computing capability of a terminal have been diversified, a supported performance has also been diversified for each apparatus.\",\n \"Further, in the case of a network in which information is transmitted, a pattern, an information amount, and a transmission speed of the transmitted information, as well as an external structure such as wired and wireless networks have been diversified for each function.\",\n \"A user has selected a terminal and a network to be used according to a desired function and further, spectrums of a terminal and a network which an enterprise provides to the user have been diversified.\",\n \"In this regard, in recent years, as a broadcast having a high definition (HD) resolution has been extended and serviced worldwide as well as domestically, a lot of users have been familiar with a high definition image.\",\n \"As a result, a lot of image service associated organizations have made a lot of efforts to develop a next-generation image apparatus.\",\n \"Further, with an increase in interest in ultra high definition (UHD) having four times higher resolution than an HDTV as well as the HDTV, a requirement for technology that compresses and processes a higher resolution and higher definition image has been further increased.\",\n \"In order to compress and process the image, inter prediction technology of predicting a pixel value included in a current image from a temporally prior and/or post image, intra prediction technology of predicting another pixel value included in the current image by using pixel information in the current image, and entropy encoding technology of allocating a short sign to a symbol in which an appearance frequency is high and a long sign to a symbol in which the appearance frequency is low, and the like may be used.\",\n \"As described above, when respective terminals and networks having different supported functions, and the diversified user requirements are considered, a quality, a size, a frame, and the like of a supported image need to be consequently diversified.\",\n \"As such, due to heterogeneous communication networks, and terminals having various functions and various types of terminals, scalability that variously supports the quality, resolution, size, frame rate, and the like of the image becomes a primary function of a video format.\",\n \"Accordingly, it is necessary to provide a scalability function so as to achieve video encoding and decoding in terms of time, space, image quality, and the like in order to provide a service required by the user under various environments based on a high-efficiency video encoding method.\",\n \"SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.\",\n \"In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.\",\n \"Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.\",\n \"According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.\",\n \"Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.\",\n \"In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image decoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.\",\n \"In describing the embodiments of the present specification, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known art related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the corresponding description thereof may be omitted.\",\n \"It will be understood that when an element is simply referred to as being ‘connected to’ or ‘coupled to’ another element without being ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element in the present description, it may be ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element or be connected to or coupled to another element, having the other element intervening therebetween.\",\n \"Moreover, a content of describing “including” a specific component in the specification does not exclude a component other than the corresponding component and means that an additional component may be included in the embodiments of the present invention or the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.\",\n \"Terms such first, second, and the like may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.\",\n \"The above terms are used only to discriminate one component from the other component.\",\n \"For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.\",\n \"Further, components described in the embodiments of the present invention are independently illustrated in order to show different characteristic functions and each component is not constituted by separated hardware or one software constituting unit.\",\n \"That is, each component includes respective components which are arranged for easy description and at least two components of the respective components may constitute one component or one component is divided into a plurality of components which may perform their functions.\",\n \"Even an integrated embodiment and separated embodiments of each component is also included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.\",\n \"Further, some components are not requisite components that perform essential functions but selective components for just improving performance in the present invention.\",\n \"The present invention may be implemented with the requisite component for implementing the spirit of the present invention other than the component used to just improve the performance and a structure including only the requisite component other than the selective component used to just improve the performance is also included in the scope of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"A scalable video encoding apparatus that supports a multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image encoding apparatus having a single-layer structure.\",\n \"The block diagram of FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an embodiment of an image encoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video encoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"1, an image encoding apparatus 100 includes an inter prediction module 110, an intra prediction module 120, a switch 115, a subtractor 125, a transform module 130, a quantization module 140, an entropy encoding module 150, a dequantization module 160, an inverse transform module 170, an adder 175, a filter module 180, and a reference picture buffer 190.The image encoding apparatus 100 may encode an input image in an intra mode or an inter mode and output a bitstream.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the switch 115 may be switched to intra and in the inter mode, the switch 115 may be switched to inter.\",\n \"The intra prediction means an intra-screen prediction and the inter prediction means an inter-screen prediction.\",\n \"The image encoding apparatus 100 may generate a prediction block for an input block of the input image and thereafter, encode a residual between the input block and the prediction block.\",\n \"In this case, the input image may mean an original picture.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 120 may generate the prediction block by performing a spatial prediction by using a pixel value of an already encoded/decoded block adjacent to a current block.\",\n \"The intra prediction module 120 may perform the spatial prediction by using a reference sample and generate prediction samples for the current block.\",\n \"In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 110 may acquire a motion vector by finding an area of a reference image stored in the reference picture buffer 190 which most matches the input block during a motion prediction process.\",\n \"The inter prediction module 110 corrects a motion by using the motion vector and the reference image stored in the picture buffer 190 to generate the prediction block for the current block.\",\n \"In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include an inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"The inter prediction module 110 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.\",\n \"Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.\",\n \"When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.\",\n \"For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer between layers that support scalability regarding the resolution.\",\n \"A layer picture used for configuring the inter-layer reference picture may be determined by considering encoding cost, and the like.\",\n \"The encoding apparatus may transmit, to the decoding apparatus, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs.\",\n \"Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).\",\n \"The subtractor 125 may a residual block by a residual between the input block and the generated prediction block.\",\n \"The transform module 130 transforms the residual block to output a transform coefficient.\",\n \"Herein, the transform coefficient may mean a coefficient value generated by converting the residual block and/or a residual signal.\",\n \"Hereinafter, in this specification, the transform coefficient is quantized and a quantized transform coefficient level may also be called the transform coefficient.\",\n \"When a transform skip mode is applied, the transform module 130 may skip transforming the residual block.\",\n \"The quantization module 140 quantizes an input transform coefficient according to a quantization parameter to output a quantized coefficient.\",\n \"The quantized coefficient may be called the quantized transform coefficient level.\",\n \"In this case, the quantization module 140 may quantize the input transform coefficient by using a quantization matrix.\",\n \"The entropy encoding module 150 performs entropy encoding based on values calculated by the quantization module 140 or an encoded parameter value calculated during encoding to output the bitstream.\",\n \"The entropy encoding module 150 may entropy-encode information (for example, a syntax element, and the like) for video encoding in addition to pixel information of a video.\",\n \"The coding parameter is a parameter required for encoding and decoding, and may include information encoded in the encoding apparatus to be transferred to the decoding apparatus like the syntax element and information to be inferred during the encoding or decoding process.\",\n \"The coding parameter may include values or statistics of for example, an intra/inter prediction mode, a movement/motion vector, a reference video index, an encoding block pattern, presence of a residual signal, a transform coefficient, a quantized transform coefficient, a quantization parameter, a block size, block segment information, and the like.\",\n \"The residual signal may mean a difference between an original signal and a prediction signal, and may also mean a signal having a transformed form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal or a signal having a transformed and quantized form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal.\",\n \"The residual signal may be referred to as a residual block in a block unit.\",\n \"In the case where the entropy encoding is applied, a few of bits are allocated to a symbol having high occurrence probability and a lot of bits are allocated to a symbol having low occurrence probability to express the symbols, and as a result, a size of a bitstream for encoding target symbols may be reduced.\",\n \"Accordingly, compression performance of video encoding may be enhanced through the entropy encoding.\",\n \"The entropy encoding module 150 may use encoding methods such as exponential-Golomb coding, context-adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC), and context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) for the entropy encoding.\",\n \"For example, the entropy encoding module 150 may perform entropy encoding by using a variable length coding/code (VLC) table.\",\n \"Further, the entropy encoding module 150 derives a binarization method of a target symbol and a probability model of a target symbol/bin, and then may also perform the entropy encoding by using the derived binarization method or probability model.\",\n \"Since the image encoding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"1 performs inter prediction encoding, that is, inter-screen prediction encoding, a currently encoded image needs to be decoded and stored to be used as the reference image.\",\n \"Accordingly, the quantized coefficient may be inversely quantized in the dequantization module 160 and inversely transformed in the inverse transform module 170.The inversely quantized and inversely transformed coefficient is added to the prediction block by the adder 175 and a reconstructed block is generated.\",\n \"The reconstructed block passes though the filter module 180, and the filter module 180 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, a sample adaptive offset (SAO), and an adaptive loop filter (ALF) to the reconstructed block or a reconstructed picture.\",\n \"The filter module 180 may be called an adaptive in-loop filter.\",\n \"The deblocking filter may remove block distortion which occurs on a boundary between blocks.\",\n \"The SAO may add an appropriate offset value to a pixel value in order to compensate for coding error.\",\n \"The ALF may perform filtering based on a value acquired by comparing the reconstructed image and the original image.\",\n \"The reconstructed block which passes through the filter module 180 may be stored in the reference picture buffer 190.FIG.\",\n \"2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image decoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"A scalable video decoding apparatus that supports the multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image decoding apparatus having the single-layer structure.\",\n \"The block diagram of FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an embodiment of an image decoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video decoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"2, an image decoding apparatus 200 includes an entropy decoding module 210, a dequantization module 220, an inverse transform module 230, an intra prediction module 240, an inter prediction module 250, an adder 255, a filter module 260, and a reference picture buffer 270.The image decoding apparatus 200 may receive a bitstream output by an encoder, decode the received bitstream in the intra mode or the inter mode, and output the reconstructed image, that is, the reconstructed image.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the switch may be switched to ‘intra’, and in the inter mode, the switch may be switched to ‘inter’.\",\n \"The image decoding apparatus 200 may acquire a reconstructed residual block from the received bitstream and generate a block reconstructed by adding the reconstructed residual block and the prediction block after generating the prediction block, that is, the reconstruction block.\",\n \"The entropy decoding module 210 entropy-decodes the input bitstream according to probability distribution to generate information such as a quantized coefficient and a syntax element.\",\n \"The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized by the dequantization module 220 and inversely transformed by the inverse transform module 230.The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized/inversely transformed, and as a result, the reconstructed residual block may be generated.\",\n \"In this case, the dequantization module 220 may apply a quantization matrix to the quantized coefficient.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 240 may performs a spatial prediction and generate prediction samples for the current block by using a sample value of an already decoded block adjacent to the current block.\",\n \"In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 250 compensates for a motion by using a motion vector and a reference picture stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to generate the prediction block for the current block.\",\n \"In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include the inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"The inter prediction module 250 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.\",\n \"Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.\",\n \"When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.\",\n \"For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer prediction is applied between the layers that supports scalability regarding the resolution, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer.\",\n \"In this case, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs may be transmitted from the encoding apparatus to the decoding apparatus.\",\n \"Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).\",\n \"The reconstructed residual block and the prediction block are added by the adder 255, and as a result, the reconstructed block may be generated.\",\n \"In other words, a residual sample and a prediction sample are added to each other, and as a result, a reconstructed sample or a reconstructed picture is generated.\",\n \"The reconstructed picture is filtered by the filter module 260.The filter module 260 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, an SAO, and an ALF to the reconstructed block or the reconstructed picture.\",\n \"The filter module 260 outputs a modified or filtered reconstructed picture.\",\n \"The reconstructed image is stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to be used in the inter prediction.\",\n \"Further, the video decoding apparatus 200 may further include a parsing unit (not illustrated) parsing information regarding the encoded video included in the bitstream.\",\n \"The parsing unit may include the entropy decoding module 210, and may also be included in the entropy decoding module 210.The parsing unit may also be implemented as one constituent element of the decoding unit.\",\n \"Although it has been described that one encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus processes encoding/decoding of multi-layers in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, it is for easy description and the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may be configured for each layer.\",\n \"In this case, the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus of a higher layer may perform encoding/decoding of the corresponding higher layer by using information of the higher layer and information of the higher layer.\",\n \"For example, the prediction unit (inter prediction unit) of the higher layer may perform the intra-prediction or inter-prediction for the current block by using pixel information or picture information of the higher layer, and perform the inter-prediction (inter-layer prediction) of the current block by receiving the reconstructed picture information from the lower layer and using the same.\",\n \"Herein, only the inter-layer prediction has been described as an example, but the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may perform encoding/decoding for a current layer by using information of a different layer regardless of the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus being configured for each layer or one apparatus processing the multi-layers.\",\n \"In the present invention, the layer may include a view.\",\n \"In this case, the prediction of the higher layer is not just performed by using the information of the lower layer, but the inter-layer prediction may be performed by using information of a different layer among layers that are specified to be dependent by information that specifies inter-layer dependence.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"3, a group of picture (GOP) represents a picture group, that is, a group of pictures.\",\n \"A transmission medium is required to transmit image data and performance thereof is different for each transmission medium according to various network environments.\",\n \"The scalable video coding method may be provided to be applied to various transmission media or network environments.\",\n \"The video coding method (hereinafter, referred to as ‘scalable coding’ or ‘scalable video coding’) supporting the scalability is a coding method that increases encoding and decoding performances by removing inter-layer redundancy by using inter-layer texture information, motion information, a residual signal, and the like.\",\n \"The scalable video coding method may provide various scalabilities in spatial, temporal, quality, and view terms according to surrounding conditions such as transmission bit rate, transmission error rate, a system resource, and the like.\",\n \"Scalable video coding may be performed by using a multiple-layer structure so as to provide a bitstream which is applicable to various network situations.\",\n \"For example, a scalable video coding structure may include a basic layer that compresses and processes the image data by using the general image decoding method and may include an improvement layer that compresses and processes the image data by using both decoding information of the basic layer and the general decoding method.\",\n \"A base layer may be referred to as a base layer or a lower layer.\",\n \"An enhancement layer may be designated as an enhancement layer or a higher layer.\",\n \"In this case, the lower layer may represent a layer that supports lower scalability than a specific layer and the higher layer may represent a layer that supports higher scalability than a specific layer.\",\n \"Further, a layer referred to for encoding/decoding of a different layer may be called a reference layer and a layer encoded/decoded by using the different layer may be a current layer.\",\n \"The reference layer may be a lower layer than the current layer and the current layer may be a higher layer than the reference layer.\",\n \"Herein, a layer means a set of images and bitstreams that are distinguished based on a space (for example, an image size), a time (for example, a decoding order, an image output order, and frame rate), image quality, complexity, and the like.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"3, for example, the basic layer may be defined as standard definition (SD), a frame rate of 15 Hz, and a bit rate of 1 Mbps, and a first enhanced layer may be defined as high definition (HD), a frame rate of 30 Hz, and a bit rate of 3.9 Mbps, and a second enhanced layer may be defined as ultra high definition (4K-UHE), a frame rate of 60 Hz, and a bit rate of 27.2 Mbps.\",\n \"The format, frame rate, bit rate, and the like as one embodiment may be decided differently as necessary.\",\n \"Further, the number of used layers is not limited to the embodiment and may be decided differently according to a situation.\",\n \"For example, if a transmission bandwidth is 4 Mbps, data may be transmitted at 15 Hz or less by decreasing the frame rate of the HD of the first enhancement layer.\",\n \"The scalable video coding method may provide spatial, temporal, quality, and view scalabilities by the method described in the embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"3.In this specification, the scalable video coding has the same as the scalable video encoding in terms of encoding and the scalable video decoding in terms of decoding.\",\n \"Generally, in the prediction between the screens, at least one of a previous picture or a next picture of the current picture is referred to as a reference picture, and prediction for the current block may be performed based on the reference picture.\",\n \"A video used for the prediction of the current block is referred to as a reference picture or a reference frame.\",\n \"A region in the reference picture used for predicting the current block may be represented by using a reference picture index refldx indicating the reference picture, the motion picture, and the like.\",\n \"In the prediction between the screens, the reference block corresponding to the reference picture and the current block in the reference picture is selected to generate the prediction block for the current block.\",\n \"In the inter-screen prediction, the prediction block may be created so that a residual signal with the current block is minimized and the size of the motion vector is also minimized.\",\n \"In order to use the information of the reference picture in the inter-prediction, information of neighboring blocks positioned around the current block may be used.\",\n \"For example, the inter-prediction may adopt a skip mode, a merge mode, an advanced motion vector prediction, or the like according to a method using the information of the neighboring blocks.\",\n \"The skip mode, the merge mode, and the AMVP mode may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the information of the neighboring block.\",\n \"The skip mode may use the information of the neighboring block for the current block as it is.\",\n \"Accordingly, in the case where the skip mode is applied, the encoder may transmit information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of as the motion information of the current block to the decoder and besides, does not transmit syntax information such as a residual, and the like to the decoder.\",\n \"The merge mode may generate the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring block.\",\n \"When the merge mode is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates whether to apply the merge mode to the current block, which neighboring block to use motion information of, and residual information on the current block, and the like.\",\n \"The decoder generates the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information and adds the generated prediction block and the residual transmitted from the encoder to reconstruct the current block.\",\n \"The AMVP may predict the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring blocks.\",\n \"When the AMVP is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of, a difference between a motion vector of the current block and a predicted motion vector, a reference picture index that indicates the reference picture, and the like.\",\n \"The decoder predicts the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information (motion vector) of the neighboring block, and may calculate the motion vector of the current block by using the motion vector difference received from the encoder.\",\n \"The decoder may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the calculated motion vector and the reference picture index information received from the encoder.\",\n \"In case of the inter prediction, the decoder may verify a skip flag, a merge flag, and the like that are received from the encoder and calculate motion information required for the inter-prediction of the current block (for example, information regarding a motion vector, a reference picture index, and the like) according to the verified information.\",\n \"A processing unit in which the prediction is performed may be different from a processing unit in which a prediction method and a detailed content are determined.\",\n \"For example, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction may be determined by the coding unit (CU), and a prediction mode for the intra-prediction and a prediction mode for the inter-prediction may be determined by the prediction unit (PU).\",\n \"Alternatively, the prediction mode is determined by the prediction unit, and as a result, the prediction may be performed by the transform unit (TU).\",\n \"Meanwhile, since an inter-layer strong correlation is present in the scalable video coding structure that supports the plurality of layers, when the prediction is performed by using the correlation, a duplicative element of data may be removed and encoding performance of the image may be improved.\",\n \"Accordingly, when a picture (image) of the current layer (higher layer) which is encoded/decoded is predicted, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction using information of the current layer and the inter-layer prediction using information of a different layer may be performed.\",\n \"Since the plurality of layers may be different from each other in terms of at least one of a resolution, a frame rate, a color format, and a view (that is, an inter-layer scalability difference), signal distortion may occur in the inter-layer prediction for the current layer and the residual signal may be increased.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present invention provides a method that may perform the inter-prediction for the current layer by mapping the motion information of the reference layer (lower layer) which the current layer (higher layer) refers to in an image size of the current layer and thereafter, adding the mapped motion information to the reference picture list of the current layer.\",\n \"Further, the present invention relates to encoding and decoding of an image including a plurality of layers or views, and the plurality of layers or views may be expressed as first, second, third, and n-th layers or first, second, third, and n-th views.\",\n \"Hereinafter, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image in which the first layer and the second layer are present is described as an example, but the embodiment may be applied even to an image in which more layers or views than the first layer and the second layer in the same method as above.\",\n \"Further, the first layer may be expressed as the lower layer, the base layer, or the reference layer and the second layer may be expressed as the higher layer, the enhancement layer, or the current layer.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"The method of FIG.\",\n \"4 may be performed by the image encoding apparatus of FIG.\",\n \"1 or the image decoding apparatus of FIG.\",\n \"2.Referring to FIG.\",\n \"4, the encoding/decoding apparatus decodes information of a first layer which an image (picture) of a second layer refers to (S400).\",\n \"As described above, the second layer means a layer that performs encoding/decoding at present and may be a higher layer that provides higher scalability than the first layer.\",\n \"The first layer may be a layer referred to for encoding/decoding the second layer, and may be designated as the reference layer or the lower layer.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may decode and use the first layer by the reference signal for predicting an encoding/decoding target block in the image of the second layer.\",\n \"Information (decoding target information of the first layer) of the first layer to be decoded may include a sample value and motion information of a first layer image (picture).\",\n \"Herein, the motion information may include regarding a motion vector value, a reference picture index, a prediction direction indicator, a reference picture POC (picture order count), a prediction mode, a reference picture list, a merge flag, a merge index, a picture type (a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture, and the like.\",\n \"Decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored by a unit block having a size of N×N.\",\n \"For example, the decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored every 16×16 blocks.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus maps the decoded information of the first layer to an image size of the second layer (S410).\",\n \"Herein, mapping may represent sampling a sample of an image in order to adjust an image size or a resolution when images are different from each other in size or resolution, and may include sampling of a sample value of the image and motion information of the image.\",\n \"In other words, the encoding/decoding apparatus may sample the decoded first layer image and refer to a sample information and motion information of the sampled first layer image, in order to map the decoded first layer image to a size of the second layer image.\",\n \"Since sizes of images of layers may be different in the scalable video coding structure, when sizes of the images between the layers (between the first layer and the second layer) are different, the encoding/decoding apparatus may resample samples values of the decoded first layer image in order to map the size of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer.\",\n \"For example, when the size of the decoded first layer image is 960×540 and the size of the image of the second layer is 1920×1080, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform upsampling of mapping the size of the decoded first layer image to the size of 1920×1080 which is the image size of the second layer.\",\n \"The upsampling may be performed in order to adjust image sizes of layers having different image sizes, and interpolation is applied to an image of a layer (the reference layer or the lower layer) having a small image size, and as a result, interpolated samples are calculated to adjust the image size.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may map the decoded motion information of the first layer to the image size of the second layer to use the mapped motion information of the first layer.\",\n \"Inter-layer motion information mapping of mapping the motion information of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer may divide the second layer image into unit blocks having N×N and use the motion information of the first layer corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer as motion information of a corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"Hereinafter, an inter-layer motion information mapping method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described through an embodiment of FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6.FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates an image of a second layer divided into unit blocks having a size of N×N.\",\n \"For example, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5, when the image size of the second layer is 1920×1080 and N=16, the encoding/decoding apparatus may divide the image of the second layer into total 8160 (16×16) unit blocks and use motion information of a first layer block corresponding to each unit block of the second layer as motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, the motion information may be stored for each unit block.\",\n \"Alternatively, the motion information is stored in the form of a look-up table for each picture to be used by referring to each unit block.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates N×N blocks of the second layer and as one example, illustrates a 16×16 block 600 in case of N=16.Respective quadrangles in the 16×16 block 600 mean one sample and it is assumed that uppermost and leftmost sample position in the 16×16 block 600 is (xP, yP).\",\n \"As described above, when the inter-layer motion information is mapped, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer is mapped to the motion information of the second layer to be used.\",\n \"In this case, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N blocks of the second layer may be motion information of a first layer sample position corresponding to a reference sample position of the N×N blocks of the second layer.\",\n \"For example, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"6, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+8, yP+8) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+8, yP+8) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position the position (xP, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+1, yP+1) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+1, yP+1) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter-layer motion information mapping by using a difference reference sample position as well as the aforementioned reference sample position and the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding thereto.\",\n \"The sample position of the first layer corresponding to a reference sample position of the second layer may be calculated as illustrated in Equation 1 below by considering the size of an inter-layer image.\",\n \"xRef=(xP*picWRL+ScaledW/2)/ScaledW yRef=(yP*picHRL+ScaledH/2)/ScaledH [Equation 1] Where xRef and yRef represent the sample position of the first layer, xP and Yp represent the reference sample position of the second layer, ScaledW and ScaledH represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture, and picWRL and picHRL represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture.\",\n \"For example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 16×16, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 16×16-unit motion information through Equation 2 below.\",\n \"xRL=(xRef>>4)<<4 yRL=(yRef>>4)<<4 [Equation 2] As another example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 8×8, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 8×8-unit motion information through Equation 3 below.\",\n \"xRL=(xRef>>3)<<3 yRL=(yRef>>3)<<3 [Equation 3] When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as a motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a value of −1 to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"Alternatively, when the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as the motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a specific value (for example, allocate 0 to the reference picture index and a POC of a picture indicated by the reference picture index to the reference picture POC) to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the inter prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as the motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer, the motion vector value of the first layer sample position, the reference picture index, and the reference picture POC.\",\n \"In case of using the motion vector of the first layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use the motion vector of the first layer by reflecting the size of the inter-layer image as illustrated in Equation 4 below.\",\n \"mvLX[xP][yP][0]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][0]*ScaledW+offset)/PicWRL mvLX[xP][yP][1]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][1]*ScaledH+offset)/PicHRL [Equation 4] The encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as information of the corresponding block of the second layer, picture type information (picture type information regarding whether the reference picture being a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture which the corresponding block of the first layer corresponding to the block of the second layer refers to.\",\n \"The aforementioned inter-layer motion information mapping may be determined in a higher level and the encoding apparatus may transmit information related with the inter-layer motion information mapping in the higher level.\",\n \"The decoding apparatus may acquire the inter-layer motion information mapping related information from the higher level.\",\n \"The higher level may be a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), a slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"Hereinafter, a method for signaling the motion information mapping related information in the higher level according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.\",\n \"According to the embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in the VPS may be signaled as represented in Table 1.TABLE 1 Descriptor vps_extension( ) { for ( i = 1; i <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 1, when inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of an i-th layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the i-th layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to another embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in extension of the SPS may be signaled as represented in Table 2.TABLE 2 Descriptor sps_extension( ) { sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 2, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to transmit information (for example, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag) that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined according to information (for example, sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) that indicates whether to use a temporal motion vector prediction transmitted in the SPS as represented in Table 3.TABLE 3 Descriptor sps_extension( ) { if ( sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 3, when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.\",\n \"When sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, a reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as a temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined by the value of sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag without transmitting sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag as represented in Table 3.For example, it is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.\",\n \"It is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 0 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the PPS may be signaled as represented in Table 4.TABLE 4 Descriptor pps_extension( ) { pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 4, when pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 5.TABLE 5 Descriptor if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 5, when slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in the extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 6.TABLE 6 Descriptor if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 6, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.\",\n \"slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted only in a layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer and in case of the enhancement layer, when there is no layer used for a motion prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may not be transmitted.\",\n \"When the corresponding flag is not present, a value of the corresponding flag value may be inferred as 0.When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted in the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be present above slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag in the slice segment header of the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer as represented in Table 7.TABLE 7 Descriptor slice_segment_header( ){ if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 7, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.\",\n \"When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.\",\n \"When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information of the first layer may be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, after the motion information of the first layer is mapped to the size of the second layer, the reconstructed image of the first layer may be used as a collocated picture (ColPic) for the TMVP of the second layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 8.For example, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer.\",\n \"Further, in case of a B slice, a reference picture list direction where the picture of the reference layer is positioned which may be used as the collocated picture may be determined through collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag.\",\n \"TABLE 8 slice_segment_header( ) { if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) if ( slice_type == B) collocated_ref_layer_from_l0_flag } else { if( slice_type = = B ) collocated_from_l0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l0_active_minus1 > 0 ) | | ( !collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 8, collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.\",\n \"When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.\",\n \"In this case, a restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is transmitted in the B slice.\",\n \"When a value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 1, a picture that is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).\",\n \"When the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 0, a picture that is present in LIST1 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).\",\n \"Thereafter, during acquiring a motion vector of a collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag may be used as the same meaning instead of collocated_from_I0_flag.\",\n \"In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"Alternatively, during acquiring the motion vector of the collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), when the collocated block has motion information in directions of LIST0 and LIST1, motion information in the same direction as a direction indicated by a current encoding/decoding target picture may be brought.\",\n \"When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer and the information on the reference picture list direction may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 9.For example, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, the reference picture list direction of the collocated picture may be determined from the value of collocated_from_I0_flag, and a referred layer may be known from the value of collocated_ref_layer_idx.\",\n \"TABLE 9 slice_segment_header( ) { if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { if ( slice_type == B) collocated_from_l0_flag slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else { if( ( collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l0_active_minus1 > 0 ) | | ( !collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 9, collocated_from_I0_flag indicates the reference picture list direction to which the collocated picture belongs when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and in case of the B slice.\",\n \"When collocated_from_I0_flag is not present, collocated_from_I0_flag may be inferred as 1.In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.\",\n \"When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.\",\n \"In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"The list direction for the collocated picture may be determined from collocated_from_I0_flag transmitted in the higher layer.\",\n \"When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and the motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer, as represented in Table 10.In this case, according to a slice type, in case of a P slice, the picture of the reference layer which is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture and in case of the B slice, one direction of LIST0 and LIST1 is regulated and the picture of the corresponding reference layer is set as the collocated picture to be similarly used by the encoding/decoding apparatus.\",\n \"When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.\",\n \"TABLE 10 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else { if( slice_type = = B ) collocated_from_l0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l0_active_minus1 > 0 ) | | ( !collocated_from_l0_flag && num_ref_idx_l1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the picture is divided into N independent slices, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flags in respective slice segment headers need to have the same value and one motion information mapping process per picture may be performed according to the value of slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag in a first independence slice segment header.\",\n \"In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, ‘sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag’ transmitted in the higher level is used as information that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping, but the information is extended to be used as information that indicates whether to perform an inter-layer syntax prediction.\",\n \"For example, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the inter-layer syntax (motion information) prediction may be performed as well as the motion information mapping.\",\n \"In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, a separate syntax that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping is used, but the motion information mapping may be performed according to a syntax information value regarding execution of the inter-layer prediction without transmitting the separate syntax.\",\n \"In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction signaled in the higher layer.\",\n \"The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be signaled in the higher level.\",\n \"The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be transmitted in the VPS as represented in Table 11.TABLE 11 Descriptor vps_extension( ) { for ( i = 1 ; i <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) no_inter_layer_pred_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 11, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction is transmitted in the VPS, when no_inter_layerpred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed and when no_inter_layerpred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed.\",\n \"In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction signaled in the higher layer.\",\n \"The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be signaled in the higher level.\",\n \"The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the PPS as represented in Table 12.TABLE 12 Descriptor if ( pps extension_flag ) no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 12, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the PPS, when no_inter_layer_syntaxpred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.\",\n \"According to another embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the syntax segment heard as represented in Table 13.TABLE 13 Descriptor if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 13, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the slice segment header, when no_inter_layer_syntaxpred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.\",\n \"Referring back to FIG.\",\n \"4, the encoding/decoding apparatus adds the information of the first layer to the reference picture list of the second layer to encode/decode the image of the second layer (S420).\",\n \"That is, the encoding/decoding apparatus may add decoded sample values and motion information of the first layer mapped to the second layer image size to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer through steps S400 to S410 described above, and configure the reference picture list of the second layer image by using the added information of the first layer.\",\n \"In addition, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter prediction of generating the prediction signal for the image of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"When the reference picture list of the second layer is configured, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a specific position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, the specific position may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or the specific position may be designated by a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.\",\n \"Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to reference picture lists L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, positions added to the reference picture lists L0 and L1 may be the same as each other or different from each other.\",\n \"For example, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a first position in the reference picture list L0 and the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position in the reference picture list L1.Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to any one of the reference picture list directions L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"For example, when the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer is encoded/decoded to the B slice, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to only the reference picture list L0 or the reference picture list L1.In this case, when the decoded image of the first layer is added to a specific-direction reference picture list, there may be known a position in the specific-direction reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is to be added in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or a specific position may be designated according to a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.\",\n \"Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to different positions of the reference picture list depending on a depth by using hierarchical depth information of a prediction structure.\",\n \"In this case, information on the positions may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).\",\n \"For example, the position in the reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is added may vary based on a value of a temporal level (temporal_Id) depending on the hierarchical depth.\",\n \"As one example, in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is equal to or more than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the last position and in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is less than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the first position of the reference picture list.\",\n \"In this case, a reference temporal level value may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).\",\n \"The decoded image of the first layer may include the decoded motion information of the first layer mapped to the image size of the second layer as well as the decoded sample values of the first layer.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may add the decoded image of the first layer to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer by the aforementioned method and thereafter, predict the current encoding target image of the second layer by a general inter-prediction method.\",\n \"When the prediction is performed by using the decoded image of the first layer as a reference signal of the current encoding target image of the second layer (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the encoding apparatus may use as a prediction signal a first layer sample value at the same position as a prediction block in the current encoding target image without a motion predicting process.\",\n \"In this case, the encoding apparatus may not transmit motion information (for example, a motion vector difference value, a motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) of a corresponding block.\",\n \"The decoding apparatus may use as the prediction signal the first layer sample value at the same position as the prediction block in the current decoding target image without decoding the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the prediction block in the current decoding target image of the second layer when the an image indicated by the reference picture index of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list.\",\n \"When an image indicated by the reference picture index of the current decoding target block of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the decoding apparatus may predict the current decoding target block of the second layer by judging whether to decode the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the current decoding target block of the second layer based on information transmitted in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).\",\n \"Table 14 represents one example of a syntax in which information (sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag) that indicates whether an inter-layer motion vector has a value of (0, 0) is transmitted in the SPS.\",\n \"TABLE 14 Descriptor sps_extension( ) { sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 14, when sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 1 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which has the same position as the current target block without decoding the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag.\",\n \"When sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 0 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may decode the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag and thereafter, acquire a motion vector value, and use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which is at a position of the acquired motion vector value.\",\n \"Meanwhile, the encoding apparatus may use the decoded image of the first layer as a collocated picture for predicting the temporal motion vector of the second layer in order to use the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, the encoding apparatus may designate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated image through information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header.\",\n \"When the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header transmitted in the encoder indicates the decoded image of the first layer, the decoding apparatus may use the mapped motion information of the first layer as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer.\",\n \"When the mapped motion information of the first layer is used as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use at least one of the mapped motion information of the first layer, that is, at least one of the reference picture POC, the reference picture list, and the picture type (the short-term picture and the long-term reference picture) of the reference picture and scale and use a motion vector of the second layer according to a temporal distance by using one or more pieces of mapped motion information of the first layer.\",\n \"When the prediction is performed by adding only the decoded reference sample values of the first layer image to the reference picture list without permitting the motion information mapping of the first layer, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in a standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture.\",\n \"As another example of using the mapped motion information of the first layer as the motion information of the second layer, the mapped motion information of the first layer may be used not as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer but as an additional candidate mode.\",\n \"In this case, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in the standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture, so that the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer is calculated from the reference picture of the second layer.\",\n \"Further, in order to use the motion information of the first layer mapped to the additional candidate mode, the encoding apparatus may additionally transmit an index (for example, base_ref_idx) that may indicate a position of the mapped image of the first layer in the reference picture list in the slice segment header, and the like in the slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"A position of the additional candidate mode in the reference picture list may be applied similarly to the encoding apparatus and the decoding apparatus.\",\n \"The method according to the present invention is prepared as a program for being executed in a computer to be stored in a computer-readable medium, and examples of the computer readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storing device and the computer readable recording medium may also be implemented in a form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission through the Internet).\",\n \"Further, the computer-readable recording media are distributed on computer systems connected through the network, and thus the computer-readable recording media may be stored and executed as the computer-readable code by a distribution scheme.\",\n \"Further, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the method may be easily inferred by a programmer in a technical field to which the present invention belongs.\",\n \"In the aforementioned embodiments, methods have been described based on flowcharts as a series of steps or blocks, but the methods are not limited to the order of the steps of the present invention and any step may occur in a step or an order different from or simultaneously as the aforementioned step or order.\",\n \"Further, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that steps shown in the flowcharts are not exclusive and other steps may be included or one or more steps do not influence the scope of the present invention and may be deleted.\",\n \"While some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may change, modify, and substitute the present invention in various ways without departing from the essential characteristic of the present invention.\",\n \"Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit but describe with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.\",\n \"The scope of the present invention may be interpreted by the appended claims and the technical spirit in the equivalent range are intended to be embraced by the invention.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875148"}}},{"rowIdx":4494792,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["PROPOSING A COPY AREA IN A DOCUMENT","Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.","A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.","The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.","The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.","A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents."],["1.A computer system for proposing a copy area in a document, the computer system comprising: a memory; and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the computer system is configured to perform a method, the method comprising: obtaining information on a pointer position on a first content on a document displayed on a screen, the first content selected from the group consisting of a character string, a cell, a photo image, and a moving image; retrieving, from a history information stored in a server, a plurality of second contents, each of the second contents comprising the first content, wherein the history information comprises sets of contents, a score associated with each of the contents in the document calculated from the number of times copied and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done, and the number of times copied for each of the contents in the document, each of the sets comprising a content in the document, which content was copied by at least one users, and position information of this content, the sets ranked in a predetermined order according to the number of times copied and the score, wherein the document is an unstructured document and wherein the retrieval of the plurality of second contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of second contents; proposing, as a copy area, one or more second contents among the retrieved second contents, the proposal made by displaying the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to user operation; and wherein when a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly and when the proposed copy area is selected by a user, the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information is incremented and the score is updated."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.","Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.","may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.","This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.","using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.","By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.","indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.","Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.","A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.","The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.","The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.","A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided."],["BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.","Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.","may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.","This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.","using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.","By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.","indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated.","SUMMARY According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.","Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.","A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.","The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.","The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.","A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification.","They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.","The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.","FIG.","1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.","FIGS.","2A through 2C illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display.","FIGS.","3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.","FIGS.","4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.","FIGS.","5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information, information relating to the copied contents.","FIGS.","6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.","FIG.","7A illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device.","FIG.","7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.","FIG.","7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.","FIG.","7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or a server after a modification of a copy source document was made.","FIG.","7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.","FIG.","8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","3A and 3B.","FIG.","9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which are used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","4A and 4B.","While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail.","It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described.","On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.","Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.","The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.","When a user attempts to copy a text string in a document, such as a document on a website or in a local document, it may be cumbersome to specify an appropriate area of a text displayed on a screen of a device.","When a user uses a device having a small screen, such as a smartphone, mobile phone or tablet, there may be some difficulty in specifying, using a finger or pointing device, a copy area, for example one character for starting or ending point where the user wants to copy.","With reference now to FIG.","1, FIG.","1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.","A computer 101 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a desktop, laptop, notebook or server computer.","The server computer may be, for example, but is not limited to, a workstation, a rack-mount type server, a blade type server, or a mainframe server and may run, for example, a hypervisor for creating and running one or more virtual machines.","The computer 101 may comprise one or more CPUs 102 and a main memory 103 connected to a bus 104.A display 106 such as a liquid crystal display LCD may be connected to the bus 104 via a display controller 105.The display 106 may be used to display, for management of the computer(s), information on a computer connected to a network via a communication line and information on software running on the computer using an appropriate graphics interface.","The display may have a touch screen or a non-touch screen.","The display may be for example, but not limited to, a LCD, PDP, OEL or a projection type display.","A disk 108 such as a hard disk or a solid state drive, SSD, and a drive 109 such as a CD, a DVD, or a BD Blu-ray disk drive may be connected to the bus 104 via an SATA or IDE controller 107.Moreover, a keyboard 111 and a mouse 112 may be connected to the bus 104 via a keyboard-mouse controller 110 or USB bus not shown.","An operating system, programs, and any data may be stored in the disk 108 to be loadable to the main memory.","The drive 109 may be used to install a program, such as the computer program of an embodiment of the present disclosure, readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD to the disk 108 or to load any data readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD into the main memory 103 or the disk 108, if necessary.","A communication interface 114 may be based on, for example, but is not limited to, the Ethernet protocol.","The communication interface 114 may be connected to the bus 104 via a communication controller 113, physically connects the computer 101 to a communication line 115, and may provide a network interface layer to the TCP/IP communication protocol of a communication function of the operating system of the computer 101.In this case, the communication line 115 may be a wired LAN environment or a wireless LAN environment based on wireless LAN connectivity standards.","Hereinafter, a user device and optionally a server may be used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.","The user device may be a computer, such as described in FIG.","1, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a book reader, a virtual machine, etc.","The server may be a computer, such as described in FIG.","1 and connected to one or more user devices via an internet or intranet connection.","FIGS.","2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display With reference to FIG.","2A, FIG.","2A illustrates an embodiment of a screen of a user device.","The user device displays a part of a document on the screen 201 of the user device.","The document has one or more contents which can be copyable.","The document may be, for example, a local or server document in any format.","The document may be, for example, but not limited to, a structured document in which tags are used, such as a web page document, an unstructured document, or a word, spreadsheet, presentation or PDF document.","The tags may be, for example, HTML or XML.","A content may be, for example, but not limited to one or more character strings, one or more cells in a spreadsheet, one or more photo image, one or more moving image, a combination of these, etc.","If the user wants to copy content, such as a character string, in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 282 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.","The touch may comprise, for example, tap operation.","The cursor pointer position may be, for example, a mouse pointer position.","The pointer position may be, for example, a touch position by a finger or touch pen, or a laser pointer position.","If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device may obtain a plurality of contents comprising such character string.","The plurality of contents may be retrieved from a history information which may include sets of contents in the document and their position information.","Each of the sets may include content in the document and position information of this content.","The content may have been previously copied by one or more users.","The sets may be ranked in a predetermined order.","History information may be in a form of, for example, but not limited to, a database, a text file, such as a CSV format, or a structured text, such as XML based text.","The user device obtains, as a copy area, one or more contents among the plurality of contents comprising the character string.","The obtained one or more contents may be ranked in a predetermined order.","The predetermined order may be determined in descending order according to a score or rank which is associated with each of the one or more contents.","In response to a detection of the predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.","If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” 212, is highlighted on the screen 202 as the area copied most frequently by users.","The user device may display the window 222 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by users”.","Further, the window 222 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","The menu can be used for switching a proposal of the areas copied by users to a proposal of the areas copied by the user themself.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 212, the user may make a predetermined operation, e.g.","one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","Meanwhile, if the user wants to show another proposal of a copy area, the user may make a further predetermined operation, such as further another left click by a mouse cursor 283 or further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the further predetermined operation, the content, “This version” 213, is highlighted on the screen 203 as the area copied second most frequently by users.","The user device may display the window 223 showing a message “This is the area copied most second frequently by users”.","Further, the window 223 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 213, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","Meanwhile, if the user wants to show still another proposal of a copy area, the user may make still further predetermined operation, such as still further another left click by a mouse cursor 284 or still further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the still further predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for,” 214, is highlighted on the screen 204 as the area copied third most frequently by users.","The user device may display the window 224 showing a message “This is the area copied most third frequently by users”.","Further, the window 224 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 214, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","In the embodiment mentioned above, one touch or click is used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.","In another embodiment, two or more touches or clicks may be used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.","Such examples may be as follows: if the user does two touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 203 in which the area copied most second frequently by users is highlighted.","If the user does three touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 204 in which the area copied most third frequently by users is highlighted.","The number of times of touches or clicks may be arbitrarily set as appropriate.","If the number of touches or clicks exceeds a predetermined number, the user device may display a list for proposals of copy areas, for example, in a separate window, or the user device may allow a user to select a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","As stated above, when a focus by a user associated a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content.","Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users.","With reference now to FIG.","2B, FIG.","2B illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area which is commonly copied by other users or is copied by a user associated with the user device.","The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 231 of the user device.","The screen 232 and the window 252 are the same as the screen 202 and the window 222 described in FIG.","2A, respectively.","The screen 232 and the window 252 are displayed according to the same way described above.","If the user wants to show a proposal of a copy area which was copied by the user itself, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by you”, in the window 252.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow,” 243, is highlighted on the screen 233 as the area copied most frequency by the user itself.","The user device may display the window 253 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by you”.","Further, the window 253 may show a menu “View area copied by users”.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 243, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","Meanwhile, if the user wants to return to the screen 232, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by users”, in the window 253.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the user device displays the screen 234 which is the same as the screen 232.If the user wants to copy the proposed area 244, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","In the embodiment mentioned above, a proposal of copy area which is commonly copied by other users is first displayed on the screen.","In another embodiment, a proposal of copy area which is copied by a user associated with a user device is first displayed on the screen.","The user may select which a proposal of copy area is first displayed on the screen.","As stated above, when a focus by a user associated with a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content in history information.","Further, the user can switch a proposal of the areas from the areas copied by a plurality of users to the areas copied by the user themself or another user, and vice versa.","Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users or the user itself.","This selection may be useful when a document may be, for example, but not limited to, a collaborating document, such as a manual or materials on conference, or a web page.","With reference now to FIG.","2C, FIG.","2C illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area in a document in which a modification was made compared to an original of a copy source document.","The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 261 of the user device.","If the user wants to copy a character string in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 271 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.","If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device obtains a plurality of contents comprising such character string.","The plurality of contents is retrieved from a history information which comprises sets of contents in the document and their position information.","Let us suppose that a sentence in an original of a copy source document, which sentence corresponding to the copied area recorded in the history information, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” was modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” prior to displaying of a copy source document which was modified from an original of a copy source document (hereinafter also referred to as “modified copy source document”) on the screen.","In such a case, the copied area recorded in the history information is updated from “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” Therefore, the proposal of copying area corresponding to the updated copied area 272 in the history information is presented in replace of the copied area before updated in the history information.","Accordingly, the sentence after modification, “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” is highlighted on the screen 262 as a proposal of the copy area 272.The user device may display the window 273 showing a message “Notes: The original copy source document was modified.","The proposal of copying area 272 is presented by taking into account a character string before modification.","This area corresponds to the area copied most frequently by users.” Further, the window 273 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","As stated above, if a content in the document is modified, a corresponding content in the history information is also similarly modified.","Further, if a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly.","Therefore, the user device can propose to a user a copy area which is included in a modified copy source document, using the updated history information.","Accordingly, a document which will be frequently modified, such as a web page or a collaborating document, is a subject of an embodiment of the present disclosure.","With reference now to FIGS.","3A and 3B, FIGS.","3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.","In step 301, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.","In step 302, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.","The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.","The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.","In decision 327, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.","In step 303, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.","Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.","The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.","The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.","In decision block 304, the user device may judge whether the document is a server document or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 315 FIG.","3B.","Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 305.In step 305, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.","The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.","In step 306, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 307.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 311.In step 307, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.","For example, if the document is a structured document in which tags are used, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of tags in the document and the calculated order is used for identifying plurality of contents.","For example, if the document is an unstructured document, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of contents.","For example, if the document is a spreadsheet, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating cell location in the document and the calculated cell location is used for identifying plurality of contents.","In step 308, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.","The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.","The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.","The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.","The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.","The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.","In decision 309, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 310.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 312.In step 310, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.","In step 311, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 312, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 313.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 313, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","“Date of copying” may denote a date when a user selected a content in a copy source document and then made a copy operation for the content, or may otherwise provide some measure of the time a copy at which was made.","“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.","“Copied content” may denote the content to which the copy operation was made.","“The number of copies made” may denote a count that the copy operation was made for each of the same contents in the same position in the copy source document.","“The number of copies made” may be for one user who is or is not a user associated with a user device, or a plural users including or not including a user associated with a user device.","“The number of copies made” may be calculated for one day or two or more days, or any other measurable time period.","“Position of copied content” may denote a position of the copied document in the copy source document.","“Score” may denote a value associated with each of the contents in the document The score may be calculated from the number of copies made and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.","“A content comprising the copied content” may denote a unit of document structure, such as a unit defined by p-tags, which comprises the copied content.","“A content comprising the copied content” can be used for verifying a modification of an original source document.","In step 314, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","Referring now to FIG.","3B, in step 315, the user device accesses a history information for a server.","The history information for a server may be stored in a server storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a NAS.","In decision 316, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which may have been obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 317.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 321.In step 317, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.","In step 318, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.","The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.","The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.","The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.","The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.","The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.","In decision 319, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 320.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to decision 322.In step 320, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.","In step 321, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 322, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 323.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 323, the user device updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In step 324, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a server.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In step 326, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","With reference now to FIGS.","4A and 4B, FIGS.","4A and 4B illustrate an example embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.","In step 401, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.","In step 402, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.","The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.","The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.","In decision 427, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.","In step 403, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.","Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.","The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.","The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.","In step 404, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device sends to a server a notification for requesting a retrieval of a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position and then proceed to step 415 (FIG.","4B).","The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.","The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.","Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 405.In step 405, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.","The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.","In decision 406, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 403.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 407.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 411.In step 407, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.","In step 408, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.","The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.","The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.","The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.","The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the numbertimes that a user touches the screen with another finger.","The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.","In decision 409, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 410.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 412.In step 410, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.","In step 411, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 412, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 413.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 426.In step 413, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In step 414, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","Referring now to FIG.","4B, in step 415, the server accesses a history information for a server.","The history information for a server may be stored in a storage in the server or storage which can be accessible by the server, such as a NAS.","In decision 416, the server judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which was sent from the user device.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 417.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 421.In step 417, the server retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.","In step 418, the server chooses one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents and then sends them to the user device.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content may be sent.","The proposal in the user device may be made by displaying the one or more retrieved contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user or administrator of the server.","In decision 419, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the proposed copy area is selected.","In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 422.In step 421, the server may send to the user device a message to the effect that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 422, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.","The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.","In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 425.In step 423, the server updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In step 424, the server may analyze the information in the history information for a server.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In decision 425, the server may judges whether the history information for a user device is used or not.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 405.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to a final step 426.In step 426, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","FIGS.","5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information for a user device or for a server, information relating to the copied contents.","With reference now to FIG.","5A, FIG.","5A illustrates an overall flowchart of the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.","In step 501, the user device starts the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.","In one embodiment, the process can be implemented in step 314 (FIG.","3A), 324 (FIG.","3B), 414 (FIG.","4A), or 424 (FIG.","4B).","In another embodiment, the process can be started in a response to a detection of the selection and copy of a content in a document, which detection is described in step 502 below.","In step 502, the user device detects a selection and copy of a content in a document.","In decision 503, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may send to a server a notification for requesting analyzing information in the history information for a server and then the process goes to step 505.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 504.In step 504, the user device analyzes the information in the history information for a user device.","The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","5B discussed below.","In step 505, the server analyzes the information in the history information for a server.","The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","5B discussed below.","In step 506, the server terminates the process mentioned above.","With reference now to FIG.","5B, FIG.","5B illustrates a flowchart of the detail subprocess of step 504, history information stored in the user device, and 505, history information stored in the server.","In the following, a case of step 504, history information stored in the user device, mentioned above is first explained.","In step 511, the user device starts the process for analyzing the information in the history information for a user device.","In step 512, the user device accesses the history information for a user device.","In step 513, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the information on the content which was copied by the user.","The information may comprise, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In decision 514, the user device judges whether the history information for a user device already has the same following information or not: information on a copy source document, a copied content, and position of the copied content.","All of which are recorded, in step 513, in the history information for a user device.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 515.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 520.In step 515, the user device calculates the total copy number for the content which was copied by the user and then records the calculated total number into the history information for a user device to update the total number of copying for the content which was copied by the user.","In step 516, the user device calculates a score associated with each of the contents in the document, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.","The weight may be decided by using a date.","In a case where date of copying is new, for example, in a year, high weight is used.","Meanwhile, in a case where date of copying is old, for example, before a year, low weight is used.","For example, in a case where date of copying is in a year, the weight is one, in a case where date of copying is before a year and in two year, the weight is 0.95, in a case where date of copying is before two year and in three year, the weight is 0.9, and so on.","An example of score will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIGS.","7A and 7B discussed below.","In step 517, the user device generates a group in the history information for a user device.","The group can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.","In each group, the copied contents having the same contents and the same position are summarized.","An example of a group will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In step 518, the user device obtains a total score by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.","Further, the user device may calculate a rank for each of the same copied content in the group, using the calculated total score and then assigns a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the group.","The ranking may be carried out according to the number of copying, the score or the combination of these.","An example of a rank will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In step 519, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the calculated score, the generated group and the calculated rank to update the history information for a user device.","In step 520, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information relating to the copied content to update the history information for a user device, since the history information for a user device does not yet record the same data for the copied content.","In step 521, the user device calculates a score associated with the copied content, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done and then record the calculated score into the history information for a user device.","In step 522, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","In a case of step 504 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the user device and a history information is the history information for a user device.","In a case of step 505 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the server and a history information is the history information for a server.","The above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device can be applied also to the case for the server.","Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device”, may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.","With reference now to FIGS.","6A and 6B, FIGS.","6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information for a user device or for a server in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.","One kind of the tags is a p-tag.","The p-tag can be represented as: <P></P> and is used for defining a paragraph.","In step 601, the user device starts the process for updating history information.","In step 602, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.","In step 603, the user device repeats steps 604 to 630 until unprocessed data exists in the history information for a user device.","In step 604, the user device obtains the following information from the history information for a user device: information on a copy source document, copied character string, position of copied character string, and a character string in p-tag in n-th tag, where n denotes a positive integer.","In step 605, the user device accesses an original of the copy source document.","In step 606, the user device obtains p-tags in the original of the copy source document and then assigns a number to the obtained p-tags.","The number may be a positive integer.","In step 607, the user device obtains a character string in the n-th tag.","In step 608, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the present time”).","Many known method can be used for calculating such similarity, for example, but not limited to, a cosine similarity.","In decision 609, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.","If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with the character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 630.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 610 (FIG.","6B).","In decision 610, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 611.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 618.In decision 611, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in the character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 612.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 614.In step 612, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of the character string in the p-tag.","In step 613, the user device replaces the position of copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.","In step 614, the user device retrieves, from the p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.","In decision 615, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 616.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 617.In step 616, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 614.In step 617, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.","Referring now to FIG.","6B, in decision 618, the user device judges whether there is another p-tag in the original of the copy source document.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 619.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 626.In step 619, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tags which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in another p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “another character string in the present time”).","In decision 620, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.","If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with another character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 621.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 622.In step 621, the user device updates the order of the number of tags in the history information for a user device.","In decision 622, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 623.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In decision 623, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in another character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 624.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 627.In step 624, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of another character string in the p-tag.","In step 625, the user device replaces the position of the copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.","In step 626, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.","In step 627, the user device retrieves, from another p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.","In decision 628, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 629.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In step 629, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 627.In step 630, the user device proceeds back to step 603 to repeat steps 604 to 630 with a new character string.","In step 631, the user device may update a score, a group and/or a rank if the history information for a user device was updated in steps 604 to 630.The update of a score, a group and/or a rank can be made as same way described in steps 516, 517 and 518 (FIG.","5B) mentioned above, respectively.","In step 632, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","In a case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the user device and a history information may be the history information for a user device is explained above.","The above explanations for the user device can be applied also to the case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the server and a history information may be the history information for a server.","Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device” may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.","With reference now to FIG.","7A, FIG.","7A illustrates an example embodiment of a history information for a user device.","The history information for a user device 701 may have any, all, or at least the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, etc.","The history information for a user device 701 may further have the following information: score, content comprising the copied content, etc.","The history information for a user device 701 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a user themself.","Each of the scores described in fifth column of the second, third, fifth and sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copied made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is one since the date of copying is in a year.","The score described in the fifth column of the fourth row in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copies made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is 0.95 since the date of copying is before a year.","In a case where the copy source document is a document written with HTML, the position of the copied content is defined with the order of the number of the tags and the starting and the end bytes in the tag.","Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {T2; 1st byte; 9th bytes} denotes that the position of the copied content is in the second tag in the copy source document and the copied content is located in 1st byte to 9th byte in the second tag.","In a case where the copy source document is a document written as a non-structured document, the position of the copied content is defined with the starting and the end bytes in the copy source document.","Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the fourth to sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {10th byte; 39th byte} denotes that the position of the copied content is located in 10th byte to 39th byte in the copy source document.","FIG.","7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.","The history information for a server 711 may have the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, score, content comprising the coped content, etc.","The history information for a server 711 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a plurality of users.","The plurality of users may or may not comprise a user associated with a user device who uses the history information for a server 711.FIG.","7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.","The history information for a server 721 may have the following information: information on a copy source document, group, a copied content, score, position of the copied content, rank, content comprising the copied content, etc.","“Group” can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.","One group may be made for each of the copy source document having the common source.","The history information for a server 721 shows the following three groups in the second column: http://www.sharecopy.com/shareddocs/thisversion*{10th byte; 214th byte}; “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{10th byte; 42nd byte}”; and “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{46th byte; 53rd byte}”.","“Total score” may be obtained, for example, by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.","“Rank” may be obtained, for example, by calculating the total score for each score of the same copied content in the group and then assigning a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the groups.","FIG.","7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or server after a modification of a copy source document.","The history information 731 shows an original history information before a modification of a copy source document was made.","In a case where the original of the copy source document is modified, the history information 731 is also modified according to the modification.","For example, if the copied content in the sixth column of the second and third rows, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.","If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” is modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.","If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” the history information 731 is updated by replacing the copied content with the modified sentence to generate the updated history information 741.Further, the position information on the modified content and the content relating to the modified content in the history information 731 is also updated accordingly, as seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows of the updated history information 741.For example, if the copied content, “Welcome to this doc!” which can be seen in the third column of the fourth row in the history information 731, is deleted from the original of the copy source document, the history information 731 is updated to show the effect that the copied content is deleted.","Accordingly, the updated history information 741 shows that “copied content” and “the number of copies made” are “{deleted}” in the third column of the fourth row.","After the updated history information 741 is generated, the updated history information 741 is used for proposing a copy area in a document in replace of the history information 731.In a case where the history information for a user device is associated with the history information for a server and the history information for a user device is updated, the history information for a server is also similarly modified according to the update done in the history information for a user device.","With reference now to FIG.","7E, FIG.","7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.","The availability information 751 may define a rule for determining where the copied character string is stored or uploaded and who can access the history information.","The availability information 751 has the following information: information on a copy source document, document where the copied content is pasted, place where information is available, security information, etc.","“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.","“Place where information is available” may denote a range where the history information for a server or user device is available.","“Security information” may denote whether the history information for a server can be shared with a server or user device.","For example, a user associated with a user device can determine that a copy history made by the user itself is or is not shared with a server.","The availability information 751 may be used to determine in which history information the copied character string is stored, that is, a history information for a user device or a history information for a server.","The determination can be made according to the “Place where information is available”.","In a case where a server document is downloaded to a user device and then a character string in the server document is copied, the copied character string is uploaded to the server from the user device.","Further, the availability information 751 may be used for determining a sharing range of the history information.","The determination can be made according to the “Security information”.","With reference now to FIG.","8, FIG.","8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of an example of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","3A and 3B.","The user device 801 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.","1.The user device 801 may comprise a reading section 811, an obtaining section 812, a retrieving section 813, a proposing section 814, a copying section 815, an incrementing section 816 and an analyzing section 817.The user device 801 may further comprise a detecting section 818 and a modifying section 819.The reading section 811 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 891 which can be accessible by the user device 801; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","The obtaining section 812 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.","The obtaining section 812 may perform a part of step 302, and step 303 described in FIG.","3A.","The retrieving section 813 may retrieve, from a history information 892, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.","Each of the second contents comprises the first content.","The retrieving section 813 may perform steps 304 to 307 described in FIG.","3A and 315 to 317 described in FIG.","3B.","The proposing section 814 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","The proposing section 814 may display the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The proposing section 814 may perform step 308 described in FIG.","3A and step 318 described in FIG.","3B.","The copying section 815 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.","The copying section 815 may perform steps 309 and 310 described in FIG.","3A and steps 319 and 320 described in FIG.","3B.","The incrementing section 816 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 892, if the proposed copy area is selected and then copied by a user.","The incrementing section 816 may perform step 313 described in FIG.","3A and step 323 described in FIG.","3B.","The analyzing section 817 may analyze the information in the history information 892.The analyzing section 817 may perform step 314 described in FIG.","3A and step 324 described in FIG.","3B and all steps described in FIG.","5B.","The detecting section 818 may detect that an original document is modified.","The modifying section 819 may modify the history information 892 if a content in the document is modified.","If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 819 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.","If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 819 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.","With reference now to FIG.","9, FIG.","9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which may be used in accordance with the example embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","4A and 4B.","The user device 901 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.","1.The user device 901 may comprise a reading section 911, an obtaining section 912, a receiving section 913, a displaying section 914, a copying section 915 and a sending section 916.The reading section 911 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 991 which can be accessible by the user device 901; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","The obtaining section 912 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.","The obtaining section 912 may send the information on a cursor or pointer position to the server 902.The obtaining section 912 may perform a part of step 402, and steps 403 to 404 described in FIG.","4A.","The receiving section 913 may receive, from the server 902, one or more second contents comprising the first content associated with the cursor or pointer position.","The received one or more contents may be in the predetermined order.","The displaying section 914 may display, as a copy area, the one or more contents comprising the content associated with the cursor or pointer position.","The copying section 915 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.","The sending section 916 may send information on the copied content to the server 902.The server 902 may comprise a retrieving section 923, a proposing section 924, a receiving section 925, an incrementing section 926 and an analyzing section 927.The server 902 may further comprise a detecting section 928 and a modifying section 929.The retrieving section 923 may retrieve, from a history information 992, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.","Each of the second contents comprises the first content.","The retrieving section 923 may perform steps 415 to 417 described in FIG.","4B.","The proposing section 924 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","The proposing section 924 may send one or more second contents to the user device 901.The receiving section 925 may receive the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 992, if the server 902 receives the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may perform step 423 described in FIG.","4B.","The analyzing section 927 may analyze the information in the history information 992.The analyzing section 927 may perform step 424 described in FIG.","4B and all steps described in FIG.","5B.","The detecting section 928 may detect that an original document is modified.","The modifying section 929 may modify the history information 992 if a content in the document is modified.","If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 929 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.","If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 929 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.","The present invention may be a method, a system, and/or a computer program product.","The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.","The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device.","The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.","A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.","A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.","Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.","The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.","A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.","Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.","The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.","In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).","In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.","Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.","It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.","These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.","These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.","The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.","The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.","In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).","In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures.","For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.","It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.","By the expression “a/one” should be understood as “at least one”.","By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising a/one” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least one”.","By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least”.","By the expression “/” should be understood as “and/or”.","The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.","Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.","The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"PROPOSING A COPY AREA IN A DOCUMENT\",\n \"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.\",\n \"The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.\",\n \"The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A computer system for proposing a copy area in a document, the computer system comprising: a memory; and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein the computer system is configured to perform a method, the method comprising: obtaining information on a pointer position on a first content on a document displayed on a screen, the first content selected from the group consisting of a character string, a cell, a photo image, and a moving image; retrieving, from a history information stored in a server, a plurality of second contents, each of the second contents comprising the first content, wherein the history information comprises sets of contents, a score associated with each of the contents in the document calculated from the number of times copied and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done, and the number of times copied for each of the contents in the document, each of the sets comprising a content in the document, which content was copied by at least one users, and position information of this content, the sets ranked in a predetermined order according to the number of times copied and the score, wherein the document is an unstructured document and wherein the retrieval of the plurality of second contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of second contents; proposing, as a copy area, one or more second contents among the retrieved second contents, the proposal made by displaying the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to user operation; and wherein when a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly and when the proposed copy area is selected by a user, the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information is incremented and the score is updated.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.\",\n \"may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.\",\n \"This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.\",\n \"using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.\",\n \"By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.\",\n \"indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.\",\n \"The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.\",\n \"The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\"\n ],\n [\n \"BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.\",\n \"may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.\",\n \"This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.\",\n \"using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.\",\n \"By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.\",\n \"indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated.\",\n \"SUMMARY According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.\",\n \"The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.\",\n \"The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification.\",\n \"They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.\",\n \"The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2C illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information, information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7A illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or a server after a modification of a copy source document was made.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which are used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B.\",\n \"While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail.\",\n \"It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described.\",\n \"On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.\",\n \"Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.\",\n \"The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.\",\n \"When a user attempts to copy a text string in a document, such as a document on a website or in a local document, it may be cumbersome to specify an appropriate area of a text displayed on a screen of a device.\",\n \"When a user uses a device having a small screen, such as a smartphone, mobile phone or tablet, there may be some difficulty in specifying, using a finger or pointing device, a copy area, for example one character for starting or ending point where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"1, FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"A computer 101 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a desktop, laptop, notebook or server computer.\",\n \"The server computer may be, for example, but is not limited to, a workstation, a rack-mount type server, a blade type server, or a mainframe server and may run, for example, a hypervisor for creating and running one or more virtual machines.\",\n \"The computer 101 may comprise one or more CPUs 102 and a main memory 103 connected to a bus 104.A display 106 such as a liquid crystal display LCD may be connected to the bus 104 via a display controller 105.The display 106 may be used to display, for management of the computer(s), information on a computer connected to a network via a communication line and information on software running on the computer using an appropriate graphics interface.\",\n \"The display may have a touch screen or a non-touch screen.\",\n \"The display may be for example, but not limited to, a LCD, PDP, OEL or a projection type display.\",\n \"A disk 108 such as a hard disk or a solid state drive, SSD, and a drive 109 such as a CD, a DVD, or a BD Blu-ray disk drive may be connected to the bus 104 via an SATA or IDE controller 107.Moreover, a keyboard 111 and a mouse 112 may be connected to the bus 104 via a keyboard-mouse controller 110 or USB bus not shown.\",\n \"An operating system, programs, and any data may be stored in the disk 108 to be loadable to the main memory.\",\n \"The drive 109 may be used to install a program, such as the computer program of an embodiment of the present disclosure, readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD to the disk 108 or to load any data readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD into the main memory 103 or the disk 108, if necessary.\",\n \"A communication interface 114 may be based on, for example, but is not limited to, the Ethernet protocol.\",\n \"The communication interface 114 may be connected to the bus 104 via a communication controller 113, physically connects the computer 101 to a communication line 115, and may provide a network interface layer to the TCP/IP communication protocol of a communication function of the operating system of the computer 101.In this case, the communication line 115 may be a wired LAN environment or a wireless LAN environment based on wireless LAN connectivity standards.\",\n \"Hereinafter, a user device and optionally a server may be used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"The user device may be a computer, such as described in FIG.\",\n \"1, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a book reader, a virtual machine, etc.\",\n \"The server may be a computer, such as described in FIG.\",\n \"1 and connected to one or more user devices via an internet or intranet connection.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display With reference to FIG.\",\n \"2A, FIG.\",\n \"2A illustrates an embodiment of a screen of a user device.\",\n \"The user device displays a part of a document on the screen 201 of the user device.\",\n \"The document has one or more contents which can be copyable.\",\n \"The document may be, for example, a local or server document in any format.\",\n \"The document may be, for example, but not limited to, a structured document in which tags are used, such as a web page document, an unstructured document, or a word, spreadsheet, presentation or PDF document.\",\n \"The tags may be, for example, HTML or XML.\",\n \"A content may be, for example, but not limited to one or more character strings, one or more cells in a spreadsheet, one or more photo image, one or more moving image, a combination of these, etc.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy content, such as a character string, in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 282 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"The touch may comprise, for example, tap operation.\",\n \"The cursor pointer position may be, for example, a mouse pointer position.\",\n \"The pointer position may be, for example, a touch position by a finger or touch pen, or a laser pointer position.\",\n \"If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device may obtain a plurality of contents comprising such character string.\",\n \"The plurality of contents may be retrieved from a history information which may include sets of contents in the document and their position information.\",\n \"Each of the sets may include content in the document and position information of this content.\",\n \"The content may have been previously copied by one or more users.\",\n \"The sets may be ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"History information may be in a form of, for example, but not limited to, a database, a text file, such as a CSV format, or a structured text, such as XML based text.\",\n \"The user device obtains, as a copy area, one or more contents among the plurality of contents comprising the character string.\",\n \"The obtained one or more contents may be ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"The predetermined order may be determined in descending order according to a score or rank which is associated with each of the one or more contents.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.\",\n \"If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” 212, is highlighted on the screen 202 as the area copied most frequently by users.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 222 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by users”.\",\n \"Further, the window 222 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"The menu can be used for switching a proposal of the areas copied by users to a proposal of the areas copied by the user themself.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 212, the user may make a predetermined operation, e.g.\",\n \"one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the user wants to show another proposal of a copy area, the user may make a further predetermined operation, such as further another left click by a mouse cursor 283 or further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the further predetermined operation, the content, “This version” 213, is highlighted on the screen 203 as the area copied second most frequently by users.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 223 showing a message “This is the area copied most second frequently by users”.\",\n \"Further, the window 223 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 213, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the user wants to show still another proposal of a copy area, the user may make still further predetermined operation, such as still further another left click by a mouse cursor 284 or still further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the still further predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for,” 214, is highlighted on the screen 204 as the area copied third most frequently by users.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 224 showing a message “This is the area copied most third frequently by users”.\",\n \"Further, the window 224 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 214, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"In the embodiment mentioned above, one touch or click is used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In another embodiment, two or more touches or clicks may be used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.\",\n \"Such examples may be as follows: if the user does two touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 203 in which the area copied most second frequently by users is highlighted.\",\n \"If the user does three touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 204 in which the area copied most third frequently by users is highlighted.\",\n \"The number of times of touches or clicks may be arbitrarily set as appropriate.\",\n \"If the number of touches or clicks exceeds a predetermined number, the user device may display a list for proposals of copy areas, for example, in a separate window, or the user device may allow a user to select a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"As stated above, when a focus by a user associated a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content.\",\n \"Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"2B, FIG.\",\n \"2B illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area which is commonly copied by other users or is copied by a user associated with the user device.\",\n \"The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 231 of the user device.\",\n \"The screen 232 and the window 252 are the same as the screen 202 and the window 222 described in FIG.\",\n \"2A, respectively.\",\n \"The screen 232 and the window 252 are displayed according to the same way described above.\",\n \"If the user wants to show a proposal of a copy area which was copied by the user itself, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by you”, in the window 252.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow,” 243, is highlighted on the screen 233 as the area copied most frequency by the user itself.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 253 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by you”.\",\n \"Further, the window 253 may show a menu “View area copied by users”.