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Justia Patents DiodeUS Patent for Digital communication system and method Patent (Patent # 6,384,723)
Digital communication system and method
Nov 2, 1998 - Pittway Corporation
A communication protocol facilitates transmission at maximum rates for various types of cables. Signal to noise characteristics are improved by using voltage waveforms. The protocol can be used to transmit information between a common control unit and a plurality of spaced apart devices coupled thereto. Alternately, the protocol can be used for transmission of information between devices. The common control unit transmits clock pulses, while in a low impedance state. The devices respond to the clock pulses and transmit data on the communications link, in a low impedance state, when the common control unit has assumed a high impedance state. Clock signals and data signals are separated to improve signal to noise characteristics by transmitting same with opposite polarities. A clock detection circuit responds to the polarity of the clock pulses. A data detection circuit responds to the polarity of the data pulses.
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The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for communicating signals between processors in multi-processor systems. More particularly, the invention pertains to such systems wherein the processors communicate with one another via a communications medium as in a local area network.
Communications circuitry for use in multi-processor systems dedicated to monitoring or supervising regions is known. One example is disclosed in Tice et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,432 entitled Smoke and Fire Detection System Communication. Another is disclosed in Tice U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,962 entitled Communication System and Method. Both of the noted patents are assigned to the assignee hereof and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
While known systems are useful and have been effective, it would be desirable to be able to more completely separate data from clock signals during the communication process. Further, it would be desirable to be able to provide a substantially collision free communication environment. Such an environment would be useful in supervision or alarm systems as well as in general purpose local area networks.
A communications apparatus utilizes multi-polarity, representations for clock and data pulses. Clock pulses are transmitted from a source in a first polarity, in a communications medium as voltage pulses. The source transmits clock pulses with a low output impedance. In-between clock pulses, the source switches to a high output impedance.
At least some of the data pulses are transmitted in a second polarity, on the medium, as voltage pulses. Most of the data pulses are bracketed by pairs of clock pulses.
In one aspect data pulses, for example representing a logical "one", can be transmitted as substantially constant width pulses with logical "zero" being represented by absence of a pulse. Alternately, data can be represented as variable width voltage pulses. A logical "one" can be transmitted with a first width and a logical "zero" transmitted with another width.
In one aspect, where the source corresponds to a common control element, energy can be supplied to a plurality of spaced part units coupled to the medium, at least, when the clock pulses are being generated by the control element. In this embodiment, data can be generated by the control element, with the second polarity or by another of the units coupled to the medium.
In yet another aspect, the control element can provide framing signals for messages along with the clock pulses to synchronize communications on the line.
Further, since the clock signals and the data signals are transmitted with different polarities relative to the medium signal-to-noise characteristics are improved. For example, if the first polarity is opposite the second polarity, the respective detection thresholds can be spaced further apart from one another, i.e., +2.5 volts and −2.5 volts, respectively. Finally, the polarity of a particular pulse also identifies the type of information, clock or data, represented by the pulse.
The clocking waveform and the device data waveform will never occur at the same time. This makes it possible to implement a lockout design in the detection circuit that will tend to prevent a false clock or data detection from "ringing" on the line during the driving of the clock and data voltage waveforms.
A device wired backwards will not short out the communication wiring. The system can determine which devices are wired backwards without interference with the devices that are wired correctly. (The system may be able to communicate to such devices without having to correct the wiring under certain conditions).
The ability to differentiate from a low impedance (causing a low voltage on the line) and data.
In order to minimize "ringing and other distortions" on the wiring during communications, an adjustable waveform shape can be driven from the power source for clocking. The "slew rate" or transition rate of the voltage from one level to another can be adjusted to compensate for various wiring configuration. This will tend to minimize distortion of the waveform during communications. This waveform adjustment will be a function of:
propagation times for the signals on the wiring due to lengths and characteristic impedances of the wires,
errors occurring in the communications which is monitored by every device on the loop, and
waveform analysis at a central point, most likely the power source for clocking.
In yet another aspect, bytes of data can be transmitted with single intervening clock signals. Alternately, transmission can be implemented with only a single synchronizing signal followed by a string of data such as one or more bytes.
Collision free communications can be accomplished by having the devices monitor the communication line voltages while they are transmitting. Any mismatch in voltage causes a transmitting device to drop off the line and wait for the next access period to start transmitting again.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of communication line interface circuitry;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrical unit usable with the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a set of timing diagrams illustrating a communications protocol usable with the system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a more detailed diagram of a communication signal of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an alternate form of a communications signal; and
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating yet another form of a communications signal.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 which can be used for monitoring a plurality of conditions in one or more regions to be supervised. The system 10 includes a common control unit 12 which could be implemented as one or more interconnected programmed processors and associated, prestored instructions.
The unit 12 includes an interface 12a for coupling, for example, to a communications medium 14, illustrated in FIG. 1 for exemplary purposes only as an optical or electrical cable.
Coupled to medium 14 is a plurality of ambient condition detectors 18 and a plurality of control or function units 20. It will be understood that the relative arrangement of the members of the pluralities 18 and 20 relative to the medium 14 is not a limitation of the present invention. The unit 12 can communicate with members of the pluralities 18 or 20, or these members can communicate among themselves using a protocol to be discussed subsequently.
The members of the plurality 18 can include intrusion sensors, position sensors, gas sensors, fire sensors such as smoke sensors, thermal sensors or the like, and gas sensors, all without limitation. The members of the plurality 20 can include solenoid actuated control or function implementing units, display devices, printers or the like.
Also coupled to the control unit 12 via a medium 24, illustrated for example as a pair of electrical cables, is a plurality 26 of alarm indicating output devices. These could include audible or visible output devices without limitation, speech output devices and the like. The devices 26 are intended to broadcast a message, which might indicate alarm conditions, in one or more predetermined regions.
FIG. 1A illustrates additional details of interface 12a. The interface includes frame/clock drive circuitry 12b which is coupled to controllable switches 12c-1, -2. Switches 12c-1, -2 provide a short circuit path, when closed, around relatively high impedance elements R1 and R2. Data drive circuitry 12d, data receive circuitry 12e and clock receive circuitry 12f are all coupled across communication link 14.
Interface 12a receives control signals from control element 12g which could be implemented with a programmed processor, associated preprogrammed instructions and interface circuits. It will also be understood that element 12g could receive via link 14, or any other selected input additional instructions, programs or data which could be stored therein for later execution or analysis, respectively.
In over-all operation, interface 12a via driver 12b provides framing and clock signals of a first polarity at a time when switches 12c -1, -2 are in a short circuit or closed state thereby presenting a low output impedance to the link 14. The clock receive circuitry 12f detects signal levels associated with clock pulses. It will be understood that the frame and clock signals impressed on the link 14 are voltage signals of a predetermined amplitude, for example 24 volts and 5 volts, respectively.
Interface 12a will switch to a high impedance output state, switches 12c-1, -2 effectively being open circuited, at a time when drive circuitry 12b is effectively outputting a zero volt signal. During this time interval data from units in pluralities 18 or 20 can be coupled to medium or link 14 with a second or different polarity, which could be opposite of the first polarity and received in data receive circuitry 12e. Alternately, during these time intervals interface 12a can transmit data via data drive circuits 12d to the members of the pluralities 18 or 20.
Data receive circuitry 12e includes one or more latches which retain data from the link 14 until reset. If a single latch is used, when the drive circuitry 12b sends the next clock pulse, that data latch can be reset. Resetting takes place when clock receiver circuitry 12f detects the next clock pulse. The final data value is retained in the storage element in receiver 12e and is reset at the start of the next frame. Where a plurality of data latches is provided, they could be reset simultaneously using a frame end signal.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary electrical unit 30 usable with the system 10. The electrical unit 30 could, without limitation, correspond to a member of the plurality of detectors 18. In this instance, the unit 30 would incorporate an appropriate sensor 32a, illustrated in phantom. Alternately, the unit 30 could correspond to a member of the plurality of function modules 20. In this instance, the unit 30 would include output function implementing circuitry 32b illustrated in phantom.
The unit 30 would also include control circuitry 34. The circuitry 34 could be implemented using one or more programmed processors in combination with other hardwired logic circuits.
The unit 30 also includes a power supply 36 which, is illustrated in FIG. 2, could receive electrical energy from the communications medium 14. That energy could in turn be made available to the components of the unit 30. Alternately, the unit 30 could contain a power supply energized via a battery or another source without limitation.
Unit 30 also includes an interface circuitry indicated generally at 38. The interface circuitry 38 facilitates bidirectional communication with communication signals on the medium 14. For purposes of communicating with the common control unit 12, any other member of the plurality 18 or the plurality 20 detection circuits 38a, 38b and 38c are also provided.
In accordance with the communications protocol provided on the medium 14, clock detection circuitry 38a detects those signals which have a first polarity relative to the communications medium 14. Threshold detection circuitry 38b detects those electrical signals which exhibit a second or opposite polarity relative to the medium 14. Circuitry 38c detects message framing signals.
Those signals detected by threshold circuitry 38a, clock pulses in accordance with the communications protocol system 10, can be presented on a line 40a to the control element 34. Additionally, those signals detected by circuitry 38b, in accordance with the protocol of the system 10, can be presented as data pulses on a line 40b. Control element 34 is also able to communicate via a line 40c and interface circuitry 38 with either the common control unit 12 or members of the plurality 18 or 20 without limitation.
Control circuitry 34 can also include data input/output comparison circuitry 34a. Circuitry 34a can be implemented in whole or in part using hardwired or programmed circuitry.
It will be understood that one use of the protocol herein is being discussed with respect to the system 10. However, the purpose or function of the system 10 is not a limitation of the present invention. The present protocol could be used with any distributed unit communication system without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a set of timing diagrams which further illustrates the communication protocol. A voltage signal 50 can be impressed upon the communications medium 14 by either control unit 12 or, if desired, one of the members of the pluralities 18 or 20.
The waveform 50 provides a message framing signal bounded by transitions 50a, indicating a message start and 50b indicating a message termination. Between message intervals, waveform 50, relative to the medium 14, exhibits a relatively high DC voltage level.
During inter-message intervals, waveform 50c could be coupled to the medium 14 via a power supply in unit 12 with a low output impedance. If desired, electrical energy can be supplied from the control unit 12 to the members of the pluralities 18 and 20 during these time intervals.
Interface circuitry 38c, for example in exemplary unit 30, is able to detect the start of a message indicated by framing signal 52. During a message frame, the voltage on medium 14 exhibits a relatively low value between message start transition 50a and message end transition 50b.
