Mechanisms for correlating reported problem data from a plurality of sources of information are provided. A report of a problem in a computer system is received to thereby generate a reported problem in a problem management system. Data is collected from a plurality of sources of information in accordance with data collection rules. Content classification is performed on the collected data to classify the collected data into pre-determined classes of collected data in accordance with classification rules. Correlation of the classified data into sets of correlated data in accordance with correlation rules is performed. Each set of correlated data corresponds to a different reported problem in the problem management system. A representation of the reported problem in the problem management system is updated based on a set of correlated data corresponding to the reported problem and classifications of data within the set of correlated data.

The present application relates generally to an improved data processing apparatus and method and more specifically to mechanisms for coordinating problem resolution in complex systems using disparate information sources.
As technology improves, advantages provided by such improved technologies tend to lead to products/systems that become increasingly complex. In a number of industries, including the middleware-based software industry, products/systems are increasingly constructed by integrating discrete components, e.g., databases, application servers, open source software packages, and the like. While this leads to economies of scale in design and construction, a larger portion of problems/faults with these systems are complex to diagnose due to the interaction between these discrete components. Resolving issues that arise in these systems often requires a deep knowledge in one or more areas, such as performance, third party integration, and the like, as well as an overall knowledge of the products/systems. Staffing traditional support/customer service personnel having the required knowledge to diagnose all of the possible sources of problems/faults is not always economical, whether considering small or large organizations.
For example, FIG. 1 is an example diagram illustrating a typical information flow within an information technology (IT) organization to resolve a problem in a complex system. In FIG. 1, arrows on lines in the diagram between entities are indicative of the direction in which communication is initiated. The boxes in FIG. 1 represent particular entities with which communication is performed to try to resolve the problem within the complex system.
Modern organizations provide a myriad of ways for employees to communicate with each other. Common examples include electronic mail (email), instant messaging, web-based discussion forums, and the like. These different forms of communication can be used both for formal channels of communication and informal channels of communication. In FIG. 1, solid lines represent formal channels of communication, e.g., referral/escalation using established policies and mechanisms specified by the organization such as generating an electronic trouble ticket, transferring the electronic trouble ticket, etc., whereas dashed lines represent informal channels of communication between entities, e.g., instant messaging, web-based discussions, etc. with colleagues or the like.
Thus, in the depicted example of FIG. 1, a customer 110 or on-site professional services 120 may report a fault of the complex system to a level 1 support team 130 and try to resolve the fault using formal communication channels. In addition, the customer 110, professional services 120, and even the level 1 support team 130 may communicate informally with subject matter experts 140 to try to resolve the fault. The subject matter experts 140 may themselves contact a product development team 150 to obtain their expertise regarding the possible source and solution to the fault through informal communication channels.
Not being able to resolve the fault at the level 1 support team 130, the fault resolution may be escalated to the level 2 support team 160 who may also consult the subject matter experts 140 through informal communication channels. If the fault is not able to be resolved at this level, the fault resolution may again be escalated to a level 3 support team 170 who may communicate with the subject matter experts 140 via informal communication channels and the product development team 150 directly using formal communication channels.
An advantage of having a rich communication network that uses both formal and informal communication channels is that this can often lead to problem/fault resolution more quickly than having to rely solely on formal business processes and communication channels alone. This is because individuals can leverage their professional network to access the knowledge of other individuals that may not be part of the formal communication channels or may be at a different level in the formal communication channel and who can be accessed earlier in the problem/fault resolution process through informal communication channels. Moreover, these other individuals may be located in different time zones and even continents and the benefits of such geographically dispersed personnel can be used to resolve problems/faults more quickly. For example, a consultant in North America may be able to confer with a colleague in the Asia Pacific region of the world, who they met at a conference, overnight (North America time) to resolve a problem before the next working day.
A disadvantage of the rich communication networks is that the resolution of a problem is often uncoordinated despite good intentions of all concerned. For example, when describing a problem to a support team, a customer may limit the problem description to only that team's product. The broader system context may be important to the resolution of the problem, but it may not be obvious to the person describing the issue, and challenging for the person receiving the problem report to always know what to ask to get that context. Moreover, as a problem report gets escalated or transferred from one person to another within the organization, information may be lost in the transfer from one person to another or may need to be repeated, leading to more difficulty in resolving the problem and more frustration on the persons involved in the resolution of the problem.
Another disadvantage is that some problems are not accurately prioritized due to the various discussions of the problem at various levels of the problem resolution process not being correlated. This can lead to the a situation such as described in the well known story of the "blind men and the elephant" where each person has knowledge of only a part of the overall situation and these parts may lead to different conclusions as to the nature of the problem and its resolution. As a result, the persons involved in the resolution of the problem may not adequately realize the correct priority or severity of the problem and its resolution.

Coordinating problem resolution in complex systems using disparate information sources


A DCxe2x80x94DC converter is composed of an overcurrent cut-off means connected in series to a direct power source, primary windings of a plurality of transformers connected in series to the overcurrent cut-off means, a switching element connected in series to the overcurrent cut-off means and secondary windings of a plurality of transformers connected in parallel with each other. According to the DCxe2x80x94DC converter, a voltage induced on the secondary windings are rectified and smoothed by a first rectifying and smoothing circuit to output the smooth direct voltage to a load. When a short-circuit test is carried out for one of the primary windings, the overcurrent cut-off means cuts off an overcurrent flow.