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 243, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the user wants to return to the screen 232, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by users”, in the window 253.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the user device displays the screen 234 which is the same as the screen 232.If the user wants to copy the proposed area 244, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"In the embodiment mentioned above, a proposal of copy area which is commonly copied by other users is first displayed on the screen.\",\n \"In another embodiment, a proposal of copy area which is copied by a user associated with a user device is first displayed on the screen.\",\n \"The user may select which a proposal of copy area is first displayed on the screen.\",\n \"As stated above, when a focus by a user associated with a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content in history information.\",\n \"Further, the user can switch a proposal of the areas from the areas copied by a plurality of users to the areas copied by the user themself or another user, and vice versa.\",\n \"Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users or the user itself.\",\n \"This selection may be useful when a document may be, for example, but not limited to, a collaborating document, such as a manual or materials on conference, or a web page.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"2C, FIG.\",\n \"2C illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area in a document in which a modification was made compared to an original of a copy source document.\",\n \"The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 261 of the user device.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy a character string in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 271 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device obtains a plurality of contents comprising such character string.\",\n \"The plurality of contents is retrieved from a history information which comprises sets of contents in the document and their position information.\",\n \"Let us suppose that a sentence in an original of a copy source document, which sentence corresponding to the copied area recorded in the history information, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” was modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” prior to displaying of a copy source document which was modified from an original of a copy source document (hereinafter also referred to as “modified copy source document”) on the screen.\",\n \"In such a case, the copied area recorded in the history information is updated from “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” Therefore, the proposal of copying area corresponding to the updated copied area 272 in the history information is presented in replace of the copied area before updated in the history information.\",\n \"Accordingly, the sentence after modification, “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” is highlighted on the screen 262 as a proposal of the copy area 272.The user device may display the window 273 showing a message “Notes: The original copy source document was modified.\",\n \"The proposal of copying area 272 is presented by taking into account a character string before modification.\",\n \"This area corresponds to the area copied most frequently by users.” Further, the window 273 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"As stated above, if a content in the document is modified, a corresponding content in the history information is also similarly modified.\",\n \"Further, if a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly.\",\n \"Therefore, the user device can propose to a user a copy area which is included in a modified copy source document, using the updated history information.\",\n \"Accordingly, a document which will be frequently modified, such as a web page or a collaborating document, is a subject of an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"With reference now to FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B, FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 301, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 302, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.\",\n \"The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.\",\n \"The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.\",\n \"In decision 327, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.\",\n \"In step 303, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.\",\n \"Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.\",\n \"The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.\",\n \"The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.\",\n \"In decision block 304, the user device may judge whether the document is a server document or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 315 FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 305.In step 305, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.\",\n \"The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.\",\n \"In step 306, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 307.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 311.In step 307, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"For example, if the document is a structured document in which tags are used, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of tags in the document and the calculated order is used for identifying plurality of contents.\",\n \"For example, if the document is an unstructured document, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of contents.\",\n \"For example, if the document is a spreadsheet, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating cell location in the document and the calculated cell location is used for identifying plurality of contents.\",\n \"In step 308, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.\",\n \"The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.\",\n \"The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.\",\n \"The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.\",\n \"The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.\",\n \"In decision 309, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 310.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 312.In step 310, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.\",\n \"In step 311, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 312, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 313.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 313, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"“Date of copying” may denote a date when a user selected a content in a copy source document and then made a copy operation for the content, or may otherwise provide some measure of the time a copy at which was made.\",\n \"“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.\",\n \"“Copied content” may denote the content to which the copy operation was made.\",\n \"“The number of copies made” may denote a count that the copy operation was made for each of the same contents in the same position in the copy source document.\",\n \"“The number of copies made” may be for one user who is or is not a user associated with a user device, or a plural users including or not including a user associated with a user device.\",\n \"“The number of copies made” may be calculated for one day or two or more days, or any other measurable time period.\",\n \"“Position of copied content” may denote a position of the copied document in the copy source document.\",\n \"“Score” may denote a value associated with each of the contents in the document The score may be calculated from the number of copies made and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.\",\n \"“A content comprising the copied content” may denote a unit of document structure, such as a unit defined by p-tags, which comprises the copied content.\",\n \"“A content comprising the copied content” can be used for verifying a modification of an original source document.\",\n \"In step 314, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"3B, in step 315, the user device accesses a history information for a server.\",\n \"The history information for a server may be stored in a server storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a NAS.\",\n \"In decision 316, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which may have been obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 317.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 321.In step 317, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In step 318, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.\",\n \"The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.\",\n \"The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.\",\n \"The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.\",\n \"The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.\",\n \"In decision 319, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 320.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to decision 322.In step 320, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.\",\n \"In step 321, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 322, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 323.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 323, the user device updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In step 324, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a server.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In step 326, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"With reference now to FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B, FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B illustrate an example embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 401, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 402, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.\",\n \"The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.\",\n \"The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.\",\n \"In decision 427, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.\",\n \"In step 403, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.\",\n \"Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.\",\n \"The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.\",\n \"The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.\",\n \"In step 404, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device sends to a server a notification for requesting a retrieval of a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position and then proceed to step 415 (FIG.\",\n \"4B).\",\n \"The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 405.In step 405, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.\",\n \"The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.\",\n \"In decision 406, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 403.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 407.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 411.In step 407, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In step 408, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.\",\n \"The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.\",\n \"The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.\",\n \"The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the numbertimes that a user touches the screen with another finger.\",\n \"The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.\",\n \"In decision 409, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 410.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 412.In step 410, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.\",\n \"In step 411, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 412, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 413.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 426.In step 413, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In step 414, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"4B, in step 415, the server accesses a history information for a server.\",\n \"The history information for a server may be stored in a storage in the server or storage which can be accessible by the server, such as a NAS.\",\n \"In decision 416, the server judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which was sent from the user device.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 417.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 421.In step 417, the server retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In step 418, the server chooses one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents and then sends them to the user device.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content may be sent.\",\n \"The proposal in the user device may be made by displaying the one or more retrieved contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user or administrator of the server.\",\n \"In decision 419, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the proposed copy area is selected.\",\n \"In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 422.In step 421, the server may send to the user device a message to the effect that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 422, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.\",\n \"In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 425.In step 423, the server updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In step 424, the server may analyze the information in the history information for a server.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In decision 425, the server may judges whether the history information for a user device is used or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 405.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to a final step 426.In step 426, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information for a user device or for a server, information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"5A, FIG.\",\n \"5A illustrates an overall flowchart of the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"In step 501, the user device starts the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the process can be implemented in step 314 (FIG.\",\n \"3A), 324 (FIG.\",\n \"3B), 414 (FIG.\",\n \"4A), or 424 (FIG.\",\n \"4B).\",\n \"In another embodiment, the process can be started in a response to a detection of the selection and copy of a content in a document, which detection is described in step 502 below.\",\n \"In step 502, the user device detects a selection and copy of a content in a document.\",\n \"In decision 503, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may send to a server a notification for requesting analyzing information in the history information for a server and then the process goes to step 505.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 504.In step 504, the user device analyzes the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"5B discussed below.\",\n \"In step 505, the server analyzes the information in the history information for a server.\",\n \"The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"5B discussed below.\",\n \"In step 506, the server terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"5B, FIG.\",\n \"5B illustrates a flowchart of the detail subprocess of step 504, history information stored in the user device, and 505, history information stored in the server.\",\n \"In the following, a case of step 504, history information stored in the user device, mentioned above is first explained.\",\n \"In step 511, the user device starts the process for analyzing the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 512, the user device accesses the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 513, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the information on the content which was copied by the user.\",\n \"The information may comprise, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In decision 514, the user device judges whether the history information for a user device already has the same following information or not: information on a copy source document, a copied content, and position of the copied content.\",\n \"All of which are recorded, in step 513, in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 515.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 520.In step 515, the user device calculates the total copy number for the content which was copied by the user and then records the calculated total number into the history information for a user device to update the total number of copying for the content which was copied by the user.\",\n \"In step 516, the user device calculates a score associated with each of the contents in the document, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.\",\n \"The weight may be decided by using a date.\",\n \"In a case where date of copying is new, for example, in a year, high weight is used.\",\n \"Meanwhile, in a case where date of copying is old, for example, before a year, low weight is used.\",\n \"For example, in a case where date of copying is in a year, the weight is one, in a case where date of copying is before a year and in two year, the weight is 0.95, in a case where date of copying is before two year and in three year, the weight is 0.9, and so on.\",\n \"An example of score will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B discussed below.\",\n \"In step 517, the user device generates a group in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"The group can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.\",\n \"In each group, the copied contents having the same contents and the same position are summarized.\",\n \"An example of a group will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In step 518, the user device obtains a total score by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.\",\n \"Further, the user device may calculate a rank for each of the same copied content in the group, using the calculated total score and then assigns a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the group.\",\n \"The ranking may be carried out according to the number of copying, the score or the combination of these.\",\n \"An example of a rank will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In step 519, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the calculated score, the generated group and the calculated rank to update the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 520, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information relating to the copied content to update the history information for a user device, since the history information for a user device does not yet record the same data for the copied content.\",\n \"In step 521, the user device calculates a score associated with the copied content, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done and then record the calculated score into the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 522, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"In a case of step 504 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the user device and a history information is the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In a case of step 505 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the server and a history information is the history information for a server.\",\n \"The above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device can be applied also to the case for the server.\",\n \"Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device”, may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.\",\n \"With reference now to FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B, FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information for a user device or for a server in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.\",\n \"One kind of the tags is a p-tag.\",\n \"The p-tag can be represented as: <P></P> and is used for defining a paragraph.\",\n \"In step 601, the user device starts the process for updating history information.\",\n \"In step 602, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 603, the user device repeats steps 604 to 630 until unprocessed data exists in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 604, the user device obtains the following information from the history information for a user device: information on a copy source document, copied character string, position of copied character string, and a character string in p-tag in n-th tag, where n denotes a positive integer.\",\n \"In step 605, the user device accesses an original of the copy source document.\",\n \"In step 606, the user device obtains p-tags in the original of the copy source document and then assigns a number to the obtained p-tags.\",\n \"The number may be a positive integer.\",\n \"In step 607, the user device obtains a character string in the n-th tag.\",\n \"In step 608, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the present time”).\",\n \"Many known method can be used for calculating such similarity, for example, but not limited to, a cosine similarity.\",\n \"In decision 609, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with the character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 630.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 610 (FIG.\",\n \"6B).\",\n \"In decision 610, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 611.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 618.In decision 611, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in the character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 612.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 614.In step 612, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of the character string in the p-tag.\",\n \"In step 613, the user device replaces the position of copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 614, the user device retrieves, from the p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.\",\n \"In decision 615, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 616.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 617.In step 616, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 614.In step 617, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"6B, in decision 618, the user device judges whether there is another p-tag in the original of the copy source document.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 619.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 626.In step 619, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tags which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in another p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “another character string in the present time”).\",\n \"In decision 620, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with another character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 621.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 622.In step 621, the user device updates the order of the number of tags in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In decision 622, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 623.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In decision 623, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in another character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 624.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 627.In step 624, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of another character string in the p-tag.\",\n \"In step 625, the user device replaces the position of the copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 626, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.\",\n \"In step 627, the user device retrieves, from another p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.\",\n \"In decision 628, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 629.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In step 629, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 627.In step 630, the user device proceeds back to step 603 to repeat steps 604 to 630 with a new character string.\",\n \"In step 631, the user device may update a score, a group and/or a rank if the history information for a user device was updated in steps 604 to 630.The update of a score, a group and/or a rank can be made as same way described in steps 516, 517 and 518 (FIG.\",\n \"5B) mentioned above, respectively.\",\n \"In step 632, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"In a case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the user device and a history information may be the history information for a user device is explained above.\",\n \"The above explanations for the user device can be applied also to the case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the server and a history information may be the history information for a server.\",\n \"Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device” may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"7A, FIG.\",\n \"7A illustrates an example embodiment of a history information for a user device.\",\n \"The history information for a user device 701 may have any, all, or at least the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, etc.\",\n \"The history information for a user device 701 may further have the following information: score, content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"The history information for a user device 701 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a user themself.\",\n \"Each of the scores described in fifth column of the second, third, fifth and sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copied made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is one since the date of copying is in a year.\",\n \"The score described in the fifth column of the fourth row in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copies made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is 0.95 since the date of copying is before a year.\",\n \"In a case where the copy source document is a document written with HTML, the position of the copied content is defined with the order of the number of the tags and the starting and the end bytes in the tag.\",\n \"Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {T2; 1st byte; 9th bytes} denotes that the position of the copied content is in the second tag in the copy source document and the copied content is located in 1st byte to 9th byte in the second tag.\",\n \"In a case where the copy source document is a document written as a non-structured document, the position of the copied content is defined with the starting and the end bytes in the copy source document.\",\n \"Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the fourth to sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {10th byte; 39th byte} denotes that the position of the copied content is located in 10th byte to 39th byte in the copy source document.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.\",\n \"The history information for a server 711 may have the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, score, content comprising the coped content, etc.\",\n \"The history information for a server 711 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a plurality of users.\",\n \"The plurality of users may or may not comprise a user associated with a user device who uses the history information for a server 711.FIG.\",\n \"7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.\",\n \"The history information for a server 721 may have the following information: information on a copy source document, group, a copied content, score, position of the copied content, rank, content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"“Group” can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.\",\n \"One group may be made for each of the copy source document having the common source.\",\n \"The history information for a server 721 shows the following three groups in the second column: http://www.sharecopy.com/shareddocs/thisversion*{10th byte; 214th byte}; “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{10th byte; 42nd byte}”; and “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{46th byte; 53rd byte}”.\",\n \"“Total score” may be obtained, for example, by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.\",\n \"“Rank” may be obtained, for example, by calculating the total score for each score of the same copied content in the group and then assigning a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the groups.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or server after a modification of a copy source document.\",\n \"The history information 731 shows an original history information before a modification of a copy source document was made.\",\n \"In a case where the original of the copy source document is modified, the history information 731 is also modified according to the modification.\",\n \"For example, if the copied content in the sixth column of the second and third rows, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.\",\n \"If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” is modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.\",\n \"If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” the history information 731 is updated by replacing the copied content with the modified sentence to generate the updated history information 741.Further, the position information on the modified content and the content relating to the modified content in the history information 731 is also updated accordingly, as seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows of the updated history information 741.For example, if the copied content, “Welcome to this doc!” which can be seen in the third column of the fourth row in the history information 731, is deleted from the original of the copy source document, the history information 731 is updated to show the effect that the copied content is deleted.\",\n \"Accordingly, the updated history information 741 shows that “copied content” and “the number of copies made” are “{deleted}” in the third column of the fourth row.\",\n \"After the updated history information 741 is generated, the updated history information 741 is used for proposing a copy area in a document in replace of the history information 731.In a case where the history information for a user device is associated with the history information for a server and the history information for a user device is updated, the history information for a server is also similarly modified according to the update done in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"7E, FIG.\",\n \"7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.\",\n \"The availability information 751 may define a rule for determining where the copied character string is stored or uploaded and who can access the history information.\",\n \"The availability information 751 has the following information: information on a copy source document, document where the copied content is pasted, place where information is available, security information, etc.\",\n \"“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.\",\n \"“Place where information is available” may denote a range where the history information for a server or user device is available.\",\n \"“Security information” may denote whether the history information for a server can be shared with a server or user device.\",\n \"For example, a user associated with a user device can determine that a copy history made by the user itself is or is not shared with a server.\",\n \"The availability information 751 may be used to determine in which history information the copied character string is stored, that is, a history information for a user device or a history information for a server.\",\n \"The determination can be made according to the “Place where information is available”.\",\n \"In a case where a server document is downloaded to a user device and then a character string in the server document is copied, the copied character string is uploaded to the server from the user device.\",\n \"Further, the availability information 751 may be used for determining a sharing range of the history information.\",\n \"The determination can be made according to the “Security information”.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"8, FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of an example of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B.\",\n \"The user device 801 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.\",\n \"1.The user device 801 may comprise a reading section 811, an obtaining section 812, a retrieving section 813, a proposing section 814, a copying section 815, an incrementing section 816 and an analyzing section 817.The user device 801 may further comprise a detecting section 818 and a modifying section 819.The reading section 811 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 891 which can be accessible by the user device 801; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"The obtaining section 812 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"The obtaining section 812 may perform a part of step 302, and step 303 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A.\",\n \"The retrieving section 813 may retrieve, from a history information 892, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.\",\n \"Each of the second contents comprises the first content.\",\n \"The retrieving section 813 may perform steps 304 to 307 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and 315 to 317 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The proposing section 814 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"The proposing section 814 may display the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The proposing section 814 may perform step 308 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and step 318 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The copying section 815 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.\",\n \"The copying section 815 may perform steps 309 and 310 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and steps 319 and 320 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The incrementing section 816 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 892, if the proposed copy area is selected and then copied by a user.\",\n \"The incrementing section 816 may perform step 313 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and step 323 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The analyzing section 817 may analyze the information in the history information 892.The analyzing section 817 may perform step 314 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and step 324 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B and all steps described in FIG.\",\n \"5B.\",\n \"The detecting section 818 may detect that an original document is modified.\",\n \"The modifying section 819 may modify the history information 892 if a content in the document is modified.\",\n \"If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 819 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 819 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"9, FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which may be used in accordance with the example embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B.\",\n \"The user device 901 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.\",\n \"1.The user device 901 may comprise a reading section 911, an obtaining section 912, a receiving section 913, a displaying section 914, a copying section 915 and a sending section 916.The reading section 911 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 991 which can be accessible by the user device 901; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"The obtaining section 912 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"The obtaining section 912 may send the information on a cursor or pointer position to the server 902.The obtaining section 912 may perform a part of step 402, and steps 403 to 404 described in FIG.\",\n \"4A.\",\n \"The receiving section 913 may receive, from the server 902, one or more second contents comprising the first content associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"The received one or more contents may be in the predetermined order.\",\n \"The displaying section 914 may display, as a copy area, the one or more contents comprising the content associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"The copying section 915 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.\",\n \"The sending section 916 may send information on the copied content to the server 902.The server 902 may comprise a retrieving section 923, a proposing section 924, a receiving section 925, an incrementing section 926 and an analyzing section 927.The server 902 may further comprise a detecting section 928 and a modifying section 929.The retrieving section 923 may retrieve, from a history information 992, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.\",\n \"Each of the second contents comprises the first content.\",\n \"The retrieving section 923 may perform steps 415 to 417 described in FIG.\",\n \"4B.\",\n \"The proposing section 924 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"The proposing section 924 may send one or more second contents to the user device 901.The receiving section 925 may receive the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 992, if the server 902 receives the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may perform step 423 described in FIG.\",\n \"4B.\",\n \"The analyzing section 927 may analyze the information in the history information 992.The analyzing section 927 may perform step 424 described in FIG.\",\n \"4B and all steps described in FIG.\",\n \"5B.\",\n \"The detecting section 928 may detect that an original document is modified.\",\n \"The modifying section 929 may modify the history information 992 if a content in the document is modified.\",\n \"If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 929 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 929 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"The present invention may be a method, a system, and/or a computer program product.\",\n \"The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.\",\n \"The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device.\",\n \"The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.\",\n \"A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.\",\n \"A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.\",\n \"Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.\",\n \"The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.\",\n \"A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.\",\n \"Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.\",\n \"The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.\",\n \"In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).\",\n \"In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.\",\n \"Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.\",\n \"It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.\",\n \"These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.\",\n \"These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.\",\n \"The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.\",\n \"The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.\",\n \"In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).\",\n \"In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures.\",\n \"For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.\",\n \"It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.\",\n \"By the expression “a/one” should be understood as “at least one”.\",\n \"By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising a/one” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least one”.\",\n \"By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least”.\",\n \"By the expression “/” should be understood as “and/or”.\",\n \"The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.\",\n \"Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.\",\n \"The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875152"}}},{"rowIdx":4494793,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DURATION MANIPULATION","Average pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising a content item.","For each pair of adjacent frames, an IFD is calculated.","The IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with each of the two frames.","An initial set of cut frames is selected based on IFD values that are less than a minimum value IFDmin, or that are greater than a maximum value IFDmax.","The positions of these initial cut frames are optimized using a numerical optimization technique that favors removal of frames corresponding to IFD extrema, but that also attempts to maintain a minimum time gap between cut frames.","Selecting frames for removal is approached as a constraint minimization problem.","Once an optimized set of cut frames is established, audio is cut and crossfaded in a temporal window surrounding cut frame positions."],["1.A method for manipulating a duration of a content item, the method comprising: receiving a content item that comprises a plurality of video frames; calculating a plurality of inter frame distance (IFD) values associated with the content item, wherein each of the IFD values represents a difference between baseline pixel luminosities associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the content item; selecting an initial set of frame positions at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values and a minimum time gap G separating the frame positions; adjusting the frame positions using a numerical optimization technique; and modifying a duration of the content item by manipulating one or more video frames at the adjusted frame positions.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of the content item is modified by removing video frames at the adjusted frame positions.","3.The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of the content item is modified by inserting a new video frame adjacent to one of the adjusted frame positions.","4.The method of claim 1, wherein each of the frame positions in the initial set corresponds to an IFD value that is either less than a threshold value IFDmin or greater than a threshold value IFDmax.","5.The method of claim 1, further comprising cross-blending a plurality of video frames adjacent to one of the adjusted frame positions.","6.A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a process for reducing a duration of a multimedia content item to be carried out, the process comprising: receiving a multimedia content item that includes a plurality of video frames and an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames; calculating a plurality of inter frame distance (IFD) values associated with the multimedia content item, wherein each of the IFD values represents a difference between baseline pixel luminosities associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item; selecting an initial subset of the video frames at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values, wherein each of the selected video frames is associated with a cut frame position, and wherein at least a minimum time gap G separates the cut frame positions from each other; adjusting at least one of the cut frame positions using a numerical optimization technique; removing, from the multimedia content item, a particular one of the selected video frames that was included in the initial subset; and cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding a cut frame position associated with the removed particular video frame, thereby causing a duration of the audio track to be reduced.","7.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the process further comprises cross-blending a plurality of video frames adjacent to the removed particular video frame.","8.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein each of the IFD values is calculated by: (a) determining a first luminosity of a first pixel comprising a first video frame; (b) determining a second luminosity of a second pixel comprising a second video frame that is adjacent to the first video frame, wherein the first and second pixels correspond to a common position in the first and second video frames; (c) determining a difference between the first and second luminosities; (d) repeating (a), (b), and (c) for a plurality of pixels comprising the first and second video frames, thereby producing a plurality of luminosity differences; and (e) averaging the plurality of luminosity differences.","9.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the numerical optimization technique adjusts at least one of the cut frame positions by minimizing a quantity - λ ∑ i = 1 N IFD ′ ( x i ) 2 - ∑ i = 1 N { ln [ t ( x i ) - t ( x i - 1 ) - G ] + ln [ t ( x i + 1 ) - t ( x i ) - G ] } , wherein: λ is a weighting parameter; Ni s a quantity of video frames in the initial subset; xi represents an ith video frame; IFD′(xi) represents a modified computation of an IFD corresponding to the xith video frame, wherein a smooth continuous correcting curve is applied for initially-calculated IFD values less than a threshold value IFDmin; and t(xi) corresponds to a time associated with the xith video frame.","10.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the minimum time gap G is between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50 seconds.","11.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the process further comprises: receiving a qualitative quality control input; and setting the minimum time gap G based on the qualitative quality control input.","12.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein IFD values are calculated for each pair of adjacent video frames comprising the multimedia content item.","13.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein cutting and crossfading the audio track further comprises: determining a quantity of audio data segments to be extracted from the window; identifying an audio data segment existing within the window; determining a fundamental frequency and a corresponding sample period of the identified audio data segment; and crossfading a plurality of samples at the cut frame position associated with the removed particular video frame, wherein said crossfading is performed using a correlation-based mixture of linear and constant power crossfade.","14.A system for manipulating a duration of a digital content item, the system comprising: an inter frame distance (IFD) calculation module configured to calculate a plurality of IFD values associated with video frames that comprise a digital content item, wherein each of the IFD values represents a difference between baseline pixel luminosities associated with two adjacent video frames; a frame selection module configured to identify a set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are less than a threshold value IFDmin, wherein the frame positions are separated from each other by at least a minimum time gap G; and a duration manipulation module configured to modify a duration of the digital content item by manipulating a particular video frame corresponding to a particular one of the frame positions.","15.The system of claim 14, wherein: the digital content item further comprises an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames; and the system further comprises an audio manipulation sub-module configured to modify a duration of the audio track by cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding one or more of the frame positions.","16.The system of claim 14, further comprising a supplemental frame selection module configured to identify a supplemental set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are greater than a threshold value IFDmax.","17.The system of claim 14, further comprising a supplemental frame selection module configured to identify a supplemental set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are greater than a threshold value IFDmax, wherein the duration manipulation module is further configured to modify the duration of the digital content item by manipulating a second particular video frame corresponding to a particular one of the frame positions in the supplemental set of frame positions.","18.The system of claim 14, wherein the duration of the digital content item is modified by removing the particular video frame.","19.The system of claim 14, wherein IFD values are calculated for each pair of adjacent video frames comprising the digital content item.","20.The system of claim 14, wherein the duration of the content item is modified by inserting a new video frame adjacent to the particular video frame."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The duration of multimedia content—such as television programming—is often manipulated to fit within a scheduled timeslot.","For example, the television broadcast schedule in the United Kingdom includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 45 minutes and 48 minutes of programming.","On the other hand, the television broadcast schedule in the United States includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 39 minutes and 42 minutes of programming.","As a result, if a British television program is to be adapted for viewing in the United States its duration should be reduced slightly.","Even where programming is not being adapted for another market, many applications still call for a slight increase or decrease in the duration of such programming.","For instance, television programs having a duration that does not necessarily conform to the standardized timeslots that comprise a broadcast schedule are apt candidates for duration manipulation.","Examples of such programming include sporting events, live performances, and breaking news coverage.","Outside the field of television broadcasting, it is still often desired to manipulate the duration of distributed multimedia content, for instance in the context of online streaming services and portable media distribution schemes such as digital video disc sales or rentals.","Given the wide range of applications which call for manipulating multimedia content duration, a number of techniques have been developed to perform such manipulations.","For instance, Time Tailor (Prime Image, Inc., Chalifont, Pa.) is one example of an existing tool that can be used to reduce the duration of a television program to create additional commercial time in a broadcast schedule."],["<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG.","1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example computer system that can be used to manipulate the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.","FIGS.","2A through 2D comprise a flowchart illustrating an example technique for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.","FIG.","3A is a timeline schematically illustrating an example multimedia content item having an initial duration of five minutes.","FIG.","3B is a timeline schematically illustrating the example multimedia content item of FIG.","3A after applying one of the duration manipulation techniques disclosed herein, wherein both the original content item and a thirty-second commercial announcement are played in the same five minute timeslot.","detailed-description description=\"Detailed Description\" end=\"lead\"?"],["CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/534,543 (filed 6 Nov. 2014), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.","FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates generally to manipulation of multimedia content items, and more specifically to methods for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.","BACKGROUND The duration of multimedia content—such as television programming—is often manipulated to fit within a scheduled timeslot.","For example, the television broadcast schedule in the United Kingdom includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 45 minutes and 48 minutes of programming.","On the other hand, the television broadcast schedule in the United States includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 39 minutes and 42 minutes of programming.","As a result, if a British television program is to be adapted for viewing in the United States its duration should be reduced slightly.","Even where programming is not being adapted for another market, many applications still call for a slight increase or decrease in the duration of such programming.","For instance, television programs having a duration that does not necessarily conform to the standardized timeslots that comprise a broadcast schedule are apt candidates for duration manipulation.","Examples of such programming include sporting events, live performances, and breaking news coverage.","Outside the field of television broadcasting, it is still often desired to manipulate the duration of distributed multimedia content, for instance in the context of online streaming services and portable media distribution schemes such as digital video disc sales or rentals.","Given the wide range of applications which call for manipulating multimedia content duration, a number of techniques have been developed to perform such manipulations.","For instance, Time Tailor (Prime Image, Inc., Chalifont, Pa.) is one example of an existing tool that can be used to reduce the duration of a television program to create additional commercial time in a broadcast schedule.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example computer system that can be used to manipulate the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.","FIGS.","2A through 2D comprise a flowchart illustrating an example technique for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.","FIG.","3A is a timeline schematically illustrating an example multimedia content item having an initial duration of five minutes.","FIG.","3B is a timeline schematically illustrating the example multimedia content item of FIG.","3A after applying one of the duration manipulation techniques disclosed herein, wherein both the original content item and a thirty-second commercial announcement are played in the same five minute timeslot.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION A multimedia content item can be understood as comprising a collection of synchronized audio and video segments that are arranged for sequential playback.","The duration of the content item can therefore be manipulated by adding or removing such segments, or by adjusting the speed at which the segments are played.","A significant challenge lies in implementing these manipulations in a visually and audibly subtle manner such that they are not easily noticed when a consumer views the manipulated content item.","As a result, existing solutions for manipulating the duration of multimedia content tend to suffer from a number of shortcomings.","For example, solutions that operate by manipulating the playback speed or frame rate tend to result in undesirable visible and audible artifacts.","Solutions that rely on segment addition or removal generally (a) rely on manual input to identify appropriate editing points, which tends to be time consuming and expensive, or (b) rely on a window-based analysis of smaller content blocks that comprise the multimedia asset, which tends to produce suboptimal results.","Moreover, existing automated algorithms for identifying segments to be removed tend not to efficiently identify frames that can be removed subtly.","These shortcomings represent substantial limitations that make it difficult for broadcasters and program managers to “micro-schedule” their content—that is, to subtly manipulate multimedia content duration to conform to predetermined scheduled timeslots.","Techniques are disclosed herein for manipulating the duration of a multimedia content item in a way that addresses certain of these shortcomings.","In one embodiment average pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising a multimedia content item.","For each pair of adjacent frames, an inter frame distance (IFD) is calculated, wherein the IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with each of the two frames.","An initial set of frames to be removed from the content item (also referred to herein as “cut frames”) is selected based on IFD values that are less than a pre-established minimum value IFDmin, or that are greater than a pre-established maximum value IFDmax.","The positions of these initial cut frames are optimized using a numerical optimization technique that favors removal of frames corresponding to extreme IFD values, but that also attempts to maintain a minimum time gap G between cut frames.","Thus selecting frames for removal can be understood and approached as a constraint minimization problem.","Once an optimized set of cut frames is established, audio is cut and crossfaded in a temporal window surrounding each cut frame.","Numerous configurations and modifications will be apparent in light of this disclosure, including modifications that enable the duration of the content item to be increased instead of decreased.","A number of advantages are associated with certain of the disclosed embodiments.","For example, certain of the techniques disclosed herein reduce the duration of a multimedia content item without introducing easily noticeable visible or audible artifacts into the modified content item.","The appearance of artifacts depends on a number of factors ranging from the type of programming, the compression techniques used to encode the content, and the content consumer′s visual and aural acuity.","However, in general, duration reductions of up to 10% have been observed to be unnoticeable to most content consumers, while even higher reductions have been observed to be barely or only occasionally noticeable.","Because IFD extrema are identified and located based on an analysis of an entire content item, such analysis produces superior results as compared to a window-based approach that analyzes and processes the content item on a segment-by-segment basis.","In particular, existing solutions which use a window-based approach tend to “force” frame cutting even in regions where such cuts may be more easily noticed.","A wide range of different multimedia content can be processed using the techniques disclosed herein, including both interlaced and non-interlaced content.","Certain embodiments also advantageously avoid human intervention and/or input by automating the duration manipulation process, thereby reducing costs and processing times.","For example, in one implementation, a user simply identifies a multimedia content item to be processed and a target duration modification; other quality control parameters and settings can be applied based on predefined default values.","This enables content to be processed efficiently and quickly: in one example embodiment one hour of high definition multimedia content is processed in less than five minutes.","As used herein, the term “multimedia content” refers, in addition to its ordinary meaning, to audio, visual, or audiovisual information intended for consumption by a user, organization, or other human- or computer-controlled entity.","In general, multimedia content can be understood as including audible recordings played via speakers or headphones, visual presentations that include one or more visual assets which may or may not change with the progression of time, and combinations of both audible and visual assets.","Specific examples of multimedia content include television programs, movies, animated sequences, and other audiovisual assets.","In applications where multimedia content includes both audio and video components, such components can be separated and subjected to different processing techniques.","Multimedia content can be stored in a compressed digital format and may be created and manipulated using any suitable editing application.","For example, multimedia content can be stored in any suitable file format defined by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), including MPEG-4, can be stored as a sequence of frames defined in a color space such as red-green-blue (RGB) or luma-chrominance (YUV), or can be stored in any other suitable compressed or uncompressed file format, including file formats generated in real-time by animation engines, compositing engines, or other video generation applications.","Multimedia content may also include information that is not specifically intended for display, and thus also encompasses items such as embedded executable instructions, scripts, hyperlinks, metadata, encoding information, audio tracks, and formatting information.","The term “multimedia content item” refers to a collection of multimedia content that is organized into a distinct unit, such as a file, which can be subjected to various processing operations.","Thus while digital music or video may be referred to as multimedia content generally, a song or television episode may be referred to as a multimedia content item.","Multimedia content items may also be referred to as “multimedia assets”.","As used herein, the term “luminosity” refers, in addition to its ordinary meaning, to a measure of where a color falls on a spectrum between black and white.","Luminosity can therefore be thought of as a measure of how close a given color is to black or white.","Luminosity is typically expressed in terms of a percentage, where a luminosity of 0% corresponds to black and a luminosity of 100% corresponds to white.","A color of a given hue and saturation having a luminosity of 50% will appear as close as possible to the pure color of that hue and saturation, as compared to colors having a higher (faded) or lower (darkened) luminosity.","Thus luminosity is a unique parameter as compared to brightness and saturation in that the midpoint of the luminosity scale corresponds to a pure hue.","Luminosity is also sometimes referred to as “lightness”.","System Architecture FIG.","1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example computer system 100 that can be used to manipulate the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.","Computer system 100 may comprise, for example, one or more devices selected from a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a handheld computer, a set-top box, an enterprise class server, or any other such computing device.","A combination of different devices may be used in certain embodiments.","In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 100 includes, among other things, a processor 110, a memory 120, an operating system 140, a communications module 150, a duration reduction module 160, and an optional multimedia rendering module 170.In alternative embodiments a duration increase module is provided in addition to, or instead of, duration reduction module 160.As can be further seen, a bus and/or interconnect 180 is also provided to allow for inter- and intra-device communications using, for example, communications module 150.Computer system 100 is optionally coupled to a network 200 to allow for communications with other computing devices or resources, such as a networked media store 300.Other componentry and functionality not reflected in the schematic block diagram of FIG.","1 will be apparent in light of this disclosure, and it will be appreciated that other embodiments are not limited to any particular hardware configuration.","Processor 110 can be any suitable processor, and may include one or more coprocessors or controllers, such as an audio processor or a graphics processing unit, to assist in control and processing operations associated with computer system 100.Memory 120 can be implemented using any suitable type of digital storage, such as one or more of a disc drive, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, flash memory, and/or random access memory (RAM).","Operating system 140 may comprise any suitable operating system, such as Google Android (Google Inc., Mountain View, Calif.), Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash.), or Apple OS X (Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.).","As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the techniques provided herein can be implemented without regard to the particular operating system provided in conjunction with computer system 100, and therefore may also be implemented using any suitable existing or subsequently-developed platform.","Communications module 150 can be any appropriate network chip or chipset which allows for wired and/or wireless connection to other components of computer system 100 and/or to network 200, thereby enabling computer system 100 to communicate with other local and/or remote computer systems, servers, and/or resources.","Duration reduction module 160 is configured to subtly reduce the duration of a multimedia content item by cutting video frames from the content and crossfading audio that corresponds to the cut video frames.","Duration reduction module 160 can be implemented with a variety of suitable software and/or hardware that is coupled to or that otherwise forms part of computer system 100.For example, in terms of software, in certain embodiments duration reduction module 160 is used in conjunction with a video editing application, thereby allowing users to manipulate the duration of video content.","In other embodiments duration reduction module 160 is used in conjunction with a media player application or other software component capable of rendering multimedia content, such as multimedia rendering module 170.For instance in one implementation a media player is configured to automatically reduce the duration of a content item and to insert an advertisement into the content item.","In terms of hardware, duration reduction module 160 can be implemented or otherwise used in conjunction with input/output devices such as a display, a video camera, a textual input device such as a keyboard, and/or a pointer-based input device such as a mouse.","Other input/output devices that may be used in other embodiments include a touchscreen, a touchpad, a speaker, and/or a microphone.","Still other input/output devices can be used in other embodiments.","In certain embodiments duration reduction module 160 is installed local to computer system 100, as illustrated in FIG.","1.Alternatively, in embodiments where computer system 100 is implemented as a client in a client-server architecture, at least some functionality associated with duration reduction module 160 is downloaded from a server using an applet, such as a JavaScript applet, or other downloadable module.","Such a remotely accessible module or sub-module can be provided in real-time in response to a request from computer system 100.For example, a user of a tablet computer may invoke functionality associated with duration reduction module 160 upon accessing multimedia content which is to be viewed or otherwise processed, and which may be retrieved from media store 300.In such embodiments the server can be local to network 200 or remotely coupled to network 200 by one or more other networks and/or communication channels.","In some cases access to resources on a given network or computing system may require credentials such as usernames, passwords, and/or compliance with any other suitable security mechanism.","In any such standalone or networked computing scenarios, duration reduction module 160 may be implemented with any suitable technology that allows a user to perform frame-by-frame analysis of a multimedia content item.","Still referring to FIG.","1, in certain embodiments duration reduction module 160 includes a user interface sub-module 161, an IFD calculation sub-module 162, an IFD smoothing sub-module 163, a cut frame selection sub-module 164, a frame removal sub-module 165, and an audio manipulation sub-module 166.In certain embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is used, for example, to receive user input that identifies a multimedia asset to be manipulated and defines the parameters of the manipulation including, for example, quality control parameters.","User interface sub-module 161 also optionally provides information such as a maximum duration reduction that is available for a given multimedia content item, or a likelihood that a targeted duration reduction will produce visible and/or audible artifacts.","Regardless of the specific functionality provided, in such embodiments user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to work in conjunction with suitable input/output hardware such as touch sensitive display.","In an example embodiment IFD calculation sub-module 162 calculates an IFD for each pair of adjacent frames that comprise the processed multimedia content item.","The IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity for each of the two frames.","Because the IFD values are calculated numerically and are often subject to large variations, in certain embodiments IFD smoothing sub-module 163 performs one or more iterative smoothing operations on the IFD values.","In particular, once an optimized set of cut frame positions is established as will be described in turn, the IFD values can be smoothed and the optimization can be performed again using the optimized set of cut frame positions as seed points.","It has been found that performing one or more iterations of (a) smoothing the IFD values, (b) finding a first optimized set of cut frame positions, (c) smoothing the IFD values again using a Gaussian kernel of decreasing sigma, and (d) finding a subsequent optimized set of cut frame positions reduces the likelihood that visible and/or audible artifacts will be present in a reduced-duration multimedia content item.","Cut frame selection sub-module 164 is configured to identify a plurality of video frames that are suitable to be removed from a multimedia content item.","The number of frames which are to be removed depends on the extent to which the duration of the content item is to be reduced, with large quantities of cut frames corresponding to greater duration reductions.","In one embodiment, an initial set of cut frames is selected based on IFD values that are less than the pre-established minimum value IFDmin, or that are greater than the pre-established maximum value IFDmax.","The threshold parameters IFDmin and IFDmax can be understood as quality control parameters that affect the perceived subtlety of the duration reduction, wherein a lower IFDmin value and/or a higher IFDmax value correspond to more restrictive frame cutting conditions, and therefore a lower likelihood that a viewer will notice the cut frame.","Once the initial set of cut frames is identified, cut frame selection sub-module 165 is further configured to optimize the positions of these cut frames using a numerical optimization technique.","In particular, identifying a preferred cut frame position can be understood as a minimization process that favors removal of frames corresponding to extreme IFD values, but that also attempts to maintain the minimum time gap G between cut frames.","The minimum time gap G is yet another quality control parameter that prevents several frames from being removed in a short time window, which would make it difficult to synchronize the corresponding audio without producing audible artifacts.","Once the cut frame positions are optimized or otherwise not subjected to further processing, frame removal sub-module 165 can be configured to remove frames from the multimedia content item at the identified cut frame positions.","This can be accomplished by simply removing the identified cut frame, or by cross-blending a plurality of frames adjacent to the identified cut frame, wherein the cross-blending removes a time duration that corresponds to the duration of a single frame.","Simply removing the video frames identified and positioned by cut frame selection sub-module 164 will result in a multimedia content item having an audio track that is longer than its video track.","To address this, audio manipulation sub-module 166 is configured to cut and crossfade audio in a narrow window surrounding each cut frame.","In particular, a narrow window surrounding each cut frame is divided into a plurality of smaller audio segments, each of which is associated with an average sound energy value that measures the intensity of sound within that segment.","Audio cutting and crossfading is performed on the segments with the lowest average sound energy, wherein the audio crossfading is based on the fundamental frequency and sample period of the segment.","This allows the duration of the audio track to be reduced such that it matches the modified video track.","Additional details regarding the operation of the modules and sub-modules disclosed herein will be described in turn.","As described herein, in an alternative embodiment a duration increase module is provided in addition to, or instead of, duration reduction module 160.In one such alternative embodiment duration increase module includes one or more sub-modules capable of identifying positions where it would be appropriate to insert a duplicate frame into a multimedia content item for the purpose of increasing the duration of the content item.","Examples of sub-modules which are included in the duration increase module include an IFD calculation sub-module and an IFD smoothing sub-module.","Such sub-modules operate similarly or identically to those used in conjunction with duration reduction module 160, and indeed, shared sub-modules can be implemented in certain embodiments.","The duration increase module also includes an inserted frame positioning sub-module that is configured to optimize a set of positions suitable for inserting duplicative frames.","In such case, inserted frame positioning sub-module operates on the same principle as cut frame selection sub-module 164, wherein an initial set of frame positions is optimized using a numerical optimization technique that favors frames corresponding to extreme IFD values, but that also attempts to maintain a minimum time gap G between frame insertions.","In some implementations a duplicative frame is inserted, while in other implementations a cross-blended frame is inserted.","Duration increase module also includes an audio manipulation sub-module that operates similarly or identically to the corresponding sub-module in duration reduction module 160, thereby maintaining a common duration between the audio and video tracks.","Thus it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments can be configured to manipulate a multimedia content item to have a shorter or longer duration.","The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, or special purpose processors.","For example, in one embodiment a non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions encoded thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more of the methods for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items disclosed herein to be implemented.","The instructions can be encoded using one or more suitable programming languages, such as C, C++, object-oriented C, JavaScript, Visual Basic .NET, BASIC, or alternatively, using custom or proprietary instruction sets.","Such instructions can be provided in the form of one or more computer software applications or applets that are tangibly embodied on a memory device, and that can be executed by a computer having any suitable architecture.","In one embodiment the system can be hosted on a given website and implemented using JavaScript or another suitable browser-based technology.","The functionalities disclosed herein can optionally be incorporated into a variety of different software applications, including video editing applications, video analysis applications, digital content scheduling applications, or other content generation, modification, and/or management applications.","Moreover, the functionalities disclosed herein can additionally or alternatively leverage services provided by separate software modules, such as content management services or user authentication services.","The computer software applications disclosed herein may include a number of different modules, sub-modules, or other components of distinct functionality, and can provide information to, or receive information from, still other components and/or services.","These modules can be used, for example, to communicate with input and/or output devices such as a display screen, a touch sensitive surface, a printer, and/or any other suitable input/output device.","Other components and functionality not reflected in the illustrations will be apparent in light of this disclosure, and it will be appreciated that the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to any particular hardware or software configuration.","Thus in other embodiments duration reduction module 160 may comprise additional, fewer, or alternative subcomponents as compared to those included in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG.","1.For example, in one alternative embodiment duration reduction module 160 includes a sub-module configured for media playback, such as might otherwise be provided by multimedia rendering module 170.The aforementioned non-transitory computer readable medium may be any suitable medium for storing digital information, such as a hard drive, a server, a flash memory, and/or random access memory.","In alternative embodiments, the computer and/or modules disclosed herein can be implemented with hardware, including gate level logic such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or alternatively, a purpose-built semiconductor such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).","Still other embodiments may be implemented with a microcontroller having a number of input/output ports for receiving and outputting data, and a number of embedded routines for carrying out the various functionalities disclosed herein.","It will be apparent that any suitable combination of hardware, software, and firmware can be used in this regard, and that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to any particular system architecture.","Methodology FIGS.","2A through 2D comprise a flowchart illustrating an example method 2000 for manipulating the duration of a multimedia content item.","As can be seen, duration manipulation method 2000 includes a number of phases and sub-processes, the sequence of which may vary from one embodiment to another.","However, when considered in the aggregate, these phases and sub-processes form a complete multimedia content duration manipulation method that is responsive to user commands in accordance with certain of the embodiments disclosed herein.","This method can be implemented, for example, using the system architecture illustrated in FIG.","1.However other system architectures can be used in other embodiments, as will be apparent in light of this disclosure.","To this end, the correlation of the various functionalities shown in FIGS.","2A through 2D to the specific components illustrated in FIG.","1 is not intended to imply any structural and/or use limitations.","Rather, other embodiments may include varying degrees of integration wherein multiple functionalities are performed by one system or by separate systems.","For instance, in an alternative embodiment a single module can be used to manipulate the duration of a multimedia content item and render the content item.","Thus other embodiments may have fewer or more modules and sub-modules depending on the granularity of implementation.","Numerous variations and alternative configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.","Still referring to FIGS.","2A through 2D, in one embodiment method 2000 commences with duration reduction module 160 receiving a multimedia content item from networked media store 300.See reference numeral 2110 in FIG.","2A.","The multimedia content item may alternatively be received from a different source, such as from a storage resource that is local to computer system 100 (for example, a hard disc drive or a portable storage device), or from a different type of networked storage resource (for example, an electronic mail server or a peer-to-peer network).","Method 2000 may additionally or alternatively commence with user interface sub-module 161 setting a duration reduction factor and/or quality control parameters based on user input or some other source.","See reference numeral 2120 in FIG.","2A.","For example, in some cases the multimedia content item is received before the duration reduction factor and/or quality control parameters are set, in other cases the multimedia content item is received after the duration reduction factor and/or quality control parameters are set, and in still other embodiments such receipt occurs simultaneously.","A duration reduction factor P defines the extent to which the duration of a content item is to be reduced.","In one implementation, duration reduction factor P is defined as the ratio of the target duration to the original duration, such that a factor P=1.0 corresponds to no duration reduction.","For example, if a content item having a duration of 300 seconds is to be reduced by 30 seconds to allow for insertion of a commercial advertisement, then the target duration reduction factor P=270÷300=0.90.The duration reduction factor P can be provided on a case-by-case basis by a user interacting with user interface sub-module 161, although in certain embodiments a default duration reduction factor can be applied in the absence of user input.","In alternative embodiments a user can specify a target duration that the content item should have and the duration reduction factor P is calculated based on the ratio of the user-specified target duration to the known original duration.","Quality control parameters IFDmin and IFDmax define lower and upper thresholds, respectively, for identifying video frames which are suitable for removal from a multimedia content item.","For example, a frame associated with an IFD value that is less than IFDmin will appear vary similar to its neighbors.","Such a frame might be considered to be a still frame or a nearly still frame, and therefore could probably be removed from the content item without significantly affecting how the content item appears during playback.","Such a frame would therefore be suitable for removal.","Likewise, a frame associated with an IFD value that is greater than IFDmax will likely occur during a fast action scene, or immediately adjacent to a cut.","Such a frame could also probably be removed from the content item without significantly affecting how the content item appears during playback since it would be hidden within the fast action scene.","In general, video frames associated with IFD values less than IFDmin and greater than IFDmax are frames which are unlikely to significantly affect how the content item appears during playback.","The parameters IFDmin and IFDmax can therefore be understood as quality control parameters.","In particular, setting a higher IFDmin threshold will increase the number of frames identified as suitable candidates for removal, and will therefore increase the likelihood that visible artifacts are introduced into the content item as a result of the duration manipulation.","Likewise, setting a lower IFDmax threshold will also increase the number of frames identified as suitable candidates for removal, and will therefore also increase the likelihood that visible artifacts are introduced into the content item as a result of the duration manipulation.","In certain embodiments user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to receive specific user-defined values for IFDmin and IFDmax, while in other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to simply establish values for IFDmin and IFDmax based on a user′s qualitative selection of higher quality or lower quality.","This qualitative selection can be provided, for example, via a user interface element such as a slider extending from low to high quality or a radio button that can be toggled between low, medium, or high quality.","In still other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to establish values for IFDmin and IFDmax based on predefined default values which may or may not be user adjustable.","A minimum gap duration G defines a preferred minimum duration between frames identified as being suitable for removal.","Removing multiple frames within a short time period increases the likelihood that visible and/or audible artifacts, and especially audible artifacts, will be apparent as a result of the removal.","Thus the minimum gap duration G can be understood as yet another quality control parameter.","Setting a lower minimum gap duration G will increase the number of frames identified as suitable candidates for removal, and will therefore increase the likelihood that visible and/or audible artifacts are introduced into the content item as a result of the duration manipulation.","For example, if several video frames are removed in a relatively short window, the corresponding audio will need to be adjusted within that same relatively short window.","This can result in audible artifacts, and in particular, in the perception that the audio portion of the content item changes speed suddenly.","Such changes are more obvious for content types such as rhythmic music, and are less obvious for other content types such as spoken dialog.","As a result, in some implementations different minimum gap durations can be defined for different portions of a multimedia content item depending on the multimedia content itself.","In certain embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to receive specific user-defined values for minimum gap duration G, while in other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to simply establish a value for minimum gap duration G based on a qualitative selection of higher quality or lower quality.","This qualitative selection can be provided, for example, via a user interface element such as a slider extending from low to high quality or a radio button that can be toggled between low, medium, or high quality.","In still other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to establish a value for minimum gap duration G based on a predefined default value which may or may not be user adjustable.","In one embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value between about 0.10 seconds and about 1.00 seconds.","In another embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value between about 0.20 seconds and about 0.60 seconds.","In yet another embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50 seconds.","In yet another embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value of about 0.35 seconds.","Referring again to the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS.","2A through 2D, once duration reduction module 160 has received the multimedia content item, IFD calculation sub-module 162 is configured to calculate IFD values for each of the adjacent frame pairings in the content item.","See reference numeral 2140 in FIG.","2A.","In one implementation IFD values are calculated by first generating a luminosity differential image that is defined by the difference between luminosities derived from the two adjacent frames.","That is, the luminosity differential image is defined by abs[lum(Fi)−lum(F2)], where F1 and F2 are adjacent frames, and lum(Fn) is a luminosity derived from frame Fn.","The luminosity differential image can be used to compute an average luminosity differential for a large quantity of pixel subsets, such as rectangular pixel subsets, over an entire frame.","The average luminosity differential for the plurality of pixel subsets can be calculated using an integral image.","More specifically, an integral image can be computed by taking the luminosity differential image as input and computing an image such that the value at any pixel (x, y) represents the sum of a subset of pixels above and to the left of pixel (x, y).","For example, in one embodiment each rectangular pixel subset has a height and width that is approximately one-quarter of the height and width of the original image, respectively.","Amongst the large quantity of average luminosity differentials that are computed, the maximum luminosity differential is taken as the IFD between the two adjacent frames.","Use of an integral image advantageously allows these sums to be calculated quickly and efficiently.","This technique for determining the IFD advantageously captures local movement (such as a person running across a portion of the frame) as well as global changes (such as a fade-to-black cut).","In an another implementation this is accomplished by calculating a difference in luminosity for each pixel across two adjacent frames, and then determining the IFD based on an average difference across all of the pixels comprising the frame.","While the above techniques compare an average luminosity for a pixel subset (or for individual pixels), in other embodiments a statistical metric other than average is used, such as median or mode.","More generally, the techniques disclosed herein can be understood as establishing what is referred to herein as a “baseline pixel luminosity” associated with each of two adjacent frames.","Given this, the IFD can be understood as corresponding to the difference between the two baselines, regardless of how such baselines are specifically calculated in a given implementation.","In one embodiment an baseline pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising the content item and IFD values are determined for each pair of adjacent frames.","In other embodiments baseline pixel luminosities are calculated only for a portion of the frames comprising the content item and IFD values are determined only for adjacent frames for which baseline pixel luminosities have been calculated.","For example, in some cases a user may specify, for instance via user interface sub-module 161, that only a smaller portion of a larger content item is to be subjected to a duration manipulation technique.","Pixel luminosity is used as the basis of the determined IFD values since it can be calculated quickly and because differences in luminosity can be perceived by the human eye relatively easily.","Pixel luminosity thus can serve as a reasonably accurate proxy for how a scene appears to a user viewing the content item.","IFD data calculated using the techniques disclosed herein tends not to be very smooth.","Therefore in certain embodiments IFD smoothing sub-module 163 is configured to smoothen the IFD values using a Gaussian kernel σi.","See reference numeral 2150 in FIG.","2A.","Any of a variety of suitable kernel smoothing techniques can be used in this regard.","In general, using smoother IFD data for the constraint minimization techniques that are used to identify preferred cut frame positions results in fewer visible and/or audible artifacts in the resulting manipulated content item.","However, it will be appreciated that using such smoothing techniques is optional, and in alternative embodiments the raw IFD values are subjected to further processing without performing any such statistical manipulations.","Still referring to the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS.","2A through 2D, cut frame selection sub-module 164 is configured to determine a number of frames N to be cut from the multimedia content item based on duration reduction factor P. See reference numeral 2160 in FIG.","2A.","For a received multimedia content item having M total frames configured for playback at a constant frame rate (for example as can be expressed in a number of frames per second), reducing the duration of the content item by a factor P can be understood as resulting in the removal of N frames, where N=M×(1−P).","Thus the frames to be cut from the content item can be enumerated from the 1st to the Nth frame, each cut frame having a corresponding frame position x1, x2, x3, .",".",".",", xN.","Thus the goal of the subsequent processing can be understood as establishing a set of preferred positions {x1, x2, x3, .",".",".",", xN} wherein removing the frames at such positions leaves few, if any, visible or audible artifacts in the content item.","In some cases a small number of frames Np are removed from predetermined positions in the content item, such as at the very beginning of the content item or at known transition points in the content item.","In such embodiments the number of frames to be positioned using the constraint minimization techniques disclosed herein can be reduced by the quantity Np.","Once the number of frames N to be cut from the multimedia content item is established, cut frame selection sub-module 164 can define an initial set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .",".",".",", xN} based on identifying those frames with the highest and lowest IFD values, and further based on maintaining the minimum gap duration G. See reference numeral 2170 in FIG.","2A.","For example, in one embodiment this is accomplished using a greedy algorithm that selects frames with the largest IFD values, in addition to the frames wherein IFD<IFDmin.","In another embodiment the algorithm selects frames with the smallest IFD values, in addition to the frames wherein IFD>IFDmax.","Other frame selection techniques can be used in other embodiments.","For example, in embodiments wherein multiple cut frame position optimizations are performed, cut frame selection sub-module 164 can define the initial set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .",".",".",", xN} based on the results of a prior optimization.","See reference numeral 2175 in FIG.","2A.","In any case, frame selections are made in a way that maintains the specified minimum gap duration G between two cut frames xi and xi+1.Once the initial set of cut frame positions is established, cut frame selection sub-module 164 is further configured to use a numerical optimization technique to optimize the cut frame positions.","See reference numeral 2210 in FIG.","2B.","A variety of numerical optimization techniques can be used in this regard, examples of which include the steepest descent technique, the Nelder-Mead simplex method, the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) algorithm, or a conjugate gradient technique.","As used herein, the process of “optimizing” the cut frame positions refers to identifying particular cut frame positions where a viewer is less likely to perceive audible and/or visible artifacts as a result of removing a frame.","The initially selected cut frame positions can then be adjusted, if appropriate, based on such optimization.","This can be approached as a constraint optimization problem that responds to both IFD constraints and minimum gap duration constrains, as disclosed herein.","For example, in one implementation an optimized set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .",".",".",", xN} correspond to minimization of the quantity - λ ∑ i = 1 N IFD ′ ( x i ) 2 - ∑ i = 1 N { ln [ t ( x i ) - t ( x i - 1 ) - G ] + ln [ t ( x i + 1 ) - t ( x i ) - G ] } , ( 1 ) where x0 corresponds to the position of the first frame of the multimedia content item, and xN+1 corresponds to the last frame of the content item.","Equation (1) consists of two sums.","The first sum serves to emphasize removal of frames having extreme IFD values.","To this end, the function IFD′(xi) represents a modified computation of the IFD at position xi where a smooth continuous correcting curve is applied for values IFD<IFDmin.","This causes IFD values less than IFDmin to receive a high function value instead of a low function value.","IFD values greater than IFDmax also receive a high function value as well.","The −λ value causes such values to be preferred when the value of Equation (1) is minimized.","The value of the parameter A determines the relative weight of the IFD-based sum as compared to the second sum, which serves to deemphasize removal of frames within the minimum gap duration G of another cut frame.","That is, the second sum can be understood as a barrier function that enforces minimum gap duration G. Minimizing the quantity of Equation (1) will result in an optimized set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .",".",".",", xN}, wherein removing frames at such positions will produce a content item having a duration that is reduced by a factor P, wherein any video artifacts created by removing the frames are relatively subtle or are not apparent to a typical viewer.","Once such cut frame positions have been identified, cut frame selection sub-module 164 can be configured to determine whether to further refine the cut frame positions by performing another smoothing iteration on the IFD values.","See reference numeral 2212 in FIG.","2B.","If another smoothing iteration is to be performed, Gaussian kernel a, can be reduced by a factor k, wherein k<1.See reference numeral 2214 in FIG.","2B.","This causes the IFD values to be smoothened further, and when an subsequent optimization of the cut frame positions is performed, the previously optimized cut frame positions can be used as seed points.","See reference numeral 2175 in FIG.","2A.","If no further smoothing of the IFD values is to be performed, frame removal sub-module 165 can be configured to remove frames from the content item at the identified cut frame positions.","To facilitate sequential analysis of the N cut frames, frame removal sub-module 165 compares the quantity N to a cut frame counting parameter N′ which is initially set such that N′=0.See reference numeral 2220 in FIG.","2B.","Cut frame counting parameter N′ is then incremented before subsequent processing.","See reference numeral 2230 in FIG.","3B.","The N'th cut frame can be processed in a variety of ways.","For example, in one implementation frame removal sub-module 165 cross-blends q frames that are adjacent to the N'th cut frame, wherein the cross-blending removes a time duration D corresponding to the duration of a single frame.","See reference numeral 2232 in FIG.","2B.","In one embodiment the quantity of cross-blended frames q is between 2 and 10 (inclusive), in another embodiment the quantity of cross-blended frames q is between 2 and 6 (inclusive), and in yet another embodiment the quantity of cross-blended frames q is between 3 and 4 (inclusive).","In another implementation frame removal sub-module 165 removes the N'th cut frame without applying any cross-blending techniques.","See reference numeral 2234 in FIG.","2B.","A combination of different approaches for removing the N'th cut frame can be used as well.","For example, in one such hybrid implementation frames having IFD>IFDmax are cut without cross-blending, while other cut frames are cross-blended.","Another time reduction techniques that can be used instead of, or in addition to, cross-blending and cutting is motion compensated blending, which works well to conceal removal of a single frame.","Once the N'th cut frame is removed, it is determined whether N′=N.","See reference numeral 2240 in FIG.","2B.","If not, the cut frame counting parameter N′ is incremented and the next cut frame is processed as described herein.","On the other hand, if all of the cut frames have been processed, the cut frame counting parameter N′ is reset for subsequent audio processing, such that N′=1 once again.","See reference numeral 2250 in FIG.","2B.","Audio manipulation sub-module 166 can then be used to synchronize the original audio data with the modified (for example, shortened) video data.","Because the removed video frames are not equidistant from each other and may be clustered in certain regions of the content item, simply cutting and crossfading the audio component across the entire content item may result in substantial discrepancies between the audio and video components of the content item.","Rather, audio manipulation sub-module 166 is configured to cut and crossfade the audio in N localized regions surrounding the N positions where video frames were removed or cross-blended, or where the duration of the video component of the multimedia content item was otherwise manipulated.","In general, most viewers will not notice if audio is received shortly before (for example, up to about 30 milliseconds before), or shortly after (for example, up to about 60 milliseconds after), a corresponding video frame.","These example time intervals correspond to one or two video frames based on the frame rates that are often used in contemporary digital video applications.","The sum of these intervals therefore can be used to define a “removal opportunity window” of duration w that corresponds to a region around a point where a video frame was cut, and therefore where audio can be cut and crossfaded without introducing audible artifacts.","For example, in one embodiment audio of duration D is removed from within a removal opportunity window of duration w, wherein D is the duration of the cut video frame, and w is a duration corresponding to the range of frames (xi−1, x1+2).","While w is described in this example embodiment as corresponding to a total duration of three frame lengths D, one before the position of the ith cut frame and two after (xi−1, x1+2), it will be appreciated that other durations w can be used for the removal opportunity window in other embodiments.","In one specific implementation, the duration w is about 90 milliseconds, and the frame length D is about 30 milliseconds.","In other implementations w=3D generally, and the removal opportunity window asymmetrically surrounds the point where a video frame was removed such that most of the window occurs after the point where the video frame was removed.","Cutting more than about 20 milliseconds of audio data from a single position can cause audible artifacts to be introduced into the resulting modified content item.","The duration of a single video frame will often exceed 20 milliseconds in many implementations.","As a result, in certain embodiments K segments of audio data (K>1), each having duration k≤20 ms, are extracted from the removal opportunity window.","Since the total duration of audio data which should be extracted is D (the duration of one video frame), the total number of segments of audio data which should be removed is K=D÷k.","Thus, for example, for a video frame length D=30 ms and a segment duration k=10 ms, a total of K=D÷k=30 ms÷ 10 ms=3 segments of audio data should be removed from the removal opportunity window.","In some cases the segment duration k is manipulated slightly such that an integral number of segments corresponds to the frame length D. Thus audio manipulation sub-module 166 can be configured to determine a quantity of audio data segments K which should be extracted from the N'th removal opportunity window.","See reference numeral 2310 in FIG.","2C.","In general, the N'th removal opportunity window can be understood as comprising an essentially unlimited quantity of segments of duration k, each of which commences at a slightly different point.","Audio manipulation sub-module 166 is configured to analyze a large quantity of these segments and identify the K segments having the lowest sound energy.","See reference numeral 2320 in FIG.","2C.","These K lowest energy segments can be identified, for example, by their starting point and duration.","To facilitate sequential analysis of the K segments, audio manipulation sub-module 166 compares the quantity K to a segment counting parameter K′ which is initially set such that K′=1.See reference numeral 2330 in FIG.","2C.","A fundamental frequency F0 and sample period T0 are determined for the K'th segment.","See reference numeral 2340 in FIG.","2C.","In such embodiments audio manipulation sub-module 166 determines a quantity of samples L which are to be extracted from the K'th segment based on the integer multiple of the fundamental sample period T0 that is closest to the segment duration k. See reference numeral 2350 in FIG.","2C.","Thus L=k÷T0, with L be rounded to the nearest integer.","To avoid introducing discontinuities in the resulting audio signal, L samples are optionally crossfaded at the cut position using a correlation-based mixture of linear and constant power crossfade.","See reference numeral 2360 in FIG.","2C.","Once the L samples are extracted from the K'th segment, the segment counting parameter K′ is incremented.","See reference numeral 2410 in FIG.","2D.","It is then determined whether all K segments to be extracted from the N'th removal opportunity window have been processed, or stated alternatively, whether K′>K.","See reference numeral 2420 in FIG.","2D.","If not, the next K'th segment is processed as described herein.","If all K segments to be extracted from the N'th removal opportunity window have been processed, that is, if K′>K, the cut frame counting parameter N′ is incremented.","See reference numeral 2430 in FIG.","2D.","It is then determined whether the audio duration has been adjusted in all N removal opportunity windows, or stated alternatively, whether N′>N.","See reference numeral 2440 in FIG.","2D.","If not, the next N'th removal opportunity window is processed as described herein.","If audio data has been extracted from all N removal opportunity windows, that is, if N′>N, user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to generate a notification that the duration manipulation process is complete.","See reference numeral 2450 in FIG.","2D.","In some cases duration reduction module 160 can be configured to store the modified multimedia content item in networked media store 300.See reference numeral 2460 in FIG.","2D.","In embodiments wherein the multimedia content item was originally obtained from another source, such as a storage resource that is local to computer system 100 (for example, a hard disc drive or a portable storage device), or from a different type of networked storage resource (for example, an email server or a peer-to-peer network), the modified multimedia content item can alternatively be provided to such other source.","In other embodiments the modified multimedia content item can additionally be rendered immediately after the duration modification operation, such as by leveraging services provided by multimedia rendering module 170.In some embodiments, such as where a duration reduction operation is performed, rendering the shortened content item includes rendering supplemental content having a duration that corresponds to the reduced duration of the original content item.","Thus, for example, an advertisement can be rendered in the time made available by shortening the original content item.","As described herein, in alternative embodiments a duration increase module is provided in addition to, or instead of, duration reduction module 160.In one such alternative embodiment an IFD calculation sub-module and an IFD smoothing sub-module can be used to process IFD data as described herein with respect to duration manipulation method 2000.An inserted frame selection sub-module can determine a number of inserted frame positions based on IFD extrema and a minimum gap duration, and thus can operate in substantially the same manner as cut frame selection module 164.In one implementation, frames are not inserted in high action sequences, and thus inserted frame selection sub-module determines inserted frame positions based only in IFD minima and disregards IFD maxima.","A numerical optimization technique can be used to optimize the inserted frame positions.","A frame insertion sub-module can be configured to insert duplicate frames at the positions identified by inserted frame selection sub-module.","In some implementations a duplicative frame is inserted, while in other implementations a cross-blended frame is inserted.","Once an appropriate number of frames are inserted, an audio manipulation sub-module can cut and crossfade the corresponding audio signal around the inserted frame positions as appropriate.","Thus the techniques disclosed herein can be used to both increase and decrease the duration of a multimedia content item.","Using the techniques disclosed herein, duration reductions of up to 10% have been observed to be unnoticeable to most content consumers, while even higher reductions have been observed to be barely or only occasionally noticeable.","For example, in certain embodiments duration reductions of up to 11%, 12%, 14%, 15% and 20% have been performed.","The duration reduction techniques disclosed herein can be used to accommodate supplemental content which is to be rendered along with an original multimedia content item.","For example, FIG.","3A is a timeline schematically illustrating an example unmodified multimedia content item 3000 having an initial duration of 300 seconds (five minutes).","And FIG.","3B is a timeline schematically illustrating the example multimedia content item of FIG.","3A after applying one of the duration manipulation techniques disclosed herein.","Such techniques result in a reduced duration multimedia content item 3200 having a modified duration of 270 seconds (four-and-one-half minutes).","This reduction accommodates 30 seconds of inserted content 3100, such as a commercial announcement that precedes the rendering of reduced duration multimedia content item 3200.While FIG.","3B illustrates the inserted content as being rendered before reduced duration multimedia content item 3200, in other implementations it may alternatively be rendered after, or at an intermediate point of, reduced duration multimedia content item 3200.Thus in certain applications the techniques disclosed herein can be used by, for example, broadcasters and program managers to “micro-schedule” content and to increase advertising revenue available in a broadcast schedule.","CONCLUSION Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.","For instance, one example embodiment provides a method for manipulating a duration of a multimedia content item, wherein the method comprises receiving a multimedia content item that comprises a plurality of video frames.","The method further comprises calculating a plurality of IFD values associated with the multimedia content item.","Each of the IFD values represents a difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.","The method further comprises selecting an initial set of frame positions at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values and a minimum time gap G separating the frame positions.","The method further comprises adjusting the frame positions using a numerical optimization technique.","The method further comprises modifying a duration of the content item by manipulating one or more video frames at the adjusted frame positions.","In some cases IFD values are calculated for each pair of adjacent video frames comprising the multimedia content item.","In some cases the method further comprises smoothing the IFD values before selecting the initial set of frame positions.","In some cases modifying the duration of the content item further comprises reducing the duration of the content item by removing a video frame associated with one of the adjusted frame positions.","In some cases modifying the duration of the content item further comprises increasing the duration of the content item by inserting a video frame at one of the adjusted frame positions.","In some cases the method further comprises (a) receiving a qualitative quality control input from a user; and (b) setting the minimum time gap G based on the qualitative quality control input.","In some cases (a) the multimedia content item further comprises an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames; and (b) the method further comprises modifying a duration of the audio track by cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding each of the adjusted frame positions.","In some cases each of the IFD values represents a difference between an average pixel luminosity associated with pixels comprising two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.","In some cases each of the IFD values is calculated by (a) determining a first luminosity of a first pixel comprising a first video frame; (b) determining a second luminosity of a second pixel comprising a second video frame that is adjacent to the first video frame, wherein the first and second pixels correspond to a common position in the first and second video frames; (c) determining a difference between the first and second luminosities; (d) repeating (a), (b), and (c) for a plurality of the pixels comprising the first and second video frames, thereby producing a plurality of luminosity differences; and (e) averaging the plurality of luminosity differences.","In some cases each of the IFD values is calculated by (a) generating a luminosity differential image defined by a difference between luminosities derived from first and second video frames; (b) determining a plurality of average luminosity differential values for a corresponding plurality of pixel subsets comprising the first video frame and a corresponding plurality of pixel subsets comprising the second video frame; and (c) determining a maximum from the plurality of average luminosity differential values.","Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a system for manipulating a duration of a multimedia content item, wherein the system comprises an IFD calculation module configured to calculate a plurality of IFD values associated with a corresponding plurality of video frames that comprise a multimedia content item.","Each of the IFD values represents a difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.","The system further comprises a frame selection module configured to identify a set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are less than a threshold value IFDmin.","The system further comprises a duration manipulation module configured to modify a duration of the multimedia content item by manipulating one or more video frames at each of the frame positions.","In some cases the frame selection module is configured to identify a set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are less than the threshold value IFDmin or that are greater than a threshold value IFDmax.","In some cases the frame selection module is configured to define the frame positions in consideration of a minimum time gap G separating the frame positions.","In some cases the duration manipulation module is configured to reduce the duration of the multimedia content item by removing a video frame from at least one of the frame positions.","In some cases the duration manipulation module is configured to reduce the duration of the multimedia content item by cross-blending a plurality of video frames adjacent to one of the frame positions.","In some cases the system further comprises a user interface module configured to (a) receive a qualitative quality control input from a user, and (b) set the threshold value IFDmin based on the qualitative quality control input.","Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a process for manipulating a duration of a multimedia content item to be carried out.","The process comprises receiving a multimedia content item that includes a plurality of video frames and an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames.","The process further comprises calculating a plurality of IFD values associated with the multimedia content item.","Each of the IFD values represents a difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.","The process further comprises selecting an initial subset of cut frames at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values and a minimum time gap G separating the cut frames.","Each of the cut frames is associated with a cut frame positions.","The process further comprises adjusting the cut frame positions using a numerical optimization technique.","The process further comprises removing a video frame associated with at least one of the adjusted cut frame positions.","The process further comprises cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding each of the adjusted cut frame positions.","Cutting the audio track causes a duration of the audio track to be reduced.","In some cases the numerical optimization technique adjusts the cut frame positions by minimizing a quantity defined by Equation (1), wherein λ is a weighting parameter; N is a quantity of cut frames in the initial subset of cut frames; xi represents an ith frame; IFD′(xi) represents a modified computation of the IFD corresponding to the xith frame wherein a smooth continuous correcting curve is applied for IFD values less than a threshold value IFDmin; and t(xi) corresponds to a time associated with the xith frame.","In some cases the minimum time gap G is between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50 seconds.","In some cases cutting and crossfading the audio track further comprises (a) determining a quantity of audio data segments to be extracted from the window; (b) identifying an audio data segment existing within the window; (c) determining a fundamental frequency and a corresponding sample period of the identified audio data segment; and (d) crossfading a plurality of samples at the adjusted cut frame position corresponding to the window, wherein said crossfading is performed using a correlation-based mixture of linear and constant power crossfade.","The foregoing detailed description has been presented for illustration.","It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form described.","Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure.","Therefore it is intended that the scope of this application be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.","Future filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner, and may generally include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DURATION MANIPULATION\",\n \"Average pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising a content item.\",\n \"For each pair of adjacent frames, an IFD is calculated.\",\n \"The IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with each of the two frames.\",\n \"An initial set of cut frames is selected based on IFD values that are less than a minimum value IFDmin, or that are greater than a maximum value IFDmax.\",\n \"The positions of these initial cut frames are optimized using a numerical optimization technique that favors removal of frames corresponding to IFD extrema, but that also attempts to maintain a minimum time gap between cut frames.\",\n \"Selecting frames for removal is approached as a constraint minimization problem.\",\n \"Once an optimized set of cut frames is established, audio is cut and crossfaded in a temporal window surrounding cut frame positions.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for manipulating a duration of a content item, the method comprising: receiving a content item that comprises a plurality of video frames; calculating a plurality of inter frame distance (IFD) values associated with the content item, wherein each of the IFD values represents a difference between baseline pixel luminosities associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the content item; selecting an initial set of frame positions at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values and a minimum time gap G separating the frame positions; adjusting the frame positions using a numerical optimization technique; and modifying a duration of the content item by manipulating one or more video frames at the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of the content item is modified by removing video frames at the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of the content item is modified by inserting a new video frame adjacent to one of the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1, wherein each of the frame positions in the initial set corresponds to an IFD value that is either less than a threshold value IFDmin or greater than a threshold value IFDmax.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1, further comprising cross-blending a plurality of video frames adjacent to one of the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"6.A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a process for reducing a duration of a multimedia content item to be carried out, the process comprising: receiving a multimedia content item that includes a plurality of video frames and an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames; calculating a plurality of inter frame distance (IFD) values associated with the multimedia content item, wherein each of the IFD values represents a difference between baseline pixel luminosities associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item; selecting an initial subset of the video frames at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values, wherein each of the selected video frames is associated with a cut frame position, and wherein at least a minimum time gap G separates the cut frame positions from each other; adjusting at least one of the cut frame positions using a numerical optimization technique; removing, from the multimedia content item, a particular one of the selected video frames that was included in the initial subset; and cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding a cut frame position associated with the removed particular video frame, thereby causing a duration of the audio track to be reduced.\",\n \"7.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the process further comprises cross-blending a plurality of video frames adjacent to the removed particular video frame.\",\n \"8.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein each of the IFD values is calculated by: (a) determining a first luminosity of a first pixel comprising a first video frame; (b) determining a second luminosity of a second pixel comprising a second video frame that is adjacent to the first video frame, wherein the first and second pixels correspond to a common position in the first and second video frames; (c) determining a difference between the first and second luminosities; (d) repeating (a), (b), and (c) for a plurality of pixels comprising the first and second video frames, thereby producing a plurality of luminosity differences; and (e) averaging the plurality of luminosity differences.\",\n \"9.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the numerical optimization technique adjusts at least one of the cut frame positions by minimizing a quantity - λ ∑ i = 1 N IFD ′ ( x i ) 2 - ∑ i = 1 N { ln [ t ( x i ) - t ( x i - 1 ) - G ] + ln [ t ( x i + 1 ) - t ( x i ) - G ] } , wherein: λ is a weighting parameter; Ni s a quantity of video frames in the initial subset; xi represents an ith video frame; IFD′(xi) represents a modified computation of an IFD corresponding to the xith video frame, wherein a smooth continuous correcting curve is applied for initially-calculated IFD values less than a threshold value IFDmin; and t(xi) corresponds to a time associated with the xith video frame.\",\n \"10.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the minimum time gap G is between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50 seconds.\",\n \"11.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the process further comprises: receiving a qualitative quality control input; and setting the minimum time gap G based on the qualitative quality control input.\",\n \"12.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein IFD values are calculated for each pair of adjacent video frames comprising the multimedia content item.\",\n \"13.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein cutting and crossfading the audio track further comprises: determining a quantity of audio data segments to be extracted from the window; identifying an audio data segment existing within the window; determining a fundamental frequency and a corresponding sample period of the identified audio data segment; and crossfading a plurality of samples at the cut frame position associated with the removed particular video frame, wherein said crossfading is performed using a correlation-based mixture of linear and constant power crossfade.\",\n \"14.A system for manipulating a duration of a digital content item, the system comprising: an inter frame distance (IFD) calculation module configured to calculate a plurality of IFD values associated with video frames that comprise a digital content item, wherein each of the IFD values represents a difference between baseline pixel luminosities associated with two adjacent video frames; a frame selection module configured to identify a set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are less than a threshold value IFDmin, wherein the frame positions are separated from each other by at least a minimum time gap G; and a duration manipulation module configured to modify a duration of the digital content item by manipulating a particular video frame corresponding to a particular one of the frame positions.\",\n \"15.The system of claim 14, wherein: the digital content item further comprises an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames; and the system further comprises an audio manipulation sub-module configured to modify a duration of the audio track by cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding one or more of the frame positions.\",\n \"16.The system of claim 14, further comprising a supplemental frame selection module configured to identify a supplemental set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are greater than a threshold value IFDmax.\",\n \"17.The system of claim 14, further comprising a supplemental frame selection module configured to identify a supplemental set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are greater than a threshold value IFDmax, wherein the duration manipulation module is further configured to modify the duration of the digital content item by manipulating a second particular video frame corresponding to a particular one of the frame positions in the supplemental set of frame positions.\",\n \"18.The system of claim 14, wherein the duration of the digital content item is modified by removing the particular video frame.\",\n \"19.The system of claim 14, wherein IFD values are calculated for each pair of adjacent video frames comprising the digital content item.\",\n \"20.The system of claim 14, wherein the duration of the content item is modified by inserting a new video frame adjacent to the particular video frame.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The duration of multimedia content—such as television programming—is often manipulated to fit within a scheduled timeslot.\",\n \"For example, the television broadcast schedule in the United Kingdom includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 45 minutes and 48 minutes of programming.\",\n \"On the other hand, the television broadcast schedule in the United States includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 39 minutes and 42 minutes of programming.\",\n \"As a result, if a British television program is to be adapted for viewing in the United States its duration should be reduced slightly.\",\n \"Even where programming is not being adapted for another market, many applications still call for a slight increase or decrease in the duration of such programming.\",\n \"For instance, television programs having a duration that does not necessarily conform to the standardized timeslots that comprise a broadcast schedule are apt candidates for duration manipulation.\",\n \"Examples of such programming include sporting events, live performances, and breaking news coverage.\",\n \"Outside the field of television broadcasting, it is still often desired to manipulate the duration of distributed multimedia content, for instance in the context of online streaming services and portable media distribution schemes such as digital video disc sales or rentals.\",\n \"Given the wide range of applications which call for manipulating multimedia content duration, a number of techniques have been developed to perform such manipulations.\",\n \"For instance, Time Tailor (Prime Image, Inc., Chalifont, Pa.) is one example of an existing tool that can be used to reduce the duration of a television program to create additional commercial time in a broadcast schedule.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example computer system that can be used to manipulate the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D comprise a flowchart illustrating an example technique for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3A is a timeline schematically illustrating an example multimedia content item having an initial duration of five minutes.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3B is a timeline schematically illustrating the example multimedia content item of FIG.\",\n \"3A after applying one of the duration manipulation techniques disclosed herein, wherein both the original content item and a thirty-second commercial announcement are played in the same five minute timeslot.\",\n \"detailed-description description=\\\"Detailed Description\\\" end=\\\"lead\\\"?\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/534,543 (filed 6 Nov. 2014), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.\",\n \"FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates generally to manipulation of multimedia content items, and more specifically to methods for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.