During the frame time interval, indicated by waveform 52, line 40d, the output power supply in the control unit 12 or any other unit which is providing framing signals must be capable of switching between high and low impedance states. As illustrated in waveform 50, the unit which is supplying synchronization signals which include the framing transitions 50a, 50b also provides a plurality of spaced apart voltage clock pulses indicated generally at 54. Clock pulses are transmitted on the medium 14 by output circuitry 12a with a low output impedance as discussed above.
During the time interval that each of the clock pulses is present on the medium 14, energy is also being supplied to those units, such as a unit 30 which have a power supply, such as power supply 36 coupled to the medium 14. The clock pulses 54 are all coupled to the medium with a first or positive polarity.
Between clock pulses, the synchronizing device assumes a high output impedance state. Other units, such as the common control unit 12 or members of the pluralities 18 or 20 can transmit voltage-type data pulses 56 on the medium 14 to be received by other members of the pluralities 18 and 20 as well as the control unit 12. During data intervals, those devices coupled to the medium 14 which are not transmitting data assume a high impedance state and can receive those data pulses. The data pulses 56 are transmitted on the medium 14 with a polarity which is different, or opposite, to the polarity of the clock pulses 54.
Impressing clock pulses on the medium 14 with a different polarity than that of the data pulses results in maximizing the receiving units'ability to separate clock and data pulses reliably. Since in the present protocol, clock signals and data signals are presented with different polarities, separation of the clock and the data can be carried out readily.
The detected polarity will determine which signals represent clock pulses and which signals represent data pulses. Additionally, the clock signals and the data signals, in accordance with the present protocol, will always occur at different time intervals. This contributes to an increased signal to noise ratio of the present system in that false clock signals or data signals resulting from ringing on the medium 14 can be rejected if the polarity of the noise signal does not correspond to the polarity of an expected clock or data signal.
The detected clock signals, present on the line 40a, and the displaced data signals, present on the line 40b, can then be coupled to control element 34 for processing at the unit 30. Alternately, the control unit 34 can generate a string of data pulses on the line 40c which can be transmitted via the medium 14 in-between clock pulses 54.
FIG. 4 is a graph which illustrates further details of the signal 50 of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the signal 50 exhibits a frame start/frame end threshold 60, detectable in framing threshold detection circuitry 38c. Signal 50 also exhibits a clock threshold 62 which can be used to detect the presence of the plurality of clock signals 54 via circuitry 38a.
A third threshold 64 functions to distinguish between a first polarity exhibited by the framing signals and the clock signals and a second, preferably opposite, polarity exhibited by a plurality of data signals 56. In one embodiment, where binary values are being transmitted via the medium 14, the presence of opposite polarity voltage pulses 56 could, for example, be indicative of the presence of logical 1. Logical zeros could be represented by an absence of the opposite polarity signals 56 as indicated at 56-1, FIG. 4.
Alternately, logical "one" signals can be transmitted as pulses 56 of a predetermined width. Logical "zero" can be transmitted, as indicated in phantom at 56-2, with a different width but of the same polarity as the pulses 56.
In addition, a stabilizing time interval T can be provided after frame start transition 50a and before a message starts such as before a data bit, such as 56-1, is transmitted. The stabilizing interval T can have a duration of less than 5 Msec, preferably in a range of 2-3 Msec.
Collision free communications can be enhanced by having the members of the pluralities 18 and 20 monitor the medium 14 when each respective device is carrying out a transmit operation. Detected voltage mismatches between the respective unit's intended communications sequence and that which is detected on the medium can cause the respective device to cease transmission and wait for the next framing interval to re-initiate transmission.
Circuitry 34a can compare a sequence of data output signals on line 40c to respective signals actually present on the medium 14 as detected by threshold circuitry 38b. Where a given data output pulse sequence differs from a pulse sequence present on the medium 14, that difference indicates to the respective electrical 30 that at least one other unit is attempting to communicate at the same time via medium 14.
Since a transmitting electrical unit transmits a voltage pulse, such as the pulses 56 with a low impedance output, the presence of one or more of those pulses on the medium 14 will override any respective output signals from other electrical units corresponding to, for example, a logical zero, 56-1 which are output via the respective electrical unit with a high impedance output state. Thus, the electrical unit which detects the mismatch can terminate communication temporarily until it detects a subsequent frame start signal and perhaps an associated command which will authorize further transmission on the medium 14.
The above described voltage drive protocol minimizes noise or losses due to leakage in the transmission medium 14. This would include leakage in conductive cables, wires or other sources of shunt impedance which might be present or cross the lines and not related to data transmission. By way of example, if the high level output impedance of the interface 12a corresponds to something on the order of 2000 ohms, since a transmitting electrical unit transmits at a very low output impedance state, even a shunt on the order of 100 ohms will not interfere with communications of data on the medium 14.
Thus, using the above-described protocol members of the plurality 18 can communicate information to members of the plurality 20 during message frames generated for example by common control unit 12. Alternately, and without limitation, the framing signals and clock pulses could be generated by any other electrical unit coupled to the medium 14.
It will be understood that neither the contents of the messages being transmitted nor the detailed circuitry of the members of the pluralities 18 or 20 are limitations of the present invention. It will also be understood that, if desired, the control unit 12 could, but need not, be the primary source of framing and clock signals in the system 10. In such an instance, the members of the pluralities 18 and 20 could communicate among themselves without directly communicating with the common control unit 12 but still operate within a synchronizing scheme established by that common control unit.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate communication protocol exemplified by waveform 70. Waveform 70 includes a frame interval 70a bounded by a preframe voltage level 70b and a postframe voltage level 70c. During the preframe and postframe intervals, signals 70b, 70c provide energy to the pluralities of the devices such as devices 18 and 20.
Message frame 70a is defined by a frame start transition 72a and a frame ending transition 72b. Subsequent to frame start transition 72a, a stabilization time T′ is provided. During this time interval between frame start transition 72a and any subsequent message or messages, any residual currents on the communication link 14 have an opportunity to dissipate or decrease to a level that will not interfere with communication of subsequent messages.
In the protocol of FIG. 5, a plurality of bytes 74a, 74b and 74c are serially transmitted between an end of the stabilization interval T′ and frame end transition 72b. For synchronization purposes, interbyte clock pulses 76a and 76b are transmitted on the medium with a polarity opposite the polarity of the data pulses corresponding to a logical "one". Data signals corresponding to a logical "zero", as illustrated in FIG. 5, are transmitted at a level 3 amplitude.
During the stabilization time interval T′ as well as during the clock pulses 76a, 76b, the source switches to a relatively low output impedance. The source then switches to a high impedance mode between clock signals thereby enabling communicating devices, such as members of the pluralities 18 and 20 to impress data signal voltage-type pulses on the link 14 with a polarity opposite that of the polarity of the clock signals.
FIG. 6 illustrates via a waveform 80 an alternate communications protocol. Waveform 80 includes a message frame interval 80a which is bounded by a preframe level 80b and a postframe level 80c. During the intervals where the levels 80b, 80c are present, power can be supplied via medium 14 to the members of the pluralities 18 and 20.
Frame 80a is bounded by frame start transition 82a and a frame end transition 82b. Subsequent to frame start transition 82a, a stabilization time T″ is provided, corresponding to the stabilization time interval T′ discussed previously.
Unlike the protocol of FIG. 5, the protocol of FIG. 6 does not incorporate clock signals as previously discussed in FIGS. 4 and 5. Instead, at the end of stabilization interval T″, a data start signal S can be detected followed by an initial byte of information, a sequence of binary one and binary zero representations. Subsequently, an interbyte interval B is provided. Interval B is followed by another start signal S and a second byte of information represented by binary one and binary zero representations. After yet another interbyte interval B and another start signal S, a third byte of information can be transmitted in the same frame. The third byte is terminated by the frame end transition 82b.
Those of skill in the art will understand that the frame start transition 82a and the frame end transition 82b can be used as an alternate to having the clock signals 76a, 76b of the waveform 70 of FIG. 5. In this instance, frame start transition 82a could also enable a local clock of an appropriate frequency for clocking data signals.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
1. A communication apparatus comprising:
a voltage drive source;
a multi-conductor communications medium, coupled to the source, wherein the source incudes drive circuitry for impressing on at least one of the conductors of the medium a plurality of spaced apart, voltage-type clock pulses of a first polarity relative to two of the conductors;
an electrical device, coupled to the medium, wherein the device includes receiver circuitry for detecting the voltage-type clock pulses and for generating in the device electrical signals indicative thereof, wherein the device further includes transmitter circuitry for producing a plurality of spaced apart voltage drive data pulses on the at least one conductor, at least some of which are interspersed between respective pairs of clock pulses and having a second, different, polarity relative to the two conductors.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, the device includes circuitry for establishing a common datum and wherein relative, to the common datum, the first polarity is the opposite of the second polarity.
3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the source includes circuitry for generating the voltage clock pulses with a relatively low output impedance and for switching to a relatively high output impedance between clock pulses.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the generating circuitry includes circuitry for generating first and second spaced apart bounding waveforms with the clock pulses positioned therebetween.
5. An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the source intermittently provides electrical energy to the device.
6. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein the generating circuitry generates bounding waveforms of the first polarity.
7. An apparatus as in claim 5 wherein the source provides electrical energy at least during clock pulses.
8. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the device contains an energy source and wherein the transmitter circuitry provides electrical energy to the at least one conductor from the energy source.
9. An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein the energy source is powered off of the medium.
10. An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein subsequent to one of the bounding signals, a medium settling delay is provided before transmission is initiated.
11. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the data pulses are transmitted with a substantially constant width.
12. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the data pulses are transmitted with at least first and second different widths.
13. A communication apparatus comprising
at least a two-wire medium for communication, coupled to the source, wherein the source includes drive circuitry for impressing on the medium a plurality of spaced apart, voltage-type clock pulses of a first polarity across two of the wires;
an electrical device, coupled to the medium, wherein the device includes circuitry for detecting the voltage-type clock pulses and for generating in the device electrical signals indicative thereof;
wherein the device contains an energy source; and
wherein the device further includes transmitter circuitry for driving the medium, from the energy source in the device, with a plurality of spaced apart voltage-type data pulses, and having a second, different polarity across the two wires.
14. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the source includes circuitry for generating voltage-type clock pulses with a relatively low output impedance and for switching to a relatively high output impedance between clock pulses.
15. An apparatus as in claim 14 wherein the generating circuitry includes circuitry for generating first and second spaced apart bounding waveforms with the clock pulses positioned therebetween.
16. An apparatus as in claim 14 wherein the device establishes at least one threshold detection level and includes circuitry coupled thereto to detect the clock pulses.
17. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the device establishes at least one threshold detection level and includes circuitry coupled thereto to detect the data.
18. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the source intermittently provides electrical energy to the device when a voltage across the two wires is higher than a predetermined level.
19. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the data pulses are transmitted with a substantially constant width.
20. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein the data pulses are transmitted with at least first and second different widths.
21. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein prior to transmission of any data pulses, a medium settling period is provided.
22. An apparatus as in claim 13 wherein prior to transmission of any clock pulses a medium settling time is provided.
23. An apparatus as in claim 15 wherein the generating circuitry includes delay circuitry for providing a medium settling time interval prior to initiating transmission of any clock and data signals.
24. A communications system interface circuit with first and second terminals comprising:
circuitry for providing temporally spaced apart framing signals at the terminals with an amplitude corresponding to a first voltage level, having a first polarity;
circuitry for providing a plurality of spaced apart first pulses at the terminals, between spaced apart framing signals, an amplitude less than the first voltage level and with the first polarity; and
circuitry for receiving, at the terminals, spaced apart second voltage pulses, at least some of which are interspersed between pairs of first pulses, and having a polarity opposite that of the first polarity.
25. A circuit as in claim 24 which includes threshold establishing circuitry for detecting the second voltage pulses.
26. A circuit as in claim 25 which includes a power supply for providing electrical energy to the terminals simultaneously with the framing signals.
27. A circuit as in claim 24 which includes circuitry for establishing a selected voltage level with an amplitude between the amplitude of the first pulses and an amplitude of the second pulses, wherein the selected voltage level is temporally spaced between the first pulses and is present in the absence of the second pulses.
28. A circuit as in claim 24 which includes switching circuitry for providing the plurality of first pulses with a low output impedance.
29. An electrical unit comprising:
circuitry for detecting a transition of a voltage signal of a selected polarity through a first threshold thereby defining one of a framing signal start transition and a framing signal end transition;
circuitry for detecting at least one voltage transition through a second threshold, less than the first threshold, thereby defining one of a plurality of clock pulses;
circuitry for detecting at least one voltage transition through a third threshold thereby defining one of a plurality of data pulses wherein the data pulses exhibit an amplitude having a polarity opposite the polarity of the framing signals.
30. A unit as in claim 29 which includes a power supply wherein the power supply receives electrical energy from an exterior source in the presence of a selected signal.
31. A unit as in claim 30 which includes interface circuitry for coupling the unit to a communications link.
32. A unit as in claim 31 wherein the power supply receives electrical energy in the presence of the selected signal, from the link.
33. A unit as in claim 32 wherein the power supply transfers electrical energy to the link during selected time intervals.
34. In a communication system, a method of driving a waveform on a communication line comprising:
providing a start-frame indicator by altering a line voltage of a first polarity relative to a predetermined value;
generating clock pulse voltages with the first polarity and an amplitude that is different than the start frame indicator;
sending data pulses of a different polarity during the high impedance period of time;
providing an end-frame indicator for the message by returning the line voltage to the predetermined value.
35. A method as in claim 34 which includes:
switching to a high impedance state and decoupling from the communication line for a period of time between each clock pulse.
36. A method, as in claim 35, wherein the line voltage is driven to zero between each clock pulse prior to switching to the high impedance for decoupling a power supply from the communication line.
37. A method as in claim 35 where the devices coupled to the communication line exhibit a high impedance unless a selected device is transmitting a data value.
38. A method as in claim 34 wherein a stabilization period is provided immediately following the frame-start indicator prior to the first clock pulse.
39. A method as in claim 34 wherein multiple words are transmitted in the message.
40. A method as in claim 39 wherein one word in the message comprises an error detection check sum.
41. A communications method comprising:
generating a plurality of spaced apart voltage clock pulses, and transmitting the clock pulses with a first polarity in a low impedance state;
generating a plurality of voltage da pulses; transmitting at least some of the voltage data pulses with a second polarity, opposite the first polarity, interspersed between pairs of clock pulses, and in the presence of a relatively high impedance state.
providing a clock pulse transmitting source with high and low output impedance states and switching the source to the low impedance state when clock pulses are being transmitted and to the high impedance state when data pulses are being transmitted from a data source.
43. A method as in claim 41 wherein the clock pulses are bounded by framing signals with the first polarity.
44. A method as in claim 43 wherein clock pulses are detected with a threshold having the first polarity and wherein data pulses are detected with a different threshold having the second polarity.
45. A method as in claim 44 which includes providing electrical energy at least during the clock pulses.
46. A method as in claim 44 wherein the framing signals are detected with a third threshold, greater than the threshold but having the first polarity.
47. An electrical unit couplable to a bidirectional communication link, the unit comprising:
interface circuitry having at least first and second threshold detection circuits wherein the detected thresholds have one polarity and a third threshold detection circuit wherein the third threshold has a different polarity and wherein the polarities are relative to a selected, common communication line.
48. An electrical unit as in claim 47 which includes programmable control circuits, coupled to the interface circuitry, and an ambient condition sensor coupled to the control circuits.
49. An electrical unit as in claim 48 wherein the ambient condition sensor is one of a fire sensor, a position sensor and a motion sensor.
50. An electrical unit as in claim 47 wherein the interface circuitry includes circuitry having a high impedance state for receipt of signals from the link associated with the first and second thresholds and having a low impedance state for signals output to the link wherein the output signals are associated with the third threshold.
51. An electrical unit as in claim 47 which includes programmable control circuitry, coupled to the interface circuitry, and output function circuitry coupled to the control circuitry.
52. A communication system having a bidirectional communications medium comprising:
a plurality of electrical units wherein the medium enables a selected unit to communicate and the units each include communications interface circuitry, couplable to the medium, wherein that circuitry selectively exhibits a first output impedance and a second, lower output impedance wherein the interface circuitry includes drive circuitry for impressing a selected signaling voltage on the medium with the second output impedance; and detection circuitry for comparing a voltage on the medium to a voltage expected to be present on the medium and for terminating unit communication, at least temporarily, in response to a difference therebetween.
53. A system as in claim 52 wherein the units each include control circuitry for coupling a multi-state data bit sequence to the interface circuitry wherein one state corresponds to impressing the signaling voltage on the medium with the second output impedance and the other state corresponds to not impressing the signaling voltage and exhibiting the first output impedance.
54. A system as in claim 53 wherein at least some of the units include ambient condition sensors.
55. A system as in claim 54 wherein the control circuitry, in at least some of the units, includes a programmed processor.
56. A prioritizing process, usable with a plurality of energy supplying devices that communicate via a medium, the process comprising:
impressing, using energy from a communicating device, a discontinuous voltage sequence, corresponding to an indicator, on the medium wherein the sequence has at least two states;
comparing a discontinuous voltage sequence present on the medium to the impressed sequence, and, in response to a difference therebetween, terminating the process for a period of time.
57. A process as in claim 56 wherein the sequence is impressed on the medium with first and second output impedances wherein one output impedance corresponds to one of the states, wherein the presence of a selected voltage value is associated with a lower output impedance value and another voltage value is associated with a higher output impedance value.
58. A process as in claim 57 which includes coupling electrical energy to the medium while in the lower output impedance state.
59. A process as in claim 56 which includes impressing at least two independent discontinuous voltage sequences, corresponding to respective different indicators, on the medium; comparing a sequence actually present on the medium with each of the impressed sequences and, in response to a detected difference between the sequence present on the medium and a respective one of the independent sequences, terminating the impressing step with respect to that sequence.
60. A process as in claim 59 which includes intermittently coupling electrical energy to the medium during the impressing step.
61. A communication system which provides an access time for messages with multiple devices capable of transmitting information via a communications medium at the same time during the access time, the system comprising:
a plurality of devices each having circuitry capable of transmitting a signal on the communication medium including circuitry in the devices for monitoring the communication medium, and including energy storage circuits in at least some of the devices and wherein stored energy in the devices is used to transmit a voltage signal on the communication medium and where the devices wait to start transmitting until an access time is provided;
decision logic in the devices to stop transmitting during the access time if a mismatch occurs; and wherein
if a device stopped transmitting because of a mismatch, that device will retry transmitting during the next access time.
62. A system as in claim 61 wherein at least some of the devices include ambient condition sensors.
63. A system as in claim 61, wherein the devices include circuitry to transmit a message using a synchronized access start time.
64. A system as in claim 61, Wherein a respective device stops trying to transmit a message once the devices complete their message without a mismatch.
65. A system as in claim 61, where the device transmissions are in response to a group message requesting a group of devices to respond with a message.
66. A system as in claim 64, where the devices include circuitry to again try to send a message at least once all other messages from other devices are completed without a mismatch.
67. A system as in claim 64, wherein at least some of the devices again try to send a respective message if a new message is established in the device.
68. A communications apparatus comprising:
at least a two wire communications medium, coupled to the source, wherein
the source includes drive circuitry for impressing on the medium a plurality of voltage-type frame defining signals wherein
during a defined frame information can be transmitted on the medium and wherein
delay circuitry provides a medium settling delay at the beginning of a defined frame and before any information is transmitted.
69. An apparatus as in claim 68 which includes signal generating circuitry for, subsequent to the delay, transmitting a data interval start signal on the medium.
70. An apparatus as in claim 68 which includes circuitry, coupled to the medium for transmitting a plurality of spaced apart voltage-type data pulses with a polarity relative to a selected reference, opposite that of the frame defining signals.
71. An apparatus as in claim 68 which includes clock generation circuitry for generating on the medium at least one clock pulse between selected data pulses wherein the clock pulses have a polarity opposite that of the data pulses.
3735396 May 1973 Getchell
4023163 May 10, 1977 Krishnaiyer et al.
4276642 June 30, 1981 Siglow et al.
4377781 March 22, 1983 Tatsushi et al.
4679192 July 7, 1987 Vanrabant
4703452 October 27, 1987 Abrant et al.
4754262 June 28, 1988 Hackett et al.
4885568 December 5, 1989 Hackett
4899131 February 6, 1990 Wilk et al.
4907222 March 6, 1990 Slavik
4916432 April 10, 1990 Tice et al.
4991123 February 5, 1991 Casamassima
5117219 May 26, 1992 Tice et al.
5153824 October 6, 1992 Lalnne et al.
5400009 March 21, 1995 Kosich et al.
5473771 December 5, 1995 Burd et al.
5475696 December 12, 1995 Taniguchi
5525962 June 11, 1996 Tice
5535251 July 9, 1996 Sugawara
5559492 September 24, 1996 Stewart et al.
5598139 January 28, 1997 Karim et al.
5608375 March 4, 1997 Kosich
5668531 September 16, 1997 Sukegawa et al.
5673252 September 30, 1997 Johnson et al.
5751210 May 12, 1998 Kosich
5809289 September 15, 1998 Bae
5850178 December 15, 1998 Ha et al.
5886620 March 23, 1999 Stewart et al.
5959528 September 28, 1999 Right et al.
5982275 November 9, 1999 Kosich
2 072 467 March 1981 GB
2 295 070 May 1996 GB
Filed: Nov 2, 1998
Assignee: Pittway Corporation (Chicago, IL)
Inventors: Manley S. Keeler (Naperville, IL), Lee D. Tice (Bartlett, IL), Robert J. Clow (North Aurora, IL)
Primary Examiner: Donnie L. Crosland
Attorney, Agent or Law Firm: Welsh & Katz, Ltd.
Application Number: 09/184,409
Current U.S. Class: Diode (340/513); Interrogator-responder (340/505); Plural Or Diverse Current Sources (340/509); Threshold Or Window (e.g., Of Analog Electrical Level) (340/511); Pulse (340/512); With Impedance Level Coding (340/537); Comparison (340/661)
International Classification: G08B/2900;