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-398310, filed on Dec. 27, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a DCxe2x80x94DC converter with a plurality of transformers, and more particularly to a DCxe2x80x94DC converter composed of simple circuit structure that protects the electrical device from damages safely at the time of carrying out an abnormal test for short-circuiting or open-circuiting a transformer thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, a flyback type DCxe2x80x94DC converter having a plurality of transformers in order to increase a total capacity of the transformers has been conventionally known. According to the conventional DCxe2x80x94DC converter, primary windings T1a and T2a of transformers T1 and T2 are connected in series to a switching element Q1. One ends of secondary windings T1b and T2b of the transformers T1 and T2 are connected to anodes of diodes D1 and D2, respectively. The other ends of the secondary windings T1b and T2b are commonly connected to a negative electrode of capacitor C1. Cathodes of the diodes D1 and D2 are commonly connected to a positive electrode of the capacitor C1. Auxiliary windings T1c and T2c of the transformers T1 and T2 are connected in parallel with each other.
Further, temperature fuses TF1 and TF2 are thermally coupled to the transformers T1 and T2, and are fused at the time of reaching a specified fusing temperature. When a direct voltage is applied from a direct power source 1, a current firstly flows from the direct power source 1 through a fuse F1 and a starting resistance R1 to a capacitor C2 to increase a voltage of the capacitor C2. According to such state, a control circuit 7 is activated. A PWM signal repeating alternately a high level state and a low level state is transmitted from the control circuit 7 via the temperature fuses TF1 and TF2 to a gate of the switching element Q1.
The switching element Q1 is on-off controlled by the PWM signal outputted from the control circuit 7. Then, energy is sequentially induced from the primary windings T1a and T2a to the secondary windings T1b and T2b. The energy induced on the secondary windings T1b and T2b is rectified and smoothed by the diodes D1, D2 and the capacitor C1, and then is supplied to a load 4 as an output voltage. At the same time, a voltage generated at both ends of the capacitor C1 is detected by a voltage detection circuit 10 to generate a detection signal. The detection signal is fed back to the control circuit 7 and then the control circuit 7 controls an on period of the switching element Q1 in order to supply a certain output voltage to the load 4.
There are operational tests for DCxe2x80x94DC converter. One of the operational tests is an abnormal test for confirming safety of device by short-circuiting or open-circuiting a transformer thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the abnormal test has four test items. It will be described how the temperature fuse protects the electrical device from damages in the abnormal test.
(1) Short of Primary Winding
As shown in FIG. 2(1), a switch SW1as is open in advance and is connected in parallel to the primary winding T1a of the transformer T1. When the switch SW1as is closed during an operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter, an inductance component L of the secondary winding T1b of the transformer T1 is minimized. In such condition, because energy is not induced from the primary winding T1a to the secondary winding T1b, a power supplied to the load 4 is generated only by the transformer T2. This gradually increases a temperature of the transformer T2 during the operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter. The increased temperature of the transformer T2 causes a temperature of the temperature fuse TF2 coupled thermally to the transformer T2 to reach a specified fusing temperature. At the specified fusing temperature, the temperature fuse TF2 is fused. When the temperature fuse TF2 is fused, a PWM signal transmitted from the control circuit 7 to the switching element Q1 is interrupted, stopping an operation of the switching element Q1. This cuts off current flow supplied to the transformer T2. As a result, an increase in temperature of the transformer T2 is stopped. The above-described operations can prevent the DCxe2x80x94DC converter from firing or smoking caused by the increased temperature of itself. Therefore, the electrical device is protected from damages. Incidentally, it should be noted that the fuse F1 dose not exert any influences on the short test for the primary winding because the temperature fuse TF2 is always fused prior to the fuse F1 in this short test for absence of excess current.
(2) Short of Secondary Winding
As shown in FIG. 2(2), a switch SW1bs is open in advance and is connected in parallel to the secondary winding T1b of the transformer T1. When the switch SW1bs is closed during an operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter, an inductance component L of the primary winding T1a of the transformer T1 is minimized. In such condition, because energy is not induced from the primary winding T1a to the secondary winding T1b, a power supplied to the load 4 is generated only by the transformer T2. Similarly to the short of the primary winding, this gradually increases a temperature of the transformer T2 during the operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter. The increased temperature of the transformer T2 causes a temperature of the temperature fuse TF2 coupled thermally to the transformer T2 to reach a specified fusing temperature. At the specified fusing temperature, the temperature fuse TF2 is fused. When the temperature fuse TF2 is fused, a PWM signal transmitted from the control circuit 7 to the switching element Q1 is interrupted, stopping an operation of the switching element Q1. This cuts off current flow supplied to the transformer T2. As a result, an increase in temperature of the transformer T2 is stopped. The above-described operations can prevent the DCxe2x80x94DC converter from firing or smoking caused by the increased temperature of itself. Therefore, the electrical device is protected from damages. Incidentally, it should be noted that the fuse F1 does not exert any influences upon the short test for the secondary winding because the temperature fuse TF2 is always fused prior to the fuse F1 in this short test for absence of excess current.
(3) Open of Primary Winding
As shown in FIG. 2(3), a switch SW1ao is closed in advance and is connected in series to the primary winding T1a of the transformer T1. When the switch SW1ao is opened during an operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter, a current flowing through the primary windings T1a and T2a of the transformers T1 and T2 is cut off. As a result, power supply to the load 4 is stopped.
(4) Open of Secondary Winding
As shown in FIG. 2(4), a switch SW1bo is closed in advance and is connected in series to the secondary winding T1b of the transformer T1. When the switch SW1bo is opened during an operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter, a power supplied to the load 4 is generated only by the transformer T2. This gradually increases a temperature of the transformer T2 during the operation of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter. The increased temperature of the transformer T2 causes a temperature of the temperature fuse TF2 coupled thermally to the transformer T2 to reach a specified fusing temperature. At the specified fusing temperature, the temperature fuse TF2 is fused. When the temperature fuse TF2 is fused, a PWM signal transmitted from the control circuit 7 to the switching element Q1 is interrupted, stopping an operation of the switching element Q1. This cuts off current flow supplied to the transformer T2. As a result, an increase in temperature of the transformer T2 is also stopped. The above-described operations can prevent the DCxe2x80x94DC converter from firing or smoking caused by the increased temperature of itself. Therefore, the electrical device is protected from damages. Incidentally, it should be noted that the fuse F1 does not exert any influences upon the open test for the secondary winding because the temperature fuse TF2 is always fused prior to the fuse F1 in this open test for absence of excess current.
The abnormal test items (1) through (4) are implemented with respect to the transformer T1. If the same test items are carried out upon the transformer T2, the same results can be obtained. As described above, by means of the abnormal test short-circuiting or open-circuiting a transformer of the DCxe2x80x94DC converter, it is possible to confirm whether the temperature fuse stops an operation of the switching element Q1 to protect electrical device from damages safely at the time of abnormal condition on the DCxe2x80x94DC converter or not.
In the above-described abnormal test items (1), (2) and (4), however, an operation of the switching element Q1 continues for a while by using a transformer that is not short-circuited or open-circuited. Specifically, the switching element Q1 continues to operate until an increased temperature of the transformer fuses a temperature fuse to interrupt a PWM signal. Therefore, there are questions about reliability of the electrical device including the conventional DCxe2x80x94DC converter in abnormal condition. Further, it is necessary to provide transformers with heat-resistance and the number of temperature fuses being equal to the number of the transformers in the electrical device. Accordingly, the production costs of this device are increased. Moreover, a large space for mounting a number of the electrical components refuses compactness of the electrical device.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a DCxe2x80x94DC converter composed of simple circuit structure, which can stop an operation of switching element in a short time for safely protecting the electrical device from damages in an abnormal test.
An object of the present invention is to provide a DCxe2x80x94DC converter with a plurality of transformers composed of simple circuit structure, which can stop an operation of switching element in a short time in order to protect electrical device from damages at the time of carrying out an abnormal test for confirming safety of device by short-circuiting or open-circuiting a transformer thereof.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned object, the present invention provides a DCxe2x80x94DC converter that converts a direct voltage inputted from a direct power source into a predetermined direct voltage by controlling an on period of switching element and outputs a converted voltage, the DCxe2x80x94DC converter comprising an overcurrent cut-off means connected in series to the direct power source; primary windings of two or more transformers connected in series to the overcurrent cut-off means; secondary windings of the two or more transformers connected in parallel with each other; and auxiliary windings of the two or more transformers connected in parallel with each other.
According to the present invention, when a short test is carried out for the primary windings or the secondary windings of two or more transformers, the overcurrent cut-off cuts off an overcurrent flow to stop an operation of the switching element in a short time. This can safely protect the electrical device from damages.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned object, the present invention provides a DCxe2x80x94DC converter that converts a direct voltage inputted from a direct power source into another direct voltage and outputs a converted voltage, the DCxe2x80x94DC converter comprising an overcurrent cut-off means connected in series to the direct power source and cutting off an overcurrent flow; primary windings of two or more transformers connected in series to the overcurrent cut-off means and connected in series with each other; a switching element connected in series to the primary windings of the two or more transformers; secondary windings of the two or more transformers connected in parallel with each other; a rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing a voltage which is induced by the secondary windings of the two or more transformers; a first short means for short-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in parallel to a primary winding of first short transformer selected among the two or more transformers; and a second short means for short-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in parallel to a secondary winding of second short transformer selected among the two or more transformers, wherein when carried out by using the first or second short means is a short test for confirming safety of device, the overcurrent cut-off means cuts off an overcurrent flow generated by short-circuit of the first or second short transformer.
According to the present invention, when the short test is carried out by using the first or second short means, the overcurrent cut-off means cuts off an overcurrent flow generated by short-circuit of the first or second short transformer to stop the operation of the switching element. Therefore, even if a protection circuit such as a conventional temperature fuse is not provided, an operation of the switching element can be stopped in a short time, which can contribute to compactness of the electrical device and reduction in production costs.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second short means is formed of switch, the switch is set to be open in advance and then is closed at a time of carrying out the short test.
According to this embodiment, a transformer can be short-circuited by a simple structure utilizing a switch.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overcurrent cut-off means is formed of fuse.
According to this embodiment, an overcurrent flow can be cut off by a simple structure utilizing a fuse.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned object, the present invention provides a DCxe2x80x94DC converter that converts a direct voltage inputted from a direct power source into another direct voltage and outputs a converted voltage, the DCxe2x80x94DC converter comprising primary windings of two or more transformers connected in series to the direct power source and connected in series with each other; a switching element connected in series to the primary windings of the two or more transformers; secondary windings of the two or more transformers connected in parallel with each other; a first rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing a voltage which is induced by the secondary windings of the two or more transformers; auxiliary windings of the two or more transformers coupled magnetically to the primary windings of the two or more transformers and connected in parallel with each other; a second rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing a voltage which is induced by the auxiliary windings of the two or more transformers; an overvoltage detection circuit that outputs a stop signal if a voltage outputted from the second rectifying and smoothing circuit is larger than a reference voltage; a control circuit that stops an operation of the switching element in response to the stop signal outputted from the overvoltage detection circuit; a first open means for open-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in series to a primary winding of first open transformer selected among the two or more transformers; and a second open means for open-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in series to a secondary winding of second open transformer selected among the two or more transformers, wherein when carried out by using the first or second open means is an open test for confirming safety of device, an operation of the switching element is stopped.
According to the present invention, when the open test is carried out by using the first or second open means, the operation of the switching element can be stopped in a short time. Therefore, the electrical device can be safely protected from damages.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second open means is formed of switch, the switch is set to be closed in advance and then is opened at a time of carrying out the open test.
According to this embodiment, a transformer can be open-circuited by a simple structure utilizing a switch.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the open test is carried out by using the first open means, the first open means cuts off a flow of current so as to stop an operation of the switching element, and when the open test is carried out by using the second open means, the stop signal is outputted from the control circuit in response to a surge voltage, which is generated on the auxiliary winding due to open of the second open transformer, so as to stop an operation of the switching element.
According to the present embodiment, when the open test is carried out by using the first open means, the first open means cuts off a flow of current to stop the operation of the switching element. When the open test is carried out by using the second open means, a stop signal is outputted from the control circuit in response to a surge voltage, which is generated on the auxiliary winding due to open-circuit of the second open transformer, to stop the operation of the switching element. Therefore, even if a protection circuit such as a conventional temperature fuse is not provided, the operation of the switching element can be stopped in a short time, which can contribute to compactness of the electrical device and reduction in production costs.
In order to accomplish the aforementioned object, the present invention provides a DCxe2x80x94DC converter that converts a direct voltage inputted from a direct power source into another direct voltage and outputs a converted voltage, the DCxe2x80x94DC converter comprising an overcurrent cut-off means for cutting off an overcurrent flow, that is connected in series to the direct power source; primary windings of two or more transformers connected in series to the overcurrent cut-off means and connected in series with each other; a switching element connected in series to the primary windings of the two or more transformers; secondary windings of the two or more transformers connected in parallel with each other; a first rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing a voltage which is induced by the secondary windings of the two or more transformers; a voltage detection circuit outputting a feedback signal in response to error voltage between a first reference voltage and the smooth direct voltage outputted from the first rectifying and smoothing circuit; auxiliary windings of the two or more transformers coupled magnetically to the primary windings of the two or more transformers and connected in parallel with each other; a second rectifying and smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing a voltage induced by the auxiliary windings of the two or more transformers; an overvoltage detection circuit that outputs a stop signal if a voltage outputted from the second rectifying and smoothing circuit is larger than a second reference voltage; a control circuit that controls an on period of the switching element in response to the feedback signal outputted from the voltage detection circuit and stops the operation of the switching element according to the stop signal outputted from the overvoltage detection circuit; a first short means for short-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in parallel to a primary winding of first short transformer selected among the two or more transformers; a second short means for short-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in parallel to a secondary winding of second short transformer selected among the two or more transformers; a first open means for open-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in series to a primary winding of first open transformer selected among the two or more transformers; and a second open means for open-circuiting a transformer, that is connected in series to a secondary winding of second open transformer selected among the two or more transformers, wherein when carried out by using the first or second short means is a short test for confirming safety of device or carried out by using the first or second open means is an opne test for confirming safety of device, the operation of the switching element is stopped.
According to the present invention, when the short test is carried out by using the first or second short means or the open test is carried out by using the first or second open means, the operation of the switching element can be stopped in a short time. Therefore, the electrical device can be safely protected from damages.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second short means is formed of switch, the switch is set to be open in advance and then is closed at a time of carrying out the short test, each of the first and second open means is formed of switch, the switch is set to be closed in advance and then is opened at a time of carrying out the open test, and the overcurrent cut-off means is formed of fuse.
According to this embodiment, a transformer can be short-circuited or open-circuited by a simple structure utilizing a switch. Further, an overcurrent flow can be cut off by a simple structure utilizing a fuse.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the short test is carried out by using the first or second short means, the overcurrent cut-off means cuts off an overcurrent flow, which is generated by short of the first or second short transformer, so as to stop the operation of the switching element, when the open test is carried out by using the first open means, the first open means cuts off a flow of current so as to stop the operation of the switching element, and when the open test is carried out by using the second open means, the stop signal is outputted from the control circuit in response to a surge voltage, which is generated on the auxiliary winding due to open of the second open transformer, so as to stop the operation of the switching element.
According to this embodiment, when the short test is carried out by using the first or second short means, the overcurrent cut-off means cuts off an overcurrent flow, which is generated by short-circuit of the first or second short transformer, to stop the operation of the switching element. Further, when the open test is carried out upon this DCxe2x80x94DC converter by using the first open means, the first open means cuts off a flow of current to stop the operation of the switching element. When the open test is carried out by using the second open means, a stop signal is outputted from the control circuit in response to a surge voltage, which is generated at the auxiliary winding due to open of the second open transformer, to stop the operation of the switching element. Therefore, even if a protection circuit such as a conventional temperature fuse is not provided, the operation of the switching element can be stopped, which can contribute to compactness of the electrical device and reduction in production costs.