\",\n \"BACKGROUND The duration of multimedia content—such as television programming—is often manipulated to fit within a scheduled timeslot.\",\n \"For example, the television broadcast schedule in the United Kingdom includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 45 minutes and 48 minutes of programming.\",\n \"On the other hand, the television broadcast schedule in the United States includes hour-long timeslots that are configured to accommodate between 39 minutes and 42 minutes of programming.\",\n \"As a result, if a British television program is to be adapted for viewing in the United States its duration should be reduced slightly.\",\n \"Even where programming is not being adapted for another market, many applications still call for a slight increase or decrease in the duration of such programming.\",\n \"For instance, television programs having a duration that does not necessarily conform to the standardized timeslots that comprise a broadcast schedule are apt candidates for duration manipulation.\",\n \"Examples of such programming include sporting events, live performances, and breaking news coverage.\",\n \"Outside the field of television broadcasting, it is still often desired to manipulate the duration of distributed multimedia content, for instance in the context of online streaming services and portable media distribution schemes such as digital video disc sales or rentals.\",\n \"Given the wide range of applications which call for manipulating multimedia content duration, a number of techniques have been developed to perform such manipulations.\",\n \"For instance, Time Tailor (Prime Image, Inc., Chalifont, Pa.) is one example of an existing tool that can be used to reduce the duration of a television program to create additional commercial time in a broadcast schedule.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example computer system that can be used to manipulate the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D comprise a flowchart illustrating an example technique for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3A is a timeline schematically illustrating an example multimedia content item having an initial duration of five minutes.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3B is a timeline schematically illustrating the example multimedia content item of FIG.\",\n \"3A after applying one of the duration manipulation techniques disclosed herein, wherein both the original content item and a thirty-second commercial announcement are played in the same five minute timeslot.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION A multimedia content item can be understood as comprising a collection of synchronized audio and video segments that are arranged for sequential playback.\",\n \"The duration of the content item can therefore be manipulated by adding or removing such segments, or by adjusting the speed at which the segments are played.\",\n \"A significant challenge lies in implementing these manipulations in a visually and audibly subtle manner such that they are not easily noticed when a consumer views the manipulated content item.\",\n \"As a result, existing solutions for manipulating the duration of multimedia content tend to suffer from a number of shortcomings.\",\n \"For example, solutions that operate by manipulating the playback speed or frame rate tend to result in undesirable visible and audible artifacts.\",\n \"Solutions that rely on segment addition or removal generally (a) rely on manual input to identify appropriate editing points, which tends to be time consuming and expensive, or (b) rely on a window-based analysis of smaller content blocks that comprise the multimedia asset, which tends to produce suboptimal results.\",\n \"Moreover, existing automated algorithms for identifying segments to be removed tend not to efficiently identify frames that can be removed subtly.\",\n \"These shortcomings represent substantial limitations that make it difficult for broadcasters and program managers to “micro-schedule” their content—that is, to subtly manipulate multimedia content duration to conform to predetermined scheduled timeslots.\",\n \"Techniques are disclosed herein for manipulating the duration of a multimedia content item in a way that addresses certain of these shortcomings.\",\n \"In one embodiment average pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising a multimedia content item.\",\n \"For each pair of adjacent frames, an inter frame distance (IFD) is calculated, wherein the IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with each of the two frames.\",\n \"An initial set of frames to be removed from the content item (also referred to herein as “cut frames”) is selected based on IFD values that are less than a pre-established minimum value IFDmin, or that are greater than a pre-established maximum value IFDmax.\",\n \"The positions of these initial cut frames are optimized using a numerical optimization technique that favors removal of frames corresponding to extreme IFD values, but that also attempts to maintain a minimum time gap G between cut frames.\",\n \"Thus selecting frames for removal can be understood and approached as a constraint minimization problem.\",\n \"Once an optimized set of cut frames is established, audio is cut and crossfaded in a temporal window surrounding each cut frame.\",\n \"Numerous configurations and modifications will be apparent in light of this disclosure, including modifications that enable the duration of the content item to be increased instead of decreased.\",\n \"A number of advantages are associated with certain of the disclosed embodiments.\",\n \"For example, certain of the techniques disclosed herein reduce the duration of a multimedia content item without introducing easily noticeable visible or audible artifacts into the modified content item.\",\n \"The appearance of artifacts depends on a number of factors ranging from the type of programming, the compression techniques used to encode the content, and the content consumer′s visual and aural acuity.\",\n \"However, in general, duration reductions of up to 10% have been observed to be unnoticeable to most content consumers, while even higher reductions have been observed to be barely or only occasionally noticeable.\",\n \"Because IFD extrema are identified and located based on an analysis of an entire content item, such analysis produces superior results as compared to a window-based approach that analyzes and processes the content item on a segment-by-segment basis.\",\n \"In particular, existing solutions which use a window-based approach tend to “force” frame cutting even in regions where such cuts may be more easily noticed.\",\n \"A wide range of different multimedia content can be processed using the techniques disclosed herein, including both interlaced and non-interlaced content.\",\n \"Certain embodiments also advantageously avoid human intervention and/or input by automating the duration manipulation process, thereby reducing costs and processing times.\",\n \"For example, in one implementation, a user simply identifies a multimedia content item to be processed and a target duration modification; other quality control parameters and settings can be applied based on predefined default values.\",\n \"This enables content to be processed efficiently and quickly: in one example embodiment one hour of high definition multimedia content is processed in less than five minutes.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “multimedia content” refers, in addition to its ordinary meaning, to audio, visual, or audiovisual information intended for consumption by a user, organization, or other human- or computer-controlled entity.\",\n \"In general, multimedia content can be understood as including audible recordings played via speakers or headphones, visual presentations that include one or more visual assets which may or may not change with the progression of time, and combinations of both audible and visual assets.\",\n \"Specific examples of multimedia content include television programs, movies, animated sequences, and other audiovisual assets.\",\n \"In applications where multimedia content includes both audio and video components, such components can be separated and subjected to different processing techniques.\",\n \"Multimedia content can be stored in a compressed digital format and may be created and manipulated using any suitable editing application.\",\n \"For example, multimedia content can be stored in any suitable file format defined by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), including MPEG-4, can be stored as a sequence of frames defined in a color space such as red-green-blue (RGB) or luma-chrominance (YUV), or can be stored in any other suitable compressed or uncompressed file format, including file formats generated in real-time by animation engines, compositing engines, or other video generation applications.\",\n \"Multimedia content may also include information that is not specifically intended for display, and thus also encompasses items such as embedded executable instructions, scripts, hyperlinks, metadata, encoding information, audio tracks, and formatting information.\",\n \"The term “multimedia content item” refers to a collection of multimedia content that is organized into a distinct unit, such as a file, which can be subjected to various processing operations.\",\n \"Thus while digital music or video may be referred to as multimedia content generally, a song or television episode may be referred to as a multimedia content item.\",\n \"Multimedia content items may also be referred to as “multimedia assets”.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “luminosity” refers, in addition to its ordinary meaning, to a measure of where a color falls on a spectrum between black and white.\",\n \"Luminosity can therefore be thought of as a measure of how close a given color is to black or white.\",\n \"Luminosity is typically expressed in terms of a percentage, where a luminosity of 0% corresponds to black and a luminosity of 100% corresponds to white.\",\n \"A color of a given hue and saturation having a luminosity of 50% will appear as close as possible to the pure color of that hue and saturation, as compared to colors having a higher (faded) or lower (darkened) luminosity.\",\n \"Thus luminosity is a unique parameter as compared to brightness and saturation in that the midpoint of the luminosity scale corresponds to a pure hue.\",\n \"Luminosity is also sometimes referred to as “lightness”.\",\n \"System Architecture FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating selected components of an example computer system 100 that can be used to manipulate the duration of multimedia content items in an analytical and controllable manner that is both visually and audibly subtle.\",\n \"Computer system 100 may comprise, for example, one or more devices selected from a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a handheld computer, a set-top box, an enterprise class server, or any other such computing device.\",\n \"A combination of different devices may be used in certain embodiments.\",\n \"In the illustrated embodiment, computer system 100 includes, among other things, a processor 110, a memory 120, an operating system 140, a communications module 150, a duration reduction module 160, and an optional multimedia rendering module 170.In alternative embodiments a duration increase module is provided in addition to, or instead of, duration reduction module 160.As can be further seen, a bus and/or interconnect 180 is also provided to allow for inter- and intra-device communications using, for example, communications module 150.Computer system 100 is optionally coupled to a network 200 to allow for communications with other computing devices or resources, such as a networked media store 300.Other componentry and functionality not reflected in the schematic block diagram of FIG.\",\n \"1 will be apparent in light of this disclosure, and it will be appreciated that other embodiments are not limited to any particular hardware configuration.\",\n \"Processor 110 can be any suitable processor, and may include one or more coprocessors or controllers, such as an audio processor or a graphics processing unit, to assist in control and processing operations associated with computer system 100.Memory 120 can be implemented using any suitable type of digital storage, such as one or more of a disc drive, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, flash memory, and/or random access memory (RAM).\",\n \"Operating system 140 may comprise any suitable operating system, such as Google Android (Google Inc., Mountain View, Calif.), Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash.), or Apple OS X (Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.).\",\n \"As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the techniques provided herein can be implemented without regard to the particular operating system provided in conjunction with computer system 100, and therefore may also be implemented using any suitable existing or subsequently-developed platform.\",\n \"Communications module 150 can be any appropriate network chip or chipset which allows for wired and/or wireless connection to other components of computer system 100 and/or to network 200, thereby enabling computer system 100 to communicate with other local and/or remote computer systems, servers, and/or resources.\",\n \"Duration reduction module 160 is configured to subtly reduce the duration of a multimedia content item by cutting video frames from the content and crossfading audio that corresponds to the cut video frames.\",\n \"Duration reduction module 160 can be implemented with a variety of suitable software and/or hardware that is coupled to or that otherwise forms part of computer system 100.For example, in terms of software, in certain embodiments duration reduction module 160 is used in conjunction with a video editing application, thereby allowing users to manipulate the duration of video content.\",\n \"In other embodiments duration reduction module 160 is used in conjunction with a media player application or other software component capable of rendering multimedia content, such as multimedia rendering module 170.For instance in one implementation a media player is configured to automatically reduce the duration of a content item and to insert an advertisement into the content item.\",\n \"In terms of hardware, duration reduction module 160 can be implemented or otherwise used in conjunction with input/output devices such as a display, a video camera, a textual input device such as a keyboard, and/or a pointer-based input device such as a mouse.\",\n \"Other input/output devices that may be used in other embodiments include a touchscreen, a touchpad, a speaker, and/or a microphone.\",\n \"Still other input/output devices can be used in other embodiments.\",\n \"In certain embodiments duration reduction module 160 is installed local to computer system 100, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"1.Alternatively, in embodiments where computer system 100 is implemented as a client in a client-server architecture, at least some functionality associated with duration reduction module 160 is downloaded from a server using an applet, such as a JavaScript applet, or other downloadable module.\",\n \"Such a remotely accessible module or sub-module can be provided in real-time in response to a request from computer system 100.For example, a user of a tablet computer may invoke functionality associated with duration reduction module 160 upon accessing multimedia content which is to be viewed or otherwise processed, and which may be retrieved from media store 300.In such embodiments the server can be local to network 200 or remotely coupled to network 200 by one or more other networks and/or communication channels.\",\n \"In some cases access to resources on a given network or computing system may require credentials such as usernames, passwords, and/or compliance with any other suitable security mechanism.\",\n \"In any such standalone or networked computing scenarios, duration reduction module 160 may be implemented with any suitable technology that allows a user to perform frame-by-frame analysis of a multimedia content item.\",\n \"Still referring to FIG.\",\n \"1, in certain embodiments duration reduction module 160 includes a user interface sub-module 161, an IFD calculation sub-module 162, an IFD smoothing sub-module 163, a cut frame selection sub-module 164, a frame removal sub-module 165, and an audio manipulation sub-module 166.In certain embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is used, for example, to receive user input that identifies a multimedia asset to be manipulated and defines the parameters of the manipulation including, for example, quality control parameters.\",\n \"User interface sub-module 161 also optionally provides information such as a maximum duration reduction that is available for a given multimedia content item, or a likelihood that a targeted duration reduction will produce visible and/or audible artifacts.\",\n \"Regardless of the specific functionality provided, in such embodiments user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to work in conjunction with suitable input/output hardware such as touch sensitive display.\",\n \"In an example embodiment IFD calculation sub-module 162 calculates an IFD for each pair of adjacent frames that comprise the processed multimedia content item.\",\n \"The IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity for each of the two frames.\",\n \"Because the IFD values are calculated numerically and are often subject to large variations, in certain embodiments IFD smoothing sub-module 163 performs one or more iterative smoothing operations on the IFD values.\",\n \"In particular, once an optimized set of cut frame positions is established as will be described in turn, the IFD values can be smoothed and the optimization can be performed again using the optimized set of cut frame positions as seed points.\",\n \"It has been found that performing one or more iterations of (a) smoothing the IFD values, (b) finding a first optimized set of cut frame positions, (c) smoothing the IFD values again using a Gaussian kernel of decreasing sigma, and (d) finding a subsequent optimized set of cut frame positions reduces the likelihood that visible and/or audible artifacts will be present in a reduced-duration multimedia content item.\",\n \"Cut frame selection sub-module 164 is configured to identify a plurality of video frames that are suitable to be removed from a multimedia content item.\",\n \"The number of frames which are to be removed depends on the extent to which the duration of the content item is to be reduced, with large quantities of cut frames corresponding to greater duration reductions.\",\n \"In one embodiment, an initial set of cut frames is selected based on IFD values that are less than the pre-established minimum value IFDmin, or that are greater than the pre-established maximum value IFDmax.\",\n \"The threshold parameters IFDmin and IFDmax can be understood as quality control parameters that affect the perceived subtlety of the duration reduction, wherein a lower IFDmin value and/or a higher IFDmax value correspond to more restrictive frame cutting conditions, and therefore a lower likelihood that a viewer will notice the cut frame.\",\n \"Once the initial set of cut frames is identified, cut frame selection sub-module 165 is further configured to optimize the positions of these cut frames using a numerical optimization technique.\",\n \"In particular, identifying a preferred cut frame position can be understood as a minimization process that favors removal of frames corresponding to extreme IFD values, but that also attempts to maintain the minimum time gap G between cut frames.\",\n \"The minimum time gap G is yet another quality control parameter that prevents several frames from being removed in a short time window, which would make it difficult to synchronize the corresponding audio without producing audible artifacts.\",\n \"Once the cut frame positions are optimized or otherwise not subjected to further processing, frame removal sub-module 165 can be configured to remove frames from the multimedia content item at the identified cut frame positions.\",\n \"This can be accomplished by simply removing the identified cut frame, or by cross-blending a plurality of frames adjacent to the identified cut frame, wherein the cross-blending removes a time duration that corresponds to the duration of a single frame.\",\n \"Simply removing the video frames identified and positioned by cut frame selection sub-module 164 will result in a multimedia content item having an audio track that is longer than its video track.\",\n \"To address this, audio manipulation sub-module 166 is configured to cut and crossfade audio in a narrow window surrounding each cut frame.\",\n \"In particular, a narrow window surrounding each cut frame is divided into a plurality of smaller audio segments, each of which is associated with an average sound energy value that measures the intensity of sound within that segment.\",\n \"Audio cutting and crossfading is performed on the segments with the lowest average sound energy, wherein the audio crossfading is based on the fundamental frequency and sample period of the segment.\",\n \"This allows the duration of the audio track to be reduced such that it matches the modified video track.\",\n \"Additional details regarding the operation of the modules and sub-modules disclosed herein will be described in turn.\",\n \"As described herein, in an alternative embodiment a duration increase module is provided in addition to, or instead of, duration reduction module 160.In one such alternative embodiment duration increase module includes one or more sub-modules capable of identifying positions where it would be appropriate to insert a duplicate frame into a multimedia content item for the purpose of increasing the duration of the content item.\",\n \"Examples of sub-modules which are included in the duration increase module include an IFD calculation sub-module and an IFD smoothing sub-module.\",\n \"Such sub-modules operate similarly or identically to those used in conjunction with duration reduction module 160, and indeed, shared sub-modules can be implemented in certain embodiments.\",\n \"The duration increase module also includes an inserted frame positioning sub-module that is configured to optimize a set of positions suitable for inserting duplicative frames.\",\n \"In such case, inserted frame positioning sub-module operates on the same principle as cut frame selection sub-module 164, wherein an initial set of frame positions is optimized using a numerical optimization technique that favors frames corresponding to extreme IFD values, but that also attempts to maintain a minimum time gap G between frame insertions.\",\n \"In some implementations a duplicative frame is inserted, while in other implementations a cross-blended frame is inserted.\",\n \"Duration increase module also includes an audio manipulation sub-module that operates similarly or identically to the corresponding sub-module in duration reduction module 160, thereby maintaining a common duration between the audio and video tracks.\",\n \"Thus it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments can be configured to manipulate a multimedia content item to have a shorter or longer duration.\",\n \"The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, or special purpose processors.\",\n \"For example, in one embodiment a non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions encoded thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more of the methods for manipulating the duration of multimedia content items disclosed herein to be implemented.\",\n \"The instructions can be encoded using one or more suitable programming languages, such as C, C++, object-oriented C, JavaScript, Visual Basic .NET, BASIC, or alternatively, using custom or proprietary instruction sets.\",\n \"Such instructions can be provided in the form of one or more computer software applications or applets that are tangibly embodied on a memory device, and that can be executed by a computer having any suitable architecture.\",\n \"In one embodiment the system can be hosted on a given website and implemented using JavaScript or another suitable browser-based technology.\",\n \"The functionalities disclosed herein can optionally be incorporated into a variety of different software applications, including video editing applications, video analysis applications, digital content scheduling applications, or other content generation, modification, and/or management applications.\",\n \"Moreover, the functionalities disclosed herein can additionally or alternatively leverage services provided by separate software modules, such as content management services or user authentication services.\",\n \"The computer software applications disclosed herein may include a number of different modules, sub-modules, or other components of distinct functionality, and can provide information to, or receive information from, still other components and/or services.\",\n \"These modules can be used, for example, to communicate with input and/or output devices such as a display screen, a touch sensitive surface, a printer, and/or any other suitable input/output device.\",\n \"Other components and functionality not reflected in the illustrations will be apparent in light of this disclosure, and it will be appreciated that the claimed invention is not intended to be limited to any particular hardware or software configuration.\",\n \"Thus in other embodiments duration reduction module 160 may comprise additional, fewer, or alternative subcomponents as compared to those included in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"1.For example, in one alternative embodiment duration reduction module 160 includes a sub-module configured for media playback, such as might otherwise be provided by multimedia rendering module 170.The aforementioned non-transitory computer readable medium may be any suitable medium for storing digital information, such as a hard drive, a server, a flash memory, and/or random access memory.\",\n \"In alternative embodiments, the computer and/or modules disclosed herein can be implemented with hardware, including gate level logic such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or alternatively, a purpose-built semiconductor such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).\",\n \"Still other embodiments may be implemented with a microcontroller having a number of input/output ports for receiving and outputting data, and a number of embedded routines for carrying out the various functionalities disclosed herein.\",\n \"It will be apparent that any suitable combination of hardware, software, and firmware can be used in this regard, and that the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to any particular system architecture.\",\n \"Methodology FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D comprise a flowchart illustrating an example method 2000 for manipulating the duration of a multimedia content item.\",\n \"As can be seen, duration manipulation method 2000 includes a number of phases and sub-processes, the sequence of which may vary from one embodiment to another.\",\n \"However, when considered in the aggregate, these phases and sub-processes form a complete multimedia content duration manipulation method that is responsive to user commands in accordance with certain of the embodiments disclosed herein.\",\n \"This method can be implemented, for example, using the system architecture illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"1.However other system architectures can be used in other embodiments, as will be apparent in light of this disclosure.\",\n \"To this end, the correlation of the various functionalities shown in FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D to the specific components illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"1 is not intended to imply any structural and/or use limitations.\",\n \"Rather, other embodiments may include varying degrees of integration wherein multiple functionalities are performed by one system or by separate systems.\",\n \"For instance, in an alternative embodiment a single module can be used to manipulate the duration of a multimedia content item and render the content item.\",\n \"Thus other embodiments may have fewer or more modules and sub-modules depending on the granularity of implementation.\",\n \"Numerous variations and alternative configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.\",\n \"Still referring to FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D, in one embodiment method 2000 commences with duration reduction module 160 receiving a multimedia content item from networked media store 300.See reference numeral 2110 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"The multimedia content item may alternatively be received from a different source, such as from a storage resource that is local to computer system 100 (for example, a hard disc drive or a portable storage device), or from a different type of networked storage resource (for example, an electronic mail server or a peer-to-peer network).\",\n \"Method 2000 may additionally or alternatively commence with user interface sub-module 161 setting a duration reduction factor and/or quality control parameters based on user input or some other source.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2120 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"For example, in some cases the multimedia content item is received before the duration reduction factor and/or quality control parameters are set, in other cases the multimedia content item is received after the duration reduction factor and/or quality control parameters are set, and in still other embodiments such receipt occurs simultaneously.\",\n \"A duration reduction factor P defines the extent to which the duration of a content item is to be reduced.\",\n \"In one implementation, duration reduction factor P is defined as the ratio of the target duration to the original duration, such that a factor P=1.0 corresponds to no duration reduction.\",\n \"For example, if a content item having a duration of 300 seconds is to be reduced by 30 seconds to allow for insertion of a commercial advertisement, then the target duration reduction factor P=270÷300=0.90.The duration reduction factor P can be provided on a case-by-case basis by a user interacting with user interface sub-module 161, although in certain embodiments a default duration reduction factor can be applied in the absence of user input.\",\n \"In alternative embodiments a user can specify a target duration that the content item should have and the duration reduction factor P is calculated based on the ratio of the user-specified target duration to the known original duration.\",\n \"Quality control parameters IFDmin and IFDmax define lower and upper thresholds, respectively, for identifying video frames which are suitable for removal from a multimedia content item.\",\n \"For example, a frame associated with an IFD value that is less than IFDmin will appear vary similar to its neighbors.\",\n \"Such a frame might be considered to be a still frame or a nearly still frame, and therefore could probably be removed from the content item without significantly affecting how the content item appears during playback.\",\n \"Such a frame would therefore be suitable for removal.\",\n \"Likewise, a frame associated with an IFD value that is greater than IFDmax will likely occur during a fast action scene, or immediately adjacent to a cut.\",\n \"Such a frame could also probably be removed from the content item without significantly affecting how the content item appears during playback since it would be hidden within the fast action scene.\",\n \"In general, video frames associated with IFD values less than IFDmin and greater than IFDmax are frames which are unlikely to significantly affect how the content item appears during playback.\",\n \"The parameters IFDmin and IFDmax can therefore be understood as quality control parameters.\",\n \"In particular, setting a higher IFDmin threshold will increase the number of frames identified as suitable candidates for removal, and will therefore increase the likelihood that visible artifacts are introduced into the content item as a result of the duration manipulation.\",\n \"Likewise, setting a lower IFDmax threshold will also increase the number of frames identified as suitable candidates for removal, and will therefore also increase the likelihood that visible artifacts are introduced into the content item as a result of the duration manipulation.\",\n \"In certain embodiments user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to receive specific user-defined values for IFDmin and IFDmax, while in other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to simply establish values for IFDmin and IFDmax based on a user′s qualitative selection of higher quality or lower quality.\",\n \"This qualitative selection can be provided, for example, via a user interface element such as a slider extending from low to high quality or a radio button that can be toggled between low, medium, or high quality.\",\n \"In still other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to establish values for IFDmin and IFDmax based on predefined default values which may or may not be user adjustable.\",\n \"A minimum gap duration G defines a preferred minimum duration between frames identified as being suitable for removal.\",\n \"Removing multiple frames within a short time period increases the likelihood that visible and/or audible artifacts, and especially audible artifacts, will be apparent as a result of the removal.\",\n \"Thus the minimum gap duration G can be understood as yet another quality control parameter.\",\n \"Setting a lower minimum gap duration G will increase the number of frames identified as suitable candidates for removal, and will therefore increase the likelihood that visible and/or audible artifacts are introduced into the content item as a result of the duration manipulation.\",\n \"For example, if several video frames are removed in a relatively short window, the corresponding audio will need to be adjusted within that same relatively short window.\",\n \"This can result in audible artifacts, and in particular, in the perception that the audio portion of the content item changes speed suddenly.\",\n \"Such changes are more obvious for content types such as rhythmic music, and are less obvious for other content types such as spoken dialog.\",\n \"As a result, in some implementations different minimum gap durations can be defined for different portions of a multimedia content item depending on the multimedia content itself.\",\n \"In certain embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to receive specific user-defined values for minimum gap duration G, while in other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to simply establish a value for minimum gap duration G based on a qualitative selection of higher quality or lower quality.\",\n \"This qualitative selection can be provided, for example, via a user interface element such as a slider extending from low to high quality or a radio button that can be toggled between low, medium, or high quality.\",\n \"In still other embodiments user interface sub-module 161 is configured to establish a value for minimum gap duration G based on a predefined default value which may or may not be user adjustable.\",\n \"In one embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value between about 0.10 seconds and about 1.00 seconds.\",\n \"In another embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value between about 0.20 seconds and about 0.60 seconds.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50 seconds.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment minimum gap duration G is set to a value of about 0.35 seconds.\",\n \"Referring again to the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D, once duration reduction module 160 has received the multimedia content item, IFD calculation sub-module 162 is configured to calculate IFD values for each of the adjacent frame pairings in the content item.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2140 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"In one implementation IFD values are calculated by first generating a luminosity differential image that is defined by the difference between luminosities derived from the two adjacent frames.\",\n \"That is, the luminosity differential image is defined by abs[lum(Fi)−lum(F2)], where F1 and F2 are adjacent frames, and lum(Fn) is a luminosity derived from frame Fn.\",\n \"The luminosity differential image can be used to compute an average luminosity differential for a large quantity of pixel subsets, such as rectangular pixel subsets, over an entire frame.\",\n \"The average luminosity differential for the plurality of pixel subsets can be calculated using an integral image.\",\n \"More specifically, an integral image can be computed by taking the luminosity differential image as input and computing an image such that the value at any pixel (x, y) represents the sum of a subset of pixels above and to the left of pixel (x, y).\",\n \"For example, in one embodiment each rectangular pixel subset has a height and width that is approximately one-quarter of the height and width of the original image, respectively.\",\n \"Amongst the large quantity of average luminosity differentials that are computed, the maximum luminosity differential is taken as the IFD between the two adjacent frames.\",\n \"Use of an integral image advantageously allows these sums to be calculated quickly and efficiently.\",\n \"This technique for determining the IFD advantageously captures local movement (such as a person running across a portion of the frame) as well as global changes (such as a fade-to-black cut).\",\n \"In an another implementation this is accomplished by calculating a difference in luminosity for each pixel across two adjacent frames, and then determining the IFD based on an average difference across all of the pixels comprising the frame.\",\n \"While the above techniques compare an average luminosity for a pixel subset (or for individual pixels), in other embodiments a statistical metric other than average is used, such as median or mode.\",\n \"More generally, the techniques disclosed herein can be understood as establishing what is referred to herein as a “baseline pixel luminosity” associated with each of two adjacent frames.\",\n \"Given this, the IFD can be understood as corresponding to the difference between the two baselines, regardless of how such baselines are specifically calculated in a given implementation.\",\n \"In one embodiment an baseline pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising the content item and IFD values are determined for each pair of adjacent frames.\",\n \"In other embodiments baseline pixel luminosities are calculated only for a portion of the frames comprising the content item and IFD values are determined only for adjacent frames for which baseline pixel luminosities have been calculated.\",\n \"For example, in some cases a user may specify, for instance via user interface sub-module 161, that only a smaller portion of a larger content item is to be subjected to a duration manipulation technique.\",\n \"Pixel luminosity is used as the basis of the determined IFD values since it can be calculated quickly and because differences in luminosity can be perceived by the human eye relatively easily.\",\n \"Pixel luminosity thus can serve as a reasonably accurate proxy for how a scene appears to a user viewing the content item.\",\n \"IFD data calculated using the techniques disclosed herein tends not to be very smooth.\",\n \"Therefore in certain embodiments IFD smoothing sub-module 163 is configured to smoothen the IFD values using a Gaussian kernel σi.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2150 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"Any of a variety of suitable kernel smoothing techniques can be used in this regard.\",\n \"In general, using smoother IFD data for the constraint minimization techniques that are used to identify preferred cut frame positions results in fewer visible and/or audible artifacts in the resulting manipulated content item.\",\n \"However, it will be appreciated that using such smoothing techniques is optional, and in alternative embodiments the raw IFD values are subjected to further processing without performing any such statistical manipulations.\",\n \"Still referring to the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2D, cut frame selection sub-module 164 is configured to determine a number of frames N to be cut from the multimedia content item based on duration reduction factor P. See reference numeral 2160 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"For a received multimedia content item having M total frames configured for playback at a constant frame rate (for example as can be expressed in a number of frames per second), reducing the duration of the content item by a factor P can be understood as resulting in the removal of N frames, where N=M×(1−P).\",\n \"Thus the frames to be cut from the content item can be enumerated from the 1st to the Nth frame, each cut frame having a corresponding frame position x1, x2, x3, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", xN.\",\n \"Thus the goal of the subsequent processing can be understood as establishing a set of preferred positions {x1, x2, x3, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", xN} wherein removing the frames at such positions leaves few, if any, visible or audible artifacts in the content item.\",\n \"In some cases a small number of frames Np are removed from predetermined positions in the content item, such as at the very beginning of the content item or at known transition points in the content item.\",\n \"In such embodiments the number of frames to be positioned using the constraint minimization techniques disclosed herein can be reduced by the quantity Np.\",\n \"Once the number of frames N to be cut from the multimedia content item is established, cut frame selection sub-module 164 can define an initial set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", xN} based on identifying those frames with the highest and lowest IFD values, and further based on maintaining the minimum gap duration G. See reference numeral 2170 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"For example, in one embodiment this is accomplished using a greedy algorithm that selects frames with the largest IFD values, in addition to the frames wherein IFD<IFDmin.\",\n \"In another embodiment the algorithm selects frames with the smallest IFD values, in addition to the frames wherein IFD>IFDmax.\",\n \"Other frame selection techniques can be used in other embodiments.\",\n \"For example, in embodiments wherein multiple cut frame position optimizations are performed, cut frame selection sub-module 164 can define the initial set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", xN} based on the results of a prior optimization.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2175 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"In any case, frame selections are made in a way that maintains the specified minimum gap duration G between two cut frames xi and xi+1.Once the initial set of cut frame positions is established, cut frame selection sub-module 164 is further configured to use a numerical optimization technique to optimize the cut frame positions.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2210 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"A variety of numerical optimization techniques can be used in this regard, examples of which include the steepest descent technique, the Nelder-Mead simplex method, the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) algorithm, or a conjugate gradient technique.\",\n \"As used herein, the process of “optimizing” the cut frame positions refers to identifying particular cut frame positions where a viewer is less likely to perceive audible and/or visible artifacts as a result of removing a frame.\",\n \"The initially selected cut frame positions can then be adjusted, if appropriate, based on such optimization.\",\n \"This can be approached as a constraint optimization problem that responds to both IFD constraints and minimum gap duration constrains, as disclosed herein.\",\n \"For example, in one implementation an optimized set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", xN} correspond to minimization of the quantity - λ ∑ i = 1 N IFD ′ ( x i ) 2 - ∑ i = 1 N { ln [ t ( x i ) - t ( x i - 1 ) - G ] + ln [ t ( x i + 1 ) - t ( x i ) - G ] } , ( 1 ) where x0 corresponds to the position of the first frame of the multimedia content item, and xN+1 corresponds to the last frame of the content item.\",\n \"Equation (1) consists of two sums.\",\n \"The first sum serves to emphasize removal of frames having extreme IFD values.\",\n \"To this end, the function IFD′(xi) represents a modified computation of the IFD at position xi where a smooth continuous correcting curve is applied for values IFD<IFDmin.\",\n \"This causes IFD values less than IFDmin to receive a high function value instead of a low function value.\",\n \"IFD values greater than IFDmax also receive a high function value as well.\",\n \"The −λ value causes such values to be preferred when the value of Equation (1) is minimized.\",\n \"The value of the parameter A determines the relative weight of the IFD-based sum as compared to the second sum, which serves to deemphasize removal of frames within the minimum gap duration G of another cut frame.\",\n \"That is, the second sum can be understood as a barrier function that enforces minimum gap duration G. Minimizing the quantity of Equation (1) will result in an optimized set of cut frame positions {x1, x2, x3, .\",\n \".\",\n \".\",\n \", xN}, wherein removing frames at such positions will produce a content item having a duration that is reduced by a factor P, wherein any video artifacts created by removing the frames are relatively subtle or are not apparent to a typical viewer.\",\n \"Once such cut frame positions have been identified, cut frame selection sub-module 164 can be configured to determine whether to further refine the cut frame positions by performing another smoothing iteration on the IFD values.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2212 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"If another smoothing iteration is to be performed, Gaussian kernel a, can be reduced by a factor k, wherein k<1.See reference numeral 2214 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"This causes the IFD values to be smoothened further, and when an subsequent optimization of the cut frame positions is performed, the previously optimized cut frame positions can be used as seed points.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2175 in FIG.\",\n \"2A.\",\n \"If no further smoothing of the IFD values is to be performed, frame removal sub-module 165 can be configured to remove frames from the content item at the identified cut frame positions.\",\n \"To facilitate sequential analysis of the N cut frames, frame removal sub-module 165 compares the quantity N to a cut frame counting parameter N′ which is initially set such that N′=0.See reference numeral 2220 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"Cut frame counting parameter N′ is then incremented before subsequent processing.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2230 in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The N'th cut frame can be processed in a variety of ways.\",\n \"For example, in one implementation frame removal sub-module 165 cross-blends q frames that are adjacent to the N'th cut frame, wherein the cross-blending removes a time duration D corresponding to the duration of a single frame.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2232 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"In one embodiment the quantity of cross-blended frames q is between 2 and 10 (inclusive), in another embodiment the quantity of cross-blended frames q is between 2 and 6 (inclusive), and in yet another embodiment the quantity of cross-blended frames q is between 3 and 4 (inclusive).\",\n \"In another implementation frame removal sub-module 165 removes the N'th cut frame without applying any cross-blending techniques.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2234 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"A combination of different approaches for removing the N'th cut frame can be used as well.\",\n \"For example, in one such hybrid implementation frames having IFD>IFDmax are cut without cross-blending, while other cut frames are cross-blended.\",\n \"Another time reduction techniques that can be used instead of, or in addition to, cross-blending and cutting is motion compensated blending, which works well to conceal removal of a single frame.\",\n \"Once the N'th cut frame is removed, it is determined whether N′=N.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2240 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"If not, the cut frame counting parameter N′ is incremented and the next cut frame is processed as described herein.\",\n \"On the other hand, if all of the cut frames have been processed, the cut frame counting parameter N′ is reset for subsequent audio processing, such that N′=1 once again.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2250 in FIG.\",\n \"2B.\",\n \"Audio manipulation sub-module 166 can then be used to synchronize the original audio data with the modified (for example, shortened) video data.\",\n \"Because the removed video frames are not equidistant from each other and may be clustered in certain regions of the content item, simply cutting and crossfading the audio component across the entire content item may result in substantial discrepancies between the audio and video components of the content item.\",\n \"Rather, audio manipulation sub-module 166 is configured to cut and crossfade the audio in N localized regions surrounding the N positions where video frames were removed or cross-blended, or where the duration of the video component of the multimedia content item was otherwise manipulated.\",\n \"In general, most viewers will not notice if audio is received shortly before (for example, up to about 30 milliseconds before), or shortly after (for example, up to about 60 milliseconds after), a corresponding video frame.\",\n \"These example time intervals correspond to one or two video frames based on the frame rates that are often used in contemporary digital video applications.\",\n \"The sum of these intervals therefore can be used to define a “removal opportunity window” of duration w that corresponds to a region around a point where a video frame was cut, and therefore where audio can be cut and crossfaded without introducing audible artifacts.\",\n \"For example, in one embodiment audio of duration D is removed from within a removal opportunity window of duration w, wherein D is the duration of the cut video frame, and w is a duration corresponding to the range of frames (xi−1, x1+2).\",\n \"While w is described in this example embodiment as corresponding to a total duration of three frame lengths D, one before the position of the ith cut frame and two after (xi−1, x1+2), it will be appreciated that other durations w can be used for the removal opportunity window in other embodiments.\",\n \"In one specific implementation, the duration w is about 90 milliseconds, and the frame length D is about 30 milliseconds.\",\n \"In other implementations w=3D generally, and the removal opportunity window asymmetrically surrounds the point where a video frame was removed such that most of the window occurs after the point where the video frame was removed.\",\n \"Cutting more than about 20 milliseconds of audio data from a single position can cause audible artifacts to be introduced into the resulting modified content item.\",\n \"The duration of a single video frame will often exceed 20 milliseconds in many implementations.\",\n \"As a result, in certain embodiments K segments of audio data (K>1), each having duration k≤20 ms, are extracted from the removal opportunity window.\",\n \"Since the total duration of audio data which should be extracted is D (the duration of one video frame), the total number of segments of audio data which should be removed is K=D÷k.\",\n \"Thus, for example, for a video frame length D=30 ms and a segment duration k=10 ms, a total of K=D÷k=30 ms÷ 10 ms=3 segments of audio data should be removed from the removal opportunity window.\",\n \"In some cases the segment duration k is manipulated slightly such that an integral number of segments corresponds to the frame length D. Thus audio manipulation sub-module 166 can be configured to determine a quantity of audio data segments K which should be extracted from the N'th removal opportunity window.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2310 in FIG.\",\n \"2C.\",\n \"In general, the N'th removal opportunity window can be understood as comprising an essentially unlimited quantity of segments of duration k, each of which commences at a slightly different point.\",\n \"Audio manipulation sub-module 166 is configured to analyze a large quantity of these segments and identify the K segments having the lowest sound energy.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2320 in FIG.\",\n \"2C.\",\n \"These K lowest energy segments can be identified, for example, by their starting point and duration.\",\n \"To facilitate sequential analysis of the K segments, audio manipulation sub-module 166 compares the quantity K to a segment counting parameter K′ which is initially set such that K′=1.See reference numeral 2330 in FIG.\",\n \"2C.\",\n \"A fundamental frequency F0 and sample period T0 are determined for the K'th segment.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2340 in FIG.\",\n \"2C.\",\n \"In such embodiments audio manipulation sub-module 166 determines a quantity of samples L which are to be extracted from the K'th segment based on the integer multiple of the fundamental sample period T0 that is closest to the segment duration k. See reference numeral 2350 in FIG.\",\n \"2C.\",\n \"Thus L=k÷T0, with L be rounded to the nearest integer.\",\n \"To avoid introducing discontinuities in the resulting audio signal, L samples are optionally crossfaded at the cut position using a correlation-based mixture of linear and constant power crossfade.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2360 in FIG.\",\n \"2C.\",\n \"Once the L samples are extracted from the K'th segment, the segment counting parameter K′ is incremented.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2410 in FIG.\",\n \"2D.\",\n \"It is then determined whether all K segments to be extracted from the N'th removal opportunity window have been processed, or stated alternatively, whether K′>K.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2420 in FIG.\",\n \"2D.\",\n \"If not, the next K'th segment is processed as described herein.\",\n \"If all K segments to be extracted from the N'th removal opportunity window have been processed, that is, if K′>K, the cut frame counting parameter N′ is incremented.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2430 in FIG.\",\n \"2D.\",\n \"It is then determined whether the audio duration has been adjusted in all N removal opportunity windows, or stated alternatively, whether N′>N.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2440 in FIG.\",\n \"2D.\",\n \"If not, the next N'th removal opportunity window is processed as described herein.\",\n \"If audio data has been extracted from all N removal opportunity windows, that is, if N′>N, user interface sub-module 161 can be configured to generate a notification that the duration manipulation process is complete.\",\n \"See reference numeral 2450 in FIG.\",\n \"2D.\",\n \"In some cases duration reduction module 160 can be configured to store the modified multimedia content item in networked media store 300.See reference numeral 2460 in FIG.\",\n \"2D.\",\n \"In embodiments wherein the multimedia content item was originally obtained from another source, such as a storage resource that is local to computer system 100 (for example, a hard disc drive or a portable storage device), or from a different type of networked storage resource (for example, an email server or a peer-to-peer network), the modified multimedia content item can alternatively be provided to such other source.\",\n \"In other embodiments the modified multimedia content item can additionally be rendered immediately after the duration modification operation, such as by leveraging services provided by multimedia rendering module 170.In some embodiments, such as where a duration reduction operation is performed, rendering the shortened content item includes rendering supplemental content having a duration that corresponds to the reduced duration of the original content item.\",\n \"Thus, for example, an advertisement can be rendered in the time made available by shortening the original content item.\",\n \"As described herein, in alternative embodiments a duration increase module is provided in addition to, or instead of, duration reduction module 160.In one such alternative embodiment an IFD calculation sub-module and an IFD smoothing sub-module can be used to process IFD data as described herein with respect to duration manipulation method 2000.An inserted frame selection sub-module can determine a number of inserted frame positions based on IFD extrema and a minimum gap duration, and thus can operate in substantially the same manner as cut frame selection module 164.In one implementation, frames are not inserted in high action sequences, and thus inserted frame selection sub-module determines inserted frame positions based only in IFD minima and disregards IFD maxima.\",\n \"A numerical optimization technique can be used to optimize the inserted frame positions.\",\n \"A frame insertion sub-module can be configured to insert duplicate frames at the positions identified by inserted frame selection sub-module.\",\n \"In some implementations a duplicative frame is inserted, while in other implementations a cross-blended frame is inserted.\",\n \"Once an appropriate number of frames are inserted, an audio manipulation sub-module can cut and crossfade the corresponding audio signal around the inserted frame positions as appropriate.\",\n \"Thus the techniques disclosed herein can be used to both increase and decrease the duration of a multimedia content item.\",\n \"Using the techniques disclosed herein, duration reductions of up to 10% have been observed to be unnoticeable to most content consumers, while even higher reductions have been observed to be barely or only occasionally noticeable.\",\n \"For example, in certain embodiments duration reductions of up to 11%, 12%, 14%, 15% and 20% have been performed.\",\n \"The duration reduction techniques disclosed herein can be used to accommodate supplemental content which is to be rendered along with an original multimedia content item.\",\n \"For example, FIG.\",\n \"3A is a timeline schematically illustrating an example unmodified multimedia content item 3000 having an initial duration of 300 seconds (five minutes).\",\n \"And FIG.\",\n \"3B is a timeline schematically illustrating the example multimedia content item of FIG.\",\n \"3A after applying one of the duration manipulation techniques disclosed herein.\",\n \"Such techniques result in a reduced duration multimedia content item 3200 having a modified duration of 270 seconds (four-and-one-half minutes).\",\n \"This reduction accommodates 30 seconds of inserted content 3100, such as a commercial announcement that precedes the rendering of reduced duration multimedia content item 3200.While FIG.\",\n \"3B illustrates the inserted content as being rendered before reduced duration multimedia content item 3200, in other implementations it may alternatively be rendered after, or at an intermediate point of, reduced duration multimedia content item 3200.Thus in certain applications the techniques disclosed herein can be used by, for example, broadcasters and program managers to “micro-schedule” content and to increase advertising revenue available in a broadcast schedule.\",\n \"CONCLUSION Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.\",\n \"For instance, one example embodiment provides a method for manipulating a duration of a multimedia content item, wherein the method comprises receiving a multimedia content item that comprises a plurality of video frames.\",\n \"The method further comprises calculating a plurality of IFD values associated with the multimedia content item.\",\n \"Each of the IFD values represents a difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.\",\n \"The method further comprises selecting an initial set of frame positions at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values and a minimum time gap G separating the frame positions.\",\n \"The method further comprises adjusting the frame positions using a numerical optimization technique.\",\n \"The method further comprises modifying a duration of the content item by manipulating one or more video frames at the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases IFD values are calculated for each pair of adjacent video frames comprising the multimedia content item.\",\n \"In some cases the method further comprises smoothing the IFD values before selecting the initial set of frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases modifying the duration of the content item further comprises reducing the duration of the content item by removing a video frame associated with one of the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases modifying the duration of the content item further comprises increasing the duration of the content item by inserting a video frame at one of the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases the method further comprises (a) receiving a qualitative quality control input from a user; and (b) setting the minimum time gap G based on the qualitative quality control input.\",\n \"In some cases (a) the multimedia content item further comprises an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames; and (b) the method further comprises modifying a duration of the audio track by cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding each of the adjusted frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases each of the IFD values represents a difference between an average pixel luminosity associated with pixels comprising two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.\",\n \"In some cases each of the IFD values is calculated by (a) determining a first luminosity of a first pixel comprising a first video frame; (b) determining a second luminosity of a second pixel comprising a second video frame that is adjacent to the first video frame, wherein the first and second pixels correspond to a common position in the first and second video frames; (c) determining a difference between the first and second luminosities; (d) repeating (a), (b), and (c) for a plurality of the pixels comprising the first and second video frames, thereby producing a plurality of luminosity differences; and (e) averaging the plurality of luminosity differences.\",\n \"In some cases each of the IFD values is calculated by (a) generating a luminosity differential image defined by a difference between luminosities derived from first and second video frames; (b) determining a plurality of average luminosity differential values for a corresponding plurality of pixel subsets comprising the first video frame and a corresponding plurality of pixel subsets comprising the second video frame; and (c) determining a maximum from the plurality of average luminosity differential values.\",\n \"Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a system for manipulating a duration of a multimedia content item, wherein the system comprises an IFD calculation module configured to calculate a plurality of IFD values associated with a corresponding plurality of video frames that comprise a multimedia content item.\",\n \"Each of the IFD values represents a difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.\",\n \"The system further comprises a frame selection module configured to identify a set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are less than a threshold value IFDmin.\",\n \"The system further comprises a duration manipulation module configured to modify a duration of the multimedia content item by manipulating one or more video frames at each of the frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases the frame selection module is configured to identify a set of frame positions corresponding to IFD values that are less than the threshold value IFDmin or that are greater than a threshold value IFDmax.\",\n \"In some cases the frame selection module is configured to define the frame positions in consideration of a minimum time gap G separating the frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases the duration manipulation module is configured to reduce the duration of the multimedia content item by removing a video frame from at least one of the frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases the duration manipulation module is configured to reduce the duration of the multimedia content item by cross-blending a plurality of video frames adjacent to one of the frame positions.\",\n \"In some cases the system further comprises a user interface module configured to (a) receive a qualitative quality control input from a user, and (b) set the threshold value IFDmin based on the qualitative quality control input.\",\n \"Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a computer readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a process for manipulating a duration of a multimedia content item to be carried out.\",\n \"The process comprises receiving a multimedia content item that includes a plurality of video frames and an audio track configured to be played synchronously with the video frames.\",\n \"The process further comprises calculating a plurality of IFD values associated with the multimedia content item.\",\n \"Each of the IFD values represents a difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with two adjacent video frames that comprise the multimedia content item.\",\n \"The process further comprises selecting an initial subset of cut frames at least partially based on the plurality of IFD values and a minimum time gap G separating the cut frames.\",\n \"Each of the cut frames is associated with a cut frame positions.\",\n \"The process further comprises adjusting the cut frame positions using a numerical optimization technique.\",\n \"The process further comprises removing a video frame associated with at least one of the adjusted cut frame positions.\",\n \"The process further comprises cutting and crossfading the audio track within a window surrounding each of the adjusted cut frame positions.\",\n \"Cutting the audio track causes a duration of the audio track to be reduced.\",\n \"In some cases the numerical optimization technique adjusts the cut frame positions by minimizing a quantity defined by Equation (1), wherein λ is a weighting parameter; N is a quantity of cut frames in the initial subset of cut frames; xi represents an ith frame; IFD′(xi) represents a modified computation of the IFD corresponding to the xith frame wherein a smooth continuous correcting curve is applied for IFD values less than a threshold value IFDmin; and t(xi) corresponds to a time associated with the xith frame.\",\n \"In some cases the minimum time gap G is between about 0.25 seconds and about 0.50 seconds.\",\n \"In some cases cutting and crossfading the audio track further comprises (a) determining a quantity of audio data segments to be extracted from the window; (b) identifying an audio data segment existing within the window; (c) determining a fundamental frequency and a corresponding sample period of the identified audio data segment; and (d) crossfading a plurality of samples at the adjusted cut frame position corresponding to the window, wherein said crossfading is performed using a correlation-based mixture of linear and constant power crossfade.\",\n \"The foregoing detailed description has been presented for illustration.\",\n \"It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form described.\",\n \"Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure.\",\n \"Therefore it is intended that the scope of this application be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.\",\n \"Future filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner, and may generally include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875158"}}},{"rowIdx":4494794,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["Method of Preparing Quality Control Material for FFPE","This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation and limit-of-detection analyses."],["1-19.","(canceled) 20.A quality control sample for formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE), comprising a defined amount of cellular material comprising a known amount of test cells admixed with a known amount of background cells admixed with a gelling polymer, wherein the cellular material is formalin-fixed, and further wherein the test cells include at least one pre-determined detectable genetic mutation and the background cells do not include said at least one pre-determined detectable genetic mutation.","21.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the test cells are cancer cells.","22.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the cellular material is subjected to formalin fixation before or after admixing with the gelling polymer.","23.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the cellular material is embedded in paraffin.","24.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the amount of test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 and 100%.","25.The quality control sample of claim 23, wherein the amount of test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.","26.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the amount of test cells is less than the amount of background cells.","27.A kit for preparing samples for formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE), comprising: a quality control sample for FFPE, the sample comprising a defined amount of cellular material comprising a known amount of first test cells admixed with a known amount of background cells, wherein the cellular material is formalin-fixed, and further wherein the first test cells comprise a first pre-determined detectable genetic mutation and the background cells do not comprise the first pre-determined detectable genetic mutation.","28.The kit of claim 27, further comprising a known amount of second test cells admixed with the first test cells and the background cells, wherein the second test cells comprise a second pre-determined detectable genetic mutation and the background cells do not comprise the second pre-determined detectable genetic mutation.","29.The kit of claim 27, wherein the first test cells and/or the second test cells are cancer cells.","30.The kit of claim 27, wherein the amount of first and second test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 and 100%.","31.The kit of claim 27, wherein the amount of first and second test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.","32.The kit of claim 27, wherein the amount of test cells is less than the amount of background cells.","33.The kit of claim 27, wherein the cellular material is embedded in paraffin."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Routine processing of samples in the clinical setting involves formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.","FFPE is a highly efficient method that is currently the standard in pathology suites.","Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) may be recovered from them decades after fixation, making FFPE tissues an important resource for molecular assays.","However, better methods for developing FFPE materials that mimic actual patient specimens are needed to monitor the performance of molecular assays from FFPE materials and to develop appropriate quality control materials for these assays."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation or verification, including limit-of-detection analyses, precision analyses, method comparison, and accuracy analyses.","Embodiments described herein provide highly reproducible FFPE methods that provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.","Further, these methods allow for the isolation of the DNA from the FFPE with an defined degree of degradation to the sample that mimics the patient sample used for the molecular assay, thereby making it a true control.","Some aspects are methods for preparing a sample for FFPE, including: obtaining a defined concentration of cellular material; mixing the cellular material with a gelling polymer, creating a gel/cellular material; adding the gel/cellular material to a mold with a defined shape until the gelling polymer solidifies; and slicing the solidified material to a uniform and defined size.","In some embodiments, the methods also include formalin fixing the sliced solidified material.","In some embodiments, the methods also include embedding the material in paraffin.","In some embodiments, the mold is a polypropylene cylinder.","In some embodiments, the cellular material includes test cells and background cells.","In some embodiments, the test cells and/or background cells are chosen from tissue or organs.","In some embodiments, the cellular material comprises a known number of test cells and a known number of background cells in a homogeneous mixture.","In some embodiments, the test cells comprise at least one marker that is being tested for and the background cells do not have the marker.","In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 0.0001 and 100%.","In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 1 and 100%.","In some embodiments, a defined concentration of test cells is admixed with a defined concentration of background cells admixed with a gelling polymer, and formalin-fixed.","In some embodiments, the test cells are positive for a test marker and the background cells are negative for the test marker.","The test cells can be tissue culture cells, cancer cells, and/or tissue.","In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 to 100%.","In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.","Other aspects include kits for preparing samples for FFPE, including: at least one quality control sample for FFPE, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the sample comprising a first defined concentration of test cells admixed with background cells, wherein the test cells comprise at least a first marker and the background cells do not comprise the first marker.","In some embodiments, the test cells are cancer cells.","In some embodiments, the marker is a KRAS mutation.","In some embodiments, the test cells are colorectal biopsy material.","In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second test cell comprising a second marker.","In some embodiments, the kit also includes at least one other sample containing a second marker.","In some embodiments, the second marker is a second KRAS mutation.","In some embodiments, the kit also contains 8 samples comprising the 8 known KRAS mutations associated with colorectal cancer.","In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second defined concentration of the test cell admixed with the background cell.","In some embodiments, the defined concentration of test cells to background cells is 0.0001 to 100%.","These and other features of the present teachings will become more apparent from the description herein."],["FIELD This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for validation, verification, and to use as controls for molecular assays.","BACKGROUND Routine processing of samples in the clinical setting involves formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.","FFPE is a highly efficient method that is currently the standard in pathology suites.","Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) may be recovered from them decades after fixation, making FFPE tissues an important resource for molecular assays.","However, better methods for developing FFPE materials that mimic actual patient specimens are needed to monitor the performance of molecular assays from FFPE materials and to develop appropriate quality control materials for these assays.","SUMMARY This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation or verification, including limit-of-detection analyses, precision analyses, method comparison, and accuracy analyses.","Embodiments described herein provide highly reproducible FFPE methods that provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.","Further, these methods allow for the isolation of the DNA from the FFPE with an defined degree of degradation to the sample that mimics the patient sample used for the molecular assay, thereby making it a true control.","Some aspects are methods for preparing a sample for FFPE, including: obtaining a defined concentration of cellular material; mixing the cellular material with a gelling polymer, creating a gel/cellular material; adding the gel/cellular material to a mold with a defined shape until the gelling polymer solidifies; and slicing the solidified material to a uniform and defined size.","In some embodiments, the methods also include formalin fixing the sliced solidified material.","In some embodiments, the methods also include embedding the material in paraffin.","In some embodiments, the mold is a polypropylene cylinder.","In some embodiments, the cellular material includes test cells and background cells.","In some embodiments, the test cells and/or background cells are chosen from tissue or organs.","In some embodiments, the cellular material comprises a known number of test cells and a known number of background cells in a homogeneous mixture.","In some embodiments, the test cells comprise at least one marker that is being tested for and the background cells do not have the marker.","In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 0.0001 and 100%.","In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 1 and 100%.","In some embodiments, a defined concentration of test cells is admixed with a defined concentration of background cells admixed with a gelling polymer, and formalin-fixed.","In some embodiments, the test cells are positive for a test marker and the background cells are negative for the test marker.","The test cells can be tissue culture cells, cancer cells, and/or tissue.","In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 to 100%.","In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.","Other aspects include kits for preparing samples for FFPE, including: at least one quality control sample for FFPE, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the sample comprising a first defined concentration of test cells admixed with background cells, wherein the test cells comprise at least a first marker and the background cells do not comprise the first marker.","In some embodiments, the test cells are cancer cells.","In some embodiments, the marker is a KRAS mutation.","In some embodiments, the test cells are colorectal biopsy material.","In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second test cell comprising a second marker.","In some embodiments, the kit also includes at least one other sample containing a second marker.","In some embodiments, the second marker is a second KRAS mutation.","In some embodiments, the kit also contains 8 samples comprising the 8 known KRAS mutations associated with colorectal cancer.","In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second defined concentration of the test cell admixed with the background cell.","In some embodiments, the defined concentration of test cells to background cells is 0.0001 to 100%.","These and other features of the present teachings will become more apparent from the description herein.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only.","The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.","FIG.","1 provides a G12V reproducibility analysis using the FFPE quality control methods.","FIG.","2 shows the results from KRAS beta panel testing.","A (+) designates that a KRAS mutation was detected using the method, a (−) designates that the KRAS mutation was not detected and an (ND) designates that the test was not run or that it was an invalid run.","FIG.","3 shows an agarose gel comparing the DNA quality of KRAS DNA isolated from various sources, the sources are in duplicates.","The lanes include from left to right: DNA Ladders, AcroMetrix™ KRAS controls, FFPE Specimen, White Blood Cells, Cultured Cells and DNA Ladders.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the scope of the current teachings.","In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.","Also, the use of “comprise”, “contain”, and “include”, or modifications of those root words, for example but not limited to, “comprises”, “contained”, and “including”, are not intended to be limiting.","Use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise.","The term “and/or” means that the terms before and after can be taken together or separately.","For illustration purposes, but not as a limitation, “X and/or Y” can mean “X” or “Y” or “X and Y”.","Whenever a range of values is provided herein, the range is meant to include the starting value and the ending value and any value or value range therebetween unless otherwise specifically stated.","For example, “from 0.2 to 0.5” means 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5; ranges therebetween such as 0.2-0.3, 0.3-0.4, 0.2-0.4; increments there between such as 0.25, 0.35, 0.225, 0.335, 0.49; increment ranges there between such as 0.26-0.39; and the like.","The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described in any way.","All literature and similar materials cited in this application including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and internet web pages, regardless of the format of such literature and similar materials, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose.","In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials defines or uses a term in such a way that it contradicts that term's definition in this application, this application controls.","While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments.","On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.","Definitions The term “FFPE” or “formalin fixed paraffin embedded” refers to a method of treating tissues and/or cells by formalin fixing and paraffin embedding the tissues and/or cells and then slicing embedded material typically with a microtome.","There are many methods known in the art for FFPE.","The term “gelling polymer” or “gel” is interchangeable and refers to a colloidal suspension of a solid dispersed in a liquid; a semirigid solid.","The term “homogeneous” refers to a mixture that exhibits uniformity.","In the context of the mixture of test cells and background cells, the cells are intermixed in a uniform way such that every portion contains approximately the same number of test cells and/or the same number of background cells as other portions (e.g., slices).","The ratio of test cells and background cells can vary.","As used herein, the term “mold” refers to a hollow cavity form or matrix into which a liquid or semi-liquid material is placed to take a desired shape upon cooling or drying.","The term “test cell” as used herein refers to a cell that is being tested to determine whether it contains one or more particular markers.","Exemplary test cells include but are not limited to, cancer cells, cells from a patient, cells from a biopsy, hematopoietic cells, tissue culture cells, and cells from a tissue.","As used herein, “background cell” “negative cell” and “negative control” are interchangeable and refer to a cell from the same patient or source that does not contain the marker that is being tested for.","In some cases, this will be a wild-type cell of the same type as the test cell.","As used herein, the term “patient” refers to any human or animal that is tested and/or treated for disease.","The term “cylindrical” refers to something having the shape of a cylinder, an object shaped like a tube, an object or shape with straight sides and circular ends of equal size.","The cylinder can also be a rectangle, square, triangular cylinder and any such shapes.","The term “solidified” or “hardened” are used interchangeably and, with respect to a gel, refers to the ability of a gel to go from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid or semi-solid state.","In the case of temperature-solidified gels, a polymer is introduced into a cylindrical tube in a fluid form, then allowed to gel to a solid form by cooling.","Gels can also be solidified by adding a cross-linker, by motion, and/or by other methods known to those of skill in the art.","When using a gel mixed with a cell, it is of interest to choose a gel that does not require extreme heat to form a liquid since this could be detrimental to the cells.","As used herein, the term “fix” refers to a method of preserving tissue.","Methods to preserve tissues or cells can be by irreversibly cross-linking proteins.","As used herein, the phrase “quality control” refers to a system for ensuring the maintenance of proper standards in methods to determine whether the process exhibits nonrandom variation.","As used herein the term “marker” and “test marker” are interchangeable and refer to a cellular component specific to a particular disease, whether prognostic, diagnostic, and/or with reference to treatment.","The marker may be a DNA, RNA or protein marker.","The marker can be any type of mutation associated with a disease.","Markers include but are not limited to, translocations, alleles, SNPs, expression profiles, etc.","The markers can be DNA, RNA (mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, mitochondrial RNA), or any type of nucleic acid.","The markers can be genes, SNPs, microsatelites, translocations, alleles, mutations (e.g., multiple nucleotide and/or large deletions, additions, or changes), multi-RNA complexes, splice variants, transposons, ribozymes, microRNAs (primary, pre- or mature microRNAs), bacterial genomes, plasmids, viral genomes, and viroids.","For example, in some embodiments, DNA is used to identify the presence of a SNP.","In some embodiments, RNA is used to identify the expression of a SNP.","Overview This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control (FFPE-QC) material for use in validation, verification, and as controls for molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.","The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation and limit-of-detection, accuracy and precision analyses.","Embodiments herein provide highly reproducible FFPE methods that provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.","Further, these methods allow for a quality control FFPE product that includes a test cell containing at least one test marker in a background of negative cells.","The methods are highly reproducible within a lot and from lot-to-lot and provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.","The marker can be any marker known in the art and can be used to diagnose disease, prognosticate disease and/or to test disease for drug effectiveness.","Further, these methods allow for the isolation of the DNA from the FFPE and with controlled degradation to the sample.","The test cells and background cells can be admixed in various amounts to identify the limit-of-detection.","In use, different concentrations of test cells to background cells can be provided for identifying performance characteristics of a molecular assay in a laboratory.","The methods can be used for any type of tissue that would normally be processed into FFPE material.","The method involves accurately quantifying the cell concentration and creating a homogeneous mixture of cells containing the marker (test cells) versus background cells (negative cells).","The methods involve mixing the cells with a gelling polymer to create homogeneous paraffin-embedded blocks.","The methods have the advantage of creating a sustainable, reproducible, and limitless quality control material for FFPE-based diagnostic assays.","The methods include the steps of obtaining a defined concentration of cellular material; mixing the cellular material with a gelling polymer, creating a gel/cellular material; adding the gel/cellular material to a mold with a defined shape until the gelling polymer solidifies; slicing the solidified material to a uniform and defined size, formalin fixing the sliced solidified material, embedding the material in paraffin, and sectioning the material.","The resulting FFPE slice can be referred to as the QC sample.","In some embodiments, each of the steps of the above method of preparing a QC FFPE sample is a distinct step.","In some embodiments, they may not be distinct steps.","In other embodiments, the methods may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above.","The steps of preparing a QC FFPE sample may be performed in another order.","Subsets of the steps listed above as part of preparing a QC FFPE sample may be used to form their own method.","In one embodiment, formalin fixed paraffin embedded quality control materials were constructed by utilizing these methods and materials.","The formalin fixed paraffin embedded quality control materials were homogeneous cell cylinders.","In short, a defined concentration of cell material containing the target for the diagnostic assay system was obtained.","The defined cell concentration was homogenously mixed with a gelling polymer.","A mold was used to create a defined shape when the cell-containing polymer solidified.","A slicing apparatus was used to separate the cell-containing polymer, shaped with the mold, into a uniform and defined number of pieces.","The pieces were formalin-fixed and embedded into paraffin using clinically defined practices.","Lastly, a microtome was used to slice the FFPE blocks into sections of defined thickness that can be placed into vials or onto microscope slides.","Currently, the majority of molecular diagnostic assays target liquid-based specimen types (e.g., EDTA plasma, serum, and whole blood) or swab-based specimens (e.g., nasopharyngeal swab and cervical swab).","However, recently with cancer-based molecular marker diagnostics, tissue-based diagnostics from FFPE specimen types are typically used.","FFPE specimens typically require five processing steps: 1) deparaffinization, 2) reversal of cross linking, 3) extraction, 4) nucleic acid yield test, and 5) amplification/detection which is in contrast to liquid-based specimen diagnostic which requires two processing steps: 1) extraction and 2) amplification/detection.","The quality control FFPE assay, disclosed herein, was evaluated for detection of a KRAS molecular marker as provided in Examples 1-4 herein.","Reproducible detection of the KRAS molecular markers was observed after purification of DNA from the FFPE treated cells in a background of negative cells.","Labs performing FFPE-based molecular diagnostic tests use synthetic oligonucleotides, cell lines, or patient specimens as quality control material.","However synthetic material and cell lines do not control for specific steps in the process and patient specimens are limited in quantity and inconsistent between sections, reducing the utility of the control material for monitoring trending over an extended period of time.","A true FFPE quality control material that is homogenous and consistently produced lot-to-lot ensures that laboratories have access to a full process control that can be used over an indefinite period to monitor assay performance.","In certain embodiments, the cells in the FFPE controls can be wildtype or carry known mutations and thereby serve as controls for those mutations.","For instance, there are known mutations within the codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene that result in the loss of effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapies.","Seven mutations (G12D, G12V, G12C, G12S, G12A, G12R, G13D) comprise 98.5% of known KRAS mutations that are involved in drug effectiveness for colorectal cancer.","Cell lines for these mutations were obtained and mixed in defined ratios with a cell line containing wild type KRAS.","The cell mixtures were mixed with melted agarose cooled to within 10° C. of the gelling temperature and aliquoted into a polypropylene cylindrical mold.","The agarose-cell mixture was allowed to solidify at 2-8° C. The cylinder was removed from the mold and placed on a sterile surface.","A slicing apparatus was developed with wires spaced 1 mm to 10 mm apart, in certain embodiments the wires can be spaced 1 mm to 5 mm apart.","The slicing apparatus was then placed over the cylinder and pressure applied to slice the cylinder into equidistant parts.","Each part was then formalin fixed and embedded according to specified manufacturing procedures (see Example 8 below).","Multiplex molecular assays allow for the detection of multiple test cells.","Therefore, further embodiments include the step of pooling samples to be tested prior to using the multiplexed assays described herein.","For example, different slices with individual mutations can be placed together in 1 tube (to be processed together).","For example and without limitation, 1 slice from the G12V and 1 slice from the G12D mutations could be placed together to make a multiplex control (see Table 6).","Cell Material The cell material can be obtained from any cell, tissue or organ of an organism.","The cell material can include one or more prokaryotic cells and/or one or more eukaryotic cells.","The eukaryotic cell can be from any eukaryotic organism including, but not limited to, a protozoa, a fungus, a plant, an animal, a human.","The animal and/or human cells can be hematopoietic cells.","The animal and/or human cells can be cancer cells and/or infected cells.","The cells can be tissue culture cells.","The cells can be obtained from a biopsy.","In some embodiments, a tissue sample is disrupted into cells to prepare a homogeneous material.","In some embodiments, the cell material is a formalin fixed (or other fixed) sample and/or an FFPE sample of tissue.","In this case, because it would be difficult or impossible to disrupt the FFPE tissue into separate cells, the cell material can be used for a positive or negative control.","In some embodiments, the cell material contains only test cells.","The test cells can be cells that are positive for one or more particular marker or markers.","In some embodiments the cell material contains more than one test cell.","For example, if two different markers are diagnostic for a particular disease, two different test cells can be included, one test cell being positive for one marker and the other test cell being positive for the other marker.","In some embodiments, the cell material also contains background cells.","The background cells can be cells from the same or a related source as the test cells, but are cells that do not contain the one or more markers.","In some embodiments, the background cells are wildtype cells and or wildtype for the marker.","In some embodiments, the test cells may contain more than one marker for a particular disease or diseases and the background cells do not contain any of those markers.","The cell material can contain both test cells and background cells in known amounts.","In some embodiments, the amount of test cells to background cells is from about 0.0001 to about 100%, including 0.001, 0.005, 0.006, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1%.","In some embodiments, the amount of test cells to background cells is from about 1 to about 100%, including but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99%.","In some embodiments, the amount of the test cell is less than the amount of the background cell.","In certain embodiments, the test cells comprise a single marker.","In other embodiments, the test cells contained in the cell material comprise more than one marker.","For instance, the cell material can contain a defined percentage of a first marker, a defined percentage of a second marker, and so on, as well as a defined percentage of background cells.","In some embodiments, the mixture of test and background cells is homogeneous.","However, alternatively, the mixture can be formed such that the test cells are in the middle and the background cells are on the perimeter.","Other combinations can be imagined.","However, the ratio of test cells to background cells is maintained in the slice, portion or plug, etc.","In some embodiments a series of samples are prepared from cell material of a specific type of test cell with a specific type of background cell in a variety of ratios to use for establishing performance characteristics of a molecular assay.","For example, a series of 11 samples having test cell to background cell ratios of 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% could be produced to identify the limit of detection of a marker in the test cells using a specific molecular assay.","Gel The gel used to create the solidified gel/cellular material can be any colloidal suspension of a solid dispersed in a liquid.","The gel used can be any gel that can be mixed with cells without changing the properties of the nucleic acid to such an extent that they cannot be assayed.","In some embodiments, the gel does not change the properties of the proteins so that they cannot be assayed.","The gel can be any gel that can change from a liquid or semi solid state (to be able to mix it with cells) to a solid or gelled state (to allow it to be sliced).","In some embodiments, the gel is an agarose, agar, carageenan, pectin, egg yolk, or any type of polymer.","In some embodiments, the gel is a polymer that is able to be solidified or hardened.","Solidified or hardened refers to the ability of a gel to go from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid or semi-solid state.","In the case of temperature-solidified gels, a polymer is introduced into an electrophoresis tube in a fluid form, than allowed to gel to a solid form by cooling within the gel.","Gels can also be solidified by adding a cross-linker, by motion, and/or by other methods known to those of skill in the art.","When using a gel mixed with a cell, it is of interest to choose a gel that does not require extreme heat to form a liquid since this could be detrimental to the cells.","Further, when using a gel mixed with a cell, it is also of interest to choose a gel that does not contain inhibitory substance that will inhibit the fixation, embedding, or downstream molecular tests.","Mold The mold can be any shape known to the skilled artisan that allow for slicing.","In some embodiments, the shape of the mold can be a cylinder.","The cylinder can be of any length and diameter such that a useful sized slice is produced.","The cylinder can be made of any material that will keep its shape when a hot gel is poured into it.","In some embodiments, the material will not stick to the gel/cellular material mixture.","In some embodiments, the material will not affect the cellular integrity.","In some embodiments, the material can be removed from the solidified gel/cellular material mixture.","In some embodiments, the material can be removed without sticking to the gel/cellular material mixture.","In some embodiments, the ends of the cylindrical material can be cut off and the tube of hardened gel/cellular material can be slid out.","Materials can include polypropylene and equivalent plastic materials.","Other materials can be envisioned that might require producing a mold that can be opened and closed, for example glass, metals, and very hard plastics.","Slicing The cylindrical solidified gel/cellular material can then be sliced into sections of a uniform and defined size.","This ensures that the amount of nucleic acid in each slice will be equivalent.","The cylindrical solidified gel/cellular material mixture can be sliced using any method known in the art that results in slices of uniform and defined sizes.","Any slicer with equidistant slicing ability could be used.","In some embodiments, the slicing wires or blades are spaced 1 mm to 5 mm apart.","In some embodiments other methods of providing for equivalent samples (e.g., slices) are used.","Any tool can be used that provides a sample with a constant volume.","Exemplary methods include using a tool to obtain a plug, or using a syringe to obtain an even amount of liquefied sample (e.g., liquefied gel/cellular material).","Fixatives The cells can be fixed prior to or after formation of the solidified gel/cellular material described above.","Chemical fixatives are used to preserve tissue from degradation, and to maintain the structure of the cell and of sub-cellular components such as cell organelles (e.g., nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria).","The most common fixative for FFPE is neutral buffered formalin (4-8% formaldehyde in phosphate buffered saline).","Fixatives preserve tissues or cells mainly by irreversibly cross-linking proteins.","The main action of these aldehyde fixatives is to cross-link amino groups in proteins through the formation of CH2 (methylene) linkage, in the case of formaldehyde, or by a C5H10 cross-links in the case of glutaraldehyde.","This process, while preserving the structural integrity of the cells and tissue can damage the biological functionality of proteins, particularly enzymes, and can also denature them to a certain extent.","This can be detrimental to certain histological techniques.","In certain embodiments, during the fixation process, glycine (2.5 M) can be added to the suspended cells.","The cells are then centrifuged at 1000×g for about 5 to about 20 mins.","In certain embodiments, the cells are centrifuged for about 10 mins.","After the cells are centrifuged and washed with a buffer, a freezing medium can be added, such as dimethylsulfoxide.","For the methods of preparing QC FFPE controls, the sliced solidified gel/cellular material can be immersed in a fixative, such as a solution with a protein crosslinking activity, such as but not limited to a formaldehyde solution, glutaraldehyde solution, formaldehyde-alcohol mixed solution, alcohol solution, Bouin's solution, Zenker solution, Helv solution, osmic acid solution, Carnoy solution, standard saline citrate (SSC) and RNAeasy™, and equivalents thereof.","In some embodiments, the fixative is formalin.","In some embodiments, the formaldehyde can be in any kind of buffer.","Non-limiting examples of fixative alcohols include thanol and isopropanol.","These fixatives are commercially available.","The time of fixation can be from about 2 to 72 hours, including but not limited to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, and 71 hours.","The temperature of fixation can be from about 4° C. to about 26° C., including but not limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25° C. Embedding and Sectioning After the slices have been fixed, they are ready for embedding.","During this process the tissue samples are placed into molds along with liquid embedding material (such as agar, gelatin, or wax) which is then hardened.","This is achieved by cooling in the case of paraffin wax and heating (curing) in the case of the epoxy resins.","The acrylic resins are polymerized by heat, ultraviolet light, or chemical catalysts.","The hardened blocks containing the tissue samples are then ready to be sectioned.","Because Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) may be recovered from them decades after fixation, this makes FFPE tissues an important resource for historical studies in medicine.","Embedding can also be accomplished using frozen, non-fixed tissue in a water-based medium.","Pre-frozen tissues are placed into molds with the liquid embedding material, usually a water-based glycol, OCT, TBS, Cryogel, or resin, which is then frozen to form hardened blocks.","The resulting blocks can be sectioned using methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, microtomes, vibratory microtomes and cryostats and the like.","Deparaffinization Sections can be deparaffinized using methods known in the art and/or commercially available kits.","The methods remove the bulk of paraffin from the sample.","Various techniques are known for deparaffinizing and include, but are not limited to, washing with an organic solvent or agent to dissolve the paraffin.","Solvents include but are not limited to, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, D-li-monene, octane, and mixtures thereof.","These solvents are preferably of high purity, usually greater than 99%.","The volume used and the number of washes necessary will depend on the size of the sample and the amount of paraffin to be removed.","A sample may be washed between 1 and about 10 times, or between about two and about four times.","A typical volume of organic solvent is about 500 ml for a 10 mm tissue sample.","After deparaffinization, samples are preferably rehydrated such as by step-wise washing with aqueous lower alcoholic solutions of decreasing concentrations.","Ethanol is a preferred lower alcohol for rehydrations while other alcohols may also be used.","Non-limiting examples include methanol, isopropanol, and other C1-C5 alcohols.","The sample is alternatively vigorously mixed with alcoholic solutions followed by its removal.","In one embodiment, the concentration of alcohol is stepwise lowered.","Uses for FFPE Sections The sections can be used to isolate DNA or RNA for identification of the presence of a marker and/or for expression of a marker.","The markers can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, typing, and/or staging of disease.","Markers can include DNA or RNA markers and/or expression levels.","Gene expression analyses of various tumor types (breast, lung, prostate and colon) have revealed that there exist numerous subtypes of tumors within each anatomically defined cancer.","Furthermore, in some of these studies different subtypes have been linked to a particular prognosis.","For example, Wigle et al, (2002 Cancer Research 62 (11) pp.","3005-3008) and Beer et al., (2002 Nature 8 (8) pp.","816-824) demonstrated the existence of particular clusters of genes that are correlated with different disease-free survivals in non-small cell lung cancer.","These reports establish that the molecular “make-up” of tumors, as defined by gene expression profiles, has a direct correlation to clinical endpoints such as disease free survival.","These retrospective studies strongly suggest that in going forward with prospective trials there is great promise that the molecular make-up of a given tumor will also be directly correlated with whether a patient will respond or not respond to a given therapy.","Pharmacogenomic methods can identify patients likely to respond to a particular drug and can lead the way to new therapeutic approaches.","For example, thymidylate synthase (TS) is an integral enzyme in DNA biosynthesis where it catalyzes the reductive methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) and provides the only route for de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides within the cell (Johnston et al., 2002, J.","Clinical Oncology, 20(7) pp.","1721-1728).","Thymidylate synthase is a target for chemotherapeutic drugs, most commonly the antifolate agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).","As the most effective single agent for the treatment of colon, head and neck and breast cancers, the primary action of 5-FU is to inhibit TS activity, resulting in depletion of intracellular thymine levels and subsequently leading to cell death.","Other markers that can be tested for include, but are not limited to: HIP1 in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma and brain cancers; TS and/or ERCC1 expression levels prognosticate the probable resistance of a patient's tumor to treatment with 5-FU and oxaliplatin-based therapies; recurrent gene fusions of androgen regulated genes and ETS family member genes in prostate cancer; ERBB-1, VEGF, cyclin A, FOS, JUN and MYC in patients with squamous cell lung carcinomas.","Additional markers that can be used in accordance with the disclosure include, EGFR, BRAF, PTEN, and PI3K.","One of skill will readily note that cells containing any biomarker can be used in accordance with the disclosure and that those disclosed herein represent non-limiting examples.","Hematopoietic cancers or metastases can be tested using the QC FFPE controls.","Cancers which involve cells generated during hematopoiesis, a process by which cellular elements of blood, such as lymphocytes, leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes and natural killer cells are generated are referred to as hematopoietic cancers.","Lymphocytes which can be found in blood and lymphatic tissue and are critical for immune response are categorized into two main classes of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells), which mediate humoral and cell mediated immunity, respectively.","Many of these cancers are characterized by recurrent translocations that can be detected from FFPE using methods discussed herein.","Kits A “kit,” as used herein, refers to a combination of at least one quality control sample for FFPE (e.g., one FFPE slice of the gelled homogeneous mixture of test and background cells).","In some embodiments, the kit may contain a combination of quality control samples organized in such a way as to provide controls for all variations of a particular marker.","In some embodiments, the variations of the marker are variations of an oncogene that is diagnostic for a particular cancer.","In some embodiments the variations of the marker are variations of a mutation in a gene that are prognostic for the usefulness of treating with a drug.","In some embodiments, the kit includes a number of different markers that are diagnostic of a particular cancer.","In some embodiments, the marker or markers are for a particular disease.","In other embodiments, the marker or markers are for a variety of diseases.","In some embodiments, the marker or markers test for drug efficacy for a disease.","In some embodiments, the marker or markers test for diagnosis of a disease or a group of related diseases.","In some embodiments, the marker or markers test for a series of diseases that have common characteristics and/or symptoms.","The container means of the kits will generally include at least one vial, test tube, flask, bottle, syringe or other packaging means, into which a component can be placed, and in some embodiments, suitably aliquoted.","Where more than one component is included in the kit (they can be packaged together), the kit also will generally contain at least one second, third or other additional container into which the additional components can be separately placed.","However, various combinations of components can be packaged in a container means.","The kits of the present teachings also will typically include reagent containers in close confinement for commercial sale.","Such containers can include injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which the desired container means are retained.","When the components of the kit are provided in one and/or more liquid solutions, the liquid solution comprises an aqueous solution that can be a sterile aqueous solution.","A kit can also include instructions for employing the kit components as well as the use of any other reagent not included in the kit.","Instructions can include variations that can be implemented.","In some embodiments, the kit contains quality control samples for between 1 and 1000 markers and/or test cell to background cell ratios.","For example, the kit can contain 11 FFPE quality control slices containing test cells to background cells in concentrations of 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%.","Exemplary kits are provided in Examples 6 and 7.EXAMPLES Aspects of the present teachings can be further understood in light of the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present teachings in any way.","Tables 1-3 provide materials, consumable and instruments used in the following examples.","The examples use the KRAS molecular markers to demonstrate the usefulness of the quality control FFPE methods.","There are known mutations within the codon 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene that results in the loss of effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapies.","7 mutations (G12D, G12V, G12C, G12S, G12A, G12R, G13D) comprise 98.5% of known KRAS mutations that are involved in identifying the usefulness of chemotherapy on colorectal cancers.","Cell lines for these mutations were obtained and mixed and defined ratios with a cell line containing wild type KRAS.","The cell mixtures were mixed with melted agarose cooled within 10° C. of the gelling temperature and aliquoted into a polypropylene cylindrical mold.","The mold was allowed to solidify at 2-8° C. The cylinder was removed from the mold and placed on a sterile surface.","A slicing apparatus was developed by modifying an egg slicer.","The slicing apparatus was then placed over the cylinder and pressure applied to slice the cylinder into equidistant parts.","Each part was then formalin fixed and embedded according to specified manufacturing procedures (see Example 8 below).","TABLE 1 Materials Reagents Item Description 10% Neutral Formalin used as the fixative reagent in Buffered Formalin the process.","70% Alcohol Reagent used in the dehydration process.","95% Alcohol Reagent used in the dehydration process.","100% Alcohol Reagent used in the dehydration process.","SafeClear Xylene substitute, used to remove lipids and aid in the transition from dehydration to paraffin.","Paraffin Paraffin used as the embedding medium.","10 mM Tris Buffer used to dilute cell mixtures to the pH 7.5 appropriate concentration.","Low Melting Low melting agarose is used as the copolymer Temperature that is mixed with cells and placed into a tube Agarose mold.","Low melting is used due to the ability of remaining at a liquid state at a lower temperature than standard agarose.","The lower temperature reduces the likelihood of lysing cells.","TABLE 2 Consumables Item Description Tissue Molds Metallic or clear plastic molds used as receptacle for the final stage during paraffin embedding.","Mixed agarose cell mixture and liquid paraffin are placed in the mold and allowed to harden.","Tissue mold is then removed and discarded.","Tissue Agarose cell mixtures after slicing are placed into Cassettes designated tissue cassettes for fixing and embedding.","Tube Mold A specified mold with a fixed diameter is used as a mold for which the agarose cell mixture is allowed to harden in refrigerated temperatures.","Removal of the harden agarose cell mixture is by removing both ends of the mold.","Petri Dish The sterile petri dish allows for a clean environment for which the harden agarose cell mixture is processed.","Sterile Forcep Forceps are used to transfer fixed cell mixtures from the tissue cassettes to the tissue mold.","Razor Blade Sterile razor blade used to remove ends from the agarose cell mixtures.","Sterile Scoops used to transfer fragile agarose cell mixtures after Disposable slicing into the appropriate reagent filled container.","Scoops TABLE 3 Instruments Item Description Microwave The microwave is used to melt the agarose.","Paraffin Instrument that contains a reservoir of melted paraffin and Embedder cooling block.","The instrument is used to dispense paraffin into the tissue mold.","The instrument also cools the tissue molds containing the fixed cell mixture and paraffin.","Refrigerator The refrigerator is used to cool the tube mold containing agarose and cell mixtures Incubator/ The incubator and shaker is used to warm and mix the cell Shaker mixtures.","The incubator can also be used to melt paraffin.","Slicing The slicing apparatus can be a modified egg slicer (base Apparatus removed).","The slicer divides the agarose cell mixture cylinder (after removal from the tube mold) into equivalent mini cylinders.","Microtome Microtome is a calibrated instrument used to process FFPE blocks into sections.","Example 1: Quality Control FFPE Method Using KRAS Markers Several KRAS point mutations have been shown to correlate with a lack of response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.","As a result, in July of 2009, the FDA updated the “indication and usage” section of the labels of Amgen's Vectibix and ImClone/Bristol-Myers Squibb's Erbitux to note that “retrospective analyses of metastatic colorectal cancer trials have not shown a treatment benefit for the EGFR inhibitors in patients whose tumors had KRAS mutations in codon 12 or 13,” and that the use of the drugs is not recommended for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients with these mutations.","This label change has led to an increase in KRAS mutation testing.","This example demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing qualitative formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) KRAS Positive Control products.","The study demonstrates the ability to manufacture and value assign stock materials from sourced raw materials, the reproducibility of the product, detection of the product on target assays, as well as comparison of the products' DNA quality to those of patient FFPE samples and obtaining a usable DNA yield from a 10 μm section.","The cell lines in Table 4 were obtained from ATCC (Manassas, Va.) and grown to a total of 1.0×109 cells.","Stock materials are manufactured in Cell Freezing Media and were value-assigned against the calibrator (quantified by counting with a hemacytometer) using the Roche LIGHT CYCLER™ Control Beta-Globin test.","The cell mixture formulation procedure was performed as follows: 1.values for cell materials stored in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen cryogenic freezer were obtained.","2.The stock material was thawed at room temperature.","3.A sterile clean disposable cup was obtained.","4.The appropriate amount of cells containing the target of interest was measured gravimetrically into the sterile cup.","5.The appropriate amount of background cells were measured gravimetrically into the sterile cup (this step is optional).","6.A pre-defined amount of 10 mM Tris pH 7.5 was added into the sterile cup to bring the cells to the appropriate concentration.","7.The sterile cup was placed into a pre-warmed incubator (37° C.) and shaken at 125 RPM for a period of between 20 and 30 minutes.","TABLE 4 Cell lines Name Cell Line KRAS G12A SW1116 KRAS G12C SW1463 KRAS G12D PANC-1 KRAS G12R PSN-1 KRAS G12S A549 KRAS G12V SW480 KRAS G13D DLD-1 Wildtype Jurkat cells A 1% mixture of Low Melting Temperature agarose was formulated with 10 mM Tris pH 7.5 and microwaved until dissolved.","The agarose was placed into a 37° C. incubator and allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes.","At this point it was important to not mix the cells until the agarose cooled and equilibrated with the incubator.","The cell mixture and the agarose were mixed as follows: The cell and agarose mixtures were removed from the incubator.","They were then aliquoted into a sterile cup by mixing an equal volume of the cell mixture with an equal volume of the agarose mixture.","The agarose/cell mixture was placed back into the incubator and shaken at 125 RPM for 10-20 minutes.","An appropriately sized tube mold was obtained and labeled.","The agarose/cell mixture was poured into the tube mold until the liquid exceeded the upper lip of the tube.","The tube mold was capped and the excess liquid was wiped from the mold.","If bubbles were present, the tube was reopened and additional liquid (cell/agarose liquid) was added.","The tube mold was placed horizontally into a refrigerator at 2-8° C. for a minimum of 1 hour.","The tube was inspected to ensure that the agarose had hardened.","Both ends of the tube were removed (i.e., the cap was removed from one end and the other end was cut with a scissor).","And the agarose cell mixture cylinder was poured into a sterile clean petri dish.","The slicing apparatus was cleaned with 70% isopopanol.","The Slicing Apparatus was placed over the cylinder to insure the maximum number of equivalent sized mini-cylinders and pressed with equal force through the cylinder until the slicing apparatus reached the bottom of the lid.","Using disposable scoops the mini-cylinders were placed into a new sterile cup.","If the mini-cylinder was punctured by the scoop during transfer, it was discarded.","The mini-cylinders were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded as follows: The sterile cup (containing the mini-cylinders) was filled with 10% neutral buffered formalin.","The ratio of formalin to mini-cylinder was at least 10:1.They were incubated at room temperature for 2 hours in the shaker set at 125 RPM (incubation for longer or shorter periods may result in differing DNA fragmentation from lot-to-lot).","The fixed mini-cylinders were transferred into labeled tissue cassettes.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with 70% alcohol and incubated for a minimum of 1 hour.","The alcohol was decanted and excess removed using absorbent paper.","However, the tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with 95% alcohol and incubated for 1 hour.","The alcohol was decanted and excess removed using absorbent paper.","However, the tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with 100% alcohol and incubated for 1 hour.","The alcohol was decanted and the excess removed using absorbent paper.","However, the tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with SAFECLEAR™ and incubated for 30 minutes.","The SAFECLEAR™ was decanted and excess removed using absorbent paper.","The tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with a 1:1 mixture of Safeclear™ and melted paraffin and incubated for 30 minutes at 65° C. The 1:1 mixture of SAFECLEAR™ and melted paraffin was decanted into a waste container.