text:
Are you interested in serving on the board?
Two board positions will be voted on at the annual meeting in August. Please call or email Area if you are interested
Residents of Kansas City now have the option of using the City's no-charge Bulky Item Collection (Pick-up) Appointment System. The City's no-charge appointment-based Bulky Item Collection Program is for disposal of large household items that cannot be handled in the regular weekly trash collection. Make an appointment online using the Online Bulky Scheduler, http://kcmo.gov/publicworks/bulkyitem/ or by phone: Call 311 or 816-513-1313 to schedule an appointment. Appointments must be made up to 48 hours prior to the service date. Collections will not be made without an appointment and must meet guidelines for large item collection.
TOO MUCH PARTY AND NOT ENOUGH ROOM? We have the answer. The Barrybrooke Village Clubhouse is available for rental for only $50 for residents of Barrybrooke. A $100 deposit is held until your event is over. The clubhouse, with a large and inviting front room, dining room and kitchen can comfortably accommodate 50 people. Contact Cheryl Bordewick for a tour.
Barrybrooke Village has a BUNCO group who play on the first Tuesday night of each month at 6:30. Currently they are looking for anyone who would want to be put on the sub list. No experience necessary, just need to be able to throw dice! Bring five dollars to go into the prize money. Call Joanne McGrath, 505-0747 if interested.
SHELTER FROM THE THREAT OF TORNADOES If your home does not have a basement the clubhouse can be utilized during severe weather. The following residents have access at all times to the clubhouse: Joanne McGrath, 505-0747 or Caroline Arnett, 206-5336
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN! Please be mindful and pick up after your pooches in and around our community as well as in the park area (there are bags provided in the park). If everyone would pick up any trash they see laying on the ground, it would be greatly appreciated!!
A night time view of the pool.
The community park, located in the center of Barrybrooke Village offers a place for socializing as well as fun for the pooches.
Volunteers have turned an unused tennis court into a community park, for all to enjoy!
Also provided in the clubhouse is a kitchen area, and cozy living room complete with fireplace and a TV.
The Barrybrooke Village Clubhouse offers the opportunity for both resident and non-residents to rent a space for any event such as birthday parties, rehearsal dinners or family get togethers.
The pool is open to residents only and provides summer enjoyment from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The clubhouse can comfortably accommodate parties of up to 75 people, with table and chairs available for use.
The clubhouse can comfortably accommodate parties of up to 75 people, with table and chairs available for use.
Call Area Real Estate at 816-650-6718 for clubhouse availability. A form for clubhouse rental can be downloaded on the forms page.
Call Area Real Estate at 816-650-6718 for clubhouse availability. A form for clubhouse rental can be downloaded on the forms page.2
The clubhouse at Barrybrooke Village.
Barrybrooke Village offers a maintenance provided, peaceful community for all ages and all lifestyles.
DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES Please help keep the flow of traffic in our community running smoothly by not blocking the roadways and parking your vehicles in designated parking spots and overflow parking lots. The unloading/loading parking spaces should only be used for the purpose of loading or unloading vehicles. These are not meant to be parked in any longer than 30 minutes.
For questions regarding HOA dues, work orders, or general information about Barrybrooke Village please contact their property management company
Area Real Estate, 816-650-6718, fax: 816-650-5517
Barrybrooke Village
Board Members
Cheryl Bordewick, President: 591-7696
Kate Beale: 877-3158
Candy Pfaltzgraf: 506-2231
Joanne McGrath: 350-9450
Tina Kenide: 352-7971
1001 N.W. Barry Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64155
(816) 437-6200


text:
- By anabellaaaaCollection
- By alyssa23Collection
- By anabellaaaaCollection
- Collection
Alexander McQueen Knuckle Box Long Clutch in Cherry
$2,195 Sold out forwardbyelysewalker.com
Genuine leather and gold-tone brass frame with leather lining. Made in Italy. Measures approx 9"W x 3.5"H x 2"D. Knuckle handle measures approx 3"W x 1.5"H x 0.5"D. Knuckle clasp opening. Swarovski crystal accents on knuckle clasp. Gold-tone stud detail throughout.
- Like it to get in stock alerts

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ruby Knobloch
Published: Monday, January 1, 2007 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 2:27 p.m.
Ruby Ledet Knobloch, 86, a native and resident of Thibodaux, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006.
Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to funeral time Wednesday at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with burial in the church cemetery.
She is survived by two brothers, E.P. Ledet and Billy Ledet; three sisters, Marie Prejeant, Pris Ledet, and Carolyn Hayward; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester "Tony" Knobloch; her parents, Elvin and Lilly Guidry Ledet; and one brother, Henry Cooper.
She was an employee of Clydes Jewelry Store for more than 40 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ed White Foundation or the Sisters of Mount Carmel.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
Comments are currently unavailable on this article


text:
What PCI NIC supports Promiscuous?? I' having a hard time looking for one , I'm planning to set it up in a Lenovo Think Centre hardware
closed as off-topic by Tog, slhck Sep 21 '13 at 10:45
I've yet to come across a NIC that does NOT support promiscuous mode !! I wonder if the problem you are having is that you are connecting to a switch rather then a hub, and thus not seeing any traffic ?
FWIW, Intel specifically markets the Intel Pro cards as supporting promiscuous mode. No doubt there are plenty others (probably any network card), but the first care I came across in this range was this one. Again though, pretty much any card will do this.


text:
Hello, I'm new here and was giving WordPress a good shot -- I marvelled at how quickly it was to set up, pretty fun. I currently have a blog on Blog-City.com and although they've been great to me, I want to explore seeing if I can migrate over and how smooth a transition can be.
I haven't found much into on this at all, so it's been pretty tough. I've googled and searched through these support archives but I'm at a loss with what to do. Blog-City allows me to backup files as XML or CSV, so I have those files sitting around waiting to be played with. I don't see an XML importer, though, so I'm confuzzled as what to do next. Once I get a grip on this I will be a lot more comfortable -- in the meantime it's a lot of experimentation and just getting used to things.
Also, another question please: how is backing up a WordPress blog to one's hard drive done? Is there an easy tutorial on it somewhere? I have a feeling I'm missing the obvious, because I've poked around for that too. Just curious. :)
Thanxaroonie and hope to find out how to do this soon! :D


text:
Hi Chouby,
Working on my XML Sitemap Feeds plugin again, I need to filter all language front pages from a loop. Currently, I'm doing it like below (creating an array of front page IDs which I then use in the loop to exclude by 'continue')... but I wonder if there is a better method.
$exclude[] = get_option('page_on_front');
global $polylang;
if ( !empty($exclude) && isset($polylang) ) {
$langs = array();
foreach ($polylang->get_languages_list() as $term)
$langs[] = $term->slug;
foreach ( $langs as $lang )
$exclude[] = pll_get_post($exclude[0],$lang);
After this, I use the array inside the loop:
if ( in_array($post->ID, $exclude) )
(please excuse coding errors, this is not the literal code I'm using but a simplified version)
Any improvement suggestions would be much appreciated :)


text:
Gazprom Neft Heads for Three-Month High on Oil, Net Income Jump
OAO Gazprom Neft headed for its highest close in three months as crude rallied and after the oil producer said third-quarter profit jumped 47 percent.
The company, controlled by Russia's natural-gas export monopoly, rallied for a fourth day, adding 1.7 percent to 134 rubles by 5:45 p.m. in Moscow and was poised for the strongest closing level since Aug. 2.
Net income climbed to $1.27 billion from $865 million the same period a year earlier, Gazprom Neft, which is moving its headquarters to St. Petersburg from Moscow, said today on its website. Crude rose as much as $1.08 to $96.60 a barrel in New York trading.
Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg Terminal. LEARN MORE