A method, computer system, and computer program product for collaborative document relations modeling are provided. The embodiment may include parsing, by a processor, a document corpus utilizing topic modeling and distance analysis techniques. The embodiment may also include deriving a collaborative document relational model to combine the results of the parsing into a matrix. The embodiment may further include grouping content of the parsed document corpus through document clustering utilizing the generated collaborative document relational model. The embodiment may also include displaying the grouped content as document clusters in a graphical user interface of a document management application.

The present invention relates, generally, to the field of computing, and more particularly to document collaboration systems.
Document collaboration systems are the tools or systems that enable multiple individuals to work collaboratively on a single document to achieve a single final version. Document collaboration systems usually require software that enables multiple individuals to work on a document from different computer terminals or devices that are remotely located. Different individuals may work on a single document from different locations via the internet or cloud-based document collaboration systems. Document collaboration systems may indicate or identify other users when the other users are actively editing a document owned by another user. Document collaboration systems may also keep track of the history of edits or provide a search function so that the systems may act as a search engine to find what users may want to find in a particular version of a document.

Derived relationship for collaboration documents

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


An exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system for projecting a pattern of a mask onto a plate to be exposed. A pupil filter has a first area arranged on a light axis of the projection optical system and a second area formed outside of the first area. The mask is one of an alternating phase shift mask and a chromeless phase shift mask, and the pattern of the mask satisfies (p/λ)·NA≧0.65, where p is a half pitch of the pattern, λ is a wavelength of light illuminating the mask, and NA is an image-side numerical aperture of the projection optical system, and in which, at most, 1st order light of diffracted light, which is diffracted by the pattern satisfying (p/λ)·NA≧0.65 passes the first area and a part of the diffracted light having one order of at least 2nd order light passes the second area, and, with respect to the light having one order among the at least 2nd order light of the diffracted light, a phase of the light that has passed the second area and a phase of the light that has passed an area other than the second area of the pupil filter are inverted with each other.