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into container filled with melted paraffin and incubated for 1 hour at 65° C. The melted paraffin was decanted into a waste container.","The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with melted paraffin and incubated for 2 hours at 65° C. The fixed mini-cylinders were transferred into a tissue mold containing melted paraffin.","The base of the tissue cassette was placed over the tissue mold and paraffin was dispensed from the paraffin embedding instrument until the mold and cassette were filled.","The filled tissue mold was placed onto the refrigerated unit of the paraffin embedder and allowed to harden for at least 1 hour.","The FFPE blocks were sectioned on a Microtome into the appropriate thickness.","The section was transferred using forceps into a sterile tube.","Example 2: Alternate Fixation Process An alternate fixation process was also performed prior to the formation of the agarose-cell cylinder.","In this example, cells as described in Example 1 were pre-fixed with formaldehyde.","Cells were suspended in phosphate buffered saline with 5.6% formaldehyde and incubated at 22° C. for 2 hours with shaking.","2.5 M glycine was added to a final concentration of 1.8 M and incubated for 5 min at room temperature.","Cells were centrifuged at 1000× for 10 min.","Supernatant was removed, cells were washed with 5 mL PBS and centrifuged at 1000×g for 10 min.","Supernatant was removed and freezing medium (cell culture medium+10% dimethylsulfoxide) was added.","The steps of agarose cylinders formation, dehydration and embedding with paraffin then took place as described, for example, Example 1.Example 3: Reproducibility Analysis Two cylinders of KRAS G12V were manufactured using the method of Example 1 and 16-17 blocks were manufactured from each cylinder.","Sections were cut from blocks, DNA was extracted, and the DNA was amplified using the Roche LIGHT CYCLER™ Control Beta-Globin test.","As shown in FIG.","1, the average crossing points among the blocks for each cylinder were similar, as assessed by low standard deviations.","The average crossing points of the blocks between each cylinder were also similar, demonstrating good lot-to-lot reproducibility.","The data indicated that the product could be reproducibly manufactured.","Example 4: Detection on Target Assays A KRAS Beta panel, consisting of 10 m sections of G12C, G12V, and G13D sections at various percentages (ranging from 1 to 30%) using the method of Example 1 was sent out to a number of laboratories for testing.","Results were obtained for various assay platforms including: Life Technologies SNaPshot™, TrimGen™ Mutector II, QIAGEN™/DxS TheraScreen K-RAS, QIAGEN™ PyroMark KRAS, Asuragen Signature KRAS Mutations 7, and a non-genotyping laboratory developed test (LDT).","The results are displayed in FIG.","2.A (+) designates that a KRAS mutation was detected using the method, a (−) designates that the KRAS mutation was not detected and an (ND) designates that the test was not run or that it was an invalid run.","The results show that the samples worked comparably in all platforms.","Example 5: Analysis of DNA Quality KRAS DNA was isolated from blood, cultured cells, patient FFPE Tumor, and AcroMetrix KRAS controls (from Example 3).","Genomic DNA was isolated using QIAamp® DNA Kits, or the QIAamp® DNA FFPE Tissue Kit.","250 ng of isolated DNA from each sample type were analyzed on a 0.8% agarose gel in duplicates as shown in FIG.","3.Comparing DNA quality, the AcroMetrix KRAS controls were most similar to that of patient FFPE tumor samples showing comparable degradation.","TABLE 5 DNA Yield Name Lot Average Yield (ng) WT SL-1 679 G12V SL-1 769 WT SL-2 1019 G12V SL-2 683 WT SL-3 728 G12V SL-3 567 Genomic DNA was isolated from three lots of KRAS FFPE wildtype and G12V samples (see Example 3) using the QIAamp® DNA FFPE Extraction protocol.","Three 10 μm sections were obtained from each sample and extracted to obtain an eluate volume of 50 μL.","The DNA yield from each eluate was obtained using the Agilent 8453 UV-visible Spectroscopy System.","The average DNA yield from all samples was greater than 200 ng, showing that a usable amount of DNA can be obtained from the AMX KRAS FFPE products.","Example 6: Kit for Analysis of KRAS FFPE Assay Quality Control There are known mutations within the codon 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene that results in the loss of effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapies.","7 mutations (G12D, G12V, G12C, G12S, G12A, G12R, G13D) comprise 98.5% of known KRAS mutations that have an impact.","Cell lines for these mutations were obtained and mixed in defined ratios with a cell line containing wild type KRAS (see Table 4).","A KRAS FFPE kit is prepared containing controls intended for use in assessing the performance of nucleic acid test procedures for the determination of KRAS mutations.","See Table 6, 1 vial per KRAS mutation and 1 wildtype (negative control).","Routine use of the KRAS FFPE controls enables laboratories to monitor day-to-day assay variation, lot-to-lot performance of assay reagents, and operator variation.","The KRAS FFPE controls can also assist in identifying increases in random or systematic error in testing systems.","The KRAS FFPE Controls kit contains controls for 7 major KRAS mutations and a wild type.","Each individual control consists of KRAS mutation-positive cells in a synthetic tissue that has been formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded and sectioned to 10 microns thick.","The KRAS FFPE Controls were designed to meet the need for controls for molecular testing of KRAS in FFPE samples.","The independent set of external controls helps to ensure that KRAS nucleic acid testing procedures are consistent across manufacturers, testing laboratories, operators, platforms and assay formats.","The KRAS FFPE Controls are formulated to mimic formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and designed to monitor all procedural steps in extracting human DNA from FFPE.","The intact human cells allow for the verification of effective DNA extraction and purification.","KRAS test methodology includes an extraction step that releases the DNA for amplification and detection, as appropriate to the test.","TABLE 6 KRAS FFPE control kit Control name Quantity KRAS G12A 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12C 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12D 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12R 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12S 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12V 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G13D 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA Wild Type 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA Example 7: Kit for Analysis of EGF-R FFPE Assay Quality Control An EGF-R FFPE kit is prepared containing controls intended for use in assessing the performance of nucleic acid test procedures for the determination of EGF-R mutations.","Routine use of the EGF-R FFPE controls enables laboratories to monitor day-to-day assay variation, lot-to-lot performance of assay reagents, and operator variation.","The EGF-R FFPE controls also assist in identifying increases in random or systematic error in testing systems.","The EGF-R FFPE Controls kit contains controls for 29 major EGF-R mutations that are associated with drug resistance to chemotherapy drugs and a wild type (see Table 7 for mutations).","Each individual control consists of EGF-R mutation-positive cells in a synthetic tissue that has been formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded and sectioned to 10 microns thick.","The EGF-R FFPE Control meet the need for controls for molecular testing of EGF-R in FFPE samples.","The kit contains 29 slices containing mixtures of EGF-R mutations in a background of wildtype and 1 slice containing only wildtype.","The independent set of external controls helps to ensure that EGF-R nucleic acid testing procedures are consistent across manufacturers, testing laboratories, operators, platforms and assay formats.","The EGF-R FFPE Controls are formulated to mimic formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and are designed to monitor all procedural steps in extracting human DNA from FFPE.","The intact human cells allow for the verification of effective DNA extraction and purification.","EGF-R test methodology includes an extraction step that releases the DNA for amplification and detection, as appropriate to the test.","TABLE 7 somatic EGF-R mutations Mutation Exon Base Change Cosmic ID T790M 20 2369C > T 6240 L858R 21 2573T > G 6224 L861Q 21 2582T > A 6213 S768I 20 2303G > T 6241 G719A 18 2156G > C 6239 G719S 18 2155G > A 6252 G719C 18 2155G > T 6253 Insertions 20 2307_2308ins9 12376 2319_2320insCAC 12377 2310_2311insGGT 12378 Deletions 19 2235_2249del15 6223 2235_2252 > AAT (complex) 13551 2236_2253del18 12728 2237_2251del15 12678 2237_2254del18 12367 2237_2255 > T (complex) 12384 2236_2250del15 6225 2238_2255del18 6220 2238_2248 > GC (complex) 12422 2238_2252 > GCA (complex) 12419 2239_2247del9 6218 2239_2253del15 6254 2239_2256del18 6255 2239_2248TTAAGAGAAG > C 12382 (complex) 2239_2258 > CA (complex) 12387 2240_2251del12 6210 2240_2257del18 12370 2240_2254del15 12369 2239_2251 > C (complex) 12383 (Note: the cosmic IDs are taken from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer web site sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/cosmic/).","Example 8: Manufacturing Procedure for Sectioning of FFPE Blocks This manufacturing procedure describes the procedure for the manufacture of FFPE Blocks, as follows: A sterile cup is filled to the 80 ml line with 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin and swirled until all mini-cylinders (the slices) have separated.","The mini-cylinders are placed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin for 2 hours at room temperature in the shaker set at 125 RPM, labeled and lidded.","The 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin is decanted into the appropriate waste container and the mini-cylinders poured into a sterile Petri dish base.","The tissue cassette is placed onto the sterile lid of the Petri dish and mini-cylinders transferred into tissue cassettes.","A maximum of the same four mini-cylinders could be placed into one tissue cassette.","The lid is closed and tissue cassettes placed into an appropriate container with 70% Alcohol.","The volume of the 70% Alcohol reached above the tissue cassettes.","A minimum fill at the 80 ml line of the disposable sterile cup is required.","It is incubated for a minimum of 1 hour with a maximum of 24 hours.","For a hold time of 1 hour, it is incubated at room temperature.","Any hold times that exceeded one hour would be incubated at 2-8° C. 70% Alcohol is decanted into a dedicated waste container.","The Container is inverted and tissue cassettes are poured over an absorbent paper.","The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately-sized container with 95% Ethanol (ensure that the volume of the 95% Ethanol reaches above the tissue cassette).","A minimum of approximately 80 mL of 95% Ethanol is required.","It is incubated for 55 to 65 minutes at room temperature.","The Paraffin Embedder Instrument is turned on.","An appropriate amount of paraffin is in each reservoir.","The incubator/shaker is turned on and temperature set at 65° C. Clean sterile Polypropylene containers are filled with Paraffin until it reaches the top opening and placed in an incubator shaking at 125 RPM.","95% Alcohol was decanted into an appropriate waste container.","The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).","The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately sized container with 100% Ethanol (ensuring that the volume of the 100% Ethanol reaches above the tissue cassette) and incubated between 60 to 80 minutes at Room Temperature.","A minimum of approximately 80 mL of 100% Ethanol is required.","The 100% Alcohol is decanted into an appropriate waste container.","The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).","The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately sized container with 100% Ethanol (ensuring that the volume of the 100% Ethanol reaches above the tissue cassette) and incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at Room Temperature.","The 100% Alcohol is decanted into a sink with running water.","The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).","The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately sized container with SafeClear™ and the volume of the SafeClear™ made to reache above the tissue cassette and incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature.","The SafeClear™ is decanted into a sink with running water.","The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).","The tissue cassettes are placed into an appropriate container with SafeClear™, ensuring that the volume of the SafeClear™ reaches above the tissue cassette.","The tissue cassettes are incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature.","The incubator/shaker was set at 65° C., ensuring that the shaker switch is in the OFF position.","Equal volumes of melted paraffin were added with SafeClear and placed in a 65° C.±1° C. incubator.","The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).","The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriate container with 50:50 Paraffin/SafeClear™, ensuring that the volume of the 50:50 Paraffin/SafeClear™ reaches above the tissue cassette, and incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at 65° C.±1° C. (Ensuring the Shaker switch is in the OFF position).","The 50:50 Paraffin/SafeClear™ was decanted into a disposable container.","The tissue cassette was transferred into an appropriate container with Paraffin (ensuring that the volume of the Paraffin reaches above the tissue cassette), and incubated between 60 to 80 minutes at 65° C.±1° C. The Shaker switch is in the OFF position.","The Paraffin was decanted into a disposable container.","The tissue cassette was transferred into an appropriate container with Paraffin (Ensure that the volume of the Paraffin reaches above the tissue cassette), and incubated between 60 to 80 minutes at 65° C.±1° C. (Ensure Shaker switch is in the OFF position).","The Paraffin is decanted into a disposable container.","The tissue cassette is transferred into an appropriate container with sample reservoir of the Paraffin Embedder (ensuring that the volume of the Paraffin reaches above the tissue cassettes) and incubated between 120 to 140 minutes.","Paraffin embedding is performed as follows: After incubation the first tissue cassette is removed and placed on a paraffin embedder.","Tissue molds are placed into the warmed tissue mold holder.","Mini-cylinders are inspected to ensure that they are intact and have significantly shrunk in size.","The tissue mold is removed from the tissue mold warmer and paraffin dispensed from a nozzle to fill the bottom of the well.","The tissue mold containing paraffin is placed over the cold portion of the paraffin embedder.","In a timely manner, a mini-cylinder is placed onto the center of the tissue mold and allowed to cool partially, but not until solid.","The tissue cassette is placed without the lid over the tissue mold with the flat surface facing the tissue.","The tissue cassette is placed downward (ensure that no air bubbles are trapped within the sample).","If air bubbles are present, the tissue cassette is lifted and placed back down until all the air bubbles are removed (ensure that the mini-cylinder is still within the center of the tissue mold).","Paraffin is dispensed from the nozzle until the entire bottom of the tissue cassette is covered.","Material is carefully transferred and placed on the cold side of the paraffin embedder.","This is repeated until all of the mini-cylinders are embedded in paraffin.","The embedded cylinders are allowed to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes up to a maximum of 24 hours on the cold side of the embedder.","If the material is going to be filled within the next 24 hours, the bulk material is stored at 2-8° C. until filled.","If the material is not going to be filled within the next 24 hours, the bulk material is stored at the appropriate storage temperature.","Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed.","Any element of any embodiment may be used in any embodiment.","Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.","In addition, modification may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"Method of Preparing Quality Control Material for FFPE\",\n \"This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation and limit-of-detection analyses.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1-19.\",\n \"(canceled) 20.A quality control sample for formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE), comprising a defined amount of cellular material comprising a known amount of test cells admixed with a known amount of background cells admixed with a gelling polymer, wherein the cellular material is formalin-fixed, and further wherein the test cells include at least one pre-determined detectable genetic mutation and the background cells do not include said at least one pre-determined detectable genetic mutation.\",\n \"21.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the test cells are cancer cells.\",\n \"22.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the cellular material is subjected to formalin fixation before or after admixing with the gelling polymer.\",\n \"23.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the cellular material is embedded in paraffin.\",\n \"24.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the amount of test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 and 100%.\",\n \"25.The quality control sample of claim 23, wherein the amount of test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.\",\n \"26.The quality control sample of claim 20, wherein the amount of test cells is less than the amount of background cells.\",\n \"27.A kit for preparing samples for formalin fixation and paraffin embedding (FFPE), comprising: a quality control sample for FFPE, the sample comprising a defined amount of cellular material comprising a known amount of first test cells admixed with a known amount of background cells, wherein the cellular material is formalin-fixed, and further wherein the first test cells comprise a first pre-determined detectable genetic mutation and the background cells do not comprise the first pre-determined detectable genetic mutation.\",\n \"28.The kit of claim 27, further comprising a known amount of second test cells admixed with the first test cells and the background cells, wherein the second test cells comprise a second pre-determined detectable genetic mutation and the background cells do not comprise the second pre-determined detectable genetic mutation.\",\n \"29.The kit of claim 27, wherein the first test cells and/or the second test cells are cancer cells.\",\n \"30.The kit of claim 27, wherein the amount of first and second test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 and 100%.\",\n \"31.The kit of claim 27, wherein the amount of first and second test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.\",\n \"32.The kit of claim 27, wherein the amount of test cells is less than the amount of background cells.\",\n \"33.The kit of claim 27, wherein the cellular material is embedded in paraffin.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>Routine processing of samples in the clinical setting involves formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.\",\n \"FFPE is a highly efficient method that is currently the standard in pathology suites.\",\n \"Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) may be recovered from them decades after fixation, making FFPE tissues an important resource for molecular assays.\",\n \"However, better methods for developing FFPE materials that mimic actual patient specimens are needed to monitor the performance of molecular assays from FFPE materials and to develop appropriate quality control materials for these assays.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation or verification, including limit-of-detection analyses, precision analyses, method comparison, and accuracy analyses.\",\n \"Embodiments described herein provide highly reproducible FFPE methods that provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.\",\n \"Further, these methods allow for the isolation of the DNA from the FFPE with an defined degree of degradation to the sample that mimics the patient sample used for the molecular assay, thereby making it a true control.\",\n \"Some aspects are methods for preparing a sample for FFPE, including: obtaining a defined concentration of cellular material; mixing the cellular material with a gelling polymer, creating a gel/cellular material; adding the gel/cellular material to a mold with a defined shape until the gelling polymer solidifies; and slicing the solidified material to a uniform and defined size.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the methods also include formalin fixing the sliced solidified material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the methods also include embedding the material in paraffin.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mold is a polypropylene cylinder.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cellular material includes test cells and background cells.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells and/or background cells are chosen from tissue or organs.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cellular material comprises a known number of test cells and a known number of background cells in a homogeneous mixture.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells comprise at least one marker that is being tested for and the background cells do not have the marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 0.0001 and 100%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 1 and 100%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a defined concentration of test cells is admixed with a defined concentration of background cells admixed with a gelling polymer, and formalin-fixed.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells are positive for a test marker and the background cells are negative for the test marker.\",\n \"The test cells can be tissue culture cells, cancer cells, and/or tissue.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 to 100%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.\",\n \"Other aspects include kits for preparing samples for FFPE, including: at least one quality control sample for FFPE, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the sample comprising a first defined concentration of test cells admixed with background cells, wherein the test cells comprise at least a first marker and the background cells do not comprise the first marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells are cancer cells.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the marker is a KRAS mutation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells are colorectal biopsy material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second test cell comprising a second marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also includes at least one other sample containing a second marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the second marker is a second KRAS mutation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also contains 8 samples comprising the 8 known KRAS mutations associated with colorectal cancer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second defined concentration of the test cell admixed with the background cell.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the defined concentration of test cells to background cells is 0.0001 to 100%.\",\n \"These and other features of the present teachings will become more apparent from the description herein.\"\n ],\n [\n \"FIELD This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for validation, verification, and to use as controls for molecular assays.\",\n \"BACKGROUND Routine processing of samples in the clinical setting involves formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.\",\n \"FFPE is a highly efficient method that is currently the standard in pathology suites.\",\n \"Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) may be recovered from them decades after fixation, making FFPE tissues an important resource for molecular assays.\",\n \"However, better methods for developing FFPE materials that mimic actual patient specimens are needed to monitor the performance of molecular assays from FFPE materials and to develop appropriate quality control materials for these assays.\",\n \"SUMMARY This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation or verification, including limit-of-detection analyses, precision analyses, method comparison, and accuracy analyses.\",\n \"Embodiments described herein provide highly reproducible FFPE methods that provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.\",\n \"Further, these methods allow for the isolation of the DNA from the FFPE with an defined degree of degradation to the sample that mimics the patient sample used for the molecular assay, thereby making it a true control.\",\n \"Some aspects are methods for preparing a sample for FFPE, including: obtaining a defined concentration of cellular material; mixing the cellular material with a gelling polymer, creating a gel/cellular material; adding the gel/cellular material to a mold with a defined shape until the gelling polymer solidifies; and slicing the solidified material to a uniform and defined size.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the methods also include formalin fixing the sliced solidified material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the methods also include embedding the material in paraffin.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mold is a polypropylene cylinder.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cellular material includes test cells and background cells.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells and/or background cells are chosen from tissue or organs.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cellular material comprises a known number of test cells and a known number of background cells in a homogeneous mixture.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells comprise at least one marker that is being tested for and the background cells do not have the marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 0.0001 and 100%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the percentage of test cells to background cells is between 1 and 100%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a defined concentration of test cells is admixed with a defined concentration of background cells admixed with a gelling polymer, and formalin-fixed.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells are positive for a test marker and the background cells are negative for the test marker.\",\n \"The test cells can be tissue culture cells, cancer cells, and/or tissue.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 0.0001 to 100%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the concentration of test cells to background cells is between about 1 and 100%.\",\n \"Other aspects include kits for preparing samples for FFPE, including: at least one quality control sample for FFPE, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, the sample comprising a first defined concentration of test cells admixed with background cells, wherein the test cells comprise at least a first marker and the background cells do not comprise the first marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells are cancer cells.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the marker is a KRAS mutation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells are colorectal biopsy material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second test cell comprising a second marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also includes at least one other sample containing a second marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the second marker is a second KRAS mutation.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also contains 8 samples comprising the 8 known KRAS mutations associated with colorectal cancer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit also includes a second sample containing a second defined concentration of the test cell admixed with the background cell.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the defined concentration of test cells to background cells is 0.0001 to 100%.\",\n \"These and other features of the present teachings will become more apparent from the description herein.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only.\",\n \"The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 provides a G12V reproducibility analysis using the FFPE quality control methods.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 shows the results from KRAS beta panel testing.\",\n \"A (+) designates that a KRAS mutation was detected using the method, a (−) designates that the KRAS mutation was not detected and an (ND) designates that the test was not run or that it was an invalid run.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 shows an agarose gel comparing the DNA quality of KRAS DNA isolated from various sources, the sources are in duplicates.\",\n \"The lanes include from left to right: DNA Ladders, AcroMetrix™ KRAS controls, FFPE Specimen, White Blood Cells, Cultured Cells and DNA Ladders.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the scope of the current teachings.\",\n \"In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.\",\n \"Also, the use of “comprise”, “contain”, and “include”, or modifications of those root words, for example but not limited to, “comprises”, “contained”, and “including”, are not intended to be limiting.\",\n \"Use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise.\",\n \"The term “and/or” means that the terms before and after can be taken together or separately.\",\n \"For illustration purposes, but not as a limitation, “X and/or Y” can mean “X” or “Y” or “X and Y”.\",\n \"Whenever a range of values is provided herein, the range is meant to include the starting value and the ending value and any value or value range therebetween unless otherwise specifically stated.\",\n \"For example, “from 0.2 to 0.5” means 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5; ranges therebetween such as 0.2-0.3, 0.3-0.4, 0.2-0.4; increments there between such as 0.25, 0.35, 0.225, 0.335, 0.49; increment ranges there between such as 0.26-0.39; and the like.\",\n \"The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described in any way.\",\n \"All literature and similar materials cited in this application including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and internet web pages, regardless of the format of such literature and similar materials, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose.\",\n \"In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials defines or uses a term in such a way that it contradicts that term's definition in this application, this application controls.\",\n \"While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments.\",\n \"On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.\",\n \"Definitions The term “FFPE” or “formalin fixed paraffin embedded” refers to a method of treating tissues and/or cells by formalin fixing and paraffin embedding the tissues and/or cells and then slicing embedded material typically with a microtome.\",\n \"There are many methods known in the art for FFPE.\",\n \"The term “gelling polymer” or “gel” is interchangeable and refers to a colloidal suspension of a solid dispersed in a liquid; a semirigid solid.\",\n \"The term “homogeneous” refers to a mixture that exhibits uniformity.\",\n \"In the context of the mixture of test cells and background cells, the cells are intermixed in a uniform way such that every portion contains approximately the same number of test cells and/or the same number of background cells as other portions (e.g., slices).\",\n \"The ratio of test cells and background cells can vary.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “mold” refers to a hollow cavity form or matrix into which a liquid or semi-liquid material is placed to take a desired shape upon cooling or drying.\",\n \"The term “test cell” as used herein refers to a cell that is being tested to determine whether it contains one or more particular markers.\",\n \"Exemplary test cells include but are not limited to, cancer cells, cells from a patient, cells from a biopsy, hematopoietic cells, tissue culture cells, and cells from a tissue.\",\n \"As used herein, “background cell” “negative cell” and “negative control” are interchangeable and refer to a cell from the same patient or source that does not contain the marker that is being tested for.\",\n \"In some cases, this will be a wild-type cell of the same type as the test cell.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “patient” refers to any human or animal that is tested and/or treated for disease.\",\n \"The term “cylindrical” refers to something having the shape of a cylinder, an object shaped like a tube, an object or shape with straight sides and circular ends of equal size.\",\n \"The cylinder can also be a rectangle, square, triangular cylinder and any such shapes.\",\n \"The term “solidified” or “hardened” are used interchangeably and, with respect to a gel, refers to the ability of a gel to go from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid or semi-solid state.\",\n \"In the case of temperature-solidified gels, a polymer is introduced into a cylindrical tube in a fluid form, then allowed to gel to a solid form by cooling.\",\n \"Gels can also be solidified by adding a cross-linker, by motion, and/or by other methods known to those of skill in the art.\",\n \"When using a gel mixed with a cell, it is of interest to choose a gel that does not require extreme heat to form a liquid since this could be detrimental to the cells.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “fix” refers to a method of preserving tissue.\",\n \"Methods to preserve tissues or cells can be by irreversibly cross-linking proteins.\",\n \"As used herein, the phrase “quality control” refers to a system for ensuring the maintenance of proper standards in methods to determine whether the process exhibits nonrandom variation.\",\n \"As used herein the term “marker” and “test marker” are interchangeable and refer to a cellular component specific to a particular disease, whether prognostic, diagnostic, and/or with reference to treatment.\",\n \"The marker may be a DNA, RNA or protein marker.\",\n \"The marker can be any type of mutation associated with a disease.\",\n \"Markers include but are not limited to, translocations, alleles, SNPs, expression profiles, etc.\",\n \"The markers can be DNA, RNA (mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, mitochondrial RNA), or any type of nucleic acid.\",\n \"The markers can be genes, SNPs, microsatelites, translocations, alleles, mutations (e.g., multiple nucleotide and/or large deletions, additions, or changes), multi-RNA complexes, splice variants, transposons, ribozymes, microRNAs (primary, pre- or mature microRNAs), bacterial genomes, plasmids, viral genomes, and viroids.\",\n \"For example, in some embodiments, DNA is used to identify the presence of a SNP.\",\n \"In some embodiments, RNA is used to identify the expression of a SNP.\",\n \"Overview This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control (FFPE-QC) material for use in validation, verification, and as controls for molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variety of molecular assays.\",\n \"The quality control material can be used in commercial labs for validation and limit-of-detection, accuracy and precision analyses.\",\n \"Embodiments herein provide highly reproducible FFPE methods that provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.\",\n \"Further, these methods allow for a quality control FFPE product that includes a test cell containing at least one test marker in a background of negative cells.\",\n \"The methods are highly reproducible within a lot and from lot-to-lot and provide for detection of one or more markers as described in the examples below.\",\n \"The marker can be any marker known in the art and can be used to diagnose disease, prognosticate disease and/or to test disease for drug effectiveness.\",\n \"Further, these methods allow for the isolation of the DNA from the FFPE and with controlled degradation to the sample.\",\n \"The test cells and background cells can be admixed in various amounts to identify the limit-of-detection.\",\n \"In use, different concentrations of test cells to background cells can be provided for identifying performance characteristics of a molecular assay in a laboratory.\",\n \"The methods can be used for any type of tissue that would normally be processed into FFPE material.\",\n \"The method involves accurately quantifying the cell concentration and creating a homogeneous mixture of cells containing the marker (test cells) versus background cells (negative cells).\",\n \"The methods involve mixing the cells with a gelling polymer to create homogeneous paraffin-embedded blocks.\",\n \"The methods have the advantage of creating a sustainable, reproducible, and limitless quality control material for FFPE-based diagnostic assays.\",\n \"The methods include the steps of obtaining a defined concentration of cellular material; mixing the cellular material with a gelling polymer, creating a gel/cellular material; adding the gel/cellular material to a mold with a defined shape until the gelling polymer solidifies; slicing the solidified material to a uniform and defined size, formalin fixing the sliced solidified material, embedding the material in paraffin, and sectioning the material.\",\n \"The resulting FFPE slice can be referred to as the QC sample.\",\n \"In some embodiments, each of the steps of the above method of preparing a QC FFPE sample is a distinct step.\",\n \"In some embodiments, they may not be distinct steps.\",\n \"In other embodiments, the methods may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above.\",\n \"The steps of preparing a QC FFPE sample may be performed in another order.\",\n \"Subsets of the steps listed above as part of preparing a QC FFPE sample may be used to form their own method.\",\n \"In one embodiment, formalin fixed paraffin embedded quality control materials were constructed by utilizing these methods and materials.\",\n \"The formalin fixed paraffin embedded quality control materials were homogeneous cell cylinders.\",\n \"In short, a defined concentration of cell material containing the target for the diagnostic assay system was obtained.\",\n \"The defined cell concentration was homogenously mixed with a gelling polymer.\",\n \"A mold was used to create a defined shape when the cell-containing polymer solidified.\",\n \"A slicing apparatus was used to separate the cell-containing polymer, shaped with the mold, into a uniform and defined number of pieces.\",\n \"The pieces were formalin-fixed and embedded into paraffin using clinically defined practices.\",\n \"Lastly, a microtome was used to slice the FFPE blocks into sections of defined thickness that can be placed into vials or onto microscope slides.\",\n \"Currently, the majority of molecular diagnostic assays target liquid-based specimen types (e.g., EDTA plasma, serum, and whole blood) or swab-based specimens (e.g., nasopharyngeal swab and cervical swab).\",\n \"However, recently with cancer-based molecular marker diagnostics, tissue-based diagnostics from FFPE specimen types are typically used.\",\n \"FFPE specimens typically require five processing steps: 1) deparaffinization, 2) reversal of cross linking, 3) extraction, 4) nucleic acid yield test, and 5) amplification/detection which is in contrast to liquid-based specimen diagnostic which requires two processing steps: 1) extraction and 2) amplification/detection.\",\n \"The quality control FFPE assay, disclosed herein, was evaluated for detection of a KRAS molecular marker as provided in Examples 1-4 herein.\",\n \"Reproducible detection of the KRAS molecular markers was observed after purification of DNA from the FFPE treated cells in a background of negative cells.\",\n \"Labs performing FFPE-based molecular diagnostic tests use synthetic oligonucleotides, cell lines, or patient specimens as quality control material.\",\n \"However synthetic material and cell lines do not control for specific steps in the process and patient specimens are limited in quantity and inconsistent between sections, reducing the utility of the control material for monitoring trending over an extended period of time.\",\n \"A true FFPE quality control material that is homogenous and consistently produced lot-to-lot ensures that laboratories have access to a full process control that can be used over an indefinite period to monitor assay performance.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, the cells in the FFPE controls can be wildtype or carry known mutations and thereby serve as controls for those mutations.\",\n \"For instance, there are known mutations within the codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene that result in the loss of effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapies.\",\n \"Seven mutations (G12D, G12V, G12C, G12S, G12A, G12R, G13D) comprise 98.5% of known KRAS mutations that are involved in drug effectiveness for colorectal cancer.\",\n \"Cell lines for these mutations were obtained and mixed in defined ratios with a cell line containing wild type KRAS.\",\n \"The cell mixtures were mixed with melted agarose cooled to within 10° C. of the gelling temperature and aliquoted into a polypropylene cylindrical mold.\",\n \"The agarose-cell mixture was allowed to solidify at 2-8° C. The cylinder was removed from the mold and placed on a sterile surface.\",\n \"A slicing apparatus was developed with wires spaced 1 mm to 10 mm apart, in certain embodiments the wires can be spaced 1 mm to 5 mm apart.\",\n \"The slicing apparatus was then placed over the cylinder and pressure applied to slice the cylinder into equidistant parts.\",\n \"Each part was then formalin fixed and embedded according to specified manufacturing procedures (see Example 8 below).\",\n \"Multiplex molecular assays allow for the detection of multiple test cells.\",\n \"Therefore, further embodiments include the step of pooling samples to be tested prior to using the multiplexed assays described herein.\",\n \"For example, different slices with individual mutations can be placed together in 1 tube (to be processed together).\",\n \"For example and without limitation, 1 slice from the G12V and 1 slice from the G12D mutations could be placed together to make a multiplex control (see Table 6).\",\n \"Cell Material The cell material can be obtained from any cell, tissue or organ of an organism.\",\n \"The cell material can include one or more prokaryotic cells and/or one or more eukaryotic cells.\",\n \"The eukaryotic cell can be from any eukaryotic organism including, but not limited to, a protozoa, a fungus, a plant, an animal, a human.\",\n \"The animal and/or human cells can be hematopoietic cells.\",\n \"The animal and/or human cells can be cancer cells and/or infected cells.\",\n \"The cells can be tissue culture cells.\",\n \"The cells can be obtained from a biopsy.\",\n \"In some embodiments, a tissue sample is disrupted into cells to prepare a homogeneous material.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cell material is a formalin fixed (or other fixed) sample and/or an FFPE sample of tissue.\",\n \"In this case, because it would be difficult or impossible to disrupt the FFPE tissue into separate cells, the cell material can be used for a positive or negative control.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cell material contains only test cells.\",\n \"The test cells can be cells that are positive for one or more particular marker or markers.\",\n \"In some embodiments the cell material contains more than one test cell.\",\n \"For example, if two different markers are diagnostic for a particular disease, two different test cells can be included, one test cell being positive for one marker and the other test cell being positive for the other marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the cell material also contains background cells.\",\n \"The background cells can be cells from the same or a related source as the test cells, but are cells that do not contain the one or more markers.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the background cells are wildtype cells and or wildtype for the marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the test cells may contain more than one marker for a particular disease or diseases and the background cells do not contain any of those markers.\",\n \"The cell material can contain both test cells and background cells in known amounts.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the amount of test cells to background cells is from about 0.0001 to about 100%, including 0.001, 0.005, 0.006, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the amount of test cells to background cells is from about 1 to about 100%, including but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99%.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the amount of the test cell is less than the amount of the background cell.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, the test cells comprise a single marker.\",\n \"In other embodiments, the test cells contained in the cell material comprise more than one marker.\",\n \"For instance, the cell material can contain a defined percentage of a first marker, a defined percentage of a second marker, and so on, as well as a defined percentage of background cells.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the mixture of test and background cells is homogeneous.\",\n \"However, alternatively, the mixture can be formed such that the test cells are in the middle and the background cells are on the perimeter.\",\n \"Other combinations can be imagined.\",\n \"However, the ratio of test cells to background cells is maintained in the slice, portion or plug, etc.\",\n \"In some embodiments a series of samples are prepared from cell material of a specific type of test cell with a specific type of background cell in a variety of ratios to use for establishing performance characteristics of a molecular assay.\",\n \"For example, a series of 11 samples having test cell to background cell ratios of 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% could be produced to identify the limit of detection of a marker in the test cells using a specific molecular assay.\",\n \"Gel The gel used to create the solidified gel/cellular material can be any colloidal suspension of a solid dispersed in a liquid.\",\n \"The gel used can be any gel that can be mixed with cells without changing the properties of the nucleic acid to such an extent that they cannot be assayed.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the gel does not change the properties of the proteins so that they cannot be assayed.\",\n \"The gel can be any gel that can change from a liquid or semi solid state (to be able to mix it with cells) to a solid or gelled state (to allow it to be sliced).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the gel is an agarose, agar, carageenan, pectin, egg yolk, or any type of polymer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the gel is a polymer that is able to be solidified or hardened.\",\n \"Solidified or hardened refers to the ability of a gel to go from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid or semi-solid state.\",\n \"In the case of temperature-solidified gels, a polymer is introduced into an electrophoresis tube in a fluid form, than allowed to gel to a solid form by cooling within the gel.\",\n \"Gels can also be solidified by adding a cross-linker, by motion, and/or by other methods known to those of skill in the art.\",\n \"When using a gel mixed with a cell, it is of interest to choose a gel that does not require extreme heat to form a liquid since this could be detrimental to the cells.\",\n \"Further, when using a gel mixed with a cell, it is also of interest to choose a gel that does not contain inhibitory substance that will inhibit the fixation, embedding, or downstream molecular tests.\",\n \"Mold The mold can be any shape known to the skilled artisan that allow for slicing.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the shape of the mold can be a cylinder.\",\n \"The cylinder can be of any length and diameter such that a useful sized slice is produced.\",\n \"The cylinder can be made of any material that will keep its shape when a hot gel is poured into it.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the material will not stick to the gel/cellular material mixture.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the material will not affect the cellular integrity.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the material can be removed from the solidified gel/cellular material mixture.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the material can be removed without sticking to the gel/cellular material mixture.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the ends of the cylindrical material can be cut off and the tube of hardened gel/cellular material can be slid out.\",\n \"Materials can include polypropylene and equivalent plastic materials.\",\n \"Other materials can be envisioned that might require producing a mold that can be opened and closed, for example glass, metals, and very hard plastics.\",\n \"Slicing The cylindrical solidified gel/cellular material can then be sliced into sections of a uniform and defined size.\",\n \"This ensures that the amount of nucleic acid in each slice will be equivalent.\",\n \"The cylindrical solidified gel/cellular material mixture can be sliced using any method known in the art that results in slices of uniform and defined sizes.\",\n \"Any slicer with equidistant slicing ability could be used.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the slicing wires or blades are spaced 1 mm to 5 mm apart.\",\n \"In some embodiments other methods of providing for equivalent samples (e.g., slices) are used.\",\n \"Any tool can be used that provides a sample with a constant volume.\",\n \"Exemplary methods include using a tool to obtain a plug, or using a syringe to obtain an even amount of liquefied sample (e.g., liquefied gel/cellular material).\",\n \"Fixatives The cells can be fixed prior to or after formation of the solidified gel/cellular material described above.\",\n \"Chemical fixatives are used to preserve tissue from degradation, and to maintain the structure of the cell and of sub-cellular components such as cell organelles (e.g., nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria).\",\n \"The most common fixative for FFPE is neutral buffered formalin (4-8% formaldehyde in phosphate buffered saline).\",\n \"Fixatives preserve tissues or cells mainly by irreversibly cross-linking proteins.\",\n \"The main action of these aldehyde fixatives is to cross-link amino groups in proteins through the formation of CH2 (methylene) linkage, in the case of formaldehyde, or by a C5H10 cross-links in the case of glutaraldehyde.\",\n \"This process, while preserving the structural integrity of the cells and tissue can damage the biological functionality of proteins, particularly enzymes, and can also denature them to a certain extent.\",\n \"This can be detrimental to certain histological techniques.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, during the fixation process, glycine (2.5 M) can be added to the suspended cells.\",\n \"The cells are then centrifuged at 1000×g for about 5 to about 20 mins.\",\n \"In certain embodiments, the cells are centrifuged for about 10 mins.\",\n \"After the cells are centrifuged and washed with a buffer, a freezing medium can be added, such as dimethylsulfoxide.\",\n \"For the methods of preparing QC FFPE controls, the sliced solidified gel/cellular material can be immersed in a fixative, such as a solution with a protein crosslinking activity, such as but not limited to a formaldehyde solution, glutaraldehyde solution, formaldehyde-alcohol mixed solution, alcohol solution, Bouin's solution, Zenker solution, Helv solution, osmic acid solution, Carnoy solution, standard saline citrate (SSC) and RNAeasy™, and equivalents thereof.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the fixative is formalin.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the formaldehyde can be in any kind of buffer.\",\n \"Non-limiting examples of fixative alcohols include thanol and isopropanol.\",\n \"These fixatives are commercially available.\",\n \"The time of fixation can be from about 2 to 72 hours, including but not limited to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, and 71 hours.\",\n \"The temperature of fixation can be from about 4° C. to about 26° C., including but not limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25° C. Embedding and Sectioning After the slices have been fixed, they are ready for embedding.\",\n \"During this process the tissue samples are placed into molds along with liquid embedding material (such as agar, gelatin, or wax) which is then hardened.\",\n \"This is achieved by cooling in the case of paraffin wax and heating (curing) in the case of the epoxy resins.\",\n \"The acrylic resins are polymerized by heat, ultraviolet light, or chemical catalysts.\",\n \"The hardened blocks containing the tissue samples are then ready to be sectioned.\",\n \"Because Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues may be stored indefinitely at room temperature, and nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) may be recovered from them decades after fixation, this makes FFPE tissues an important resource for historical studies in medicine.\",\n \"Embedding can also be accomplished using frozen, non-fixed tissue in a water-based medium.\",\n \"Pre-frozen tissues are placed into molds with the liquid embedding material, usually a water-based glycol, OCT, TBS, Cryogel, or resin, which is then frozen to form hardened blocks.\",\n \"The resulting blocks can be sectioned using methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, microtomes, vibratory microtomes and cryostats and the like.\",\n \"Deparaffinization Sections can be deparaffinized using methods known in the art and/or commercially available kits.\",\n \"The methods remove the bulk of paraffin from the sample.\",\n \"Various techniques are known for deparaffinizing and include, but are not limited to, washing with an organic solvent or agent to dissolve the paraffin.\",\n \"Solvents include but are not limited to, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, D-li-monene, octane, and mixtures thereof.\",\n \"These solvents are preferably of high purity, usually greater than 99%.\",\n \"The volume used and the number of washes necessary will depend on the size of the sample and the amount of paraffin to be removed.\",\n \"A sample may be washed between 1 and about 10 times, or between about two and about four times.\",\n \"A typical volume of organic solvent is about 500 ml for a 10 mm tissue sample.\",\n \"After deparaffinization, samples are preferably rehydrated such as by step-wise washing with aqueous lower alcoholic solutions of decreasing concentrations.\",\n \"Ethanol is a preferred lower alcohol for rehydrations while other alcohols may also be used.\",\n \"Non-limiting examples include methanol, isopropanol, and other C1-C5 alcohols.\",\n \"The sample is alternatively vigorously mixed with alcoholic solutions followed by its removal.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the concentration of alcohol is stepwise lowered.\",\n \"Uses for FFPE Sections The sections can be used to isolate DNA or RNA for identification of the presence of a marker and/or for expression of a marker.\",\n \"The markers can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, typing, and/or staging of disease.\",\n \"Markers can include DNA or RNA markers and/or expression levels.\",\n \"Gene expression analyses of various tumor types (breast, lung, prostate and colon) have revealed that there exist numerous subtypes of tumors within each anatomically defined cancer.\",\n \"Furthermore, in some of these studies different subtypes have been linked to a particular prognosis.\",\n \"For example, Wigle et al, (2002 Cancer Research 62 (11) pp.\",\n \"3005-3008) and Beer et al., (2002 Nature 8 (8) pp.\",\n \"816-824) demonstrated the existence of particular clusters of genes that are correlated with different disease-free survivals in non-small cell lung cancer.\",\n \"These reports establish that the molecular “make-up” of tumors, as defined by gene expression profiles, has a direct correlation to clinical endpoints such as disease free survival.\",\n \"These retrospective studies strongly suggest that in going forward with prospective trials there is great promise that the molecular make-up of a given tumor will also be directly correlated with whether a patient will respond or not respond to a given therapy.\",\n \"Pharmacogenomic methods can identify patients likely to respond to a particular drug and can lead the way to new therapeutic approaches.\",\n \"For example, thymidylate synthase (TS) is an integral enzyme in DNA biosynthesis where it catalyzes the reductive methylation of deoxyuridine monophosphate (dUMP) to deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) and provides the only route for de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides within the cell (Johnston et al., 2002, J.\",\n \"Clinical Oncology, 20(7) pp.\",\n \"1721-1728).\",\n \"Thymidylate synthase is a target for chemotherapeutic drugs, most commonly the antifolate agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).\",\n \"As the most effective single agent for the treatment of colon, head and neck and breast cancers, the primary action of 5-FU is to inhibit TS activity, resulting in depletion of intracellular thymine levels and subsequently leading to cell death.\",\n \"Other markers that can be tested for include, but are not limited to: HIP1 in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma and brain cancers; TS and/or ERCC1 expression levels prognosticate the probable resistance of a patient's tumor to treatment with 5-FU and oxaliplatin-based therapies; recurrent gene fusions of androgen regulated genes and ETS family member genes in prostate cancer; ERBB-1, VEGF, cyclin A, FOS, JUN and MYC in patients with squamous cell lung carcinomas.\",\n \"Additional markers that can be used in accordance with the disclosure include, EGFR, BRAF, PTEN, and PI3K.\",\n \"One of skill will readily note that cells containing any biomarker can be used in accordance with the disclosure and that those disclosed herein represent non-limiting examples.\",\n \"Hematopoietic cancers or metastases can be tested using the QC FFPE controls.\",\n \"Cancers which involve cells generated during hematopoiesis, a process by which cellular elements of blood, such as lymphocytes, leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes and natural killer cells are generated are referred to as hematopoietic cancers.\",\n \"Lymphocytes which can be found in blood and lymphatic tissue and are critical for immune response are categorized into two main classes of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells), which mediate humoral and cell mediated immunity, respectively.\",\n \"Many of these cancers are characterized by recurrent translocations that can be detected from FFPE using methods discussed herein.\",\n \"Kits A “kit,” as used herein, refers to a combination of at least one quality control sample for FFPE (e.g., one FFPE slice of the gelled homogeneous mixture of test and background cells).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit may contain a combination of quality control samples organized in such a way as to provide controls for all variations of a particular marker.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the variations of the marker are variations of an oncogene that is diagnostic for a particular cancer.\",\n \"In some embodiments the variations of the marker are variations of a mutation in a gene that are prognostic for the usefulness of treating with a drug.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit includes a number of different markers that are diagnostic of a particular cancer.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the marker or markers are for a particular disease.\",\n \"In other embodiments, the marker or markers are for a variety of diseases.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the marker or markers test for drug efficacy for a disease.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the marker or markers test for diagnosis of a disease or a group of related diseases.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the marker or markers test for a series of diseases that have common characteristics and/or symptoms.\",\n \"The container means of the kits will generally include at least one vial, test tube, flask, bottle, syringe or other packaging means, into which a component can be placed, and in some embodiments, suitably aliquoted.\",\n \"Where more than one component is included in the kit (they can be packaged together), the kit also will generally contain at least one second, third or other additional container into which the additional components can be separately placed.\",\n \"However, various combinations of components can be packaged in a container means.\",\n \"The kits of the present teachings also will typically include reagent containers in close confinement for commercial sale.\",\n \"Such containers can include injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which the desired container means are retained.\",\n \"When the components of the kit are provided in one and/or more liquid solutions, the liquid solution comprises an aqueous solution that can be a sterile aqueous solution.\",\n \"A kit can also include instructions for employing the kit components as well as the use of any other reagent not included in the kit.\",\n \"Instructions can include variations that can be implemented.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the kit contains quality control samples for between 1 and 1000 markers and/or test cell to background cell ratios.\",\n \"For example, the kit can contain 11 FFPE quality control slices containing test cells to background cells in concentrations of 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%.\",\n \"Exemplary kits are provided in Examples 6 and 7.EXAMPLES Aspects of the present teachings can be further understood in light of the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present teachings in any way.\",\n \"Tables 1-3 provide materials, consumable and instruments used in the following examples.\",\n \"The examples use the KRAS molecular markers to demonstrate the usefulness of the quality control FFPE methods.\",\n \"There are known mutations within the codon 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene that results in the loss of effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapies.\",\n \"7 mutations (G12D, G12V, G12C, G12S, G12A, G12R, G13D) comprise 98.5% of known KRAS mutations that are involved in identifying the usefulness of chemotherapy on colorectal cancers.\",\n \"Cell lines for these mutations were obtained and mixed and defined ratios with a cell line containing wild type KRAS.\",\n \"The cell mixtures were mixed with melted agarose cooled within 10° C. of the gelling temperature and aliquoted into a polypropylene cylindrical mold.\",\n \"The mold was allowed to solidify at 2-8° C. The cylinder was removed from the mold and placed on a sterile surface.\",\n \"A slicing apparatus was developed by modifying an egg slicer.\",\n \"The slicing apparatus was then placed over the cylinder and pressure applied to slice the cylinder into equidistant parts.\",\n \"Each part was then formalin fixed and embedded according to specified manufacturing procedures (see Example 8 below).\",\n \"TABLE 1 Materials Reagents Item Description 10% Neutral Formalin used as the fixative reagent in Buffered Formalin the process.\",\n \"70% Alcohol Reagent used in the dehydration process.\",\n \"95% Alcohol Reagent used in the dehydration process.\",\n \"100% Alcohol Reagent used in the dehydration process.\",\n \"SafeClear Xylene substitute, used to remove lipids and aid in the transition from dehydration to paraffin.\",\n \"Paraffin Paraffin used as the embedding medium.\",\n \"10 mM Tris Buffer used to dilute cell mixtures to the pH 7.5 appropriate concentration.\",\n \"Low Melting Low melting agarose is used as the copolymer Temperature that is mixed with cells and placed into a tube Agarose mold.\",\n \"Low melting is used due to the ability of remaining at a liquid state at a lower temperature than standard agarose.\",\n \"The lower temperature reduces the likelihood of lysing cells.\",\n \"TABLE 2 Consumables Item Description Tissue Molds Metallic or clear plastic molds used as receptacle for the final stage during paraffin embedding.\",\n \"Mixed agarose cell mixture and liquid paraffin are placed in the mold and allowed to harden.\",\n \"Tissue mold is then removed and discarded.\",\n \"Tissue Agarose cell mixtures after slicing are placed into Cassettes designated tissue cassettes for fixing and embedding.\",\n \"Tube Mold A specified mold with a fixed diameter is used as a mold for which the agarose cell mixture is allowed to harden in refrigerated temperatures.\",\n \"Removal of the harden agarose cell mixture is by removing both ends of the mold.\",\n \"Petri Dish The sterile petri dish allows for a clean environment for which the harden agarose cell mixture is processed.\",\n \"Sterile Forcep Forceps are used to transfer fixed cell mixtures from the tissue cassettes to the tissue mold.\",\n \"Razor Blade Sterile razor blade used to remove ends from the agarose cell mixtures.\",\n \"Sterile Scoops used to transfer fragile agarose cell mixtures after Disposable slicing into the appropriate reagent filled container.\",\n \"Scoops TABLE 3 Instruments Item Description Microwave The microwave is used to melt the agarose.\",\n \"Paraffin Instrument that contains a reservoir of melted paraffin and Embedder cooling block.\",\n \"The instrument is used to dispense paraffin into the tissue mold.\",\n \"The instrument also cools the tissue molds containing the fixed cell mixture and paraffin.\",\n \"Refrigerator The refrigerator is used to cool the tube mold containing agarose and cell mixtures Incubator/ The incubator and shaker is used to warm and mix the cell Shaker mixtures.\",\n \"The incubator can also be used to melt paraffin.\",\n \"Slicing The slicing apparatus can be a modified egg slicer (base Apparatus removed).\",\n \"The slicer divides the agarose cell mixture cylinder (after removal from the tube mold) into equivalent mini cylinders.\",\n \"Microtome Microtome is a calibrated instrument used to process FFPE blocks into sections.\",\n \"Example 1: Quality Control FFPE Method Using KRAS Markers Several KRAS point mutations have been shown to correlate with a lack of response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.\",\n \"As a result, in July of 2009, the FDA updated the “indication and usage” section of the labels of Amgen's Vectibix and ImClone/Bristol-Myers Squibb's Erbitux to note that “retrospective analyses of metastatic colorectal cancer trials have not shown a treatment benefit for the EGFR inhibitors in patients whose tumors had KRAS mutations in codon 12 or 13,” and that the use of the drugs is not recommended for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients with these mutations.\",\n \"This label change has led to an increase in KRAS mutation testing.\",\n \"This example demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing qualitative formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) KRAS Positive Control products.\",\n \"The study demonstrates the ability to manufacture and value assign stock materials from sourced raw materials, the reproducibility of the product, detection of the product on target assays, as well as comparison of the products' DNA quality to those of patient FFPE samples and obtaining a usable DNA yield from a 10 μm section.\",\n \"The cell lines in Table 4 were obtained from ATCC (Manassas, Va.) and grown to a total of 1.0×109 cells.\",\n \"Stock materials are manufactured in Cell Freezing Media and were value-assigned against the calibrator (quantified by counting with a hemacytometer) using the Roche LIGHT CYCLER™ Control Beta-Globin test.\",\n \"The cell mixture formulation procedure was performed as follows: 1.values for cell materials stored in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen cryogenic freezer were obtained.\",\n \"2.The stock material was thawed at room temperature.\",\n \"3.A sterile clean disposable cup was obtained.\",\n \"4.The appropriate amount of cells containing the target of interest was measured gravimetrically into the sterile cup.\",\n \"5.The appropriate amount of background cells were measured gravimetrically into the sterile cup (this step is optional).\",\n \"6.A pre-defined amount of 10 mM Tris pH 7.5 was added into the sterile cup to bring the cells to the appropriate concentration.\",\n \"7.The sterile cup was placed into a pre-warmed incubator (37° C.) and shaken at 125 RPM for a period of between 20 and 30 minutes.\",\n \"TABLE 4 Cell lines Name Cell Line KRAS G12A SW1116 KRAS G12C SW1463 KRAS G12D PANC-1 KRAS G12R PSN-1 KRAS G12S A549 KRAS G12V SW480 KRAS G13D DLD-1 Wildtype Jurkat cells A 1% mixture of Low Melting Temperature agarose was formulated with 10 mM Tris pH 7.5 and microwaved until dissolved.\",\n \"The agarose was placed into a 37° C. incubator and allowed to cool for at least 30 minutes.\",\n \"At this point it was important to not mix the cells until the agarose cooled and equilibrated with the incubator.\",\n \"The cell mixture and the agarose were mixed as follows: The cell and agarose mixtures were removed from the incubator.\",\n \"They were then aliquoted into a sterile cup by mixing an equal volume of the cell mixture with an equal volume of the agarose mixture.\",\n \"The agarose/cell mixture was placed back into the incubator and shaken at 125 RPM for 10-20 minutes.\",\n \"An appropriately sized tube mold was obtained and labeled.\",\n \"The agarose/cell mixture was poured into the tube mold until the liquid exceeded the upper lip of the tube.\",\n \"The tube mold was capped and the excess liquid was wiped from the mold.\",\n \"If bubbles were present, the tube was reopened and additional liquid (cell/agarose liquid) was added.\",\n \"The tube mold was placed horizontally into a refrigerator at 2-8° C. for a minimum of 1 hour.\",\n \"The tube was inspected to ensure that the agarose had hardened.\",\n \"Both ends of the tube were removed (i.e., the cap was removed from one end and the other end was cut with a scissor).\",\n \"And the agarose cell mixture cylinder was poured into a sterile clean petri dish.\",\n \"The slicing apparatus was cleaned with 70% isopopanol.\",\n \"The Slicing Apparatus was placed over the cylinder to insure the maximum number of equivalent sized mini-cylinders and pressed with equal force through the cylinder until the slicing apparatus reached the bottom of the lid.\",\n \"Using disposable scoops the mini-cylinders were placed into a new sterile cup.\",\n \"If the mini-cylinder was punctured by the scoop during transfer, it was discarded.\",\n \"The mini-cylinders were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded as follows: The sterile cup (containing the mini-cylinders) was filled with 10% neutral buffered formalin.\",\n \"The ratio of formalin to mini-cylinder was at least 10:1.They were incubated at room temperature for 2 hours in the shaker set at 125 RPM (incubation for longer or shorter periods may result in differing DNA fragmentation from lot-to-lot).\",\n \"The fixed mini-cylinders were transferred into labeled tissue cassettes.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with 70% alcohol and incubated for a minimum of 1 hour.\",\n \"The alcohol was decanted and excess removed using absorbent paper.\",\n \"However, the tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with 95% alcohol and incubated for 1 hour.\",\n \"The alcohol was decanted and excess removed using absorbent paper.\",\n \"However, the tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with 100% alcohol and incubated for 1 hour.\",\n \"The alcohol was decanted and the excess removed using absorbent paper.\",\n \"However, the tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with SAFECLEAR™ and incubated for 30 minutes.\",\n \"The SAFECLEAR™ was decanted and excess removed using absorbent paper.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were not allowed to dry completely.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with a 1:1 mixture of Safeclear™ and melted paraffin and incubated for 30 minutes at 65° C. The 1:1 mixture of SAFECLEAR™ and melted paraffin was decanted into a waste container.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into container filled with melted paraffin and incubated for 1 hour at 65° C. The melted paraffin was decanted into a waste container.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes were transferred into a container filled with melted paraffin and incubated for 2 hours at 65° C. The fixed mini-cylinders were transferred into a tissue mold containing melted paraffin.\",\n \"The base of the tissue cassette was placed over the tissue mold and paraffin was dispensed from the paraffin embedding instrument until the mold and cassette were filled.\",\n \"The filled tissue mold was placed onto the refrigerated unit of the paraffin embedder and allowed to harden for at least 1 hour.\",\n \"The FFPE blocks were sectioned on a Microtome into the appropriate thickness.\",\n \"The section was transferred using forceps into a sterile tube.\",\n \"Example 2: Alternate Fixation Process An alternate fixation process was also performed prior to the formation of the agarose-cell cylinder.\",\n \"In this example, cells as described in Example 1 were pre-fixed with formaldehyde.\",\n \"Cells were suspended in phosphate buffered saline with 5.6% formaldehyde and incubated at 22° C. for 2 hours with shaking.\",\n \"2.5 M glycine was added to a final concentration of 1.8 M and incubated for 5 min at room temperature.\",\n \"Cells were centrifuged at 1000× for 10 min.\",\n \"Supernatant was removed, cells were washed with 5 mL PBS and centrifuged at 1000×g for 10 min.\",\n \"Supernatant was removed and freezing medium (cell culture medium+10% dimethylsulfoxide) was added.\",\n \"The steps of agarose cylinders formation, dehydration and embedding with paraffin then took place as described, for example, Example 1.Example 3: Reproducibility Analysis Two cylinders of KRAS G12V were manufactured using the method of Example 1 and 16-17 blocks were manufactured from each cylinder.\",\n \"Sections were cut from blocks, DNA was extracted, and the DNA was amplified using the Roche LIGHT CYCLER™ Control Beta-Globin test.\",\n \"As shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, the average crossing points among the blocks for each cylinder were similar, as assessed by low standard deviations.\",\n \"The average crossing points of the blocks between each cylinder were also similar, demonstrating good lot-to-lot reproducibility.\",\n \"The data indicated that the product could be reproducibly manufactured.\",\n \"Example 4: Detection on Target Assays A KRAS Beta panel, consisting of 10 m sections of G12C, G12V, and G13D sections at various percentages (ranging from 1 to 30%) using the method of Example 1 was sent out to a number of laboratories for testing.\",\n \"Results were obtained for various assay platforms including: Life Technologies SNaPshot™, TrimGen™ Mutector II, QIAGEN™/DxS TheraScreen K-RAS, QIAGEN™ PyroMark KRAS, Asuragen Signature KRAS Mutations 7, and a non-genotyping laboratory developed test (LDT).\",\n \"The results are displayed in FIG.\",\n \"2.A (+) designates that a KRAS mutation was detected using the method, a (−) designates that the KRAS mutation was not detected and an (ND) designates that the test was not run or that it was an invalid run.\",\n \"The results show that the samples worked comparably in all platforms.\",\n \"Example 5: Analysis of DNA Quality KRAS DNA was isolated from blood, cultured cells, patient FFPE Tumor, and AcroMetrix KRAS controls (from Example 3).\",\n \"Genomic DNA was isolated using QIAamp® DNA Kits, or the QIAamp® DNA FFPE Tissue Kit.\",\n \"250 ng of isolated DNA from each sample type were analyzed on a 0.8% agarose gel in duplicates as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3.Comparing DNA quality, the AcroMetrix KRAS controls were most similar to that of patient FFPE tumor samples showing comparable degradation.\",\n \"TABLE 5 DNA Yield Name Lot Average Yield (ng) WT SL-1 679 G12V SL-1 769 WT SL-2 1019 G12V SL-2 683 WT SL-3 728 G12V SL-3 567 Genomic DNA was isolated from three lots of KRAS FFPE wildtype and G12V samples (see Example 3) using the QIAamp® DNA FFPE Extraction protocol.\",\n \"Three 10 μm sections were obtained from each sample and extracted to obtain an eluate volume of 50 μL.\",\n \"The DNA yield from each eluate was obtained using the Agilent 8453 UV-visible Spectroscopy System.\",\n \"The average DNA yield from all samples was greater than 200 ng, showing that a usable amount of DNA can be obtained from the AMX KRAS FFPE products.\",\n \"Example 6: Kit for Analysis of KRAS FFPE Assay Quality Control There are known mutations within the codon 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene that results in the loss of effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapies.\",\n \"7 mutations (G12D, G12V, G12C, G12S, G12A, G12R, G13D) comprise 98.5% of known KRAS mutations that have an impact.\",\n \"Cell lines for these mutations were obtained and mixed in defined ratios with a cell line containing wild type KRAS (see Table 4).\",\n \"A KRAS FFPE kit is prepared containing controls intended for use in assessing the performance of nucleic acid test procedures for the determination of KRAS mutations.\",\n \"See Table 6, 1 vial per KRAS mutation and 1 wildtype (negative control).\",\n \"Routine use of the KRAS FFPE controls enables laboratories to monitor day-to-day assay variation, lot-to-lot performance of assay reagents, and operator variation.\",\n \"The KRAS FFPE controls can also assist in identifying increases in random or systematic error in testing systems.\",\n \"The KRAS FFPE Controls kit contains controls for 7 major KRAS mutations and a wild type.\",\n \"Each individual control consists of KRAS mutation-positive cells in a synthetic tissue that has been formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded and sectioned to 10 microns thick.\",\n \"The KRAS FFPE Controls were designed to meet the need for controls for molecular testing of KRAS in FFPE samples.\",\n \"The independent set of external controls helps to ensure that KRAS nucleic acid testing procedures are consistent across manufacturers, testing laboratories, operators, platforms and assay formats.\",\n \"The KRAS FFPE Controls are formulated to mimic formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and designed to monitor all procedural steps in extracting human DNA from FFPE.\",\n \"The intact human cells allow for the verification of effective DNA extraction and purification.\",\n \"KRAS test methodology includes an extraction step that releases the DNA for amplification and detection, as appropriate to the test.\",\n \"TABLE 6 KRAS FFPE control kit Control name Quantity KRAS G12A 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12C 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12D 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12R 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12S 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G12V 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA KRAS G13D 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA Wild Type 1 section per vial >200 ng DNA Example 7: Kit for Analysis of EGF-R FFPE Assay Quality Control An EGF-R FFPE kit is prepared containing controls intended for use in assessing the performance of nucleic acid test procedures for the determination of EGF-R mutations.\",\n \"Routine use of the EGF-R FFPE controls enables laboratories to monitor day-to-day assay variation, lot-to-lot performance of assay reagents, and operator variation.\",\n \"The EGF-R FFPE controls also assist in identifying increases in random or systematic error in testing systems.\",\n \"The EGF-R FFPE Controls kit contains controls for 29 major EGF-R mutations that are associated with drug resistance to chemotherapy drugs and a wild type (see Table 7 for mutations).\",\n \"Each individual control consists of EGF-R mutation-positive cells in a synthetic tissue that has been formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded and sectioned to 10 microns thick.\",\n \"The EGF-R FFPE Control meet the need for controls for molecular testing of EGF-R in FFPE samples.\",\n \"The kit contains 29 slices containing mixtures of EGF-R mutations in a background of wildtype and 1 slice containing only wildtype.\",\n \"The independent set of external controls helps to ensure that EGF-R nucleic acid testing procedures are consistent across manufacturers, testing laboratories, operators, platforms and assay formats.\",\n \"The EGF-R FFPE Controls are formulated to mimic formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues and are designed to monitor all procedural steps in extracting human DNA from FFPE.\",\n \"The intact human cells allow for the verification of effective DNA extraction and purification.\",\n \"EGF-R test methodology includes an extraction step that releases the DNA for amplification and detection, as appropriate to the test.\",\n \"TABLE 7 somatic EGF-R mutations Mutation Exon Base Change Cosmic ID T790M 20 2369C > T 6240 L858R 21 2573T > G 6224 L861Q 21 2582T > A 6213 S768I 20 2303G > T 6241 G719A 18 2156G > C 6239 G719S 18 2155G > A 6252 G719C 18 2155G > T 6253 Insertions 20 2307_2308ins9 12376 2319_2320insCAC 12377 2310_2311insGGT 12378 Deletions 19 2235_2249del15 6223 2235_2252 > AAT (complex) 13551 2236_2253del18 12728 2237_2251del15 12678 2237_2254del18 12367 2237_2255 > T (complex) 12384 2236_2250del15 6225 2238_2255del18 6220 2238_2248 > GC (complex) 12422 2238_2252 > GCA (complex) 12419 2239_2247del9 6218 2239_2253del15 6254 2239_2256del18 6255 2239_2248TTAAGAGAAG > C 12382 (complex) 2239_2258 > CA (complex) 12387 2240_2251del12 6210 2240_2257del18 12370 2240_2254del15 12369 2239_2251 > C (complex) 12383 (Note: the cosmic IDs are taken from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer web site sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/cosmic/).\",\n \"Example 8: Manufacturing Procedure for Sectioning of FFPE Blocks This manufacturing procedure describes the procedure for the manufacture of FFPE Blocks, as follows: A sterile cup is filled to the 80 ml line with 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin and swirled until all mini-cylinders (the slices) have separated.\",\n \"The mini-cylinders are placed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin for 2 hours at room temperature in the shaker set at 125 RPM, labeled and lidded.\",\n \"The 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin is decanted into the appropriate waste container and the mini-cylinders poured into a sterile Petri dish base.\",\n \"The tissue cassette is placed onto the sterile lid of the Petri dish and mini-cylinders transferred into tissue cassettes.\",\n \"A maximum of the same four mini-cylinders could be placed into one tissue cassette.\",\n \"The lid is closed and tissue cassettes placed into an appropriate container with 70% Alcohol.\",\n \"The volume of the 70% Alcohol reached above the tissue cassettes.\",\n \"A minimum fill at the 80 ml line of the disposable sterile cup is required.\",\n \"It is incubated for a minimum of 1 hour with a maximum of 24 hours.\",\n \"For a hold time of 1 hour, it is incubated at room temperature.\",\n \"Any hold times that exceeded one hour would be incubated at 2-8° C. 70% Alcohol is decanted into a dedicated waste container.\",\n \"The Container is inverted and tissue cassettes are poured over an absorbent paper.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately-sized container with 95% Ethanol (ensure that the volume of the 95% Ethanol reaches above the tissue cassette).\",\n \"A minimum of approximately 80 mL of 95% Ethanol is required.\",\n \"It is incubated for 55 to 65 minutes at room temperature.\",\n \"The Paraffin Embedder Instrument is turned on.\",\n \"An appropriate amount of paraffin is in each reservoir.\",\n \"The incubator/shaker is turned on and temperature set at 65° C. Clean sterile Polypropylene containers are filled with Paraffin until it reaches the top opening and placed in an incubator shaking at 125 RPM.\",\n \"95% Alcohol was decanted into an appropriate waste container.\",\n \"The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately sized container with 100% Ethanol (ensuring that the volume of the 100% Ethanol reaches above the tissue cassette) and incubated between 60 to 80 minutes at Room Temperature.\",\n \"A minimum of approximately 80 mL of 100% Ethanol is required.\",\n \"The 100% Alcohol is decanted into an appropriate waste container.\",\n \"The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately sized container with 100% Ethanol (ensuring that the volume of the 100% Ethanol reaches above the tissue cassette) and incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at Room Temperature.\",\n \"The 100% Alcohol is decanted into a sink with running water.\",\n \"The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriately sized container with SafeClear™ and the volume of the SafeClear™ made to reache above the tissue cassette and incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature.\",\n \"The SafeClear™ is decanted into a sink with running water.\",\n \"The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are placed into an appropriate container with SafeClear™, ensuring that the volume of the SafeClear™ reaches above the tissue cassette.\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature.\",\n \"The incubator/shaker was set at 65° C., ensuring that the shaker switch is in the OFF position.\",\n \"Equal volumes of melted paraffin were added with SafeClear and placed in a 65° C.±1° C. incubator.\",\n \"The container with the tissue cassettes is inverted and tissue cassettes poured over an absorbent paper (without allowing the tissue cassettes to dry).\",\n \"The tissue cassettes are transferred into an appropriate container with 50:50 Paraffin/SafeClear™, ensuring that the volume of the 50:50 Paraffin/SafeClear™ reaches above the tissue cassette, and incubated between 30 to 40 minutes at 65° C.±1° C. (Ensuring the Shaker switch is in the OFF position).\",\n \"The 50:50 Paraffin/SafeClear™ was decanted into a disposable container.\",\n \"The tissue cassette was transferred into an appropriate container with Paraffin (ensuring that the volume of the Paraffin reaches above the tissue cassette), and incubated between 60 to 80 minutes at 65° C.±1° C. The Shaker switch is in the OFF position.\",\n \"The Paraffin was decanted into a disposable container.\",\n \"The tissue cassette was transferred into an appropriate container with Paraffin (Ensure that the volume of the Paraffin reaches above the tissue cassette), and incubated between 60 to 80 minutes at 65° C.±1° C. (Ensure Shaker switch is in the OFF position).\",\n \"The Paraffin is decanted into a disposable container.\",\n \"The tissue cassette is transferred into an appropriate container with sample reservoir of the Paraffin Embedder (ensuring that the volume of the Paraffin reaches above the tissue cassettes) and incubated between 120 to 140 minutes.\",\n \"Paraffin embedding is performed as follows: After incubation the first tissue cassette is removed and placed on a paraffin embedder.\",\n \"Tissue molds are placed into the warmed tissue mold holder.\",\n \"Mini-cylinders are inspected to ensure that they are intact and have significantly shrunk in size.\",\n \"The tissue mold is removed from the tissue mold warmer and paraffin dispensed from a nozzle to fill the bottom of the well.\",\n \"The tissue mold containing paraffin is placed over the cold portion of the paraffin embedder.\",\n \"In a timely manner, a mini-cylinder is placed onto the center of the tissue mold and allowed to cool partially, but not until solid.\",\n \"The tissue cassette is placed without the lid over the tissue mold with the flat surface facing the tissue.\",\n \"The tissue cassette is placed downward (ensure that no air bubbles are trapped within the sample).\",\n \"If air bubbles are present, the tissue cassette is lifted and placed back down until all the air bubbles are removed (ensure that the mini-cylinder is still within the center of the tissue mold).\",\n \"Paraffin is dispensed from the nozzle until the entire bottom of the tissue cassette is covered.\",\n \"Material is carefully transferred and placed on the cold side of the paraffin embedder.\",\n \"This is repeated until all of the mini-cylinders are embedded in paraffin.\",\n \"The embedded cylinders are allowed to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes up to a maximum of 24 hours on the cold side of the embedder.\",\n \"If the material is going to be filled within the next 24 hours, the bulk material is stored at 2-8° C. until filled.\",\n \"If the material is not going to be filled within the next 24 hours, the bulk material is stored at the appropriate storage temperature.\",\n \"Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed.\",\n \"Any element of any embodiment may be used in any embodiment.\",\n \"Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.\",\n \"In addition, modification may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875162"}}},{"rowIdx":4494795,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["PROPOSING A COPY AREA IN A DOCUMENT","Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.","A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.","The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.","The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.","A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents."],["1.A computer program product for proposing a copy area in a document, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a processor to perform a method comprising: obtaining information on a pointer position on a first content on a document displayed on a screen, the first content selected from the group consisting of a character string, a cell, a photo image, and a moving image; retrieving, from a history information stored in a server, a plurality of second contents, each of the second contents comprising the first content, wherein the history information comprises sets of contents, a score associated with each of the contents in the document calculated from the number of times copied and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done, and the number of times copied for each of the contents in the document, each of the sets comprising a content in the document, which content was copied by at least one users, and position information of this content, the sets ranked in a predetermined order according to the number of times copied and the score, wherein the document is an unstructured document and wherein the retrieval of the plurality of second contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of second contents; proposing, as a copy area, one or more second contents among the retrieved second contents, the proposal made by displaying the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to user operation; and wherein when a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly and when the proposed copy area is selected by a user, the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information is incremented and the score is updated."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.","Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.","may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.","This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.","using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.","By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.","indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated."],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.","Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.","A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.","The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.","The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.","A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided."],["BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.","Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.","may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.","This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.","using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.","By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.","indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated.","SUMMARY According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.","Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.","A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.","The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.","The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.","A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.","According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification.","They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.","The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.","FIG.","1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.","FIGS.","2A through 2C illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display.","FIGS.","3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.","FIGS.","4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.","FIGS.","5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information, information relating to the copied contents.","FIGS.","6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.","FIG.","7A illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device.","FIG.","7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.","FIG.","7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.","FIG.","7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or a server after a modification of a copy source document was made.","FIG.","7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.","FIG.","8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","3A and 3B.","FIG.","9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which are used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","4A and 4B.","While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail.","It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described.","On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.","Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.","The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.","When a user attempts to copy a text string in a document, such as a document on a website or in a local document, it may be cumbersome to specify an appropriate area of a text displayed on a screen of a device.","When a user uses a device having a small screen, such as a smartphone, mobile phone or tablet, there may be some difficulty in specifying, using a finger or pointing device, a copy area, for example one character for starting or ending point where the user wants to copy.","With reference now to FIG.","1, FIG.","1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.","A computer 101 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a desktop, laptop, notebook or server computer.","The server computer may be, for example, but is not limited to, a workstation, a rack-mount type server, a blade type server, or a mainframe server and may run, for example, a hypervisor for creating and running one or more virtual machines.","The computer 101 may comprise one or more CPUs 102 and a main memory 103 connected to a bus 104.A display 106 such as a liquid crystal display LCD may be connected to the bus 104 via a display controller 105.The display 106 may be used to display, for management of the computer(s), information on a computer connected to a network via a communication line and information on software running on the computer using an appropriate graphics interface.","The display may have a touch screen or a non-touch screen.","The display may be for example, but not limited to, a LCD, PDP, OEL or a projection type display.","A disk 108 such as a hard disk or a solid state drive, SSD, and a drive 109 such as a CD, a DVD, or a BD Blu-ray disk drive may be connected to the bus 104 via an SATA or IDE controller 107.Moreover, a keyboard 111 and a mouse 112 may be connected to the bus 104 via a keyboard-mouse controller 110 or USB bus not shown.","An operating system, programs, and any data may be stored in the disk 108 to be loadable to the main memory.","The drive 109 may be used to install a program, such as the computer program of an embodiment of the present disclosure, readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD to the disk 108 or to load any data readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD into the main memory 103 or the disk 108, if necessary.","A communication interface 114 may be based on, for example, but is not limited to, the Ethernet protocol.","The communication interface 114 may be connected to the bus 104 via a communication controller 113, physically connects the computer 101 to a communication line 115, and may provide a network interface layer to the TCP/IP communication protocol of a communication function of the operating system of the computer 101.In this case, the communication line 115 may be a wired LAN environment or a wireless LAN environment based on wireless LAN connectivity standards.","Hereinafter, a user device and optionally a server may be used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.","The user device may be a computer, such as described in FIG.","1, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a book reader, a virtual machine, etc.","The server may be a computer, such as described in FIG.","1 and connected to one or more user devices via an internet or intranet connection.","FIGS.","2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display With reference to FIG.","2A, FIG.","2A illustrates an embodiment of a screen of a user device.","The user device displays a part of a document on the screen 201 of the user device.","The document has one or more contents which can be copyable.","The document may be, for example, a local or server document in any format.","The document may be, for example, but not limited to, a structured document in which tags are used, such as a web page document, an unstructured document, or a word, spreadsheet, presentation or PDF document.","The tags may be, for example, HTML or XML.","A content may be, for example, but not limited to one or more character strings, one or more cells in a spreadsheet, one or more photo image, one or more moving image, a combination of these, etc.","If the user wants to copy content, such as a character string, in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 282 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.","The touch may comprise, for example, tap operation.","The cursor pointer position may be, for example, a mouse pointer position.","The pointer position may be, for example, a touch position by a finger or touch pen, or a laser pointer position.","If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device may obtain a plurality of contents comprising such character string.","The plurality of contents may be retrieved from a history information which may include sets of contents in the document and their position information.","Each of the sets may include content in the document and position information of this content.","The content may have been previously copied by one or more users.","The sets may be ranked in a predetermined order.","History information may be in a form of, for example, but not limited to, a database, a text file, such as a CSV format, or a structured text, such as XML based text.","The user device obtains, as a copy area, one or more contents among the plurality of contents comprising the character string.","The obtained one or more contents may be ranked in a predetermined order.","The predetermined order may be determined in descending order according to a score or rank which is associated with each of the one or more contents.","In response to a detection of the predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.","If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” 212, is highlighted on the screen 202 as the area copied most frequently by users.","The user device may display the window 222 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by users”.","Further, the window 222 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","The menu can be used for switching a proposal of the areas copied by users to a proposal of the areas copied by the user themself.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 212, the user may make a predetermined operation, e.g.","one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","Meanwhile, if the user wants to show another proposal of a copy area, the user may make a further predetermined operation, such as further another left click by a mouse cursor 283 or further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the further predetermined operation, the content, “This version” 213, is highlighted on the screen 203 as the area copied second most frequently by users.","The user device may display the window 223 showing a message “This is the area copied most second frequently by users”.","Further, the window 223 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 213, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","Meanwhile, if the user wants to show still another proposal of a copy area, the user may make still further predetermined operation, such as still further another left click by a mouse cursor 284 or still further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the still further predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for,” 214, is highlighted on the screen 204 as the area copied third most frequently by users.","The user device may display the window 224 showing a message “This is the area copied most third frequently by users”.","Further, the window 224 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 214, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","In the embodiment mentioned above, one touch or click is used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.","In another embodiment, two or more touches or clicks may be used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.","Such examples may be as follows: if the user does two touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 203 in which the area copied most second frequently by users is highlighted.","If the user does three touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 204 in which the area copied most third frequently by users is highlighted.","The number of times of touches or clicks may be arbitrarily set as appropriate.","If the number of touches or clicks exceeds a predetermined number, the user device may display a list for proposals of copy areas, for example, in a separate window, or the user device may allow a user to select a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","As stated above, when a focus by a user associated a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content.","Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users.","With reference now to FIG.","2B, FIG.","2B illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area which is commonly copied by other users or is copied by a user associated with the user device.","The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 231 of the user device.","The screen 232 and the window 252 are the same as the screen 202 and the window 222 described in FIG.","2A, respectively.","The screen 232 and the window 252 are displayed according to the same way described above.","If the user wants to show a proposal of a copy area which was copied by the user itself, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by you”, in the window 252.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow,” 243, is highlighted on the screen 233 as the area copied most frequency by the user itself.","The user device may display the window 253 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by you”.","Further, the window 253 may show a menu “View area copied by users”.","If the user wants to copy the proposed area 243, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","Meanwhile, if the user wants to return to the screen 232, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by users”, in the window 253.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the user device displays the screen 234 which is the same as the screen 232.If the user wants to copy the proposed area 244, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.","In the embodiment mentioned above, a proposal of copy area which is commonly copied by other users is first displayed on the screen.","In another embodiment, a proposal of copy area which is copied by a user associated with a user device is first displayed on the screen.","The user may select which a proposal of copy area is first displayed on the screen.","As stated above, when a focus by a user associated with a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content in history information.","Further, the user can switch a proposal of the areas from the areas copied by a plurality of users to the areas copied by the user themself or another user, and vice versa.","Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users or the user itself.","This selection may be useful when a document may be, for example, but not limited to, a collaborating document, such as a manual or materials on conference, or a web page.","With reference now to FIG.","2C, FIG.","2C illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area in a document in which a modification was made compared to an original of a copy source document.","The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 261 of the user device.","If the user wants to copy a character string in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 271 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.","In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.","If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device obtains a plurality of contents comprising such character string.","The plurality of contents is retrieved from a history information which comprises sets of contents in the document and their position information.","Let us suppose that a sentence in an original of a copy source document, which sentence corresponding to the copied area recorded in the history information, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” was modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” prior to displaying of a copy source document which was modified from an original of a copy source document (hereinafter also referred to as “modified copy source document”) on the screen.","In such a case, the copied area recorded in the history information is updated from “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” Therefore, the proposal of copying area corresponding to the updated copied area 272 in the history information is presented in replace of the copied area before updated in the history information.","Accordingly, the sentence after modification, “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” is highlighted on the screen 262 as a proposal of the copy area 272.The user device may display the window 273 showing a message “Notes: The original copy source document was modified.","The proposal of copying area 272 is presented by taking into account a character string before modification.","This area corresponds to the area copied most frequently by users.” Further, the window 273 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.","As stated above, if a content in the document is modified, a corresponding content in the history information is also similarly modified.","Further, if a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly.","Therefore, the user device can propose to a user a copy area which is included in a modified copy source document, using the updated history information.","Accordingly, a document which will be frequently modified, such as a web page or a collaborating document, is a subject of an embodiment of the present disclosure.","With reference now to FIGS.","3A and 3B, FIGS.","3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.","In step 301, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.","In step 302, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.","The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.","The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.","In decision 327, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.","In step 303, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.","Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.","The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.","The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.","In decision block 304, the user device may judge whether the document is a server document or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 315 FIG.","3B.","Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 305.In step 305, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.","The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.","In step 306, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 307.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 311.In step 307, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.","For example, if the document is a structured document in which tags are used, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of tags in the document and the calculated order is used for identifying plurality of contents.","For example, if the document is an unstructured document, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of contents.","For example, if the document is a spreadsheet, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating cell location in the document and the calculated cell location is used for identifying plurality of contents.","In step 308, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.","The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.","The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.","The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.","The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.","The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.","In decision 309, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 310.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 312.In step 310, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.","In step 311, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 312, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 313.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 313, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","“Date of copying” may denote a date when a user selected a content in a copy source document and then made a copy operation for the content, or may otherwise provide some measure of the time a copy at which was made.","“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.","“Copied content” may denote the content to which the copy operation was made.","“The number of copies made” may denote a count that the copy operation was made for each of the same contents in the same position in the copy source document.","“The number of copies made” may be for one user who is or is not a user associated with a user device, or a plural users including or not including a user associated with a user device.","“The number of copies made” may be calculated for one day or two or more days, or any other measurable time period.","“Position of copied content” may denote a position of the copied document in the copy source document.","“Score” may denote a value associated with each of the contents in the document The score may be calculated from the number of copies made and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.","“A content comprising the copied content” may denote a unit of document structure, such as a unit defined by p-tags, which comprises the copied content.","“A content comprising the copied content” can be used for verifying a modification of an original source document.","In step 314, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","Referring now to FIG.","3B, in step 315, the user device accesses a history information for a server.","The history information for a server may be stored in a server storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a NAS.","In decision 316, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which may have been obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 317.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 321.In step 317, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.","In step 318, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.","The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.","The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.","The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.","The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.","The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.","In decision 319, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 320.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to decision 322.In step 320, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.","In step 321, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 322, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 323.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 323, the user device updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In step 324, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a server.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In step 326, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","With reference now to FIGS.","4A and 4B, FIGS.","4A and 4B illustrate an example embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.","In step 401, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.","In step 402, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.","The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.","The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.","In decision 427, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.","In step 403, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.","Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.","The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.","The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.","In step 404, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device sends to a server a notification for requesting a retrieval of a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position and then proceed to step 415 (FIG.","4B).","The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.","The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.","Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 405.In step 405, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.","The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.","In decision 406, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 403.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 407.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 411.In step 407, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.","In step 408, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.","The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.","The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.","The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.","The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.","The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.","In decision 409, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 410.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 412.In step 410, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.","In step 411, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 412, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 413.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 426.In step 413, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In step 414, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","Referring now to FIG.","4B, in step 415, the server accesses a history information for a server.","The history information for a server may be stored in a storage in the server or storage which can be accessible by the server, such as a NAS.","In decision 416, the server judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which was sent from the user device.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 417.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 421.In step 417, the server retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.","Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.","In step 418, the server chooses one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents and then sends them to the user device.","In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content may be sent.","The proposal in the user device may be made by displaying the one or more retrieved contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user or administrator of the server.","In decision 419, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the proposed copy area is selected.","In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 422.In step 421, the server may send to the user device a message to the effect that there is no proposal of copy area.","In decision 422, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.","The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.","In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 425.In step 423, the server updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.","The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In step 424, the server may analyze the information in the history information for a server.","An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In decision 425, the server may judges whether the history information for a user device is used or not.","If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 405.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to a final step 426.In step 426, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","FIGS.","5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information for a user device or for a server, information relating to the copied contents.","With reference now to FIG.","5A, FIG.","5A illustrates an overall flowchart of the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.","In step 501, the user device starts the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.","In one embodiment, the process can be implemented in step 314 (FIG.","3A), 324 (FIG.","3B), 414 (FIG.","4A), or 424 (FIG.","4B).","In another embodiment, the process can be started in a response to a detection of the selection and copy of a content in a document, which detection is described in step 502 below.","In step 502, the user device detects a selection and copy of a content in a document.","In decision 503, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may send to a server a notification for requesting analyzing information in the history information for a server and then the process goes to step 505.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 504.In step 504, the user device analyzes the information in the history information for a user device.","The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","5B discussed below.","In step 505, the server analyzes the information in the history information for a server.","The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","5B discussed below.","In step 506, the server terminates the process mentioned above.","With reference now to FIG.","5B, FIG.","5B illustrates a flowchart of the detail subprocess of step 504, history information stored in the user device, and 505, history information stored in the server.","In the following, a case of step 504, history information stored in the user device, mentioned above is first explained.","In step 511, the user device starts the process for analyzing the information in the history information for a user device.","In step 512, the user device accesses the history information for a user device.","In step 513, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the information on the content which was copied by the user.","The information may comprise, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a content comprising the copied content, etc.","In decision 514, the user device judges whether the history information for a user device already has the same following information or not: information on a copy source document, a copied content, and position of the copied content.","All of which are recorded, in step 513, in the history information for a user device.","If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 515.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 520.In step 515, the user device calculates the total copy number for the content which was copied by the user and then records the calculated total number into the history information for a user device to update the total number of copying for the content which was copied by the user.","In step 516, the user device calculates a score associated with each of the contents in the document, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.","The weight may be decided by using a date.","In a case where date of copying is new, for example, in a year, high weight is used.","Meanwhile, in a case where date of copying is old, for example, before a year, low weight is used.","For example, in a case where date of copying is in a year, the weight is one, in a case where date of copying is before a year and in two year, the weight is 0.95, in a case where date of copying is before two year and in three year, the weight is 0.9, and so on.","An example of score will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIGS.","7A and 7B discussed below.","In step 517, the user device generates a group in the history information for a user device.","The group can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.","In each group, the copied contents having the same contents and the same position are summarized.","An example of a group will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In step 518, the user device obtains a total score by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.","Further, the user device may calculate a rank for each of the same copied content in the group, using the calculated total score and then assigns a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the group.","The ranking may be carried out according to the number of copying, the score or the combination of these.","An example of a rank will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.","7C discussed below.","In step 519, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the calculated score, the generated group and the calculated rank to update the history information for a user device.","In step 520, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information relating to the copied content to update the history information for a user device, since the history information for a user device does not yet record the same data for the copied content.","In step 521, the user device calculates a score associated with the copied content, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done and then record the calculated score into the history information for a user device.","In step 522, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","In a case of step 504 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the user device and a history information is the history information for a user device.","In a case of step 505 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the server and a history information is the history information for a server.","The above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device can be applied also to the case for the server.","Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device”, may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.","With reference now to FIGS.","6A and 6B, FIGS.","6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information for a user device or for a server in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.","One kind of the tags is a p-tag.","The p-tag can be represented as: <P> </P> and is used for defining a paragraph.","In step 601, the user device starts the process for updating history information.","In step 602, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.","In step 603, the user device repeats steps 604 to 630 until unprocessed data exists in the history information for a user device.","In step 604, the user device obtains the following information from the history information for a user device: information on a copy source document, copied character string, position of copied character string, and a character string in p-tag in n-th tag, where n denotes a positive integer.","In step 605, the user device accesses an original of the copy source document.","In step 606, the user device obtains p-tags in the original of the copy source document and then assigns a number to the obtained p-tags.","The number may be a positive integer.","In step 607, the user device obtains a character string in the n-th tag.","In step 608, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the present time”).","Many known method can be used for calculating such similarity, for example, but not limited to, a cosine similarity.","In decision 609, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.","If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with the character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 630.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 610 (FIG.","6B).","In decision 610, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 611.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 618.In decision 611, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in the character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 612.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 614.In step 612, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of the character string in the p-tag.","In step 613, the user device replaces the position of copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.","In step 614, the user device retrieves, from the p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.","In decision 615, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 616.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 617.In step 616, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 614.In step 617, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.","Referring now to FIG.","6B, in decision 618, the user device judges whether there is another p-tag in the original of the copy source document.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 619.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 626.In step 619, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tags which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in another p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “another character string in the present time”).","In decision 620, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.","If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with another character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 621.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 622.In step 621, the user device updates the order of the number of tags in the history information for a user device.","In decision 622, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 623.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In decision 623, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in another character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 624.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 627.In step 624, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of another character string in the p-tag.","In step 625, the user device replaces the position of the copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.","In step 626, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.","In step 627, the user device retrieves, from another p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.","In decision 628, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.","If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 629.