text:
Definition of arraignment in English:
The action of arraigning someone in court: he's scheduled for arraignment in New York on Thursday she pleaded not guilty at her arraignment
More example sentences
- Prosecution is a process of investigation, of indictment, arraignment, trial and conviction.
- Before the arraignment, Deputy Prosecutor Graham Blewitt spoke of his personal satisfaction in seeing one of the court's major targets brought before it.
- He hasn't even faced the formal charges of an arraignment yet.
For editors and proofreaders
Syllabification: ar·raign·ment
Definition of arraignment in:
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
Comments that don't adhere to our Community Guidelines may be moderated or removed.
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text:
- About Us
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Zap the Gaps!: Target Higher Performance and Achieve It! (Hardcover)
Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Target Higher Performance and Achieve It
In the bestselling tradition of The One Minute ManagerR, Zap the Gaps combines a fast-moving business parable with step-by-step instructions for implementing the GAPS approach to problem solving.
About the Author
Ken Blanchard is the Chief Spiritual Officer of the Ken Blanchard Companies. He is the coauthor of "The One Minute Manager", "Raving Fans" and many other international bestsellers. His books have combined sales of more than eighteen million copies in more than twenty-seven languages.
Dana Gaines Robinson is the founder and former president, and James Robinson the former chairman, of Partners in Change, Inc, a human resource consulting firm whose clients included Gillette, ING, Wachovia, and many others. They have received the Distinguished Contribution to Workplace Learning award from ATD (formerly ASTD) and the Thought Leadership award from the ISA organization.
Praise For…
"A gem of a management book, guaranteed to help improve your company's performance no matter what business you're in!"
-Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times bestseller, Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive


text:
Isn't she pretty?
She was born weighing 8 lbs 3 oz. She's so sweet and cuddly. She took well to nursing right away.
I had a hard time with pain during my c-section, but I made it through! My OB abd anesthesiologist considered putting me under a few times. I am glad I didn't have to do that though.
It's nice to be home. I'll be taking things easy for a while.


text:
I'd like to show only entries with SERP data. Checked all the query filter options but couldn't find any. Is this possible?
My goal for this is to see how SERP evolves over time.
I'd like to show only entries with SERP data. Checked all the query filter options but couldn't find any. Is this possible?
My goal for this is to see how SERP evolves over time.
Set the query filter:
Search Terms and Is Not Empty.
That brings entries with SERP and also all other entries where the referrer was a query result.
It's not perfect but better than nothing.
Yes, Handoko is correct. What is not 'perfect'? :)
PS: a vote for my plugin would be a nice way to say thank you.
I'd propose for a future version a way to filter only entries with SERP data.
Will definitely vote for this useful plugin.
Well, if you know exactly what you are looking for, you can filter by Referer, which contains the whole string. Could you elaborate on what SERP DATA means for you?
Search result entries have a referrer like "http://www.google.com/search?q=myterm".
In the Details tab, some of those entries have 'myterm' in the second column, and others have 'myterm (serp:5)'.
Since entries with and without serp data both have the same Referrer and Search Terms I can't find a way to show only the entries with a serp data.
I see. Unfortunately not all search engines include this information in their querystring, and those that do it, use proprietary solutions. You may want to research around to get more details about this, if you haven't done so already.
With Google, for example, you can use the following filter:
Referrer contains cd=
(the equal char is part of the string you're looking for)
The next version of SlimStat will further improve this view, but I guess that's enough for now ;)
You're welcome :) And thank you for your vote!
This topic has been closed to new replies.


text:
Petite Candlestick Table Lamp with Metal Shade
$279 - $299
$209 - $224 Member
A simply elegant yet unobtrusive lamp designed to contribute to the well-appointed room, without competing with it. Add one or more to bring illumination where it's needed.
Show Details +
- 9" sq., 24"H
Shown in bronze.
Petite Candlestick Table Lamp with Metal Shade - 9" sq., 24"H
$209 Member
Petite Candlestick Buffet Lamp Bronze with Metal Shade - Overall: 9" sq., 36"H
$224 Member


text:
News By Tag
* Obama
* More Tags...
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Industry News
Obama Java "Wakin' Up America"
"2009 Inauguration Edition" Coffee Blend Perks Up Sales For Favorite Local Coffee Spot
Coffeehouse are always looking for the next "hot" blend of coffee to offer
their customers. During the presidential campaign the Boyers
with the tagline "WAKIN' UP AMERICA"...Its time for a change!
We first got the idea during Obama's DNC speech back
in 2004. Sales were weak in the beginning picking up as Obama gained
popularity and eventually winning the Presidential election. Sales are really perking up. Due to popularity we have recently added a dated January 20, 2009 Gold Label "Inauguration Edition" blending premium Kona USA and Kenya AA coffees to our existing premium world blend possessing a true cultural diversification. Political souvenirs are always popular but our Obama Java is HOT. We are roasting and packaging these beans faster than any other coffee we have ever offered. Most of our customers love the idea and show of support for our President-elect. There are a few sore losers. If Obama can perk up sales for us little guys just think what he may do for the country. Being in the T-shirt business for over 25 years has helped us push Headlines. Now, in the coffee business, the ideas are "in the bag" . Production is under way for a full line of "Capitol Hill" Blends. "Only in America!" "Billary Blend" (Bill & Hillary morph) "Good Joe" (Joe Biden) "First Lady" (Michelle Obama) and certainly one for the "First Fido" as soon as we get the name. In the meantime Obama Java is Hot and we need to focus on the upcoming holidays. Early orders for Obama Java, as a Christmas gift, are through the roof or should we say chimney.
# # #
Gourmet Coffeehouse offering a unique selection of goods from Coffee Beans to T-shirts.
We are the designers of most of our products. Branding solutions throughout the food service and t-shirt industries.
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text:
Sleepy-head Snickers by cadillacphunqueWatch
©2012-2016 cadillacphunque
well, originally he was sleeping on my lap, and when I tried shifting him so I could get up, he just slid to the bed and curled back up and kept sleeping xD
OMG I was considering having one but after all decided I couldn't offer him the right conditions still would have loved one, they are so cute and adorable!!
It look like he's sucking his toes
very cute little guy!
tiny toeses.
This photo is so cute *_*
)sweet sleeps!
Awwwwww~! I wanna hedgehog!
So cute it can kill you
so cute doesnt him sitting on your lap hurt though since he has like lil spikey things xD?
nah, they're only pointy if they do their "popping" thing and you get poked Otherwise it's like petting a stiff broom xD
ohhhhh lol thats funny xD but cool
Snickers is such a sweetie, though he's never stabbed me, I only get poked a bit when he's shifting around, which is unintentional xD
awww his name is snickers & thats so cute xD I Didn't know u could keep porcupines as pets though, did u buy it or find it in the wild or something?
Hidden by Owner
Hidden by Owner
Hidden by Owner


text:
When closing up a summer cottage, place shallow pans of cider vinegar under beds and in closets. This will keep rooms from smelling stale come spring.
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©2016, Yankee Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved.Yankee Publishing Inc., | P.O. Box 520, Dublin, NH 03444 | (603) 563-8111


text:
Product Description
Smith's previous documentary, American Movie, succeeds because he takes his time introducing us to his subject. Over the course of that film the audience moves from laughing at the eccentricities of a lower-than-low-budget horror moviemaker to cheering him on. In Home Movie, however, the crowd of subjects--intriguing though it may be--is simply too large for us to grow terribly attached to any of them. Smith's fondness for each homeowner shines through, but we aren't given enough time to share his affection. It's as if just when we're getting to know our new neighbors they head back inside and close the door. --Brangien Davis


text:
RE: Eindhoven info
Hi Catnl
We were thinking of driving up to Amsterdam from Paris, but, having looked at your Eindhoven pages, I'm thinking we can find everything we want there. We have never been to Nederlanden before. Actually, we would prefer a smaller city with some nice coffeeshops. What do you think?? Thanks very much!
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Sign up today to receive special announcements from A.R.E. Conferences and receive 15% at ARECatalog.com !
Sign Me Up!
Sep 17 to 23, 2016 Learn MoreRequest Information
JOURNEY from birth to death to
beyond, on our way back to the
Source. We don't truly die—our soul
makes a transition from this physical
life to a non-corporeal soul life.
During this inspiring event, we will
explore the soul's journey and our
relationship with God in all its facets,
and also how for some, this journey
is cut short as they return to their
bodies with memories of a near-death
experience, and glimpses of life on
the other side.
Some that have crossed over remain
to provide support and guidance to
those still on earth, through afterlife
communication in its many forms. You
will witness the unending connection
with loved ones as medium John
Holland demonstrates random
readings for audience members.
You will understand the power of the
soul and the nature of soul memory,
and leave with the tools of inner
peace and resolution that come from
understanding our soul's journey and
what it means for you today.
"It is not all of life to live, nor all
of death to die; for one is the
beginning of the other..."
Edgar Cayce reading 2842-2