Dear England, may we borrow Mr. Cameron for a bit?
And yes, it's certainly more fun to investigate the opposition, but…I'd really like to bring Mr. Cameron over here for a little while. Some investigations would do us, and our fight against al Qaeda, a great deal of good.
TSA has been telling us that the machines "can't" record you naked, while ordering machines that can. See EPIC Posts TSA Documents on Body Scanners. TSA responded, and Ed Hasbrouck responds TSA lies again.
The EU is objecting to new US rules, and the Pirate Party of Berlin is protesting them.
I'm not much of a basketball player. Middle-age, with a shaky set shot and a bad knee, I can't hold my own in a YMCA pickup game, let alone against more organized competition. But I could definitely beat LeBron James in a game of one-on-one. The game just needs to feature two special rules: It lasts until I score, and when I score, I win.
We might have to play for a few days, and Mr. James's point total could well be creeping toward five figures before the contest ended, but eventually the gritty gutty competitor with a lunch-bucket work ethic (me) would subject the world's greatest basketball player to a humiliating defeat.
If terrorists should manage to kill or injure or seriously frighten any of us, they win.
"Wolverine" has raked in nearly $375 million in worldwide gross since its release. How much money the leak cost Fox will never be settled for certain.
I'm glad we're spending money on things to keep us safe.
The BBC has some really scary video "Detonation of Liquid Explosives." However, as I thought about it, I grow increasingly confused by what it purports to show, and the implications.
At the end of the day, I think there are two possibilities: It's a fair representation, or it's not. I'm leaning slightly towards the second.
If it's a fair representation, then why are we still drinking on planes? What's the point of allowing us to bring in smaller amounts of stuff if a 16 ounce bottle can be bought at the airport, washed out, and used to contain whatever that is?
The second choice is that it's misleading. First, we don't see what's being mixed: we see an orange powder poured into a liquid, with a jug labeled water nearby. We the expert tilting the bottle back and forth to mix it. Second, we don't see how it's detonated. Third, we don't really see the placement of the bottle, or how many bottles are placed. There's an implication that it's one, but no statement. (In fact, there's a lack of a statement of how much of a liquid bomb was used. The BBC website say "a liquid bomb." We don't see if there were squibs or other games played.
The BBC ought to tell us more about what they showed.
And the reason it doesn't work is that just because you're allowed to own something doesn't mean you're allowed to export it. The use, ownership, production, etc. of crypto was never restricted, only its export. In an Intenet-enabled world, export control brings lots of hair with it, which is why it was important to fight export restrictions. I could go on, but I've already ruined an otherwise amusing strip.
An Israeli teenager has been arrested after he donned a mask and prowled the streets of his town with a big rucksack and toy gun for a school project. The boy, 15, was seized by police in the southern town of Ashdod suspecting he was a Palestinian militant. The student was quoted as saying he was researching police reactions in the town and "just wanted to get an A+". The stunt was considered highly risky in Israel, where attackers are often shot by police or civilians.
The youth was later released on bail and was not charged.
Contrast that response to that in Boston, where the police said Star Simpson was "extremely lucky she followed the instructions or deadly force would have been used," and where she was then charged with wearing a fake bomb.
In both cases there was a failure of judgement on the part of the kid. In the Israeli case, the failure was substantially larger: he tried to look like a terrorist, rather than doing so accidentally.
But in Israel, the police didn't over-react, and didn't charge the student.
The Israelis have regular incidents of terrorism, they know that being tested is an important part of maintaining their readiness. Much more importantly, their leadership that knows that panic and terror are exactly what the terrorists want. What societies facing terror should want is exactly what the Ashdod police displayed at all levels: a professional and restrained response.


