Abstract:
A payment system transfers funds from a purchaser to a supplier of goods and services. A single use transient credit code provided to the purchaser effects the transfer. The transient credit code is redeemable to a value limited to said transfer of funds thereby preventing subsequent fraudulent use of the code. The payment system apparatus transfers a payment from a purchaser to a supplier of goods and services. The apparatus incorporates a code issue device which keeps track of and generates a list of limited-value, single-use credit codes. The device issues the codes on request, receives notification of use of the codes and marks respective, ones as used. The transfer is done by single-use transient credit codes provided to the purchaser. The codes are redeemable to the value limited to a payment.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the recording and display three-dimensional (3D) images, notably in real-time video capture. This invention focuses on the ability to alter vergence instantaneously through software in order to amend disparities caused by differences between focal length and vergence distance. No mechanical means are necessary for amending both horizontal and vertical disparity. The ability to vary vergence allows selected images to be made to appear behind, level with, or in front of a display screen. While the invention is useful for consumer displays in television and films, the invention may also be used, for example, for visualizing weather, for mapping, for seismic surveys or for aircraft flight control. It is applicable, in real time, throughout the electro-magnetic spectrum particularly in the visible, infra-red and microwave portions.
Abstract:
A method for querying metadata associated with media, such as multimedia and/or streaming media, on a computer network includes separating the metadata into keywords. The keywords are compared with valid keywords. A score is calculated in accordance with the degree of similarity between the keywords and valid keywords. If the degree of similarity is above a threshold, the metadata is qualified as valid metadata. Valid metadata is available for comparison and correction of other (invalid) metadata.
Abstract:
A method for querying metadata associated with media, such as multimedia and/or streaming media, on a computer network includes separating the metadata into keywords. The keywords are compared with valid keywords. A score is calculated in accordance with the degree of similarity between the keywords and valid keywords. If the degree of similarity is above a threshold, the metadata is qualified as valid metadata. Valid metadata is available for comparison and correction of other (invalid) metadata.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a retaining ring having an resilient liner for protecting the substrate edge from being damaged during chemical mechanical polishing and a method for making the same. Retainers made of wear resistant ceramics, such as alumina, provide better overall performance, including wear resistance, and reduced particle formation than other retaining ring materials. By incorporating a resilient liner, such as an epoxy, on the inner surface of the wear resistant ring, the substrate edge is protected from damage that can be easily caused by the hard surface of the ceramic alone.
Abstract:
A retaining ring is configured for use with an apparatus for polishing a substrate. The substrate has upper and lower faces and a perimeter. The apparatus has a movable polishing pad with an upper polishing surface for contacting and polishing the lower face of the substrate. The retaining ring has a retaining face for engaging and retaining the substrate against lateral movement and a bottom face for contacting the polishing surface of the polishing pad. The bottom face of the retaining ring extends downward from an inner portion adjacent the retaining face to a lowermost portion radially outboard of the retaining face.
Abstract:
A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. A layer of conformable material is disposed in a recess of the carrier head to provide a mounting surface for a substrate. The conformable material may be elastic and undergo normal strain in response to an applied load. The carrier head may also include a support fixture detachably connected to a backing fixture, a retaining ring connected directly to the conformable material, and a shield ring which projects over a portion of the layer of conformable material.