text:
About FrontYardFarmer
Dennis Gilson, the Front-Yard Farmer, shares information, local insight and advice about growing vegetables, berries and fruit trees in North Florida
By: FrontYardFarmer , 9:35 PM GMT on March 21, 2010
How can you tell an old-time Southern vegetable gardener from one raised outside the South? One sure fire way is take a peek in the vegetable patch and see what kind of green beans, or snap beans, are growing there. If bush beans are being cultivated -- and not pole beans -- it is probably the vegetable plot of a transplanted gardener, not a true Southerner.
Flavor Sweet green beans growing in my
Niceville garden in 2009
Loads of gardening old timers I know prefer pole beans because they grow through the summer, have big yields over a longer period of time and produce larger beans. Many have been growing the same cultivar for generations; the name long forgotten. Climbing a ladder to harvest the beans from the towering vines only seems to add to the delight of growing them.
On the other hand, I find growing bush beans more to my liking because no support is needed, there seems to be a larger variety of cultivars available, they are easier for me to harvest and they produce their crop over a short period of time, which works best in our household for both fresh eating and freezing.
Rows of bush beans growing in
my front-yard garden.
Recommended varieties of bush beans for Florida include some of the nation's favorites: Bush Blue Lake, Contender, Roma, Harvester, Provider, Cherokee Wax, Bush Baby and Tendercrop.
We prefer the more delicate filet type green beans in our kitchen, so I have tried several filet cultivars. The ones I like best thus far are Flavor Sweet and Trofeo.
Recommended varieties of pole beans for Florida are Dade, McCaslan, Kentucky Wonder 191 and Blue Lake.
The late Frank Ogle, of Valparaiso,
and his towering pole beans.
Planting dates for bush beans and pole beans in North Florida are March-April and August-September.
Before planting, prepare the soil as you would for most other vegetables by mixing in a two inch layer of compost or other organic material, such as dried, chopped leaves or dried lawn clippings, and some vegetable fertilizer at the rate suggested on the label.
For bush beans, sow two seeds about every six inches. Thin to one plant every six inches when the plants are about an inch or two in height. To extend your bush bean harvest, make successive sowings every two weeks.
Pole beans require a trellis or similar support. The trellis or stakes should be at least six foot long. Sow three to four seeds at the base of each pole.
The biggest challenges we face with growing beans in North Florida are seed and stem rots; rust and bacterial spots; and insect damage.
A basket of fresh-picked Flavor Sweet green beans.
Rust and bacterial spots affect the leaves and bean pods if left untreated. Rusts are most common in the early spring. Bacterial spots frequently occur following rain or overhead watering because the water splashes bacteria onto the leaves. Both diseases are controlled with a fungicide. I have had good luck with copper-based fungicides on beans.
In North Florida, among other pests, the Mexican bean beetle feeds on the leaves of bean plants. Damaged leaves have a "lacy" look to them. The beetle looks very much like a Lady Bug but it is brown and has 16 spots on it. When insect damage appears, apply an insecticide, following label directions.
As with most other vegetables here in North Florida, water your beans once or twice a week if it does not rain. Fertilize as needed; about once every three weeks. Follow label directions. Harvest the bean pods when they are tender. Harvesting triggers the plants to produce more beans, so harvest often.
For more, please visit my blog at FrontYardFarmer.com.
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text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Sep 19, 2006
|Filing date
|Nov 4, 2003
|Priority date
|Nov 4, 2003
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Dale H. Buermann, Hector H. Gonzalez-Banos, Michael J. Mandella, Stewart R. Carl
|Original Assignee
|Electronic Scripting Products, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (40), Non-Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (82), Classifications (6), Legal Events (10)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The present invention relates generally to determining an inclination angle θ between an elongate object and a normal to a plane surface with which a tip of the elongate object is in contact.
When an object moves with respect to stationary references such as a ground plane, fixed points, lines or reference surfaces knowledge of the object's inclination with respect to these references can be used to derive a variety of its parameters of motion. In fact, inclination of the object with respect to a reference is usually required for navigating the object or obtaining information about its trajectory. Over time, many useful coordinate systems and methods have been developed to parameterize the equations motion of such objects. For a theoretical background the reader is referred to textbooks on classical mechanics such as Goldstein et al., Classical Mechanics, 3rd Edition, Addison Wesley 2002. For general examples of object tracking and inclination measurements a few examples can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,804 to Gordon and U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,291 to Kamel et al. as well as the references cited therein.
In one specific field of navigation it is important to know the inclination of an elongate object while it is in contact with a plane surface. Usually, inclination is defined to an axis of the object that passes through the point of contact with the plane surface. In some cases, this axis is also the center axis of the elongate object. Various types of elongate objects can benefit from knowledge of their inclination while in contact with a plane surface. These objects include canes such as walking canes when in touch with the ground, pointers when in touch with a display or projection surface, writing devices when in touch with a writing surface, styluses when in touch with a screen.
The need to determine inclination is deeply felt in the field of input devices such as pens and styluses. Here, inclination has to be known in order to analyze the information written or traced by the user. In principle, many methods can be adapted to measure pen inclination. Such methods can employ ranging devices using ultrasound, electromagnetic radiation including visible light and other apparatus. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,668 teaches a 3-axis detection method, U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,958 teaches a method using a difference in the time-of-flight of an electromagnetic wave and still other references teach to apply the time-of-flight method to microwaves. Still other approaches use calibration marks, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. 2003/0025951 or entire auxiliary calibration systems as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. 2002/0141616. Still another method for measuring the inclination of a pen with respect to the vertical employs sensors mounted in the pen for measuring magnetic fields created by magnetic dipoles and oriented perpendicular to a writing board as described in U.S. Pat. Appl. 2002/0180714. Unfortunately, all of these methods are cumbersome and limiting to the user because the signals sent from the pen have to be received by external devices. In other words, the pen cannot determine its inclination independently with on-board equipment.
Clearly, it is desirable to have pen and stylus input devices that can determine their inclination independently with their own on-board equipment. In principle, pens using inertial sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers can be designed to derive their inclination without external devices. Japan patent application 6-67,799 proposes a method using a 2-axis acceleration sensor and the inclination angle is determined by integrating the angular velocity of the pen. Also of interest are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,902,968; 5,981,884 using a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a 3-axis gyroscope. U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,371 teaches a structure in which an acceleration sensor is attached to the tip of a pen such to thus compensate the error due to pen inclination and a signal processing portion is located at the upper portion of the pen. Unfortunately, inertial sensors suffer from drift errors and accumulation errors that typically increase as time squared for accelerometers and linearly with time for gyroscopes.
An approach attempting to overcome the limitations of inertial sensors U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2002/0148655 to Cho et al. teaches the use of an optical 3-dimensional detection device for detecting orientation angles of a center axis of an electronic pen relative to a ground and a height of the pen over a writing surface. Meanwhile, a 3-axis accelerometer is used for detecting movement of the pen. The optical device has a portion such as a light source for radiating a beam to the writing surface to form beam spots and a detecting portion such as a camera and corresponding optics for detecting the beam spots from the light reflected off the writing surface. This solution requires a dedicated camera and light source to detect the orientation angles and it should be noted that a significant separation between the viewpoints of the camera and the light source has to be significant in order to obtain accurate values of the orientation angles.
Still another optical method of detecting inclination in manual pen type reading devices is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,611 to Watanabe. According to this method a CCD arranged in the pen type reading device picks up a dot code from the sheet and an inclination sensor arranged at the rear end of the device detects an inclined state of the device with respect to the sheet. The inclination sensor can use various mechanisms and methods for determining the inclination angle including analysis of a luminance distribution, image blurring, distance between markers on the sheet, positional shift or change in size of the markers. This solution relies on prior knowledge surface or on pre-existing data present on the surface, e.g., markers. Therefore, this method is not adaptable to a self-contained pen or stylus or other elongate object whose tip is in contact with any plane surface.
In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, it is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for determining the inclination of elongate objects, including objects such as canes, pointers, pens or styluses when in contact with a plane surface. More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method to obtain the inclination angle θ between a normal to the plane surface and an axis of the elongate object, e.g., the center axis of a pen, not requiring a camera and light source illumination from a separate viewpoint, not reliant on pre-printed features and applicable to various plane surfaces.