The present invention relates generally to exposure, and more particularly, to an exposure apparatus and a manufacturing method of manufacturing various devices including semiconductor chips, such as ICs and LSIs, display devices, such as liquid crystal panels, sensing devices, such as magnetic heads, and image pickup devices, such as CCDs, as well as a fine pattern used for micromechanics. Here, the term micromechanics refers to technology for applying the semiconductor IC fabricating technique for fine structure manufactures, thereby, creating an enhanced mechanism system that operates at a level of a micron.
A conventional projection exposure apparatus uses a projection optical system to expose a circuit pattern of a mask (reticle) onto a wafer, etc., and a high-resolution exposure apparatus is increasingly demanded.
Since a minimum size (resolution) to be transferred by a projection exposure apparatus is in inverse proportion to the numerical aperture ("NA") of a projection optical system, an improvement of the NA of the projection optical system is accelerated, and a development of a projection optical system having an NA of 0.9 is being promoted. However, a method that simply increases the NA of the projection optical system and improves the resolution has limits of a high NA scheme, because the depth of the focus ("DOF") narrows in inverse proportion to the square of the NA, and the DOF necessary to manufacture devices is hard to assure in a higher NA scheme. Accordingly, the recent technological development attempts to obtain both a high resolution and a long DOF.
For example, one proposed exposure apparatus places a partially phase inverting pupil filter on a pupil plane or a Fourier transformation plane in the projection optical system for improved imaging performance. See, for example, Japanese Patent Application, Publication No. 07-037781. This exposure apparatus can thereby improve both the imaging performance and the DOF.
However, as a mask pattern increases an interval and becomes sparse (i.e., non-dense), not only does a 1st order diffracted light of the object spectrum, but also, a higher order diffracted light that has an antiphase to the first order diffracted light, enters the pupil, decreasing the DOF. When a pattern has an interval narrow enough for a dense pattern, a two-beam interference between the 1st order diffracted lights provides a desired DOF. However, as the pattern interval increases, a higher order diffracted light, which has an antiphase to the 1st order diffracted light, is incident, in addition to the ±1st order diffracted lights, and interferes with the ±1st order diffracted lights, disturbing imaging in defocus. The pupil filter of Japanese Patent Application, Publication No. 07-037781, normalizes a pupil radius to one, and inverts a phase in a range between r1<r<r2, where r is a radial position on the pupil plane, r1 being set to nearly 0.25, and r2 being set to nearly 0.92. This method has an increased DOF effect to a contact hole pattern, but decreases the DOF to a line pattern, to the contrary.
On the other hand, an alternating phase shift mask ("PSM"), which is often used to improve the resolution partially inverts a phase of the transmission light. However, even the alternating PSM poses the same problem as the mask pattern interval increases. There is no known method that can assure a similar DOF to both a dense pattern having a small pattern interval and a sparse pattern having a large pattern interval.


An oscillation circuit for generating two oscillation signals having a phase difference of 90° by using an LC oscillator has a disadvantage for integration. Therefore, a differential type ring oscillator comprising interpolation type delay circuits of four stages is used as an original oscillator without using any LC oscillator. The oscillation frequency of the original oscillator is set to f/2. Intermediate signals S(k) having a phase difference of 45(k−1)° with respect to a reference phase are obtained as the outputs of the respective stages of the original oscillator. A multiplying circuit 22 generates the product signal of S(2) and S(4) in mixers. This product signal is vibrated at cos (ft/2), and the output signal Vout1 is generated on the basis of the product signal. A multiplying circuit generates the product signal of S(1) and S(3) in mixers. This product signal is vibrated at cos(ft/2+π/2), and the output signal Vout2 is generated on the basis of the product signal. Vout1, Vout2 are output as the oscillation signals having the frequency f and the phase difference of 90°.

The present invention relates to an oscillation circuit for generating two output signals having a phase difference of 90°.
Normally, a receiver converts a received signal of a radio frequency to a predetermined intermediate frequency fIF by using a local signal generated by a local oscillator. For example, when a broadcast station A of a frequency fA is received, the local oscillator generates a local signal of a frequency fLO satisfying the relationship that (fA−fLO) is equal to fIF. Here, the local signal converts, to an intermediate frequency fIF, a received signal of a frequency fB satisfying the relationship that (fLO−fB) is equal to fIF. Therefore, when a signal of another broadcast station B is located at the position corresponding to the frequency fB, a phenomenon occurs where the broadcast station B is also received while superposed on the broadcast station A. The reception of the broadcast station B as described above is called image reception.
Furthermore, there also exists a direct conversion system of mixing a received signal of a radio frequency with a local signal having the same frequency as the received signal concerned and directly converting the signals to a low frequency signal corresponding to the human auditory range. According to this system, the intermediate frequency is not required, and thus the circuit construction is simple.
In order to construct an image rejection mixer for removing the image described above, local signals having a phase difference of π/2 [rad], that is, 90° therebetween are required. Furthermore, when the direct conversion is carried out by using a mixer for demodulating an I/Q composite signal, local signals having a phase difference of 90° are required.
According to a method adopted by a normal receiver, an LC oscillation signal is subjected to halved frequency division to obtain signals having a phase difference of 90°. FIG. 1 is a timing chart showing this method. On the basis of a signal SG having the frequency corresponding to the LC oscillator signal, a halved frequency division circuit generates a signal SG2 whose state is inverted at the rising edge of the signal SG and also a signal SG2′ whose state is inverted at the falling edge of the signal SG. As described above, the signals SG2 and SG2′ having a phase difference of 90° are obtained.
According to this method, the frequency which is twice as high as a desired frequency is generated in the LC oscillator. Here, when the oscillation frequency of the oscillator is set to the same as the local signal, the frequency of the local signal fluctuates with an input signal having a high intensity, so that it is difficult to carry out direct conversion. The direct conversion is favorable as the method of generating the double frequency described above because this problem does not occur.
According to another conventional method of achieving signals having a phase difference of 90°, phase shifting is carried out for the LC oscillator signal by using RC filters. In this method, a high pass filter (HPF) and a low pass filter (LPF) are constructed by RC filters. In the case of the HPF, the phase of an output signal advances from the input signal of the cut-off frequency by 45°. Conversely, in the case of the LPF, the phase of the output signal is delayed from the input signal by 45°. Therefore, the LC oscillator signal is input to the HPF and LPF in which the cut-off frequency is set to the frequency of the LC oscillator signal, whereby two signals having a phase difference of 90° are obtained as the output signals of both the filters.
The construction of subjecting the LC oscillator signal described above to halved frequency division is suitable for direct conversion. In addition, the oscillation frequency can be varied by constructing a capacitor constituting the LC oscillator with a variable condenser or the like, and thus signals having a phase difference of 90° can be obtained across a broad band. However, the LC oscillator has a problem that it is not suitably constructed as a semiconductor integrated circuit. Particularly, in order to carry out reception based on broadband such as television or the like, plural LC oscillators are required, and it is difficult to install them into an LSI chip.
Furthermore, the construction using the RC filter as described above has a disadvantage that the frequencies of the signals having a phase difference of 90° are restricted by the cut-off frequency of the RC filter and thus it is limited to a narrow band. Furthermore, the oscillation frequency of the LC oscillator is coincident with the reception frequency in the above-described construction, and thus there is a problem that this construction is not suitable for the direct conversion. Furthermore, there is also a problem that this construction is not suitable for integration.


In a hearing aid device system with two hearing aids for binaural supply to a hearing aid user, a coupling of the settings of both hearing aids is not always reasonable in the “audio reception” mode and therefore the hearing aid that is in the “audio reception” operating mode is not adapted to changed settings when parameters in the other hearing aid of the hearing aid system have been readjusted. The use of a remote control also has different effects on a hearing aid in the active “audio reception” mode than on the hearing aid device that is in a passive “audio reception” mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a hearing aid system of the type having two hearing aids that can be worn on the head for binaural supply to the user the hearing aids each having an input transducer for acquisition of an input signal and conversion into an electrical signal, a signal-processing unit for processing and frequency dependent amplification of the electrical signal, and an output transducer for conversion of the processed signal into a signal perceivable as an acoustic signal by the hearing aid user.
The invention also concerns a method for operation of such a hearing aid system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Hearing aid systems of the above type are known wherein parameters for control of the signal processing in the signal-processing units can be set in the hearing aids for adapting the signal processing to different auditory situations; and wherein control signals for adapting the parameters that are set in one hearing aid to the parameters that are set in the other hearing aid can be transferred between the two hearing aids.
A hearing aid system with two hearing aids that can be worn on the head for binaural supply to the user is known from EP 0 941 014 A2. A control signal is generated by the operation of a control element on one of the two hearing aids of the hearing aid system and is transferred to the second hearing aid, which leads to a simultaneous adaptation of both hearing aids by means of this control signal and the signal-processing units in the respective hearing aids.
Hearing aids have an audio input for connection to external devices such as radios, televisions, CD players, MP3 players etc in an operating mode for the auditory situation known as "audio reception." The connection between the hearing aid and the external device ensues either wirelessly or hardwired. The hearing aid is typically connected with what is known as an "audio shoe" for audio reception. Starting from the audio shoe, a wire can then lead to the external device. Audio shoes are also known that have a transmission and reception unit for wireless data transfer between the hearing aid and an external device. Such wireless systems, for example, also are used in training rooms for hearing impaired persons and are known under the designation "MLX".
Hearing aid systems for binaural supply to a hearing impaired person are frequently operated asymmetrically for audio reception. Only one of the two hearing aids is connected with the audio signal source. In this operating mode, adaptation of the settings of both hearing aids of the hearing aid system is inexpedient.