text:
Cruises from UK ports
Holiday River Cruise Ocean Cruise
Destination or cruise
Any Destination
Any Port
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CRUISES DEPARTING FROM THE UK
See the world and discover a collection of beautiful coastal destinations on an ocean cruise with Newmarket Holidays. Set sail on a voyage across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, cruise into the Baltic or embark upon a round-the-world odyssey.
Whether it's a four-night mini-cruise or a four-month world cruise, our unforgettable cruises departing from UK ports combine fascinating days with exciting nights in a variety of captivating destinations.
Set off on journeys north to the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords or the Baltic Cities, or south along the coasts of France, Portugal and Spain, across to North Africa or out to the sun-kissed islands of the Atlantic. If you're after a longer voyage, sail into the heart of the vibrant, colourful Amazonian rainforest, or explore the balmy, sun-kissed Caribbean isles.
Wherever you find yourself, our Fred Olsen cruises offer a memorable holiday. Enjoy each day as it comes, whether it brings a new adventure, a new experience to enjoy, a new view to discover, or new memories to be made.
Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Formal welcome and/or Captain's Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
UK Departure Ports
World Cruises & Grand Voyages
No-fly cruises from UK departure ports.
Cruises from Dover
The Port of Dover is the cross-channel port situated in Dover, Kent, south-east England. It is the nearest English port to France, and is one of the world's busiest passenger ports.
Cruises from Liverpool
Cruise from Liverpool, one of the UK's leading cruise departure ports. Close to the major cities of the North of England and 10 minutes away from the city centre of Liverpool itself.
Cruises from Newcastle
With excellent road and rail connections from Northern England and Scotland, and just 15 miles away from Newcastle International Airport, the Port of Tyne's easy-access routes make it an excellent departure port for cruises.
Cruises from Portsmouth
Cruise from the historic port of Portsmouth to a wide variety of destinations. Easily accessible from the South of England.
Cruises from Rosyth
Located on the north bank of the Firth of Forth, the Port of Rosyth is well-connected by rail and road links.
Cruise from Southampton
Ideally located on the south coast close to international shipping lanes and less than 100 miles from mainland Europe, Southampton is one the UK's leading ports.
Cruises from Aberdeen
Situated at the mouth of the Dee River on the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen Harbour and the port of Aberdeen lie just outside the centre of the city.
Cruises from Belfast
Located to the north-east of Belfast, Belfast Harbour is about three miles away from the city centre.
Cruises from Bristol
Situated by the mouth of River Avon, Bristol Cruise Terminal has long been the maritime doorway of the South West.
Cruises from Dundee
Cruises from Dundee depart from a port surrounded by the stunning scenery of Scotland's East Coast.
Cruises from Greenock
Situated on the stunning River Clyde, the port of Greenock is easily accessible from Glasgow, with various road, rail and air connections.
Cruises from Hull
With great road and rail links - Hull rail station is just four miles from the cruise terminal - cruises from Hull are easy to access from most UK locations.
Cruises from Tilbury
Conveniently located on the River Thames, London Tilbury is just 25 miles from central London. Start your cruise from London Tilbury and discover many destinations worldwide.
Cruises from Poole
Poole is one of the world's largest natural harbours, its central position on the South Coast ensuring a hassle-free journey to the cruise terminal.
Featured 2021 Cruises
Search for cruises departing in 2021
Sailing Around Iconic Ireland
British Isles, United Kingdom, Ireland, Northern Ireland
View Itinerary Map
Enjoy a visit to Northern Ireland's capital: learn of Belfast's links to Titanic
Take a tour to the spectacular Giant's Causeway
South of the Irish border you'll also stop at Cobh, Galway and Killybegs for rich history
8 days from: £1199.00pp
Spanish City Break In The Spring
Visit La Coruna, where highlights include Cornide Palace and ancient Torre de Hercules
Enjoy a tour to Bilbao from Getxo, to see iconic sights and enjoy local delights such as pintxos and Rioja wines
6 days from: £599.00pp
Waterways Of Belgium & France
Explore the charming cobbled streets and historic harbour of Honfleur, and the dramatic fortifications of St Malo and Mont St Michel
Journey along the Western Scheldt River to Antwerp
Islands Of Northern Norway With The Midnight Sun
Enjoy unforgettable scenic cruising into spectacular Sortlandsundet and by beautiful Reine
Explore ashore amongst Lofoten and Vesterålen's astonishing scenery
Take in the attractions of Tromsø, including the iconic Arctic Cathedral and Mount Storsteinen
13 days from: £1899.00pp
Icelandic Wonders & Wildlife
An overnight stay in Reykjavik allows ample time to witness the beauty of the Golden Circle's hot springs and waterfalls
Visit the famous Blue Lagoon
Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure
Rivers & Cities Of France & Belgium
Explore the beautiful rivers, countryside and cities of France and Belgium
Immerse yourself in Rouen's rich, diverse history
Delve into Honfleur's rich maritime heritage