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In step 629, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 627.In step 630, the user device proceeds back to step 603 to repeat steps 604 to 630 with a new character string.","In step 631, the user device may update a score, a group and/or a rank if the history information for a user device was updated in steps 604 to 630.The update of a score, a group and/or a rank can be made as same way described in steps 516, 517 and 518 (FIG.","5B) mentioned above, respectively.","In step 632, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.","In a case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the user device and a history information may be the history information for a user device is explained above.","The above explanations for the user device can be applied also to the case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the server and a history information may be the history information for a server.","Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device” may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.","With reference now to FIG.","7A, FIG.","7A illustrates an example embodiment of a history information for a user device.","The history information for a user device 701 may have any, all, or at least the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, etc.","The history information for a user device 701 may further have the following information: score, content comprising the copied content, etc.","The history information for a user device 701 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a user themself.","Each of the scores described in fifth column of the second, third, fifth and sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copied made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is one since the date of copying is in a year.","The score described in the fifth column of the fourth row in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copies made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is 0.95 since the date of copying is before a year.","In a case where the copy source document is a document written with HTML, the position of the copied content is defined with the order of the number of the tags and the starting and the end bytes in the tag.","Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {T2; 1st byte; 9th bytes} denotes that the position of the copied content is in the second tag in the copy source document and the copied content is located in 1st byte to 9th byte in the second tag.","In a case where the copy source document is a document written as a non-structured document, the position of the copied content is defined with the starting and the end bytes in the copy source document.","Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the fourth to sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {10th byte; 39th byte} denotes that the position of the copied content is located in 10th byte to 39th byte in the copy source document.","FIG.","7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.","The history information for a server 711 may have the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, score, content comprising the coped content, etc.","The history information for a server 711 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a plurality of users.","The plurality of users may or may not comprise a user associated with a user device who uses the history information for a server 711.FIG.","7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.","The history information for a server 721 may have the following information: information on a copy source document, group, a copied content, score, position of the copied content, rank, content comprising the copied content, etc.","“Group” can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.","One group may be made for each of the copy source document having the common source.","The history information for a server 721 shows the following three groups in the second column: http://www.sharecopy.com/shareddocs/thisversion*{10th byte; 214th byte}; “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{10th byte; 42nd byte}”; and “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{46th byte; 53rd byte}”.","“Total score” may be obtained, for example, by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.","“Rank” may be obtained, for example, by calculating the total score for each score of the same copied content in the group and then assigning a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the groups.","FIG.","7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or server after a modification of a copy source document.","The history information 731 shows an original history information before a modification of a copy source document was made.","In a case where the original of the copy source document is modified, the history information 731 is also modified according to the modification.","For example, if the copied content in the sixth column of the second and third rows, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.","If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” is modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.","If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” the history information 731 is updated by replacing the copied content with the modified sentence to generate the updated history information 741.Further, the position information on the modified content and the content relating to the modified content in the history information 731 is also updated accordingly, as seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows of the updated history information 741.For example, if the copied content, “Welcome to this doc!” which can be seen in the third column of the fourth row in the history information 731, is deleted from the original of the copy source document, the history information 731 is updated to show the effect that the copied content is deleted.","Accordingly, the updated history information 741 shows that “copied content” and “the number of copies made” are “{deleted}” in the third column of the fourth row.","After the updated history information 741 is generated, the updated history information 741 is used for proposing a copy area in a document in replace of the history information 731.In a case where the history information for a user device is associated with the history information for a server and the history information for a user device is updated, the history information for a server is also similarly modified according to the update done in the history information for a user device.","With reference now to FIG.","7E, FIG.","7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.","The availability information 751 may define a rule for determining where the copied character string is stored or uploaded and who can access the history information.","The availability information 751 has the following information: information on a copy source document, document where the copied content is pasted, place where information is available, security information, etc.","“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.","“Place where information is available” may denote a range where the history information for a server or user device is available.","“Security information” may denote whether the history information for a server can be shared with a server or user device.","For example, a user associated with a user device can determine that a copy history made by the user itself is or is not shared with a server.","The availability information 751 may be used to determine in which history information the copied character string is stored, that is, a history information for a user device or a history information for a server.","The determination can be made according to the “Place where information is available”.","In a case where a server document is downloaded to a user device and then a character string in the server document is copied, the copied character string is uploaded to the server from the user device.","Further, the availability information 751 may be used for determining a sharing range of the history information.","The determination can be made according to the “Security information”.","With reference now to FIG.","8, FIG.","8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of an example of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","3A and 3B.","The user device 801 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.","1.The user device 801 may comprise a reading section 811, an obtaining section 812, a retrieving section 813, a proposing section 814, a copying section 815, an incrementing section 816 and an analyzing section 817.The user device 801 may further comprise a detecting section 818 and a modifying section 819.The reading section 811 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 891 which can be accessible by the user device 801; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","The obtaining section 812 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.","The obtaining section 812 may perform a part of step 302, and step 303 described in FIG.","3A.","The retrieving section 813 may retrieve, from a history information 892, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.","Each of the second contents comprises the first content.","The retrieving section 813 may perform steps 304 to 307 described in FIG.","3A and 315 to 317 described in FIG.","3B.","The proposing section 814 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","The proposing section 814 may display the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.","The proposing section 814 may perform step 308 described in FIG.","3A and step 318 described in FIG.","3B.","The copying section 815 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.","The copying section 815 may perform steps 309 and 310 described in FIG.","3A and steps 319 and 320 described in FIG.","3B.","The incrementing section 816 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 892, if the proposed copy area is selected and then copied by a user.","The incrementing section 816 may perform step 313 described in FIG.","3A and step 323 described in FIG.","3B.","The analyzing section 817 may analyze the information in the history information 892.The analyzing section 817 may perform step 314 described in FIG.","3A and step 324 described in FIG.","3B and all steps described in FIG.","5B.","The detecting section 818 may detect that an original document is modified.","The modifying section 819 may modify the history information 892 if a content in the document is modified.","If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 819 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.","If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 819 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.","With reference now to FIG.","9, FIG.","9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which may be used in accordance with the example embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.","4A and 4B.","The user device 901 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.","1.The user device 901 may comprise a reading section 911, an obtaining section 912, a receiving section 913, a displaying section 914, a copying section 915 and a sending section 916.The reading section 911 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 991 which can be accessible by the user device 901; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.","The obtaining section 912 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.","The obtaining section 912 may send the information on a cursor or pointer position to the server 902.The obtaining section 912 may perform a part of step 402, and steps 403 to 404 described in FIG.","4A.","The receiving section 913 may receive, from the server 902, one or more second contents comprising the first content associated with the cursor or pointer position.","The received one or more contents may be in the predetermined order.","The displaying section 914 may display, as a copy area, the one or more contents comprising the content associated with the cursor or pointer position.","The copying section 915 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.","The sending section 916 may send information on the copied content to the server 902.The server 902 may comprise a retrieving section 923, a proposing section 924, a receiving section 925, an incrementing section 926 and an analyzing section 927.The server 902 may further comprise a detecting section 928 and a modifying section 929.The retrieving section 923 may retrieve, from a history information 992, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.","Each of the second contents comprises the first content.","The retrieving section 923 may perform steps 415 to 417 described in FIG.","4B.","The proposing section 924 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.","The proposing section 924 may send one or more second contents to the user device 901.The receiving section 925 may receive the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 992, if the server 902 receives the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may perform step 423 described in FIG.","4B.","The analyzing section 927 may analyze the information in the history information 992.The analyzing section 927 may perform step 424 described in FIG.","4B and all steps described in FIG.","5B.","The detecting section 928 may detect that an original document is modified.","The modifying section 929 may modify the history information 992 if a content in the document is modified.","If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 929 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.","If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 929 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.","The present invention may be a method, a system, and/or a computer program product.","The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.","The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device.","The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.","A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.","A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.","Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.","The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.","A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.","Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.","The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.","In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).","In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.","Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.","It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.","These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.","These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.","The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.","The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.","In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).","In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures.","For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.","It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.","By the expression “a/one” should be understood as “at least one”.","By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising a/one” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least one”.","By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least”.","By the expression “/” should be understood as “and/or”.","The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.","Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.","The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"PROPOSING A COPY AREA IN A DOCUMENT\",\n \"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.\",\n \"The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.\",\n \"The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A computer program product for proposing a copy area in a document, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a processor to perform a method comprising: obtaining information on a pointer position on a first content on a document displayed on a screen, the first content selected from the group consisting of a character string, a cell, a photo image, and a moving image; retrieving, from a history information stored in a server, a plurality of second contents, each of the second contents comprising the first content, wherein the history information comprises sets of contents, a score associated with each of the contents in the document calculated from the number of times copied and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done, and the number of times copied for each of the contents in the document, each of the sets comprising a content in the document, which content was copied by at least one users, and position information of this content, the sets ranked in a predetermined order according to the number of times copied and the score, wherein the document is an unstructured document and wherein the retrieval of the plurality of second contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of second contents; proposing, as a copy area, one or more second contents among the retrieved second contents, the proposal made by displaying the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to user operation; and wherein when a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly and when the proposed copy area is selected by a user, the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information is incremented and the score is updated.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.\",\n \"may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.\",\n \"This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.\",\n \"using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.\",\n \"By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.\",\n \"indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.\",\n \"The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.\",\n \"The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\"\n ],\n [\n \"BACKGROUND The present disclosure relates to a text editing interface and more specifically, to proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Many computing devices provide a basic copying function wherein a portion of text, a graphic, a format, etc.\",\n \"may be “lifted” from a particular page or window and replicated to another.\",\n \"This is generally accomplished by selecting the desired portion of text, graphic, file, etc.\",\n \"using a mouse cursor or other pointer to indicate each a “start copying” and “stop copying” point.\",\n \"By selecting the copy function, the text, graphic, etc.\",\n \"indicated by the mouse selection is moved to a “clipboard.” The clipboard a function provided by most operating systems, which is used to hold copied content until the user indicates it should be replicated.\",\n \"SUMMARY According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.\",\n \"The history information comprises sets of contents, each of the sets comprising a content in the document which was copied by one or more users, and position information of this content.\",\n \"The sets are ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"A copy area is proposed based on one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer system comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\",\n \"According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium storing a program of instructions executable by the computer system to perform one or more methods described herein also may be provided.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification.\",\n \"They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.\",\n \"The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2A through 2C illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information, information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7A illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or a server after a modification of a copy source document was made.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which are used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B.\",\n \"While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail.\",\n \"It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described.\",\n \"On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.\",\n \"Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.\",\n \"The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.\",\n \"When a user attempts to copy a text string in a document, such as a document on a website or in a local document, it may be cumbersome to specify an appropriate area of a text displayed on a screen of a device.\",\n \"When a user uses a device having a small screen, such as a smartphone, mobile phone or tablet, there may be some difficulty in specifying, using a finger or pointing device, a copy area, for example one character for starting or ending point where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"1, FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an exemplified basic block diagram of a computer hardware used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"A computer 101 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a desktop, laptop, notebook or server computer.\",\n \"The server computer may be, for example, but is not limited to, a workstation, a rack-mount type server, a blade type server, or a mainframe server and may run, for example, a hypervisor for creating and running one or more virtual machines.\",\n \"The computer 101 may comprise one or more CPUs 102 and a main memory 103 connected to a bus 104.A display 106 such as a liquid crystal display LCD may be connected to the bus 104 via a display controller 105.The display 106 may be used to display, for management of the computer(s), information on a computer connected to a network via a communication line and information on software running on the computer using an appropriate graphics interface.\",\n \"The display may have a touch screen or a non-touch screen.\",\n \"The display may be for example, but not limited to, a LCD, PDP, OEL or a projection type display.\",\n \"A disk 108 such as a hard disk or a solid state drive, SSD, and a drive 109 such as a CD, a DVD, or a BD Blu-ray disk drive may be connected to the bus 104 via an SATA or IDE controller 107.Moreover, a keyboard 111 and a mouse 112 may be connected to the bus 104 via a keyboard-mouse controller 110 or USB bus not shown.\",\n \"An operating system, programs, and any data may be stored in the disk 108 to be loadable to the main memory.\",\n \"The drive 109 may be used to install a program, such as the computer program of an embodiment of the present disclosure, readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD to the disk 108 or to load any data readable from a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a BD into the main memory 103 or the disk 108, if necessary.\",\n \"A communication interface 114 may be based on, for example, but is not limited to, the Ethernet protocol.\",\n \"The communication interface 114 may be connected to the bus 104 via a communication controller 113, physically connects the computer 101 to a communication line 115, and may provide a network interface layer to the TCP/IP communication protocol of a communication function of the operating system of the computer 101.In this case, the communication line 115 may be a wired LAN environment or a wireless LAN environment based on wireless LAN connectivity standards.\",\n \"Hereinafter, a user device and optionally a server may be used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"The user device may be a computer, such as described in FIG.\",\n \"1, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a book reader, a virtual machine, etc.\",\n \"The server may be a computer, such as described in FIG.\",\n \"1 and connected to one or more user devices via an internet or intranet connection.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a screen for proposing a copy area in a document to a user on a display With reference to FIG.\",\n \"2A, FIG.\",\n \"2A illustrates an embodiment of a screen of a user device.\",\n \"The user device displays a part of a document on the screen 201 of the user device.\",\n \"The document has one or more contents which can be copyable.\",\n \"The document may be, for example, a local or server document in any format.\",\n \"The document may be, for example, but not limited to, a structured document in which tags are used, such as a web page document, an unstructured document, or a word, spreadsheet, presentation or PDF document.\",\n \"The tags may be, for example, HTML or XML.\",\n \"A content may be, for example, but not limited to one or more character strings, one or more cells in a spreadsheet, one or more photo image, one or more moving image, a combination of these, etc.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy content, such as a character string, in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 282 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"The touch may comprise, for example, tap operation.\",\n \"The cursor pointer position may be, for example, a mouse pointer position.\",\n \"The pointer position may be, for example, a touch position by a finger or touch pen, or a laser pointer position.\",\n \"If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device may obtain a plurality of contents comprising such character string.\",\n \"The plurality of contents may be retrieved from a history information which may include sets of contents in the document and their position information.\",\n \"Each of the sets may include content in the document and position information of this content.\",\n \"The content may have been previously copied by one or more users.\",\n \"The sets may be ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"History information may be in a form of, for example, but not limited to, a database, a text file, such as a CSV format, or a structured text, such as XML based text.\",\n \"The user device obtains, as a copy area, one or more contents among the plurality of contents comprising the character string.\",\n \"The obtained one or more contents may be ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"The predetermined order may be determined in descending order according to a score or rank which is associated with each of the one or more contents.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.\",\n \"If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” 212, is highlighted on the screen 202 as the area copied most frequently by users.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 222 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by users”.\",\n \"Further, the window 222 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"The menu can be used for switching a proposal of the areas copied by users to a proposal of the areas copied by the user themself.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 212, the user may make a predetermined operation, e.g.\",\n \"one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the user wants to show another proposal of a copy area, the user may make a further predetermined operation, such as further another left click by a mouse cursor 283 or further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the further predetermined operation, the content, “This version” 213, is highlighted on the screen 203 as the area copied second most frequently by users.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 223 showing a message “This is the area copied most second frequently by users”.\",\n \"Further, the window 223 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 213, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the user wants to show still another proposal of a copy area, the user may make still further predetermined operation, such as still further another left click by a mouse cursor 284 or still further another touch by a finger, in the vicinity of the area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the still further predetermined operation, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for,” 214, is highlighted on the screen 204 as the area copied third most frequently by users.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 224 showing a message “This is the area copied most third frequently by users”.\",\n \"Further, the window 224 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 214, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"In the embodiment mentioned above, one touch or click is used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In another embodiment, two or more touches or clicks may be used for proposing a copy area in a predetermined order.\",\n \"Such examples may be as follows: if the user does two touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 203 in which the area copied most second frequently by users is highlighted.\",\n \"If the user does three touches or clicks, the user device may display the screen 204 in which the area copied most third frequently by users is highlighted.\",\n \"The number of times of touches or clicks may be arbitrarily set as appropriate.\",\n \"If the number of touches or clicks exceeds a predetermined number, the user device may display a list for proposals of copy areas, for example, in a separate window, or the user device may allow a user to select a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"As stated above, when a focus by a user associated a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content.\",\n \"Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"2B, FIG.\",\n \"2B illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area which is commonly copied by other users or is copied by a user associated with the user device.\",\n \"The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 231 of the user device.\",\n \"The screen 232 and the window 252 are the same as the screen 202 and the window 222 described in FIG.\",\n \"2A, respectively.\",\n \"The screen 232 and the window 252 are displayed according to the same way described above.\",\n \"If the user wants to show a proposal of a copy area which was copied by the user itself, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by you”, in the window 252.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the content, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow,” 243, is highlighted on the screen 233 as the area copied most frequency by the user itself.\",\n \"The user device may display the window 253 showing a message “This is the area copied most frequently by you”.\",\n \"Further, the window 253 may show a menu “View area copied by users”.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy the proposed area 243, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the user wants to return to the screen 232, the user may touch or click the character string, “View area copied by users”, in the window 253.In response to a detection of the touch or click of the character string, the user device displays the screen 234 which is the same as the screen 232.If the user wants to copy the proposed area 244, the user may make the predetermined operation, such as one right click by the mouse while clicking the left button, or a double tapping by another finger while touching the “er” in the sentence by the finger.\",\n \"In the embodiment mentioned above, a proposal of copy area which is commonly copied by other users is first displayed on the screen.\",\n \"In another embodiment, a proposal of copy area which is copied by a user associated with a user device is first displayed on the screen.\",\n \"The user may select which a proposal of copy area is first displayed on the screen.\",\n \"As stated above, when a focus by a user associated with a user device is done on a part of contents on a document, a copy area comprising the focused part is proposed in the predetermined order among the proposals of copying content in history information.\",\n \"Further, the user can switch a proposal of the areas from the areas copied by a plurality of users to the areas copied by the user themself or another user, and vice versa.\",\n \"Accordingly, the user can select a copy area in the predetermined order according to the copying frequency done by a plurality of users or the user itself.\",\n \"This selection may be useful when a document may be, for example, but not limited to, a collaborating document, such as a manual or materials on conference, or a web page.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"2C, FIG.\",\n \"2C illustrates an embodiment of a screen displaying a copy area in a document in which a modification was made compared to an original of a copy source document.\",\n \"The user device displays a part of a document, for example, a web page or local document, on the screen 261 of the user device.\",\n \"If the user wants to copy a character string in the document, the user may make a predetermined operation, such as one left click by a mouse cursor 271 or one touch by a finger, in the vicinity of an area where the user wants to copy.\",\n \"In response to a detection of the one touch or click, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"If the position is a character string in the document, such as “er” in the sentence, “This version”, the user device obtains a plurality of contents comprising such character string.\",\n \"The plurality of contents is retrieved from a history information which comprises sets of contents in the document and their position information.\",\n \"Let us suppose that a sentence in an original of a copy source document, which sentence corresponding to the copied area recorded in the history information, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” was modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” prior to displaying of a copy source document which was modified from an original of a copy source document (hereinafter also referred to as “modified copy source document”) on the screen.\",\n \"In such a case, the copied area recorded in the history information is updated from “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” Therefore, the proposal of copying area corresponding to the updated copied area 272 in the history information is presented in replace of the copied area before updated in the history information.\",\n \"Accordingly, the sentence after modification, “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information,” is highlighted on the screen 262 as a proposal of the copy area 272.The user device may display the window 273 showing a message “Notes: The original copy source document was modified.\",\n \"The proposal of copying area 272 is presented by taking into account a character string before modification.\",\n \"This area corresponds to the area copied most frequently by users.” Further, the window 273 may show a menu “View area copied by you”.\",\n \"As stated above, if a content in the document is modified, a corresponding content in the history information is also similarly modified.\",\n \"Further, if a position of a content in the document is changed, position information on a corresponding content in the history information is updated correspondingly.\",\n \"Therefore, the user device can propose to a user a copy area which is included in a modified copy source document, using the updated history information.\",\n \"Accordingly, a document which will be frequently modified, such as a web page or a collaborating document, is a subject of an embodiment of the present disclosure.\",\n \"With reference now to FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B, FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 301, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 302, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.\",\n \"The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.\",\n \"The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.\",\n \"In decision 327, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.\",\n \"In step 303, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.\",\n \"Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.\",\n \"The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.\",\n \"The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.\",\n \"In decision block 304, the user device may judge whether the document is a server document or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 315 FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 305.In step 305, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.\",\n \"The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.\",\n \"In step 306, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 307.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 311.In step 307, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"For example, if the document is a structured document in which tags are used, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of tags in the document and the calculated order is used for identifying plurality of contents.\",\n \"For example, if the document is an unstructured document, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating an order of bytes in the document and the calculated bytes are used for identifying plurality of contents.\",\n \"For example, if the document is a spreadsheet, the retrieval of the plurality of contents comprises calculating cell location in the document and the calculated cell location is used for identifying plurality of contents.\",\n \"In step 308, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.\",\n \"The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.\",\n \"The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.\",\n \"The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.\",\n \"The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.\",\n \"In decision 309, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 310.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 312.In step 310, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.\",\n \"In step 311, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 312, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 313.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 313, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"“Date of copying” may denote a date when a user selected a content in a copy source document and then made a copy operation for the content, or may otherwise provide some measure of the time a copy at which was made.\",\n \"“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.\",\n \"“Copied content” may denote the content to which the copy operation was made.\",\n \"“The number of copies made” may denote a count that the copy operation was made for each of the same contents in the same position in the copy source document.\",\n \"“The number of copies made” may be for one user who is or is not a user associated with a user device, or a plural users including or not including a user associated with a user device.\",\n \"“The number of copies made” may be calculated for one day or two or more days, or any other measurable time period.\",\n \"“Position of copied content” may denote a position of the copied document in the copy source document.\",\n \"“Score” may denote a value associated with each of the contents in the document The score may be calculated from the number of copies made and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.\",\n \"“A content comprising the copied content” may denote a unit of document structure, such as a unit defined by p-tags, which comprises the copied content.\",\n \"“A content comprising the copied content” can be used for verifying a modification of an original source document.\",\n \"In step 314, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"3B, in step 315, the user device accesses a history information for a server.\",\n \"The history information for a server may be stored in a server storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a NAS.\",\n \"In decision 316, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which may have been obtained in step 303.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 317.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 321.In step 317, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In step 318, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.\",\n \"The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.\",\n \"The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.\",\n \"The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.\",\n \"The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.\",\n \"In decision 319, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 320.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to decision 322.In step 320, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.\",\n \"In step 321, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 322, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 323.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 326.In step 323, the user device updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In step 324, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a server.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In step 326, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"With reference now to FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B, FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B illustrate an example embodiment of an overall flowchart of a process for proposing, using a user device and a server, a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 401, the user device starts the process for proposing a copy area in a document.\",\n \"In step 402, the user device reads, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage which can be accessible by the user device; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"Then, the user device displays the document on the screen of the user device.\",\n \"The user device monitors a user operation made on a document.\",\n \"The user operation may be done by, for example, but not limited to, a touch or click made on a content which is displayed on the screen.\",\n \"In decision 427, the user device may judge whether the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 303.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may wait for a next detection.\",\n \"In step 403, the user device obtains information on a cursor or pointer position on the document in response to a predetermined operation, such as a touch or click by the user.\",\n \"Further, the user device may obtain information on the document.\",\n \"The information may be a storage address of the document, such as a storage path or URL.\",\n \"The information may be used for specifying that the document is stored in the user device, or on the server or network attached storage NAS.\",\n \"In step 404, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device sends to a server a notification for requesting a retrieval of a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position and then proceed to step 415 (FIG.\",\n \"4B).\",\n \"The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.\",\n \"Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 405.In step 405, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.\",\n \"The history information for a user device may be stored in a storage of the user device or storage which can be accessible by the user device, such as a server or NAS.\",\n \"In decision 406, the user device judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a user device has the location information which was obtained in step 403.If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 407.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 411.In step 407, the user device retrieves, from the history information for a user device, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents has been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In step 408, the user device proposes one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents.\",\n \"The proposal may be made by displaying the one or more contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be a plural number.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content can be presented.\",\n \"The user operation may be predefined depending on a user device or an operation system which is running on the user device.\",\n \"The user operation may be, for example, but not limited to, the number of touches or clicks, or, while touching the screen with one finger, the number of times that a user touches the screen with another finger.\",\n \"The hover time may be predefined, such as a few seconds.\",\n \"In decision 409, the user device judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 410.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 412.In step 410, the user device copies the selected content to an area specified by the user.\",\n \"In step 411, the user device may show, for example, a new window on the screen, that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 412, the user device judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 413.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to final step 426.In step 413, the user device updates the history information for a user device using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In step 414, the user device may analyze the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a user device will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"4B, in step 415, the server accesses a history information for a server.\",\n \"The history information for a server may be stored in a storage in the server or storage which can be accessible by the server, such as a NAS.\",\n \"In decision 416, the server judges, using the information on the document, whether the history information for a server has the location information which was sent from the user device.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 417.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 421.In step 417, the server retrieves, from the history information for a server, a plurality of contents comprising the character string associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"Each of the retrieved contents may have been ranked in a predetermined order.\",\n \"In step 418, the server chooses one or more contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved plurality of contents and then sends them to the user device.\",\n \"In a case where the retrieved content is only one, only this content may be sent.\",\n \"The proposal in the user device may be made by displaying the one or more retrieved contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The number of proposed contents may be determined by a predefined operation done by the user or administrator of the server.\",\n \"In decision 419, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the proposed copy area is selected.\",\n \"In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the proposed content is selected by the user or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 422.In step 421, the server may send to the user device a message to the effect that there is no proposal of copy area.\",\n \"In decision 422, the server waits for a notification, from the user device, for announcing that the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"The notification may comprise the information of the document and the cursor or pointer position on the document.\",\n \"The information of the document may be, for example, a storage path or URL.\",\n \"In response to a receipt of the notification, the server judges whether the user selects a copy area using a default method provided by an application.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 423.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 425.In step 423, the server updates the history information for a server using the copied content and its position information.\",\n \"The information to be updated may be, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a score, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In step 424, the server may analyze the information in the history information for a server.\",\n \"An example of merging the information in the history information for a server will be explained by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In decision 425, the server may judges whether the history information for a user device is used or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the server may proceed to step 405.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to a final step 426.In step 426, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for analyzing, using a history information for a user device or for a server, information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"5A, FIG.\",\n \"5A illustrates an overall flowchart of the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"In step 501, the user device starts the process for analyzing information relating to the copied contents.\",\n \"In one embodiment, the process can be implemented in step 314 (FIG.\",\n \"3A), 324 (FIG.\",\n \"3B), 414 (FIG.\",\n \"4A), or 424 (FIG.\",\n \"4B).\",\n \"In another embodiment, the process can be started in a response to a detection of the selection and copy of a content in a document, which detection is described in step 502 below.\",\n \"In step 502, the user device detects a selection and copy of a content in a document.\",\n \"In decision 503, the user device judges whether the document is a server document or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may send to a server a notification for requesting analyzing information in the history information for a server and then the process goes to step 505.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device may proceed to step 504.In step 504, the user device analyzes the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"5B discussed below.\",\n \"In step 505, the server analyzes the information in the history information for a server.\",\n \"The details of the analysis subprocess will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"5B discussed below.\",\n \"In step 506, the server terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"5B, FIG.\",\n \"5B illustrates a flowchart of the detail subprocess of step 504, history information stored in the user device, and 505, history information stored in the server.\",\n \"In the following, a case of step 504, history information stored in the user device, mentioned above is first explained.\",\n \"In step 511, the user device starts the process for analyzing the information in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 512, the user device accesses the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 513, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the information on the content which was copied by the user.\",\n \"The information may comprise, for example, date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of copied content, a content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"In decision 514, the user device judges whether the history information for a user device already has the same following information or not: information on a copy source document, a copied content, and position of the copied content.\",\n \"All of which are recorded, in step 513, in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device may proceed to step 515.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the server may proceed to step 520.In step 515, the user device calculates the total copy number for the content which was copied by the user and then records the calculated total number into the history information for a user device to update the total number of copying for the content which was copied by the user.\",\n \"In step 516, the user device calculates a score associated with each of the contents in the document, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done.\",\n \"The weight may be decided by using a date.\",\n \"In a case where date of copying is new, for example, in a year, high weight is used.\",\n \"Meanwhile, in a case where date of copying is old, for example, before a year, low weight is used.\",\n \"For example, in a case where date of copying is in a year, the weight is one, in a case where date of copying is before a year and in two year, the weight is 0.95, in a case where date of copying is before two year and in three year, the weight is 0.9, and so on.\",\n \"An example of score will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIGS.\",\n \"7A and 7B discussed below.\",\n \"In step 517, the user device generates a group in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"The group can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.\",\n \"In each group, the copied contents having the same contents and the same position are summarized.\",\n \"An example of a group will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In step 518, the user device obtains a total score by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.\",\n \"Further, the user device may calculate a rank for each of the same copied content in the group, using the calculated total score and then assigns a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the group.\",\n \"The ranking may be carried out according to the number of copying, the score or the combination of these.\",\n \"An example of a rank will be explained hereinafter by referring to FIG.\",\n \"7C discussed below.\",\n \"In step 519, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the calculated score, the generated group and the calculated rank to update the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 520, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information relating to the copied content to update the history information for a user device, since the history information for a user device does not yet record the same data for the copied content.\",\n \"In step 521, the user device calculates a score associated with the copied content, using the total number of copying and a weight associated with a date on which the copying of the content in the document was done and then record the calculated score into the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 522, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"In a case of step 504 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the user device and a history information is the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In a case of step 505 mentioned above, a subject of steps 511 to 522 may be the server and a history information is the history information for a server.\",\n \"The above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device can be applied also to the case for the server.\",\n \"Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 511 to 512 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device”, may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.\",\n \"With reference now to FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B, FIGS.\",\n \"6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a flowchart of a process for updating history information for a user device or for a server in a case where an original of a copy source document having tags is modified.\",\n \"One kind of the tags is a p-tag.\",\n \"The p-tag can be represented as: <P> </P> and is used for defining a paragraph.\",\n \"In step 601, the user device starts the process for updating history information.\",\n \"In step 602, the user device accesses a history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 603, the user device repeats steps 604 to 630 until unprocessed data exists in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 604, the user device obtains the following information from the history information for a user device: information on a copy source document, copied character string, position of copied character string, and a character string in p-tag in n-th tag, where n denotes a positive integer.\",\n \"In step 605, the user device accesses an original of the copy source document.\",\n \"In step 606, the user device obtains p-tags in the original of the copy source document and then assigns a number to the obtained p-tags.\",\n \"The number may be a positive integer.\",\n \"In step 607, the user device obtains a character string in the n-th tag.\",\n \"In step 608, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in the p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the present time”).\",\n \"Many known method can be used for calculating such similarity, for example, but not limited to, a cosine similarity.\",\n \"In decision 609, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with the character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 630.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 610 (FIG.\",\n \"6B).\",\n \"In decision 610, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 611.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 618.In decision 611, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in the character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 612.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 614.In step 612, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of the character string in the p-tag.\",\n \"In step 613, the user device replaces the position of copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 614, the user device retrieves, from the p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.\",\n \"In decision 615, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 616.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 617.In step 616, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 614.In step 617, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"6B, in decision 618, the user device judges whether there is another p-tag in the original of the copy source document.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 619.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 626.In step 619, the user device calculates a similarity between the character string in the p-tags which is obtained from the history information for a user device (hereinafter referred to as “the character string in the past time”) and the character string in another p-tag which is obtained from the original of the copy source document (hereinafter referred to as “another character string in the present time”).\",\n \"In decision 620, the user device judges whether the similarity is equal to one or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the character string in the past time is the same with another character string in the present time and, therefore, the user device proceeds to step 621.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to decision 622.In step 621, the user device updates the order of the number of tags in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In decision 622, the user device judges whether the similarity is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to decision 623.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In decision 623, the user device judges whether the copied character string is recorded in another character string in the history information which is now recorded or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 624.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds to step 627.In step 624, the user device obtains, as the number of bytes, the position of another character string in the p-tag.\",\n \"In step 625, the user device replaces the position of the copied character string in the history information for a user device with the obtained number of bytes to update the history information for a user device.\",\n \"In step 626, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, information to the effect that the copied character string was deleted from the original of the copy source document.\",\n \"In step 627, the user device retrieves, from another p-tag, a character string which is similar to the copied character string.\",\n \"In decision 628, the user device judges whether the similarity between the retrieved similar character string and the character string in the history information which is now recorded is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold or not.\",\n \"If the judgment is positive, the user device proceeds to step 629.Meanwhile, if the judgment is negative, the user device proceeds back to decision 618.In step 629, the user device records, into the history information for a user device, the position of the similar character string which was retrieved in step 627.In step 630, the user device proceeds back to step 603 to repeat steps 604 to 630 with a new character string.\",\n \"In step 631, the user device may update a score, a group and/or a rank if the history information for a user device was updated in steps 604 to 630.The update of a score, a group and/or a rank can be made as same way described in steps 516, 517 and 518 (FIG.\",\n \"5B) mentioned above, respectively.\",\n \"In step 632, the user device terminates the process mentioned above.\",\n \"In a case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the user device and a history information may be the history information for a user device is explained above.\",\n \"The above explanations for the user device can be applied also to the case where a subject of steps 601 to 632 may be the server and a history information may be the history information for a server.\",\n \"Therefore, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, the terms in the above explanations of steps 601 to 632 for the user device, “the user device” and “the history information for a user device” may be read as “the server” and “the history information for a server”, respectively.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"7A, FIG.\",\n \"7A illustrates an example embodiment of a history information for a user device.\",\n \"The history information for a user device 701 may have any, all, or at least the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, etc.\",\n \"The history information for a user device 701 may further have the following information: score, content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"The history information for a user device 701 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a user themself.\",\n \"Each of the scores described in fifth column of the second, third, fifth and sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copied made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is one since the date of copying is in a year.\",\n \"The score described in the fifth column of the fourth row in the history information for a user device 701 may be calculated as follows: (the number of copies made)×(a weight associated with the date of copying) wherein the weight is 0.95 since the date of copying is before a year.\",\n \"In a case where the copy source document is a document written with HTML, the position of the copied content is defined with the order of the number of the tags and the starting and the end bytes in the tag.\",\n \"Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {T2; 1st byte; 9th bytes} denotes that the position of the copied content is in the second tag in the copy source document and the copied content is located in 1st byte to 9th byte in the second tag.\",\n \"In a case where the copy source document is a document written as a non-structured document, the position of the copied content is defined with the starting and the end bytes in the copy source document.\",\n \"Examples can be seen in the sixth column of the fourth to sixth rows in the history information for a user device 701.For example, {10th byte; 39th byte} denotes that the position of the copied content is located in 10th byte to 39th byte in the copy source document.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7B illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server.\",\n \"The history information for a server 711 may have the following information: date of copying, information on a copy source document, a copied content, the number of copies made, position of the copied content, score, content comprising the coped content, etc.\",\n \"The history information for a server 711 may be prepared using copy histories obtained from a plurality of users.\",\n \"The plurality of users may or may not comprise a user associated with a user device who uses the history information for a server 711.FIG.\",\n \"7C illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a server after grouping.\",\n \"The history information for a server 721 may have the following information: information on a copy source document, group, a copied content, score, position of the copied content, rank, content comprising the copied content, etc.\",\n \"“Group” can be made using information on a copy source document, a copied content and position of the copied content.\",\n \"One group may be made for each of the copy source document having the common source.\",\n \"The history information for a server 721 shows the following three groups in the second column: http://www.sharecopy.com/shareddocs/thisversion*{10th byte; 214th byte}; “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{10th byte; 42nd byte}”; and “Test/NotesDevelopment:Notes: DB*{46th byte; 53rd byte}”.\",\n \"“Total score” may be obtained, for example, by calculating, in each group, the sum of each score for the same copied contents having the same position of the copied contents.\",\n \"“Rank” may be obtained, for example, by calculating the total score for each score of the same copied content in the group and then assigning a number of the ranks to each of the total scores in the groups.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"7D illustrates an embodiment of a history information for a user device or server after a modification of a copy source document.\",\n \"The history information 731 shows an original history information before a modification of a copy source document was made.\",\n \"In a case where the original of the copy source document is modified, the history information 731 is also modified according to the modification.\",\n \"For example, if the copied content in the sixth column of the second and third rows, “This version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.\",\n \"If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” is modified to “To improve data sharing, this version could be a document shared among you and your coworkers to allow for effective distribution of information.\",\n \"If a single source document is used to supply multiple projects, shared copying may be especially useful,” the history information 731 is updated by replacing the copied content with the modified sentence to generate the updated history information 741.Further, the position information on the modified content and the content relating to the modified content in the history information 731 is also updated accordingly, as seen in the sixth column of the second and third rows of the updated history information 741.For example, if the copied content, “Welcome to this doc!” which can be seen in the third column of the fourth row in the history information 731, is deleted from the original of the copy source document, the history information 731 is updated to show the effect that the copied content is deleted.\",\n \"Accordingly, the updated history information 741 shows that “copied content” and “the number of copies made” are “{deleted}” in the third column of the fourth row.\",\n \"After the updated history information 741 is generated, the updated history information 741 is used for proposing a copy area in a document in replace of the history information 731.In a case where the history information for a user device is associated with the history information for a server and the history information for a user device is updated, the history information for a server is also similarly modified according to the update done in the history information for a user device.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"7E, FIG.\",\n \"7E illustrates an embodiment of an availability information on a document.\",\n \"The availability information 751 may define a rule for determining where the copied character string is stored or uploaded and who can access the history information.\",\n \"The availability information 751 has the following information: information on a copy source document, document where the copied content is pasted, place where information is available, security information, etc.\",\n \"“Information on a copy source document” may denote a location where the copy source document is stored.\",\n \"“Place where information is available” may denote a range where the history information for a server or user device is available.\",\n \"“Security information” may denote whether the history information for a server can be shared with a server or user device.\",\n \"For example, a user associated with a user device can determine that a copy history made by the user itself is or is not shared with a server.\",\n \"The availability information 751 may be used to determine in which history information the copied character string is stored, that is, a history information for a user device or a history information for a server.\",\n \"The determination can be made according to the “Place where information is available”.\",\n \"In a case where a server document is downloaded to a user device and then a character string in the server document is copied, the copied character string is uploaded to the server from the user device.\",\n \"Further, the availability information 751 may be used for determining a sharing range of the history information.\",\n \"The determination can be made according to the “Security information”.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"8, FIG.\",\n \"8 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of an example of a user device which is used in accordance with the embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"3A and 3B.\",\n \"The user device 801 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.\",\n \"1.The user device 801 may comprise a reading section 811, an obtaining section 812, a retrieving section 813, a proposing section 814, a copying section 815, an incrementing section 816 and an analyzing section 817.The user device 801 may further comprise a detecting section 818 and a modifying section 819.The reading section 811 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 891 which can be accessible by the user device 801; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"The obtaining section 812 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"The obtaining section 812 may perform a part of step 302, and step 303 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A.\",\n \"The retrieving section 813 may retrieve, from a history information 892, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.\",\n \"Each of the second contents comprises the first content.\",\n \"The retrieving section 813 may perform steps 304 to 307 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and 315 to 317 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The proposing section 814 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"The proposing section 814 may display the one or more second contents on the screen in the predetermined order in response to hover time or user operation.\",\n \"The proposing section 814 may perform step 308 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and step 318 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The copying section 815 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.\",\n \"The copying section 815 may perform steps 309 and 310 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and steps 319 and 320 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The incrementing section 816 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 892, if the proposed copy area is selected and then copied by a user.\",\n \"The incrementing section 816 may perform step 313 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and step 323 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B.\",\n \"The analyzing section 817 may analyze the information in the history information 892.The analyzing section 817 may perform step 314 described in FIG.\",\n \"3A and step 324 described in FIG.\",\n \"3B and all steps described in FIG.\",\n \"5B.\",\n \"The detecting section 818 may detect that an original document is modified.\",\n \"The modifying section 819 may modify the history information 892 if a content in the document is modified.\",\n \"If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 819 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 819 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"With reference now to FIG.\",\n \"9, FIG.\",\n \"9 illustrates of an overall functional block diagram of a computer system hardware comprising a user device and a server which may be used in accordance with the example embodiment of the overall flowchart described in FIGS.\",\n \"4A and 4B.\",\n \"The user device 901 may correspond to the computer 101 described in FIG.\",\n \"1.The user device 901 may comprise a reading section 911, an obtaining section 912, a receiving section 913, a displaying section 914, a copying section 915 and a sending section 916.The reading section 911 may read, into a memory, a document from a local storage or storage 991 which can be accessible by the user device 901; or downloads, into the memory, a document from an internet or intranet.\",\n \"The obtaining section 912 may detect the user operation and, if the user operation is a predetermined operation for starting the proposal of a copy area in the document, then obtain information on a cursor or pointer position on a document displayed on a screen.\",\n \"The obtaining section 912 may send the information on a cursor or pointer position to the server 902.The obtaining section 912 may perform a part of step 402, and steps 403 to 404 described in FIG.\",\n \"4A.\",\n \"The receiving section 913 may receive, from the server 902, one or more second contents comprising the first content associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"The received one or more contents may be in the predetermined order.\",\n \"The displaying section 914 may display, as a copy area, the one or more contents comprising the content associated with the cursor or pointer position.\",\n \"The copying section 915 may copy the content selected by a user to an area designated by a user.\",\n \"The sending section 916 may send information on the copied content to the server 902.The server 902 may comprise a retrieving section 923, a proposing section 924, a receiving section 925, an incrementing section 926 and an analyzing section 927.The server 902 may further comprise a detecting section 928 and a modifying section 929.The retrieving section 923 may retrieve, from a history information 992, a plurality of second contents if the position is on a first content in the document.\",\n \"Each of the second contents comprises the first content.\",\n \"The retrieving section 923 may perform steps 415 to 417 described in FIG.\",\n \"4B.\",\n \"The proposing section 924 may propose, as a copy area, one or more second contents in the predetermined order among the retrieved second contents.\",\n \"The proposing section 924 may send one or more second contents to the user device 901.The receiving section 925 may receive the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may increment the number of copying of a corresponding content in the history information 992, if the server 902 receives the information on the copied content from the user device 901.The incrementing section 926 may perform step 423 described in FIG.\",\n \"4B.\",\n \"The analyzing section 927 may analyze the information in the history information 992.The analyzing section 927 may perform step 424 described in FIG.\",\n \"4B and all steps described in FIG.\",\n \"5B.\",\n \"The detecting section 928 may detect that an original document is modified.\",\n \"The modifying section 929 may modify the history information 992 if a content in the document is modified.\",\n \"If a content in the document is modified, the modifying section 929 may also similarly modify a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"If a position of a content in the document is changed, the modifying section 929 may correspondingly change position information on a corresponding content in the history information.\",\n \"The present invention may be a method, a system, and/or a computer program product.\",\n \"The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.\",\n \"The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device.\",\n \"The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.\",\n \"A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.\",\n \"A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.\",\n \"Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.\",\n \"The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.\",\n \"A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.\",\n \"Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.\",\n \"The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.\",\n \"In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).\",\n \"In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.\",\n \"Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.\",\n \"It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.\",\n \"These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.\",\n \"These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.\",\n \"The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.\",\n \"The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention.\",\n \"In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).\",\n \"In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures.\",\n \"For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.\",\n \"It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.\",\n \"By the expression “a/one” should be understood as “at least one”.\",\n \"By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising a/one” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least one”.\",\n \"By the expression “comprise(s)/comprising” should be understood as “comprise(s)/comprising at least”.\",\n \"By the expression “/” should be understood as “and/or”.\",\n \"The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed.\",\n \"Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.\",\n \"The terminology used herein was chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875165"}}},{"rowIdx":4494796,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["PLANT GERMPLASM RESISTANT TO RNA VIRUSES","Disclosed is a dsRNA construct used to silencing specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor in plants to produce a plant resistant to viruses such as Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","More specifically, the plant would be resistant to viruses such as Wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus, Soil bourne mosaic virus, or Barley yellow dwarf virus.","Also disclosed are non-transgenic wheat plants having the genes for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G silenced."],["1.A method of producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses, the method comprising: a) introducing into a parental plant germplasm a chimeric DNA molecule comprising (i) a plant expressible promoter, (ii) a region which encodes dsRNA for eIF4G which is capable of inhibiting RNA viral replication, and (iii) a plant translation termination signal, b) transforming said parental plant germplasm, c) generating a plant germplasm from the parental plant germplasm comprising the chimeric DNA molecule; and d) selecting plant germplasm obtained from step (c) and identifying germplasm having immunity to viral RNA replication, wherein the plant germplasm is a wheat plant germplasm, and wherein said resistance is due to inhibited expression of a eIF4G gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.","ID.","NO: 4.2.The plant germplasm produced by the method of claim 1.3.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","4.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.","5.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.","6.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.","7.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.","8.The method of claim 1 wherein the expression of transgenes and resistance phenotype remains stable in multiple generations of the progeny.","9.The seed of a transgenic plant produced by the method of claim 1, wherein the seed has immunity to viral RNA replication, and wherein the seed comprises said chimeric DNA molecule.","10.The method of claim 1 wherein said transforming is through a process selected from the group consisting of a biolistic particle delivery system, microprojectile bombardment, viral infection, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and electroporation.","11.","(canceled) 12.","(canceled) 13.A transgenic plant having resistance to RNA viruses, the transgenic plant comprising a chimeric DNA molecule which encodes a double stranded RNA molecule for eIF4G, wherein the transgenic plant is resistant to RNA viruses, and wherein said resistance is due to inhibited expression of a eIF4G gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.","ID.","NO: 4.14.A transgenic wheat plant comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a sequence encoding the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3 or the antisense corresponding to SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3, wherein said transgenic plant has increased resistance to positive strand RNA viruses.","15-17.","(canceled) 18.A nucleic acid construct comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3 or the antisense sequence corresponding to SEQ.","ID.","NO:3, operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant cell.","19.A vector comprising the nucleic acid construct of claim 18.20.A transgenic plant having stably incorporated in its genome the nucleic acid construct of claim 18.21.A non-transgenic plant comprising an eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome, whereby the eIF(iso)4E-2 allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 2, characterized in that said eIF(iso)4E-2 allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome.","22.The non-transgenic plant of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","23.The non-transgenic plant of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.","24.The non-transgenic plant of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.","25.The method of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.","26.The method of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.","27.The seed of a non-transgenic plant produced by the method of claim 21.28.A non-transgenic plant comprising an eIF4G allele in its genome, whereby the eIF4G allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 4, characterized in that said eIF4G allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF4G allele in its genome.","29.The non-transgenic plant of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","30.The non-transgenic plant of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.","31.The non-transgenic plant of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.","32.The method of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.","33.The method of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.","34.The seed of a non-transgenic wheat plant produced by the method of claim 28."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>Fire, et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","6,506,559) discloses a process of introducing RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell.","The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure.","Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical.","Specifically, Fire, et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","6,506,559) discloses a method to inhibit expression of a target gene in a cell, the method comprising introduction of a double stranded ribonucleic acid into the cell in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression of the target gene, wherein the RNA is a double-stranded molecule with a first ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which corresponds to a nucleotide sequence of the target gene and a second ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the target gene.","Furthermore, the first and the second ribonucleotide strands are separately complementary strands that hybridize to each other to form the said double-stranded construct, and the double-stranded construct inhibits expression of the target gene.","To utilize RNA interference as a method to regulate gene expression for control, a specific essential gene needs to be targeted.","Coordinated gene expression requires factors involved in transcription and translation.","Translation initiation coordinates activities of several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) or proteins which are classically defined by their cytoplasmic location and ability to regulate the initiation phase of protein synthesis.","One of these factors, the eIF4F complex involves the expression of two proteins EIF(iso)4E-2 and EIF4G.","Disclosed in Caranta et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","7,919,677) is a method to obtain Potyvirus resistant plants having mutations in an eIF4E translation factor region.","Additionally, disclosed in Jahn et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","7,772,462) is silencing of translation initiation factor eIF4E from Capsicum annuum imparted virus resistance to transgenic plants.","Given the interest and showing of viral resistance to poyviruses related to eIF4 region, there is a need in the art to determine whether targeting eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G via RNA interference induces viral resistance in vial susceptible plants."],["<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The present invention together with the above and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, wherein: FIG.","1A and FIG.","1B depicts a vector map for a CP fragment cloned into pANDA mini vector by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase.","detailed-description description=\"Detailed Description\" end=\"lead\"?"],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.","§ 119(e) to U.S.","Provisional Ser.","No.","61/882,116, which was filed on Sep. 25, 2013, and is hereby incorporated by reference.","FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to silencing specific eukaryotic translation initiation factors in plants to produce a plant resistant to viruses such as Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","More specifically, the plant would be resistant to viruses such as Wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus, Soil bourne mosaic virus, or Barley yellow dwarf virus.","BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Fire, et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","6,506,559) discloses a process of introducing RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell.","The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure.","Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical.","Specifically, Fire, et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","6,506,559) discloses a method to inhibit expression of a target gene in a cell, the method comprising introduction of a double stranded ribonucleic acid into the cell in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression of the target gene, wherein the RNA is a double-stranded molecule with a first ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which corresponds to a nucleotide sequence of the target gene and a second ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the target gene.","Furthermore, the first and the second ribonucleotide strands are separately complementary strands that hybridize to each other to form the said double-stranded construct, and the double-stranded construct inhibits expression of the target gene.","To utilize RNA interference as a method to regulate gene expression for control, a specific essential gene needs to be targeted.","Coordinated gene expression requires factors involved in transcription and translation.","Translation initiation coordinates activities of several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) or proteins which are classically defined by their cytoplasmic location and ability to regulate the initiation phase of protein synthesis.","One of these factors, the eIF4F complex involves the expression of two proteins EIF(iso)4E-2 and EIF4G.","Disclosed in Caranta et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","7,919,677) is a method to obtain Potyvirus resistant plants having mutations in an eIF4E translation factor region.","Additionally, disclosed in Jahn et al.","(U.S. Pat.","No.","7,772,462) is silencing of translation initiation factor eIF4E from Capsicum annuum imparted virus resistance to transgenic plants.","Given the interest and showing of viral resistance to poyviruses related to eIF4 region, there is a need in the art to determine whether targeting eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G via RNA interference induces viral resistance in vial susceptible plants.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention together with the above and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, wherein: FIG.","1A and FIG.","1B depicts a vector map for a CP fragment cloned into pANDA mini vector by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES The invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying sequence descriptions, which form a part of this application.","SEQ.","ID.","NO: 1: ATGGCAGAGGTCGAAGCTGCGCTCCCGGTGGCGGCGACAGAGACCCCGGA GGTCGCCGCCGAGGGCGACGCGGGTGCGGCCGAGGCGAAGGGGCCGCACA AGCTGCAGCGGCAGTGGACCTTCTGGTACGACATCCAGACCAAGCCCAAG CCCGGCGCCGCCTGGGGCACCTCGCTCAAAAAGGGCTACACCTTCGACAC CGTCGAAGAGTTCTGGTGCTTGTATGATCAGATTTTCCGTCCGAGTAAGC TGGTAGGAAGTGCTGATTTTCATTTATTCAAGGCTGGGGTAGAACCAAAG TGGGAAGATCCAGAGTGCGCAAATGGAGGCAAATGGACTGTGATATCTAG CAGGAAGACCAATCTTGATACCATGTGGCTTGAAACGTGTATGGCTCTGA TTGGAGAGCAGTTCGATGAAAGCCAGGAAATTTGTGGTGTTGTTGCTAGT GTCCGCCAGAGACAGGATAAGCTTTCATTATGGACTAAGACTGCCAGTAA CGAAGCTGTTCAGGTGGACATTGGCAAGAAATGGAAGGAGGTTATTGACT ACAATGATAAGATGGTCTACAGCTTCCACGATGACTCAAGAAGTCAGAAA CCAAGCAGAGGTGGACGATACACCGTCTAA corresponds to the cDNA of eIF(iso)4E-2.SEQ.","ID.","NO: 2: MAEVEAALPVAATETPEVAAEGDAGAAEAKGPHKLQRQWTFWYDIQTKPK PGAAWGTSLKKGYTFDTVEEFWCLYDQIFRPSKLVGSADFHLFKAGVEPK WEDPECANGGKWTVISSRKTNLDTMWLETCMALIGEQFDESQEICGVVAS VRQRQDKLSLWTKTASNEAVQVDIGKKWKEVIDYNDKMVYSFHDDSRSQK PSRGGRYTV corresponds to the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ.","ID.","NO: 1.SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3: ATGGGGCATCAAGGACAAACCATGATGTATCCGTCTGTTGCTCATCCAAT CCCTCCTCAACTGGGCAATGTTAATTTGAACATGGCTTCACAGTATCCTC AGCAACAGCAGAATAAGCTTGTTGCTCCTCGAAAGAGCAGTAATATCAAA ATTACTGATCCAAACACTAACAAAGAAGTGGTTCTTGGGCGGCCTTCACC TAATGTAGCAGTACAACCGCAGCAAGTCAGTGGTGTTGCAACTCAGCCTA TGGTTTACTATACTAATCCACAGCAGACCTCGTATAACCAGTCAGGCACG TATTACTCCGGCACTGCTGGTGTTGTTCCCACTGGATCACAGGGCAGGTT TGGTTATCCTGCCACTCAAGCTGGTCAATCAATTCCTTTCATGAACCCTT CTATGTCAAATACTGTTCCTGCCAGCCACAAGGACAACATAGCTGGGCCT GCACCATCTGGTCAGTCCCAACTCATAGGCAAACCACAAGGTGGGTTGCA CATGGAGAAACCTGTTCCCTCGGTCAAGATAAGTATGCCTGCAGGTAGAT CAGACGCTTCTAAATTCGGGTCGCTGACCATGCGGTACAACATCGACAAA AGGATAATGAAGTTATTTCTGGTGCTATGGTTTCGAATAAACCAGTTAGT GAGAAGGAGAGCAAGGCACCATCTATCCCAGAGAAGCACTCCAAGGAAAG TAAAGCACCATCTGCCGTGGAGAAGCATCCCACTGCGGTGACTCAACCTT TACCGATTCAAGCTGCAAAGCCAGAAACTGATGCAGCGACTGCAAATTCA CCCTCATTCTTGACCGGAGCTGATGAAAAGAAAGAATCCCTTCCAATGAC TGATTCACTTAAGGATAACAAGAAAAATGCAACTAGAAATGACACAAAGA ATTTGCCGCAACAACCTCAGTCTGCTTCCCCTGCCGAAGAGTTGAAGGGG CAAACTTCTGTGAAGCTTGGTGATGATGTGGTTGGTCACATGGAAACCAA GAGCTTCGATAGTGAAAAGGTGGATTTAACCAGCAAGGTTTCAGGCTTAA CATCAGCAACATCTGAAAGTAGTATTTCTCCTATTCTTGGTAAAAGTGAA GCTGACAGCACATCAGTAGATGCTGCTGATGTTCCTGCCATGGTAATCAG CTCTGCAAAATTGTCCTCTGCGAGCACTGGGGAGCCCCAAGCAGTAGAAA GCTTAGGTGTTGCTGCTGTTAAATCTAAGGAGATTGAAATAACTCACCAA ATTTCACCTGAATCTAGTGATGGCAAAATTATGTCTGATTCTACTGAAAA TGAATCACATGACTTCACGGTGGACTTGGCTGAGCAGGCATCATTGGCAA CTTCAAAGCCTGGTAATTCAGATGCAACATCTTTTGTAACTGACCCGCAA GAGCTACCCAAGGAGTGCACAACATCTGTACCGGAGGACCACAGTTTGAT GAATACATCACATAATAAGGATACCCAAACTTTATCAGCTTCTGTGGATG CCAGCGATGTGTCTGAGGTCAATTCTGGAACCTCATCAGAGTCTACCAGC CAAAGTACCAACGATAAAGATATCAGAAGTAGCATTCAGGAAACTGGATT AGCTGTTTCTGGTATTACTCCTGGCATGTTGCCTGTGAATCATTCAGTTG CATCTGAGGGGCAAGTCAAACATGCAGATGGAGCGAAGGATGAGTCTAGT ACTGAGCAATCAAGTGCCGTACCAACAGGTTCTGTTAGACCCTTATCAAG GGAAAAACCTACTGCAGAGCTTGCCCGAACAAAGTCTACAGCTGGGAGAA AGAAGAAACGGAAGGAAATGCTTTCAAAAGCTGATGCTGCTGGGAGCTCA GATCTGTACAATGCATACAAAGGACCACAAGAACAGTCTGAGAGTGTTGC CACATCAGACGGTGCTGATAGTTCTTCAACAGTCGACGGGACACATGTGC TGCCTGAGGAATCAGAAAGGGAGGTGATGTGTGAGGACGATGGAAAGAAA AAAGTTGAGCCGGATGATTGGGAAGATGCAGCAGACATGTCTACTCCAAA GCTGCAAAGTTCGGACTCTGGAAACCAGGCTAGTGCAGTTCAATTGCCAG ATTCTGATATGACTGAAGCTAATGGCCGAAAGAAATATTCTCGTGATTTT CTTCTAACTTTTGCACATCAGTATTCTAGTCTTCCTGTTGGCATCCGGAT GGATACTGTCACTAGTACGCTATTCAAAGATTTGGCAGGAAAATCCTATG TTATTGATCGGGAACCTCACCCAAGTTCTGCAAGGGGATCTGATAGACCA ACATCTCGCGGTGATCGCCGTGGTCCTGCTATGGATGATGATAAGTGGTT AAAATCAGGTGTTCCTTACAGTCCTAACCGTGATGCCCACATGGACTTGA CAAACGGCCCAGCAATTAATTACCGTGGCGGCCCAGGAGGCGCTCATGGT GTTCTGAGGAATCCACGTGGTGCACTCCTTGTGGGACCACAATCCAATGC TCCTCAAGTACCCCGCAGTGGCTCTGATGCAGATAGATGGCAGCAAAAGG GTCTGATCCCATCTCCTGTTACACCCATGCAAGTAATGCACAAAGCCGAG AAAAAGTATGTTGTCGGCAAAGTTTCTGATGAGGAGCAGGCAAAGCAGAG GCAGCTGAAAGCCATTCTGAATAAACTGACCCCACAAAACTTTGACAAGC TTTTTGAACAAGTGAAAGAGGTGAACATTGACAATGTATCAACTCTTACT GGGGTGATTTCACAGATATTTGACAAAGCTTTGATGGAACCAACTTTCTG TGAAATGTATGCCAACTTCTGTTCCCATTTGGCTGGTGCCCTGCCAGACT TTAGTGAGGACAATGAAAAGATTACATTCAAGAGACTGCTATTGAACAAG TGCCAAGAGGAGTTTGAGAGGGGAGAAAGAGAAGAAGCTGAAGCAGATAA AACGGAGGAGGAAGGTGAGATTAAGCAAACGAAAGAGGAAAGGGAAGAAA AGAGAGTTAAAGCTCGAAGGCGCATGCTGGGTAATATTAGATTGATTGGA GAATTGTACAAAAAGAGGATGTTGACAGAGCGCATCATGCATGAATGCAT CAAAAAATTGTTGGGAAATTATCAGAATCCAGATGAGGAGAACATTGAAG CACTATGCAAATTGATGAGTACAATTGGAGAGATGATAGATCATCCCAAG GCTAAGGAACATATGGATGCNTATTTTGATAGAATGCGCAACCTGTCGAC CAGTCAACTGATATCTTCCCGTGTTAGATTCCTGCTCAGAGATTCAATCG ATCTCAGGAAGAACAAATGGCAGCAAAGGCGTAAAGTGGATGGCCCCAAG AAGATTGATGAGGTTCACAGGGATGCAGCTCAGGAAAGACATGCTCAATC GAGTAGGTCTCGTGGTCCAGTCGTTAGTTCTCTTCCAAGAAGAGGGGCAC CCTCTATGGATTACGGCTCCCGTGGCTCAGCAGCACCATTGGTATCTCCA GGTCCTCAGCAACGAGGGCGTGGATTTGGTAATCAAGATATTCGGTATGA GCAGGAAAGGCATCAGTTTGATAGAACTGTTCCCCTTCCCCAGCGTTCTG TAAAGGACGAAGCTATCACTCTTGGACCACAAGGTGGCCTAGCTAGGGGT ATGTCTTTAAGAGGGCAGCCACCGGTATCAAATTCTGAACTTCCTAGTGT TGTTGACCAGCGCAGGATTGTATCTGGTCCTAATGGGTACAATTCTGTGC CTTCAACAACAAGAGAAGACACTAGCTCTAGAATTCCAGATCGATTTTCT GGGAGAATAGCACCTGCTGCACAATCTGCTAGTTCTTCACACAGACCTGC CAGCCAGGAGGGTCGTTCAGGAAATAAATCATACTCTGAGGAGGAATTGA GAGAGAAATCTATTGCAACCATCCGGGAATATTATAGTGCGAAAGATGAA AAGGAAGTTGCATTGTGTATTGAGGAGTTGAATGCTCCGAGCTTCTATCC TTCTCTTGTATCACTTTGGGTAAATGATTCCTTTGAGAGGAAAGATATGG AAAGAGAGTTGTTGGCAAAGCTCTTTGTCGGGCTTTACAATGGTGGATAT AATTTATTGAGCAAGCCTCAGCTCATTGAGGGGCTTTCATCCGTTCTTGC TTCATTGGAGGATGCTCTAAGTGATTCTCCAAGAGCGGCAGAGTATCTTG GACGTCTTCTTGCAAGGTTTGTGGTGGAGAAGATACTGGTTTTGCAAGAC GTAGGTAAATTGATTGAAGAAGGCGGAGAGGAGCCTGGACACCTTGTGCA GGAAGGCATCGCAGCTGATGTCCTTGGCGCAGTCTTGGAGTGGATCAGAA CAGAAAAGGGGGATTCCTTCTTGAAGGAGGCCAAGACAAGCTCCAATCTC AAGTTGGAGGATTTCAGACCGCAGCATCTTAAGAGGTCAAAGTTGGATGC CTTCATGTTGACTTAA corresponds to the cDNA of eIF4G.","SEQ.","ID.","NO: 4: MGHQGQTMMYPSVAHPIPPQLGNVNLNMASQYPQQQQNKLVAPRKSSNIK ITDPNTNKEVVLGRPSPNVAVQPQQVSGVATQPMVYYTNPQQTSYNQSGT YYSGTAGVVPTGSQGRFGYPATQAGQSIPFMNPSMSNTVPASHKDNIAGP APSGQSQLIGKPQGGLHMEKPVPSVKISMPAGRSDASKFGVADHAVQHRQ KDNEVISGAMVSNKPVSEKESKAPSIPEKHSKESKAPSAVEKHPTAVTQP LPIQAAKPETDAATANSPSFLTGADEKKESLPMTDSLKDNKKNATRNDTK NLPQQPQSASPAEELKGQTSVKLGDDVVGHMETKSFDSEKVDLTSKVSGL TSATSESSISPILGKSEADSTSVDAADVPAMVISSAKLSSASTGEPQAVE SLGVAAVKSKEIEITHQISPESSDGKIMSDSTENESHDFTVDLAEQASLA TSKPGNSDATSFVTDPQELPKECTTSVPEDHSLMNTSHNKDTQTLSASVD ASDVSEVNSGTSSESTSQSTNDKDIRSSIQETGLAVSGITPGMLPVNHSV ASEGQVKHADGAKDESSTEQSSAVPTGSVRPLSREKPTAELARTKSTAGR KKKRKEMLSKADAAGSSDLYNAYKGPQEQSESVATSDGADSSSTVDGTHV LPEESEREVMCEDDGKKKVEPDDWEDAADMSTPKLQSSDSGNQASAVQLP DSDMTEANGRKKYSRDFLLTFAHQYSSLPVGIRMDTVTSTLFKDLAGKSY VIDREPHPSSARGSDRPTSRGDRRGPAMDDDKWLKSGVPYSPNRDAHMDL TNGPAINYRGGPGGAHGVLRNPRGALLVGPQSNAPQVPRSGSDADRWQQK GLIPSPVTPMQVMHKAEKKYVVGKVSDEEQAKQRQLKAILNKLTPQNFDK LFEQVKEVNIDNVSTLTGVISQIFDKALMEPTFCEMYANFCSHLAGALPD FSEDNEKITFKRLLLNKCQEEFERGEREEAEADKTEEEGEIKQTKEEREE KRVKARRRMLGNIRLIGELYKKRMLTERIMHECIKKLLGNYQNPDEENIE ALCKLMSTIGEMIDHPKAKEHMDAYFDRMRNLSTSQLISSRVRFLLRDSI DLRKNKWQQRRKVDGPKKIDEVHRDAAQERHAQSSRSRGPVVSSLPRRGA PSMDYGSRGSAAPLVSPGPQQRGRGFGNQDIRYEQERHQFDRTVPLPQRS VKDEAITLGPQGGLARGMSLRGQPPVSNSELPSVVDQRRIVSGPNGYNSV PSTTREDTSSRlPDRFSGRIAPAAQSASSSHRPASQEGRSGNKSYSEEEL REKSIATIREYYSAKDEKEVALCIEELNAPSFYPSLVSLWVNDSFERKDM ERELLAKLFVGLYNGGYNLLSKPQLIEGLSSVLASLEDALSDSPRAAEYL GRLLARFVVEKILVLQDVGKLIEEGGEEPGHLVQEGIAADVLGAVLEWIR TEKGDSFLKEAKTSSNLKLEDFRPQHLKRSKLDAFMLT corresponds to the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ ID NO: 3.SEQ.","ID.","NO: 5: CACCCGCAAATGGAGGCAAATGGACTGT is a forward primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF(iso)4E-2.SEQ.","ID.","NO: 6: TCCACCTCTGCTTGGTTTCTGACT is a reverse primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF(iso)4E-2.SEQ.","ID.","NO: 7: CACCTCAGCAGCACCATTGGTATCTCCA is a forward primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF4G.","SEQ.","ID.","NO: 8 GCTCGGAGCATTCAACTCCTCAA is a reverse primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF4G.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Disclosed herein is a method of producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses, the method comprises introducing into a parental plant germplasm a chimeric DNA molecule comprising (i) a plant expressible promoter, (ii) a region which encodes dsRNA for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G which is capable of inhibiting RNA viral replication (iii) plant translation termination signal, b) transforming said parental plant germplasm, c) generating a plant germplasm from the parental plant germplasm comprising the chimeric DNA molecule; and d) selecting plant germplasm obtained from step (c) and identifying germplasm having immunity to viral RNA replication.","In one embodiment of the invention, also disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method disclosed herein.","In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method disclosed where the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.","In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.","In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.","In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.","In another embodiment of invention, the expression of transgenes and resistance phenotype remains stable in multiple generations of the progeny in the transgenic plant produced by the method herein.","In another embodiment of the invention, the seed of a transgenic plant produced by the method herein.","In various embodiments of the invention, the method for transforming plant germplasm can be accomplish through a process selected from the group consisting of a biolistic particle delivery system, microprojectile bombardment, viral infection, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and electroporation.","In another embodiment of the invention, the method for producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses is due to inhibited expression of an eIF(iso)4E-2 gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.","ID.","NO: 2.In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method for producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses is due to inhibited expression of an eIF4G gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.","ID.","NO: 4.In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant having resistance to RNA viruses where said transgenic plant comprises a chimeric DNA molecule which encodes a double stranded RNA molecule for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G.","Disclosed herein is a nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 1 or an antisense sequence corresponding to SEQ.","ID.","NO: 1, wherein the construct is operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant cell.","Also disclosed is a vector comprising of the nucleic acid SEQ.","ID.","NO: 1.In an embodiment of the invention is a transgenic plant having stably incorporated in its genome the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO:1.Disclosed herein is a nucleic acid construct comprising of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3 or an antisense sequence corresponding to SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3, wherein the construct is operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant cell.","Also disclosed is a vector comprising the nucleic acid SEQ.","ID.","NO: 3.In an embodiment of the invention is a transgenic plant having stably incorporated in its genome the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO:3.Disclosed herein is a non-transgenic plant comprising an eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome, whereby the eIF(iso)4E-2 allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 1, characterized in that said eIF(iso)4E-2 allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome.","In an embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method disclosed where the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.","In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.","In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.","In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.","In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.","In another embodiment of the invention, the seed of a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein.","Disclosed is a non-transgenic plant comprising of an eIF4G allele in its genome, whereby the eIF4G allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.","ID.","NO: 4, characterized in that said eIF4G allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF4G allele in its genome.","Definitions To assist in the understanding of the invention, the following terms, as used herein, are defined below.","As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.","For example, the term “a cell” includes a plurality of cells, including mixtures thereof.","The term “gene” refers to a DNA sequence involved in producing a polypeptide or precursor thereof.","The polypeptide can be encoded by a full-length coding sequence or by any portion of the coding sequence, such as exon sequences.","In one embodiment of the invention, the gene target is eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G.","As used herein, the term “isolated” includes a material removed from its original environment, e.g., the natural environment if it is naturally occurring.","For example, a naturally occurring polypeptide present in a living organism is not isolated, but the same polynucleotide or polypeptide, separated from some or all of the coexisting materials in the natural system, is isolated.","Such polypeptide can be expressed by a vector and/or such polynucleotides or polypeptides could be part of a composition, and still be isolated in that such vector or composition is not part of its natural environment.","As used herein, an isolated material or composition can also be a “purified” composition, i.e., it does not require absolute purity; rather, it is intended as a relative definition.","The term “oligonucleotide” refers to a molecule comprising a plurality of deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides.","Oligonucleotide may be generated in any manner, including chemical synthesis, DNA replication, reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, or a combination thereof.","The present invention embodies utilizing the oligonucleotide in the form of dsRNA as means of interfering with a critical developmental or reproductive process that leads to control.","Inasmuch as mononucleotides are synthesized to construct oligonucleotides in a manner such that the 5′ phosphate of one mononucleotide pentose ring is attached to the 3′ oxygen of its neighbor in one direction via a phosphodiester linkage, an end of an oligonucleotide is referred to as the “5′ end” if its 5′ phosphate is not linked to the 3′ oxygen of a mononucleotide pentose ring and as the “3′ end” if its 3′ oxygen is not linked to a 5′ phosphate of a subsequent mononucleotide pentose ring.","As used herein, a nucleic acid sequence, even if internal to a larger oligonucleotide, also may be said to have 5′ and 3′ ends.","When two different, non-overlapping oligonucleotides anneal to different regions of the same linear complementary nucleic acid sequence, and the 3′ end of one oligonucleotide points towards the 5′ end of the other, the former may be called the “upstream” oligonucleotide and the latter the “downstream” oligonucleotide.","The term “primer” refers to an oligonucleotide, which is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which primer extension is initiated.","An oligonucleotide “primer” may occur naturally, as in a purified restriction digest or may be produced synthetically.","A primer is selected to be “substantially complementary” to a strand of specific sequence of the template.","A primer must be sufficiently complementary to hybridize with a template strand for primer elongation to occur.","A primer sequence need not reflect the exact sequence of the template.","For example, a non-complementary nucleotide fragment may be attached to the 5′ end of the primer, with the remainder of the primer sequence being substantially complementary to the strand.","Non-complementary bases or longer sequences can be interspersed into the primer, provided that the primer sequence is sufficiently complementary with the sequence of the template to hybridize and thereby form a template primer complex for synthesis of the extension product of the primer.","The term “double stranded RNA” or “dsRNA” refers to two substantially complementary strands of ribonucleic acid.","“Identity,” as used herein, is the relationship between two or more polynucleotide sequences, as determined by comparing the sequences.","Identity also means the degree of sequence relatedness between polynucleotide sequences, as determined by the match between strings of such sequences.","Identity can be readily calculated (see, e.g, Computation Molecular Biology, Lesk, A. M., eds., Oxford University Press, New York (1998), and Biocomputing: Informatics and Genome Projects, Smith, D. W., ed., Academic Press, New York (1993), both of which are incorporated by reference herein).","While there exist a number of methods to measure identity between two polynucleotide sequences, the term is well known to skilled artisans (see, e.g., Sequence Analysis in Molecular Biology, von Heinje, G., Academic Press (1987); and Sequence Analysis Primer, Gribskov., M. and Devereux, J., eds., M Stockton Press, New York (1991)).","Methods commonly employed to determine identity between sequences include, for example, those disclosed in Carillo, H., and Lipman, D., SIAM J.","Applied Math.","(1988) 48:1073.“Substantially identical” as used herein, means there is a very high degree of homology (preferably 100% sequence identity) between the inhibitory dsRNA and the corresponding part of the target gene.","However, dsRNA having greater than 90% or 95% sequence identity may be used in the present invention, and thus sequence variations that might be expected due to genetic mutation, strain polymorphism, or evolutionary divergence can be tolerated.","Although 100% identity is preferred, the dsRNA may contain single or multiple base pair random mismatches between the RNA and the target gene, provided that the mismatches occur at a distance of at least three nucleotides from the fusion site.","As used herein, “target gene” refers to a section of a DNA strand of a double-stranded DNA that is complementary to a section of a DNA strand, including all transcribed regions, that serves as a matrix for transcription.","The target gene is therefore usually the sense strand.","The protein EIF(iso)4E-2 is also identified as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-2, eIF-4E-2, eIF4E-2, eIF-(iso)4F, and eIF-(iso)4F p28 subunit.","The protein EIF4G is also identified as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G.","The term “complementary RNA strand” refers to the strand of the dsRNA, which is complementary to an mRNA transcript that is formed during expression of the target gene, or its processing products.","“dsRNA” refers to a ribonucleic acid molecule having a duplex structure comprising two complementary and anti-parallel nucleic acid strands.","Not all nucleotides of a dsRNA must exhibit Watson-Crick base pairs.","The maximum number of base pairs is the number of nucleotides in the shortest strand of the dsRNA.","As used herein, the term “recombinant DNA construct” refer to any agent such as a plasmid, cosmid, virus, BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome), autonomously replicating sequence, phage, or linear or circular single-stranded or double-stranded DNA or RNA nucleotide sequence, derived from any source, capable of genomic integration or autonomous replication, comprising a DNA molecule in which one or more DNA sequences have been linked in a functionally operative manner using well-known recombinant DNA techniques.","A nucleic acid sequence can be inserted into a vector by a variety of procedures.","In general, the sequence is ligated to the desired position in a vector following digestion of the insert and the vector with appropriate restriction endonucleases.","Alternatively, blunt ends in both the insert and the vector may be ligated.","A variety of cloning techniques are known in the art, e.g., as described in Sambrook, J. et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview, N.Y, (1989) and Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y. (1989).","Such procedures and others are deemed to be within the scope of those skilled in the art.","The vector can be in the form of a plasmid, a viral particle, or a phage.","Preferably, as disclosed herein the vector is a bacterial vector.","Other vectors include chromosomal, non-chromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences, pET-30a and derivatives of pET-30; bacterial plasmids, phage DNA, baculovirus, yeast plasmids, vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage DNA, viral DNA such as vaccinia, adenovirus, fowl pox virus, and pseudorabies.","A variety of cloning and expression vectors for use with prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts are described by, e.g., Sambrook, T. et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview, N.Y, (1989).","“Small interfering RNA” or “siRNA” refers to a short double-strand of ribonucleic acid, approximately 18 to 30 nucleotides in length.","The term “RNA interference” or “RNAi” refers to a cellular mechanism for the destruction of targeted ribonucleic acid molecules.","Under endogenous conditions, RNAi mechanism operates when dsRNA is cleaved to siRNA via an enzyme, DICER.","The siRNA is processed to a single strand of anti-sense ribonucleic acid and coupled with a protein complex named RISC.","The antisense RNA then targets a complementary gene construct, such as messenger RNA that is cleaved by ribonuclease.","While the examples infra discloses constructing dsRNA constructs via enzymatic techniques with the enzyme RNA polymerase, it is contemplated that siRNA can be constructed via RNA oligonucleotide synthesis such as those disclosed in Scaringe, S., Methods Enzymol., 2000, Vol.","317:3 and incorporated herein by reference.","As used herein, “knock-down” is defined as the act of binding an oligonucleotide with a complementary nucleotide sequence of a gene as such that the expression of the gene or mRNA transcript decreases.","In an embodiment, knock-down of a eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G gene in a transgenic plant confers resistance against viral RNA for said transgenic plant.","dsRNA containing a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor gene, preferably eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G.","As disclosed herein, 100% sequence identity between the RNA and the target gene is not required to practice the present invention.","Thus, the invention has the advantage of being able to tolerate sequence variations that might be expected due to genetic mutation, strain polymorphism, or evolutionary divergence.","RNA sequences with insertions, deletions, and single point mutations relative to the target sequence may also be effective for plant resistance to RNA viruses.","Thus, sequence identity may be optimized by sequence comparison and alignment algorithms known in the art.","Thus, the determination of percent identity between any two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.","Non-limiting examples of such mathematical algorithms are the algorithm of Myers and Miller (1988.CABIOS 4: 11-17), the local homology algorithm of Smith et al.","(1981.Adv.","Appl.","Math.","2: 482); the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (1970.J.","Mol.","Biol.","48: 443-453); the search-for-similarity-method of Pearson and Lipman (1988.Proc.","Natl.","Acad.","Sci.","85: 2444-2448; the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul (1990.Proc.","Natl.","Acad.","Sci.","USA 87: 2264), modified as in Karlin and Altschul (1993.Proc.","Natl.","Acad.","Sci.","USA 90: 5873-5877).","Computer implementations of these mathematical algorithms can be utilized for comparison of sequences to determine sequence identity.","Such implementations include, but are not limited to: CLUSTAL in the PC/Gene program (available from Intelligenetics, Mountain View, Calif.); the ALIGN program (Version 2.0) and GAP, BESTFIT, BLAST, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Version 8 (available from Genetics Computer Group (GCG), 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA), MacVector and Assembler Version 12.7 (Macvector.","1939 High House Road, Cary, N.C. USA 27519.Alignments using these programs can be performed using the default parameters.","Greater than 90% sequence identity, or even 100% sequence identity, between the inhibitory RNA and the portion of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor target gene is preferred.","Alternatively, the duplex region of the RNA may be defined functionally as a nucleotide sequence that is capable of hybridizing with a portion of the target gene transcript under stringent conditions (e.g., 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA, 60° C. hybridization for 12-16 hours; followed by washing).","The length of the substantially identical double-stranded nucleotide sequences may be at least about 18, 19, 21, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 491, 500, or 510 bases.","In a preferred embodiment, the length of the constructed double-stranded nucleotide sequence is approximately from about 18 to about 510 nucleotides in length.","The dsRNA construct disclosed herein may optionally comprise a single stranded overhang at either or both ends.","The double-stranded structure may be formed by a single self-complementary RNA strand (i.e.","forming a hairpin loop) or two complementary RNA strands.","RNA duplex formation may be initiated either inside or outside the cell.","When the dsRNA of the invention forms a hairpin loop, it may optionally comprise an intron, as set forth in U.S. 2003/0180945A1 or a nucleotide spacer, which is a stretch of sequence between the complementary RNA strands to stabilize the hairpin transgene in cells.","Methods for making various dsRNA molecules are set forth, for example, in WO 99/53050 and in U.S. Pat.","No.","6,506,559.The RNA may be introduced in an amount that allows delivery of at least one copy per cell.","Expression of higher doses of double-stranded construct may yield more effective RNA viral plant resistance.","While the examples provided wherein describe dsRNA constructs targeting eukaryotic initiation factor genes eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G, (GenBank Accession Nos.","Q03389 and EF190330), it is contemplated that when read in conjunction with the teaching disclosed herein, the construction of other dsRNA constructs targeting other eukaryotic initiation factor complex members which in turn reduce or eliminate viral reproduction and replication are disclosed herein.","Additionally it is contemplated that the disclosure herein would teach the transfer of a nucleic acid fragment into the genome of a host organism, resulting in genetically stable inheritance, particularly in a plant.","Host organisms containing the transformed nucleic acid fragments are referred to as “transgenic” organisms.","Examples of methods of plant transformation include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (De Blaere et al.","1987.Meth.","Enzymol.","143: 277) and biolistic particle delivery or “gene gun” transformation technology (Klein et al.","1987.Nature (London) 327: 70-73; U.S. Pat.","No.","4,945,050, incorporated herein by reference).","Thus, isolated polynucleotides of the present invention can be incorporated into recombinant constructs, typically DNA constructs, capable of introduction into and replication in a host cell.","Such a construct can be a vector that includes a replication system and sequences that are capable of transcription and translation of a polypeptide-encoding sequence in a given host cell.","A number of vectors suitable for stable transformation of plant cells or for the establishment of transgenic plants have been described in, e.g., Pouwels et al.","1985.Supp.","1987.Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual; Weissbach and Weissbach.","1989.Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press, New York; and Flevin et al.","1990.Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston.","Typically, plant expression vectors include, for example, one or more cloned plant genes under the transcriptional control of 5′ and 3′ regulatory sequences and a dominant selectable marker.","Such plant expression vectors also can contain a promoter regulatory region (e.g., a regulatory region controlling inducible or constitutive, environmentally- or developmentally-regulated, or cell- or tissue-specific expression), a transcription initiation start site, a ribosome binding site, an RNA processing signal, a transcription termination site, and/or a polyadenylation signal.","It is to be understood that as used herein the term “transgenic” includes any cell, cell line, callus, tissue, plant part, or plant the genotype of which has been altered by the presence of a heterologous nucleic acid including those transgenics initially so altered as well as those created by sexual crosses or asexual propagation from the initial transgenic.","The term “transgenic” as used herein does not encompass the alteration of the genome (chromosomal or extra-chromosomal) by conventional plant breeding methods or by naturally occurring events such as random cross-fertilization, non-recombinant viral infection, non-recombinant bacterial transformation, non-recombinant transposition, or spontaneous mutation.","The teachings disclosed herein also teach generating a non-transgenic wheat plant having the genes for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G silenced through the use of chemical mutagens such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), radiation based mutagenesis such as fast neutron, or site directed mutagenesis, and targeted editing such as zinc finger nucleases, TALEN, or CRISPR technologies.","An example would be to expose wheat seeds to 0.6% EMS.","M0 seeds would be grown to maturity and allowed to self pollinate.","Plants would be screened at the M2 generation for mutations in the eIF(iso)4E-2.DNA from lines would be pooled and TILLING would be used to identify mutant lines.","Lines would be screened for resistance to WSMV and TriMV.","Resistant lines would be used as germplasm for crop improvement.","A second approach would be to use targeted mutations to alter the binding site of an initiation factor that binds to a binding protein to prevent interactions with viral proteins, thus preventing virus replication.","In an embodiment of the invention, targeted cleavage events can be used, for example, to induce targeted mutagenesis, induce targeted deletions of cellular DNA sequences, and facilitate targeted recombination and integration at a predetermined chromosomal ppTAC or ppeTAC locus.","Techniques of nucleotide editing can be found for example, Urnov et al.","(2010) Nature 435(7042):646-51; United States Patent Publications 20030232410; 20050208489; 20050026157; 20050064474; 20060188987; 20090263900; 20090117617; 20100047805; 20110207221; 20110301073; 2011089775; 20110239315; 20110145940; and International Publication WO 2007/014275, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.","Cleavage can occur through the use of specific nucleases such as engineered zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription-activator like effector nucleases (TALENs), or using the CRISPR/Cas system with an engineered crRNA/tracr RNA (‘single guide RNA’) to guide specific cleavage.","U.S. Patent Publication No.","20080182332 describes the use of non-canonical zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) for targeted modification of plant genomes; U.S. Patent Publication No.","20090205083 describes ZFN-mediated targeted modification of a plant EPSPS locus; U.S. Patent Publication No.","20100199389 describes targeted modification of a plant Zp15 locus and U.S. Patent Publication No.","20110167521 describes targeted modification of plant genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis.","In addition, Moehle et al.","(2007) Proc.","Natl.","Acad, Sci.","USA 104(9):3055-3060 describes using designed ZFNs for targeted gene addition at a specified locus.","U.S. Patent Publication 20110041195 describes methods of making homozygous diploid organisms.","As used herein, the term “plant” includes reference to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, etc.","), seeds, plant cells, and progeny of same.","Parts of transgenic plants are to be understood within the scope of the invention to comprise, for example, plant cells, protoplasts, tissues, callus, embryos as well as flowers, stems, fruits, leaves, roots originating in transgenic plants or their progeny previously transformed with a DNA molecule of the invention and therefore consisting at least in part of transgenic cells, are also an object of the present invention.","Example 1: Cloning of eIF(iso)4E-2 (SEQ.","ID.","NO: 2) A search term of “eIF4F” was used to identify a partial cDNA sequence from the TIGR wheat EST database (http:\\jcvi.org\\wheat\\ wheat gene index term TC383303).","That sequence was used in a BLASTX search to find the full length Triticum aestivum L. EIF(iso)4E-2 amino acid sequence in GenBank (Accession number Q03389).","The nucleotide sequence of Q03389 was used to design the primers used to clone a portion of eIF(iso)4E-2.Forward CACCCGCAAATGGAGGCAAATGGACTGT (SEQ.","ID.","NO: 5) and Reverse TCCACCTCTGCTTGGTTTCTGACT (SEQ.","ID.","NO: 6) primers were used to amplify a 298 fragment of eIF(iso)4E-2 from cDNA from the cultivar Bobwhite corresponding to nucleotides 318-615.CACC was added to the 5′ end of the forward primer for directional cloning of the PCR fragment into the entry vector pENTER-D/TOPO (Life Technologies) which carries two recombination sites, attL1 and attL2.The CP fragment was independently cloned into pANDA mini vector (Miki and Shimamoto, 2003; FIG.","1A, FIG.","1B) by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).","Example 2: Generation of Silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 Transgenic Wheat Conferring Resistance to Viruses The construct was bombarded in five independent biolistic experiments using approximately 900 independent wheat embryos.","Embryogenic calli was transferred into glufosinate selection and regeneration cycles, where morphological differentiation occurred normally.","One hundred and nineteen plants were generated under glufosinate selection, and transferred to soil.","Plants were tested for glufosinate resistance and 15 herbicide resistant plants were identified.","PCR analyses of these plants identified three with the hairpin construct.","Lines were self fertilized and tested in the T3 generation.","The majority of the lines derived from single seed descent that contained the gene of interest (GOI) and were expressing were resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Triticum Mosaic Virus (TriMV) both individually and during co-infection (Table 1).","Seed from the T2 generation were bulked for testing with Soilbourne mosaic virus (SbWMV).","Soil infected with SbWMV was collected and used to grow plants.","Most plants that had the GOI and were expressing the GOI were found to be resistant to the virus (Table 2).","Bulked T2 seed was also used for testing resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).","A viruliferous aphid colony containing three strains of BYDV, -SGV, -MAV and PAV were used.","Ten viruliferous aphids were placed individually on each plant and allowed time to infect.","Aphids were then destroyed.","Plants were allowed to recover.","Most plants that contained the GOI and were expressing were found to be resistant (Table 3).","TABLE 1 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 co-infected with WSMV and TriMV.","Transgenic plants were T3 generation derived by single seed selection.","Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.","Total GOI + and Resistant Resistant T3 eIF4(iso)4E-2 Plants Expressing to WSMV to TriMV 1550A 50 47 45 45 1822A 53 45 40 40 1814A 54 52 43 43 Transgenic Bobwhite 24 0 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 2 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 infected with SbWMV.","Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.","Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.","Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4(iso)4E-2 Plants Expressing to SbWMV 1550A 75 32 26 1822A 70 28 24 1814A 73 30 24 Transgenic Bobwhite 17 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 3 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 infected with BYDV.","Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.","Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.","Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4(iso)4E-2 Plants Expressing to BYDV 1550A 16 3 3 1822A 10 7 6 1814A 9 6 6 Transgenic Bobwhite 2 0 0 w/o GOI Example 3: Cloning of eIF4G (SEQ: ID.","NO.","4) A search of “Triticum aestivum eIF4G” was used to identify the wheat eIF4G cDNA (EF190330) sequence from GenBank and used to design primers used to clone a portion of wheat eIF4G.","The primers used were Forward CACCTCAGCAGCACCATTGGTATCTCCA (SEQ.","ID.","NO: 7) and Reverse GCTCGGAGCATTCAACTCCTCAA (SEQ.","ID.","NO: 8).","The primers amplified a fragment of a 517 bp from regions 3479-3993 of the eIF4G sequence (EF190330).","The fragment was amplified from cDNA from the cultivar Bobwhite.","CACC was added to the 5′ end of the forward primer for directional cloning of the PCR fragment into the entry vector pENTER-D/TOPO (Life Technologies) which carries two recombination sites, attL1 and attL2.The CP fragment was independently cloned into pANDA mini vector (Miki and Shimamoto, 2003; FIG.","1A, 1B) by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).","Example 4: Generation of Silenced eIF4G Transgenic Wheat Conferring Resistance to Viruses A fragment of 517 bp from the host eukaryotic translation initiation factor G (GenBank Accession #EF190330.1) was cloned in pANDA mini and co-bombarded with pAHC20 in five independent biolistic experiments using approximately 900 wheat embryos.","Embryogenic calli was transferred onto glufosinate selection.","Seventy-two plants were generated under glufosinate selection and transferred to soil.","PCR analyses confirmed the presence of the eIF4G hairpin construct in three lines of the bar-positive plants.","Lines were self fertilized through the T3 generation.","At the T3 generation, plants were inoculated with either WSMV or Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) at the 2-3 leaf stage.","Fourteen days later, plants were inoculated again to insure infection.","Twenty-one days after the second inoculation, plants were scored for viral symptoms and compared to the nontransformed Bobwhite susceptible control.","Leaf samples were also taken and used for ELISA to determine the presence of viral antigen.","The majority of the lines that contained the gene of interest (GOI) were resistant to WSMV and TriMV both individually and during co-infection (Table 4).","Seed from the T2 generation were bulked for testing with Soilbourne mosaic virus (SbWMV).","Soil infected with SbWMV was collected and used to grow plants.","Most plants that had the GOI and were expressing the GOI were found to be resistant to the virus (Table 5).","Bulked T2 seed was also used for testing resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).","A viruliferous aphid colony containing three strains of BYDV, -SGV, -MAV and PAV were used.","Ten viruliferous aphids were placed individually on each plant and allowed time to infect.","Aphids were then destroyed.","Plants were allowed to recover.","Most plants that contained the GOI and were expressing were found to be resistant (Table 6).","These results indicate the eIF4G hairpin construct provides resistance to the two potyviruses, the luteovirus and the furovirus.","TABLE 4 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF4G co-infected with WSMV and TriMV.","Transgenic plants were T3 generation derived by single seed selection.","Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.","Total GOI + and Resistant Resistant T3 eIF4G Plants Expressing to WSMV to TriMV 1673A 50 47 47 47 1742A 51 48 48 48 1755A 50 48 48 48 1830A 46 52 42 42 Transgenic Bobwhite 24 0 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 5 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF4G infected with SbWMV.","Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.","Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.","Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4G Plants Expressing to SbWMV 1673A 10 6 6 1742A 29 19 15 1755A 20 12 9 1830A 12 7 7 Transgenic Bobwhite 11 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 6 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF4G infected with BYDV.","Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.","Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.","Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4G Plants Expressing to BYDV 1673A 10 4 3 1742A 5 1 1 1755A 7 2 2 1830A 5 3 3 Transgenic Bobwhite 7 0 0 w/o GOI While the invention has been described with reference to details of the illustrated embodiment, these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.","All cited references and published patent applications cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference.","The embodiment of the invention in which exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:"]],"string":"[\n [\n \"PLANT GERMPLASM RESISTANT TO RNA VIRUSES\",\n \"Disclosed is a dsRNA construct used to silencing specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor in plants to produce a plant resistant to viruses such as Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"More specifically, the plant would be resistant to viruses such as Wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus, Soil bourne mosaic virus, or Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"Also disclosed are non-transgenic wheat plants having the genes for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G silenced.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method of producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses, the method comprising: a) introducing into a parental plant germplasm a chimeric DNA molecule comprising (i) a plant expressible promoter, (ii) a region which encodes dsRNA for eIF4G which is capable of inhibiting RNA viral replication, and (iii) a plant translation termination signal, b) transforming said parental plant germplasm, c) generating a plant germplasm from the parental plant germplasm comprising the chimeric DNA molecule; and d) selecting plant germplasm obtained from step (c) and identifying germplasm having immunity to viral RNA replication, wherein the plant germplasm is a wheat plant germplasm, and wherein said resistance is due to inhibited expression of a eIF4G gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 4.2.The plant germplasm produced by the method of claim 1.3.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 1 wherein the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 1 wherein the expression of transgenes and resistance phenotype remains stable in multiple generations of the progeny.\",\n \"9.The seed of a transgenic plant produced by the method of claim 1, wherein the seed has immunity to viral RNA replication, and wherein the seed comprises said chimeric DNA molecule.\",\n \"10.The method of claim 1 wherein said transforming is through a process selected from the group consisting of a biolistic particle delivery system, microprojectile bombardment, viral infection, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and electroporation.\",\n \"11.\",\n \"(canceled) 12.\",\n \"(canceled) 13.A transgenic plant having resistance to RNA viruses, the transgenic plant comprising a chimeric DNA molecule which encodes a double stranded RNA molecule for eIF4G, wherein the transgenic plant is resistant to RNA viruses, and wherein said resistance is due to inhibited expression of a eIF4G gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 4.14.A transgenic wheat plant comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a sequence encoding the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3 or the antisense corresponding to SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3, wherein said transgenic plant has increased resistance to positive strand RNA viruses.\",\n \"15-17.\",\n \"(canceled) 18.A nucleic acid construct comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3 or the antisense sequence corresponding to SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO:3, operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant cell.