It is another object of the invention to ensure that the apparatus is small and compatible with a self-contained pen or stylus.
These and numerous other advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures.
The present invention provides an apparatus for determining an inclination angle θ between an axis of an elongate object and a normal to a plane surface at times when a tip of the elongate object is contacting that plane surface. The elongate object can be any generally pointed object such as a cane, a pointer, a jotting implement such as a pencil, pen, or stylus or indeed any other elongate object that would benefit from knowledge of inclination angle θ while its tip is in contact with the plane surface. The apparatus has an emitter mounted on the object for illuminating the plane surface with a probe radiation at an angle σ with respect to the axis of the object. When the object is a pen the tip is a writing nib and the axis can be the center axis of the pen passing through the tip.
The elongate object has a detector for detecting a radiation characteristic of a scattered portion of the probe radiation returning from the plane surface. Furthermore, it also has a computing unit for deriving the inclination angle θ from the radiation characteristic.
In the preferred embodiment the apparatus has a scanning arrangement for varying angle σ. In one embodiment the scanning arrangement has a uniaxial scanner that varies angle σ by only changing one of its components, i.e., an x-component σx. This is done by introducing an x-deflection γx. The uniaxial scanner has a scan arm and a uniaxial scan mirror mounted at the end of the scan arm. It also has an X-driver for controlling the x-deflection γx that varies the x-component σx of angle σ.
Alternatively, the scanning arrangement has a biaxial scanner for varying scan angle σ along two scanning axes. In particular, the biaxial scanner varies an x-component ax and a y-component σy of angle σ by introducing an x-deflection γx and a y-deflection γy. In one embodiment, the biaxial scanner has a scan arm with a biaxial scan mirror. In an alternative embodiment, the biaxial scanner has two uniaxial mirrors.
In still another alternative embodiment, the apparatus has a light guiding optic. Such optic can be any element, including holographic, refractive and diffractive for varying or determining angle σ.
In some embodiments the emitter of probe radiation and the detector of scattered portion of the probe radiation are integrated. In other embodiments, the emitter and detector are offset from each other by a certain distance. In either case, the scattered portion of the probe radiation can be the back-scattered portion. In order to collect the back-scattered portion of the probe radiation the detector has to intercept the back-scattered portion at the back-scatter angle which is equal to the angle of incidence of the probe radiation at the plane surface. Appropriate optical path arrangement and optics, e.g., beam splitters, are used to ensure this.
The apparatus can use various types of detectors to measure different radiation characteristics. In one embodiment, the detector has a time-of-flight measuring unit and the radiation characteristic is a flight time. The flight time corresponds to the time between emission of probe radiation by the emitter and return of back-scattered portion to the detector. In another embodiment, the detector has an intensity measurement unit and the radiation characteristic is a back-scattered intensity. Still other types of detectors, including ones detecting a polarization of the back-scattered portion can be used. In embodiments where the radiation characteristic is polarization the emitter is set to emit the probe radiation in a known polarization state.
In the preferred embodiment the apparatus has an optic for shaping the probe radiation into a scan beam. Preferably, the apparatus has a number of scan arms and an optic for shaping the probe radiation into a corresponding number of scan beams.
The computing unit that derives inclination angle θ from the radiation characteristic is preferably also located on the object. In an alternative embodiment, the computing is located away from the object and the data representing the radiation characteristic is delivered from the collector to the computing unit via a communication link or channel.
In the preferred embodiment the emitter is a single frequency emitter. For example, the emitter is a laser, e.g., a laser diode or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL).
The method of invention is used for determining the inclination angle θ of the object to the plane surface. The steps of the method involve emitting the probe radiation from height h on the object and at scan angle σ to the axis and detecting a radiation characteristic of the scattered portion and preferably the back-scattered portion of the probe radiation. Then, the inclination angle θ is derived from the radiation characteristic. The probe radiation is preferably shaped into at least one scan beam and angle σ is varied in a known pattern, e.g., a scan line.
The details of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures.
The present invention will be best understood by initially reviewing Euler rotations as used herein to describe the pose of an elongate object 10.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many conventions exist for rotating object 10. In the convention adopted herein scan arm 14 is initially aligned parallel with axis X′ of non-rotated object coordinates. In all of these illustrations object 10 is rotated from initial upright position together with object coordinates to visualize the rotation convention.
A third counterclockwise rotation by third Euler angle ψ is applied to twice rotated object coordinates (X′″,Y′″,Z′″) as shown in
Emitter 18 is preferably a coherent source, e.g., a laser diode or a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), however, non-coherent sources including light emitting diodes (LEDs) can also be used. In the present embodiment emitter 18 is a VCSEL emitting probe radiation 20 at a frequency f and at an emission angle μ to center axis C.A. of object 10. Optics (see
Scan beam 28 propagates along a path indicated by vector r and impinges on surface 24 of substrate 26 to form a scan point Po at (xo s,yo s,0) in world plane (Xo,Yo) of world coordinates (Xo,Y0,Zo). The origin of Euler rotated coordinates (X,Y,Z) at tip 12 of object 10 is on surface 24, i.e., also in world plane (Xo,Yo). Note that this world plane is co-planar with plane (X′,Y′) of non-rotated object coordinates (X′,Y′,Z′). The origin of object coordinates (non-rotated and rotated) is offset from the origin of world coordinates (Xo,Yo,Zo) by displacement vector Do where the length of Do, i.e., |Do| is:
|D o|=√{square root over ((x o N)2+(y o N)2)}{square root over ((x o N)2+(y o N)2)}. (Eq. 1)
Also, scan point Po in world coordinates (Xo,Yo,Zo) is offset from the origin of object coordinates by vector do that is at an angle β to axis X′ in non-rotated plane (X′,Y′) or in world plane (Xo,Yo).
In the present embodiment scan arm 14, scan mirror 16, emitter 18 and optics 30 are part of a scanning arrangement 32, better illustrated in
X-driver 36 varies an x-component σx of angle σ by controlling an x-deflection γx of mirror 16 to axis XM. For small deflections, the variation in angle σ can be expressed in terms of x- and y-components of angle σ, i.e., σx and σy. Y-driver 38 varies a y-component σy of angle σ by controlling a y-deflection γy of mirror 16 to axis YM. Note that x-component σx is contained in plane Σ. X- and y-components of angle σ can thus be expressed as:
σ=(σx,σy)=(μ+2γx,2γy). (Eq. 2)
It should be noted that x- and y-components of angle σ are thus defined with respect to the mirror axis M.A. in the neutral or undeflected position or equivalently with respect to axis C.A. of object 10 in Euler rotated object coordinates.
Referring back to
The coordinates of a point (x′,y′,z′) in non-rotated object coordinates (X′,Y′,Z′) are transformed to point (x,y,z) in Euler rotated object coordinates (X,Y,Z) by applying matrix R as follows:
(x,y,z)=R(x′,y′,z′). (Eq. 3A)
A reverse coordinate transformation from Euler rotated to non-rotated object coordinates is performed as follows:
(x′, y′,z′)=R T(x,y,z), (Eq. 3B)
where superscript T denotes the transpose of matrix R.
The position of point P* (x,y) in plane (X,Y) of Euler rotated object coordinates is determined by biaxial scanner 34 as a function of deflections γx, γy as follows:
P*(x,y)=(q+h sin σx ,h sin σy)=(q+h sin(μ+2γx),h sin(2γy)) (Eq. 4)
We observe that all points Ps along scan beam 28 or along vector r including point P* and scan point Po can be described in the Euler rotated object coordinates by the following parametric equation:
P s(x,y,z)=(q,0,h)+s[(x,y,0)−(q,0,h)]=(q+s(x−q),sy,h−sh) (Eq. 5)
where s is a parameter. At scan point Po where scan beam 28 intersects world plane (Xo,Yo), namely at (xo s,yo s,0), the value of parameter s is:
Substituting this value of s into equation 5 yields scan point Po in Euler rotated object coordinates. Now, using transpose matrix RT from equation 3B one obtains scan point Po in world coordinates (Xo,Yo,Zo):
P o(x o s ,y o s,0)=R T(P s(x,y,z))+D o. (Eq. 7)
Note that the value of zo s of point Po in world coordinates has to be zero because scan point Po is in world plane (Xo,Yo) The length of vector r represents the propagation distance of scan beam 28 from mirror 16 to scan point Po and is determined as follows:
Knowledge of the length of vector r is used to determine an angle of incidence δ of scan beam 28 to surface 24, as shown in
where (x,y,z) are the coordinates of scan point Po in Euler rotated object coordinates. The angle β of vector do to non-rotated object axis X′ is obtained from the dot product rule with axis X′ or world axis Xo.
Probe radiation 20 illuminating surface 24 of substrate 26 scatters based on incident directions of probe radiation 20 to surface 24, frequency f of probe radiation 20 as well as physical characteristics of surface 24 and substrate 26. A bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) describes the spectral and spatial characteristics of a scattered portion 40 of probe radiation 20. The BRDF is a ratio of reflected radiance to incident flux density for all incident and reflected directions. The incident directions are fully described by direction cosines χ, κ and ζ, which can be obtained from the dot product of vector r with world unit vectors {circumflex over (x)}o,ŷo,{circumflex over (z)}o. Similarly, direction cosines (not shown) to unit vectors {circumflex over (x)}o,ŷo,{circumflex over (z)}o describe the reflected directions of scattered portion 40.
Often surface 24 is Lambertian or almost Lambertian and the BRDF shows a continuous decrease from a maximum at ζ=0 (normal incidence). Preferably, whether surface 24 is or is not Lambertian, its BRDF should be measured for calibration purposes. In the simplest cases third Euler angle ψ is close or equal to π/2 or 3π/2. In these cases BRDF is described directly in terms of angle of incidence δ with respect to surface 24 or angle δ′=(π/2)−δ with respect to surface normal {circumflex over (z)}o without having to compute direction cosines. For other values of Euler angle ψ the direction cosines have to be used for a full description of the incident directions.