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Floral and fashion. What else do you need in life?
A few weeks ago I was honored to be asked by the Milwaukee Art Museum to take over their Instagram account as a guest journalist for their annual Art in Bloom exhibit. Naturally, my answer right away was yes, of course after I freaked out a little (or a lot)! I have always wanted to attend the installation of where local florist are assigned an art piece to interpret and create their own arrangement to be shown to the public for a weekend.


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8. Miscellaneous. This Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without respect to its conflict of laws provisions. You expressly agree to submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of Boston in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid by any court having competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. Failure of Humatics to act on or enforce any provision of the Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of that provision or any other provision in this Agreement. No waiver shall be effective against Humatics unless made in writing, and no such waiver shall be construed as a waiver in any other or subsequent instance. Except as expressly agreed by Humatics and you, this Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between you and Humatics with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all previous or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter. The section headings are provided merely for convenience and shall not be given any legal import. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of our successors, assigns, licensees, and sublicensees. Any information submitted or provided by you to the Web Site might be publicly accessible. Important and private information should be protected by you. Humatics is not liable for protection of privacy of electronic mail or other information transferred through the Internet or any other network that you may use.


Click any image of this 1979 Volkswagen Beetle to engage HD Image Gallery.
For sale in our Scottsdale Showroom is this 1979 VW Beetle convertible with a Fuel Injected engine and 5 speed transmission. The 1979 model year was the last year for the convertible Beetle which makes this car even more desirable. There were many upgrades done to the Beetle throughout its long production history and this car incorporates many of those improvements. The Bosch electronic fuel injection on this car insures easy starting in all weather and increases horsepower and gas mileage. The Macpherson strut front suspension gives this Beetle better handling and ride than earlier models. Unlike many vintage VWs that have had questionable and not always beneficial "modifications" done, this Bug is just as the engineers at Volkswagen who designed these cars intended. The body looks original on this car and is in good shape although there appears to be rust on the floorboards which was repaired with sheet metal and screws. The car has had a repaint at some point which looks good and the glass is in good condition as well. The soft top has no tears and works well, and the back glass is good, the black interior is also in good condition. There is a Sony AM/FM/CD player in the dash that works great to play your favorite tunes. This car runs, drives and shifts as it should and is ready to take you on your next open road adventure, so put the top down, let the sun shine and let the good times roll in this classic VW Beetle convertible! Remember yesterday's thinkers are todays buyers so don't wait. To see 100 plus photos of this car visit www.gatewayclassiccars.com For more information on this 1979 Volkswagen Beetle, please contact our Scottsdale showroom at (623) 900-4884 or email us at scottsdale@gatewayclassiccars.com.


Neelum valley offers some of remarkable landscapes and its beauty increases in snowfall season specially in mid December and January month. this is the best time to travel and make beautiful memories. What most people do during winters is crawl into their warm blanket and fall asleep without knowing that they are missing out on so many beautiful things. Neelum is a valley of fountains, springs, waterfalls, flowering trees and plants. Geographically too, it is a hospitable valley. Take a few days off from work and studies and explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world i.e. Pakistan. he Neelum Valley, 90 miles long bow-shaped with majestic pine, fir and deodar trees, lies north-south of Muzaffarabad (capital). This ninety-mile long kingdom of vegetation is ripped apart by the indigo blue Neelum river which flows serpentinely down hills to merge itself into the river Jhelum at Domail.
The most picturesque place in Neelum Valley is " Sharda" it is located at a distance of 136 Km from Muzaffarabad and 30 Km from Dowarian. It is a breath taking spot. This place from the point of view of tourists is so attractive and captivating that they get their money's worth when they spend a few days here in their sojourn amidst nature. The marvelous place is visited by numerous tourists and honeymoon couples every year. It is enriched with green mountains and offers a stunning view of Neelum river. This is a great place flooded with natural beauty and provides breathtaking views.
uggle to arrive at this place is worth it. The Shounter Nullah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency over the Shounter Pass (4,420 meter). Kel is also a base camp of mountaineering activities up to " Sarawaal peak" 6326 meters above sea level and "Sarawaali Glacier" which are said to be the highest peak and biggest glacier of AZAD Kashmir. It offers stunning and breathtaking views to travel lovers In Winters.
Arang kel village is accessible by a 2 kilometers Trek from KEL. The location can also be accessed by a kilometer long chair left. To reach Kel people usually enter into the Neelum valley from Muzaffarabad. Road are good private cars can approach easily till kel. The place is a lush green village and famous tourist spot. It has been hub of activities for last 7 years and newly mounted cable car is engaging and attracts more customers as it cuts the travel time to 20 minutes instead of 3 hours. Arrang Kel is plateau of Neelum Valley with close proximity to few lakes and towns with lush meadows.
Located at – Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Toli Pir is that the highest mountainous location within the northeastern a part of Rawalakot, it's the spot of origin of 3 various mountain ridges. Toli Pir offer fabulous sights with lush green fields and high mountains within the backgrounds so rivers flowing deep within the valley.


2017 has been a great year for Arriva as we continue to grow, innovate and create outstanding value for our clients and passengers.
It is not just what we do that counts, it's how we do it. We will continue to invest in our people, support the communities we serve and be at the forefront of change in the transport industry.
Our ambition is to become the mobility partner of choice. We want our customers – passengers, Public Transport Authorities and partners – to choose Arriva every time because they trust us to deliver high quality, reliable, sustainable services at affordable prices.


text:
module.exports = {
  'test gallery photo page' : function (browser) {
    browser
      .url('http://localhost:8080/recipient/2')
      .waitForElementVisible('body', 500)
      .assert.title('TOOTH & PAIL')
      .verify.visible('.profilePhoto')
      .verify.visible('.HBar')
      .verify.visible('#ProgressBar')
      .verify.visible('#DonateForm')
      .verify.visible('.rateMe')
      .verify.visible('.row')
      .end();
  }
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Facebook Request 2.0 apprequests and exclude_ids Is it possible to exclude certain Facebook IDs in the apprequests dialog like the exclude_ids parameter in the old fb:multi-friend-selector?
I know about the filters property, but it seems not sufficient.

A: UPDATE:
Exclude Ids are now supported with Requests 2.0.  You can pass a comma delimited list of UIDs with:
FB.ui({method: 'apprequests',
  message: 'Hello World',
  exclude_ids: '499802852,499804089'
  }, requestCallback);

Docs are at: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/dialogs/requests/

A: It should be an array, example:
FB.ui({method: 'apprequests',
    message: 'Hello World',
    exclude_ids: ['499802852','499804089'],
}, requestCallback);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Adam Rapoport
Title: Medical Director, Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT)
Designations: MD, FRCPC, MH.Sc.
Email: adam.rapoport@sickkids.ca
Alternate Contact Name: Jenny Loor
Alternate Email: jenny.loor@sickkids.ca
U of T Positions: Associate Professor, Departments of Paediatrics and Family & Community Medicine
Other Positions: Medical Director, Emily's House Children's Hospice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Project Investigator
Child Health Evaluative Sciences (CHES)
Adam Rapoport is a general paediatrician with a Masters in bioethics. In July 2011 he became the first Medical Director of the Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT), the palliative care service at SickKids. PACT provides both inpatient and outpatient palliative care to children with life-threatening illnesses, and their families, including grief and bereavement support. In 2013 Adam became Medical Director at Toronto's first pediatric residential hospice – Emily's House. Adam's academic work focuses on the intersection of his 3 primary interests: paediatrics, palliative care and ethics.
See a full list of Adam Rapoport's publications
C17 Research Network
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario
Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute


1.1. Open the scene (which can be found here, size 51 MB).
3.1. The light is too dim with the default settings of the dome light.
3.2. So select the dome light and right click on it.
3.3. Choose V-Ray for SketchUp then Edit light.
3.7. Click on the Color box. This will open the Color picker Window. Select the light blue color and click Okay.
3.8. Click Okay to close the Light Editor and then Render the scene.
1.1. Reopen the dome light editor and enable the "Spherical" option. This will wrap the image around a full sphere in the scene.
1.2. Click the checkbox next to "Use Dome Texture" and then click the "m" button.
1.3. Select TexBitmap from the drop down.
1.4. Select any HDRI file from your hard drive.
1.6. Make sure that the "Mapping Type is set to "Spherical" if you are using a spherical HDRI. Notice that we support additional mapping type to match any HDRI type.
You will see HDRI file has added trees and clouds to your background and is providing a more natural light to the scene.
You can adjust the HDRI image rotation both vertically and horizontally so that you can have the correct lighting for your scene and in this case the trees and cloud positions.
2.2. Click the "M" button.
2.3. Under the UVW section you should see Horizontal and Vertical rotation option. In this tutorial we adjust the "Horizontal" rotation to 155 and the click Okay.
2.4. Increase the Dome light "Intensity" to 45 - The intensity of the HDRI will depend on the HDRI exposure and on the setting of the physical camera that you are using.
Notice how we have more contrast and the shadows are very well defined.
1.1. Reopen the dome light editor.
1.2. Increase the Subdivs under the V-Ray light editor from 8 to 32. This change will reduce the noise in the scene.
Even with medium quality GI settings we are able to produce a very high quality image. As you can see, we have less noise and more defined and sharp shadows.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will present the budget on February 1.
The bullion industry has been urging a tax reduction to combat smuggling, which has increased since India raised the import duty to 10 per cent in August 2013, to narrow its current account deficit.
Dealers in India were offering a discount of up to $7 (Dh25.7) an ounce over official domestic prices this week, up from last week's discount of $6. The domestic price includes a 10 percent import tax.
"Firstly, some restocking [by jewellers for Lunar New Year] has already been done, and secondly, the appreciation of the yuan has kept the Chinese gold price stable without much volatility." Traders expected demand to pick up ahead of the Lunar New Year, which falls during the first week of February, since gold is considered a popular gift during this period.
In Singapore, premiums firmed slightly to 80 cents to $1.50 from last week's 60 cents-$1.50 range, while Hong Kong premiums were unchanged from last week at 60 cents-$1.30.
"We have seen quite a number of retail buying at this point of time due to the [Lunar] New Year and also, people are looking at gold as a safe haven asset," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore.