\",\n \"19.A vector comprising the nucleic acid construct of claim 18.20.A transgenic plant having stably incorporated in its genome the nucleic acid construct of claim 18.21.A non-transgenic plant comprising an eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome, whereby the eIF(iso)4E-2 allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 2, characterized in that said eIF(iso)4E-2 allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome.\",\n \"22.The non-transgenic plant of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"23.The non-transgenic plant of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.\",\n \"24.The non-transgenic plant of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.\",\n \"25.The method of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.\",\n \"26.The method of claim 21 wherein the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"27.The seed of a non-transgenic plant produced by the method of claim 21.28.A non-transgenic plant comprising an eIF4G allele in its genome, whereby the eIF4G allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 4, characterized in that said eIF4G allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF4G allele in its genome.\",\n \"29.The non-transgenic plant of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"30.The non-transgenic plant of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.\",\n \"31.The non-transgenic plant of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.\",\n \"32.The method of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.\",\n \"33.The method of claim 28 wherein the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"34.The seed of a non-transgenic wheat plant produced by the method of claim 28.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF INVENTION <EOH>Fire, et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,506,559) discloses a process of introducing RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell.\",\n \"The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure.\",\n \"Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical.\",\n \"Specifically, Fire, et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,506,559) discloses a method to inhibit expression of a target gene in a cell, the method comprising introduction of a double stranded ribonucleic acid into the cell in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression of the target gene, wherein the RNA is a double-stranded molecule with a first ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which corresponds to a nucleotide sequence of the target gene and a second ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the target gene.\",\n \"Furthermore, the first and the second ribonucleotide strands are separately complementary strands that hybridize to each other to form the said double-stranded construct, and the double-stranded construct inhibits expression of the target gene.\",\n \"To utilize RNA interference as a method to regulate gene expression for control, a specific essential gene needs to be targeted.\",\n \"Coordinated gene expression requires factors involved in transcription and translation.\",\n \"Translation initiation coordinates activities of several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) or proteins which are classically defined by their cytoplasmic location and ability to regulate the initiation phase of protein synthesis.\",\n \"One of these factors, the eIF4F complex involves the expression of two proteins EIF(iso)4E-2 and EIF4G.\",\n \"Disclosed in Caranta et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,919,677) is a method to obtain Potyvirus resistant plants having mutations in an eIF4E translation factor region.\",\n \"Additionally, disclosed in Jahn et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,772,462) is silencing of translation initiation factor eIF4E from Capsicum annuum imparted virus resistance to transgenic plants.\",\n \"Given the interest and showing of viral resistance to poyviruses related to eIF4 region, there is a need in the art to determine whether targeting eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G via RNA interference induces viral resistance in vial susceptible plants.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS <EOH>The present invention together with the above and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, wherein: FIG.\",\n \"1A and FIG.\",\n \"1B depicts a vector map for a CP fragment cloned into pANDA mini vector by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase.\",\n \"detailed-description description=\\\"Detailed Description\\\" end=\\\"lead\\\"?\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.\",\n \"§ 119(e) to U.S.\",\n \"Provisional Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"61/882,116, which was filed on Sep. 25, 2013, and is hereby incorporated by reference.\",\n \"FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to silencing specific eukaryotic translation initiation factors in plants to produce a plant resistant to viruses such as Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"More specifically, the plant would be resistant to viruses such as Wheat streak mosaic virus, Triticum mosaic virus, Soil bourne mosaic virus, or Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Fire, et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,506,559) discloses a process of introducing RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell.\",\n \"The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure.\",\n \"Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical.\",\n \"Specifically, Fire, et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,506,559) discloses a method to inhibit expression of a target gene in a cell, the method comprising introduction of a double stranded ribonucleic acid into the cell in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression of the target gene, wherein the RNA is a double-stranded molecule with a first ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which corresponds to a nucleotide sequence of the target gene and a second ribonucleic acid strand consisting essentially of a ribonucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the target gene.\",\n \"Furthermore, the first and the second ribonucleotide strands are separately complementary strands that hybridize to each other to form the said double-stranded construct, and the double-stranded construct inhibits expression of the target gene.\",\n \"To utilize RNA interference as a method to regulate gene expression for control, a specific essential gene needs to be targeted.\",\n \"Coordinated gene expression requires factors involved in transcription and translation.\",\n \"Translation initiation coordinates activities of several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) or proteins which are classically defined by their cytoplasmic location and ability to regulate the initiation phase of protein synthesis.\",\n \"One of these factors, the eIF4F complex involves the expression of two proteins EIF(iso)4E-2 and EIF4G.\",\n \"Disclosed in Caranta et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,919,677) is a method to obtain Potyvirus resistant plants having mutations in an eIF4E translation factor region.\",\n \"Additionally, disclosed in Jahn et al.\",\n \"(U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"7,772,462) is silencing of translation initiation factor eIF4E from Capsicum annuum imparted virus resistance to transgenic plants.\",\n \"Given the interest and showing of viral resistance to poyviruses related to eIF4 region, there is a need in the art to determine whether targeting eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G via RNA interference induces viral resistance in vial susceptible plants.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention together with the above and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, wherein: FIG.\",\n \"1A and FIG.\",\n \"1B depicts a vector map for a CP fragment cloned into pANDA mini vector by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES The invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying sequence descriptions, which form a part of this application.\",\n \"SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 1: ATGGCAGAGGTCGAAGCTGCGCTCCCGGTGGCGGCGACAGAGACCCCGGA GGTCGCCGCCGAGGGCGACGCGGGTGCGGCCGAGGCGAAGGGGCCGCACA AGCTGCAGCGGCAGTGGACCTTCTGGTACGACATCCAGACCAAGCCCAAG CCCGGCGCCGCCTGGGGCACCTCGCTCAAAAAGGGCTACACCTTCGACAC CGTCGAAGAGTTCTGGTGCTTGTATGATCAGATTTTCCGTCCGAGTAAGC TGGTAGGAAGTGCTGATTTTCATTTATTCAAGGCTGGGGTAGAACCAAAG TGGGAAGATCCAGAGTGCGCAAATGGAGGCAAATGGACTGTGATATCTAG CAGGAAGACCAATCTTGATACCATGTGGCTTGAAACGTGTATGGCTCTGA TTGGAGAGCAGTTCGATGAAAGCCAGGAAATTTGTGGTGTTGTTGCTAGT GTCCGCCAGAGACAGGATAAGCTTTCATTATGGACTAAGACTGCCAGTAA CGAAGCTGTTCAGGTGGACATTGGCAAGAAATGGAAGGAGGTTATTGACT ACAATGATAAGATGGTCTACAGCTTCCACGATGACTCAAGAAGTCAGAAA CCAAGCAGAGGTGGACGATACACCGTCTAA corresponds to the cDNA of eIF(iso)4E-2.SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 2: MAEVEAALPVAATETPEVAAEGDAGAAEAKGPHKLQRQWTFWYDIQTKPK PGAAWGTSLKKGYTFDTVEEFWCLYDQIFRPSKLVGSADFHLFKAGVEPK WEDPECANGGKWTVISSRKTNLDTMWLETCMALIGEQFDESQEICGVVAS VRQRQDKLSLWTKTASNEAVQVDIGKKWKEVIDYNDKMVYSFHDDSRSQK PSRGGRYTV corresponds to the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 1.SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3: ATGGGGCATCAAGGACAAACCATGATGTATCCGTCTGTTGCTCATCCAAT CCCTCCTCAACTGGGCAATGTTAATTTGAACATGGCTTCACAGTATCCTC AGCAACAGCAGAATAAGCTTGTTGCTCCTCGAAAGAGCAGTAATATCAAA ATTACTGATCCAAACACTAACAAAGAAGTGGTTCTTGGGCGGCCTTCACC TAATGTAGCAGTACAACCGCAGCAAGTCAGTGGTGTTGCAACTCAGCCTA TGGTTTACTATACTAATCCACAGCAGACCTCGTATAACCAGTCAGGCACG TATTACTCCGGCACTGCTGGTGTTGTTCCCACTGGATCACAGGGCAGGTT TGGTTATCCTGCCACTCAAGCTGGTCAATCAATTCCTTTCATGAACCCTT CTATGTCAAATACTGTTCCTGCCAGCCACAAGGACAACATAGCTGGGCCT GCACCATCTGGTCAGTCCCAACTCATAGGCAAACCACAAGGTGGGTTGCA CATGGAGAAACCTGTTCCCTCGGTCAAGATAAGTATGCCTGCAGGTAGAT CAGACGCTTCTAAATTCGGGTCGCTGACCATGCGGTACAACATCGACAAA AGGATAATGAAGTTATTTCTGGTGCTATGGTTTCGAATAAACCAGTTAGT GAGAAGGAGAGCAAGGCACCATCTATCCCAGAGAAGCACTCCAAGGAAAG TAAAGCACCATCTGCCGTGGAGAAGCATCCCACTGCGGTGACTCAACCTT TACCGATTCAAGCTGCAAAGCCAGAAACTGATGCAGCGACTGCAAATTCA CCCTCATTCTTGACCGGAGCTGATGAAAAGAAAGAATCCCTTCCAATGAC TGATTCACTTAAGGATAACAAGAAAAATGCAACTAGAAATGACACAAAGA ATTTGCCGCAACAACCTCAGTCTGCTTCCCCTGCCGAAGAGTTGAAGGGG CAAACTTCTGTGAAGCTTGGTGATGATGTGGTTGGTCACATGGAAACCAA GAGCTTCGATAGTGAAAAGGTGGATTTAACCAGCAAGGTTTCAGGCTTAA CATCAGCAACATCTGAAAGTAGTATTTCTCCTATTCTTGGTAAAAGTGAA GCTGACAGCACATCAGTAGATGCTGCTGATGTTCCTGCCATGGTAATCAG CTCTGCAAAATTGTCCTCTGCGAGCACTGGGGAGCCCCAAGCAGTAGAAA GCTTAGGTGTTGCTGCTGTTAAATCTAAGGAGATTGAAATAACTCACCAA ATTTCACCTGAATCTAGTGATGGCAAAATTATGTCTGATTCTACTGAAAA TGAATCACATGACTTCACGGTGGACTTGGCTGAGCAGGCATCATTGGCAA CTTCAAAGCCTGGTAATTCAGATGCAACATCTTTTGTAACTGACCCGCAA GAGCTACCCAAGGAGTGCACAACATCTGTACCGGAGGACCACAGTTTGAT GAATACATCACATAATAAGGATACCCAAACTTTATCAGCTTCTGTGGATG CCAGCGATGTGTCTGAGGTCAATTCTGGAACCTCATCAGAGTCTACCAGC CAAAGTACCAACGATAAAGATATCAGAAGTAGCATTCAGGAAACTGGATT AGCTGTTTCTGGTATTACTCCTGGCATGTTGCCTGTGAATCATTCAGTTG CATCTGAGGGGCAAGTCAAACATGCAGATGGAGCGAAGGATGAGTCTAGT ACTGAGCAATCAAGTGCCGTACCAACAGGTTCTGTTAGACCCTTATCAAG GGAAAAACCTACTGCAGAGCTTGCCCGAACAAAGTCTACAGCTGGGAGAA AGAAGAAACGGAAGGAAATGCTTTCAAAAGCTGATGCTGCTGGGAGCTCA GATCTGTACAATGCATACAAAGGACCACAAGAACAGTCTGAGAGTGTTGC CACATCAGACGGTGCTGATAGTTCTTCAACAGTCGACGGGACACATGTGC TGCCTGAGGAATCAGAAAGGGAGGTGATGTGTGAGGACGATGGAAAGAAA AAAGTTGAGCCGGATGATTGGGAAGATGCAGCAGACATGTCTACTCCAAA GCTGCAAAGTTCGGACTCTGGAAACCAGGCTAGTGCAGTTCAATTGCCAG ATTCTGATATGACTGAAGCTAATGGCCGAAAGAAATATTCTCGTGATTTT CTTCTAACTTTTGCACATCAGTATTCTAGTCTTCCTGTTGGCATCCGGAT GGATACTGTCACTAGTACGCTATTCAAAGATTTGGCAGGAAAATCCTATG TTATTGATCGGGAACCTCACCCAAGTTCTGCAAGGGGATCTGATAGACCA ACATCTCGCGGTGATCGCCGTGGTCCTGCTATGGATGATGATAAGTGGTT AAAATCAGGTGTTCCTTACAGTCCTAACCGTGATGCCCACATGGACTTGA CAAACGGCCCAGCAATTAATTACCGTGGCGGCCCAGGAGGCGCTCATGGT GTTCTGAGGAATCCACGTGGTGCACTCCTTGTGGGACCACAATCCAATGC TCCTCAAGTACCCCGCAGTGGCTCTGATGCAGATAGATGGCAGCAAAAGG GTCTGATCCCATCTCCTGTTACACCCATGCAAGTAATGCACAAAGCCGAG AAAAAGTATGTTGTCGGCAAAGTTTCTGATGAGGAGCAGGCAAAGCAGAG GCAGCTGAAAGCCATTCTGAATAAACTGACCCCACAAAACTTTGACAAGC TTTTTGAACAAGTGAAAGAGGTGAACATTGACAATGTATCAACTCTTACT GGGGTGATTTCACAGATATTTGACAAAGCTTTGATGGAACCAACTTTCTG TGAAATGTATGCCAACTTCTGTTCCCATTTGGCTGGTGCCCTGCCAGACT TTAGTGAGGACAATGAAAAGATTACATTCAAGAGACTGCTATTGAACAAG TGCCAAGAGGAGTTTGAGAGGGGAGAAAGAGAAGAAGCTGAAGCAGATAA AACGGAGGAGGAAGGTGAGATTAAGCAAACGAAAGAGGAAAGGGAAGAAA AGAGAGTTAAAGCTCGAAGGCGCATGCTGGGTAATATTAGATTGATTGGA GAATTGTACAAAAAGAGGATGTTGACAGAGCGCATCATGCATGAATGCAT CAAAAAATTGTTGGGAAATTATCAGAATCCAGATGAGGAGAACATTGAAG CACTATGCAAATTGATGAGTACAATTGGAGAGATGATAGATCATCCCAAG GCTAAGGAACATATGGATGCNTATTTTGATAGAATGCGCAACCTGTCGAC CAGTCAACTGATATCTTCCCGTGTTAGATTCCTGCTCAGAGATTCAATCG ATCTCAGGAAGAACAAATGGCAGCAAAGGCGTAAAGTGGATGGCCCCAAG AAGATTGATGAGGTTCACAGGGATGCAGCTCAGGAAAGACATGCTCAATC GAGTAGGTCTCGTGGTCCAGTCGTTAGTTCTCTTCCAAGAAGAGGGGCAC CCTCTATGGATTACGGCTCCCGTGGCTCAGCAGCACCATTGGTATCTCCA GGTCCTCAGCAACGAGGGCGTGGATTTGGTAATCAAGATATTCGGTATGA GCAGGAAAGGCATCAGTTTGATAGAACTGTTCCCCTTCCCCAGCGTTCTG TAAAGGACGAAGCTATCACTCTTGGACCACAAGGTGGCCTAGCTAGGGGT ATGTCTTTAAGAGGGCAGCCACCGGTATCAAATTCTGAACTTCCTAGTGT TGTTGACCAGCGCAGGATTGTATCTGGTCCTAATGGGTACAATTCTGTGC CTTCAACAACAAGAGAAGACACTAGCTCTAGAATTCCAGATCGATTTTCT GGGAGAATAGCACCTGCTGCACAATCTGCTAGTTCTTCACACAGACCTGC CAGCCAGGAGGGTCGTTCAGGAAATAAATCATACTCTGAGGAGGAATTGA GAGAGAAATCTATTGCAACCATCCGGGAATATTATAGTGCGAAAGATGAA AAGGAAGTTGCATTGTGTATTGAGGAGTTGAATGCTCCGAGCTTCTATCC TTCTCTTGTATCACTTTGGGTAAATGATTCCTTTGAGAGGAAAGATATGG AAAGAGAGTTGTTGGCAAAGCTCTTTGTCGGGCTTTACAATGGTGGATAT AATTTATTGAGCAAGCCTCAGCTCATTGAGGGGCTTTCATCCGTTCTTGC TTCATTGGAGGATGCTCTAAGTGATTCTCCAAGAGCGGCAGAGTATCTTG GACGTCTTCTTGCAAGGTTTGTGGTGGAGAAGATACTGGTTTTGCAAGAC GTAGGTAAATTGATTGAAGAAGGCGGAGAGGAGCCTGGACACCTTGTGCA GGAAGGCATCGCAGCTGATGTCCTTGGCGCAGTCTTGGAGTGGATCAGAA CAGAAAAGGGGGATTCCTTCTTGAAGGAGGCCAAGACAAGCTCCAATCTC AAGTTGGAGGATTTCAGACCGCAGCATCTTAAGAGGTCAAAGTTGGATGC CTTCATGTTGACTTAA corresponds to the cDNA of eIF4G.\",\n \"SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 4: MGHQGQTMMYPSVAHPIPPQLGNVNLNMASQYPQQQQNKLVAPRKSSNIK ITDPNTNKEVVLGRPSPNVAVQPQQVSGVATQPMVYYTNPQQTSYNQSGT YYSGTAGVVPTGSQGRFGYPATQAGQSIPFMNPSMSNTVPASHKDNIAGP APSGQSQLIGKPQGGLHMEKPVPSVKISMPAGRSDASKFGVADHAVQHRQ KDNEVISGAMVSNKPVSEKESKAPSIPEKHSKESKAPSAVEKHPTAVTQP LPIQAAKPETDAATANSPSFLTGADEKKESLPMTDSLKDNKKNATRNDTK NLPQQPQSASPAEELKGQTSVKLGDDVVGHMETKSFDSEKVDLTSKVSGL TSATSESSISPILGKSEADSTSVDAADVPAMVISSAKLSSASTGEPQAVE SLGVAAVKSKEIEITHQISPESSDGKIMSDSTENESHDFTVDLAEQASLA TSKPGNSDATSFVTDPQELPKECTTSVPEDHSLMNTSHNKDTQTLSASVD ASDVSEVNSGTSSESTSQSTNDKDIRSSIQETGLAVSGITPGMLPVNHSV ASEGQVKHADGAKDESSTEQSSAVPTGSVRPLSREKPTAELARTKSTAGR KKKRKEMLSKADAAGSSDLYNAYKGPQEQSESVATSDGADSSSTVDGTHV LPEESEREVMCEDDGKKKVEPDDWEDAADMSTPKLQSSDSGNQASAVQLP DSDMTEANGRKKYSRDFLLTFAHQYSSLPVGIRMDTVTSTLFKDLAGKSY VIDREPHPSSARGSDRPTSRGDRRGPAMDDDKWLKSGVPYSPNRDAHMDL TNGPAINYRGGPGGAHGVLRNPRGALLVGPQSNAPQVPRSGSDADRWQQK GLIPSPVTPMQVMHKAEKKYVVGKVSDEEQAKQRQLKAILNKLTPQNFDK LFEQVKEVNIDNVSTLTGVISQIFDKALMEPTFCEMYANFCSHLAGALPD FSEDNEKITFKRLLLNKCQEEFERGEREEAEADKTEEEGEIKQTKEEREE KRVKARRRMLGNIRLIGELYKKRMLTERIMHECIKKLLGNYQNPDEENIE ALCKLMSTIGEMIDHPKAKEHMDAYFDRMRNLSTSQLISSRVRFLLRDSI DLRKNKWQQRRKVDGPKKIDEVHRDAAQERHAQSSRSRGPVVSSLPRRGA PSMDYGSRGSAAPLVSPGPQQRGRGFGNQDIRYEQERHQFDRTVPLPQRS VKDEAITLGPQGGLARGMSLRGQPPVSNSELPSVVDQRRIVSGPNGYNSV PSTTREDTSSRlPDRFSGRIAPAAQSASSSHRPASQEGRSGNKSYSEEEL REKSIATIREYYSAKDEKEVALCIEELNAPSFYPSLVSLWVNDSFERKDM ERELLAKLFVGLYNGGYNLLSKPQLIEGLSSVLASLEDALSDSPRAAEYL GRLLARFVVEKILVLQDVGKLIEEGGEEPGHLVQEGIAADVLGAVLEWIR TEKGDSFLKEAKTSSNLKLEDFRPQHLKRSKLDAFMLT corresponds to the amino acid sequence encoded by SEQ ID NO: 3.SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 5: CACCCGCAAATGGAGGCAAATGGACTGT is a forward primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF(iso)4E-2.SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 6: TCCACCTCTGCTTGGTTTCTGACT is a reverse primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF(iso)4E-2.SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 7: CACCTCAGCAGCACCATTGGTATCTCCA is a forward primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF4G.\",\n \"SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 8 GCTCGGAGCATTCAACTCCTCAA is a reverse primer used to amplify a fragment of eIF4G.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Disclosed herein is a method of producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses, the method comprises introducing into a parental plant germplasm a chimeric DNA molecule comprising (i) a plant expressible promoter, (ii) a region which encodes dsRNA for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G which is capable of inhibiting RNA viral replication (iii) plant translation termination signal, b) transforming said parental plant germplasm, c) generating a plant germplasm from the parental plant germplasm comprising the chimeric DNA molecule; and d) selecting plant germplasm obtained from step (c) and identifying germplasm having immunity to viral RNA replication.\",\n \"In one embodiment of the invention, also disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method disclosed herein.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method disclosed where the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"In another embodiment of invention, the expression of transgenes and resistance phenotype remains stable in multiple generations of the progeny in the transgenic plant produced by the method herein.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, the seed of a transgenic plant produced by the method herein.\",\n \"In various embodiments of the invention, the method for transforming plant germplasm can be accomplish through a process selected from the group consisting of a biolistic particle delivery system, microprojectile bombardment, viral infection, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and electroporation.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, the method for producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses is due to inhibited expression of an eIF(iso)4E-2 gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 2.In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method for producing a plant germplasm having resistance to RNA viruses is due to inhibited expression of an eIF4G gene encoding a protein comprising SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 4.In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a transgenic plant having resistance to RNA viruses where said transgenic plant comprises a chimeric DNA molecule which encodes a double stranded RNA molecule for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G.\",\n \"Disclosed herein is a nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 1 or an antisense sequence corresponding to SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 1, wherein the construct is operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant cell.\",\n \"Also disclosed is a vector comprising of the nucleic acid SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 1.In an embodiment of the invention is a transgenic plant having stably incorporated in its genome the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO:1.Disclosed herein is a nucleic acid construct comprising of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3 or an antisense sequence corresponding to SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3, wherein the construct is operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant cell.\",\n \"Also disclosed is a vector comprising the nucleic acid SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 3.In an embodiment of the invention is a transgenic plant having stably incorporated in its genome the nucleotide sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO:3.Disclosed herein is a non-transgenic plant comprising an eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome, whereby the eIF(iso)4E-2 allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 1, characterized in that said eIF(iso)4E-2 allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF(iso)4E-2 allele in its genome.\",\n \"In an embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method disclosed where the plant is resistant to RNA plant viruses selected from the group consisting of Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method wherein the plant is resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Triticum mosaic virus.\",\n \"In yet another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Soil bourne mosaic virus.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein where the plant is resistant to Barley yellow dwarf virus.\",\n \"In another embodiment of the invention, the seed of a non-transgenic plant produced by the method herein.\",\n \"Disclosed is a non-transgenic plant comprising of an eIF4G allele in its genome, whereby the eIF4G allele is an allele which encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 4, characterized in that said eIF4G allele comprises one or more mutations in its nucleotide sequence and whereby as a result of said one or more mutations the plant comprising said mutant allele in its genome has significant resistance to RNA viruses compared to a plant comprising a wild type eIF4G allele in its genome.\",\n \"Definitions To assist in the understanding of the invention, the following terms, as used herein, are defined below.\",\n \"As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.\",\n \"For example, the term “a cell” includes a plurality of cells, including mixtures thereof.\",\n \"The term “gene” refers to a DNA sequence involved in producing a polypeptide or precursor thereof.\",\n \"The polypeptide can be encoded by a full-length coding sequence or by any portion of the coding sequence, such as exon sequences.\",\n \"In one embodiment of the invention, the gene target is eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “isolated” includes a material removed from its original environment, e.g., the natural environment if it is naturally occurring.\",\n \"For example, a naturally occurring polypeptide present in a living organism is not isolated, but the same polynucleotide or polypeptide, separated from some or all of the coexisting materials in the natural system, is isolated.\",\n \"Such polypeptide can be expressed by a vector and/or such polynucleotides or polypeptides could be part of a composition, and still be isolated in that such vector or composition is not part of its natural environment.\",\n \"As used herein, an isolated material or composition can also be a “purified” composition, i.e., it does not require absolute purity; rather, it is intended as a relative definition.\",\n \"The term “oligonucleotide” refers to a molecule comprising a plurality of deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides.\",\n \"Oligonucleotide may be generated in any manner, including chemical synthesis, DNA replication, reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, or a combination thereof.\",\n \"The present invention embodies utilizing the oligonucleotide in the form of dsRNA as means of interfering with a critical developmental or reproductive process that leads to control.\",\n \"Inasmuch as mononucleotides are synthesized to construct oligonucleotides in a manner such that the 5′ phosphate of one mononucleotide pentose ring is attached to the 3′ oxygen of its neighbor in one direction via a phosphodiester linkage, an end of an oligonucleotide is referred to as the “5′ end” if its 5′ phosphate is not linked to the 3′ oxygen of a mononucleotide pentose ring and as the “3′ end” if its 3′ oxygen is not linked to a 5′ phosphate of a subsequent mononucleotide pentose ring.\",\n \"As used herein, a nucleic acid sequence, even if internal to a larger oligonucleotide, also may be said to have 5′ and 3′ ends.\",\n \"When two different, non-overlapping oligonucleotides anneal to different regions of the same linear complementary nucleic acid sequence, and the 3′ end of one oligonucleotide points towards the 5′ end of the other, the former may be called the “upstream” oligonucleotide and the latter the “downstream” oligonucleotide.\",\n \"The term “primer” refers to an oligonucleotide, which is capable of acting as a point of initiation of synthesis when placed under conditions in which primer extension is initiated.\",\n \"An oligonucleotide “primer” may occur naturally, as in a purified restriction digest or may be produced synthetically.\",\n \"A primer is selected to be “substantially complementary” to a strand of specific sequence of the template.\",\n \"A primer must be sufficiently complementary to hybridize with a template strand for primer elongation to occur.\",\n \"A primer sequence need not reflect the exact sequence of the template.\",\n \"For example, a non-complementary nucleotide fragment may be attached to the 5′ end of the primer, with the remainder of the primer sequence being substantially complementary to the strand.\",\n \"Non-complementary bases or longer sequences can be interspersed into the primer, provided that the primer sequence is sufficiently complementary with the sequence of the template to hybridize and thereby form a template primer complex for synthesis of the extension product of the primer.\",\n \"The term “double stranded RNA” or “dsRNA” refers to two substantially complementary strands of ribonucleic acid.\",\n \"“Identity,” as used herein, is the relationship between two or more polynucleotide sequences, as determined by comparing the sequences.\",\n \"Identity also means the degree of sequence relatedness between polynucleotide sequences, as determined by the match between strings of such sequences.\",\n \"Identity can be readily calculated (see, e.g, Computation Molecular Biology, Lesk, A. M., eds., Oxford University Press, New York (1998), and Biocomputing: Informatics and Genome Projects, Smith, D. W., ed., Academic Press, New York (1993), both of which are incorporated by reference herein).\",\n \"While there exist a number of methods to measure identity between two polynucleotide sequences, the term is well known to skilled artisans (see, e.g., Sequence Analysis in Molecular Biology, von Heinje, G., Academic Press (1987); and Sequence Analysis Primer, Gribskov., M. and Devereux, J., eds., M Stockton Press, New York (1991)).\",\n \"Methods commonly employed to determine identity between sequences include, for example, those disclosed in Carillo, H., and Lipman, D., SIAM J.\",\n \"Applied Math.\",\n \"(1988) 48:1073.“Substantially identical” as used herein, means there is a very high degree of homology (preferably 100% sequence identity) between the inhibitory dsRNA and the corresponding part of the target gene.\",\n \"However, dsRNA having greater than 90% or 95% sequence identity may be used in the present invention, and thus sequence variations that might be expected due to genetic mutation, strain polymorphism, or evolutionary divergence can be tolerated.\",\n \"Although 100% identity is preferred, the dsRNA may contain single or multiple base pair random mismatches between the RNA and the target gene, provided that the mismatches occur at a distance of at least three nucleotides from the fusion site.\",\n \"As used herein, “target gene” refers to a section of a DNA strand of a double-stranded DNA that is complementary to a section of a DNA strand, including all transcribed regions, that serves as a matrix for transcription.\",\n \"The target gene is therefore usually the sense strand.\",\n \"The protein EIF(iso)4E-2 is also identified as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-2, eIF-4E-2, eIF4E-2, eIF-(iso)4F, and eIF-(iso)4F p28 subunit.\",\n \"The protein EIF4G is also identified as eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G.\",\n \"The term “complementary RNA strand” refers to the strand of the dsRNA, which is complementary to an mRNA transcript that is formed during expression of the target gene, or its processing products.\",\n \"“dsRNA” refers to a ribonucleic acid molecule having a duplex structure comprising two complementary and anti-parallel nucleic acid strands.\",\n \"Not all nucleotides of a dsRNA must exhibit Watson-Crick base pairs.\",\n \"The maximum number of base pairs is the number of nucleotides in the shortest strand of the dsRNA.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “recombinant DNA construct” refer to any agent such as a plasmid, cosmid, virus, BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome), autonomously replicating sequence, phage, or linear or circular single-stranded or double-stranded DNA or RNA nucleotide sequence, derived from any source, capable of genomic integration or autonomous replication, comprising a DNA molecule in which one or more DNA sequences have been linked in a functionally operative manner using well-known recombinant DNA techniques.\",\n \"A nucleic acid sequence can be inserted into a vector by a variety of procedures.\",\n \"In general, the sequence is ligated to the desired position in a vector following digestion of the insert and the vector with appropriate restriction endonucleases.\",\n \"Alternatively, blunt ends in both the insert and the vector may be ligated.\",\n \"A variety of cloning techniques are known in the art, e.g., as described in Sambrook, J. et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview, N.Y, (1989) and Ausubel, F. M. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y. (1989).\",\n \"Such procedures and others are deemed to be within the scope of those skilled in the art.\",\n \"The vector can be in the form of a plasmid, a viral particle, or a phage.\",\n \"Preferably, as disclosed herein the vector is a bacterial vector.\",\n \"Other vectors include chromosomal, non-chromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences, pET-30a and derivatives of pET-30; bacterial plasmids, phage DNA, baculovirus, yeast plasmids, vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage DNA, viral DNA such as vaccinia, adenovirus, fowl pox virus, and pseudorabies.\",\n \"A variety of cloning and expression vectors for use with prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts are described by, e.g., Sambrook, T. et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview, N.Y, (1989).\",\n \"“Small interfering RNA” or “siRNA” refers to a short double-strand of ribonucleic acid, approximately 18 to 30 nucleotides in length.\",\n \"The term “RNA interference” or “RNAi” refers to a cellular mechanism for the destruction of targeted ribonucleic acid molecules.\",\n \"Under endogenous conditions, RNAi mechanism operates when dsRNA is cleaved to siRNA via an enzyme, DICER.\",\n \"The siRNA is processed to a single strand of anti-sense ribonucleic acid and coupled with a protein complex named RISC.\",\n \"The antisense RNA then targets a complementary gene construct, such as messenger RNA that is cleaved by ribonuclease.\",\n \"While the examples infra discloses constructing dsRNA constructs via enzymatic techniques with the enzyme RNA polymerase, it is contemplated that siRNA can be constructed via RNA oligonucleotide synthesis such as those disclosed in Scaringe, S., Methods Enzymol., 2000, Vol.\",\n \"317:3 and incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"As used herein, “knock-down” is defined as the act of binding an oligonucleotide with a complementary nucleotide sequence of a gene as such that the expression of the gene or mRNA transcript decreases.\",\n \"In an embodiment, knock-down of a eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G gene in a transgenic plant confers resistance against viral RNA for said transgenic plant.\",\n \"dsRNA containing a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor gene, preferably eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G.\",\n \"As disclosed herein, 100% sequence identity between the RNA and the target gene is not required to practice the present invention.\",\n \"Thus, the invention has the advantage of being able to tolerate sequence variations that might be expected due to genetic mutation, strain polymorphism, or evolutionary divergence.\",\n \"RNA sequences with insertions, deletions, and single point mutations relative to the target sequence may also be effective for plant resistance to RNA viruses.\",\n \"Thus, sequence identity may be optimized by sequence comparison and alignment algorithms known in the art.\",\n \"Thus, the determination of percent identity between any two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.\",\n \"Non-limiting examples of such mathematical algorithms are the algorithm of Myers and Miller (1988.CABIOS 4: 11-17), the local homology algorithm of Smith et al.\",\n \"(1981.Adv.\",\n \"Appl.\",\n \"Math.\",\n \"2: 482); the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (1970.J.\",\n \"Mol.\",\n \"Biol.\",\n \"48: 443-453); the search-for-similarity-method of Pearson and Lipman (1988.Proc.\",\n \"Natl.\",\n \"Acad.\",\n \"Sci.\",\n \"85: 2444-2448; the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul (1990.Proc.\",\n \"Natl.\",\n \"Acad.\",\n \"Sci.\",\n \"USA 87: 2264), modified as in Karlin and Altschul (1993.Proc.\",\n \"Natl.\",\n \"Acad.\",\n \"Sci.\",\n \"USA 90: 5873-5877).\",\n \"Computer implementations of these mathematical algorithms can be utilized for comparison of sequences to determine sequence identity.\",\n \"Such implementations include, but are not limited to: CLUSTAL in the PC/Gene program (available from Intelligenetics, Mountain View, Calif.); the ALIGN program (Version 2.0) and GAP, BESTFIT, BLAST, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Version 8 (available from Genetics Computer Group (GCG), 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA), MacVector and Assembler Version 12.7 (Macvector.\",\n \"1939 High House Road, Cary, N.C. USA 27519.Alignments using these programs can be performed using the default parameters.\",\n \"Greater than 90% sequence identity, or even 100% sequence identity, between the inhibitory RNA and the portion of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor target gene is preferred.\",\n \"Alternatively, the duplex region of the RNA may be defined functionally as a nucleotide sequence that is capable of hybridizing with a portion of the target gene transcript under stringent conditions (e.g., 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA, 60° C. hybridization for 12-16 hours; followed by washing).\",\n \"The length of the substantially identical double-stranded nucleotide sequences may be at least about 18, 19, 21, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 491, 500, or 510 bases.\",\n \"In a preferred embodiment, the length of the constructed double-stranded nucleotide sequence is approximately from about 18 to about 510 nucleotides in length.\",\n \"The dsRNA construct disclosed herein may optionally comprise a single stranded overhang at either or both ends.\",\n \"The double-stranded structure may be formed by a single self-complementary RNA strand (i.e.\",\n \"forming a hairpin loop) or two complementary RNA strands.\",\n \"RNA duplex formation may be initiated either inside or outside the cell.\",\n \"When the dsRNA of the invention forms a hairpin loop, it may optionally comprise an intron, as set forth in U.S. 2003/0180945A1 or a nucleotide spacer, which is a stretch of sequence between the complementary RNA strands to stabilize the hairpin transgene in cells.\",\n \"Methods for making various dsRNA molecules are set forth, for example, in WO 99/53050 and in U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"6,506,559.The RNA may be introduced in an amount that allows delivery of at least one copy per cell.\",\n \"Expression of higher doses of double-stranded construct may yield more effective RNA viral plant resistance.\",\n \"While the examples provided wherein describe dsRNA constructs targeting eukaryotic initiation factor genes eIF(iso)4E-2 and eIF4G, (GenBank Accession Nos.\",\n \"Q03389 and EF190330), it is contemplated that when read in conjunction with the teaching disclosed herein, the construction of other dsRNA constructs targeting other eukaryotic initiation factor complex members which in turn reduce or eliminate viral reproduction and replication are disclosed herein.\",\n \"Additionally it is contemplated that the disclosure herein would teach the transfer of a nucleic acid fragment into the genome of a host organism, resulting in genetically stable inheritance, particularly in a plant.\",\n \"Host organisms containing the transformed nucleic acid fragments are referred to as “transgenic” organisms.\",\n \"Examples of methods of plant transformation include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (De Blaere et al.\",\n \"1987.Meth.\",\n \"Enzymol.\",\n \"143: 277) and biolistic particle delivery or “gene gun” transformation technology (Klein et al.\",\n \"1987.Nature (London) 327: 70-73; U.S. Pat.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"4,945,050, incorporated herein by reference).\",\n \"Thus, isolated polynucleotides of the present invention can be incorporated into recombinant constructs, typically DNA constructs, capable of introduction into and replication in a host cell.\",\n \"Such a construct can be a vector that includes a replication system and sequences that are capable of transcription and translation of a polypeptide-encoding sequence in a given host cell.\",\n \"A number of vectors suitable for stable transformation of plant cells or for the establishment of transgenic plants have been described in, e.g., Pouwels et al.\",\n \"1985.Supp.\",\n \"1987.Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual; Weissbach and Weissbach.\",\n \"1989.Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press, New York; and Flevin et al.\",\n \"1990.Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston.\",\n \"Typically, plant expression vectors include, for example, one or more cloned plant genes under the transcriptional control of 5′ and 3′ regulatory sequences and a dominant selectable marker.\",\n \"Such plant expression vectors also can contain a promoter regulatory region (e.g., a regulatory region controlling inducible or constitutive, environmentally- or developmentally-regulated, or cell- or tissue-specific expression), a transcription initiation start site, a ribosome binding site, an RNA processing signal, a transcription termination site, and/or a polyadenylation signal.\",\n \"It is to be understood that as used herein the term “transgenic” includes any cell, cell line, callus, tissue, plant part, or plant the genotype of which has been altered by the presence of a heterologous nucleic acid including those transgenics initially so altered as well as those created by sexual crosses or asexual propagation from the initial transgenic.\",\n \"The term “transgenic” as used herein does not encompass the alteration of the genome (chromosomal or extra-chromosomal) by conventional plant breeding methods or by naturally occurring events such as random cross-fertilization, non-recombinant viral infection, non-recombinant bacterial transformation, non-recombinant transposition, or spontaneous mutation.\",\n \"The teachings disclosed herein also teach generating a non-transgenic wheat plant having the genes for eIF(iso)4E-2 or eIF4G silenced through the use of chemical mutagens such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), radiation based mutagenesis such as fast neutron, or site directed mutagenesis, and targeted editing such as zinc finger nucleases, TALEN, or CRISPR technologies.\",\n \"An example would be to expose wheat seeds to 0.6% EMS.\",\n \"M0 seeds would be grown to maturity and allowed to self pollinate.\",\n \"Plants would be screened at the M2 generation for mutations in the eIF(iso)4E-2.DNA from lines would be pooled and TILLING would be used to identify mutant lines.\",\n \"Lines would be screened for resistance to WSMV and TriMV.\",\n \"Resistant lines would be used as germplasm for crop improvement.\",\n \"A second approach would be to use targeted mutations to alter the binding site of an initiation factor that binds to a binding protein to prevent interactions with viral proteins, thus preventing virus replication.\",\n \"In an embodiment of the invention, targeted cleavage events can be used, for example, to induce targeted mutagenesis, induce targeted deletions of cellular DNA sequences, and facilitate targeted recombination and integration at a predetermined chromosomal ppTAC or ppeTAC locus.\",\n \"Techniques of nucleotide editing can be found for example, Urnov et al.\",\n \"(2010) Nature 435(7042):646-51; United States Patent Publications 20030232410; 20050208489; 20050026157; 20050064474; 20060188987; 20090263900; 20090117617; 20100047805; 20110207221; 20110301073; 2011089775; 20110239315; 20110145940; and International Publication WO 2007/014275, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.\",\n \"Cleavage can occur through the use of specific nucleases such as engineered zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription-activator like effector nucleases (TALENs), or using the CRISPR/Cas system with an engineered crRNA/tracr RNA (‘single guide RNA’) to guide specific cleavage.\",\n \"U.S. Patent Publication No.\",\n \"20080182332 describes the use of non-canonical zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) for targeted modification of plant genomes; U.S. Patent Publication No.\",\n \"20090205083 describes ZFN-mediated targeted modification of a plant EPSPS locus; U.S. Patent Publication No.\",\n \"20100199389 describes targeted modification of a plant Zp15 locus and U.S. Patent Publication No.\",\n \"20110167521 describes targeted modification of plant genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis.\",\n \"In addition, Moehle et al.\",\n \"(2007) Proc.\",\n \"Natl.\",\n \"Acad, Sci.\",\n \"USA 104(9):3055-3060 describes using designed ZFNs for targeted gene addition at a specified locus.\",\n \"U.S. Patent Publication 20110041195 describes methods of making homozygous diploid organisms.\",\n \"As used herein, the term “plant” includes reference to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, etc.\",\n \"), seeds, plant cells, and progeny of same.\",\n \"Parts of transgenic plants are to be understood within the scope of the invention to comprise, for example, plant cells, protoplasts, tissues, callus, embryos as well as flowers, stems, fruits, leaves, roots originating in transgenic plants or their progeny previously transformed with a DNA molecule of the invention and therefore consisting at least in part of transgenic cells, are also an object of the present invention.\",\n \"Example 1: Cloning of eIF(iso)4E-2 (SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 2) A search term of “eIF4F” was used to identify a partial cDNA sequence from the TIGR wheat EST database (http:\\\\jcvi.org\\\\wheat\\\\ wheat gene index term TC383303).\",\n \"That sequence was used in a BLASTX search to find the full length Triticum aestivum L. EIF(iso)4E-2 amino acid sequence in GenBank (Accession number Q03389).\",\n \"The nucleotide sequence of Q03389 was used to design the primers used to clone a portion of eIF(iso)4E-2.Forward CACCCGCAAATGGAGGCAAATGGACTGT (SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 5) and Reverse TCCACCTCTGCTTGGTTTCTGACT (SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 6) primers were used to amplify a 298 fragment of eIF(iso)4E-2 from cDNA from the cultivar Bobwhite corresponding to nucleotides 318-615.CACC was added to the 5′ end of the forward primer for directional cloning of the PCR fragment into the entry vector pENTER-D/TOPO (Life Technologies) which carries two recombination sites, attL1 and attL2.The CP fragment was independently cloned into pANDA mini vector (Miki and Shimamoto, 2003; FIG.\",\n \"1A, FIG.\",\n \"1B) by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).\",\n \"Example 2: Generation of Silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 Transgenic Wheat Conferring Resistance to Viruses The construct was bombarded in five independent biolistic experiments using approximately 900 independent wheat embryos.\",\n \"Embryogenic calli was transferred into glufosinate selection and regeneration cycles, where morphological differentiation occurred normally.\",\n \"One hundred and nineteen plants were generated under glufosinate selection, and transferred to soil.\",\n \"Plants were tested for glufosinate resistance and 15 herbicide resistant plants were identified.\",\n \"PCR analyses of these plants identified three with the hairpin construct.\",\n \"Lines were self fertilized and tested in the T3 generation.\",\n \"The majority of the lines derived from single seed descent that contained the gene of interest (GOI) and were expressing were resistant to Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and Triticum Mosaic Virus (TriMV) both individually and during co-infection (Table 1).\",\n \"Seed from the T2 generation were bulked for testing with Soilbourne mosaic virus (SbWMV).\",\n \"Soil infected with SbWMV was collected and used to grow plants.\",\n \"Most plants that had the GOI and were expressing the GOI were found to be resistant to the virus (Table 2).\",\n \"Bulked T2 seed was also used for testing resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).\",\n \"A viruliferous aphid colony containing three strains of BYDV, -SGV, -MAV and PAV were used.\",\n \"Ten viruliferous aphids were placed individually on each plant and allowed time to infect.\",\n \"Aphids were then destroyed.\",\n \"Plants were allowed to recover.\",\n \"Most plants that contained the GOI and were expressing were found to be resistant (Table 3).\",\n \"TABLE 1 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 co-infected with WSMV and TriMV.\",\n \"Transgenic plants were T3 generation derived by single seed selection.\",\n \"Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.\",\n \"Total GOI + and Resistant Resistant T3 eIF4(iso)4E-2 Plants Expressing to WSMV to TriMV 1550A 50 47 45 45 1822A 53 45 40 40 1814A 54 52 43 43 Transgenic Bobwhite 24 0 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 2 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 infected with SbWMV.\",\n \"Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.\",\n \"Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.\",\n \"Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4(iso)4E-2 Plants Expressing to SbWMV 1550A 75 32 26 1822A 70 28 24 1814A 73 30 24 Transgenic Bobwhite 17 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 3 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF(iso)4E-2 infected with BYDV.\",\n \"Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.\",\n \"Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.\",\n \"Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4(iso)4E-2 Plants Expressing to BYDV 1550A 16 3 3 1822A 10 7 6 1814A 9 6 6 Transgenic Bobwhite 2 0 0 w/o GOI Example 3: Cloning of eIF4G (SEQ: ID.\",\n \"NO.\",\n \"4) A search of “Triticum aestivum eIF4G” was used to identify the wheat eIF4G cDNA (EF190330) sequence from GenBank and used to design primers used to clone a portion of wheat eIF4G.\",\n \"The primers used were Forward CACCTCAGCAGCACCATTGGTATCTCCA (SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 7) and Reverse GCTCGGAGCATTCAACTCCTCAA (SEQ.\",\n \"ID.\",\n \"NO: 8).\",\n \"The primers amplified a fragment of a 517 bp from regions 3479-3993 of the eIF4G sequence (EF190330).\",\n \"The fragment was amplified from cDNA from the cultivar Bobwhite.\",\n \"CACC was added to the 5′ end of the forward primer for directional cloning of the PCR fragment into the entry vector pENTER-D/TOPO (Life Technologies) which carries two recombination sites, attL1 and attL2.The CP fragment was independently cloned into pANDA mini vector (Miki and Shimamoto, 2003; FIG.\",\n \"1A, 1B) by means of homologous recombination via LR clonase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.).\",\n \"Example 4: Generation of Silenced eIF4G Transgenic Wheat Conferring Resistance to Viruses A fragment of 517 bp from the host eukaryotic translation initiation factor G (GenBank Accession #EF190330.1) was cloned in pANDA mini and co-bombarded with pAHC20 in five independent biolistic experiments using approximately 900 wheat embryos.\",\n \"Embryogenic calli was transferred onto glufosinate selection.\",\n \"Seventy-two plants were generated under glufosinate selection and transferred to soil.\",\n \"PCR analyses confirmed the presence of the eIF4G hairpin construct in three lines of the bar-positive plants.\",\n \"Lines were self fertilized through the T3 generation.\",\n \"At the T3 generation, plants were inoculated with either WSMV or Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) at the 2-3 leaf stage.\",\n \"Fourteen days later, plants were inoculated again to insure infection.\",\n \"Twenty-one days after the second inoculation, plants were scored for viral symptoms and compared to the nontransformed Bobwhite susceptible control.\",\n \"Leaf samples were also taken and used for ELISA to determine the presence of viral antigen.\",\n \"The majority of the lines that contained the gene of interest (GOI) were resistant to WSMV and TriMV both individually and during co-infection (Table 4).\",\n \"Seed from the T2 generation were bulked for testing with Soilbourne mosaic virus (SbWMV).\",\n \"Soil infected with SbWMV was collected and used to grow plants.\",\n \"Most plants that had the GOI and were expressing the GOI were found to be resistant to the virus (Table 5).\",\n \"Bulked T2 seed was also used for testing resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).\",\n \"A viruliferous aphid colony containing three strains of BYDV, -SGV, -MAV and PAV were used.\",\n \"Ten viruliferous aphids were placed individually on each plant and allowed time to infect.\",\n \"Aphids were then destroyed.\",\n \"Plants were allowed to recover.\",\n \"Most plants that contained the GOI and were expressing were found to be resistant (Table 6).\",\n \"These results indicate the eIF4G hairpin construct provides resistance to the two potyviruses, the luteovirus and the furovirus.\",\n \"TABLE 4 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF4G co-infected with WSMV and TriMV.\",\n \"Transgenic plants were T3 generation derived by single seed selection.\",\n \"Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.\",\n \"Total GOI + and Resistant Resistant T3 eIF4G Plants Expressing to WSMV to TriMV 1673A 50 47 47 47 1742A 51 48 48 48 1755A 50 48 48 48 1830A 46 52 42 42 Transgenic Bobwhite 24 0 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 5 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF4G infected with SbWMV.\",\n \"Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.\",\n \"Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.\",\n \"Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4G Plants Expressing to SbWMV 1673A 10 6 6 1742A 29 19 15 1755A 20 12 9 1830A 12 7 7 Transgenic Bobwhite 11 0 0 w/o GOI TABLE 6 Transgenic wheat plant expressing silenced eIF4G infected with BYDV.\",\n \"Transgenic plants were T3 generation bulk derived T2 progeny.\",\n \"Transgenic Bobwhite controls were lines expressing only the bar gene for biolophos resistance.\",\n \"Total GOI + and Resistant T3 eIF4G Plants Expressing to BYDV 1673A 10 4 3 1742A 5 1 1 1755A 7 2 2 1830A 5 3 3 Transgenic Bobwhite 7 0 0 w/o GOI While the invention has been described with reference to details of the illustrated embodiment, these details are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.\",\n \"All cited references and published patent applications cited in this application are incorporated herein by reference.\",\n \"The embodiment of the invention in which exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875168"}}},{"rowIdx":4494797,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["IMAGE ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE","Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers.","The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list, and the information of the first layer includes at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture."],["1.A method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by a decoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstructing the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the generating of the residual block comprises entropy-decoding a bitstream to generate a quantized transformed coefficient.","2.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","3.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","4.The method of claim 3, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current decoding target block; and determining motion information of the current decoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.","5.The method of claim 4, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.","6.The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.","7.The method of claim 3, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current decoding target block of the second layer.","8.The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current decoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.","9.An apparatus for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generate prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstruct the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the generating of the residual block comprises entropy-decoding a bitstream to generate a quantized transformed coefficient.","10.A method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the encoding of the residual block comprises transforming the residual block to generate a transformed coefficient.","11.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","12.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.","13.The method of claim 12, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current encoding target block; and determining motion information of the current encoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.","14.The method of claim 13, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.","15.The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.","16.The method of claim 12, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.","17.The method of claim 10, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current encoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.","18.An apparatus for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generate prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encode the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the encoding of the residual block comprises transforming the residual block to generate a transformed coefficient.","19.A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a bitstream generated by a method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the encoding of the residual block comprises transforming the residual block to generate a transformed coefficient."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.","Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.","Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.","In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.","Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.","According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.","Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.","In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of application Ser.","No.","14/782,213 filed on Oct. 2, 2015, which is a U.S. national stage application of International Application No.","PCT/KR2014/002899 filed on Apr.","3, 2014, which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) and 365(b) of Korean Patent Application Nos.","10-2013-0037106 filed on Apr.","4, 2013, 10-2013-0039356 filed on Apr.","10, 2013, 10-2013-0081199 filed on Jul.","10, 2013, 10-2013-0082577 filed on Jul.","15, 2013, and 10-2014-0039805 filed on Apr.","3, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.","The entire disclosures of application Ser.","No.","14/782,213, International Application No.","PCT/KR2014/002899, and Korean Patent Application Nos.","10-2013-0037106, 10-2013-0039356, 10-2013-0081199, 10-2013-0082577, and 10-2014-0039805 are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.","BACKGROUND 1.Field The present invention relates to image encoding and decoding, and more particularly, to a method for predicting, and encoding and decoding an image of a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in image encoding and decoding in a multi-layer structure.","2.Description of Related Art In recent years, while a multimedia environment has been built up, various terminals and networks have been used and the resulting use requirement has been diversified.","For example, as a performance and a computing capability of a terminal have been diversified, a supported performance has also been diversified for each apparatus.","Further, in the case of a network in which information is transmitted, a pattern, an information amount, and a transmission speed of the transmitted information, as well as an external structure such as wired and wireless networks have been diversified for each function.","A user has selected a terminal and a network to be used according to a desired function and further, spectrums of a terminal and a network which an enterprise provides to the user have been diversified.","In this regard, in recent years, as a broadcast having a high definition (HD) resolution has been extended and serviced worldwide as well as domestically, a lot of users have been familiar with a high definition image.","As a result, a lot of image service associated organizations have made a lot of efforts to develop a next-generation image apparatus.","Further, with an increase in interest in ultra high definition (UHD) having four times higher resolution than an HDTV as well as the HDTV, a requirement for technology that compresses and processes a higher resolution and higher definition image has been further increased.","In order to compress and process the image, inter prediction technology of predicting a pixel value included in a current image from a temporally prior and/or post image, intra prediction technology of predicting another pixel value included in the current image by using pixel information in the current image, and entropy encoding technology of allocating a short sign to a symbol in which an appearance frequency is high and a long sign to a symbol in which the appearance frequency is low, and the like may be used.","As described above, when respective terminals and networks having different supported functions, and the diversified user requirements are considered, a quality, a size, a frame, and the like of a supported image need to be consequently diversified.","As such, due to heterogeneous communication networks, and terminals having various functions and various types of terminals, scalability that variously supports the quality, resolution, size, frame rate, and the like of the image becomes a primary function of a video format.","Accordingly, it is necessary to provide a scalability function so as to achieve video encoding and decoding in terms of time, space, image quality, and the like in order to provide a service required by the user under various environments based on a high-efficiency video encoding method.","SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.","Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.","Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.","In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.","The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.","In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.","Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.","According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.","Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.","In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.","1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image decoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIGS.","5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.","In describing the embodiments of the present specification, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known art related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the corresponding description thereof may be omitted.","It will be understood that when an element is simply referred to as being ‘connected to’ or ‘coupled to’ another element without being ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element in the present description, it may be ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element or be connected to or coupled to another element, having the other element intervening therebetween.","Moreover, a content of describing “including” a specific component in the specification does not exclude a component other than the corresponding component and means that an additional component may be included in the embodiments of the present invention or the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.","Terms such first, second, and the like may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.","The above terms are used only to discriminate one component from the other component.","For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.","Further, components described in the embodiments of the present invention are independently illustrated in order to show different characteristic functions and each component is not constituted by separated hardware or one software constituting unit.","That is, each component includes respective components which are arranged for easy description and at least two components of the respective components may constitute one component or one component is divided into a plurality of components which may perform their functions.","Even an integrated embodiment and separated embodiments of each component is also included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.","Further, some components are not requisite components that perform essential functions but selective components for just improving performance in the present invention.","The present invention may be implemented with the requisite component for implementing the spirit of the present invention other than the component used to just improve the performance and a structure including only the requisite component other than the selective component used to just improve the performance is also included in the scope of the present invention.","FIG.","1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.","A scalable video encoding apparatus that supports a multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image encoding apparatus having a single-layer structure.","The block diagram of FIG.","1 illustrates an embodiment of an image encoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video encoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.","Referring to FIG.","1, an image encoding apparatus 100 includes an inter prediction module 110, an intra prediction module 120, a switch 115, a subtractor 125, a transform module 130, a quantization module 140, an entropy encoding module 150, a dequantization module 160, an inverse transform module 170, an adder 175, a filter module 180, and a reference picture buffer 190.The image encoding apparatus 100 may encode an input image in an intra mode or an inter mode and output a bitstream.","In the intra mode, the switch 115 may be switched to intra and in the inter mode, the switch 115 may be switched to inter.","The intra prediction means an intra-screen prediction and the inter prediction means an inter-screen prediction.","The image encoding apparatus 100 may generate a prediction block for an input block of the input image and thereafter, encode a residual between the input block and the prediction block.","In this case, the input image may mean an original picture.","In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 120 may generate the prediction block by performing a spatial prediction by using a pixel value of an already encoded/decoded block adjacent to a current block.","The intra prediction module 120 may perform the spatial prediction by using a reference sample and generate prediction samples for the current block.","In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 110 may acquire a motion vector by finding an area of a reference image stored in the reference picture buffer 190 which most matches the input block during a motion prediction process.","The inter prediction module 110 corrects a motion by using the motion vector and the reference image stored in the picture buffer 190 to generate the prediction block for the current block.","In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include an inter-layer prediction.","The inter prediction module 110 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.","An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.","Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.","When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.","For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer between layers that support scalability regarding the resolution.","A layer picture used for configuring the inter-layer reference picture may be determined by considering encoding cost, and the like.","The encoding apparatus may transmit, to the decoding apparatus, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs.","Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).","The subtractor 125 may a residual block by a residual between the input block and the generated prediction block.","The transform module 130 transforms the residual block to output a transform coefficient.","Herein, the transform coefficient may mean a coefficient value generated by converting the residual block and/or a residual signal.","Hereinafter, in this specification, the transform coefficient is quantized and a quantized transform coefficient level may also be called the transform coefficient.","When a transform skip mode is applied, the transform module 130 may skip transforming the residual block.","The quantization module 140 quantizes an input transform coefficient according to a quantization parameter to output a quantized coefficient.","The quantized coefficient may be called the quantized transform coefficient level.","In this case, the quantization module 140 may quantize the input transform coefficient by using a quantization matrix.","The entropy encoding module 150 performs entropy encoding based on values calculated by the quantization module 140 or an encoded parameter value calculated during encoding to output the bitstream.","The entropy encoding module 150 may entropy-encode information (for example, a syntax element, and the like) for video encoding in addition to pixel information of a video.","The coding parameter is a parameter required for encoding and decoding, and may include information encoded in the encoding apparatus to be transferred to the decoding apparatus like the syntax element and information to be inferred during the encoding or decoding process.","The coding parameter may include values or statistics of for example, an intra/inter prediction mode, a movement/motion vector, a reference video index, an encoding block pattern, presence of a residual signal, a transform coefficient, a quantized transform coefficient, a quantization parameter, a block size, block segment information, and the like.","The residual signal may mean a difference between an original signal and a prediction signal, and may also mean a signal having a transformed form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal or a signal having a transformed and quantized form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal.","The residual signal may be referred to as a residual block in a block unit.","In the case where the entropy encoding is applied, a few of bits are allocated to a symbol having high occurrence probability and a lot of bits are allocated to a symbol having low occurrence probability to express the symbols, and as a result, a size of a bitstream for encoding target symbols may be reduced.","Accordingly, compression performance of video encoding may be enhanced through the entropy encoding.","The entropy encoding module 150 may use encoding methods such as exponential-Golomb coding, context-adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC), and context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) for the entropy encoding.","For example, the entropy encoding module 150 may perform entropy encoding by using a variable length coding/code (VLC) table.","Further, the entropy encoding module 150 derives a binarization method of a target symbol and a probability model of a target symbol/bin, and then may also perform the entropy encoding by using the derived binarization method or probability model.","Since the image encoding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of FIG.","1 performs inter prediction encoding, that is, inter-screen prediction encoding, a currently encoded image needs to be decoded and stored to be used as the reference image.","Accordingly, the quantized coefficient may be inversely quantized in the dequantization module 160 and inversely transformed in the inverse transform module 170.The inversely quantized and inversely transformed coefficient is added to the prediction block by the adder 175 and a reconstructed block is generated.","The reconstructed block passes though the filter module 180, and the filter module 180 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, a sample adaptive offset (SAO), and an adaptive loop filter (ALF) to the reconstructed block or a reconstructed picture.","The filter module 180 may be called an adaptive in-loop filter.","The deblocking filter may remove block distortion which occurs on a boundary between blocks.","The SAO may add an appropriate offset value to a pixel value in order to compensate for coding error.","The ALF may perform filtering based on a value acquired by comparing the reconstructed image and the original image.","The reconstructed block which passes through the filter module 180 may be stored in the reference picture buffer 190.FIG.","2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image decoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.","A scalable video decoding apparatus that supports the multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image decoding apparatus having the single-layer structure.","The block diagram of FIG.","2 illustrates an embodiment of an image decoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video decoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.","Referring to FIG.","2, an image decoding apparatus 200 includes an entropy decoding module 210, a dequantization module 220, an inverse transform module 230, an intra prediction module 240, an inter prediction module 250, an adder 255, a filter module 260, and a reference picture buffer 270.The image decoding apparatus 200 may receive a bitstream output by an encoder, decode the received bitstream in the intra mode or the inter mode, and output the reconstructed image, that is, the reconstructed image.","In the intra mode, the switch may be switched to ‘intra’, and in the inter mode, the switch may be switched to ‘inter’.","The image decoding apparatus 200 may acquire a reconstructed residual block from the received bitstream and generate a block reconstructed by adding the reconstructed residual block and the prediction block after generating the prediction block, that is, the reconstruction block.","The entropy decoding module 210 entropy-decodes the input bitstream according to probability distribution to generate information such as a quantized coefficient and a syntax element.","The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized by the dequantization module 220 and inversely transformed by the inverse transform module 230.The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized/inversely transformed, and as a result, the reconstructed residual block may be generated.","In this case, the dequantization module 220 may apply a quantization matrix to the quantized coefficient.","In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 240 may performs a spatial prediction and generate prediction samples for the current block by using a sample value of an already decoded block adjacent to the current block.","In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 250 compensates for a motion by using a motion vector and a reference picture stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to generate the prediction block for the current block.","In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include the inter-layer prediction.","The inter prediction module 250 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.","An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.","Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.","When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.","For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer prediction is applied between the layers that supports scalability regarding the resolution, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer.","In this case, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs may be transmitted from the encoding apparatus to the decoding apparatus.","Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).","The reconstructed residual block and the prediction block are added by the adder 255, and as a result, the reconstructed block may be generated.","In other words, a residual sample and a prediction sample are added to each other, and as a result, a reconstructed sample or a reconstructed picture is generated.","The reconstructed picture is filtered by the filter module 260.The filter module 260 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, an SAO, and an ALF to the reconstructed block or the reconstructed picture.","The filter module 260 outputs a modified or filtered reconstructed picture.","The reconstructed image is stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to be used in the inter prediction.","Further, the video decoding apparatus 200 may further include a parsing unit (not illustrated) parsing information regarding the encoded video included in the bitstream.","The parsing unit may include the entropy decoding module 210, and may also be included in the entropy decoding module 210.The parsing unit may also be implemented as one constituent element of the decoding unit.","Although it has been described that one encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus processes encoding/decoding of multi-layers in FIGS.","1 and 2, it is for easy description and the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may be configured for each layer.","In this case, the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus of a higher layer may perform encoding/decoding of the corresponding higher layer by using information of the higher layer and information of the higher layer.","For example, the prediction unit (inter prediction unit) of the higher layer may perform the intra-prediction or inter-prediction for the current block by using pixel information or picture information of the higher layer, and perform the inter-prediction (inter-layer prediction) of the current block by receiving the reconstructed picture information from the lower layer and using the same.","Herein, only the inter-layer prediction has been described as an example, but the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may perform encoding/decoding for a current layer by using information of a different layer regardless of the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus being configured for each layer or one apparatus processing the multi-layers.","In the present invention, the layer may include a view.","In this case, the prediction of the higher layer is not just performed by using the information of the lower layer, but the inter-layer prediction may be performed by using information of a different layer among layers that are specified to be dependent by information that specifies inter-layer dependence.","FIG.","3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers according to an embodiment of the present invention.","In FIG.","3, a group of picture (GOP) represents a picture group, that is, a group of pictures.","A transmission medium is required to transmit image data and performance thereof is different for each transmission medium according to various network environments.","The scalable video coding method may be provided to be applied to various transmission media or network environments.","The video coding method (hereinafter, referred to as ‘scalable coding’ or ‘scalable video coding’) supporting the scalability is a coding method that increases encoding and decoding performances by removing inter-layer redundancy by using inter-layer texture information, motion information, a residual signal, and the like.","The scalable video coding method may provide various scalabilities in spatial, temporal, quality, and view terms according to surrounding conditions such as transmission bit rate, transmission error rate, a system resource, and the like.","Scalable video coding may be performed by using a multiple-layer structure so as to provide a bitstream which is applicable to various network situations.","For example, a scalable video coding structure may include a basic layer that compresses and processes the image data by using the general image decoding method and may include an improvement layer that compresses and processes the image data by using both decoding information of the basic layer and the general decoding method.","A base layer may be referred to as a base layer or a lower layer.","An enhancement layer may be designated as an enhancement layer or a higher layer.","In this case, the lower layer may represent a layer that supports lower scalability than a specific layer and the higher layer may represent a layer that supports higher scalability than a specific layer.","Further, a layer referred to for encoding/decoding of a different layer may be called a reference layer and a layer encoded/decoded by using the different layer may be a current layer.","The reference layer may be a lower layer than the current layer and the current layer may be a higher layer than the reference layer.","Herein, a layer means a set of images and bitstreams that are distinguished based on a space (for example, an image size), a time (for example, a decoding order, an image output order, and frame rate), image quality, complexity, and the like.","Referring to FIG.","3, for example, the basic layer may be defined as standard definition (SD), a frame rate of 15 Hz, and a bit rate of 1 Mbps, and a first enhanced layer may be defined as high definition (HD), a frame rate of 30 Hz, and a bit rate of 3.9 Mbps, and a second enhanced layer may be defined as ultra high definition (4K-UHE), a frame rate of 60 Hz, and a bit rate of 27.2 Mbps.","The format, frame rate, bit rate, and the like as one embodiment may be decided differently as necessary.","Further, the number of used layers is not limited to the embodiment and may be decided differently according to a situation.","For example, if a transmission bandwidth is 4 Mbps, data may be transmitted at 15 Hz or less by decreasing the frame rate of the HD of the first enhancement layer.","The scalable video coding method may provide spatial, temporal, quality, and view scalabilities by the method described in the embodiment of FIG.","3.In this specification, the scalable video coding has the same as the scalable video encoding in terms of encoding and the scalable video decoding in terms of decoding.","Generally, in the prediction between the screens, at least one of a previous picture or a next picture of the current picture is referred to as a reference picture, and prediction for the current block may be performed based on the reference picture.","A video used for the prediction of the current block is referred to as a reference picture or a reference frame.","A region in the reference picture used for predicting the current block may be represented by using a reference picture index refldx indicating the reference picture, the motion picture, and the like.","In the prediction between the screens, the reference block corresponding to the reference picture and the current block in the reference picture is selected to generate the prediction block for the current block.","In the inter-screen prediction, the prediction block may be created so that a residual signal with the current block is minimized and the size of the motion vector is also minimized.","In order to use the information of the reference picture in the inter-prediction, information of neighboring blocks positioned around the current block may be used.","For example, the inter-prediction may adopt a skip mode, a merge mode, an advanced motion vector prediction, or the like according to a method using the information of the neighboring blocks.","The skip mode, the merge mode, and the AMVP mode may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the information of the neighboring block.","The skip mode may use the information of the neighboring block for the current block as it is.","Accordingly, in the case where the skip mode is applied, the encoder may transmit information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of as the motion information of the current block to the decoder and besides, does not transmit syntax information such as a residual, and the like to the decoder.","The merge mode may generate the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring block.","When the merge mode is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates whether to apply the merge mode to the current block, which neighboring block to use motion information of, and residual information on the current block, and the like.","The decoder generates the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information and adds the generated prediction block and the residual transmitted from the encoder to reconstruct the current block.","The AMVP may predict the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring blocks.","When the AMVP is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of, a difference between a motion vector of the current block and a predicted motion vector, a reference picture index that indicates the reference picture, and the like.","The decoder predicts the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information (motion vector) of the neighboring block, and may calculate the motion vector of the current block by using the motion vector difference received from the encoder.","The decoder may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the calculated motion vector and the reference picture index information received from the encoder.","In case of the inter prediction, the decoder may verify a skip flag, a merge flag, and the like that are received from the encoder and calculate motion information required for the inter-prediction of the current block (for example, information regarding a motion vector, a reference picture index, and the like) according to the verified information.","A processing unit in which the prediction is performed may be different from a processing unit in which a prediction method and a detailed content are determined.","For example, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction may be determined by the coding unit (CU), and a prediction mode for the intra-prediction and a prediction mode for the inter-prediction may be determined by the prediction unit (PU).","Alternatively, the prediction mode is determined by the prediction unit, and as a result, the prediction may be performed by the transform unit (TU).","Meanwhile, since an inter-layer strong correlation is present in the scalable video coding structure that supports the plurality of layers, when the prediction is performed by using the correlation, a duplicative element of data may be removed and encoding performance of the image may be improved.","Accordingly, when a picture (image) of the current layer (higher layer) which is encoded/decoded is predicted, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction using information of the current layer and the inter-layer prediction using information of a different layer may be performed.","Since the plurality of layers may be different from each other in terms of at least one of a resolution, a frame rate, a color format, and a view (that is, an inter-layer scalability difference), signal distortion may occur in the inter-layer prediction for the current layer and the residual signal may be increased.","Accordingly, the present invention provides a method that may perform the inter-prediction for the current layer by mapping the motion information of the reference layer (lower layer) which the current layer (higher layer) refers to in an image size of the current layer and thereafter, adding the mapped motion information to the reference picture list of the current layer.","Further, the present invention relates to encoding and decoding of an image including a plurality of layers or views, and the plurality of layers or views may be expressed as first, second, third, and n-th layers or first, second, third, and n-th views.","Hereinafter, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image in which the first layer and the second layer are present is described as an example, but the embodiment may be applied even to an image in which more layers or views than the first layer and the second layer in the same method as above.","Further, the first layer may be expressed as the lower layer, the base layer, or the reference layer and the second layer may be expressed as the higher layer, the enhancement layer, or the current layer.","FIG.","4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","The method of FIG.","4 may be performed by the image encoding apparatus of FIG.","1 or the image decoding apparatus of FIG.","2.Referring to FIG.","4, the encoding/decoding apparatus decodes information of a first layer which an image (picture) of a second layer refers to (S400).","As described above, the second layer means a layer that performs encoding/decoding at present and may be a higher layer that provides higher scalability than the first layer.","The first layer may be a layer referred to for encoding/decoding the second layer, and may be designated as the reference layer or the lower layer.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may decode and use the first layer by the reference signal for predicting an encoding/decoding target block in the image of the second layer.","Information (decoding target information of the first layer) of the first layer to be decoded may include a sample value and motion information of a first layer image (picture).","Herein, the motion information may include regarding a motion vector value, a reference picture index, a prediction direction indicator, a reference picture POC (picture order count), a prediction mode, a reference picture list, a merge flag, a merge index, a picture type (a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture, and the like.","Decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored by a unit block having a size of N×N.","For example, the decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored every 16×16 blocks.","The encoding/decoding apparatus maps the decoded information of the first layer to an image size of the second layer (S410).","Herein, mapping may represent sampling a sample of an image in order to adjust an image size or a resolution when images are different from each other in size or resolution, and may include sampling of a sample value of the image and motion information of the image.","In other words, the encoding/decoding apparatus may sample the decoded first layer image and refer to a sample information and motion information of the sampled first layer image, in order to map the decoded first layer image to a size of the second layer image.","Since sizes of images of layers may be different in the scalable video coding structure, when sizes of the images between the layers (between the first layer and the second layer) are different, the encoding/decoding apparatus may resample samples values of the decoded first layer image in order to map the size of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer.","For example, when the size of the decoded first layer image is 960×540 and the size of the image of the second layer is 1920×1080, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform upsampling of mapping the size of the decoded first layer image to the size of 1920×1080 which is the image size of the second layer.","The upsampling may be performed in order to adjust image sizes of layers having different image sizes, and interpolation is applied to an image of a layer (the reference layer or the lower layer) having a small image size, and as a result, interpolated samples are calculated to adjust the image size.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may map the decoded motion information of the first layer to the image size of the second layer to use the mapped motion information of the first layer.","Inter-layer motion information mapping of mapping the motion information of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer may divide the second layer image into unit blocks having N×N and use the motion information of the first layer corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer as motion information of a corresponding block of the second layer.","Hereinafter, an inter-layer motion information mapping method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described through an embodiment of FIGS.","5 and 6.FIGS.","5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.","FIG.","5 illustrates an image of a second layer divided into unit blocks having a size of N×N.","For example, as illustrated in FIG.","5, when the image size of the second layer is 1920×1080 and N=16, the encoding/decoding apparatus may divide the image of the second layer into total 8160 (16×16) unit blocks and use motion information of a first layer block corresponding to each unit block of the second layer as motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer.","In this case, the motion information may be stored for each unit block.","Alternatively, the motion information is stored in the form of a look-up table for each picture to be used by referring to each unit block.","FIG.","6 illustrates N×N blocks of the second layer and as one example, illustrates a 16×16 block 600 in case of N=16.Respective quadrangles in the 16×16 block 600 mean one sample and it is assumed that uppermost and leftmost sample position in the 16×16 block 600 is (xP, yP).","As described above, when the inter-layer motion information is mapped, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer is mapped to the motion information of the second layer to be used.","In this case, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N blocks of the second layer may be motion information of a first layer sample position corresponding to a reference sample position of the N×N blocks of the second layer.","For example, as illustrated in FIG.","6, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+8, yP+8) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+8, yP+8) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position the position (xP, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+1, yP+1) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+1, yP+1) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter-layer motion information mapping by using a difference reference sample position as well as the aforementioned reference sample position and the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding thereto.","The sample position of the first layer corresponding to a reference sample position of the second layer may be calculated as illustrated in Equation 1 below by considering the size of an inter-layer image.","xRef=(xP*picWRL+ScaledW/2)/ScaledW yRef=(yP*picHRL+ScaledH/2)/ScaledH [Equation 1] Where xRef and yRef represent the sample position of the first layer, xP and Yp represent the reference sample position of the second layer, ScaledW and ScaledH represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture, and picWRL and picHRL represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture.","For example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 16×16, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 16×16-unit motion information through Equation 2 below.","xRL=(xRef»4)«4 yRL=(yRef»4)«4 [Equation 2] As another example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 8×8, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 8×8-unit motion information through Equation 3 below.","xRL=(xRef»3)«3 yRL=(yRef»3)«3 [Equation 3] When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as a motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a value of −1 to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.","Alternatively, when the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as the motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a specific value (for example, allocate 0 to the reference picture index and a POC of a picture indicated by the reference picture index to the reference picture POC) to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.","When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the inter prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as the motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer, the motion vector value of the first layer sample position, the reference picture index, and the reference picture POC.","In case of using the motion vector of the first layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use the motion vector of the first layer by reflecting the size of the inter-layer image as illustrated in Equation 4 below.","mvLX[xP][yP][0]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][0]*ScaledW+offset)/PicWRL mvLX[xP][yP][1]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][1]*ScaledH+offset)/PicHRL [Equation 4] The encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as information of the corresponding block of the second layer, picture type information (picture type information regarding whether the reference picture being a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture which the corresponding block of the first layer corresponding to the block of the second layer refers to.","The aforementioned inter-layer motion information mapping may be determined in a higher level and the encoding apparatus may transmit information related with the inter-layer motion information mapping in the higher level.","The decoding apparatus may acquire the inter-layer motion information mapping related information from the higher level.","The higher level may be a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), a slice segment header, and the like.","Hereinafter, a method for signaling the motion information mapping related information in the higher level according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.","According to the embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in the VPS may be signaled as represented in Table 1.TABLE 1 vps_extension( ) { Descriptor for ( = 1; <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 1, when inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of an i-th layer may not be performed.","When inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the i-th layer may be performed.","According to another embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in extension of the SPS may be signaled as represented in Table 2.TABLE 2 sps_extension( ) { Descriptor sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 2, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.","When sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to transmit information (for example, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag) that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined according to information (for example, sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) that indicates whether to use a temporal motion vector prediction transmitted in the SPS as represented in Table 3.TABLE 3 sps_extension( ){ Descriptor if ( sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 3, when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.","When sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.","That is, a reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as a temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined by the value of sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag without transmitting sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag as represented in Table 3.For example, it is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.","It is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 0 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the PPS may be signaled as represented in Table 4.TABLE 4 pps_extension( ) { Descriptor pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 4, when pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.","When pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 5.TABLE 5 if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) Descriptor slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 5, when slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.","According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in the extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 6.TABLE 6 if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) Descriptor if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 6, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.","slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted only in a layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer and in case of the enhancement layer, when there is no layer used for a motion prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may not be transmitted.","When the corresponding flag is not present, a value of the corresponding flag Value may be inferred as 0.When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.","That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted in the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be present above slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag in the slice segment header of the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer as represented in Table 7.TABLE 7 slice_segment_header( ){ Descriptor if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 7, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.","When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.","That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.","When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information of the first layer may be used in the second layer.","That is, after the motion information of the first layer is mapped to the size of the second layer, the reconstructed image of the first layer may be used as a collocated picture (ColPic) for the TMVP of the second layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 8.For example, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer.","Further, in case of a B slice, a reference picture list direction where the picture of the reference layer is positioned which may be used as the collocated picture may be determined through collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag.","TABLE 8 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) if ( slice_type == B) collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag } else { if( slice_type == B ) collocated_from_I0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I0_ active_minus1 > 0 ) || ( !collocated_from_I0_flag_ && num_ref_idx_I1_ active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 8, collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.","When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.","In this case, a restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is transmitted in the B slice.","When a value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 1, a picture that is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).","When the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 0, a picture that is present in LIST1 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).","Thereafter, during acquiring a motion vector of a collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag may be used as the same meaning instead of collocated_from_I0_flag.","In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","Alternatively, during acquiring the motion vector of the collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), when the collocated block has motion information in directions of LIST0 and LIST1, motion information in the same direction as a direction indicated by a current encoding/decoding target picture may be brought.","When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer and the information on the reference picture list direction may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 9.For example, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, the reference picture list direction of the collocated picture may be determined from the value of collocated_from_I0_flag, and a referred layer may be known from the value of collocated_ref_layer_idx.","TABLE 9 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ){ if ( slice_type == B) collocated_from_I0_flag slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else { if( ( collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I0_active_ minus1 > 0 ) || ( !collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I1_active_ minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 9, collocated_from_I0_flag indicates the reference picture list direction to which the collocated picture belongs when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and in case of the B slice.","When collocated_from_I0_flag is not present, collocated_from_I0_flag may be inferred as 1.In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.","When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.","In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.","The list direction for the collocated picture may be determined from collocated_from_I0_flag transmitted in the higher layer.","When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.","When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and the motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer, as represented in Table 10.In this case, according to a slice type, in case of a P slice, the picture of the reference layer which is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture and in case of the B slice, one direction of LIST0 and LIST1 is regulated and the picture of the corresponding reference layer is set as the collocated picture to be similarly used by the encoding/decoding apparatus.","When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.","TABLE 10 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ){ collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else{ if ( slice_type == B) collocated_from_I0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I0_active_minus1 > 0 ) || ( !collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the picture is divided into N independent slices, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flags in respective slice segment headers need to have the same value and one motion information mapping process per picture may be performed according to the value of slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag in a first independence slice segment header.","In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, ‘sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag’ transmitted in the higher level is used as information that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping, but the information is extended to be used as information that indicates whether to perform an inter-layer syntax prediction.","For example, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the inter-layer syntax (motion information) prediction may be performed as well as the motion information mapping.","In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, a separate syntax that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping is used, but the motion information mapping may be performed according to a syntax information value regarding execution of the inter-layer prediction without transmitting the separate syntax.","In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction signaled in the higher layer.","The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be signaled in the higher level.","The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.","According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be transmitted in the VPS as represented in Table 11.TABLE 11 vps_extension( ){ Descriptor for ( i = 1; i <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) no_inter_layer_pred_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 11, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction is transmitted in the VPS, when no_inter_layer_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed and when no_inter_layer_pred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed.","In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction signaled in the higher layer.","The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be signaled in the higher level.","The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.","According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the PPS as represented in Table 12.TABLE 12 if ( pps extension_flag ) Descriptor no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 12, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the PPS, when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.","According to another embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the syntax segment heard as represented in Table 13.TABLE 13 if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) Descriptor no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 13, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the slice segment header, when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.","Referring back to FIG.","4, the encoding/decoding apparatus adds the information of the first layer to the reference picture list of the second layer to encode/decode the image of the second layer (S420).","That is, the encoding/decoding apparatus may add decoded sample values and motion information of the first layer mapped to the second layer image size to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer through steps S400 to S410 described above, and configure the reference picture list of the second layer image by using the added information of the first layer.","In addition, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter prediction of generating the prediction signal for the image of the second layer based on the reference picture list.","When the reference picture list of the second layer is configured, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a specific position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","In this case, the specific position may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or the specific position may be designated by a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.","Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to reference picture lists L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","In this case, positions added to the reference picture lists L0 and L1 may be the same as each other or different from each other.","For example, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a first position in the reference picture list L0 and the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position in the reference picture list L1.Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to any one of the reference picture list directions L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.","For example, when the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer is encoded/decoded to the B slice, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to only the reference picture list L0 or the reference picture list L1.In this case, when the decoded image of the first layer is added to a specific-direction reference picture list, there may be known a position in the specific-direction reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is to be added in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or a specific position may be designated according to a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.","Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to different positions of the reference picture list depending on a depth by using hierarchical depth information of a prediction structure.","In this case, information on the positions may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).","For example, the position in the reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is added may vary based on a value of a temporal level (temporal_Id) depending on the hierarchical depth.","As one example, in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is equal to or more than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the last position and in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is less than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the first position of the reference picture list.","In this case, a reference temporal level value may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).","The decoded image of the first layer may include the decoded motion information of the first layer mapped to the image size of the second layer as well as the decoded sample values of the first layer.","The encoding/decoding apparatus may add the decoded image of the first layer to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer by the aforementioned method and thereafter, predict the current encoding target image of the second layer by a general inter-prediction method.","When the prediction is performed by using the decoded image of the first layer as a reference signal of the current encoding target image of the second layer (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the encoding apparatus may use as a prediction signal a first layer sample value at the same position as a prediction block in the current encoding target image without a motion predicting process.","In this case, the encoding apparatus may not transmit motion information (for example, a motion vector difference value, a motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) of a corresponding block.","The decoding apparatus may use as the prediction signal the first layer sample value at the same position as the prediction block in the current decoding target image without decoding the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the prediction block in the current decoding target image of the second layer when the an image indicated by the reference picture index of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list.","When an image indicated by the reference picture index of the current decoding target block of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the decoding apparatus may predict the current decoding target block of the second layer by judging whether to decode the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the current decoding target block of the second layer based on information transmitted in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).","Table 14 represents one example of a syntax in which information (sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag) that indicates whether an inter-layer motion vector has a value of (0, 0) is transmitted in the SPS.","TABLE 14 sps_extension( ){ Descriptor sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 14, when sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 1 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which has the same position as the current target block without decoding the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag.","When sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 0 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may decode the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag and thereafter, acquire a motion vector value, and use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which is at a position of the acquired motion vector value.","Meanwhile, the encoding apparatus may use the decoded image of the first layer as a collocated picture for predicting the temporal motion vector of the second layer in order to use the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.","In this case, the encoding apparatus may designate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated image through information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header.","When the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header transmitted in the encoder indicates the decoded image of the first layer, the decoding apparatus may use the mapped motion information of the first layer as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer.","When the mapped motion information of the first layer is used as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use at least one of the mapped motion information of the first layer, that is, at least one of the reference picture POC, the reference picture list, and the picture type (the short-term picture and the long-term reference picture) of the reference picture and scale and use a motion vector of the second layer according to a temporal distance by using one or more pieces of mapped motion information of the first layer.","When the prediction is performed by adding only the decoded reference sample values of the first layer image to the reference picture list without permitting the motion information mapping of the first layer, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in a standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture.","As another example of using the mapped motion information of the first layer as the motion information of the second layer, the mapped motion information of the first layer may be used not as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer but as an additional candidate mode.","In this case, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in the standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture, so that the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer is calculated from the reference picture of the second layer.","Further, in order to use the motion information of the first layer mapped to the additional candidate mode, the encoding apparatus may additionally transmit an index (for example, base_ref_idx) that may indicate a position of the mapped image of the first layer in the reference picture list in the slice segment header, and the like in the slice segment header, and the like.","A position of the additional candidate mode in the reference picture list may be applied similarly to the encoding apparatus and the decoding apparatus.","The method according to the present invention is prepared as a program for being executed in a computer to be stored in a computer-readable medium, and examples of the computer readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storing device and the computer readable recording medium may also be implemented in a form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission through the Internet).","Further, the computer-readable recording media are distributed on computer systems connected through the network, and thus the computer-readable recording media may be stored and executed as the computer-readable code by a distribution scheme.","Further, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the method may be easily inferred by a programmer in a technical field to which the present invention belongs.","In the aforementioned embodiments, methods have been described based on flowcharts as a series of steps or blocks, but the methods are not limited to the order of the steps of the present invention and any step may occur in a step or an order different from or simultaneously as the aforementioned step or order.","Further, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that steps shown in the flowcharts are not exclusive and other steps may be included or one or more steps do not influence the scope of the present invention and may be deleted.","While some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may change, modify, and substitute the present invention in various ways without departing from the essential characteristic of the present invention.","Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit but describe with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.","The scope of the present invention may be interpreted by the appended claims and the technical spirit in the equivalent range are intended to be embraced by the invention."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"IMAGE ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE\",\n \"Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list, and the information of the first layer includes at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by a decoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstructing the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the generating of the residual block comprises entropy-decoding a bitstream to generate a quantized transformed coefficient.\",\n \"2.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"3.The method of claim 1, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"4.The method of claim 3, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current decoding target block; and determining motion information of the current decoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.\",\n \"5.The method of claim 4, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.\",\n \"6.The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.\",\n \"7.The method of claim 3, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current decoding target block of the second layer.\",\n \"8.The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current decoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current decoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.\",\n \"9.An apparatus for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generate prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the first reference picture list and the second reference picture list to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current decoding target block; and reconstruct the current decoding target block based on the prediction block and the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the generating of the residual block comprises entropy-decoding a bitstream to generate a quantized transformed coefficient.\",\n \"10.A method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the encoding of the residual block comprises transforming the residual block to generate a transformed coefficient.\",\n \"11.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises upsampling the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"12.The method of claim 10, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer comprises mapping motion information of the picture of the first layer to the picture size of the second layer.\",\n \"13.The method of claim 12, wherein the mapping of the picture of the first layer further comprises: dividing the picture of the second layer into N×N unit blocks; calculating a sample position of the first layer corresponding to one of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer including the current encoding target block; and determining motion information of the current encoding target block by mapping motion information of the sample position of the first layer to the N×N unit block of the second layer including the current decoding target block.\",\n \"14.The method of claim 13, wherein the sample position of the first layer corresponds to a reference sample position in the N×N unit blocks of the second layer, and the N×N unit blocks are 16×16 unit blocks.\",\n \"15.The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting information on the motion information mapping of the picture of the first layer in any one or any combination of any two or more of a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), and a slice segment header.\",\n \"16.The method of claim 12, further comprising using the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.\",\n \"17.The method of claim 10, wherein the generating of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block comprises using a first layer sample at a same position as the current encoding target block as a prediction sample of the prediction samples of the current encoding target block in response to a reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicating the mapped picture of the first layer in the first reference picture list or the second reference picture list.\",\n \"18.An apparatus for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors configured to: decode a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; map the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configure a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configure a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generate prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generate a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encode the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the encoding of the residual block comprises transforming the residual block to generate a transformed coefficient.\",\n \"19.A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a bitstream generated by a method for image encoding that supports a plurality of layers, the method being performed by an encoding apparatus and comprising: decoding a picture of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to; mapping the picture of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer; configuring a first reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a first predetermined position in the first reference picture list; configuring a second reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped picture of the first layer to a second predetermined position in the second reference picture list; and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the mapped picture of the first layer to generate a prediction block; generating a residual block of the current encoding target block based on the prediction block; and encoding the residual block, wherein the first predetermined position is different from the second predetermined position, which is an end position in the second reference picture list, and the encoding of the residual block comprises transforming the residual block to generate a transformed coefficient.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.\",\n \"In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.\",\n \"Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.\",\n \"According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.\",\n \"Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.\",\n \"In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/782,213 filed on Oct. 2, 2015, which is a U.S. national stage application of International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/KR2014/002899 filed on Apr.\",\n \"3, 2014, which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(a) and 365(b) of Korean Patent Application Nos.\",\n \"10-2013-0037106 filed on Apr.\",\n \"4, 2013, 10-2013-0039356 filed on Apr.\",\n \"10, 2013, 10-2013-0081199 filed on Jul.\",\n \"10, 2013, 10-2013-0082577 filed on Jul.\",\n \"15, 2013, and 10-2014-0039805 filed on Apr.\",\n \"3, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office.\",\n \"The entire disclosures of application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/782,213, International Application No.\",\n \"PCT/KR2014/002899, and Korean Patent Application Nos.\",\n \"10-2013-0037106, 10-2013-0039356, 10-2013-0081199, 10-2013-0082577, and 10-2014-0039805 are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.\",\n \"BACKGROUND 1.Field The present invention relates to image encoding and decoding, and more particularly, to a method for predicting, and encoding and decoding an image of a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in image encoding and decoding in a multi-layer structure.\",\n \"2.Description of Related Art In recent years, while a multimedia environment has been built up, various terminals and networks have been used and the resulting use requirement has been diversified.\",\n \"For example, as a performance and a computing capability of a terminal have been diversified, a supported performance has also been diversified for each apparatus.\",\n \"Further, in the case of a network in which information is transmitted, a pattern, an information amount, and a transmission speed of the transmitted information, as well as an external structure such as wired and wireless networks have been diversified for each function.\",\n \"A user has selected a terminal and a network to be used according to a desired function and further, spectrums of a terminal and a network which an enterprise provides to the user have been diversified.\",\n \"In this regard, in recent years, as a broadcast having a high definition (HD) resolution has been extended and serviced worldwide as well as domestically, a lot of users have been familiar with a high definition image.\",\n \"As a result, a lot of image service associated organizations have made a lot of efforts to develop a next-generation image apparatus.\",\n \"Further, with an increase in interest in ultra high definition (UHD) having four times higher resolution than an HDTV as well as the HDTV, a requirement for technology that compresses and processes a higher resolution and higher definition image has been further increased.\",\n \"In order to compress and process the image, inter prediction technology of predicting a pixel value included in a current image from a temporally prior and/or post image, intra prediction technology of predicting another pixel value included in the current image by using pixel information in the current image, and entropy encoding technology of allocating a short sign to a symbol in which an appearance frequency is high and a long sign to a symbol in which the appearance frequency is low, and the like may be used.\",\n \"As described above, when respective terminals and networks having different supported functions, and the diversified user requirements are considered, a quality, a size, a frame, and the like of a supported image need to be consequently diversified.\",\n \"As such, due to heterogeneous communication networks, and terminals having various functions and various types of terminals, scalability that variously supports the quality, resolution, size, frame rate, and the like of the image becomes a primary function of a video format.\",\n \"Accordingly, it is necessary to provide a scalability function so as to achieve video encoding and decoding in terms of time, space, image quality, and the like in order to provide a service required by the user under various environments based on a high-efficiency video encoding method.\",\n \"SUMMARY An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for encoding/decoding a higher layer by using information of a lower layer in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for mapping a lower layer image in scalable video coding.\",\n \"Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for configuring a reference picture list of a higher layer image by using a lower layer image and performing a prediction in scalable video coding.\",\n \"In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image decoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current decoding target block refers to; mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image decoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image decoding includes a decoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current decoding target block by predicting the current decoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The method for image encoding includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to, mapping the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configuring a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer and generating prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for image encoding supporting a plurality of layers.\",\n \"The apparatus for image encoding includes an encoding module which decodes information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer including a current encoding target block refers to and a prediction module which maps the information of the first layer to a picture size of the second layer, configures a reference picture list for the picture of the second layer by adding the mapped information of the first layer, and generates prediction samples of the current encoding target block by predicting the current encoding target block of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"The information of the first layer may include at least one of a sample value and motion information of the first layer picture.