Scattered portion 40 of radiation 20 is used to obtain the inclination of elongate object 10 to plane surface 24, and more precisely for deriving an inclination angle θ between an axis, in this case axis C.A. and a normal to surface 24, i.e., axis Z′ or surface normal {circumflex over (z)}o. It should be noted that inclination angle θ and second Euler angle θ are equivalent. Portion 40 scatters from surface 24 into the half solid angle above surface 24 and can be intercepted at any point, e.g., by a detector 42 at detection point C. When the relative position of point C to object 10 is known then knowledge of the BRDF at point C is used to derive inclination angle θ.
A fixed relative position of detection point C to scan point Po is obtained by mounting detector 42 on object 10. Most preferably, detector 42 is mounted such that it collects back-scattered portion 40′ of probe radiation 20 returning along the path of scan beam 28. A beam splitter 44 or other well-known optical device is employed in the path of scan beam 28 to divert back-scattered portion 40′ from the path of scan beam 28 to detector 42. In these cases detector 42 is offset from emitter 18, as shown in
Circuit 50 is connected to scanning arrangement 32 and to detector 42. Circuit 50 has an amplifier 52 connected to detector 42 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC 54 connected to amplifier 52. Amplifier 52 amplifies signals from detector 42 and it can be a transimpedance amplifier, an operation amplifier or any other suitable amplifier. ADC 54 is matched for digitizing the amplified signal from amplifier 52. Circuit 50 also has a computing unit 56 connected to ADC 54 for receiving digital signals corresponding to signals generated by detector 42. Computing unit 56 communicates with a module 58 containing look-up tables and data required by computing unit 56 for deriving inclination angle θ. Preferably, module 58 is a rapid access memory. A laser pulse driver 60 of circuit 50 is connected to VCSEL 18 for controlling the generation of probe radiation 20.
A controller 62 orchestrates the operation of circuit 50 and synchronizes it with scanning arrangement 32 and detector 42. For this purpose, controller 62 is connected to X- and Y-drivers 36, 38, laser pulse driver 60, amplifier 52, ADC 54 and computing unit 56.
During operation, elongate object 10 executes motions some of which change inclination angle θ. In the preferred embodiment inclination angle θ is derived over time periods that are very short in comparison to the times during which object 10 moves by any appreciable amount. Controller 62 ensures that the operation of the apparatus is sufficiently rapid by adjusting the rate of operation of VCSEL 18 and scanning arrangement 32. Specifically, controller 62 instructs laser pulse driver 60 to drive VCSEL 18 at a certain pulse rate. Also, controller 62 operates X and Y-drivers 36, 38 of scanning arrangement 32 such that angle a varies sufficiently rapidly. Now, x- and y-components σx, σy of angle σ vary because X- and Y-drivers 36, 38 are instructed by controller 62 to change x- and y-deflections γx, γy. Consequently, scan beam 28 of probe radiation 20 passes over surface 24 and produces back-scattered portion 40′ of probe radiation 20 returning from locations scanned by scan point Po on surface 24 (see
The successive locations of scan point Po form a discontinuous or continuous scan depending on the pulsing of VCSEL 18. For clarity of explanation, consider a continuous scan obtained when controller 62 instructs X-driver to vary x-component σx of angle σ by introducing a periodic change of x-deflection γx with time t such that:
γx =A sin ωs t, (Eq. 10)
In this equation ωx is the angular frequency and A is a deflection amplitude in degrees. Meanwhile, y-component σy is kept constant at 0 degrees such that σ=(σx,0). The instantaneous value of σ can be rewritten using Equation 2 as follows:
σ(t)=(σx,σy)=(μ+2A sin ωx t,0). (Eq. 11)
To understand how these graphs are obtained and used to derive inclination angle θ we refer to
The amplified signal is delivered to computing unit 56. During the continuous scan of angle σ computing unit 56 obtains a graph of intensity of back-scattered portion 40′ and constructs a relative intensity graph by forming a ratio with nominal intensity of scan beam 28. The nominal intensity of scan beam 28 is provided by controller 62, which knows the power level of VCSEL 18 producing probe radiation 20. Alternatively, a scan beam power monitor (not shown) can provide the nominal intensity to computing unit 56.
In deriving inclination angle θ computing unit 56 compares the constructed relative intensity graph with calibrated relative intensity graphs in module 58 corresponding to specific values of inclination angle θ for cases where third Euler angle ψ≈π/2. For rapid comparison, calibrated graphs are stored in the form of look-up tables. Typically, one or more stored graphs associated with a specific value of inclination angle θ and third Euler angle ψ will match closely to the constructed graph. These one or more graphs are interpolated to derive the inclination angle θ. In the present example, the look-up tables in module 58 contain the graphs shown in
The scan need not be continuous and can involve variation of both the x- and y-components σx, σy of angle σ as permitted by biaxial scanner 32. To accomplish this X- and Y-drivers 36, 38 can vary x- and y-deflections γx, γy in a periodic fashion as follows:
γx,γy)=(A sin ωx t,B sin(ωy t+Δ)). (Eq. 12)
In this equation A is the phase difference between x-deflection γx and y-deflection γy, and A and B are deflection amplitudes in degrees. The instantaneous value of σ is obtained from Equation 2 as follows:
In this equation Δ is the phase difference between x-deflection γx and y-deflection γy and B is a deflection amplitude in degrees. The instantaneous value of σ is obtained from Equation 2 as follows:
σ(t)=(σx,σy)=(μ+2A sin ωx t,B sin(ωy t+Δ)). (Eq. 13)
A person skilled in the art will recognize that Equation 13 represents a general parametric formulation of scan patterns known as Lissajous figures.
In the general application of the method a scan is preferably described in terms of scan patterns corresponding to paths traced out by scan point Po. The scan patterns are more conveniently characterized by the successive values of vector do and angle β in world coordinates (Xo,Yo,Zo). Look-up tables of intensities describing the scans in terms of do, β and associating them with the values of ψ and θ while tip 12 is in contact with surface 24 are obtained during calibration. The calibration intrinsically determines the BRDF of surface 24 of substrate 26 at frequency f of probe radiation 20 for the incident directions of scan beam 28. Note that for back-scattering the scattering direction is equal and opposite to the incident direction. For a desired resolution of inclination angle θ a sufficiently large number of scans should be calibrated, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
Emitter 102 generates a probe radiation 114 for illuminating surface 112. Emitter 102 is a single frequency emitter generating probe radiation at a single frequency f. Probe radiation 114 exits housing 106 in a number of collimated scan beams 116A, 116B, . . . 116N at corresponding angles σA, σB, . . . σN to axis C.A. The shaping of probe radiation 114 into scan beams 116A, 116B, . . . 116N can be accomplished with uniaxial or biaxial scanning arrangements including multiple scan arms and/or optics including light guiding optics such as holographic, refractive or diffractive elements (not shown). A person skilled in the art will recognize that there exists a plethora of optical elements and arrangements that permit requisite guiding, shaping steering and/or deflecting of probe radiation 114. It should also be noted, that emitter 102 can have more than one radiation source.
Angles σA, . . . σN to axis C.A. of scan beams 116A, . . . 116N are varied in time with the selected scanning arrangement and optics. Each scan beam 116A, . . . 116N produces a corresponding scan point PA, . . . PN on surface 112. Scan points PA, . . . PN follow scan patterns dictated by the changes in angles σA, . . . σN and the pose of object 100 as described, e.g., by the Euler angles. In the present embodiment, scan point PA follows a circuitous scan pattern 118 as indicated in dashed lines. Scan point PB follows scan pattern 118 as well but ahead of point PA. Meanwhile, scan point PN follows a generally radial scan pattern 120 along dn incremented in steps Δd. At the pose shown, scan pattern 120 maintains a constant angle βn with axis X′ and produces a number m of scan points at dn,1, dn,2, . . . dn,m.
Detector 104 receives back-scattered portions 122A′, . . . 122N′ of probe radation 114 returning from scan points PA, . . . PN on surface 112. A computing unit (not shown) compares the back-scattered portions 122A′, . . . 122N′ to previously calibrated look-up tables charting the response of surface 112 to probe radiation 114 at frequency f illuminating it from various incident directions. As in the previous embodiment, detector 104 is an intensity measurement unit such as a photodetector and uses radiation intensity as the radiation characteristic for deriving inclination angle θ. The look-up tables contain intensity graphs associating back-scattered intensities obtained at angles σA, . . . σN and third Euler angle ψ with inclination angle θ while tip 110 contacts surface 112.
Alternatively, the radiation characteristic used for deriving inclination angle θ of an elongate object 150 is a polarization, as shown in the embodiment of
Probe radiation 162 is collimated to a scan beam 164 by appropriate optics (not shown) and emitted at an angle σ to center axis C.A. of object 150. This embodiment is simplest to implement when angle σ has no σy component such that beam 164 is in plane Σ.
Scan beam 164 illuminates surface 154 with probe radiation 162 incident at an angle of incidence δ to surface 154 at a scan point Po. Probe radiation 162 is scattered from surface 154 in the form of scattered portion 166. The scattering depends on polarization of probe radiation 162 and the orientation of the polarization to surface 154 of dielectric material at scan point Po. For certain incident directions scattering exhibits a variation because of the Brewster condition. In the case shown, ψ=π/2 and δ corresponds to the Brewster angle θB defined from the surface normal (rather than from surface 154). Under these conditions p-polarized probe radiation 162 will enter surface 154 and travel deep inside it. When surface 154 is a paper surface in particular, probe radiation 162 will experience significant absorption because of the internal structure of paper. Therefore, the intensity of scattered portion 166 from surface 154 detected by a detector 168 will show a drop-off.