Be sure to add the the codes from codes.txt into your code database.
Ah, Ive had this for awhile... Overall its a pretty good device I use it every once in awhile. Though if dmon would release the darn src(he wont as you could do so malicous things w/ this) then we could have support for like 3 or so tags.
why would you want to display your battery and cpu info??? other then that, sweet!
Battery on the XMB isn't always right mine will be 2 bars but die 10 minutes later. CPU you can just see how fast your game is going to load or when your going to spawn.
i gave this to you!!
One question, will I be able to switch back and forth from my current clan tag and this during a game or will i have to disable the prx every time?
So? Thanks for finding it lol.
Ask SCAL as I don't use this.


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Spotted on the El
C. Max Magee September 27, 2005 | 3 books mentioned
I have an odd schedule this fall – I'm a part time grad student and a part time professional. I'm spending time north of the city in Evanston as well as downtown and at my apartment on the North Side. This means a lot of off-peak time spent on the El, where I've been able to continue my quasi-sociological study of Chicago based on what I observe people reading on the El. One thing I learned today: there's not as much reading going on during those off-peak hours. Apparently, if you're riding around on the train at ten in the morning or three in the afternoon, you're not likely to have your nose in a book. On the four trains and one bus (purple line, red line, and the 92) that I rode today I only spotted four books, three of which I was able to identify.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach – It seems a bit morbid for an afternoon train ride, but I'm told that this book is a quite entertaining example of the "biography of a thing" genre.
Radio Free Dixie: Robert F. Williams and the Roots of Black Power by Timothy B. Tyson – This one sounds pretty interesting. It's about a militant civil rights radical who was forced to flee the country. He ended up in pre-revolutionary Cuba where he started a radio show called Radio Free Dixie.
Bloodlines by Dinah McCall – mass-market paperbacks are to bookspotting as pigeons are to bird watching.
Previously: May, July, August
The economics of used books
C. Max Magee July 28, 2005 | 3 books mentioned
Very interesting article from the NY Times today about Amazon and used books. Many assume that Amazon's ample selection of used books represents a grave threat to authors and publishers, but some economists who looked into the issue found evidence that just the opposite is true. The key point: "When used books are substituted for new ones, the seller faces competition from the secondhand market, reducing the price it can set for new books. But there's another effect: the presence of a market for used books makes consumers more willing to buy new books, because they can easily dispose of them later." Read the whole article here.
Happy Bloomsday
C. Max Magee June 16, 2004 | 3 books mentioned
A way in to Amazon Shorts
C. Max Magee July 6, 2006 | 3 books mentioned
Gather.com, the folks who put together a chat with Jonathan Safran Foer not too long ago, have announced a new writing contest. Online writing contests are a dime a dozen, but the cool thing about this one is that the four winning short pieces (fiction or non-fiction) will be "published and sold on Amazon Shorts," which would undoubtedly be a terrific venue for any aspiring writer. In fact, it's along the lines of what I hoped Amazon would do with its Shorts program.
Literary Action Figures
While most kids were playing with G.I. Joes or Barbies, we at The Millions were more likely to have our nose in a book. Finally, there are molded plastic figurines for us too, though its not clear whether they are fully posable or offer kung-fu grip action. We'll take what we can get. Who among us wouldn't enjoy staging our own literary roundtables with the likes of Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, and Charles Dickens? Those who prefer their literary action heroes to be more macrocephalic, might prefer the Edgar Allen Poe bobblehead (pictured here).For those with less of a literary bias, there are actually quite a few of these "historical figures" on offer, from Marie Antoinette to Harry Houdini to Carl Jung.
Quick Hits Sport
More football books
C. Max Magee November 27, 2005 | 3 books mentioned 2 min read
Last week I wrote a brief post about football books and wondered why there aren't more of them, especially compared to baseball. In yesterday's Baltimore Sun, reporter Childs Walker takes that same idea and runs with it much farther than I did in his comprehensive article. Walker's impetus for writing the piece is a trio of recently released football books: John Feinstein's first pro football book, Next Man Up, David Halberstam's book about Bill Belichick, The Education of a Coach, and Allen Barra's bio of Bear Bryant, The Last CoachWalker cites many compelling theories as to why baseball books dominate the sports literature landscape even though football is the more popular sport (at least in terms of TV ratings)."It's funny how few good books get written about the passions of people who don't read books," Michael Lewis wrote in the New Republic. "There are vast tracts of human experience that, because of the sort of humans having the experience, go ignored by talented writers. Football is one of them."Baseball is the older game, having risen to popularity at a time when the written and spoken word were the only ways for many fans to experience players and games. Football, by contrast, found much of its audience through television, and its early history feels cut off.Walker goes on to run through several football books that are worthy of the mantle "sports literature," starting with the two books I mentioned last week, George Plimpton's Paper Lion and Instant Replay by Jerry Kramer, a guard for the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s, and Dick Schaap. Also mentioned are a pair of novels – progenitors of the Oliver Stone film Any Given Sunday, it seems – North Dallas Forty by former Cowboys receiver Peter Gent and Semi-Tough by Sports Illustrated writer Dan Jenkins. And finally several non-fiction books about football: H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger's book "of a Texas town's obsession with high school football" in Friday Night Lights (also recently a movie); Mark Bowden's study of the Philadelphia Eagles, Bringing the Heat; When Pride Still Mattered, David Maraniss' bio of Vince Lombardi and Mark Kriegel's bio, Namath. These books all sound like a great way to pass the time for those six days between Sundays.
C. Max Magee | 3 books mentioned 2 min read
A Book of Baghdad
Anyone who read Jon Lee Anderson's accounts in the New Yorker of the weeks leading up to and during the American invasion of Baghdad probably shares my interest in Anderson's new book, The Fall Of Baghdad, which chronicles those events. I was recently told by someone from Penguin that this book is all new material, so if you liked the articles, this should be a real treat.In another news, a comment of mine over at Bookdwarf is inspiring some discussion about bloggers trying to make money off of blogs. I encourage you to weigh in if you have thoughts on this.
Recommending books for kids
The Guardian has a story in which some notable writers suggest what they think kids should be reading. While I don't agree with British poet Laureate Andrew Motion who proffers Don Quixote, Ulysses and The Wasteland, I love that lots of more appropriate classics are suggested. I've long thought that young readers, perhaps having read all the Harry Potters and Lemony Snickets, should be pointed in the direction of classic books which often do not reside in "young adult" sections and thus are not always offered to young readers. Robinson Crusoe (suggested by JK Rowling), The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (suggested by Philip Pullman) and Great Expectations (suggested by Motion) are all great suggestions. Nick Hornby, meanwhile, declined to make any suggestions saying:I used to teach in a comprehensive school, and I know from experience that many children are not capable of reading the books that I wanted them to read. If I choose 10 books that I think would be possible for all, it wouldn't actually be a list that I would want to endorse. I think any kind of prescription of this kind is extremely problematic.
Kevin Hartnett February 26, 2009 | 3 books mentioned
I ran a piece in last week's New York Observer reviewing William Goetzmann's intellectual history, Beyond the Revolution: A History of American Thought from Paine to Pragmatism. A dry title, I know, and somewhat dry inside the cover, too. Goetzmann is near the end of a long academic career and the book felt a little like cleaning out the closet. Still, I found it an interesting read. There's a novel synthesis running through all the facts and anecdotes, one that I think is particularly useful in our time:There were few things America's charter citizens agreed on, but one was that the government should be agnostic about what makes the good life. That neutrality left the field open for utopian projects like Brook Farm and Modern Times, and makes room today for everything from mega-churches to television ads that hawk deodorant as a lifestyle. In fact, Beyond the Revolution argues, the entire frenzy of American enterprise from the founding to the present can be understood as an effort to invent, peddle, connive or discern, a model for how to choose and what to value in country where anything is possible.
Kevin Hartnett | 3 books mentioned