\",\n \"In the related art, during mapping motion information of a lower layer, even when a temporal motion vector of a higher layer is not predicted, there is a problem that an unnecessary motion information mapping process is performed.\",\n \"Further, when the motion information of the lower layer is not mapped, since a decoded picture of the lower layer can be indicated as a collocated picture for the temporal motion vector in the upper layer, a case in which the temporal motion vector of the upper layer cannot be predicted occurs, thereby degrading encoding efficiency.\",\n \"According to the present invention, the motion information of the lower layer to which the upper layer refers is mapped in an image size of the upper layer and thereafter, the upper layer is predicted and reconstructed by using an image signal of the lower layer which is mapped, thereby improving encoding/decoding efficiency.\",\n \"Further, by modifying an upper level syntax, an unnecessary mapping process of the motion information of the lower layer can be skipped and complexity can be reduced.\",\n \"In addition, a wrong collocated picture is prevented from being used to prevent the encoding efficiency from being degraded.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image decoding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.\",\n \"In describing the embodiments of the present specification, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known art related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the corresponding description thereof may be omitted.\",\n \"It will be understood that when an element is simply referred to as being ‘connected to’ or ‘coupled to’ another element without being ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element in the present description, it may be ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another element or be connected to or coupled to another element, having the other element intervening therebetween.\",\n \"Moreover, a content of describing “including” a specific component in the specification does not exclude a component other than the corresponding component and means that an additional component may be included in the embodiments of the present invention or the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.\",\n \"Terms such first, second, and the like may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms.\",\n \"The above terms are used only to discriminate one component from the other component.\",\n \"For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.\",\n \"Further, components described in the embodiments of the present invention are independently illustrated in order to show different characteristic functions and each component is not constituted by separated hardware or one software constituting unit.\",\n \"That is, each component includes respective components which are arranged for easy description and at least two components of the respective components may constitute one component or one component is divided into a plurality of components which may perform their functions.\",\n \"Even an integrated embodiment and separated embodiments of each component is also included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.\",\n \"Further, some components are not requisite components that perform essential functions but selective components for just improving performance in the present invention.\",\n \"The present invention may be implemented with the requisite component for implementing the spirit of the present invention other than the component used to just improve the performance and a structure including only the requisite component other than the selective component used to just improve the performance is also included in the scope of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for image encoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"A scalable video encoding apparatus that supports a multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image encoding apparatus having a single-layer structure.\",\n \"The block diagram of FIG.\",\n \"1 illustrates an embodiment of an image encoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video encoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"1, an image encoding apparatus 100 includes an inter prediction module 110, an intra prediction module 120, a switch 115, a subtractor 125, a transform module 130, a quantization module 140, an entropy encoding module 150, a dequantization module 160, an inverse transform module 170, an adder 175, a filter module 180, and a reference picture buffer 190.The image encoding apparatus 100 may encode an input image in an intra mode or an inter mode and output a bitstream.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the switch 115 may be switched to intra and in the inter mode, the switch 115 may be switched to inter.\",\n \"The intra prediction means an intra-screen prediction and the inter prediction means an inter-screen prediction.\",\n \"The image encoding apparatus 100 may generate a prediction block for an input block of the input image and thereafter, encode a residual between the input block and the prediction block.\",\n \"In this case, the input image may mean an original picture.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 120 may generate the prediction block by performing a spatial prediction by using a pixel value of an already encoded/decoded block adjacent to a current block.\",\n \"The intra prediction module 120 may perform the spatial prediction by using a reference sample and generate prediction samples for the current block.\",\n \"In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 110 may acquire a motion vector by finding an area of a reference image stored in the reference picture buffer 190 which most matches the input block during a motion prediction process.\",\n \"The inter prediction module 110 corrects a motion by using the motion vector and the reference image stored in the picture buffer 190 to generate the prediction block for the current block.\",\n \"In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include an inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"The inter prediction module 110 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.\",\n \"Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.\",\n \"When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.\",\n \"For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer between layers that support scalability regarding the resolution.\",\n \"A layer picture used for configuring the inter-layer reference picture may be determined by considering encoding cost, and the like.\",\n \"The encoding apparatus may transmit, to the decoding apparatus, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs.\",\n \"Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).\",\n \"The subtractor 125 may a residual block by a residual between the input block and the generated prediction block.\",\n \"The transform module 130 transforms the residual block to output a transform coefficient.\",\n \"Herein, the transform coefficient may mean a coefficient value generated by converting the residual block and/or a residual signal.\",\n \"Hereinafter, in this specification, the transform coefficient is quantized and a quantized transform coefficient level may also be called the transform coefficient.\",\n \"When a transform skip mode is applied, the transform module 130 may skip transforming the residual block.\",\n \"The quantization module 140 quantizes an input transform coefficient according to a quantization parameter to output a quantized coefficient.\",\n \"The quantized coefficient may be called the quantized transform coefficient level.\",\n \"In this case, the quantization module 140 may quantize the input transform coefficient by using a quantization matrix.\",\n \"The entropy encoding module 150 performs entropy encoding based on values calculated by the quantization module 140 or an encoded parameter value calculated during encoding to output the bitstream.\",\n \"The entropy encoding module 150 may entropy-encode information (for example, a syntax element, and the like) for video encoding in addition to pixel information of a video.\",\n \"The coding parameter is a parameter required for encoding and decoding, and may include information encoded in the encoding apparatus to be transferred to the decoding apparatus like the syntax element and information to be inferred during the encoding or decoding process.\",\n \"The coding parameter may include values or statistics of for example, an intra/inter prediction mode, a movement/motion vector, a reference video index, an encoding block pattern, presence of a residual signal, a transform coefficient, a quantized transform coefficient, a quantization parameter, a block size, block segment information, and the like.\",\n \"The residual signal may mean a difference between an original signal and a prediction signal, and may also mean a signal having a transformed form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal or a signal having a transformed and quantized form of the difference between the original signal and the prediction signal.\",\n \"The residual signal may be referred to as a residual block in a block unit.\",\n \"In the case where the entropy encoding is applied, a few of bits are allocated to a symbol having high occurrence probability and a lot of bits are allocated to a symbol having low occurrence probability to express the symbols, and as a result, a size of a bitstream for encoding target symbols may be reduced.\",\n \"Accordingly, compression performance of video encoding may be enhanced through the entropy encoding.\",\n \"The entropy encoding module 150 may use encoding methods such as exponential-Golomb coding, context-adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC), and context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) for the entropy encoding.\",\n \"For example, the entropy encoding module 150 may perform entropy encoding by using a variable length coding/code (VLC) table.\",\n \"Further, the entropy encoding module 150 derives a binarization method of a target symbol and a probability model of a target symbol/bin, and then may also perform the entropy encoding by using the derived binarization method or probability model.\",\n \"Since the image encoding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"1 performs inter prediction encoding, that is, inter-screen prediction encoding, a currently encoded image needs to be decoded and stored to be used as the reference image.\",\n \"Accordingly, the quantized coefficient may be inversely quantized in the dequantization module 160 and inversely transformed in the inverse transform module 170.The inversely quantized and inversely transformed coefficient is added to the prediction block by the adder 175 and a reconstructed block is generated.\",\n \"The reconstructed block passes though the filter module 180, and the filter module 180 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, a sample adaptive offset (SAO), and an adaptive loop filter (ALF) to the reconstructed block or a reconstructed picture.\",\n \"The filter module 180 may be called an adaptive in-loop filter.\",\n \"The deblocking filter may remove block distortion which occurs on a boundary between blocks.\",\n \"The SAO may add an appropriate offset value to a pixel value in order to compensate for coding error.\",\n \"The ALF may perform filtering based on a value acquired by comparing the reconstructed image and the original image.\",\n \"The reconstructed block which passes through the filter module 180 may be stored in the reference picture buffer 190.FIG.\",\n \"2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image decoding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"A scalable video decoding apparatus that supports the multi-layer structure may be implemented by extending a general image decoding apparatus having the single-layer structure.\",\n \"The block diagram of FIG.\",\n \"2 illustrates an embodiment of an image decoding apparatus which may be a basis of the scalable video decoding apparatus which may be applied to the multi-layer structure.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"2, an image decoding apparatus 200 includes an entropy decoding module 210, a dequantization module 220, an inverse transform module 230, an intra prediction module 240, an inter prediction module 250, an adder 255, a filter module 260, and a reference picture buffer 270.The image decoding apparatus 200 may receive a bitstream output by an encoder, decode the received bitstream in the intra mode or the inter mode, and output the reconstructed image, that is, the reconstructed image.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the switch may be switched to ‘intra’, and in the inter mode, the switch may be switched to ‘inter’.\",\n \"The image decoding apparatus 200 may acquire a reconstructed residual block from the received bitstream and generate a block reconstructed by adding the reconstructed residual block and the prediction block after generating the prediction block, that is, the reconstruction block.\",\n \"The entropy decoding module 210 entropy-decodes the input bitstream according to probability distribution to generate information such as a quantized coefficient and a syntax element.\",\n \"The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized by the dequantization module 220 and inversely transformed by the inverse transform module 230.The quantized coefficient is inversely quantized/inversely transformed, and as a result, the reconstructed residual block may be generated.\",\n \"In this case, the dequantization module 220 may apply a quantization matrix to the quantized coefficient.\",\n \"In the intra mode, the intra prediction module 240 may performs a spatial prediction and generate prediction samples for the current block by using a sample value of an already decoded block adjacent to the current block.\",\n \"In the inter mode, the inter prediction module 250 compensates for a motion by using a motion vector and a reference picture stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to generate the prediction block for the current block.\",\n \"In case of the multi-layer structure, the inter prediction applied in the inter mode may include the inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"The inter prediction module 250 configures an inter-layer reference picture by sampling a picture of the reference layer and encapsulates the inter-layer reference picture in the reference picture list to perform the inter-layer prediction.\",\n \"An inter-layer reference relationship may be signaled through information that specifies inter-layer dependence.\",\n \"Meanwhile, when a current layer picture and the reference layer picture have the same size, sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean generation of a reference sample by sample copying or interpolation from the reference layer picture.\",\n \"When the current layer picture and the reference layer picture have different resolutions, the sampling applied to the reference layer picture may mean up sampling.\",\n \"For example, as a case in which layers have different resolutions, the inter-layer prediction is applied between the layers that supports scalability regarding the resolution, the inter-layer reference picture may be configured by up-sampling the reconstructed picture of the reference layer.\",\n \"In this case, information that specifies the layer to which the picture to be used as the inter-layer reference picture belongs may be transmitted from the encoding apparatus to the decoding apparatus.\",\n \"Further, a picture used to predict the current within a layer which is referred to in the inter-layer prediction, that is, the reference layer may be a picture of the same access unit (AU) as the current picture (a prediction target picture within the current layer).\",\n \"The reconstructed residual block and the prediction block are added by the adder 255, and as a result, the reconstructed block may be generated.\",\n \"In other words, a residual sample and a prediction sample are added to each other, and as a result, a reconstructed sample or a reconstructed picture is generated.\",\n \"The reconstructed picture is filtered by the filter module 260.The filter module 260 may apply at least one of a deblocking filter, an SAO, and an ALF to the reconstructed block or the reconstructed picture.\",\n \"The filter module 260 outputs a modified or filtered reconstructed picture.\",\n \"The reconstructed image is stored in the reference picture buffer 270 to be used in the inter prediction.\",\n \"Further, the video decoding apparatus 200 may further include a parsing unit (not illustrated) parsing information regarding the encoded video included in the bitstream.\",\n \"The parsing unit may include the entropy decoding module 210, and may also be included in the entropy decoding module 210.The parsing unit may also be implemented as one constituent element of the decoding unit.\",\n \"Although it has been described that one encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus processes encoding/decoding of multi-layers in FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2, it is for easy description and the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may be configured for each layer.\",\n \"In this case, the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus of a higher layer may perform encoding/decoding of the corresponding higher layer by using information of the higher layer and information of the higher layer.\",\n \"For example, the prediction unit (inter prediction unit) of the higher layer may perform the intra-prediction or inter-prediction for the current block by using pixel information or picture information of the higher layer, and perform the inter-prediction (inter-layer prediction) of the current block by receiving the reconstructed picture information from the lower layer and using the same.\",\n \"Herein, only the inter-layer prediction has been described as an example, but the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus may perform encoding/decoding for a current layer by using information of a different layer regardless of the encoding apparatus/decoding apparatus being configured for each layer or one apparatus processing the multi-layers.\",\n \"In the present invention, the layer may include a view.\",\n \"In this case, the prediction of the higher layer is not just performed by using the information of the lower layer, but the inter-layer prediction may be performed by using information of a different layer among layers that are specified to be dependent by information that specifies inter-layer dependence.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a scalable video coding structure using a plurality of layers according to an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"3, a group of picture (GOP) represents a picture group, that is, a group of pictures.\",\n \"A transmission medium is required to transmit image data and performance thereof is different for each transmission medium according to various network environments.\",\n \"The scalable video coding method may be provided to be applied to various transmission media or network environments.\",\n \"The video coding method (hereinafter, referred to as ‘scalable coding’ or ‘scalable video coding’) supporting the scalability is a coding method that increases encoding and decoding performances by removing inter-layer redundancy by using inter-layer texture information, motion information, a residual signal, and the like.\",\n \"The scalable video coding method may provide various scalabilities in spatial, temporal, quality, and view terms according to surrounding conditions such as transmission bit rate, transmission error rate, a system resource, and the like.\",\n \"Scalable video coding may be performed by using a multiple-layer structure so as to provide a bitstream which is applicable to various network situations.\",\n \"For example, a scalable video coding structure may include a basic layer that compresses and processes the image data by using the general image decoding method and may include an improvement layer that compresses and processes the image data by using both decoding information of the basic layer and the general decoding method.\",\n \"A base layer may be referred to as a base layer or a lower layer.\",\n \"An enhancement layer may be designated as an enhancement layer or a higher layer.\",\n \"In this case, the lower layer may represent a layer that supports lower scalability than a specific layer and the higher layer may represent a layer that supports higher scalability than a specific layer.\",\n \"Further, a layer referred to for encoding/decoding of a different layer may be called a reference layer and a layer encoded/decoded by using the different layer may be a current layer.\",\n \"The reference layer may be a lower layer than the current layer and the current layer may be a higher layer than the reference layer.\",\n \"Herein, a layer means a set of images and bitstreams that are distinguished based on a space (for example, an image size), a time (for example, a decoding order, an image output order, and frame rate), image quality, complexity, and the like.\",\n \"Referring to FIG.\",\n \"3, for example, the basic layer may be defined as standard definition (SD), a frame rate of 15 Hz, and a bit rate of 1 Mbps, and a first enhanced layer may be defined as high definition (HD), a frame rate of 30 Hz, and a bit rate of 3.9 Mbps, and a second enhanced layer may be defined as ultra high definition (4K-UHE), a frame rate of 60 Hz, and a bit rate of 27.2 Mbps.\",\n \"The format, frame rate, bit rate, and the like as one embodiment may be decided differently as necessary.\",\n \"Further, the number of used layers is not limited to the embodiment and may be decided differently according to a situation.\",\n \"For example, if a transmission bandwidth is 4 Mbps, data may be transmitted at 15 Hz or less by decreasing the frame rate of the HD of the first enhancement layer.\",\n \"The scalable video coding method may provide spatial, temporal, quality, and view scalabilities by the method described in the embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"3.In this specification, the scalable video coding has the same as the scalable video encoding in terms of encoding and the scalable video decoding in terms of decoding.\",\n \"Generally, in the prediction between the screens, at least one of a previous picture or a next picture of the current picture is referred to as a reference picture, and prediction for the current block may be performed based on the reference picture.\",\n \"A video used for the prediction of the current block is referred to as a reference picture or a reference frame.\",\n \"A region in the reference picture used for predicting the current block may be represented by using a reference picture index refldx indicating the reference picture, the motion picture, and the like.\",\n \"In the prediction between the screens, the reference block corresponding to the reference picture and the current block in the reference picture is selected to generate the prediction block for the current block.\",\n \"In the inter-screen prediction, the prediction block may be created so that a residual signal with the current block is minimized and the size of the motion vector is also minimized.\",\n \"In order to use the information of the reference picture in the inter-prediction, information of neighboring blocks positioned around the current block may be used.\",\n \"For example, the inter-prediction may adopt a skip mode, a merge mode, an advanced motion vector prediction, or the like according to a method using the information of the neighboring blocks.\",\n \"The skip mode, the merge mode, and the AMVP mode may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the information of the neighboring block.\",\n \"The skip mode may use the information of the neighboring block for the current block as it is.\",\n \"Accordingly, in the case where the skip mode is applied, the encoder may transmit information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of as the motion information of the current block to the decoder and besides, does not transmit syntax information such as a residual, and the like to the decoder.\",\n \"The merge mode may generate the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring block.\",\n \"When the merge mode is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates whether to apply the merge mode to the current block, which neighboring block to use motion information of, and residual information on the current block, and the like.\",\n \"The decoder generates the prediction block for the current block by using the motion information and adds the generated prediction block and the residual transmitted from the encoder to reconstruct the current block.\",\n \"The AMVP may predict the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information of the neighboring blocks.\",\n \"When the AMVP is applied, the encoder may transmit to the decoder information that indicates which neighboring block to use motion information of, a difference between a motion vector of the current block and a predicted motion vector, a reference picture index that indicates the reference picture, and the like.\",\n \"The decoder predicts the motion vector of the current block by using the motion information (motion vector) of the neighboring block, and may calculate the motion vector of the current block by using the motion vector difference received from the encoder.\",\n \"The decoder may generate the prediction block for the current block based on the calculated motion vector and the reference picture index information received from the encoder.\",\n \"In case of the inter prediction, the decoder may verify a skip flag, a merge flag, and the like that are received from the encoder and calculate motion information required for the inter-prediction of the current block (for example, information regarding a motion vector, a reference picture index, and the like) according to the verified information.\",\n \"A processing unit in which the prediction is performed may be different from a processing unit in which a prediction method and a detailed content are determined.\",\n \"For example, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction may be determined by the coding unit (CU), and a prediction mode for the intra-prediction and a prediction mode for the inter-prediction may be determined by the prediction unit (PU).\",\n \"Alternatively, the prediction mode is determined by the prediction unit, and as a result, the prediction may be performed by the transform unit (TU).\",\n \"Meanwhile, since an inter-layer strong correlation is present in the scalable video coding structure that supports the plurality of layers, when the prediction is performed by using the correlation, a duplicative element of data may be removed and encoding performance of the image may be improved.\",\n \"Accordingly, when a picture (image) of the current layer (higher layer) which is encoded/decoded is predicted, the inter-prediction or the intra-prediction using information of the current layer and the inter-layer prediction using information of a different layer may be performed.\",\n \"Since the plurality of layers may be different from each other in terms of at least one of a resolution, a frame rate, a color format, and a view (that is, an inter-layer scalability difference), signal distortion may occur in the inter-layer prediction for the current layer and the residual signal may be increased.\",\n \"Accordingly, the present invention provides a method that may perform the inter-prediction for the current layer by mapping the motion information of the reference layer (lower layer) which the current layer (higher layer) refers to in an image size of the current layer and thereafter, adding the mapped motion information to the reference picture list of the current layer.\",\n \"Further, the present invention relates to encoding and decoding of an image including a plurality of layers or views, and the plurality of layers or views may be expressed as first, second, third, and n-th layers or first, second, third, and n-th views.\",\n \"Hereinafter, in the embodiment of the present invention, an image in which the first layer and the second layer are present is described as an example, but the embodiment may be applied even to an image in which more layers or views than the first layer and the second layer in the same method as above.\",\n \"Further, the first layer may be expressed as the lower layer, the base layer, or the reference layer and the second layer may be expressed as the higher layer, the enhancement layer, or the current layer.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for performing an inter-layer prediction (inter-layer prediction) in scalable video coding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"The method of FIG.\",\n \"4 may be performed by the image encoding apparatus of FIG.\",\n \"1 or the image decoding apparatus of FIG.\",\n \"2.Referring to FIG.\",\n \"4, the encoding/decoding apparatus decodes information of a first layer which an image (picture) of a second layer refers to (S400).\",\n \"As described above, the second layer means a layer that performs encoding/decoding at present and may be a higher layer that provides higher scalability than the first layer.\",\n \"The first layer may be a layer referred to for encoding/decoding the second layer, and may be designated as the reference layer or the lower layer.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may decode and use the first layer by the reference signal for predicting an encoding/decoding target block in the image of the second layer.\",\n \"Information (decoding target information of the first layer) of the first layer to be decoded may include a sample value and motion information of a first layer image (picture).\",\n \"Herein, the motion information may include regarding a motion vector value, a reference picture index, a prediction direction indicator, a reference picture POC (picture order count), a prediction mode, a reference picture list, a merge flag, a merge index, a picture type (a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture, and the like.\",\n \"Decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored by a unit block having a size of N×N.\",\n \"For example, the decoded motion information of the first layer may be compressed and stored every 16×16 blocks.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus maps the decoded information of the first layer to an image size of the second layer (S410).\",\n \"Herein, mapping may represent sampling a sample of an image in order to adjust an image size or a resolution when images are different from each other in size or resolution, and may include sampling of a sample value of the image and motion information of the image.\",\n \"In other words, the encoding/decoding apparatus may sample the decoded first layer image and refer to a sample information and motion information of the sampled first layer image, in order to map the decoded first layer image to a size of the second layer image.\",\n \"Since sizes of images of layers may be different in the scalable video coding structure, when sizes of the images between the layers (between the first layer and the second layer) are different, the encoding/decoding apparatus may resample samples values of the decoded first layer image in order to map the size of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer.\",\n \"For example, when the size of the decoded first layer image is 960×540 and the size of the image of the second layer is 1920×1080, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform upsampling of mapping the size of the decoded first layer image to the size of 1920×1080 which is the image size of the second layer.\",\n \"The upsampling may be performed in order to adjust image sizes of layers having different image sizes, and interpolation is applied to an image of a layer (the reference layer or the lower layer) having a small image size, and as a result, interpolated samples are calculated to adjust the image size.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may map the decoded motion information of the first layer to the image size of the second layer to use the mapped motion information of the first layer.\",\n \"Inter-layer motion information mapping of mapping the motion information of the decoded first layer image to the image size of the second layer may divide the second layer image into unit blocks having N×N and use the motion information of the first layer corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer as motion information of a corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"Hereinafter, an inter-layer motion information mapping method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described through an embodiment of FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6.FIGS.\",\n \"5 and 6 are diagrams illustrated for describing an inter-layer motion information mapping method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"5 illustrates an image of a second layer divided into unit blocks having a size of N×N.\",\n \"For example, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"5, when the image size of the second layer is 1920×1080 and N=16, the encoding/decoding apparatus may divide the image of the second layer into total 8160 (16×16) unit blocks and use motion information of a first layer block corresponding to each unit block of the second layer as motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, the motion information may be stored for each unit block.\",\n \"Alternatively, the motion information is stored in the form of a look-up table for each picture to be used by referring to each unit block.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"6 illustrates N×N blocks of the second layer and as one example, illustrates a 16×16 block 600 in case of N=16.Respective quadrangles in the 16×16 block 600 mean one sample and it is assumed that uppermost and leftmost sample position in the 16×16 block 600 is (xP, yP).\",\n \"As described above, when the inter-layer motion information is mapped, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N unit blocks of the second layer is mapped to the motion information of the second layer to be used.\",\n \"In this case, the motion information of the first layer block corresponding to each of the N×N blocks of the second layer may be motion information of a first layer sample position corresponding to a reference sample position of the N×N blocks of the second layer.\",\n \"For example, as illustrated in FIG.\",\n \"6, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+8, yP+8) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+8, yP+8) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position the position (xP, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+15, yP+15) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+15, yP+15) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"Alternatively, the encoding/decoding apparatus determines as the reference sample position a position (xP+1, yP+1) in the 16×16 block 600 of the second layer and uses the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position (xP+1, yP+1) to perform the inter-layer motion information mapping.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter-layer motion information mapping by using a difference reference sample position as well as the aforementioned reference sample position and the motion information of the first layer sample position corresponding thereto.\",\n \"The sample position of the first layer corresponding to a reference sample position of the second layer may be calculated as illustrated in Equation 1 below by considering the size of an inter-layer image.\",\n \"xRef=(xP*picWRL+ScaledW/2)/ScaledW yRef=(yP*picHRL+ScaledH/2)/ScaledH [Equation 1] Where xRef and yRef represent the sample position of the first layer, xP and Yp represent the reference sample position of the second layer, ScaledW and ScaledH represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture, and picWRL and picHRL represent horizontal and vertical sizes of the first layer picture.\",\n \"For example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 16×16, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 16×16-unit motion information through Equation 2 below.\",\n \"xRL=(xRef»4)«4 yRL=(yRef»4)«4 [Equation 2] As another example, when the motion information of the first layer is compressed and stored by the unit of 8×8, the sample position of the first layer calculated by Equation 1 may be adjusted to use 8×8-unit motion information through Equation 3 below.\",\n \"xRL=(xRef»3)«3 yRL=(yRef»3)«3 [Equation 3] When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as a motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a value of −1 to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"Alternatively, when the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the intra prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use (0, 0) as the motion vector value of the corresponding block of the second layer and allocate a specific value (for example, allocate 0 to the reference picture index and a POC of a picture indicated by the reference picture index to the reference picture POC) to the reference picture index and the reference picture POC of the corresponding block of the second layer.\",\n \"When the prediction mode of the first layer sample position corresponding to the reference sample position of the second layer is the inter prediction mode, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as the motion information of the corresponding block of the second layer, the motion vector value of the first layer sample position, the reference picture index, and the reference picture POC.\",\n \"In case of using the motion vector of the first layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use the motion vector of the first layer by reflecting the size of the inter-layer image as illustrated in Equation 4 below.\",\n \"mvLX[xP][yP][0]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][0]*ScaledW+offset)/PicWRL mvLX[xP][yP][1]=(mvLXRL[xRL][yRL][1]*ScaledH+offset)/PicHRL [Equation 4] The encoding/decoding apparatus may use, as information of the corresponding block of the second layer, picture type information (picture type information regarding whether the reference picture being a short-term reference picture or a long-term reference picture) of the reference picture which the corresponding block of the first layer corresponding to the block of the second layer refers to.\",\n \"The aforementioned inter-layer motion information mapping may be determined in a higher level and the encoding apparatus may transmit information related with the inter-layer motion information mapping in the higher level.\",\n \"The decoding apparatus may acquire the inter-layer motion information mapping related information from the higher level.\",\n \"The higher level may be a video parameter set (VPS), a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS), a slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"Hereinafter, a method for signaling the motion information mapping related information in the higher level according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.\",\n \"According to the embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in the VPS may be signaled as represented in Table 1.TABLE 1 vps_extension( ) { Descriptor for ( = 1; <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 1, when inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of an i-th layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the i-th layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to another embodiment of the present invention, information related to motion information mapping of a corresponding layer in extension of the SPS may be signaled as represented in Table 2.TABLE 2 sps_extension( ) { Descriptor sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 2, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to transmit information (for example, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag) that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined according to information (for example, sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) that indicates whether to use a temporal motion vector prediction transmitted in the SPS as represented in Table 3.TABLE 3 sps_extension( ){ Descriptor if ( sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 3, when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.\",\n \"When sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, a reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as a temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, whether to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer may be determined by the value of sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag without transmitting sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag as represented in Table 3.For example, it is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.\",\n \"It is regarded that sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0 when sps_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 0 to perform the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the PPS may be signaled as represented in Table 4.TABLE 4 pps_extension( ) { Descriptor pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 4, when pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When pps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 5.TABLE 5 if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) Descriptor slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 5, when slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information mapping of the first layer may not be performed.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information mapping of the first layer may be performed.\",\n \"According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the motion information mapping of the corresponding layer in the extension of the slice segment header may be signaled as represented in Table 6.TABLE 6 if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) Descriptor if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 6, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.\",\n \"slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted only in a layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer and in case of the enhancement layer, when there is no layer used for a motion prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may not be transmitted.\",\n \"When the corresponding flag is not present, a value of the corresponding flag Value may be inferred as 0.When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is transmitted in the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be present above slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag in the slice segment header of the layer (that is, the enhancement layer) other than the base layer as represented in Table 7.TABLE 7 slice_segment_header( ){ Descriptor if ( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 7, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, which indicates whether to use the temporal motion vector prediction, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag may be transmitted, which indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping of the first layer.\",\n \"When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, the motion information of the first layer may not be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, the reconstructed image of the first layer may not be used as the temporal motion vector predictor (TMVP) of the second layer.\",\n \"When slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the motion information of the first layer may be used in the second layer.\",\n \"That is, after the motion information of the first layer is mapped to the size of the second layer, the reconstructed image of the first layer may be used as a collocated picture (ColPic) for the TMVP of the second layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 8.For example, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer.\",\n \"Further, in case of a B slice, a reference picture list direction where the picture of the reference layer is positioned which may be used as the collocated picture may be determined through collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag.\",\n \"TABLE 8 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) if ( slice_type == B) collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag } else { if( slice_type == B ) collocated_from_I0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I0_ active_minus1 > 0 ) || ( !collocated_from_I0_flag_ && num_ref_idx_I1_ active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 8, collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.\",\n \"When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.\",\n \"In this case, a restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is transmitted in the B slice.\",\n \"When a value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 1, a picture that is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).\",\n \"When the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag is 0, a picture that is present in LIST1 is set as the collocated picture (ColPic).\",\n \"Thereafter, during acquiring a motion vector of a collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), the value of collocated_ref_layer_from_I0_flag may be used as the same meaning instead of collocated_from_I0_flag.\",\n \"In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"Alternatively, during acquiring the motion vector of the collocated block (ColPb) in the collocated picture (ColPic), when the collocated block has motion information in directions of LIST0 and LIST1, motion information in the same direction as a direction indicated by a current encoding/decoding target picture may be brought.\",\n \"When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the information on the collocated picture (ColPic) of the first layer for the TMVP of the second layer and the information on the reference picture list direction may be signaled through additional syntax information as represented in Table 9.For example, when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1, the reference picture list direction of the collocated picture may be determined from the value of collocated_from_I0_flag, and a referred layer may be known from the value of collocated_ref_layer_idx.\",\n \"TABLE 9 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ){ if ( slice_type == B) collocated_from_I0_flag slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ) { collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else { if( ( collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I0_active_ minus1 > 0 ) || ( !collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I1_active_ minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } Referring to Table 9, collocated_from_I0_flag indicates the reference picture list direction to which the collocated picture belongs when slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is 1 and in case of the B slice.\",\n \"When collocated_from_I0_flag is not present, collocated_from_I0_flag may be inferred as 1.In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"collocated_ref_layer_idx is an indicator that indicates information of the reference layer used for the motion prediction when the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 2 or more.\",\n \"When the number of reference layers used for the motion prediction is 1, collocated_ref_layer_idx may be skipped.\",\n \"In this case, the restriction that all slices in the picture need to have the same value may be imposed.\",\n \"The list direction for the collocated picture may be determined from collocated_from_I0_flag transmitted in the higher layer.\",\n \"When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.\",\n \"When slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, information of a referred layer may be known through collocated_ref_layer_idx and the motion information of the reference layer collocated picture may be mapped to the image size of the second layer, as represented in Table 10.In this case, according to a slice type, in case of a P slice, the picture of the reference layer which is present in LIST0 is set as the collocated picture and in case of the B slice, one direction of LIST0 and LIST1 is regulated and the picture of the corresponding reference layer is set as the collocated picture to be similarly used by the encoding/decoding apparatus.\",\n \"When the base layer or slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 0, a list direction and a collocated picture in the second layer may be known by using collocated_from_I0_flag and collocated_ref_idx without using the motion information of the reference layer.\",\n \"TABLE 10 slice_segment_header( ){ if( slice_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag ) { slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag u(1) if(slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag ){ collocated_ref_layer_idx ue(v) } else{ if ( slice_type == B) collocated_from_I0_flag u(1) if( ( collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I0_active_minus1 > 0 ) || ( !collocated_from_I0_flag && num_ref_idx_I1_active_minus1 > 0 ) ) collocated_ref_idx ue(v) } } } According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, when the picture is divided into N independent slices, slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flags in respective slice segment headers need to have the same value and one motion information mapping process per picture may be performed according to the value of slice_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag in a first independence slice segment header.\",\n \"In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, ‘sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag’ transmitted in the higher level is used as information that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping, but the information is extended to be used as information that indicates whether to perform an inter-layer syntax prediction.\",\n \"For example, when sps_inter_layer_mfm_enable_flag is 1, the inter-layer syntax (motion information) prediction may be performed as well as the motion information mapping.\",\n \"In the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, a separate syntax that indicates whether to perform the motion information mapping is used, but the motion information mapping may be performed according to a syntax information value regarding execution of the inter-layer prediction without transmitting the separate syntax.\",\n \"In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction signaled in the higher layer.\",\n \"The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be signaled in the higher level.\",\n \"The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction may be transmitted in the VPS as represented in Table 11.TABLE 11 vps_extension( ){ Descriptor for ( i = 1; i <= vps_max_layer_id; i++) no_inter_layer_pred_flag [i] u(1) } Referring to Table 11, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer prediction is transmitted in the VPS, when no_inter_layer_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed and when no_inter_layer_pred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed.\",\n \"In the present invention, it may be judged whether to perform the motion information mapping by using the syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction signaled in the higher layer.\",\n \"The syntax information that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be signaled in the higher level.\",\n \"The higher level may be the video parameter set (VPS), the sequence parameter set (SPS), the picture parameter set (PPS), the slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"According to an embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the PPS as represented in Table 12.TABLE 12 if ( pps extension_flag ) Descriptor no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 12, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the PPS, when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.\",\n \"According to another embodiment of the present invention a syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction may be transmitted in the syntax segment heard as represented in Table 13.TABLE 13 if ( slice_segment_header_extension_present_flag) Descriptor no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 13, in the case where the syntax that indicates whether to perform the inter-layer syntax prediction is transmitted in the slice segment header, when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 0, the motion information mapping may be performed and when no_inter_layer_syntax_pred_flag is 1, the motion information mapping may not be performed.\",\n \"Referring back to FIG.\",\n \"4, the encoding/decoding apparatus adds the information of the first layer to the reference picture list of the second layer to encode/decode the image of the second layer (S420).\",\n \"That is, the encoding/decoding apparatus may add decoded sample values and motion information of the first layer mapped to the second layer image size to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer through steps S400 to S410 described above, and configure the reference picture list of the second layer image by using the added information of the first layer.\",\n \"In addition, the encoding/decoding apparatus may perform the inter prediction of generating the prediction signal for the image of the second layer based on the reference picture list.\",\n \"When the reference picture list of the second layer is configured, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a specific position of the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, the specific position may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or the specific position may be designated by a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.\",\n \"Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to reference picture lists L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, positions added to the reference picture lists L0 and L1 may be the same as each other or different from each other.\",\n \"For example, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a first position in the reference picture list L0 and the decoded image of the first layer may be added to a last position in the reference picture list L1.Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to any one of the reference picture list directions L0 and L1 for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer.\",\n \"For example, when the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer is encoded/decoded to the B slice, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to only the reference picture list L0 or the reference picture list L1.In this case, when the decoded image of the first layer is added to a specific-direction reference picture list, there may be known a position in the specific-direction reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is to be added in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like) or a specific position may be designated according to a determined regulation without transmitting additional information.\",\n \"Alternatively, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to different positions of the reference picture list depending on a depth by using hierarchical depth information of a prediction structure.\",\n \"In this case, information on the positions may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).\",\n \"For example, the position in the reference picture list to which the decoded image of the first layer is added may vary based on a value of a temporal level (temporal_Id) depending on the hierarchical depth.\",\n \"As one example, in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is equal to or more than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the last position and in the case where the temporal level temporal_Id is less than 2, the decoded image of the first layer may be added to the first position of the reference picture list.\",\n \"In this case, a reference temporal level value may be known in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).\",\n \"The decoded image of the first layer may include the decoded motion information of the first layer mapped to the image size of the second layer as well as the decoded sample values of the first layer.\",\n \"The encoding/decoding apparatus may add the decoded image of the first layer to the reference picture list for the current encoding/decoding target image of the second layer by the aforementioned method and thereafter, predict the current encoding target image of the second layer by a general inter-prediction method.\",\n \"When the prediction is performed by using the decoded image of the first layer as a reference signal of the current encoding target image of the second layer (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the encoding apparatus may use as a prediction signal a first layer sample value at the same position as a prediction block in the current encoding target image without a motion predicting process.\",\n \"In this case, the encoding apparatus may not transmit motion information (for example, a motion vector difference value, a motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) of a corresponding block.\",\n \"The decoding apparatus may use as the prediction signal the first layer sample value at the same position as the prediction block in the current decoding target image without decoding the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the prediction block in the current decoding target image of the second layer when the an image indicated by the reference picture index of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list.\",\n \"When an image indicated by the reference picture index of the current decoding target block of the second layer is the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list (when the inter-layer prediction is performed), the decoding apparatus may predict the current decoding target block of the second layer by judging whether to decode the motion information (for example, the motion vector difference value, the motion prediction candidate flag, and the like) for the current decoding target block of the second layer based on information transmitted in the higher level (for example, the VPS, the SPS, the PPS, the slice segment header, and the like).\",\n \"Table 14 represents one example of a syntax in which information (sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag) that indicates whether an inter-layer motion vector has a value of (0, 0) is transmitted in the SPS.\",\n \"TABLE 14 sps_extension( ){ Descriptor sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag u(1) } Referring to Table 14, when sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 1 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which has the same position as the current target block without decoding the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag.\",\n \"When sps_inter_layer_mv_zero_flag transmitted in the SPS has a value of 0 and the reference picture index of the current decoding target block indicates the decoded image of the first layer in the reference picture list, the decoding apparatus may decode the motion vector difference value and the motion prediction candidate flag and thereafter, acquire a motion vector value, and use, as the prediction signal for the current decoding target block, the decoded sample value of the first layer image which is at a position of the acquired motion vector value.\",\n \"Meanwhile, the encoding apparatus may use the decoded image of the first layer as a collocated picture for predicting the temporal motion vector of the second layer in order to use the mapped motion information of the first layer as a temporal motion vector candidate for the current encoding target block of the second layer.\",\n \"In this case, the encoding apparatus may designate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated image through information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header.\",\n \"When the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture in the slice segment header transmitted in the encoder indicates the decoded image of the first layer, the decoding apparatus may use the mapped motion information of the first layer as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer.\",\n \"When the mapped motion information of the first layer is used as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer, the encoding/decoding apparatus may use at least one of the mapped motion information of the first layer, that is, at least one of the reference picture POC, the reference picture list, and the picture type (the short-term picture and the long-term reference picture) of the reference picture and scale and use a motion vector of the second layer according to a temporal distance by using one or more pieces of mapped motion information of the first layer.\",\n \"When the prediction is performed by adding only the decoded reference sample values of the first layer image to the reference picture list without permitting the motion information mapping of the first layer, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in a standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture.\",\n \"As another example of using the mapped motion information of the first layer as the motion information of the second layer, the mapped motion information of the first layer may be used not as the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer but as an additional candidate mode.\",\n \"In this case, the information (collocated_ref_idx) that indicates the collocated picture may be restricted in the standard document so as not to indicate the decoded image of the first layer as the collocated picture, so that the temporal motion vector candidate of the second layer is calculated from the reference picture of the second layer.\",\n \"Further, in order to use the motion information of the first layer mapped to the additional candidate mode, the encoding apparatus may additionally transmit an index (for example, base_ref_idx) that may indicate a position of the mapped image of the first layer in the reference picture list in the slice segment header, and the like in the slice segment header, and the like.\",\n \"A position of the additional candidate mode in the reference picture list may be applied similarly to the encoding apparatus and the decoding apparatus.\",\n \"The method according to the present invention is prepared as a program for being executed in a computer to be stored in a computer-readable medium, and examples of the computer readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storing device and the computer readable recording medium may also be implemented in a form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission through the Internet).\",\n \"Further, the computer-readable recording media are distributed on computer systems connected through the network, and thus the computer-readable recording media may be stored and executed as the computer-readable code by a distribution scheme.\",\n \"Further, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the method may be easily inferred by a programmer in a technical field to which the present invention belongs.\",\n \"In the aforementioned embodiments, methods have been described based on flowcharts as a series of steps or blocks, but the methods are not limited to the order of the steps of the present invention and any step may occur in a step or an order different from or simultaneously as the aforementioned step or order.\",\n \"Further, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that steps shown in the flowcharts are not exclusive and other steps may be included or one or more steps do not influence the scope of the present invention and may be deleted.\",\n \"While some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may change, modify, and substitute the present invention in various ways without departing from the essential characteristic of the present invention.\",\n \"Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit but describe with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.\",\n \"The scope of the present invention may be interpreted by the appended claims and the technical spirit in the equivalent range are intended to be embraced by the invention.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875173"}}},{"rowIdx":4494798,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["CONTACT LENS MOUNTING SPECULUM FOR VITREORETINAL SURGERY","A contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery.","The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while enabling alignment to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.","The contact lens mounting speculum may be used with different patients, speculum blades, contact lenses (direct and indirect), and lens mounting positions."],["1-20.","(canceled) 21.A method for performing ophthalmic surgery, comprising: positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient; fitting a contact lens mounting speculum to the patient, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum comprises: a main body; two speculum blades extending from the main body; a temple support pad coupled to the main body; and a mounting ring coupled to the main body; retracting eyelids of the patient with the two speculum blades; translating the mounting ring with respect to the main body in a first direction parallel to the first optical axis of the surgical microscope; positioning a contact lens into contact with the eye; and viewing an interior portion of the eye using the contact lens, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.","22.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to prevent tilting of the contact lens away from the first optical axis.","23.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in the first direction parallel to the first optical axis.","24.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a second direction perpendicular to the first optical axis.","25.The method of claim 21, wherein fitting the contact lens mounting speculum to the patient further comprises: adjusting the temple support pad to fit the patient, wherein the temple support pad is coupled to the main body with a first spherical joint.","26.The method of claim 21, further comprising: installing the contact lens to the mounting ring.","27.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises wire speculum blades.","28.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is an indirect contact lens.","29.The method of claim 21, further comprising: compressing a first spherical joint between the main body and the temple support pad with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.","30.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises: an articulated linkage, coupled to the mounting ring, for reducing friction when the mounting ring translates in the first direction.","31.The method of claim 30, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises: a second rotation joint coupled to the articulated linkage at an opposing end from the mounting ring; an extension arm coupled to the second rotation joint; and a first rotation joint coupled to the extension arm opposite the second rotation joint.","32.The method of claim 31, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises: a second spherical joint coupled to the first rotation joint between the first rotation joint and the main body.","33.The method of claim 32, further comprising: compressing the second spherical joint with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.","34.The method of claim 31, wherein the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint are parallel to the first direction.","35.The method of claim 34, wherein the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint enable the mounting ring to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.","36.The method of claim 21, wherein the mounting ring includes a threaded adapter to receive the contact lens."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>"],["<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure provide for illuminating and viewing the extreme periphery of the fundus during vitreoretinal surgery without implementing extraneous operations, without using additional skilled surgical personnel, and without having the positional instability of a free-standing indirect wide-angle contact lens.","In one aspect, a disclosed method for performing ophthalmic surgery includes positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient.","The method may include fitting a contact lens mounting speculum to the patient.","In the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may keep eyelids of the patient open.","The method may include viewing an interior portion of the eye using a contact lens in contact with the eye.","In the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to prevent tilting of the contact lens away from the first optical axis.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction corresponding to the first optical axis.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, fitting the contact lens mounting speculum to the patient may further include adjusting a temple mounting pad to fit the patient.","In the method, the temple mounting pad may be coupled to a main body of the contact lens mounting speculum with a spherical joint.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the method may include installing the contact lens to a mounting ring included with the contact lens mounting speculum.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may include wire specula.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.","In another aspect, a contact lens mounting speculum, includes a main body, two speculum blades extending from the main body for retracting eyelids of a patient, a temple support pad coupled to the main body, and a mounting ring coupled to the main body to position a contact lens for viewing an eye of a patient during ophthalmic surgery using a surgical microscope.","IN the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may translate with respect to the main body in a first direction parallel to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a first spherical joint between the main body and the temple support pad.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include an articulated linkage, coupled to the mounting ring, for reducing friction when the mounting ring translates in the first direction.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second rotation joint coupled to the articulated linkage at an opposing end from the mounting ring, an extension arm coupled to the second rotation joint, and a first rotation joint coupled to the extension arm opposite the second rotation joint.","In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may be parallel to the first direction.","In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may enable the mounting ring to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second spherical joint coupled to the first rotation joint between the first rotation joint and the main body.","In the contact lens mounting speculum, at least one of the first spherical joint and the second spherical joint may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the specula may include wire specula.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may include a threaded adapter to receive the contact lens.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens."],["BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic surgery, and more specifically, to a contact lens mounting speculum for vitreoretinal surgery.","Description of the Related Art In ophthalmology, eye surgery, or ophthalmic surgery, saves and improves the vision of tens of thousands of patients every year.","However, given the sensitivity of vision to even small changes in the eye and the minute and delicate nature of many eye structures, ophthalmic surgery is difficult to perform and the reduction of even minor or uncommon surgical errors or modest improvements in accuracy of surgical techniques can make an enormous difference in the patient's vision after the surgery.","Ophthalmic surgery is performed on the eye and accessory visual structures.","More specifically, vitreoretinal surgery encompasses various delicate procedures involving internal portions of the eye, such as the vitreous humor and the retina.","Different vitreoretinal surgical procedures are used, sometimes with lasers, to improve visual sensory performance in the treatment of many eye diseases, including epimacular membranes, diabetic traction retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, detached retina, and complications of cataract surgery, among others.","During vitreoretinal surgery, an ophthalmologist typically uses a surgical microscope to view the fundus through the cornea, while surgical instruments that penetrate the sclera may be introduced to perform any of a variety of different procedures.","The surgical microscope provides imaging and optionally illumination of the fundus during vitreoretinal surgery.","The patient typically lies supine under the surgical microscope during vitreoretinal surgery and a speculum is used to keep the eye exposed by holding open the eyelids.","Depending on a type of optical system used, the ophthalmologist has a given field of view of the fundus, which may vary from a narrow field of view to a wide field of view that can extend to peripheral regions of the fundus.","For many types of vitreoretinal surgery using the surgical microscope, the surgeon may desire to have a very wide field of view of the fundus that extends beyond the equator and even out to the ora serrata.","The optical system to provide the view of the fundus to the surgeon during vitreoretinal surgery may include a special ocular lens, of which three types are typically used: a direct (plano, flat, or magnifying) contact lens, an indirect non-contact lens, or an indirect contact lens.","A contact lens is in physical contact with the cornea and therefore has a concave surface to match the convex surface of the cornea.","Typically a small amount of viscoelastic gel or saline fluid resides between the cornea and the contact lens to prevent unwanted extraneous interfacial reflections and to protect the cornea from dehydration.","A non-contact lens does not touch the eye and is spaced a certain working distance away from the eye.","A direct lens creates a non-inverted virtual image of the fundus behind the eye lens and generally in front of the fundus.","The surgeon uses the surgical microscope to focus directly on this non-inverted virtual image, which is also referred to as an intermediate image plane or a focus plane.","The direct lens enables the surgeon to directly view the fundus.","An indirect lens creates an inverted real image in the intermediate image plane in front of the eye lens (between the eye lens and the surgical microscope) and the surgeon uses the surgical microscope to focus on this intermediate image plane.","The indirect lens enables the surgeon to indirectly view the fundus via the intermediate image plane.","Since the indirect lens image is inverted to the viewer looking through the surgical microscope, typically an inverter lens is added to the surgical microscope to re-invert the fundus image to match the physical orientation of the eye during vitreoretinal surgery.","A direct contact lens can be placed onto the eye and is generally thin enough axially to normally remain in place on the cornea during vitreoretinal surgery.","In certain optical systems, direct contact lenses have self-stabilizing features on the lens, such as base extensions that assist in keeping the direct contact lens from moving during surgery.","However, a direct contact lens may not provide a very wide field of view into the fundus and of the retina and the field of view may be limited to about 30 degrees.","An indirect non-contact lens is not in contact with the eye and may be fixed to the surgical microscope.","Therefore, the indirect non-contact lens may avoid issues of positional instability and additional resources involved (such as having a skilled surgical assistant to hold or reposition the lens) during vitreoretinal surgery.","At least for these reasons, the indirect non-contact lens may be the ophthalmic surgical lens often chosen by many ophthalmologists.","However, an indirect non-contact lens may be limited in the field of view of the fundus provided to the surgeon during vitreoretinal surgery.","For example, the field of view using an indirect non-contact lens may be limited to less than about 140 degrees (full angle) and may be about 10 degrees less than wide angle contact lenses.","Non-contact lenses do not eliminate corneal asphericity and may result in the surgeon rotating the eye farther than with a wide angle contact lens in order to view the peripheral retina.","In order to see beyond the region of fundus viewable at one time with the indirect non-contact lenses, the surgeon may employ various techniques during vitreoretinal surgery.","For example, the surgeon may indent a peripheral region of sclera to push the fundus in the affected region into the field of view.","The surgeon may rotate the eye off the optical axis to direct the field of view onto the desired peripheral region.","In some instances, a combination of techniques is used.","Frequently rotating the eye or depressing the sclera to view peripheral regions of the fundus are extraneous operations during vitreoretinal surgery that are performed for the purpose of obtaining a sufficient view.","Scleral depression may result in additional trauma for the eye and may increase time of surgery, which may be undesirable for at least these reasons.","An indirect (wide-angle) contact lens may provide a much greater field of view of the fundus than other types of ophthalmic surgical lenses.","Contact lenses may provide a field of view up to about 170 degrees (full angle), essentially out to the very edge of the retina at the ora serrata in a single image.","However, contact lenses, which rest on the cornea during vitreoretinal surgery, are generally top-heavy due to their optical construction and typically move in angular and positional orientation after initial placement on the eye.","Contact lenses may also be relatively sensitive to small movements by the patient during surgery, which is undesirable.","Therefore, the surgeon oftentimes engages the help of an assistant, either to continually hold the contact lens in place or to frequently reposition the contact lens many times during the course of vitreoretinal surgery.","Despite the large field of view afforded, the lack of positional stability and the additional involvement of a skilled surgical assistant to position the lens may be undesirable.","At least for these reasons, the free-standing contact lens may be a less popular choice among vitreoretinal surgeons than a non-contact system.","SUMMARY The disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure provide for illuminating and viewing the extreme periphery of the fundus during vitreoretinal surgery without implementing extraneous operations, without using additional skilled surgical personnel, and without having the positional instability of a free-standing indirect wide-angle contact lens.","In one aspect, a disclosed method for performing ophthalmic surgery includes positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient.","The method may include fitting a contact lens mounting speculum to the patient.","In the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may keep eyelids of the patient open.","The method may include viewing an interior portion of the eye using a contact lens in contact with the eye.","In the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to prevent tilting of the contact lens away from the first optical axis.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction corresponding to the first optical axis.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, fitting the contact lens mounting speculum to the patient may further include adjusting a temple mounting pad to fit the patient.","In the method, the temple mounting pad may be coupled to a main body of the contact lens mounting speculum with a spherical joint.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the method may include installing the contact lens to a mounting ring included with the contact lens mounting speculum.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may include wire specula.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.","In another aspect, a contact lens mounting speculum, includes a main body, two speculum blades extending from the main body for retracting eyelids of a patient, a temple support pad coupled to the main body, and a mounting ring coupled to the main body to position a contact lens for viewing an eye of a patient during ophthalmic surgery using a surgical microscope.","IN the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may translate with respect to the main body in a first direction parallel to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a first spherical joint between the main body and the temple support pad.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include an articulated linkage, coupled to the mounting ring, for reducing friction when the mounting ring translates in the first direction.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second rotation joint coupled to the articulated linkage at an opposing end from the mounting ring, an extension arm coupled to the second rotation joint, and a first rotation joint coupled to the extension arm opposite the second rotation joint.","In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may be parallel to the first direction.","In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may enable the mounting ring to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.","In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second spherical joint coupled to the first rotation joint between the first rotation joint and the main body.","In the contact lens mounting speculum, at least one of the first spherical joint and the second spherical joint may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the specula may include wire specula.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may include a threaded adapter to receive the contact lens.","In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.","1 is a perspective view of selected elements of an embodiment of a contact lens mounting speculum; FIG.","2 is a top view of selected elements of an embodiment of a contact lens mounting speculum fitted to a patient; FIG.","3 is a depiction of an embodiment of a vitreoretinal surgery using a surgical microscope and a contact lens mounting speculum; and FIG.","4 is a flow chart of selected elements of a method for performing vitreoretinal surgery.","DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S) In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter.","It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.","As used herein, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the collective element.","Thus, for example, device ‘12-1’ refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices ‘12’ and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device ‘12’.","As noted above, free-standing indirect contact lenses, though they provide a much greater field of view of the fundus than other types of ophthalmic surgical lenses, are not frequently used by surgeons during vitreoretinal surgery.","Because indirect contact lenses are top heavy in construction, such lenses may exhibit positional instability when resting on the cornea of a patient during surgery.","Indirect contact lenses may easily lose angular and positional orientation after initial placement on the eye, resulting in repeated or continuous manual effort for repositioning during surgery.","Furthermore, the instability of a typical indirect contact lens may be unpredictable during surgery, which is also undesirable.","The present disclosure relates to a contact lens mounting speculum for mechanically supporting a contact lens during ophthalmic surgery.","The contact lens may be a direct contact lens or an indirect contact lens.","The contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein forces the contact lens to remain upright, and hence remain aligned with the surgeon's view through an optical axis of the surgical microscope into the eye of the patient during surgery.","The contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may further enable the contact lens to move without substantial mechanical resistance in the horizontal and vertical directions (within certain limits) to conform to the position of the eye during surgery.","In this manner, the contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may preserve alignment to the microscope axis for viewing through the contact lens, while retaining a certain amount of flexibility in translational movement, such as from small movements of the patient during surgery.","Accordingly, the contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may enable the ophthalmic surgeon to enjoy the wide angle viewing capabilities afforded by indirect contact lenses, without the positional instability problems of a free-standing indirect contact lens without mechanical support, such as using additional skilled surgical personnel, and without implementing extraneous operations during surgery, such as rotating the eye or indenting the sclera to view desired portions of the fundus.","As will be described in further detail, the contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein allows a surgeon to intraoperatively view the ocular fundus and periphery through a contact lens without assistance, by providing an adaptive articulating lens mount system that supports the contact lens and passively accommodates horizontal movement to maintain lens contact and orthogonality despite ocular rotation or movement.","The adjustable and adaptive contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may be comprised of two spherical friction joints, two cylindrical free-rotating parallel joints, and an articulated linkage with substantially parallel members on cylindrical free-rotating parallel joints at each end.","The contact lens mounting speculum described below may provide in-situ fit adjustment in a single step by the surgeon to accommodate different patient characteristics, lens heights, speculum blade types and other mounting variations.","The contact lens mounting speculum described below may also provide frictionless, tilt-free passive lateral movement intra-surgically, to maintain contact of the contact lens to the patient eye as the eye is moved and rotated by the surgeon.","Additionally, the contact lens mounting speculum described below is compact to preserve surgical access and can be used with the left or right eye.","The contact lens mounting speculum described below may receive various commercially available surgical contact lenses (including direct and indirect contact lenses), wire speculum blades, adjustable speculum blades, or other mounting adapters, and may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture as a surgical consumable.","Referring now to the drawings, FIGS.","1 and 2 illustrate different views of selected elements of an embodiment of a contact lens mounting speculum 100 for supporting a contact lens 120.The drawings illustrate an embodiment of contact lens mounting speculum 100 that may not be drawn to a given scale, such that particular elements included with contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be sized differently in some embodiments.","Although the patient is omitted for clarity in FIG.","1, contact lens mounting speculum 100 enables a contact lens 120 to rest on an eye of a patient (see also FIGS.","2 and 3).","As will be described in further detail, FIG.","1 shows a perspective view of contact lens mounting speculum 100 with a contact lens 120 mounted thereto.","It is noted that in other embodiments, different types of contact lenses, such as direct contact lenses, may be used with contact lens mounting speculum 100.Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be made using any of a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers.","Contact lens mounting speculum 100, as shown, is comprised of a temple support pad 110, a first spherical joint 112, a main body 118, a pair of wire speculum blades 130, a second spherical joint 122, a first rotation joint 124, an extension arm 126, a second rotation joint 128, an articulated linkage 114, and a mounting ring 116 for retaining contact lens 120.In various embodiments, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be implemented with fewer or more components than illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.","1, which is shown for descriptive purposes.","In FIG.","1, contact lens mounting speculum 100 includes temple support pad 110 coupled to main body 118 via first spherical joint 112.Temple support pad 110 may aid in supporting contact lens mounting speculum 100 to remain upright and in position.","In particular, temple support pad 110 may stabilize contact lens mounting speculum 100 by counterbracing the weight of contact lens 120 while in contact with the patient's eye.","Because temple support pad 110 is adjustable using first spherical joint 112, temple support pad 110 may prevent various undesired motion of contact lens mounting speculum 100, as a third supporting base point, in addition to each of wire speculum blades 130.In this manner, temple support pad 110 may provide stability and may enable contact lens mounting speculum 100 to be used with various different implementations of contact lens 120, as well as other types of contact lenses.","First spherical joint 112 may act as a universal joint to enable flexible positioning of temple support pad 110 with respect to the patient.","It is noted that an amount of compressive force applied to generate friction in first spherical joint 112 may be designed for a particular stabilization force that temple support pad 110 provides.","In other words, first spherical joint 112 may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.","In some embodiments, the compressive force at first spherical joint 112 is mechanically adjustable, such as with a threaded compressive element (not shown).","In some embodiments, the compressive supporting force at first spherical joint 112 is augmented by a preload force, such as may be provided by a spring or other flexible biasing element (not shown).","Also in FIG.","1 coupled to main body 118 are wire speculum blades 130, shown comprising first wire speculum blade 130-1 and second wire speculum blade 130-2.Wire speculum blades 130 are used to hold open the eyelids of the patient during vitreoretinal surgery.","Wire speculum blades 130 may also provide mechanical support and stability to contact lens mounting speculum 100 by contributing to the stabilization of main body 118, particularly when applied to the eyelids of the patient.","As a result, contact lens mounting speculum 100 provides both functionality to hold the eyelids of the patient open during surgery, as well as functionality to support different types of interchangeable lenses, including a flat/plano lens used for macular surgery and a wide angle lens for peripheral retinal viewing that includes multiple lenses.","Such lenses are represented by a contact lens 120 in FIG.","1, which may represent a direct contact lens or an indirect contact lens.","Although contact lens mounting speculum 100 is shown with wire speculum blades 130, different kinds of speculum blades may be fitted to contact lens mounting speculum 100 in place of, or in addition to wire speculum blades 130.It is noted that main body 118 may rest on the patient when contact lens mounting speculum 100 is used during vitreoretinal surgery.","Additionally attached to main body 118 is second spherical joint 122, which may be similar to first spherical joint 112 described above.","Second spherical joint 122 may provide a means to orient the axes of movement of contact lens 120 by virtue of attachment via extension arm 126 and articulated linkage 114.It is noted that an amount of compressive force applied to generate friction in second spherical joint 122 may be designed for a particular stabilization force or degree of stabilization of contact lens 120.In other words, second spherical joint 120 may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.","In some embodiments, the compressive force at second spherical joint 122 is mechanically adjustable, such as with a threaded compressive element (not shown).","In some embodiments, the compressive supporting force at second spherical joint 122 is augmented by a preload force, such as may be provided by a spring or other flexible biasing element (not shown).","Also in FIG.","1, first rotation joint 124 is situated between second spherical joint 122 and extension arm 126 to enable extension arm 126 to rotate laterally about first rotation joint 124.At an opposing end of extension arm 126, second rotation joint 128 enables articulated linkage 114 to rotate laterally about extension arm 126.First rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be cylindrical free-rotating parallel joints.","In this manner, first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may enable lateral positioning of contact lens 120, as desired.","In some embodiments, at least one of first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be detained, or restricted, to a certain degree of rotation, such as to a limited angular range.","It is noted that an amount of friction in first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be selected as desired.","In some embodiments, first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be substantially frictionless.","As shown, articulated linkage 114 may be a 4-bar linkage that allows contact lens 120 to frictionlessly, or substantially frictionlessly, adapt within a range of vertical distances of the patient's eye relative to speculum blades 130, to accommodate the patient's anatomical characteristics, different lens mounting heights, and various shapes and mounting positions.","Other types of linkages may be used for articulated linkage 114 in other embodiments.","The contact between contact lens 120 and the patient's the eye may be provided by the weight of contact lens 120 and mounting ring 116, which rest on the eye, while a negligible amount of downward force on the eye may result from other elements of contact lens mounting speculum 100.As shown in FIG.","1, mounting ring 116 may be fixed to an opposing end of articulated linkage 114 from second rotation joint 128.Mounting ring 116 may be enabled to receive a particular model of contact lens 120, such as by using a compliant snap-fit or using internal threads that mate with corresponding threads of contact lens 120.In some embodiments, mounting ring 116 may be replaceable for different types of contact lens 120.In particular embodiments, mounting ring 116 may receive more than one type of contact lens 120.In other embodiments, mounting ring 116 may be a different type of mechanical coupling mechanism, such as a threaded rod or hole, a clip, an insert, etc., for coupling contact lens 120 in a fixed manner to articulated linkage 114.Accordingly, when attached to a patient, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable an objective of a surgical microscope to view an indirect image generated by contact lens 120, and to focus on a focal plane where the indirect image is generated.","Thus, contact lens 120 is mechanically coupled to the patient using contact lens mounting speculum 100 but is still afforded a certain degree of horizontal and vertical motion with very low friction, and may accommodate different patient characteristics, different speculum blades, different lens characteristics, and different mounting positions.","Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be used to safely place contact lens 120 on the eye during vitreoretinal surgery and to hold contact lens 120 in alignment with an optical axis of the surgical microscope (see also FIG.","3), which may be aligned with an optical axis of the eye.","Although obscured from view in FIG.","1, contact lens 120 may include a concave portion that mates with the convex shape of the cornea, where an optical coupling agent may be used.","The optical coupling agent may be applied as a film interfacial layer to prevent unwanted reflections and to enable viewing into the eye along its optical axis irrespective of a tilt angle of the eye axis relative to an optical axis of the surgical microscope (see also FIG.","3).","The film interfacial layer created by the optical coupling agent may eliminate air bubbles at the lens-cornea interface and prevent the cornea from losing moisture.","The film interfacial layer may thus function as an optical base out prism to promote enhanced viewing of peripheral regions of the fundus.","The indirect image generated by contact lens 120 at the focal plane may correspond to a field of view that is relatively wide and may extend out beyond the eye equator to the ora serrata where the retina ends.","Thus, the field of view afforded by contact lens mounting speculum 100 may include a large portion of the fundus that is filled with vitreous humor, including all or most of the retina.","In this manner, the surgeon is afforded a safe and stable view to perform any of a variety of surgical techniques on the eye.","Furthermore, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable relatively quick removal and replacement of contact lens 120 on the eye, even during surgery, as desired.","Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to surgical microscope attachment 100 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.","The components and elements of contact lens mounting speculum 100, as described herein, may be integrated or separated according to particular applications.","Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be implemented using more, fewer, or different components in some embodiments.","FIG.","2 shows a top view 200 of contact lens mounting speculum 100 when resting on an eye of a patient 201.Top view 200 corresponds to a perspective of a surgeon performing vitreoretinal surgery looking down into the eye through contact lens 120 secured by contact lens mounting speculum 100, as described above.","Visible in top view 200 are contact lens 120, mounting ring 116, articulated linkage 114, second rotation joint 128, extension arm 126, first rotation joint 124, wire speculum blades 130, and temple support pad 110.Referring now to FIG.","3, a depiction of an embodiment of a vitreoretinal surgery 300 using a surgical microscope 302 and contact lens mounting speculum 100 for supporting contact lens 120 is shown.","In FIG.","3, the use of contact lens mounting speculum 100 as shown in FIG.","2 with a patent and a surgeon is depicted.","Although FIG.","3 is shown with surgical microscope 302 above the patient, it is noted that different orientations of the patient with respect to surgical microscope 302 may be practiced in different embodiments.","The patient has an eye exposed using contact lens mounting speculum 100 that is in contact with contact lens 120, while the surgeon is viewing the fundus of the patient's eye using surgical microscope 102.As a result of articulated linkage 114, explained above with respect of FIG.","1, which provides low friction movement, very little vertical or horizontal pressure is extorted on the eye of the patient in vitreoretinal surgery 300.Because contact lens 120 still rests freely on the cornea, contact lens 120 may be self-retaining due to the weight of contact lens 120 transmitted to the convex portion of the cornea, which resists lateral sliding of contact lens 120 relative to the cornea.","Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may ensure that contact lens 120 remains parallel to the patient's frontal plane even when the eye is rotated, by allowing for translation and height adjustment.","Because the cornea and contact lens 120 mate as a ball and socket socket joint, contact lens 120 does not rotate with the eye, while being adjustable to different lateral positions using the articulated mechanism described herein.","Therefore, when the patient's eye moves slightly relative to surgical microscope 302, contact lens 120 stays with the patient's eye and may move relative to surgical microscope 202.However, as explained previously, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may keep contact lens 120 upright and aids in maintaining alignment of optical axis 331 of contact lens 120 with an optical axis 306 of surgical microscope 302, thereby enabling useful imaging for the surgeon to be maintained during surgery without external intervention, such as by a skilled surgical technician.","Even when the optical axis 131 deviates slightly from the optical axis of the surgical microscope during vitreoretinal surgery, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may still enable useful imaging of the fundus by keeping optical axis 331 aligned with optical axis 306 of surgical microscope 302.In other words, even when optical axis 331 of the eye tilts away from optical axis 306 during vitreoretinal surgery, for example due to eye movement by the patient, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable the surgeon to continue viewing the fundus using contact lens 120.Furthermore, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable the surgeon to continue viewing the fundus without significant risk of injury to the patient that might otherwise result from an optical arrangement that is fixed and does not afford any motion of an ocular lens.","When contact lens 120 is initially placed on the eye, optical axis 331 of the eye will generally be aligned with optical axis 306 of surgical microscope 202.However, when the patient's eye makes a small movement during surgery, optical axis 331 may become slightly non-aligned with optical axis 306.Even when optical axis 306 is no longer perfectly aligned with optical axis 331, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may keep contact lens 120 upright and viewable via optical axis 306 to enable useful viewing of the fundus during surgery without interruption.","In this manner using contact lens mounting speculum 100, as disclosed herein, extraneous operations to view peripheral regions of the fundus may be avoided, and additional personnel or manual actions to maintain the positional stability of contact lens 120 may be eliminated.","The objective used with surgical microscope 302 may have a focal length of about 175 mm to 225 mm that focuses on the focal plane of contact lens 120.It is noted that surgical microscope 302 may provide illumination for the fundus that is projected through contact lens 120.Thus the surgeon may be provided with a sufficient field of view via surgical microscope 202 and may safely proceed with any of a variety of vitreoretinal surgical procedures (not shown).","Referring now to FIG.","4, a flow chart of selected elements of an embodiment of a method 400 for performing vitreoretinal surgery, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.","Method 400 describes steps and procedures for using contact lens mounting speculum 100 with contact lens 120 (see FIGS.","1 and 2) to view the fundus of an eye and to enable further surgical procedures based on the view of the fundus.","It is noted that certain operations described in method 400 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.","Method 400 may be performed by a surgeon or by other medical personnel.","In some embodiments, at least certain portions of method 400 may be automated, for example using servo-mechanical control associated with certain aspects of the surgical microscope, such as raising or lowering the surgical microscope.","Method 400 may begin, at step 402, by positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient.","At step 404, the contact lens may be installed to a mounting ring included with a contact lens mounting speculum.","At step 406, the contact lens mounting speculum may be fitted to the patient, such that the contact lens mounting speculum keeps eyelids of the patient open.","At step 408, a temple mounting pad may be adjusted to fit the patient, such that the temple mounting pad is coupled to a main body of the contact lens mounting speculum with a spherical joint.","At step 410, an interior portion of the eye may be viewed using a contact lens in contact with the eye, while the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.","As disclosed herein, a contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery.","The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while enabling alignment to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.","The contact lens mounting speculum may be used with different patients, speculum blades, contact lenses (direct and indirect), and lens mounting positions.","The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.","Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"CONTACT LENS MOUNTING SPECULUM FOR VITREORETINAL SURGERY\",\n \"A contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while enabling alignment to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum may be used with different patients, speculum blades, contact lenses (direct and indirect), and lens mounting positions.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1-20.\",\n \"(canceled) 21.A method for performing ophthalmic surgery, comprising: positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient; fitting a contact lens mounting speculum to the patient, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum comprises: a main body; two speculum blades extending from the main body; a temple support pad coupled to the main body; and a mounting ring coupled to the main body; retracting eyelids of the patient with the two speculum blades; translating the mounting ring with respect to the main body in a first direction parallel to the first optical axis of the surgical microscope; positioning a contact lens into contact with the eye; and viewing an interior portion of the eye using the contact lens, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"22.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to prevent tilting of the contact lens away from the first optical axis.\",\n \"23.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in the first direction parallel to the first optical axis.\",\n \"24.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a second direction perpendicular to the first optical axis.\",\n \"25.The method of claim 21, wherein fitting the contact lens mounting speculum to the patient further comprises: adjusting the temple support pad to fit the patient, wherein the temple support pad is coupled to the main body with a first spherical joint.\",\n \"26.The method of claim 21, further comprising: installing the contact lens to the mounting ring.\",\n \"27.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises wire speculum blades.\",\n \"28.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens is an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"29.The method of claim 21, further comprising: compressing a first spherical joint between the main body and the temple support pad with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.\",\n \"30.The method of claim 21, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises: an articulated linkage, coupled to the mounting ring, for reducing friction when the mounting ring translates in the first direction.\",\n \"31.The method of claim 30, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises: a second rotation joint coupled to the articulated linkage at an opposing end from the mounting ring; an extension arm coupled to the second rotation joint; and a first rotation joint coupled to the extension arm opposite the second rotation joint.\",\n \"32.The method of claim 31, wherein the contact lens mounting speculum further comprises: a second spherical joint coupled to the first rotation joint between the first rotation joint and the main body.\",\n \"33.The method of claim 32, further comprising: compressing the second spherical joint with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.\",\n \"34.The method of claim 31, wherein the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint are parallel to the first direction.\",\n \"35.The method of claim 34, wherein the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint enable the mounting ring to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.\",\n \"36.The method of claim 21, wherein the mounting ring includes a threaded adapter to receive the contact lens.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND <EOH>\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY <EOH>The disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure provide for illuminating and viewing the extreme periphery of the fundus during vitreoretinal surgery without implementing extraneous operations, without using additional skilled surgical personnel, and without having the positional instability of a free-standing indirect wide-angle contact lens.\",\n \"In one aspect, a disclosed method for performing ophthalmic surgery includes positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient.\",\n \"The method may include fitting a contact lens mounting speculum to the patient.\",\n \"In the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may keep eyelids of the patient open.\",\n \"The method may include viewing an interior portion of the eye using a contact lens in contact with the eye.\",\n \"In the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to prevent tilting of the contact lens away from the first optical axis.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction corresponding to the first optical axis.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, fitting the contact lens mounting speculum to the patient may further include adjusting a temple mounting pad to fit the patient.\",\n \"In the method, the temple mounting pad may be coupled to a main body of the contact lens mounting speculum with a spherical joint.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the method may include installing the contact lens to a mounting ring included with the contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may include wire specula.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"In another aspect, a contact lens mounting speculum, includes a main body, two speculum blades extending from the main body for retracting eyelids of a patient, a temple support pad coupled to the main body, and a mounting ring coupled to the main body to position a contact lens for viewing an eye of a patient during ophthalmic surgery using a surgical microscope.\",\n \"IN the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may translate with respect to the main body in a first direction parallel to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a first spherical joint between the main body and the temple support pad.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include an articulated linkage, coupled to the mounting ring, for reducing friction when the mounting ring translates in the first direction.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second rotation joint coupled to the articulated linkage at an opposing end from the mounting ring, an extension arm coupled to the second rotation joint, and a first rotation joint coupled to the extension arm opposite the second rotation joint.\",\n \"In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may be parallel to the first direction.\",\n \"In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may enable the mounting ring to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second spherical joint coupled to the first rotation joint between the first rotation joint and the main body.\",\n \"In the contact lens mounting speculum, at least one of the first spherical joint and the second spherical joint may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the specula may include wire specula.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may include a threaded adapter to receive the contact lens.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.\"\n ],\n [\n \"BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic surgery, and more specifically, to a contact lens mounting speculum for vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"Description of the Related Art In ophthalmology, eye surgery, or ophthalmic surgery, saves and improves the vision of tens of thousands of patients every year.\",\n \"However, given the sensitivity of vision to even small changes in the eye and the minute and delicate nature of many eye structures, ophthalmic surgery is difficult to perform and the reduction of even minor or uncommon surgical errors or modest improvements in accuracy of surgical techniques can make an enormous difference in the patient's vision after the surgery.\",\n \"Ophthalmic surgery is performed on the eye and accessory visual structures.\",\n \"More specifically, vitreoretinal surgery encompasses various delicate procedures involving internal portions of the eye, such as the vitreous humor and the retina.\",\n \"Different vitreoretinal surgical procedures are used, sometimes with lasers, to improve visual sensory performance in the treatment of many eye diseases, including epimacular membranes, diabetic traction retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, detached retina, and complications of cataract surgery, among others.\",\n \"During vitreoretinal surgery, an ophthalmologist typically uses a surgical microscope to view the fundus through the cornea, while surgical instruments that penetrate the sclera may be introduced to perform any of a variety of different procedures.\",\n \"The surgical microscope provides imaging and optionally illumination of the fundus during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"The patient typically lies supine under the surgical microscope during vitreoretinal surgery and a speculum is used to keep the eye exposed by holding open the eyelids.\",\n \"Depending on a type of optical system used, the ophthalmologist has a given field of view of the fundus, which may vary from a narrow field of view to a wide field of view that can extend to peripheral regions of the fundus.\",\n \"For many types of vitreoretinal surgery using the surgical microscope, the surgeon may desire to have a very wide field of view of the fundus that extends beyond the equator and even out to the ora serrata.\",\n \"The optical system to provide the view of the fundus to the surgeon during vitreoretinal surgery may include a special ocular lens, of which three types are typically used: a direct (plano, flat, or magnifying) contact lens, an indirect non-contact lens, or an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"A contact lens is in physical contact with the cornea and therefore has a concave surface to match the convex surface of the cornea.\",\n \"Typically a small amount of viscoelastic gel or saline fluid resides between the cornea and the contact lens to prevent unwanted extraneous interfacial reflections and to protect the cornea from dehydration.\",\n \"A non-contact lens does not touch the eye and is spaced a certain working distance away from the eye.\",\n \"A direct lens creates a non-inverted virtual image of the fundus behind the eye lens and generally in front of the fundus.\",\n \"The surgeon uses the surgical microscope to focus directly on this non-inverted virtual image, which is also referred to as an intermediate image plane or a focus plane.\",\n \"The direct lens enables the surgeon to directly view the fundus.\",\n \"An indirect lens creates an inverted real image in the intermediate image plane in front of the eye lens (between the eye lens and the surgical microscope) and the surgeon uses the surgical microscope to focus on this intermediate image plane.\",\n \"The indirect lens enables the surgeon to indirectly view the fundus via the intermediate image plane.\",\n \"Since the indirect lens image is inverted to the viewer looking through the surgical microscope, typically an inverter lens is added to the surgical microscope to re-invert the fundus image to match the physical orientation of the eye during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"A direct contact lens can be placed onto the eye and is generally thin enough axially to normally remain in place on the cornea during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"In certain optical systems, direct contact lenses have self-stabilizing features on the lens, such as base extensions that assist in keeping the direct contact lens from moving during surgery.\",\n \"However, a direct contact lens may not provide a very wide field of view into the fundus and of the retina and the field of view may be limited to about 30 degrees.\",\n \"An indirect non-contact lens is not in contact with the eye and may be fixed to the surgical microscope.\",\n \"Therefore, the indirect non-contact lens may avoid issues of positional instability and additional resources involved (such as having a skilled surgical assistant to hold or reposition the lens) during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"At least for these reasons, the indirect non-contact lens may be the ophthalmic surgical lens often chosen by many ophthalmologists.\",\n \"However, an indirect non-contact lens may be limited in the field of view of the fundus provided to the surgeon during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"For example, the field of view using an indirect non-contact lens may be limited to less than about 140 degrees (full angle) and may be about 10 degrees less than wide angle contact lenses.\",\n \"Non-contact lenses do not eliminate corneal asphericity and may result in the surgeon rotating the eye farther than with a wide angle contact lens in order to view the peripheral retina.\",\n \"In order to see beyond the region of fundus viewable at one time with the indirect non-contact lenses, the surgeon may employ various techniques during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"For example, the surgeon may indent a peripheral region of sclera to push the fundus in the affected region into the field of view.\",\n \"The surgeon may rotate the eye off the optical axis to direct the field of view onto the desired peripheral region.\",\n \"In some instances, a combination of techniques is used.\",\n \"Frequently rotating the eye or depressing the sclera to view peripheral regions of the fundus are extraneous operations during vitreoretinal surgery that are performed for the purpose of obtaining a sufficient view.\",\n \"Scleral depression may result in additional trauma for the eye and may increase time of surgery, which may be undesirable for at least these reasons.\",\n \"An indirect (wide-angle) contact lens may provide a much greater field of view of the fundus than other types of ophthalmic surgical lenses.\",\n \"Contact lenses may provide a field of view up to about 170 degrees (full angle), essentially out to the very edge of the retina at the ora serrata in a single image.\",\n \"However, contact lenses, which rest on the cornea during vitreoretinal surgery, are generally top-heavy due to their optical construction and typically move in angular and positional orientation after initial placement on the eye.\",\n \"Contact lenses may also be relatively sensitive to small movements by the patient during surgery, which is undesirable.\",\n \"Therefore, the surgeon oftentimes engages the help of an assistant, either to continually hold the contact lens in place or to frequently reposition the contact lens many times during the course of vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"Despite the large field of view afforded, the lack of positional stability and the additional involvement of a skilled surgical assistant to position the lens may be undesirable.\",\n \"At least for these reasons, the free-standing contact lens may be a less popular choice among vitreoretinal surgeons than a non-contact system.\",\n \"SUMMARY The disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure provide for illuminating and viewing the extreme periphery of the fundus during vitreoretinal surgery without implementing extraneous operations, without using additional skilled surgical personnel, and without having the positional instability of a free-standing indirect wide-angle contact lens.\",\n \"In one aspect, a disclosed method for performing ophthalmic surgery includes positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient.\",\n \"The method may include fitting a contact lens mounting speculum to the patient.\",\n \"In the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may keep eyelids of the patient open.\",\n \"The method may include viewing an interior portion of the eye using a contact lens in contact with the eye.\",\n \"In the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to prevent tilting of the contact lens away from the first optical axis.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction corresponding to the first optical axis.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum to enable movement of the contact lens with respect to the surgical microscope in a direction perpendicular to the first optical axis.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, fitting the contact lens mounting speculum to the patient may further include adjusting a temple mounting pad to fit the patient.\",\n \"In the method, the temple mounting pad may be coupled to a main body of the contact lens mounting speculum with a spherical joint.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the method may include installing the contact lens to a mounting ring included with the contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens mounting speculum may include wire specula.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the method, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"In another aspect, a contact lens mounting speculum, includes a main body, two speculum blades extending from the main body for retracting eyelids of a patient, a temple support pad coupled to the main body, and a mounting ring coupled to the main body to position a contact lens for viewing an eye of a patient during ophthalmic surgery using a surgical microscope.\",\n \"IN the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may translate with respect to the main body in a first direction parallel to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a first spherical joint between the main body and the temple support pad.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include an articulated linkage, coupled to the mounting ring, for reducing friction when the mounting ring translates in the first direction.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second rotation joint coupled to the articulated linkage at an opposing end from the mounting ring, an extension arm coupled to the second rotation joint, and a first rotation joint coupled to the extension arm opposite the second rotation joint.\",\n \"In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may be parallel to the first direction.\",\n \"In the contact lens mounting speculum, the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint may enable the mounting ring to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments, the contact lens mounting speculum may include a second spherical joint coupled to the first rotation joint between the first rotation joint and the main body.\",\n \"In the contact lens mounting speculum, at least one of the first spherical joint and the second spherical joint may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the specula may include wire specula.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the mounting ring may include a threaded adapter to receive the contact lens.\",\n \"In any of the disclosed embodiments of the contact lens mounting speculum, the contact lens may be an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a perspective view of selected elements of an embodiment of a contact lens mounting speculum; FIG.\",\n \"2 is a top view of selected elements of an embodiment of a contact lens mounting speculum fitted to a patient; FIG.\",\n \"3 is a depiction of an embodiment of a vitreoretinal surgery using a surgical microscope and a contact lens mounting speculum; and FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flow chart of selected elements of a method for performing vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S) In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter.\",\n \"It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments.\",\n \"As used herein, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the collective element.\",\n \"Thus, for example, device ‘12-1’ refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices ‘12’ and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device ‘12’.\",\n \"As noted above, free-standing indirect contact lenses, though they provide a much greater field of view of the fundus than other types of ophthalmic surgical lenses, are not frequently used by surgeons during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"Because indirect contact lenses are top heavy in construction, such lenses may exhibit positional instability when resting on the cornea of a patient during surgery.\",\n \"Indirect contact lenses may easily lose angular and positional orientation after initial placement on the eye, resulting in repeated or continuous manual effort for repositioning during surgery.\",\n \"Furthermore, the instability of a typical indirect contact lens may be unpredictable during surgery, which is also undesirable.\",\n \"The present disclosure relates to a contact lens mounting speculum for mechanically supporting a contact lens during ophthalmic surgery.\",\n \"The contact lens may be a direct contact lens or an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein forces the contact lens to remain upright, and hence remain aligned with the surgeon's view through an optical axis of the surgical microscope into the eye of the patient during surgery.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may further enable the contact lens to move without substantial mechanical resistance in the horizontal and vertical directions (within certain limits) to conform to the position of the eye during surgery.\",\n \"In this manner, the contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may preserve alignment to the microscope axis for viewing through the contact lens, while retaining a certain amount of flexibility in translational movement, such as from small movements of the patient during surgery.\",\n \"Accordingly, the contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may enable the ophthalmic surgeon to enjoy the wide angle viewing capabilities afforded by indirect contact lenses, without the positional instability problems of a free-standing indirect contact lens without mechanical support, such as using additional skilled surgical personnel, and without implementing extraneous operations during surgery, such as rotating the eye or indenting the sclera to view desired portions of the fundus.\",\n \"As will be described in further detail, the contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein allows a surgeon to intraoperatively view the ocular fundus and periphery through a contact lens without assistance, by providing an adaptive articulating lens mount system that supports the contact lens and passively accommodates horizontal movement to maintain lens contact and orthogonality despite ocular rotation or movement.\",\n \"The adjustable and adaptive contact lens mounting speculum disclosed herein may be comprised of two spherical friction joints, two cylindrical free-rotating parallel joints, and an articulated linkage with substantially parallel members on cylindrical free-rotating parallel joints at each end.