Hearing aid system and operating method therefor in the audio reception mode


Disclosed is a system and method for automatic adjustment to a camera field of view based on parameters negotiated during a video conference initiation.

Video conferencing bridges the gap between call participants by providing options that allow the participants to view each other in various representations. One aspect of video conferencing is field-of-view (FOV) of the cameras that may be used to capture participants' images. Determining the right FOV can be an important consideration in video conferencing. The FOV can greatly impact user experience and satisfaction with a conferencing session, or system.

Automated field of view adjustment based on screen size


Disclosed are ticketed flow control mechanisms in a processing system with one or more masters and one or more slaves. In an aspect, a targeted slave receives a request from a requesting master. If the targeted slave is unavailable to service the request, a ticket for the request is provided to the requesting master. As resources in the targeted slave become available, messages are broadcasted for the requesting master to update the ticket value. When the ticket value has been updated to a final value, the requesting master may re-transmit the request.

Multiprocessor systems are computer systems that use two or more central processing units (CPU) within a single computer system. These multiple CPUs are in a close communication with each other, sharing the computer bus(es), memory system(s), and other peripheral devices. Multiprocessor systems are typically used when very high speed is desired to process a large volume of data.
The CPUs of a multiprocessor system, or more generally, masters, may utilize one or more memory controllers for interfacing with the memory systems, or more generally, slaves. There may be interconnect systems for traffic flow between the various masters and slaves, with points of serialization, such as common buses. Flow control methods are used in an attempt to allow access requests from the masters to reach targeted slaves in an efficient and balanced way.


A code injection attack detecting apparatus and method are provided. The code injection attack may be detected based on characteristics occurring when a malicious code injected by the code injection attack is executed. For example, the code injection attack detecting apparatus and method may detect that a code injection attack occurs when a buffer miss is detected, a page corresponding to an address is updated, a mode of the page corresponding to the address is in user mode, and/or the page corresponding to the page is inserted by an external input.

1. Field
The following description relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting a code injection attack, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for detecting a code injection attack in which an attacker inserts a code into a process being performed, in an attempt to force execution of the inserted code by making use of a defect in an operating system (OS) or an application program in a computer system.
2. Description of Related Art
A code injection attack may be performed using a bug to cause an operating system (OS) or an application program to process erroneous data. Code injection attacks often cause damage to an OS or an application program, and often a user of a flawed system does not recognize the attack. For example, a code injection attack may increase an unauthorized user's ability to access various data and programs stored in a computer system.
When the code insertion attack inserts an attack code into a process being performed, for example, into a process being performed in a kernel mode, the attacker may be able to take control of the computer system. Thus, an attacker may overtake the command of the computer system and the computer may be operated according to a command from the attacker.
The attacker may remotely obtain a root authorization with respect to a target system through the code injection attack. The attacker may use the root authorization to steal desired information. Also, an attacker may use the computer system as a base for a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack.
Often, the target system does not recognize the code injection attack. Accordingly, risk of damage associated with the code injection attack is significantly high. A maker of the OS and/or the application program may use a security patch and the like to block an attack repeated in the same manner as a previously known attack.
However, for previously unknown and unprepared for attacks, the code injection attack may continue to operate until defects of software are detected and eliminated. In addition, bugs and defects in software may be difficult to detect and/or eliminate.

Apparatus and method for detecting a code injection attack


A semiconductor chip (14) is bonded to a substrate (16) by a metallic molecular bond interface (28, 38, 30). The chip and the substrate are separated by a gap (18), and a metal-bearing gas is introduced in the gap. A thermal energy source (22) directs a focused energy beam (24) into the gap to thermally decompose the gas by chemical vapor reaction to deposit and grow metal to provide a metallic molecular bond interface filling the gap and bonding the chip to the substrate. In the preferred embodiment, one of the chip and substrate has a passband passing the wavelength of the focused beam to be transparent thereto such that the beam passes therethrough and into the gap and against the other of the chip and the substrate.

The invention relates to semiconductor processing methods, and more particularly to a low temperature process.
The invention provides reliable, uniform, repeatable and void-free semiconductor bonding using a low temperature process. The invention achieves molecular bonding of two closely spaced surfaces through a chemical vapor reaction that results in the deposition and growth of a metallic element to provide the bonding. The molecular bonding is achieved without the need of any fluxes or undesirable high temperatures otherwise required by present methodologies. In addition, the invention eliminates contamination of devices and circuits, is cost effective, and provides high yield.
It is known in the prior art to use chemical vapor deposition to define metal lines on a surface: "Laser-Direct-Writing Processes: Metal Deposition, Etching, and Applications to Microcircuits", Jerry G. Black et al, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 5(1), Jan/Feb 1987, pages 419-422; "On The Applications of Laser-Direct-Writing Techniques, To GaAs Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits", C. L. Chen et al, GaAs IC Symposium, IEEE 1987, pages 167-170; "Selective Electroless Metal Deposition for Integrated Circuit Fabrication", Chiu H. Ting et al, J. Electrochem. Soc., Vol. 136, No. 2, February 1989, pages 456-462. The present invention enables use of this technology to provide a metallic molecular bond interface bonding a semiconductor chip to a substrate.

Low temperature semiconductor bonding process with chemical vapor reaction


Methods and apparatus for transferring packets in a packet switched communication system. A system is provided that includes an L2 device including a controller determining for each packet received whether the received packet is to be inspected, an inspection device operable to inspect and filter packets identified by the controller including using a zone specific policy and an L2 controller for transferring inspected packets in accordance with L2 header information using L2 protocols.

The present invention relates generally to data routing systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing secure communications on a network.
A packet switch communication system includes a network of one or more switches or routers connecting a plurality of users. A packet is the fundamental unit of transfer in the packet switch communication system. A user can be an individual user terminal or another network.
A layer 2 (L2) switch is a switching device which receives packets containing data or control information on one port, and based on a media access connection (MAC) address contained within the packet, switches the packet out another port. Conventional L2 switches perform this switching function by evaluating layer 2 (L2) header information contained within the packet in order to determine the proper output port for a particular packet. The L2 switch includes a table that maps MAC addresses with output ports. If a MAC address is unknown (i.e., there is no corresponding entry in the table), then the corresponding packet is broadcast to all output ports with the hope that another component in the packet switched communication system will recognize the MAC address (and pass back information to the forwarding L2 switch to update its table). Other types of L2 devices include bridges.
A router is a switching device which receives packets containing data or control information on one port, and based on destination information contained within the packet, routes the packet to a next hop to/toward the destination. Conventional routers perform this switching function by evaluating layer 3 (L3) header information contained within the packet in order to determine a next hop for a particular packet. The layer 3 information includes an IP address associated with the intended destination (as well as source address) for the packet.
The network coupling the users can be an intranet, that is, a network connecting one or more private servers such as a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, the network can be a public network, such as the Internet, in which data packets are passed over untrusted communication links. The network configuration can include a combination of public and private networks. For example, two or more LAN's with individual terminals can be coupled together using a public network such as the Internet. Data security issues can arise when public and private networks are linked or when distinct networks are coupled. For example, conventional packet switched communication systems that include links between public and private networks typically include security measures for assuring network access control and data integrity.
In order to assure individual packet security, packet switched communication systems can include encryption/decryption services. Prior to leaving a trusted network (or portion of a network), individual packets can be encrypted to minimize the possibility of data loss while the packet is transferred over an untrusted (e.g., public) network (or portion thereof). Upon receipt at a destination or another trusted portion of the communication system (e.g., at a firewall just before the destination), the packet can be decrypted and subsequently delivered to its intended destination. The use of encryption and decryption allows for the creation of a virtual private network (VPN) between users separated by untrusted communication links.
In addition to security concerns for the data transferred over the public portion of the communications system, the private portions of the network must safeguard against intrusions through the gateway provided at the interface of the private and the public networks. A firewall is a device that can be coupled in-line between a public network and private network for screening packets received from the public network. A firewall is a particular type of L3/L4 device that can be used to enforce policy and filtering functions. A firewall can include one or more engines for inspecting, filtering, authenticating, encrypting, decrypting and otherwise manipulating received packets. Conventional firewalls use L3 and L4 header information including IP addresses associated with the source and destination of a given packet being processed. Received packets are inspected and thereafter forwarded or dropped in accordance with the policies associated with the given domain.