Object 150 has detector 168 mounted at top end 158 in a housing 170 offset from housing 156 by an arm 172 of length Q. Thus, emitter 160 and detector 168 are offset from each other and detector 168 does not register any back-scattered portion of probe radiation 162. Rather, detector 168 collects scattered portion 166 returning from surface 154 at an angle different from angle of incidence 6 to surface 154.
Now, when ψ=π/2 and δ corresponds to θB as measured from the surface normal {circumflex over (z)}o, then detector 168 will register a drop in scattered portion 166. For a set angle σ this condition occurs for a critical value of inclination angle θ. Hence, a computing unit can use the drop of signal corresponding to scattered portion 166 as an indication that inclination angle θ has reached the critical value. A look-up table can be constructed to map this critical value at other values of the third Euler angle ψ. Also, a scanning arrangement can be employed in this embodiment to vary angle σ.
Using polarization as the radiation characteristic for deriving inclination angle θ is sensitive when illuminating surface 154 near Brewster's angle. When a measure of inclination angle θ over a broader range is needed, an intensity-based measurement as described above can be used in conjunction with the polarization-based measurement.
A preferred implementation of the apparatus of invention is found when the elongate object is a jotting implement 200 as illustrated in
A housing 210 is mounted at a top end 212 of pen 200. Housing 210 has an emitter, a detector for detecting radiation intensity, optics, a scanning arrangement with a number of scan arms analogous to the single scan arm described above and a computing unit for deriving inclination angle θ using intensity as the radiation characteristic. Since these elements and their operation have been described above they will not be called out in detail in this embodiment. A number of collimated scan beams 214A, 214B, . . . 214N are emitted from housing 210 at angles σA, . . . σN to axis C.A. Angles σA, . . . σN are varied to produce scan patterns traced out by corresponding scan points PA, . . . PN. The scan patterns can be uniaxial or biaxial as indicated by traces S.C.
Preferably, a back-scattered portion of probe radiation illuminating paper surface 204 is used in determining inclination angle θ. Also, before deployment of pen 200 it is preferable to calibrate the BRDF of paper 206 and table top 208 for the back-scattered portion. This will enable the computing unit to distinguish between back-scattered portion of probe radiation returning from paper 206 and tabletop 208. A BRDF for paper that is inked and non-inked for −45� and −75� angle of incidence are illustrated in
During operation a user's hand 216 moves pen 200 to make markings on surface 204 of paper 206. Hence, scan patterns are preferably traced out on time scales smaller than any significant movement of hand 216. Thus, inclination angle θ can be determined by the computing unit in a "freeze-frame" fashion. Also, since it is advantageous perform a scan in the Σ plane at ψ=π/2 it is preferable to equip pen 200 with a roll-fixing grip 218, as shown in
Emitter 256 sends out a probe radiation 262 at an angle σ to axis C.A. to illuminate surface 254. Probe radiation 262 is scattered at surface 254 and a back-scattered portion 264 of probe radiation 262 returns from surface 254 to housing 260. Once inside housing 260 back-scattered portion 264 is delivered to detector 258. Detector has a gating circuit in communication with emitter 256 for determining the time-of-flight of probe radiation 262 since being emitted from emitter 256. The time of flight depends on a round-trip distance R.T.
There are numerous techniques to measure the time-of-flight with the gating circuit. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,942 teaches a technique where a fast electronic counter is embedded in the detector. This technique can be adapted to the present embodiment by embedding the fast electronic counter in detector 258 and setting it to trigger when emitter 256 sends a pulse of probe radiation 262. The pulsing of probe radiation 262 can be achieved by a laser pulse driver, e.g., as described above (see
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,057,909 and 6,331,911 teach still another technique where a fast opto-electronic shutter blocks the detector before any back-scattered pulse arrives entirely. This technique can be adapted to the present embodiment by providing detector 258 with a fast shutter and setting it to block detector 258 before the entire back-scattered portion 264 of a pulse of probe radiation 262 arrives at detector 258. Probe radiation 262 detected by detector 258 is correlated to round-trip distance R.T. At small values of R.T. a large fraction of the pulse of probe radiation 262 is detected by detector 258 before the shutter closes. Conversely, at large values of R.T. a small fraction of the pulse of probe radiation 262 is detected by detector 258 before the shutter closes. Distance R.T. is thus inferred from the radiation energy detected by detector 258. The shutter is preferably an opto-electronic shutter triggered at every pulse of probe radiation 262 emitted by emitter 256. Thus, round-rip distance R.T. is measured for varying values of angle σ.
Yet another technique that can be adapted to the present embodiment modulates the intensity of pulses of probe radiation 262 emitted by emitter 256 using a reference sinusoidal signal of a frequency higher than the inverse of the duration of the pulse. In this embodiment the laser pulse driver has to be appropriately supervised by a controller (not shown). Back-scattered portion 264 of probe radiation 262 detected by detector 258 has the same modulation characteristics as the reference signal, except for amplitude and phase variations. As will be clear to one skilled in the art, the phase difference is directly related to distance R.T. Numerous circuits and techniques exist to measure distance from phase differences. For related teachings the reader is referred to techniques in RADAR and LADAR systems.
It should be noted that time-of-flight can be used as the radiation characteristic for deriving inclination angle θ by itself or in combination with an intensity-based measurement as described above. In fact, it can also be deployed in conjunction with a polarization-based measurement. In general, according to the invention, any combination of radiation characteristics and corresponding detection methods and systems can be used to derive inclination angle θ.
A number of alternative embodiments use the emitter to illuminate the plane surface at a number of frequencies rather than a single frequency. In those embodiments the detector is sensitive to one or more frequencies and can comprise an array of detection devices if necessary.
In other alternative embodiments, the scanning arrangement is made up of various hybrid scanning arrangements, e.g., uniaxial and biaxial, with scan mirrors located on and off center axis of the elongate object. In any of these arrangements, the detector can be mounted above the emitter or vice versa, as determined most suitable for the application at hand.
It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the present invention admits of various other embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be accorded the breadth dictated by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
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|Ait-Aider et al. "Model to Image Straight Line Matching Method for Vision-Based Indoor Mobile Robot Self-Location", IROS 2002, Lausanne, Sep. 30-Oct. 4.
|Ansar et al., "Linear Pose Estimation from Points of Lines", ECCV 2002, LNCS 2353, pp. 282-296, 2002, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2002.
|Batista et al., "Pose View Stability Analysis for Camera Look Angles Computation", Institute of Systems and Robotics-Dep. of Elec. Engineering, Univ. of Coimbra, Portugal.
|Goldstein et al., Classical Mechanics, 3rd edition, Addison Wesley 2002, Chapters 4 & 5.
|Schramm and Meyer, "Computer Graphic Simulation of Light Reflection from Paper", IS&T Pics Conference, 1998, pp. 412-423.
|Schroering et al., "A New Input Device for 3D Sketching", Washington University in St. Louis.
|UDE, "Nonlinear Least Squares Optimisation of Unit Quatemion Functions for Pose Estimation from Corresponding Features", Conf. Pattern Recognition, Brisbane, pp. 425-427 Aug. 1998.
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|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Nov 4, 2003
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text:
Stonehenge was one of the places that I was anxious to visit. My daughter took us there, but she said she liked Avebury better, so after we visited Stonehenge we came here. It is perfectly possible to visit both in the same day.
Since walking was difficult for me, I actually got closer to the Stonehenge stones, although there were a whole lot more people (photo 2)
Phone: 01980 624715
Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/default.asp?wci=mainframe&URL1=default.asp%3FWCI%3DNode%26WCE%3D811%26document_from%3Dhttp%253A//www.english-herita
- Family Travel
- Historical Travel
- Archeology
One of the most famous prehistoric monuments of England next to Avebury. The megalithic monument is located on the southern part of Salisbury Plain (about 8 miles - 13 kilometres - north of Salisbury). Scholars believe that the site was used as a ritual site or temple from 2800 - 1100 BCE (Neolithic Age through the Bronze Age). The monument was constructed with sarsen stones that are believed to have come from the Marlborough Downs (about 20 miles - 32 kilometres - to the north), and estimated to have been built in about 2000 BCE. The most accepted theory stated that there was needed more than 1,000 men to transport the stones. Many of the stones from the original temple are no longer there: they may have been broken up in the time of the Romans or in the Middle Ages.
- Archeology
- Religious Travel
- Historical Travel
The White Horses
This is the White Horse, located near Avebury, Wiltshire County, England. England is spotted with these white horses cantering over the Wiltshire chalk hills around Avebury and Stonehenge. The Cherhill white horse was created in 1780 by cutting away the grass on the hill and using the chalk to create the shape of a horse. It's located on the edge of Cherhill Down off the A4 road from Calne to Marlborough. The tradition has been practiced for centuries - horses carved into the chalk hillsides, and while many have disappeared through neglect, there are eight of them that can still be seen today: Westbury, Cherhill, Pewsey, Marlborough, Alton Barnes, Hackpen, Devizes, Broad Town, and Pewsey. The Oldest white horse in the West isn't in Wiltshire - it's at Uffington, a few miles over the border in Berkshire. It was noticed later through time that this particular horse at Uffington was similar to the horses decorating Iron Age Celtic cauldrons and coins found in Marlborough and Aylesford. The Celts worshipped the horse goddess Epona, or her Western counterpart, Rhiannon. The white horse was used to symbollize her and pay tribute to her. It's believed that the British had over-farmed their lands and were very concerned about it becoming less fertile. There were periods of desolation and infertility that led to catastrophe. Some theorize that the people who had built the vast ceremonial temples of Stonehenge and Avebury came up with these horses as offerings to Epona (or Rhiannon) for blessings upon the land. It is believed by some that they left their farmlands and became horsemen and mounted warriors who lived in hill forts eating what they could hunt or gather. The white horses were representative of a statement of defiance or celebration because the horse liberated them. On horseback, there was no boundaries ... they could travel far and wide quickly.