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum described below may provide in-situ fit adjustment in a single step by the surgeon to accommodate different patient characteristics, lens heights, speculum blade types and other mounting variations.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum described below may also provide frictionless, tilt-free passive lateral movement intra-surgically, to maintain contact of the contact lens to the patient eye as the eye is moved and rotated by the surgeon.\",\n \"Additionally, the contact lens mounting speculum described below is compact to preserve surgical access and can be used with the left or right eye.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum described below may receive various commercially available surgical contact lenses (including direct and indirect contact lenses), wire speculum blades, adjustable speculum blades, or other mounting adapters, and may be relatively inexpensive to manufacture as a surgical consumable.\",\n \"Referring now to the drawings, FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2 illustrate different views of selected elements of an embodiment of a contact lens mounting speculum 100 for supporting a contact lens 120.The drawings illustrate an embodiment of contact lens mounting speculum 100 that may not be drawn to a given scale, such that particular elements included with contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be sized differently in some embodiments.\",\n \"Although the patient is omitted for clarity in FIG.\",\n \"1, contact lens mounting speculum 100 enables a contact lens 120 to rest on an eye of a patient (see also FIGS.\",\n \"2 and 3).\",\n \"As will be described in further detail, FIG.\",\n \"1 shows a perspective view of contact lens mounting speculum 100 with a contact lens 120 mounted thereto.\",\n \"It is noted that in other embodiments, different types of contact lenses, such as direct contact lenses, may be used with contact lens mounting speculum 100.Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be made using any of a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers.\",\n \"Contact lens mounting speculum 100, as shown, is comprised of a temple support pad 110, a first spherical joint 112, a main body 118, a pair of wire speculum blades 130, a second spherical joint 122, a first rotation joint 124, an extension arm 126, a second rotation joint 128, an articulated linkage 114, and a mounting ring 116 for retaining contact lens 120.In various embodiments, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be implemented with fewer or more components than illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.\",\n \"1, which is shown for descriptive purposes.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"1, contact lens mounting speculum 100 includes temple support pad 110 coupled to main body 118 via first spherical joint 112.Temple support pad 110 may aid in supporting contact lens mounting speculum 100 to remain upright and in position.\",\n \"In particular, temple support pad 110 may stabilize contact lens mounting speculum 100 by counterbracing the weight of contact lens 120 while in contact with the patient's eye.\",\n \"Because temple support pad 110 is adjustable using first spherical joint 112, temple support pad 110 may prevent various undesired motion of contact lens mounting speculum 100, as a third supporting base point, in addition to each of wire speculum blades 130.In this manner, temple support pad 110 may provide stability and may enable contact lens mounting speculum 100 to be used with various different implementations of contact lens 120, as well as other types of contact lenses.\",\n \"First spherical joint 112 may act as a universal joint to enable flexible positioning of temple support pad 110 with respect to the patient.\",\n \"It is noted that an amount of compressive force applied to generate friction in first spherical joint 112 may be designed for a particular stabilization force that temple support pad 110 provides.\",\n \"In other words, first spherical joint 112 may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the compressive force at first spherical joint 112 is mechanically adjustable, such as with a threaded compressive element (not shown).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the compressive supporting force at first spherical joint 112 is augmented by a preload force, such as may be provided by a spring or other flexible biasing element (not shown).\",\n \"Also in FIG.\",\n \"1 coupled to main body 118 are wire speculum blades 130, shown comprising first wire speculum blade 130-1 and second wire speculum blade 130-2.Wire speculum blades 130 are used to hold open the eyelids of the patient during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"Wire speculum blades 130 may also provide mechanical support and stability to contact lens mounting speculum 100 by contributing to the stabilization of main body 118, particularly when applied to the eyelids of the patient.\",\n \"As a result, contact lens mounting speculum 100 provides both functionality to hold the eyelids of the patient open during surgery, as well as functionality to support different types of interchangeable lenses, including a flat/plano lens used for macular surgery and a wide angle lens for peripheral retinal viewing that includes multiple lenses.\",\n \"Such lenses are represented by a contact lens 120 in FIG.\",\n \"1, which may represent a direct contact lens or an indirect contact lens.\",\n \"Although contact lens mounting speculum 100 is shown with wire speculum blades 130, different kinds of speculum blades may be fitted to contact lens mounting speculum 100 in place of, or in addition to wire speculum blades 130.It is noted that main body 118 may rest on the patient when contact lens mounting speculum 100 is used during vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"Additionally attached to main body 118 is second spherical joint 122, which may be similar to first spherical joint 112 described above.\",\n \"Second spherical joint 122 may provide a means to orient the axes of movement of contact lens 120 by virtue of attachment via extension arm 126 and articulated linkage 114.It is noted that an amount of compressive force applied to generate friction in second spherical joint 122 may be designed for a particular stabilization force or degree of stabilization of contact lens 120.In other words, second spherical joint 120 may be compressed with a force sufficient to maintain a fixed position.\",\n \"In some embodiments, the compressive force at second spherical joint 122 is mechanically adjustable, such as with a threaded compressive element (not shown).\",\n \"In some embodiments, the compressive supporting force at second spherical joint 122 is augmented by a preload force, such as may be provided by a spring or other flexible biasing element (not shown).\",\n \"Also in FIG.\",\n \"1, first rotation joint 124 is situated between second spherical joint 122 and extension arm 126 to enable extension arm 126 to rotate laterally about first rotation joint 124.At an opposing end of extension arm 126, second rotation joint 128 enables articulated linkage 114 to rotate laterally about extension arm 126.First rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be cylindrical free-rotating parallel joints.\",\n \"In this manner, first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may enable lateral positioning of contact lens 120, as desired.\",\n \"In some embodiments, at least one of first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be detained, or restricted, to a certain degree of rotation, such as to a limited angular range.\",\n \"It is noted that an amount of friction in first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be selected as desired.\",\n \"In some embodiments, first rotation joint 124 and second rotation joint 128 may be substantially frictionless.\",\n \"As shown, articulated linkage 114 may be a 4-bar linkage that allows contact lens 120 to frictionlessly, or substantially frictionlessly, adapt within a range of vertical distances of the patient's eye relative to speculum blades 130, to accommodate the patient's anatomical characteristics, different lens mounting heights, and various shapes and mounting positions.\",\n \"Other types of linkages may be used for articulated linkage 114 in other embodiments.\",\n \"The contact between contact lens 120 and the patient's the eye may be provided by the weight of contact lens 120 and mounting ring 116, which rest on the eye, while a negligible amount of downward force on the eye may result from other elements of contact lens mounting speculum 100.As shown in FIG.\",\n \"1, mounting ring 116 may be fixed to an opposing end of articulated linkage 114 from second rotation joint 128.Mounting ring 116 may be enabled to receive a particular model of contact lens 120, such as by using a compliant snap-fit or using internal threads that mate with corresponding threads of contact lens 120.In some embodiments, mounting ring 116 may be replaceable for different types of contact lens 120.In particular embodiments, mounting ring 116 may receive more than one type of contact lens 120.In other embodiments, mounting ring 116 may be a different type of mechanical coupling mechanism, such as a threaded rod or hole, a clip, an insert, etc., for coupling contact lens 120 in a fixed manner to articulated linkage 114.Accordingly, when attached to a patient, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable an objective of a surgical microscope to view an indirect image generated by contact lens 120, and to focus on a focal plane where the indirect image is generated.\",\n \"Thus, contact lens 120 is mechanically coupled to the patient using contact lens mounting speculum 100 but is still afforded a certain degree of horizontal and vertical motion with very low friction, and may accommodate different patient characteristics, different speculum blades, different lens characteristics, and different mounting positions.\",\n \"Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be used to safely place contact lens 120 on the eye during vitreoretinal surgery and to hold contact lens 120 in alignment with an optical axis of the surgical microscope (see also FIG.\",\n \"3), which may be aligned with an optical axis of the eye.\",\n \"Although obscured from view in FIG.\",\n \"1, contact lens 120 may include a concave portion that mates with the convex shape of the cornea, where an optical coupling agent may be used.\",\n \"The optical coupling agent may be applied as a film interfacial layer to prevent unwanted reflections and to enable viewing into the eye along its optical axis irrespective of a tilt angle of the eye axis relative to an optical axis of the surgical microscope (see also FIG.\",\n \"3).\",\n \"The film interfacial layer created by the optical coupling agent may eliminate air bubbles at the lens-cornea interface and prevent the cornea from losing moisture.\",\n \"The film interfacial layer may thus function as an optical base out prism to promote enhanced viewing of peripheral regions of the fundus.\",\n \"The indirect image generated by contact lens 120 at the focal plane may correspond to a field of view that is relatively wide and may extend out beyond the eye equator to the ora serrata where the retina ends.\",\n \"Thus, the field of view afforded by contact lens mounting speculum 100 may include a large portion of the fundus that is filled with vitreous humor, including all or most of the retina.\",\n \"In this manner, the surgeon is afforded a safe and stable view to perform any of a variety of surgical techniques on the eye.\",\n \"Furthermore, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable relatively quick removal and replacement of contact lens 120 on the eye, even during surgery, as desired.\",\n \"Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to surgical microscope attachment 100 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.\",\n \"The components and elements of contact lens mounting speculum 100, as described herein, may be integrated or separated according to particular applications.\",\n \"Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may be implemented using more, fewer, or different components in some embodiments.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 shows a top view 200 of contact lens mounting speculum 100 when resting on an eye of a patient 201.Top view 200 corresponds to a perspective of a surgeon performing vitreoretinal surgery looking down into the eye through contact lens 120 secured by contact lens mounting speculum 100, as described above.\",\n \"Visible in top view 200 are contact lens 120, mounting ring 116, articulated linkage 114, second rotation joint 128, extension arm 126, first rotation joint 124, wire speculum blades 130, and temple support pad 110.Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"3, a depiction of an embodiment of a vitreoretinal surgery 300 using a surgical microscope 302 and contact lens mounting speculum 100 for supporting contact lens 120 is shown.\",\n \"In FIG.\",\n \"3, the use of contact lens mounting speculum 100 as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2 with a patent and a surgeon is depicted.\",\n \"Although FIG.\",\n \"3 is shown with surgical microscope 302 above the patient, it is noted that different orientations of the patient with respect to surgical microscope 302 may be practiced in different embodiments.\",\n \"The patient has an eye exposed using contact lens mounting speculum 100 that is in contact with contact lens 120, while the surgeon is viewing the fundus of the patient's eye using surgical microscope 102.As a result of articulated linkage 114, explained above with respect of FIG.\",\n \"1, which provides low friction movement, very little vertical or horizontal pressure is extorted on the eye of the patient in vitreoretinal surgery 300.Because contact lens 120 still rests freely on the cornea, contact lens 120 may be self-retaining due to the weight of contact lens 120 transmitted to the convex portion of the cornea, which resists lateral sliding of contact lens 120 relative to the cornea.\",\n \"Contact lens mounting speculum 100 may ensure that contact lens 120 remains parallel to the patient's frontal plane even when the eye is rotated, by allowing for translation and height adjustment.\",\n \"Because the cornea and contact lens 120 mate as a ball and socket socket joint, contact lens 120 does not rotate with the eye, while being adjustable to different lateral positions using the articulated mechanism described herein.\",\n \"Therefore, when the patient's eye moves slightly relative to surgical microscope 302, contact lens 120 stays with the patient's eye and may move relative to surgical microscope 202.However, as explained previously, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may keep contact lens 120 upright and aids in maintaining alignment of optical axis 331 of contact lens 120 with an optical axis 306 of surgical microscope 302, thereby enabling useful imaging for the surgeon to be maintained during surgery without external intervention, such as by a skilled surgical technician.\",\n \"Even when the optical axis 131 deviates slightly from the optical axis of the surgical microscope during vitreoretinal surgery, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may still enable useful imaging of the fundus by keeping optical axis 331 aligned with optical axis 306 of surgical microscope 302.In other words, even when optical axis 331 of the eye tilts away from optical axis 306 during vitreoretinal surgery, for example due to eye movement by the patient, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable the surgeon to continue viewing the fundus using contact lens 120.Furthermore, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may enable the surgeon to continue viewing the fundus without significant risk of injury to the patient that might otherwise result from an optical arrangement that is fixed and does not afford any motion of an ocular lens.\",\n \"When contact lens 120 is initially placed on the eye, optical axis 331 of the eye will generally be aligned with optical axis 306 of surgical microscope 202.However, when the patient's eye makes a small movement during surgery, optical axis 331 may become slightly non-aligned with optical axis 306.Even when optical axis 306 is no longer perfectly aligned with optical axis 331, contact lens mounting speculum 100 may keep contact lens 120 upright and viewable via optical axis 306 to enable useful viewing of the fundus during surgery without interruption.\",\n \"In this manner using contact lens mounting speculum 100, as disclosed herein, extraneous operations to view peripheral regions of the fundus may be avoided, and additional personnel or manual actions to maintain the positional stability of contact lens 120 may be eliminated.\",\n \"The objective used with surgical microscope 302 may have a focal length of about 175 mm to 225 mm that focuses on the focal plane of contact lens 120.It is noted that surgical microscope 302 may provide illumination for the fundus that is projected through contact lens 120.Thus the surgeon may be provided with a sufficient field of view via surgical microscope 202 and may safely proceed with any of a variety of vitreoretinal surgical procedures (not shown).\",\n \"Referring now to FIG.\",\n \"4, a flow chart of selected elements of an embodiment of a method 400 for performing vitreoretinal surgery, as described herein, is depicted in flowchart form.\",\n \"Method 400 describes steps and procedures for using contact lens mounting speculum 100 with contact lens 120 (see FIGS.\",\n \"1 and 2) to view the fundus of an eye and to enable further surgical procedures based on the view of the fundus.\",\n \"It is noted that certain operations described in method 400 may be optional or may be rearranged in different embodiments.\",\n \"Method 400 may be performed by a surgeon or by other medical personnel.\",\n \"In some embodiments, at least certain portions of method 400 may be automated, for example using servo-mechanical control associated with certain aspects of the surgical microscope, such as raising or lowering the surgical microscope.\",\n \"Method 400 may begin, at step 402, by positioning a first optical axis of a surgical microscope along a second optical axis of an eye of a patient.\",\n \"At step 404, the contact lens may be installed to a mounting ring included with a contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"At step 406, the contact lens mounting speculum may be fitted to the patient, such that the contact lens mounting speculum keeps eyelids of the patient open.\",\n \"At step 408, a temple mounting pad may be adjusted to fit the patient, such that the temple mounting pad is coupled to a main body of the contact lens mounting speculum with a spherical joint.\",\n \"At step 410, an interior portion of the eye may be viewed using a contact lens in contact with the eye, while the contact lens is mechanically coupled to the contact lens mounting speculum.\",\n \"As disclosed herein, a contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery.\",\n \"The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while enabling alignment to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.\",\n \"The contact lens mounting speculum may be used with different patients, speculum blades, contact lenses (direct and indirect), and lens mounting positions.\",\n \"The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.\",\n \"Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875178"}}},{"rowIdx":4494799,"cells":{"text":{"kind":"list like","value":[["LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES","A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pump that moves a lubricant, a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant, a first engine component and a second engine component each requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the first engine component and between the lubricant tank and the second engine component, a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank, and the first engine component and the second engine component, and a controller including a memory and a processor that controls the scheduling valve, wherein the memory includes an engine performance model, wherein the engine performance model includes stored relationship values between more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine during operation and a position of the scheduling valve, and wherein the scheduling valve varies a flow of the lubricant to the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank based on comparing the more than one condition with the engine performance model."],["1.A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine, comprising: a pump that moves a lubricant; a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant; a first engine component and a second engine component each requiring lubrication from the lubricant; a conduit between the lubricant tank and the first engine component and between the lubricant tank and the second engine component; a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank, and the first engine component and the second engine component; and a controller including a memory and a processor that controls the scheduling valve, wherein the memory includes an engine performance model, wherein the engine performance model includes stored relationship values between more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine during operation and a position of the scheduling valve, and wherein the scheduling valve varies a flow of the lubricant to the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank based on comparing the more than one condition with the engine performance model.","2.The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the first engine component is a fan drive gear system that allows a fan to rotate at a different angular speed from a spool.","3.The lubrication system of claim 2, wherein the scheduling valve at least partially diverts the flow of the lubricant to one of the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank.","4.The lubrication system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sensors that each provide data about a state of the gas turbine engine that indicates one of the conditions.","5.The lubrication system of claim 4, wherein the more than one condition includes two or more of: a calculated engine torque, an engine startup condition of the gas turbine engine, an altitude of the gas turbine engine, a vibration level of the gas turbine engine, a cruise condition of the gas turbine engine, a weight on wheels condition of an aircraft on which the gas turbine engine is mounted, and a burner pressure condition of a combustor.","6.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the burner pressure condition.","7.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the calculated engine torque, and the calculated engine torque includes a calculated torque for the fan.","8.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the engine startup condition.","9.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the altitude.","10.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the vibration level, and the plurality of sensors includes an accelerometer located in the fan drive gear system and that is used to gather data indicating the vibration level.","11.The lubrication system of claim 10, further comprising a de-aerator, a filter and a cooler each between the lubricant tank and the first engine component, and each between the lubricant tank and the second engine component.","12.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the cruise condition, and the cruise condition includes a cruise condition for the fan.","13.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the weight on wheels condition.","14.A gas turbine engine, comprising: a fan section including a fan; a compressor section including a low pressure compressor and a high pressure compressor; a combustion section including a combustor downstream of the compressor section; a turbine section including a low pressure turbine and a high pressure turbine downstream of the combustor section; a lubrication system including a pump that moves a lubricant; a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant; a first engine component and a second engine component each requiring lubrication from the lubricant; a conduit between the lubricant tank and the first engine component and between the lubricant tank and the second engine component; a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank, and the first engine component and the second engine component; and a controller including a memory and a processor that controls the scheduling valve, wherein the memory includes an engine performance model, wherein the engine performance model includes stored relationship values between more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine during operation and a position of the scheduling valve, and wherein the scheduling valve varies a flow of the lubricant to the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank based on comparing the more than one condition with the engine performance model.","15.The gas turbine engine of claim 14, wherein the first engine component is a fan drive gear system that allows the fan to rotate at a different angular speed from a spool.","16.The gas turbine engine of claim 15, wherein the spool is a low speed spool including a shaft that interconnects the fan, the low pressure compressor and the low pressure turbine, and wherein the shaft is connected to the fan through a geared architecture that drives the fan at a lower speed that the low speed spool.","17.The gas turbine engine of claim 16, wherein the fan section drives air along a bypass flow path in a bypass duct, and the compressor section drives air along a core flow path for communication into the combustion section, and further comprising a bypass ratio of greater than 10.18.The gas turbine engine of claim 17, wherein the geared architecture is an epicyclic gear train with a gear reduction ratio of greater than 2.3.19.The gas turbine engine of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of sensors that each provide data about a state of the gas turbine engine that indicates one of the conditions.","20.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the fan section drives air along a bypass flow path in a bypass duct, and the compressor section drives air along a core flow path for communication into the combustion section, and further comprising a bypass ratio of greater than 10.21.The gas turbine engine of claim 20, wherein the pump is driven by a rotating component of the gas turbine engine.","22.The gas turbine engine of claim 21, wherein the low pressure turbine has a pressure ratio that is greater than 5, and the pressure ratio of the low pressure turbine is a pressure measured prior to an inlet of the low pressure turbine as related to a pressure at an outlet of the turbine prior to an exhaust nozzle.","23.The gas turbine engine of claim 22, wherein the more than one condition includes a calculated engine torque.","24.The gas turbine engine of claim 23, wherein the calculated engine torque includes a calculated torque for the fan.","25.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes an altitude of the gas turbine engine.","26.The gas turbine engine of claim 25, wherein the more than one condition includes a cruise condition for the fan.","27.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes a burner pressure condition within the combustor.","28.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes an engine startup condition of the gas turbine engine.","29.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes a vibration level of the fan drive gear system.","30.The gas turbine engine of claim 29, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a vibration sensor located in the fan drive gear system and that is used to gather data indicating the vibration level, and the geared architecture is a planetary gear train with a gear reduction ratio of greater than 2.3."],["<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This disclosure generally relates to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, relates to a lubrication system for gas turbine engine components.","Many modern aircraft, as well as other vehicles and industrial processes, employ gas turbine engines for generating energy and propulsion.","Such engines include a fan, compressor, combustor and turbine provided in serial fashion, forming an engine core and arranged along a central longitudinal axis.","Air enters the gas turbine engine through the fan and is pressurized in the compressor.","This pressurized air is mixed with fuel in the combustor.","The fuel-air mixture is then ignited, generating hot combustion gases that flow downstream to the turbine.","The turbine is driven by the exhaust gases and mechanically powers the compressor and fan via one or more central rotating shafts.","Energy from the combustion gases not used by the turbine is discharged through an exhaust nozzle, producing thrust to power the aircraft.","Turbofan gas turbine engines contain an engine core and fan surrounded by a fan case, forming part of a nacelle.","The nacelle is a housing that contains the engine.","The fan is positioned forward of the engine core and within the fan case.","The engine core is surrounded by an engine core cowl and the area between the nacelle and the engine core cowl is functionally defined as a fan duct.","The fan duct is substantially annular in shape to accommodate the airflow from the fan and around the engine core cowl.","The airflow through the fan duct, known as bypass air, travels the length of the fan duct and exits at the aft end of the fan duct at an exhaust nozzle.","In addition to thrust generated by combustion gasses, the fan of gas turbine engines also produces thrust by accelerating and discharging ambient air through the exhaust nozzle.","Various parts of the gas turbine engine generate heat while operating, including the compressor, combustor, turbine, central rotating shaft and fan.","To maintain proper operational temperatures, excess heat is often removed from the engine via oil coolant loops, including air/oil or fuel/oil heat exchangers, and dumped into the bypass airflow for removal from the system.","Gas turbine engines require a supply of lubricant, such as oil, to mechanical components such as, but not limited to, bearings, seals, and the like.","The oil can be used as a lubricant, a coolant or both.","Typical oil systems supply the oil to a manifold, which then directs the oil to various engine components.","The lubricant may be filtered to remove unwanted debris, and may also be de-aerated to remove any air absorbed by the oil while lubricating and cooling the components.","An oil cooler may remove heat gained from the lubricated components.","In prior art oil systems, the quantity of oil pumped to the components is typically based on speed or load conditions.","However, either approach may result in an oversupply of oil in low load conditions, such as during cruise or taxiing, for example.","This reduces the efficiency of the engine in that the excess oil is pumped through the engine.","Additionally, the lubricant then needs to be cooled before being used again, increasing the demands on the coolers and further reducing efficiency.","In light of the foregoing, it can be seen that an oil system is needed that can provide oil in the quantity required according to a range of conditions being experienced by the engine.","Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lubrication schedule for a gas turbine engine."],["<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a lubrication system for a gas turbine engine, that may include a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, and a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition.","The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.","Additionally, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.","The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an engine startup, cruising, an altitude of the gas turbine engine, a vibration level of the gas turbine engine, or a weight on wheels.","The present disclosure also provides a gas turbine engine, that may include a compressor, a combustor downstream of the compressor, a lubrication system including a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition, and a turbine downstream of the combustor.","The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.","Further, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.","The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an altitude of the gas turbine engine or a vibration level of the gas turbine engine.","The present disclosure further provides a method of lubricating an engine component of a gas turbine engine that may include pumping a lubricant from a lubricant tank through a conduit to the engine component using a pump, determining a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, and regulating a flow of the lubricant to the engine component with a scheduling valve, the regulation of the flow of lubricant based upon the condition experienced by the gas turbine engine.","The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller, wherein the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.","These, and other aspects and features of the present disclosure, will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings."],["CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.","No.","14/697,223, filed Apr.","27, 2015.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This disclosure generally relates to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, relates to a lubrication system for gas turbine engine components.","Many modern aircraft, as well as other vehicles and industrial processes, employ gas turbine engines for generating energy and propulsion.","Such engines include a fan, compressor, combustor and turbine provided in serial fashion, forming an engine core and arranged along a central longitudinal axis.","Air enters the gas turbine engine through the fan and is pressurized in the compressor.","This pressurized air is mixed with fuel in the combustor.","The fuel-air mixture is then ignited, generating hot combustion gases that flow downstream to the turbine.","The turbine is driven by the exhaust gases and mechanically powers the compressor and fan via one or more central rotating shafts.","Energy from the combustion gases not used by the turbine is discharged through an exhaust nozzle, producing thrust to power the aircraft.","Turbofan gas turbine engines contain an engine core and fan surrounded by a fan case, forming part of a nacelle.","The nacelle is a housing that contains the engine.","The fan is positioned forward of the engine core and within the fan case.","The engine core is surrounded by an engine core cowl and the area between the nacelle and the engine core cowl is functionally defined as a fan duct.","The fan duct is substantially annular in shape to accommodate the airflow from the fan and around the engine core cowl.","The airflow through the fan duct, known as bypass air, travels the length of the fan duct and exits at the aft end of the fan duct at an exhaust nozzle.","In addition to thrust generated by combustion gasses, the fan of gas turbine engines also produces thrust by accelerating and discharging ambient air through the exhaust nozzle.","Various parts of the gas turbine engine generate heat while operating, including the compressor, combustor, turbine, central rotating shaft and fan.","To maintain proper operational temperatures, excess heat is often removed from the engine via oil coolant loops, including air/oil or fuel/oil heat exchangers, and dumped into the bypass airflow for removal from the system.","Gas turbine engines require a supply of lubricant, such as oil, to mechanical components such as, but not limited to, bearings, seals, and the like.","The oil can be used as a lubricant, a coolant or both.","Typical oil systems supply the oil to a manifold, which then directs the oil to various engine components.","The lubricant may be filtered to remove unwanted debris, and may also be de-aerated to remove any air absorbed by the oil while lubricating and cooling the components.","An oil cooler may remove heat gained from the lubricated components.","In prior art oil systems, the quantity of oil pumped to the components is typically based on speed or load conditions.","However, either approach may result in an oversupply of oil in low load conditions, such as during cruise or taxiing, for example.","This reduces the efficiency of the engine in that the excess oil is pumped through the engine.","Additionally, the lubricant then needs to be cooled before being used again, increasing the demands on the coolers and further reducing efficiency.","In light of the foregoing, it can be seen that an oil system is needed that can provide oil in the quantity required according to a range of conditions being experienced by the engine.","Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lubrication schedule for a gas turbine engine.","SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a lubrication system for a gas turbine engine, that may include a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, and a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition.","The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.","Additionally, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.","The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an engine startup, cruising, an altitude of the gas turbine engine, a vibration level of the gas turbine engine, or a weight on wheels.","The present disclosure also provides a gas turbine engine, that may include a compressor, a combustor downstream of the compressor, a lubrication system including a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition, and a turbine downstream of the combustor.","The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.","Further, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.","The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an altitude of the gas turbine engine or a vibration level of the gas turbine engine.","The present disclosure further provides a method of lubricating an engine component of a gas turbine engine that may include pumping a lubricant from a lubricant tank through a conduit to the engine component using a pump, determining a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, and regulating a flow of the lubricant to the engine component with a scheduling valve, the regulation of the flow of lubricant based upon the condition experienced by the gas turbine engine.","The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller, wherein the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.","These, and other aspects and features of the present disclosure, will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.","BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For further understanding of the disclosed concepts and embodiments, reference may be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike, and in which: FIG.","1 is a sectional view of a gas turbine engine constructed in accordance with an embodiment.","FIG.","2 is a schematic representation of a lubrication injection system constructed in accordance with an embodiment.","FIG.","3 is a schematic representation of a controller and associated engine conditions the controller may monitor according to an embodiment.","FIG.","4 is a flowchart depicting a sample sequence of actions and events which may be practiced in accordance with an embodiment.","It is to be noted that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting with respect to the scope of the disclosure or claims.","Rather, the concepts of the present disclosure may apply within other equally effective embodiments.","Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of certain embodiments.","DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to FIG.","1, a gas turbine engine 20 is generally referred to by reference numeral 20.The gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed herein as a two-spool turbofan that generally incorporates a fan section 22, a compressor section 24, a combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28.Alternative engines might include an augmentor section (not shown) among other systems or features.","The fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path B in a bypass duct defined within a nacelle 15, while the compressor section 24 drives air along a core flow path C for compression and communication into the combustor section 26 then expansion through the turbine section 28.Although depicted as a two-spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosed non-limiting embodiment, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to use with two-spool turbofans as the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines including three-spool architectures.","The exemplary engine 20 generally includes a low speed spool 30 and a high speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis A relative to an engine static structure 36 via several bearing systems 38.It should be understood that various bearing systems 38 at various locations may alternatively or additionally be provided, and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied as appropriate to the application.","The low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 that interconnects a fan 42, a low pressure compressor 44 and a low pressure turbine 46.The inner shaft 40 is connected to the fan 42 through a speed change mechanism, which in exemplary gas turbine engine 20 is illustrated as a geared architecture 48 to drive the fan 42 at a lower speed than the low speed spool 30.The high speed spool 32 includes an outer shaft 50 that interconnects a high pressure compressor 52 and high pressure turbine 54.A combustor 56 is arranged in exemplary gas turbine 20 between the high pressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54.A mid-turbine frame 57 of the engine static structure 36 is arranged generally between the high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46.The mid-turbine frame 57 further supports bearing systems 38 in the turbine section 28.The inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axis A which is collinear with their longitudinal axes.","The core airflow is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 then the high pressure compressor 52, mixed and burned with fuel in the combustor 56, then expanded over the high pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46.The mid-turbine frame 57 includes airfoils 59 which are in the core airflow path C. The turbines 46, 54 rotationally drive the respective low speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response to the expansion.","It will be appreciated that each of the positions of the fan section 22, compressor section 24, combustor section 26, turbine section 28, and geared architecture 48 may be varied.","For example, geared architecture 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft of turbine section 28, and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or aft of the location of geared architecture 48.The gas turbine engine 20 in one example is a high-bypass geared aircraft engine.","In a further example, the gas turbine engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about six (6), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten (10), the geared architecture 48 is an epicyclic gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3 and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five.","In one disclosed embodiment, the gas turbine engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about ten (10:1), the fan diameter is significantly larger than that of the low pressure compressor 44, and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five 5:1.Low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressure measured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to the pressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to an exhaust nozzle.","The geared architecture 48 may be an epicycle gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3:1.It should be understood, however, that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a geared architecture engine and that the present invention is applicable to other gas turbine engines including direct drive turbofans.","A significant amount of thrust is provided by the bypass flow B due to the high bypass ratio.","The fan section 22 of the gas turbine engine 20 is designed for a particular flight condition—typically cruise at about 0.8 Mach and about 35,000 feet.","The flight condition of 0.8 Mach and 35,000 ft, with the engine at its best fuel consumption—also known as “bucket cruise Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (‘TSFC’)”—is the industry standard parameter of lbm of fuel being burned divided by lbf of thrust the engine produces at that minimum point.","“Low fan pressure ratio” is the pressure ratio across the fan blade alone, without a Fan Exit Guide Vane (“FEGV”) system.","The low fan pressure ratio as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about “Low corrected fan tip speed” is the actual fan tip speed in ft/sec divided by an industry standard temperature correction of [(Tram ° R) I (518.7° R)]0.5.The “Low corrected fan tip speed” as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about 1150 ft/second.","A lubrication system 70 may be used to supply a lubricant 74 to an engine component 78 as shown in FIG.","2.The lubricant 74 may serve to lubricate, cool or supply another substance to various parts of the gas turbine engine 20.In one embodiment, the engine component 78 may be a fan drive gear system 80, which may be defined as an apparatus that allows the fan 42 to rotate at a different angular speed from the low speed spool 30.In operation, components of the gas turbine engine 20 may require lubrication or cooling.","The lubrication system 70 may include a lubricant tank 82, or sump, for storing the lubricant 74 when not being used.","The lubrication system 70 may also include a pump 86 for drawing a supply of lubricant 74 from the lubricant tank 82 through a conduit 90.The conduit 90 may travel between the lubricant tank 82 and a scheduling valve 94, and between other gas turbine engine 20 components.","The pump 86 may be driven by a rotating component of the gas turbine engine 20, or by other means.","The pump 86 may further supply a constant or varying flow of lubricant 74 to the scheduling valve 94.Upon reaching the scheduling valve 94, the lubricant 74 may be wholly or partially diverted to one of multiple areas by the scheduling valve 94.In one scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent to an engine component 78 for use.","In another scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent to a second engine component 98 for use.","In a third scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent back to the lubricant tank 82.In a fourth scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent to any two or three of the engine component 78, second engine component 98 and lubricant tank 82.Further, although not shown, the lubricant 74 may also be sent to additional parts of the gas turbine engine 20.Following lubricant 74 use in gas turbine engine 20 components, the lubricant may travel back to the lubricant tank 82.During its use, the lubricant 74 may acquire adverse properties while being pumped and used throughout the lubrication system 70, including becoming aerated, accumulating debris and absorbing heat.","To address these properties, the lubrication system 70 may include, respectively, a de-aerator 102, a filter 106 and a cooler 110.These three elements 102, 106, 110 may be located at various points within the lubrication system 70.Further, although shown with one of each of the elements, the lubrication system 70 may include more than one of any of them.","While in operation, gas turbine engine 20 components need a degree of lubricant 74 flow for proper functionality.","This flow amount may vary according to different demands and situations.","However, pumping and receiving more than a certain required degree of lubricant 74 can needlessly affect overall gas turbine engine 20 efficiency, as more lubricant 74 than necessary is pumped, cooled, de-aerated and filtered.","In order to provide gas turbine engine 20 components with adequate lubrication, the scheduling valve 94 may regulate a flow of lubricant 74 to an engine component 78, second engine component 98 or lubricant tank 82, as described above.","The scheduling valve 94 may regulate such flows in response to a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine 20.Additionally, the scheduling valve 94 may regulate such lubricant flows in response to more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine 20.A condition may be indicated by a sensor, calculation, operator input or stored information, and may serve to provide data about the current, past or future state of the gas turbine engine 20.The gas turbine engine 20 may include a controller 114, which may further incorporate a processor 118 and a memory 122.The memory 122 may include an engine performance model 126.Additionally, the controller 114 may also be a Full Authority Digital Engine Control, or FADEC.","The engine performance model 126 may include a series of stored algorithms able to input a condition and, after analysis by the stored algorithms, signal the controller 114 to output a command to a component of the gas turbine engine 20, such as the scheduling valve 94.In this manner, one or more conditions can be detected and responded to by commanding a response from a component or system of the gas turbine engine 20.The controller 114 may also receive feedback from the scheduling valve 94 indicating the position of the scheduling valve 94.Such feedback may be used by the controller 114 to verify the position of the scheduling valve 94, or to calculate a future scheduling valve 94 movement.","The engine performance model 126 can respond to a range of conditions, as shown in FIG.","3.In a first example, an RPM sensor 130, a fuel flow sensor 134 and an altitude sensor 138 can be used to gather data and provide a calculated torque condition for the fan 42, low speed spool 30, engine component 78 or fan drive gear system 80.Such a calculated torque condition can be provided to the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a calculated torque condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.In this manner, a calculated torque condition can determine a scheduling valve 124 position, and thus a lubricant 74 flow rate, to an engine component 78.By the same process, the RPM sensor 130, fuel flow sensor 134 and altitude sensor 138 can be used to gather data and provide a cruise condition for the fan 42, low speed spool 30, engine component 78 or fan drive gear system 80.Cruise condition may be defined as operation below a maximum level, and sustained within a relatively narrow range of operation.","Such a cruise condition can be provided to the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a cruise condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.In this manner, a cruise condition can determine a scheduling valve 124 position, and thus a lubricant 74 flow rate, to an engine component 78.Similarly, a burner pressure sensor 142 can be used to gather burner data for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The burner pressure sensor 142 may sense a pressure of a flow, region or process within the combustor 26.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a burner pressure condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.Additionally, a startup sensor 146 can be used to gather data indicating a startup condition for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.Startup may be defined as a process during which the gas turbine engine 20 transitions from a non-operating state to an operating state.","The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a startup condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.Further, an altitude sensor 150 can be used to gather data indicating an altitude of the gas turbine engine 20 for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between an altitude condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.A weight on wheels sensor 154 can be used to gather data indicating a degree of weight on wheels for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.Weight on wheels may occur when the weight of an aircraft, on which the gas turbine engine 20 is mounted, is supported by the aircraft's wheels.","The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a weight on wheels condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.Further, a vibration sensor 158 can be used to gather data indicating a vibration level for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The vibration sensor 158 may be an accelerometer, and may be located at various positions within or on the gas turbine engine 20, including, but not limited to the nacelle 15, compressor 24, turbine 28, combustor 26, engine component 78, fan drive gear system 80, fan 42 or low or high speed spool 30, 32.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a vibration condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.The present disclosure allows for the successful lubrication and cooling of various gas turbine engine 20 components.","Further, the disclosed lubrication system 70 may increase overall gas turbine engine 20 efficiency, as a regulated flow of lubricant 74 to the engine component 78 reduces mechanical losses, and eases the burden on de-aerators 102, filters 106 and coolers 110.In turn, this reduction may lead to decreased build, acquisition and maintenance costs, reduced system weight and improved system packaging.","The present disclosure not only sets forth a lubrication system 70, but a method of lubricating an engine component of a gas turbine engine as well.","For example, such a method in operation can be understood by referencing the flowchart in FIG.","4.The method may comprise pumping a lubricant from a lubricant tank through a conduit to the engine component using a pump, as shown in box 400, and determining a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, as shown in box 404.Further, the method may include regulating a flow of the lubricant to the engine component with a scheduling valve, the regulation of the flow of lubricant based upon the condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, as shown in box 408.While the present disclosure has shown and described details of exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by claims supported by the written description and drawings.","Further, where these exemplary embodiments (and other related derivations) are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that other exemplary embodiments may be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.","In operation, the present disclosure sets forth a lubrication system for a gas turbine engine which can find industrial applicability in a variety of settings.","For example, the disclosure may be advantageously employed by gas turbine engines in aviation, naval and industrial settings.","More specifically, the lubrication system for a gas turbine engine can be used to successfully lubricate and cool gas turbine engine components, while refraining from over-lubricating the components in response to various conditions experienced by the gas turbine engine.","The present disclosure allows for the successful lubrication and cooling of various gas turbine engine components.","Further, the disclosed lubrication system may increase overall gas turbine engine efficiency, as a regulated flow of lubricant to the engine component reduces mechanical losses, and eases the burden on de-aerators, filters and coolers.","In turn, this reduction may lead to decreased build, acquisition and maintenance costs, reduced system weight and improved system packaging.","The lubrication system of the present disclosure contributes to the continued and efficient operation of a gas turbine engine.","The disclosed system may be original equipment on new gas turbine engines, or added as a retrofit to existing gas turbine engines."]],"string":"[\n [\n \"LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES\",\n \"A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pump that moves a lubricant, a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant, a first engine component and a second engine component each requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the first engine component and between the lubricant tank and the second engine component, a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank, and the first engine component and the second engine component, and a controller including a memory and a processor that controls the scheduling valve, wherein the memory includes an engine performance model, wherein the engine performance model includes stored relationship values between more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine during operation and a position of the scheduling valve, and wherein the scheduling valve varies a flow of the lubricant to the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank based on comparing the more than one condition with the engine performance model.\"\n ],\n [\n \"1.A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine, comprising: a pump that moves a lubricant; a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant; a first engine component and a second engine component each requiring lubrication from the lubricant; a conduit between the lubricant tank and the first engine component and between the lubricant tank and the second engine component; a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank, and the first engine component and the second engine component; and a controller including a memory and a processor that controls the scheduling valve, wherein the memory includes an engine performance model, wherein the engine performance model includes stored relationship values between more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine during operation and a position of the scheduling valve, and wherein the scheduling valve varies a flow of the lubricant to the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank based on comparing the more than one condition with the engine performance model.\",\n \"2.The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the first engine component is a fan drive gear system that allows a fan to rotate at a different angular speed from a spool.\",\n \"3.The lubrication system of claim 2, wherein the scheduling valve at least partially diverts the flow of the lubricant to one of the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank.\",\n \"4.The lubrication system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of sensors that each provide data about a state of the gas turbine engine that indicates one of the conditions.\",\n \"5.The lubrication system of claim 4, wherein the more than one condition includes two or more of: a calculated engine torque, an engine startup condition of the gas turbine engine, an altitude of the gas turbine engine, a vibration level of the gas turbine engine, a cruise condition of the gas turbine engine, a weight on wheels condition of an aircraft on which the gas turbine engine is mounted, and a burner pressure condition of a combustor.\",\n \"6.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the burner pressure condition.\",\n \"7.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the calculated engine torque, and the calculated engine torque includes a calculated torque for the fan.\",\n \"8.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the engine startup condition.\",\n \"9.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the altitude.\",\n \"10.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the vibration level, and the plurality of sensors includes an accelerometer located in the fan drive gear system and that is used to gather data indicating the vibration level.\",\n \"11.The lubrication system of claim 10, further comprising a de-aerator, a filter and a cooler each between the lubricant tank and the first engine component, and each between the lubricant tank and the second engine component.\",\n \"12.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the cruise condition, and the cruise condition includes a cruise condition for the fan.\",\n \"13.The lubrication system of claim 5, wherein the more than one condition includes the weight on wheels condition.\",\n \"14.A gas turbine engine, comprising: a fan section including a fan; a compressor section including a low pressure compressor and a high pressure compressor; a combustion section including a combustor downstream of the compressor section; a turbine section including a low pressure turbine and a high pressure turbine downstream of the combustor section; a lubrication system including a pump that moves a lubricant; a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant; a first engine component and a second engine component each requiring lubrication from the lubricant; a conduit between the lubricant tank and the first engine component and between the lubricant tank and the second engine component; a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank, and the first engine component and the second engine component; and a controller including a memory and a processor that controls the scheduling valve, wherein the memory includes an engine performance model, wherein the engine performance model includes stored relationship values between more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine during operation and a position of the scheduling valve, and wherein the scheduling valve varies a flow of the lubricant to the first engine component, the second engine component and the lubrication tank based on comparing the more than one condition with the engine performance model.\",\n \"15.The gas turbine engine of claim 14, wherein the first engine component is a fan drive gear system that allows the fan to rotate at a different angular speed from a spool.\",\n \"16.The gas turbine engine of claim 15, wherein the spool is a low speed spool including a shaft that interconnects the fan, the low pressure compressor and the low pressure turbine, and wherein the shaft is connected to the fan through a geared architecture that drives the fan at a lower speed that the low speed spool.\",\n \"17.The gas turbine engine of claim 16, wherein the fan section drives air along a bypass flow path in a bypass duct, and the compressor section drives air along a core flow path for communication into the combustion section, and further comprising a bypass ratio of greater than 10.18.The gas turbine engine of claim 17, wherein the geared architecture is an epicyclic gear train with a gear reduction ratio of greater than 2.3.19.The gas turbine engine of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of sensors that each provide data about a state of the gas turbine engine that indicates one of the conditions.\",\n \"20.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the fan section drives air along a bypass flow path in a bypass duct, and the compressor section drives air along a core flow path for communication into the combustion section, and further comprising a bypass ratio of greater than 10.21.The gas turbine engine of claim 20, wherein the pump is driven by a rotating component of the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"22.The gas turbine engine of claim 21, wherein the low pressure turbine has a pressure ratio that is greater than 5, and the pressure ratio of the low pressure turbine is a pressure measured prior to an inlet of the low pressure turbine as related to a pressure at an outlet of the turbine prior to an exhaust nozzle.\",\n \"23.The gas turbine engine of claim 22, wherein the more than one condition includes a calculated engine torque.\",\n \"24.The gas turbine engine of claim 23, wherein the calculated engine torque includes a calculated torque for the fan.\",\n \"25.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes an altitude of the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"26.The gas turbine engine of claim 25, wherein the more than one condition includes a cruise condition for the fan.\",\n \"27.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes a burner pressure condition within the combustor.\",\n \"28.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes an engine startup condition of the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"29.The gas turbine engine of claim 19, wherein the more than one condition includes a vibration level of the fan drive gear system.\",\n \"30.The gas turbine engine of claim 29, wherein the plurality of sensors includes a vibration sensor located in the fan drive gear system and that is used to gather data indicating the vibration level, and the geared architecture is a planetary gear train with a gear reduction ratio of greater than 2.3.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION <EOH>This disclosure generally relates to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, relates to a lubrication system for gas turbine engine components.\",\n \"Many modern aircraft, as well as other vehicles and industrial processes, employ gas turbine engines for generating energy and propulsion.\",\n \"Such engines include a fan, compressor, combustor and turbine provided in serial fashion, forming an engine core and arranged along a central longitudinal axis.\",\n \"Air enters the gas turbine engine through the fan and is pressurized in the compressor.\",\n \"This pressurized air is mixed with fuel in the combustor.\",\n \"The fuel-air mixture is then ignited, generating hot combustion gases that flow downstream to the turbine.\",\n \"The turbine is driven by the exhaust gases and mechanically powers the compressor and fan via one or more central rotating shafts.\",\n \"Energy from the combustion gases not used by the turbine is discharged through an exhaust nozzle, producing thrust to power the aircraft.\",\n \"Turbofan gas turbine engines contain an engine core and fan surrounded by a fan case, forming part of a nacelle.\",\n \"The nacelle is a housing that contains the engine.\",\n \"The fan is positioned forward of the engine core and within the fan case.\",\n \"The engine core is surrounded by an engine core cowl and the area between the nacelle and the engine core cowl is functionally defined as a fan duct.\",\n \"The fan duct is substantially annular in shape to accommodate the airflow from the fan and around the engine core cowl.\",\n \"The airflow through the fan duct, known as bypass air, travels the length of the fan duct and exits at the aft end of the fan duct at an exhaust nozzle.\",\n \"In addition to thrust generated by combustion gasses, the fan of gas turbine engines also produces thrust by accelerating and discharging ambient air through the exhaust nozzle.\",\n \"Various parts of the gas turbine engine generate heat while operating, including the compressor, combustor, turbine, central rotating shaft and fan.\",\n \"To maintain proper operational temperatures, excess heat is often removed from the engine via oil coolant loops, including air/oil or fuel/oil heat exchangers, and dumped into the bypass airflow for removal from the system.\",\n \"Gas turbine engines require a supply of lubricant, such as oil, to mechanical components such as, but not limited to, bearings, seals, and the like.\",\n \"The oil can be used as a lubricant, a coolant or both.\",\n \"Typical oil systems supply the oil to a manifold, which then directs the oil to various engine components.\",\n \"The lubricant may be filtered to remove unwanted debris, and may also be de-aerated to remove any air absorbed by the oil while lubricating and cooling the components.\",\n \"An oil cooler may remove heat gained from the lubricated components.\",\n \"In prior art oil systems, the quantity of oil pumped to the components is typically based on speed or load conditions.\",\n \"However, either approach may result in an oversupply of oil in low load conditions, such as during cruise or taxiing, for example.\",\n \"This reduces the efficiency of the engine in that the excess oil is pumped through the engine.\",\n \"Additionally, the lubricant then needs to be cooled before being used again, increasing the demands on the coolers and further reducing efficiency.\",\n \"In light of the foregoing, it can be seen that an oil system is needed that can provide oil in the quantity required according to a range of conditions being experienced by the engine.\",\n \"Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lubrication schedule for a gas turbine engine.\"\n ],\n [\n \"<SOH> SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION <EOH>To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a lubrication system for a gas turbine engine, that may include a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, and a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition.\",\n \"The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.\",\n \"Additionally, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.\",\n \"The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an engine startup, cruising, an altitude of the gas turbine engine, a vibration level of the gas turbine engine, or a weight on wheels.\",\n \"The present disclosure also provides a gas turbine engine, that may include a compressor, a combustor downstream of the compressor, a lubrication system including a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition, and a turbine downstream of the combustor.\",\n \"The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.\",\n \"Further, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.\",\n \"The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an altitude of the gas turbine engine or a vibration level of the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"The present disclosure further provides a method of lubricating an engine component of a gas turbine engine that may include pumping a lubricant from a lubricant tank through a conduit to the engine component using a pump, determining a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, and regulating a flow of the lubricant to the engine component with a scheduling valve, the regulation of the flow of lubricant based upon the condition experienced by the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller, wherein the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.\",\n \"These, and other aspects and features of the present disclosure, will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.\"\n ],\n [\n \"CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.\",\n \"No.\",\n \"14/697,223, filed Apr.\",\n \"27, 2015.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This disclosure generally relates to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, relates to a lubrication system for gas turbine engine components.\",\n \"Many modern aircraft, as well as other vehicles and industrial processes, employ gas turbine engines for generating energy and propulsion.\",\n \"Such engines include a fan, compressor, combustor and turbine provided in serial fashion, forming an engine core and arranged along a central longitudinal axis.\",\n \"Air enters the gas turbine engine through the fan and is pressurized in the compressor.\",\n \"This pressurized air is mixed with fuel in the combustor.\",\n \"The fuel-air mixture is then ignited, generating hot combustion gases that flow downstream to the turbine.\",\n \"The turbine is driven by the exhaust gases and mechanically powers the compressor and fan via one or more central rotating shafts.\",\n \"Energy from the combustion gases not used by the turbine is discharged through an exhaust nozzle, producing thrust to power the aircraft.\",\n \"Turbofan gas turbine engines contain an engine core and fan surrounded by a fan case, forming part of a nacelle.\",\n \"The nacelle is a housing that contains the engine.\",\n \"The fan is positioned forward of the engine core and within the fan case.\",\n \"The engine core is surrounded by an engine core cowl and the area between the nacelle and the engine core cowl is functionally defined as a fan duct.\",\n \"The fan duct is substantially annular in shape to accommodate the airflow from the fan and around the engine core cowl.\",\n \"The airflow through the fan duct, known as bypass air, travels the length of the fan duct and exits at the aft end of the fan duct at an exhaust nozzle.\",\n \"In addition to thrust generated by combustion gasses, the fan of gas turbine engines also produces thrust by accelerating and discharging ambient air through the exhaust nozzle.\",\n \"Various parts of the gas turbine engine generate heat while operating, including the compressor, combustor, turbine, central rotating shaft and fan.\",\n \"To maintain proper operational temperatures, excess heat is often removed from the engine via oil coolant loops, including air/oil or fuel/oil heat exchangers, and dumped into the bypass airflow for removal from the system.\",\n \"Gas turbine engines require a supply of lubricant, such as oil, to mechanical components such as, but not limited to, bearings, seals, and the like.\",\n \"The oil can be used as a lubricant, a coolant or both.\",\n \"Typical oil systems supply the oil to a manifold, which then directs the oil to various engine components.\",\n \"The lubricant may be filtered to remove unwanted debris, and may also be de-aerated to remove any air absorbed by the oil while lubricating and cooling the components.\",\n \"An oil cooler may remove heat gained from the lubricated components.\",\n \"In prior art oil systems, the quantity of oil pumped to the components is typically based on speed or load conditions.\",\n \"However, either approach may result in an oversupply of oil in low load conditions, such as during cruise or taxiing, for example.\",\n \"This reduces the efficiency of the engine in that the excess oil is pumped through the engine.\",\n \"Additionally, the lubricant then needs to be cooled before being used again, increasing the demands on the coolers and further reducing efficiency.\",\n \"In light of the foregoing, it can be seen that an oil system is needed that can provide oil in the quantity required according to a range of conditions being experienced by the engine.\",\n \"Accordingly, there is a need for an improved lubrication schedule for a gas turbine engine.\",\n \"SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a lubrication system for a gas turbine engine, that may include a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, and a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition.\",\n \"The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.\",\n \"Additionally, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.\",\n \"The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an engine startup, cruising, an altitude of the gas turbine engine, a vibration level of the gas turbine engine, or a weight on wheels.\",\n \"The present disclosure also provides a gas turbine engine, that may include a compressor, a combustor downstream of the compressor, a lubrication system including a pump for moving a lubricant, a lubricant tank for storing the lubricant, an engine component requiring lubrication from the lubricant, a conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, a scheduling valve positioned in the conduit between the lubricant tank and the engine component, the flow scheduling valve varying a flow of the lubricant to the engine component based on a condition, and a turbine downstream of the combustor.\",\n \"The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller.\",\n \"Further, the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.\",\n \"The condition may be a calculated engine torque, an altitude of the gas turbine engine or a vibration level of the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"The present disclosure further provides a method of lubricating an engine component of a gas turbine engine that may include pumping a lubricant from a lubricant tank through a conduit to the engine component using a pump, determining a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, and regulating a flow of the lubricant to the engine component with a scheduling valve, the regulation of the flow of lubricant based upon the condition experienced by the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"The engine component may be a fan drive gear system, and the scheduling valve may be controlled by a controller, wherein the controller may include a memory and a processor, and the memory may include an engine performance model.\",\n \"These, and other aspects and features of the present disclosure, will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.\",\n \"BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For further understanding of the disclosed concepts and embodiments, reference may be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike, and in which: FIG.\",\n \"1 is a sectional view of a gas turbine engine constructed in accordance with an embodiment.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"2 is a schematic representation of a lubrication injection system constructed in accordance with an embodiment.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"3 is a schematic representation of a controller and associated engine conditions the controller may monitor according to an embodiment.\",\n \"FIG.\",\n \"4 is a flowchart depicting a sample sequence of actions and events which may be practiced in accordance with an embodiment.\",\n \"It is to be noted that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting with respect to the scope of the disclosure or claims.\",\n \"Rather, the concepts of the present disclosure may apply within other equally effective embodiments.\",\n \"Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of certain embodiments.\",\n \"DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to FIG.\",\n \"1, a gas turbine engine 20 is generally referred to by reference numeral 20.The gas turbine engine 20 is disclosed herein as a two-spool turbofan that generally incorporates a fan section 22, a compressor section 24, a combustor section 26 and a turbine section 28.Alternative engines might include an augmentor section (not shown) among other systems or features.\",\n \"The fan section 22 drives air along a bypass flow path B in a bypass duct defined within a nacelle 15, while the compressor section 24 drives air along a core flow path C for compression and communication into the combustor section 26 then expansion through the turbine section 28.Although depicted as a two-spool turbofan gas turbine engine in the disclosed non-limiting embodiment, it should be understood that the concepts described herein are not limited to use with two-spool turbofans as the teachings may be applied to other types of turbine engines including three-spool architectures.\",\n \"The exemplary engine 20 generally includes a low speed spool 30 and a high speed spool 32 mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis A relative to an engine static structure 36 via several bearing systems 38.It should be understood that various bearing systems 38 at various locations may alternatively or additionally be provided, and the location of bearing systems 38 may be varied as appropriate to the application.\",\n \"The low speed spool 30 generally includes an inner shaft 40 that interconnects a fan 42, a low pressure compressor 44 and a low pressure turbine 46.The inner shaft 40 is connected to the fan 42 through a speed change mechanism, which in exemplary gas turbine engine 20 is illustrated as a geared architecture 48 to drive the fan 42 at a lower speed than the low speed spool 30.The high speed spool 32 includes an outer shaft 50 that interconnects a high pressure compressor 52 and high pressure turbine 54.A combustor 56 is arranged in exemplary gas turbine 20 between the high pressure compressor 52 and the high pressure turbine 54.A mid-turbine frame 57 of the engine static structure 36 is arranged generally between the high pressure turbine 54 and the low pressure turbine 46.The mid-turbine frame 57 further supports bearing systems 38 in the turbine section 28.The inner shaft 40 and the outer shaft 50 are concentric and rotate via bearing systems 38 about the engine central longitudinal axis A which is collinear with their longitudinal axes.\",\n \"The core airflow is compressed by the low pressure compressor 44 then the high pressure compressor 52, mixed and burned with fuel in the combustor 56, then expanded over the high pressure turbine 54 and low pressure turbine 46.The mid-turbine frame 57 includes airfoils 59 which are in the core airflow path C. The turbines 46, 54 rotationally drive the respective low speed spool 30 and high speed spool 32 in response to the expansion.\",\n \"It will be appreciated that each of the positions of the fan section 22, compressor section 24, combustor section 26, turbine section 28, and geared architecture 48 may be varied.\",\n \"For example, geared architecture 48 may be located aft of combustor section 26 or even aft of turbine section 28, and fan section 22 may be positioned forward or aft of the location of geared architecture 48.The gas turbine engine 20 in one example is a high-bypass geared aircraft engine.\",\n \"In a further example, the gas turbine engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about six (6), with an example embodiment being greater than about ten (10), the geared architecture 48 is an epicyclic gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3 and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five.\",\n \"In one disclosed embodiment, the gas turbine engine 20 bypass ratio is greater than about ten (10:1), the fan diameter is significantly larger than that of the low pressure compressor 44, and the low pressure turbine 46 has a pressure ratio that is greater than about five 5:1.Low pressure turbine 46 pressure ratio is pressure measured prior to inlet of low pressure turbine 46 as related to the pressure at the outlet of the low pressure turbine 46 prior to an exhaust nozzle.\",\n \"The geared architecture 48 may be an epicycle gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about 2.3:1.It should be understood, however, that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a geared architecture engine and that the present invention is applicable to other gas turbine engines including direct drive turbofans.\",\n \"A significant amount of thrust is provided by the bypass flow B due to the high bypass ratio.\",\n \"The fan section 22 of the gas turbine engine 20 is designed for a particular flight condition—typically cruise at about 0.8 Mach and about 35,000 feet.\",\n \"The flight condition of 0.8 Mach and 35,000 ft, with the engine at its best fuel consumption—also known as “bucket cruise Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (‘TSFC’)”—is the industry standard parameter of lbm of fuel being burned divided by lbf of thrust the engine produces at that minimum point.\",\n \"“Low fan pressure ratio” is the pressure ratio across the fan blade alone, without a Fan Exit Guide Vane (“FEGV”) system.\",\n \"The low fan pressure ratio as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about “Low corrected fan tip speed” is the actual fan tip speed in ft/sec divided by an industry standard temperature correction of [(Tram ° R) I (518.7° R)]0.5.The “Low corrected fan tip speed” as disclosed herein according to one non-limiting embodiment is less than about 1150 ft/second.\",\n \"A lubrication system 70 may be used to supply a lubricant 74 to an engine component 78 as shown in FIG.\",\n \"2.The lubricant 74 may serve to lubricate, cool or supply another substance to various parts of the gas turbine engine 20.In one embodiment, the engine component 78 may be a fan drive gear system 80, which may be defined as an apparatus that allows the fan 42 to rotate at a different angular speed from the low speed spool 30.In operation, components of the gas turbine engine 20 may require lubrication or cooling.\",\n \"The lubrication system 70 may include a lubricant tank 82, or sump, for storing the lubricant 74 when not being used.\",\n \"The lubrication system 70 may also include a pump 86 for drawing a supply of lubricant 74 from the lubricant tank 82 through a conduit 90.The conduit 90 may travel between the lubricant tank 82 and a scheduling valve 94, and between other gas turbine engine 20 components.\",\n \"The pump 86 may be driven by a rotating component of the gas turbine engine 20, or by other means.\",\n \"The pump 86 may further supply a constant or varying flow of lubricant 74 to the scheduling valve 94.Upon reaching the scheduling valve 94, the lubricant 74 may be wholly or partially diverted to one of multiple areas by the scheduling valve 94.In one scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent to an engine component 78 for use.\",\n \"In another scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent to a second engine component 98 for use.\",\n \"In a third scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent back to the lubricant tank 82.In a fourth scenario, the lubricant 74 may be sent to any two or three of the engine component 78, second engine component 98 and lubricant tank 82.Further, although not shown, the lubricant 74 may also be sent to additional parts of the gas turbine engine 20.Following lubricant 74 use in gas turbine engine 20 components, the lubricant may travel back to the lubricant tank 82.During its use, the lubricant 74 may acquire adverse properties while being pumped and used throughout the lubrication system 70, including becoming aerated, accumulating debris and absorbing heat.\",\n \"To address these properties, the lubrication system 70 may include, respectively, a de-aerator 102, a filter 106 and a cooler 110.These three elements 102, 106, 110 may be located at various points within the lubrication system 70.Further, although shown with one of each of the elements, the lubrication system 70 may include more than one of any of them.\",\n \"While in operation, gas turbine engine 20 components need a degree of lubricant 74 flow for proper functionality.\",\n \"This flow amount may vary according to different demands and situations.\",\n \"However, pumping and receiving more than a certain required degree of lubricant 74 can needlessly affect overall gas turbine engine 20 efficiency, as more lubricant 74 than necessary is pumped, cooled, de-aerated and filtered.\",\n \"In order to provide gas turbine engine 20 components with adequate lubrication, the scheduling valve 94 may regulate a flow of lubricant 74 to an engine component 78, second engine component 98 or lubricant tank 82, as described above.\",\n \"The scheduling valve 94 may regulate such flows in response to a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine 20.Additionally, the scheduling valve 94 may regulate such lubricant flows in response to more than one condition experienced by the gas turbine engine 20.A condition may be indicated by a sensor, calculation, operator input or stored information, and may serve to provide data about the current, past or future state of the gas turbine engine 20.The gas turbine engine 20 may include a controller 114, which may further incorporate a processor 118 and a memory 122.The memory 122 may include an engine performance model 126.Additionally, the controller 114 may also be a Full Authority Digital Engine Control, or FADEC.\",\n \"The engine performance model 126 may include a series of stored algorithms able to input a condition and, after analysis by the stored algorithms, signal the controller 114 to output a command to a component of the gas turbine engine 20, such as the scheduling valve 94.In this manner, one or more conditions can be detected and responded to by commanding a response from a component or system of the gas turbine engine 20.The controller 114 may also receive feedback from the scheduling valve 94 indicating the position of the scheduling valve 94.Such feedback may be used by the controller 114 to verify the position of the scheduling valve 94, or to calculate a future scheduling valve 94 movement.\",\n \"The engine performance model 126 can respond to a range of conditions, as shown in FIG.\",\n \"3.In a first example, an RPM sensor 130, a fuel flow sensor 134 and an altitude sensor 138 can be used to gather data and provide a calculated torque condition for the fan 42, low speed spool 30, engine component 78 or fan drive gear system 80.Such a calculated torque condition can be provided to the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a calculated torque condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.In this manner, a calculated torque condition can determine a scheduling valve 124 position, and thus a lubricant 74 flow rate, to an engine component 78.By the same process, the RPM sensor 130, fuel flow sensor 134 and altitude sensor 138 can be used to gather data and provide a cruise condition for the fan 42, low speed spool 30, engine component 78 or fan drive gear system 80.Cruise condition may be defined as operation below a maximum level, and sustained within a relatively narrow range of operation.\",\n \"Such a cruise condition can be provided to the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a cruise condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.In this manner, a cruise condition can determine a scheduling valve 124 position, and thus a lubricant 74 flow rate, to an engine component 78.Similarly, a burner pressure sensor 142 can be used to gather burner data for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The burner pressure sensor 142 may sense a pressure of a flow, region or process within the combustor 26.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a burner pressure condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.Additionally, a startup sensor 146 can be used to gather data indicating a startup condition for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.Startup may be defined as a process during which the gas turbine engine 20 transitions from a non-operating state to an operating state.\",\n \"The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a startup condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.Further, an altitude sensor 150 can be used to gather data indicating an altitude of the gas turbine engine 20 for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between an altitude condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.A weight on wheels sensor 154 can be used to gather data indicating a degree of weight on wheels for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.Weight on wheels may occur when the weight of an aircraft, on which the gas turbine engine 20 is mounted, is supported by the aircraft's wheels.\",\n \"The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a weight on wheels condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.Further, a vibration sensor 158 can be used to gather data indicating a vibration level for the engine performance model 126, which can then signal the controller 114 to output a command to the scheduling valve 94.The vibration sensor 158 may be an accelerometer, and may be located at various positions within or on the gas turbine engine 20, including, but not limited to the nacelle 15, compressor 24, turbine 28, combustor 26, engine component 78, fan drive gear system 80, fan 42 or low or high speed spool 30, 32.The engine performance model 126 may include stored relationship values between a vibration condition and a scheduling valve 94 position to provide a desired flow rate of lubricant 74 to one or more components of the gas turbine engine 20.The present disclosure allows for the successful lubrication and cooling of various gas turbine engine 20 components.\",\n \"Further, the disclosed lubrication system 70 may increase overall gas turbine engine 20 efficiency, as a regulated flow of lubricant 74 to the engine component 78 reduces mechanical losses, and eases the burden on de-aerators 102, filters 106 and coolers 110.In turn, this reduction may lead to decreased build, acquisition and maintenance costs, reduced system weight and improved system packaging.\",\n \"The present disclosure not only sets forth a lubrication system 70, but a method of lubricating an engine component of a gas turbine engine as well.\",\n \"For example, such a method in operation can be understood by referencing the flowchart in FIG.\",\n \"4.The method may comprise pumping a lubricant from a lubricant tank through a conduit to the engine component using a pump, as shown in box 400, and determining a condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, as shown in box 404.Further, the method may include regulating a flow of the lubricant to the engine component with a scheduling valve, the regulation of the flow of lubricant based upon the condition experienced by the gas turbine engine, as shown in box 408.While the present disclosure has shown and described details of exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by claims supported by the written description and drawings.\",\n \"Further, where these exemplary embodiments (and other related derivations) are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that other exemplary embodiments may be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.\",\n \"In operation, the present disclosure sets forth a lubrication system for a gas turbine engine which can find industrial applicability in a variety of settings.\",\n \"For example, the disclosure may be advantageously employed by gas turbine engines in aviation, naval and industrial settings.\",\n \"More specifically, the lubrication system for a gas turbine engine can be used to successfully lubricate and cool gas turbine engine components, while refraining from over-lubricating the components in response to various conditions experienced by the gas turbine engine.\",\n \"The present disclosure allows for the successful lubrication and cooling of various gas turbine engine components.\",\n \"Further, the disclosed lubrication system may increase overall gas turbine engine efficiency, as a regulated flow of lubricant to the engine component reduces mechanical losses, and eases the burden on de-aerators, filters and coolers.\",\n \"In turn, this reduction may lead to decreased build, acquisition and maintenance costs, reduced system weight and improved system packaging.\",\n \"The lubrication system of the present disclosure contributes to the continued and efficient operation of a gas turbine engine.\",\n \"The disclosed system may be original equipment on new gas turbine engines, or added as a retrofit to existing gas turbine engines.\"\n ]\n]","isConversational":false},"source":{"kind":"string","value":"Patent_15875179"}}}],"truncated":false,"partial":false},"paginationData":{"pageIndex":44947,"numItemsPerPage":100,"numTotalItems":4495096,"offset":4494700,"length":100}},"jwt":"eyJhbGciOiJFZERTQSIsImtpZCI6Im1sR1pFYktIVHRVSGRhX1RRdEczQ0N1S3k5ME9Qd25DNHY5elRjM3FVYzgifQ.eyJyZWFkIjp0cnVlLCJwZXJtaXNzaW9ucyI6eyJyZXBvLmNvbnRlbnQucmVhZCI6dHJ1ZX0sImlhdCI6MTc4MzI2NjU0NSwianRpIjoiZjhhM2M3NWMtNTgzOC00ODdlLTllZDUtNDliNTA4YzhlYzQ4Iiwic3ViIjoiL2RhdGFzZXRzL2hvd2V5L2h1cGQiLCJleHAiOjE3ODMyNzAxNDUsImlzcyI6Imh0dHBzOi8vaHVnZ2luZ2ZhY2UuY28ifQ.SfrUIpODZiE6664620tdvZGD8NzG0Qy_-B84TWEdmTjtetH7CvlmEGPEQgpCFJVEyo_bBz1KLVCfMS2vLl-dAg","displayUrls":true,"splitSizeSummaries":[{"config":"default","split":"train","numRows":4495096,"numBytesParquet":108339066781}]},"discussionsStats":{"closed":0,"open":0,"total":0},"fullWidth":true,"hasGatedAccess":true,"hasFullAccess":true,"isEmbedded":false,"savedQueries":{"community":[],"user":[]}}">
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"3D CHIP ASSEMBLIES USING STACKED LEADFRAMES",
"A stacked-chip assembly including a plurality of IC chips or die that are stacked, and a plurality of stacked leads.",
"Leads from separate leadframes may be bonded together so as to tie corresponding metal features of the various chips to a same ground,... | Patent_15874783 |
[
[
"ENHANCED SPATIAL SUMMATION FOR DEEP-BRAIN TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION",
"Methods of stimulating a target deep brain region using multiple Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) electromagnets positioned over a predetermined cortical regions each having a first-order connection to a target deep bra... | Patent_15874784 |
[
[
"SYSTEM FOR RAPID BAKE OF SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE WITH UPPER LINEAR HEATING ELEMENTS PERPENDICULAR TO HORIZONTAL GAS FLOW",
"A system and methods are provided for low temperature, rapid baking to remove impurities from a semiconductor surface prior to in-situ deposition.",
"The system is configured wi... | Patent_15874785 |
[
[
"CORNEAL TISSUE SAMPLE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE",
"Assemblies for storing, handling, transporting, viewing, evaluating, and/or shipping corneal tissue are provided.",
"The assemblies may include a viewing chamber and a corneal tissue carrier removably coupled to an inner portion of the vi... | Patent_15874789 |
[
[
"TWO-LAYER SEPARATION-TYPE EYE DROP CONTAINING SQUALANE",
"The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for formulating a two-layer separation-type ophthalmic solution in which, during storage, an aqueous layer and an oil-containing layer containing squalane are separated from each other... | Patent_15874790 |
[
[
"AERIAL VEHICLES AND METHODS OF USE",
"An aerial vehicle capable of convertible flight from hover to linear flight includes a body having a longitudinal body axis, a plurality of forward wings, a plurality of aft wings, at least one motor, and at least three aerodynamic propulsors driven by the at least o... | Patent_15874792 |
[
[
"VISUALIZING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DATA ELEMENTS AND GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATIONS OF DATA ELEMENT ATTRIBUTES",
"In general, metadata is stored in a data storage system.",
"Summary data identifying one or more characteristics of each of multiple metadata objects stored in the data storage system is comput... | Patent_15874800 |
[
[
"CO-INTEGRATION OF TENSILE SILICON AND COMPRESSIVE SILICON GERMANIUM",
"Integrated circuits are disclosed in which the strain properties of adjacent pFETs and nFETs are independently adjustable.",
"The pFETs include compressive-strained SiGe on a silicon substrate, while the nFETs include tensile-stra... | Patent_15874813 |
[
[
"SINGLE CRYSTAL ACOUSTIC RESONATOR AND BULK ACOUSTIC WAVE FILTER",
"A method of wafer scale packaging acoustic resonator devices and an apparatus therefor.",
"The method including providing a partially completed semiconductor substrate comprising a plurality of single crystal acoustic resonator device... | Patent_15874815 |
[
[
"Devices and Methods for Processing and Disambiguating Touch Inputs Using Intensity Thresholds Based on Prior Input Intensity",
"An electronic device detects a change in intensity of an input on an input element that includes detecting an increase in intensity followed by a decrease in intensity, and dete... | Patent_15874820 |
[
[
"TAMPER DETECTION FOR HARDWARE DEVICES",
"A manufacturer of computing equipment may generate a signature for computing equipment by measuring various attributes of the computing equipment, such as the impedance across circuits included in the computing equipment.",
"Verification equipment may be provi... | Patent_15874822 |
[
[
"OFDM TRANSMISSION METHOD AND DEVICE IN WIRELESS LAN SYSTEM",
"An apparatus and method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system is disclosed, in which the apparatus for OFDM transmission in the WLAN system includes a signal repetitio... | Patent_15874827 |
[
[
"ENHANCING TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY ACROSS A PRINTER DIE",
"According to an example, in a method for enhancing temperature distribution uniformity across a printer die, in which the printer die includes a plurality of drop generators arranged in a plurality of columns, a warming map that identi... | Patent_15874837 |
[
[
"Flexible Cushioning Pads, Items Incorporating Such Pads, and Methods of Making and Using",
"Disclosed herein are conformable protection pads, which can be integrated into articles such as clothing and protective cases."
],
[
"1.A cushioning pad section, comprising: a hinge comprising a thickness ... | Patent_15874841 |
[
[
"FINFET WITH IMPROVED GATE DIELECTRIC",
"A semiconductor device includes a substrate structure comprising a substrate and a plurality of fins on the substrate.",
"Each of the fins includes a fluorine-doped top portion."
],
[
"1.A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate structure comprisin... | Patent_15874843 |
[
[
"VIBRATORY UNLOADING KNEE BRACE FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS",
"A knee device and method of stimulating muscles is disclosed.",
"The knee device includes a knee brace with a support frame and vibration components.",
"The vibration components are connected to the support frame by adjustable arms that al... | Patent_15874846 |
[
[
"METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENOMIC VISUALIZATION",
"A method and system for correlating genome data with EMR/MR data is disclosed herein.",
"The method includes identifying a plurality of sources of genome data.",
"The method also includes generating an index file for each of the plurality of genome f... | Patent_15874851 |
[
[
"COMPUTER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR READING OR WRITING DATA BY COMPUTER DEVICE",
"A computer device and a method for reading or writing data by a computer device are provided.",
"In the computer device, a central processing unit (CPU) is connected to a cloud controller using a double data rate (DDR) inter... | Patent_15874852 |
[
[
"METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS SEMISOLID DIE CASTING",
"A method for continuous semisolid die casting.",
"The method is achieved using an apparatus for continuous semisolid die casting.",
"The apparatus includes: a first preparation device for producing a nucleating agent, a second preparati... | Patent_15874858 |
[
[
"METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREPARING SEMI-SOLID SLURRY",
"A method for preparing semisolid slurry.",
"The method is achieved using a device for preparing semisolid slurry.",
"The device includes a slurry vessel and a mechanical stirring rod.",
"The mechanical stirring rod includes a first end and ... | Patent_15874861 |
[
[
"TRANSCRANIAL CURRENT STIMULATION SYSTEM AND VIRTUAL REALITY FOR TREATMENT OF PTSD OR FEARS",
"Described is a system for treating traumatic memories.",
"During a wake stage, a virtual environment is displayed to a subject.",
"A traumatic episode that may be similar to a traumatic memory of the sub... | Patent_15874866 |
[
[
"PROPULSION APPARATUS FOR SHIP",
"Provided is a ship propelling apparatus including a rotation shaft on which a rear propeller is fixed; a front propeller rotatably supported on the rotation shaft in front of the rear propeller; and a counter-rotating device through which the rotation shaft passes, which ... | Patent_15874879 |
[
[
"DIGITAL AC/DC POWER CONVERTER",
"A digital AC/DC power converter comprises an active PFC module, a single switch module having a single switch, a power output module having a transformer, a digital control module having a microcontroller, and a rectifying and filtering module having a full-bridge rectifi... | Patent_15874884 |
[
[
"SOCIAL MODE FOR MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN A MOBILE DEVICE AND A SOCIAL NETWORKING SYSTEM",
"The automatic transmission of communications between a mobile device and a social networking system is regulated based on the communication mode of the mobile device.",
"A communication for transmission ... | Patent_15874887 |
[
[
"FLASH MEMORY APPARATUS AND STORAGE MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR FLASH MEMORY",
"A method used for a flash memory module having a plurality of storage blocks each can be used as a first block or a second block includes: classifying data into a plurality of groups of data; respectively executing error code encodi... | Patent_15874895 |
[
[
"COSMETIC IMPREGNATION DEVICE",
"Various embodiments related to a cosmetic impregnation device have been described.",
"According to one embodiment thereof, the cosmetic impregnation device comprises: an impregnation member consisting of a nonwoven fabric; and at least one antimicrobial mesh member att... | Patent_15874897 |
[
[
"NEURAL SENSING METHOD FOR RETINA APPLICATION AND DEVICE THEREOF",
"The present invention provides a neural sensing method, including the steps of: configuring an array of sensing units on a retina of a user; generating a control signal by a control signal generator and generating a plurality of sensing s... | Patent_15874898 |
[
[
"TERMINAL, BASE STATION, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD",
"There is provided a terminal for performing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) communication with a base station forming a cell.",
"The terminal includes a control channel processing unit configured to monitor, i... | Patent_15874910 |
[
[
"METHOD FOR DECODING A SERVICE GUIDE",
"The invention is: A method for decoding a service guide associated with a video bitstream comprising: (a) receiving a content fragment within the service guide, (b) receiving a name element within the content fragment, (c) receiving a description element within the ... | Patent_15874911 |
[
[
"METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING HIGH-STRENGTH AND DUCTILE TRIP STEEL",
"A method for manufacturing a high-strength transformation induced plasticity steel is disclosed.",
"The method may include cold rolling a low-alloy steel sheet, annealing the cold-rolled low-alloy steel sheet, cooling the annealed low-a... | Patent_15874914 |
[
[
"ELASTIC WAVE DEVICE",
"A longitudinally coupled resonator elastic wave filter is disposed on a piezoelectric substrate.",
"IDT electrodes include first and second busbars.",
"An inorganic insulating layer is provided on at least one side in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular... | Patent_15874916 |
[
[
"NETWORK DEVICE MANAGEMENT AND VISUALIZATION",
"Methods, systems and computer readable media for network device management and visualization are disclosed."
],
[
"1.",
"(canceled) 2.A method for enterprise network device management, the method comprising: accessing, using a device management s... | Patent_15874922 |
[
[
"NOVEL BIOBIASED POLYESTER",
"A novel linear polyester resin is made by condensation of one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyols with one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyfunctional acids derived from biobased materials or a biological feedstock.",
"Coating compositions and coated substr... | Patent_15874925 |
[
[
"Simplified Audio Navigation Instructions",
"In some implementations, a mobile device can be configured to provide simplified audio navigation instructions.",
"The simplified audio navigation instructions can provide a reduced set of audio navigation instructions so that the audio instructions are onl... | Patent_15874926 |
[
[
"HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE WITH CONTROL ELEMENT",
"A household appliance includes at least one control element for modifying at least one operating parameter of the household appliance.",
"At least one modification of at least one operating parameter which modification has been executed last is resettable b... | Patent_15874931 |
[
[
"HITCH MODULE",
"A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly.",
"The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another.",
"The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, wher... | Patent_15874932 |
[
[
"DISPLAY DEVICE AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE",
"An object is to provide a display device with a high aperture ratio or a semiconductor device in which the area of an element is large.",
"A channel formation region of a TFT with a multi-gate structure is provided under a wiring that is provided between adj... | Patent_15874939 |
[
[
"WATERMELON VARIETY NUN 31503 WMW",
"The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Watermelon, NUN 31503 WMW, as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof."
],
[
"1.A plant, plant part or seed of triploid Watermelon variety NUN 31503 WMW, wherein a representative sample of seed of ... | Patent_15874940 |
[
[
"RELEASABLE POLYESTER HIGH GLOSS METAL TRANSFER FILM METHOD",
"A carrier film of thermoplastic polyester has releasable metal adhesive properties suitable for a metal transfer in which the polyester film is metalized and the metal layer is subsequently transferred to a permanent adhesive-coated substrate.... | Patent_15874949 |
[
[
"LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT, DISPLAY DEVICE, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND LIGHTING DEVICE",
"A light-emitting element having high emission efficiency which includes a fluorescent material as a light-emitting substance is provided.",
"A light-emitting element includes a pair of electrodes and an EL layer between... | Patent_15874950 |
[
[
"PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, SOLAR CELL, AND COMPOUND",
"Provided is a photoelectric conversion element including at least a first electrode that includes a conductive support, a photosensitive layer that contains a light absorbing agent, a hole transport layer that contains an organic hole transpor... | Patent_15874951 |
[
[
"VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE",
"A vehicle control system for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle; the vehicle control system comprising a subsystem controller for initiating control of the or each of the vehicle subsystems in a selected one of a plurality of differe... | Patent_15874953 |
[
[
"Moving Picture Decoding Method and Moving Picture Encoding Method",
"High-quality video is provided using a small amount of coded bits.",
"The moving picture decoding method performs inter-frame prediction processing.",
"With the aforementioned inter-frame prediction processing, blocks with simil... | Patent_15874955 |
[
[
"INDUCER AND PUMP",
"An inducer includes a hub and a blade which radially protrudes from the hub and is helically provided.",
"The inducer has a thick portion in which a first distance and a second distance coincides with each other in a region outside a position at which a height ratio of the blade i... | Patent_15874957 |
[
[
"PRINTER AND METHOD FOR SELECTING PRINTING START POSITION",
"In accordance with an embedment, a printer comprises a sensor configured to detect a position of a paper conveyed in a conveyance path; a first setting module configured to set a plurality of start candidate positions which are candidates of a p... | Patent_15874966 |
[
[
"MODULAR PILOT ASSEMBLY WITH SELF-CONTAINED STRIPPER AND METHOD FOR METAL FORMING DIES",
"A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a tapered outer end, a grooved inner end, and a central portion with at least one inwardly curved side wall relief, as well as internally mounted reciproc... | Patent_15874971 |
[
[
"VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM",
"A system includes a slidable bar, a connecting bar attached to the slidable bar, and a charging device carried by the connecting bar and movable with the slidable bar.",
"The charging device may be automatically aligned to a receiving device of an electrified vehicle using ... | Patent_15874976 |
[
[
"THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF SELECTOR",
"A non-volatile memory device that limits the temperature excursion of a selector during operation to enhance the cycling life of the non-volatile memory device.",
"A selector, in line with a memory element, may be degraded with repeated temperature excursions as curr... | Patent_15874977 |
[
[
"Wireless Charging of Mobile Devices in Vehicles",
"Methods, systems, and products describe a car, truck, or other vehicle that charges a battery in a mobile device.",
"The vehicle wirelessly inductively charges the battery based on historical usage."
],
[
"1.A method, comprising: establishing... | Patent_15874979 |
[
[
"ORDER PICKER MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLE WITH IMPROVED DOWNWARD VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING ELEVATED",
"A materials handling vehicle including a power unit supported on wheels, and a mast assembly supported on the power unit.",
"The mast assembly includes four or more telescoping sections defined by pairs... | Patent_15874981 |
[
[
"TYPING AND IMAGING OF BIOLOGICAL AND NON-BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS USING QUANTITATIVE ULTRASOUND",
"An ultrasonic material-evaluation or classification method using spectral and envelope-statistics variables from backscattered ultrasound echo signals using an adaptive-bandwidth and combined with global variab... | Patent_15874991 |
[
[
"CLEANING DEVICE WITH SINGLE TANK RECYCLING SYSTEM",
"A cleaning device may include a solution tank configured to store cleaning solution.",
"The device delivers the cleaning solution from a pump discharge of the cleaning device to a flow meter.",
"The device initiates a priming mode by opening a ... | Patent_15874992 |
[
[
"MODULAR HYBRID TRANSMISSION WITH TORQUE CONVERTER BAFFLE",
"An assembly includes a front module housing an electric machine and an engine disconnect clutch, a transmission aft of the front module, a torque converter axially between the front module and the transmission, and a baffle radially between the ... | Patent_15874994 |
[
[
"MEDICAL INSTRUMENT",
"A medical instrument of the present invention includes a hydrophilic processed portion on at least a portion of an outer surface of the instrument.",
"The hydrophilic processed portion contains a hydrophilic polymer and an antibacterial agent, and a water contact angle of a surf... | Patent_15875001 |
[
[
"LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES",
"A lighting device for vehicles with an elongated light guide comprising an end face for the coupling-in of light, into which a light beam radiated from a light source can be coupled-in.",
"The lighting device further comprises elements for the coupling-out of light for... | Patent_15875008 |
[
[
"SERPIN FUSION POLYPEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF",
"This invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly fusion proteins that include a serpin polypeptide or an amino acid sequence that is derived from a serpin and second polypeptide comprising of at least one the follow... | Patent_15875010 |
[
[
"High Resolution and High Sensitivity Optically Activated Motion Detection Device Using Multiple Color Light Sources",
"An optical computer mouse senses movement by detecting the variations in intensity of reflected primary colors from a surface over which the mouse is moved.",
"The surface is illumin... | Patent_15875020 |
[
[
"Structural Attachment Sealing System",
"In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to a system and apparatus for sealing a structural attachment to a flat or shingle roof.",
"More specifically, the invention relates to providing the system for sealing structural attach... | Patent_15875021 |
[
[
"METHOD FOR MULTIPLEXED NUCLEIC ACID PATCH POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION",
"The invention encompasses a method for amplifying at least two different nucleic acid sequences.",
"In particular, the method encompasses a multiplexed nucleic acid patch polymerase chain reaction."
],
[
"1.A method of amp... | Patent_15875027 |
[
[
"DATA LINK LAYER-BASED COMMUNICATION METHOD, DEVICE, AND SYSTEM",
"A method includes: a first network device generates a data link layer-based autonomic control plane (L2 ACP) packet, wherein the first network device is an autonomic device in the autonomic network; encapsulates, based on a frame at a data... | Patent_15875028 |
[
[
"HARMONIC GENERATION AND PHASE SENSITIVE AMPLIFICATION USING A BRAGG REFLECTION WAVEGUIDE",
"Methods and systems enable amplifying optical signals using a Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) having second order optical nonlinearity to generate an optical pump by injection locking.",
"The BRW may also be ... | Patent_15875050 |
[
[
"MULTIPLE-LAYER SPACERS FOR FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS",
"Structures for spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor and methods for forming spacers in a device structure for a field-effect transistor.",
"A first spacer is located adjacent to a vertical sidewall of a gate electrode, a se... | Patent_15875055 |
[
[
"DYNAMIC BATCH MANAGEMENT OF SHARED BUFFERS FOR VIRTUAL MACHINES",
"Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers are disclosed.",
"A virtualized computer system may include a hypervisor with access to memory and executed by a processor... | Patent_15875056 |
[
[
"Actuating Catheter Luer Devices",
"A luer for a catheter is disclosed.",
"The luer has a proximal luer housing having a proximal opening, a distal luer housing having a stem and a distal opening and a threaded element disposed on an external surface of the luer.",
"The proximal housing and the di... | Patent_15875057 |
[
[
"BATTERY-ELECTRIC AND INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE ASSIST HYBRID PROPULSION AND IMPLEMENT DRIVE WORK SYSTEMS",
"Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame.",
"A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first an... | Patent_15875058 |
[
[
"IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS",
"In a first image formation mode, an image is formed with a first development contrast C1 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a second development contrast C2, which is lower than the first development contrast C1; in a second image formation mode, an image is formed with ... | Patent_15875059 |
[
[
"MAGNETIC RESONANCE GUIDANCE OF A SHAFT TO A TARGET ZONE",
"A medical apparatus (1100) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system and an interventional device (300) comprising a shaft (302, 1014, 1120).",
"The medical apparatus further comprises a toroidal magnetic resonance fiducial marker (306, ... | Patent_15875063 |
[
[
"Mark and Papermaking Belt Made Therefrom",
"A textured mask comprising a film.",
"The film can have a first substantially continuously flat surface lying in a first plane and a second surface opposite the first surface lying in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.",
"The seco... | Patent_15875064 |
[
[
"Image Sensor Device",
"An image sensor device, as well as methods therefor, is disclosed.",
"This image sensor device includes a substrate having bond pads.",
"The substrate has a through substrate channel defined therein extending between a front side surface and a back side surface thereof.",
... | Patent_15875067 |
[
[
"INTEGRATED SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD",
"The present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device, comprising a semiconductor substrate; a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate; a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at ... | Patent_15875068 |
[
[
"SILENCER AND VEHICLE ENGINE INCLUDING SAME",
"A silencer having an outer housing; and a central perforated tube through which air flows.",
"The silencer further includes an additional perforated structure located between the central perforated tube and the outer housing, a first chamber is formed bet... | Patent_15875074 |
[
[
"AID REASSIGNMENT METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SAID AID REASSIGNMENT METHOD",
"Disclosed are an AID reassignment method capable of optimally operating a wireless LAN system, and an apparatus for performing the AID reassignment method.",
"The method comprises the steps of: generating a reconnec... | Patent_15875075 |
[
[
"PIEZOELECTRIC SPEAKERS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES",
"An electronic device has an exterior housing with a piezoelectric speaker disposed in an opening formed within the housing.",
"The piezoelectric speaker includes a speaker diaphragm that is secured within the opening with a vibration isolator.",
"T... | Patent_15875080 |
[
[
"Antibody Therapy for Amyloid Beta Disease",
"The present disclosure relates generally to a protocol to treat or prevent diseases or conditions associated with pathological forms of amyloid beta (Aβ), including Alzheimer's disease.",
"Enabled herein is a reagent for use in the treatment and prophylaxi... | Patent_15875082 |
[
[
"Ticket Based Harvest Management System and Method",
"A system and method is presented for gathering data concerning harvests.",
"Data tickets are generated when the harvest is received at a point of origination (i.e., the field), local storage, processing, or a customer location.",
"Data tickets ... | Patent_15875083 |
[
[
"DISTRIBUTED MULTI-SENSOR STREAMER",
"This disclosure is related to the field of streamers.",
"In one embodiment, a streamer may include a group of particle motion sensors.",
"In some embodiments, at least two of the particle motion sensors in the group are movable relative to one another within t... | Patent_15875084 |
[
[
"Travel Planning Application",
"A method for travel planning which includes a customized application and results in efficient customized grouping and coordination of selected locations and destinations based on a combination of user-selected criteria; radius searching; and real-time, simultaneous, multi-s... | Patent_15875093 |
[
[
"THERMOFORMABLE MEDICAL MEMBER WITH HEATER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME",
"A thermoformable medical member and heater and method for manufacturing same.",
"A thermoplastic material is converted from a relatively rigid state to a formable state over a narrow temperature range, and, which reverts ba... | Patent_15875094 |
[
[
"FULL FIELD MAMMOGRAPHY WITH TISSUE EXPOSURE CONTROL, TOMOSYNTHESIS, AND DYNAMIC FIELD OF VIEW PROCESSING",
"A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic... | Patent_15875095 |
[
[
"Apparatus and Method for Image Content Replacement",
"An image content replacement apparatus and method wherein a camera image receiving unit receives video images observing a scene including a subject and a mask signal generating unit generates a mask signal that defines marked areas of the video images... | Patent_15875096 |
[
[
"ISOLATION OF OMEGA-7 FATTY ACID ETHYL ESTERS FROM NATURAL OILS",
"Methods of producing high purity palmitoleic acid esters from natural oils are disclosed.",
"The natural oils may comprise plant oil, nut oil, microalgae oil, and fish oil.",
"The methods of processing the natural oil comprise tran... | Patent_15875098 |
[
[
"COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF PROSTACYCLIN ANALOGS",
"This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin formulations and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vasc... | Patent_15875101 |
[
[
"DISPLAY WITH SURFACE MOUNT EMISSIVE ELEMENTS AND ACTIVE MATRIX DRIVE",
"A surface mount emissive element is provided with a top surface and a bottom surface.",
"A first electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surface, and a second electrical contact is formed exclusively on the top surfac... | Patent_15875108 |
[
[
"METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING FORMING PROTECTIVE FILM WITHIN RECESS IN SUBSTRATE",
"An n-type layer (3) is formed by implanting an n-type impurity in a back surface of a Si substrate (1).",
"A recess (4) is formed in the back surface of the Si substrate (1).",
"After form... | Patent_15875111 |
[
[
"USING HYPERVISOR TRAPPING FOR PROTECTION AGAINST INTERRUPTS IN VIRTUAL MACHINE FUNCTIONS",
"A system, methods, and apparatus for using hypervisor trapping for protection against interrupts in virtual machine functions are disclosed.",
"A system includes memory, one or more physical processors, a virt... | Patent_15875112 |
[
[
"SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND/OR TREATING ONE OR MORE MEDICAL CONDITIONS VIA NEUROMODULATION",
"Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.",
"The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, dis... | Patent_15875113 |
[
[
"METHOD FOR REPORTING A MEASUREMENT REPORT OF A MEASUREMENT EVENT",
"The present disclosure discloses a method for reporting a measurement report of a measurement event, including: determining that a measurement event is generated in a user equipment (UE) in an activated state of discontinuous reception (... | Patent_15875123 |
[
[
"NOISE ESTIMATION FOR DYNAMIC SOUND ADJUSTMENT",
"A system that performs noise estimation for an audio adjustment application comprises a coherence calculator that determines at least one coherence value between microphone signals generated by at least two microphones that each independently senses acoust... | Patent_15875126 |
[
[
"SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING, DIAGNOSING, AND/OR TREATING ONE OR MORE MEDICAL CONDITIONS VIA NEUROMODULATION",
"Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions.",
"The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, dis... | Patent_15875141 |
[
[
"Radio-Frequency Identification Device for a Tubular Element to Be Identified in a Constrained Environment",
"A radio-frequency identification device for identifying a tubular element is provided that includes a radio-frequency identification chip connected to at least one antenna having two conductive st... | Patent_15875142 |
[
[
"DISPLAY APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF",
"An apparatus includes: a display unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of devices external to the apparatus; and a processor configured to control the display unit to display a first user interface (UI) image including a list... | Patent_15875146 |
[
[
"IMAGE ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE",
"Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers.",
"The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer in... | Patent_15875148 |
[
[
"PROPOSING A COPY AREA IN A DOCUMENT",
"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.",
"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.",
"... | Patent_15875152 |
[
[
"MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DURATION MANIPULATION",
"Average pixel luminosity is calculated for each frame comprising a content item.",
"For each pair of adjacent frames, an IFD is calculated.",
"The IFD represents the difference between a baseline pixel luminosity associated with each of the two frames."... | Patent_15875158 |
[
[
"Method of Preparing Quality Control Material for FFPE",
"This specification relates to Formalin-fixed embedded quality control material for use for validation, verification, and to run controls for molecular assays.",
"The quality control material can be used for a variety of tissues and for a variet... | Patent_15875162 |
[
[
"PROPOSING A COPY AREA IN A DOCUMENT",
"Information on a cursor or pointer position is obtained, indicating a first content on a document displayed on a screen.",
"A plurality of second contents are retrieved from a history information, each of the second contents comprising the first content.",
"... | Patent_15875165 |
[
[
"PLANT GERMPLASM RESISTANT TO RNA VIRUSES",
"Disclosed is a dsRNA construct used to silencing specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor in plants to produce a plant resistant to viruses such as Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, and Furoviruses.",
"More specifically, the plant would be resistant to vi... | Patent_15875168 |
[
[
"IMAGE ENCODING/DECODING METHOD AND DEVICE",
"Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for image encoding/decoding that support a plurality of layers.",
"The method for image decoding that supports a plurality of layers includes decoding information of a first layer which a picture of a second layer in... | Patent_15875173 |
[
[
"CONTACT LENS MOUNTING SPECULUM FOR VITREORETINAL SURGERY",
"A contact lens is placed on a patient's eye during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery.",
"The contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery and is supported by a contact lens mounting speculum having... | Patent_15875178 |
[
[
"LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES",
"A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pump that moves a lubricant, a lubricant tank that stores the lubricant, a first engine component and a second engine component eac... | Patent_15875179 |