Method and apparatus for implementing a layer 3/layer 7 firewall in an L2 device


A vehicle battery mounting structure includes a battery frame that is disposed at a vehicle lower side of a floor panel, and is made from resin; a ductile member that includes a main body joined to the battery frame and a flange contiguously formed at a vehicle width direction outside end of the main body, the flange having a hole, and the ductile member being fastened to a lower face of the floor panel using a fastener inserted through the hole; and a fastening portion that is formed in a region including the hole, having a substantially hat shaped cross-section profile projecting toward a vehicle upper side and having ridge lines on vehicle front-rear direction sides of the region, and the ridge lines being formed with curved or bent shape toward directions heading away from the hole on progression toward a vehicle width direction inside in plan view.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a vehicle battery mounting structure.
2. Related Art
A structure has been known in which battery frames for housing a drive battery that is disposed below the floor of an electric vehicle are formed from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), and are fixed to side frames (under members) disposed on the left and right at a lower face of the floor (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4924684).
However, in resin battery frames, there is a concern of damage to fixing portions of the battery frame to the under members (floor side) due to collision load input when the vehicle experiences a side collision. There is accordingly a room for improvement in structures to prevent damage to fixing portions of the resin battery frame to the floor, in the event of a vehicle side collision.


Carbon dioxide and VOC sorbents that include a porous support impregnated with an amine compound are provided. The sorbents include a gas-adsorbing material coated onto the porous support. The gas-adsorbing material includes a polyamine which is produced using a process that is free of formaldehyde as a reaction product and/or a reactant.

CO2 sorbent materials have been developed to improve the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. Specifically, HVAC systems have utilized CO2 scrubbers that incorporate CO2 sorbents to adsorb CO2 from recirculated interior air and then release the CO2 into outside air by a purging process. While such systems have improved upon conventional HVAC systems in terms of energy savings, the sorbent materials fail to meet long term targets for working capacity and thermal aging stability.
Moreover, traditional sorbent materials are generally adapted for one type of adsorption application. For example, CO2 sorbents are insufficient for effectively removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, and VOC-specific sorbents are insufficient for effectively removing CO2.

Carbon dioxide sorbents for air quality control


A hydrogen fuel transporting hose for a fuel cell powered vehicle having a laminar structure includes at least one inner rubber layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and at least one outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the hose. Each of the inner and outer rubber layers are obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition including a rubber material selected from the group consisting of a halogenated butyl rubber material, and a blend of a halogenated butyl rubber material and a butyl rubber material. The vulcanized rubber includes a filler having a layered crystal structure and is vulcanized with one of a peroxide vulcanizing agent and a resin vulcanizing agent.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rubber hose for transporting a hydrogen fuel used for a fuel-cell powered vehicle. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such a rubber hose used as a conduit or piping for transporting the hydrogen fuel in a fuel-cell powered automotive vehicle as a next-generation vehicle.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In recent years, problems of depletion of the fossil fuel and environmental pollution such as the acid rain, global warming phenomenon, etc., have been getting serious throughout the world. In view of this, a fuel-cell powered vehicle which assures high energy savings and which does not emit harmful exhaust gases has been developed as an alternative for a gasoline or diesel vehicle. As is well known, the fuel-cell powered vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell wherein hydrogen and oxygen (air) electrochemically react with each other, so as to generate electricity with which an electric motor of the vehicle is operated to drive the vehicle.
To the negative electrode of the fuel cell, a hydrogen fuel such as a pure hydrogen gas or hydrogen obtained by reforming a natural gas, methanol, gasoline, etc., is supplied via a piping. As the piping for transporting such a hydrogen fuel, there has been proposed a metal tube formed of a stainless steel, for instance and exhibiting a high degree of hydrogen gas impermeability, by taking into account a fact that the hydrogen is explosive when exposed to a certain environment.
The proposed metal tube, however, has a low degree of flexibility or a high degree of rigidity, undesirably reducing a freedom of piping layout. Since not only dry hydrogen but also wet hydrogen including a steam therein flows through the tube, the metal tube may suffer from corrosion due to the steam.
To overcome the problems described above, there has been a demand for a rubber hose which has high degrees of flexibility and freedom of piping layout and which assures easy installation thereof. While there have been proposed various kinds of rubber hoses such as a refrigerant transporting hose used for an air conditioning system and a gasoline fuel transporting hose, none of the conventionally proposed rubber hoses satisfy, to a sufficient extent, the characteristics required by the hydrogen fuel transporting hose used for the fuel-cell powered vehicle.
The hydrogen fuel transporting hose is generally required to exhibit high degrees of gas impermeability, in other words, hydrogen gas impermeability, for preventing a leakage flow of the hydrogen fuel through the hose, and corrosion resistance to steam, a high degree of insulation performance, in other words, a high electric resistivity, for preventing a leakage flow of the electric current from the fuel cell as the electric generator, and low ion extractability for substantially preventing ions such as metal ions and sulfur ions from being extracted from the rubber hose into the hydrogen fuel flowing therethrough. It has been desired to develop a rubber hose which satisfies those characteristics to a sufficient extent. If the ions such as the metal ions and the sulfur ions were mixed into the hydrogen fuel flowing through the rubber hose, the hydrogen fuel contaminated with the ions would be supplied to the fuel cell, resulting in contamination of the catalyst and the electrolyte of the fuel cell. In this case, the fuel cell suffers from a reduced efficiency of electricity generation, so that the output of the fuel cell is undesirably lowered.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a rubber hose for transporting a hydrogen fuel hose used for a fuel-cell powered vehicle, which rubber hose has high degrees of flexibility, freedom of piping layout, and hydrogen fuel impermeability, while exhibiting a high electric resistivity and a low ion extractability for substantially preventing ions such as metal ions and sulfur ions harmful to the fuel cell, from being extracted from the rubber hose into the hydrogen fuel flowing therethrough.
The above object of the present invention may be achieved according to a principle of the invention, which provides a hydrogen fuel transporting hose for a fuel cell powered vehicle having a laminar structure including at least one inner rubber layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and at least one outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the hose, wherein the improvement comprises: each of the at least one inner rubber layer and the at least one outer rubber layer being provided by a vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition including: (A) a rubber material selected from the group consisting of (a1) a halogenated butyl rubber material, (a2) a blend of a halogenated butyl rubber material and a butyl rubber material, and (a3) an ethylene-propylene rubber material, and (B) a filler whose crystal structure is a layer structure, the rubber composition being vulcanized with one of a peroxide vulcanizing agent and a resin vulcanizing agent where the rubber composition includes, as the rubber material, one of (a1) the halogenated butyl rubber material and (a2) the blend of the halogenated butyl rubber material and the butyl rubber material, while the rubber composition being vulcanized with the peroxide vulcanizing agent where the rubber composition includes, as the rubber material, (a3) the ethylene-propylene rubber material.
Unlike the conventional metal tubes and the resin tubes formed of the respective materials having certain degrees of rigidity, the present hydrogen fuel transporting hose formed of the rubber material has high degrees of flexibility and freedom of piping layout, and assures easy installation thereof. Further, the hydrogen fuel transporting hose according to the present invention is formed of a rubber material suitably selected from among a halogenated butyl rubber material, a blend of a halogenated butyl rubber material and a butyl rubber material, and an ethylene-propylene rubber material, which rubber materials exhibit excellent characteristics such as high degrees of gas impermeability, resistances to steam and weather, etc. Each of the inner and outer rubber layers of the laminar structure of the hose is provided by a vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing the selected rubber material with a peroxide vulcanizing agent or a resin vulcanizing agent, so that the present rubber hose exhibits high degrees of impermeability of hydrogen gas and steam which are included in the hydrogen fuel. In the present rubber hose wherein the selected rubber material is vulcanized with the peroxide vulcanizing agent or the resin vulcanizing agent, the ions such as the metal ions and the sulfur ions which may cause an undesirable trouble with the fuel cell are not substantially extracted from the hose into the hydrogen fuel flowing therethrough, unlike in an arrangement wherein the rubber material is vulcanized with a sulfur vulcanizing agent, using a vulcanization accelerator such as a metal oxide and a metal hydroxide.
To the vulcanized rubber which gives each of the inner and outer rubber layers, there is added a filler whose crystal structure is a layer structure, i.e., layered crystal structure. (This filler is hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9clayered fillerxe2x80x9d). Unlike the conventional rubber hose in which only carbon black is included therein as a filler or a reinforcing agent, the present rubber hose wherein the layered filler is included exhibits a significantly high electric resistivity and low ion extractability for substantially preventing the ions such as the metal ions and sulfur ions possibly causing an undesirable trouble with the fuel cell, from being extracted from the hose into the hydrogen fuel flowing therethrough. While the mechanism of the low ion extractability exhibited by the layered filler is not sufficiently clear, it is speculated that the ions such as the metal ions are held by and between the adjacent layers of the layered filler, so as to prevent extraction of the ions from the vulcanized rubber.
In the hydrogen fuel transporting hose according to the present invention, the fiber reinforcing layer formed by spiraling or braiding and commonly provided in ordinary rubber hoses is provided between the inner and outer rubber layers, so that the present hose can sufficiently withstand the pressure of the hydrogen fuel flowing therethrough.
In one preferred form of the present invention, the vulcanized rubber which gives each of the at least one inner rubber layer and the at least one outer rubber layer has an ion extractability represented by an electric conductivity of not greater than 50 xcexcS/cm at a temperature of 25xc2x0 C. in an extracted solution of the vulcanized rubber, the extracted solution being obtained by immersing, for 168 hours, 50 g of the vulcanized rubber in 250 ml of pure water kept at 100xc2x0 C. The present arrangement provides the hydrogen fuel transporting hose which advantageously attains the object of the invention.
In another preferred of the present invention, the halogenated butyl rubber material is a chlorobutyl rubber material or a bromobutyl rubber material.
In still another preferred form of the present invention, the ethylene-propylene rubber material includes a ternary copolymer of ethylene-propylene-diene, a binary copolymer of ethylene-propylene, and a blend of the ternary copolymer of ethylene-propylene-diene and the binary copolymer of ethylene-propylene.