A new White Horse trail has been created that links all 8 of the still-visible horses on a 90 mile circular way marked route for walkers and cyclists.
- Historical Travel
- Road Trip
- Backpacking
Avebury Manor
Juet behind the Alexander Keiller Museum is the manor itself. As most people look at the stones and then possibly the museum, few people realise that the National Heritage also runs this place just behind it all. It started off as a monastery and then became a Tudor manor house which today is mostly famous for its Edwardian gardens. I have not been inside as tours are limited since it is now rented by a private family so if you want to see the inside you'd better look at the site below to see when you can book. What I can say is that the exterior is lovely.
Phone: 01672 539250
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-aveburymanorandgarden/
- Historical Travel
- Castles and Palaces
- Architecture
Old Sarum and Salisbury
Old Sarum was one of the early places where people lived in this area and the remains there span about 4000 years.. It antedates the Romans. Saxon and Norman both occupied the fort. Constable painted a very evocative painting of Old Sarum
We stopped off here on a whim on our way from Salisbury to Stonehenge, but didn't go in. There is a £2.80 entry fee. (English Heritage Members Free)
Our primary objective was to look back at the Salisbury Cathedral. The Salisbury Cathedral was the replacement location for Old Sarum.
We did not stop at another nearby site Woodhenge.
Phone: 01722 335398
Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldsarum/
- Archeology
- Historical Travel
- Family Travel
'White Horses'
After finishing up with our exploration of the standing stones in the village of Avebury itself, we drove north a short distance on the A4361 highway toward Swindon and then swung right out an even smaller road angling southeast toward Marlborough. We were in search of our first 'White Horse', another feature of this part of England that I had picked up from the pages of VT members. The beauty of the extensive AZ Road Atlas of Great Britain that I had bought during our 2004 trip to England was that it was so detailed that it had small red symbols depicting historical attractions of note, and these included some of the 24 known White Horse sites in Britain (with 13 of them being located in Wiltshire).
These very large hillside 'carvings' of various depictions of horses are almost always made by stripping the topsoil to reveal the white chalk beneath. Although the oldest one dates back an estimated 3,000 years, most of the White Horses are not older than 300 years. The Hackpen White Horse that we zeroed in on is relatively young, being carved from Hackpen Hill on the edge of the Marlborough Downs in 1838 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria. Of the 13 known White Horses in Wiltshire, 5 have been lost as the vegetation grew back in over the years, but this one was in fine form as the intruding growths had been hand cleared by one of the locals in 2004.
The oldest White Horse, near Uffington in Oxfordshire, is different from the later ones in that it is carved on the top of a hill and is best viewed only from a distant elevation. It is a stylized depiction of a horse made with curving white lines and, at about 360 feet in length, is much larger than the more modern offerings. The "wiltshirewhitehorses.org.uk" web-site has a lot of information on this very interesting British custom of hillside carvings!
- Road Trip
- Family Travel
- Archeology
Manor Farm and Keiller Museum
My family was more interested in the stones than the village, and I did not know anything about the village at the time, except that there was no place for me to sit and rest - a serious shortcoming as far as I am concerned.
However, I found a website on Avebury which says:
"The village itself holds much of interest including the church of St. James which has a long history going back to Saxon times. It also contains a notable font believed to date from the 12th Century which is adorned with some interesting carvings. There is also a fine Manor House alongside which is The Alexander Keiller Museum. This contains detailed information relating to the archaeology of the monuments and has many fascinating artifacts from the area on display. Supplementing the Keiller museum is the Barn Gallery which also contains some interesting "hands on" exhibits and other information supplied by The National Trust under whose care the monuments now fall."
I don't know if Manor Farm and Manor House are connected in any way. But I would have liked to have seen the museum when I was there.
Alexander Keiller Museum inc. Barn Gallery: £4.20, child £2.10, family £10 (2 adults & 3 children), family £7 (1 adult & 3 children).
Visitors who would have difficulty walking the 150m from High Street car park may park near the Barn by prior arrangement
Phone: (01672 539250)
Website: http://www.avebury-web.co.uk/index.html
- Historical Travel
- Family Travel
- Archeology
Construction of Stonehenge started around 3100 B.C. In 1998 A.D., I was there...and so was the rain. Nevertheless, I got wet so I could look at these big, old, stones. Actually, the stones are roped off, so visitors can't get too close...unlike Avebury. Stonehenge and Avebury weren't too far apart...saw them both in one day.
Website: http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/
- Archeology
- Historical Travel
Silbury Hill
Silbury Hill is the largest, prehistoric, man-made mound in Europe. Construction began around 2750 B.C. It can be found about one mile south of Avebury. And, West Kennet Long Barrow is about a 5-10 minute walk away.
Website: http://www.stonehenge-avebury.net/aburysites.html
- Historical Travel
- Archeology
West Kennet Long Barrow
Built around 3250 B.C. It was used as a burial chamber for a thousand years. You can walk inside where you'll find 5 dark, dank chambers. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from Avebury - not far from Silbury Hill.
Website: http://www.stonehenge-avebury.net/aburysites.html
- Archeology
- Historical Travel
Old Sarum
On the bus trip back to Salisbury, I stopped off at the site of Old Sarum. Actually, it was closed by the time I got there - so I climbed over the fence and walked around inside by myself. There's not much left to it except the foundations.
Old Sarum was a town first settled in 300 B.C. and lasted until about 1300 A.D. The Romans also used it as a military base The stone ruins come from a castle and a cathedral from a thousand years ago - around the time of the Norman Conquest. It's about 2 miles north of Salisbury and about an hour away from Avebury.
- Historical Travel
- Archeology
- 1
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text:
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text:
Darts and laurels
Published: Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 12:00 a.m.
Dart -- To Congress, for its half-hearted stab at reform.
Lawmakers adopted new rules that require legislators to put their names on earmarks, but the rules have loopholes large enough to drive a hog-carrying semi through.
For example, the rules don't apply to federal earmarks, the pet projects lawmakers slip into bills during final conference negotiations. That means Defense Department projects, for one, will still be secret.
Another example is tax earmarks. An extremely narrow definition will keep many of them secret. To make matters worse, the reform expires with this Congress. House members are hoping the public will forget after the election.
Maybe voters will make it clear they're fed up by sending a pack of them to the unemployment lines.
Laurel -- To Congress, while we're on the subject, for one small step toward openness on the pork question. President Bush this week signed the Federal Transparency Act that will create a database that the public can search on $1 trillion worth of federal grants, loans and contracts.
The work of Sens. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., the law will shine a light on the spending. "The idea is to expose these favors to public scrutiny and force their authors to defend them," a Wall Street Journal editorial said.
That is the point. Rep. Charles Taylor is running ads boasting about federal money he's channeled to the 11th District. Let voters see all the projects Congress members have sponsored and decide whether they're worthwhile.
Laurel -- To the community, for rallying around the family of Sarah Hyatt. Hyatt was partially paralyzed in a car accident earlier this year.
At first, she wasn't expected to walk again, but recently began walking with the help of leg braces and a walker to her classes at West Henderson High School, where her father, Jim, is the baseball coach. Medical and rehab expenses continue to mount.
The Blue Ridge Community College baseball Bears are hosting a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Donations made during the games will go to the Hyatt family. "It's just another example of how much this community has done for us," Coach Hyatt said.
Dart -- To two state officials, for being ethics challenged. Wilmington lawyer Doug Fox, the chairman of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, and executive director Mike Herring took a six-day trip to Ireland on the tab of Bord Bia, an Irish government agency that shills for the country's distilleries. In addition to staying in a $150-a-night hotel, the pair also got tickets to attend golf's Ryder Cup, which Bord Bia sponsors. New ethics rules on accepting gifts passed by the Legislature don't go into effect until Jan. 1. "If there's no state money spent, it sounds like it's all right," said Rep. Leo Daughtry, R-Johnson, a member of the House's ABC oversight committee. That's not the point. The regulators ought not accept favors from the industries they regulate.
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text:
Thomas Angoshadluk tells about
the first Arctic hare he killed and his appreciation for
their beauty today.
[Video transcript]
"Ah, rabbit hunting! [Chuckle].
When I was younger I used to chase rabbits a lot. In fact
I killed one rabbit before which, I thought I was, like,
stupid, because back then I used to cry for that rabbit,
to bring it back to life, but my grannie took the rabbit
for to make... just to hang it up and say 'This is my grandson's
first caught'. It's interesting how rabbit interests other
people. It interests me all the time. I take pictures of
rabbit whenever I can, or whenever I see them. It's beautiful
to see those rabbit".
Image Credits:
David R. Gray
This video is from a page of Ukaliq: The Arctic Hare,
created by the Canadian Museum of Nature. Visit
the page.