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Yoav Gonen
Yoav Gonen on Turning 40 and Planning for the Future
In Chapter 18 of 19 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, New York City reporter Yoav Gonen answers "What is on Your Mind as You Turn 40 This Year?" As he hits the age 40 milestone, Gonen notes that like it or not, you are forced to reflect. After a tough 39th year full of challenges including a physical injury and recovery, Gonen looks ahead to fully embracing 40 and making the most out of the year ahead. Yoav Gonen is a reporter and City Hall Bureau Chief for the New York Post daily newspaper. Previously he spent nearly six years covering the education beat for the New York Post. Gonen earned a B.A. in English from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Journalism from New York University.
Embracing ChallengeMilestonesOptimismReflectionResiliency
Newer PostYoav Gonen on Getting Paid to Do What You Love
Older PostYoav Gonen on How Personal Priorities Change With Age


I've had my Kitchen Aid stand mixer for at least ten years, but (here comes a confession) it turns out I've been using it wrong.
A couple weeks ago I took a baking class at the Culinary Institute of America, called Baking for Brunch. (This was most definitely not an allergen-free baking class, but great for technique and recipe inspiration.) The very first thing Chef Hayman taught us was how to use the Kitchen Aid stand mixers at our baking stations – mixers exactly like the one I have at home.
A click? What was he talking about? My partner and I pressed our bowl into the mixer stand and sure enough, we heard a click. A nice loud click locked the bowl in place.
This must be different than my mixer. Or was it?
The first thing I did when I got home (after handing all my gluten, milk, and egg-laden baked goods to my non-food-allergic husband for his tasting pleasure) was to check out my own stand mixer. And yes, when I pressed down on the bowl I heard the click, locking it into place. And yes, it does make a difference. I loved my Kitchen Aid mixer before, but now it performs even better.
When it's not locked into place, the bowl sits at a slightly different angle, as you might be able to see in these pictures.
As soon as I saw this post I went and tried it on my own machine. Wow, it really works better with a load click.


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Q: Seeing topological (geom.) properties of the space via corresponding C^*-algebra Compact Hausdorff spaces bijectively correspond to C^*-algebras with identity. One needs to consider  the algebra of continuous functions C(X) to go in one direction and spectrum to go in the other. (See e.g. Wikipedia). The situation is similar to algebraic geometry - affine manifolds correspond to commutative algebras... Basic skill in alg.geom. is to recast algebraic properties in geometric and vice versa e.g. projective modules - vector bundles... (the dictionary is lengthy).
I wonder about similar correspondence in C^*-algebra setup. In particular:
Question 1: if  space "X" is topological manifold (i.e. locally R^n), is there some "nice" way to recognize it via C^*-algebra of continuous function ? (... is there non-commutative version ? ... )
Question 2: if "X" is smooth manifold, is there nice way to recognize it and  define sub-algebra of smooth functions entirely in terms of C^*-algebra ? (... is there non-commutative version ? ... )
Question 3 Is it possible to characterize the set of all measures on "X" in terms of C(X) ? (... is there non-commutative version ? ... )
If you have further comments how interesting algebraic properties can be recasted in topological or vice versa, you are welcome to post.

A: Question 1: The topological $n$-manifold property is equivalent to every point of $X$ having a neighborhood homeomorphic to $B^n$, the closed unit ball in $\mathbb{R}^n$. The existence of such a neighborhood $x\in B^n_x \subset X$ induces the surjective algebra homomorphisms $C(X) \to C(B_x^n) \cong C(B^n) \to C(\{x\})\cong \mathbb{R}$ (actually, extremal epimorphisms, I think). The Gelfand duality between compact Hausdorff topological spaces and commutative real $C^*$ algebras ensures that the existence of surjective homomorphisms $C(X) \to C(B^n) \to \mathbb{R}$ (the first map should be an extremal epimorphism, while the second should correspond to the quotient by the maximal ideal of an interior point of $B^n$) implies the existence of continuous maps $\{x\} \to B^n \to X$, where $x$ maps to an interior point of $B^n$ and $B^n$ is embedded in $X$, and hence a neighborhood of $x$ in $X$. Having such such algebra homomorphisms for each $x\in X$ characterizes $X$ as a topological manifold.
Question 2: $C^\infty(X)$ for a compact manifold $X$ is not a $C^*$ algebra. It is at the very least a Fréchet algebra, where multiplication satisfies an extra convexity condition (though I'm fuzzy on the details). It is at least clear that one must leave the category of $C^*$ to characterize it. A point that non-commutative geometry centered discussions of this questions seem to be ignoring is that there already exists an algebraic characterization of $C^\infty(X)$ that has nothing to do with non-commutative geometric spectral triples. In my understanding, such a characterization can be found in an article by Michor and Vanžura (arXiv:math/9404228).
Question 3: As already mentioned in Vahid's answer, this is the content of the Riesz representation theorem. The topological vector space dual to $C(X)$ is the space of signed Radon measures on $X$. $C(X)$ is partially ordered by pointwise comparison, which also induces a partial order on its dual. The positive cone in the space of signed Radon measures consists of the positive Radon measures.
I cannot say anything about non-commutative versions of the above answers. But, since these correspondences are heavily based on lots of non-trivial maximal ideals, and such ideals are likely to be absent in non-commutative algebras, they probably do not translate directly.

A: The answer to your first (and second) question is negative, because commutative C*-algebras only reflect global features of the underlying space.
For the third question: we have the Riesz representation theorem which says: For locally compact and Hausdorff topological space $X$, there is and isometric isomorphism between the dual of $C_0(X)$ and the space of radon measures on $X$. See Theorem 7.17 in Folland's book "Real analysis".


If you plan to take an accommodation on rent, it is always advisable to be well prepared rather than relying on someone's advice and intellect on rent agreement constructs. And while you do that, there are a few important things that you should never overlook. We have penned them down for you, so you have a pleasant stay as long as you are living there.
Make sure to check the amount mentioned in the rent clause and clearly understand the terms of increment. In case the owner decides to increase the rent at will outside the contract terms, you will have a legal proof to confront him. A 10% rental rise every year is usual but make sure that it is documented. Typically, the lease is renewed every 11 months since it has to be registered if the duration is higher. One more thing which is of utmost importance is the security deposit and the reimbursement of the same at the time you vacate. The document should also list a termination clause, specifying the tenure of stay and notice period, if any. Getting clarity on then mode of payment is also considered wise.
It is advisable to ensure that the rent deadline is clearly mentioned along with the penalty amount you will incur if any, in case of a delay. You could also be expected to pay for various facilities in the society, such as gym, parking, club and swimming pool, regardless of whether you avail of these. Therefore, it becomes mandatory for you to check that all the charges you need to pay are clearly stated in the agreement. Also find out whether the previous maintenance charges, utility bills and property tax have been paid by the former tenants or owner before you move into the house.
Though it is obvious that you will visit the house you are going to rent, most people do not pay much attention to detail. So make sure that the basic construction, including walls and flooring, paint work, electrical appliances, switchboards and wiring, water connection and plumbing fixtures in kitchen and washrooms are in good condition. Any damages or wear and tear you notice should be brought to the owner's attention immediately. And get them repaired before you move in. Doing this also ensures that you are not held responsible for any damage that was already there before you moved in.
It is also important to make sure that the rent agreement clearly mentions who will pay for the regular maintenance work and whitewashing or paint work that is required in the house after you move in. Things like old electrical wiring or plumbing and other wear and tear in the house may need fixing in near future. Also find out if the owner will bear the repair in case of any accidental damage or in the event of destruction due to natural calamity. Ensure that the agreement lists clearly who will pay for which kind of repair and maintenance. Have it clearly stated in the agreement which kind of maintenance you will take care of and whether you will be reimbursed or not.
An important fact to crosscheck is whether the house is being rented by the actual owner or by a tenant or a caretaker without the owner's knowledge. Verify the title documents like sale deed and make sure that you get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the housing society as well.
While there are some society rules you are expected to know, the owner might also have added his own terms and conditions to the document. It is suggested that you thoroughly read before agreeing to any of them. A few common conditions could be no pets, late hour entry, loud music or late night parties. Only once you have read the terms, decide whether the property suits you or not.
Trust these little things mean the most, as they will make your living experience in the rented accommodation pleasant and peaceful.