Hydrogen fuel transporting hose for fuel-cell powered vehicle


A method and a system for recognizing plant diseases and a recording medium are provided. The method includes: providing a plant disease database, for storing plant disease and disease characteristic image corresponding to the plant disease; after obtaining plant image by an image capture device, obtaining segmented plant image by an image processing unit according to a first processing technique, and obtaining suspected region image according to a second processing technique; calculating an area of the suspected region image, and when the area is greater than a preset area, using the suspected region image as syndrome image, and comparing the syndrome image with the disease characteristic image; and when the syndrome image matches any specific disease characteristic image, obtaining a corresponding specific plant disease.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method and a system for recognizing plant diseases and a recording medium thereof, and more particularly to a method and a system for rapidly analyzing plant disease symptoms in order to recognize plant diseases by using an image and tone analyzing technology, and a recording medium thereof.
2. Related Art
The conventional plant diseases detection mainly uses breath sensing method (for example, laser-based photoacoustic sensing); however, it is required to sense the gas emitted by plants in an enclosed environments. In addition, the relevance between the emitted gas and plant diseases may need to have a further study, and the cost of hardware implementation of the technology is very high.
According to another conventional method, after taking photo images from a plant, an image analysis technology is used on the images to identify whether the plant has suffered for plant diseases and whether the plant leaves reveals symptoms. Taking the orchid industry as an example, according to a conventional method, image analysis and identification method is performed on an orchid image to separate an orchid leaves image from the orchid image, where it is required to use features of color and texture with a neural network analysis method to correctly find and analysis the orchid leaves image from the image, so as to identify whether the orchid has suffered plant diseases and whether the leaves have revealed symptoms. However, the method is too complex, because it is required to collect a large number of image data and to perform data training before separating the orchid leaves image from the orchid image. Therefore, the method is unable to meet the practical application requirements because of its low efficiency, incapability of displaying the result immediately, and the variations of leaves images.
In the above conventional method, leaves image is separated and analyzed to find plant disease symptoms, and the plant disease symptoms are identified to determine whether the leaves have suffered plant diseases. However, the method still has the following problems to be solved.
(1) In the conventional method, the leaves image and petals image are extracted from the image by their specific colors and textures, such that the calculation is complex in the method. In addition, much calculation time, low efficiency and unable to display the result immediately are also the problems appeared in the method.
(2) The image variations of the leaves and the petals are considerably high due to various factors such as growth conditions and shooting angles; therefore, it is required to collect a large number of leaves and petals images for data training, and get features for color, shape and texture in advance. Therefore, the method has the problems of time consuming, high cost, and low accuracy.
(3) The image analysis and determination are time consuming; therefore, the method cannot be applied to plant fields (for example, flower fields and orchid farms) or sorting system for plants or relative automatic equipment.
It can be known that, the conventional method for identifying whether a plant has suffered from diseases by using the image identification method needs to be improved.

Method and system for recognizing plant diseases and recording medium


A method and apparatus for producing the Doppler audio output in a medical ultrasound system. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting ultrasound into a body, a receiver for receiving and processing echoes to produce a Doppler signal, and a Doppler signal processor for converting the Doppler signals into an audio signal that in turn is converted into audible sound. The system alternates between first time intervals during which the Doppler samples are produced, and second time intervals when imaging is performed. The improvement of the invention involves producing at least one actual spectrum of the Doppler signal, based upon Doppler samples produced during one of the first time intervals. A synthetic spectrum is then produced for an adjacent second time interval, based upon the actual spectrum. The synthetic spectrum is then converted into a corresponding time domain data set, and the audio signal for the second time interval is then produced based upon the time domain data set. At least some of the points of the synthetic spectrum preferably include a randomly selected phase factor, to reduce echo artifacts and other modulation effects.