text:
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A state representative who testified to a federal grand jury in Montgomery predicts it will issue indictments involving the handling of legislation to authrozie and tax electronic bingo.
Republican Rep. Barry Mask of Wetumpka says he told the grand jury Wednesday that there were "a lot of shenanigans going on" with the bingo bill.
He said he expects the grand jury to issue indictments at the end of its investigation.
Mask choked up while talking to reporters and said the state deserves better than what has been going on at the Legislature with the bingo issue.
Mask is one of six legislators to appear before the Grand jury Wednesday morning.
The bill to legalize electronic bingo machines passed the Senate but died in the House last month.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


text:
Another fais do-do year
Published: Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 12:36 p.m.
It operated from 1930 until the mid-1960s on the bayou side of Houmas Park Avenue, between the Lafayette and Church street bridges; the building that housed the Jastremski familys Model Dairy is still there, in active use for other business purposes until fairly recently.
Alice Crochet has taken a recent interest in the old dairy and has been surprised at finding little information about its operation. Somewhere, she believes, there must be photographs of the building when it was still a dairy, and surely, its history was published by some local newspaper.
Doubtless, local bottle collectors have turned up refillable glass bottles bearing the Model Dairy logo. There are likely former customers, even employees still living here, with recollections of the business.
Details: Alice has already consulted Helen Wurzlows "I Dug Up Houma-Terrebonne" history series, but she seeks other details, like where the cows were pastured, how it ranked with other local dairies.
Missed it: If I understand correctly, Model Dairy was going out of business about the same time I first moved to Houma to live. Figuring that it was probably declining before that, its doors may have been closed even before I arrived.
Still, there should be plenty of old-timers who used Model Dairy milk, or former kids who played across the fence from Model Dairy pastures, middle-aged residents whose fathers were employed by the Model Dairy in some capacity.
If you fit any of those descriptions, or if you have somehow inherited a bottle, a calendar or some other advertising item from Model Dairys heyday, call or write. This could be an interesting story. Ill pass information along to Alice.
Dulac dancing: The guys at Holy Family Knights of Columbus in Dulac are cranking up another season of monthly fais do-do dances, Al Voisin reported in a recent e-mail. Things will be the same as last year, only different.
"We gonna change the way we do the fais do-do, we gonna have a different band every month. We gonna start this month on the 19th with Cyrus (Parfait) and his band playing from 6-9pm." Thats Saturday, at the Dulac KC hall on Shrimpers Row.
Food, no jam. "We will not be having a jam session like we are used to having, only members of the band playing will be able to play music on the fais do-do nights.
"Every thing else will remain the same. We will serve a lunch, which is our fundraiser for the Holy Family Fourth Degree Assembly 2215, ë50/50 tickets will be sold. A $1 entry fee will be charged and door prizes will be given."
Future dates: Al did not mention the dinner price, but in past years it has been $5 per plate lunch. There will be no dance in February. The next fais do-do is scheduled for March 29.
"Hope to see all our friends return to see us and enjoy the fine food and good music and most of all the friendships we share with each other." For information, call Cyrus Parfait at 985-6699 or Al Voisin at 985-6737.
Responding? Contact Bill Ellzey at 985-381-6256, 985-876-5638, email@example.com or c/o The Courier, P.O. Box 2717, Houma, LA 70361.
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