Medical ultrasound scanners typically produce a two-dimensional image of a planar region of a patient's body. The image is created by transmitting a series of ultrasound pulses into the region under investigation, and receiving and processing the echoes of the transmitted pulses, to build up a two-dimensional image. Modern ultrasound scanners are capable of obtaining images at a fast enough rate, e.g., 20 or more times per second, so that a real time display of the region under investigation can be created on a video monitor.
In recent years, ultrasound devices have been improved by adding the capability of obtaining Doppler information from a selected sample volume within the two-dimensional region under investigation. The Doppler data represents the velocity of structures within the selected volume. Thus if the selected volume is within a blood vessel, data can be obtained concerning blood velocity. Such data can be extremely useful in diagnosing various cardiac and other circulatory system problems.
Typically, the Doppler data is produced in both video and audio forms. The video form of the Doppler data consists of a two-dimensional graph on a video display, the graph having time along the horizontal axis and frequency along the vertical axis. Each column of the graph represents the frequency spectrum of the Doppler signal at the corresponding point in time. Such a display is typically scrolled across the screen as new data is acquired. For audio output, the raw Doppler signal, having a frequency equal to the transmitted frequency plus the Doppler modulation, is demodulated by removing the frequency of the transmitted signal, and the demodulated Doppler signal is then converted by a speaker into a corresponding audio signal. For most clinically significant cases, the frequency of the audio signal is within the range of human hearing, and thus can be used directly by an operator to sense blood flow patterns and other movement within the subject's body. An operator carrying out an investigation with the ultrasound scanner will often rely heavily on the information presented via the audio Doppler signal, in order to seek regions in the circulatory system in which more detailed measurement or imaging may be of interest. It is, therefore, very important that the audio Doppler signal not be substantially distorted.
The current generation of medical ultrasound scanners can typically operate in a "simultaneous" mode in which both image and Doppler data are collected and displayed apparently simultaneously, in real time. The data collection cannot be literally simultaneous, because the transmit burst length, focusing, and steering patterns used for image acquisition are different from those used for Doppler processing. Thus inherent limitations of beamformer and scanhead design require that the acquisition of image and Doppler data be time multiplexed. The multiplexing rate is made sufficiently high so that the image and Doppler data appear to be acquired simultaneously.
For image data, the multiplexing reduces the frame rate, sometimes to the point at which motion in the image no longer appears continuous. For Doppler data, the effects of multiplexing depend upon the particular multiplexing technique employed. A fundamental difference between imaging and Doppler measurement is that with imaging, only one pulse is needed in each beam direction to collect data for a given frame. For Doppler processing, on the other hand, one must obtain samples over a substantial period of time, in order to accurately estimate the frequency content of the Doppler signal. Thus the imaging function of an instrument can be interrupted without interfering significantly with the measurement, while Doppler measurements must be continuous for longer periods of time to obtain accuracy.
One form of multiplexing currently in use in connection with pulsed (as opposed to CW) Doppler simply alternates between image and Doppler pulses. For a given Doppler sample volume depth within the subject, this technique reduces the Doppler pulse repetition frequency by a factor of at least two. As a result, the maximum Doppler frequency (and therefore the maximum velocity) that can be unambiguously detected is also reduced by a factor of two. If the velocity exceeds this reduced maximum, aliasing will occur, and misleading results will appear in both the video and audio outputs. Pulse-by-pulse switching between image and Doppler modes may degrade the frame rate and pulse repetition frequency by a factor somewhat greater than two, because dead time will generally be required in order to avoid interference between the image and Doppler echoes.
Because of the difficulties in the alternating approach described above, it has become common to time multiplex image and Doppler pulses using larger time slices. For example, a series of image pulses are transmitted, for a time period sufficient to produce a single complete frame of the image to be displayed. A series of Doppler pulses are then transmitted, at whatever pulse repetition frequency is appropriate for the sample volume depth at which the Doppler data is to be collected. This technique can often be used with only minimal impact on the Doppler video output. However for Doppler audio output, such a technique, if uncorrected, results in modulation of the audio output at the interruption rate. Therefore to furnish an acceptable audio output, it is necessary to fill in the Doppler data during the time intervals in which image data is being acquired.
Prior Doppler fill-in techniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,407,293 and 4,559,952. The prior art techniques, in general, are based upon the generation of a substitute signal that replaces the directly measured Doppler signal for audio and/or video output, during periods of time when the direct Doppler signal is unavailable. The substitute signal preferably has spectral properties close to those of the actual Doppler signal, and also produces audible sound close to that of the actual signal when fed to an audio output device. However some techniques provided in the prior art have not been capable of providing Doppler fill-in without perceptibly altering the audio output produced by the ultrasound scanner. In addition, the time domain techniques used in the prior art have generally lacked the flexibility needed to tailor the fill-in to the characteristics of human hearing.

Spectral interpolation of ultrasound Doppler signal


A system and method to target advertisements to a user search query using a previously entered user search query as well as the current search query. The previously entered search query can accompanying the current search query in a query referrer, or can be determined separately from the current search query. The relevance of the previous search query is determined with respect to the current search query, and if found relevant a combination of the two query terms is used to find a set of advertising keywords from which candidate advertisements to be targeted and served to the user with search results are found. The process can be extended to additional search queries.

Interactive advertising on the Internet relies upon providing relevant messages to users. In advertising systems that provide relevant sponsored messages accompanying search results, such as Google AdWords, a user search query seeking search results can also be used to target advertisements to accompany those search results. Such a system is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,816,857, entitled "Meaning-Based Advertising and Document Relevance Determination," issued Nov. 9, 2004, and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Using previous user search query to target advertisements


An apparatus may comprise a lever operable to rotate a crank arm. The apparatus may further comprise a slotted member affixed to an end of the lever. The slotted member may be operable to clip around a first handle of the crank arm. The apparatus may further comprise an alignment member affixed to the lever. The alignment member may comprise a hole that receives a second handle of the crank arm. The apparatus may further comprise a third handle affixed to the lever such that a force applied to the third handle causes the lever to rotate. The rotation of the lever may cause the crank arm to rotate in a particular plane. The third handle may be offset from the particular plane.

Traditional radar systems use a linear jack to elevate a radar antenna. An operator actuates the linear jack by manually rotating a crank arm. The operator must usually rotate the crank arm several times to fully elevate the radar antenna. In traditional systems, the crank arm is generally too short to provide sufficient leverage for the operator to easily elevate the radar antenna. The crank arm is sometimes located on the radar system in a position that is difficult for the operator to reach. As a result, rotating the crank arm often causes the operator to become fatigued. In addition, in traditional systems, the crank arm is located near hardware, wiring, and other objects. As a result, when the operator rotates the crank arm, the operator's hand sometimes hits these objects, resulting in injury to the operator.

Leverage tool for a crank assembly of a radar system


In a suitcase (1) comprising two articulately joined case shells (2, 3), the case shells (2, 3) being closable with a closing means (4) on frame elements arranged at the edges of the case shells (2, 3), it is provided that at least one case shell (2, 3) is at least partly made of a transparent plastic material and a space for receiving a sheet (10) with an illustration thereon is provided behind the transparent part of the case shell (2, 3).

The invention refers to a suitcase as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
Such shell suitcases, whose case shells are preferably made of plastic material or metal and which are hinged together at one edge of the case shells, are known. Frame elements are provided at the edges of the case shells, which have a closing means for closing the suitcase. Further, suitcases with two case shells are known that have a zipper as the closing means. The zipper may additionally be provided with a lock.


A device on a motor vehicle is controlled by selecting a function for the device to perform. The selection is conveyed to a control circuit which wirelessly transmits a message using the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications protocol, wherein the message identifies the device and function. A controller receives the message and recovers the identification of the device and the function and then responds by activating the device to perform that function.

The present invention relates to systems for controlling devices on a vehicle, and more particularly to wireless control systems.
Automobiles, trucks and trailers have numerous devices, such as lights and actuators, which are electrically operated. For example tail lights, brake lights, left and right turn signal indicators, and back-up lights are all mounted at the rear of a typical automobile. Each type of light requires that a separate power wire be run from the dashboard to control the light's operation. Similar groups of lights are mounted at the front of the vehicle which require another set of electrical wires. In addition, different actuators are located in the engine compartment and also receive control signals. In all, numerous bundles of wires run throughout the motor vehicle in order to control and operate the various devices.
It is desirable to merely run a pair of wires that form a power bus throughout the vehicle and provide a wireless mechanism for sending control signals to the individual devices. Such a mechanism must provide a technique by which several sets of controllers and devices can communicate simultaneously. In addition, wireless communication within a particular vehicle can not be interfered with by similar communications occurring in a nearby vehicle. Thus a robust communication protocol must be utilized.
Bidirectional radio frequency communication has been used for some time in cordless telephones. The term "cordless telephone" as used in the telecommunication industry, means a telephone comprising a base station and a hand-held transceiver unit. The base station is connected by wires to a terrestrial telephone line serving the owner's premises. A hand-held transceiver carried by the user communicates by radio frequency signals with the single base station that is up to approximately 300 meters away.
The Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) protocol was developed in the mid-1980's as a pan-European standard for cordless telephones and has been adapted for use outside the European Union. The DECT standard protocol has been used for simultaneous bidirectional communication between a base station and a hand-held transceiver of cordless telephones. This standard utilizes ten frequencies for communication. The exchange of signals over each frequency is divided into repetitive frames 10, each being ten milliseconds in duration and subdivided into twenty-four time slots, as shown in FIG. 1. The twelve time slots in the first half 14 of each frame are used for communication from a hand-held transceiver to the associated base station, while the twelve time slots in the second frame half 16 are used for communication from the base station and the hand-held transceiver. It should be noted that different regions of the world have implemented the DECT protocol is slightly different manners. For example, in some regions the frequencies and the number of time slots in each message frame may differ.
When a user desires to use activates the cordless telephone to make an outgoing call, the hand-held transceiver searches for a frequency that has a matching time slots in each frame half which are not being used by another cordless telephone system. This is accomplished by the hand-held transceiver listening for digital signals being sent in each time slot of the frame at each of the assigned frequencies. When a vacant pair of time slots, such as 18 and 19, is found, the hand-held transceiver sends a message initiation signal on the selected frequency during time slot 18 in the first half of a message frame.
While the hand-held transceiver is performing these functions, the base station is scanning the ten frequencies and listening during each of the twelve time slots in the first half 14 of the message frames at each frequency. When the base station hears a message initiation signal that is addressed to it, i.e. containing the proper identification data, the base station sends a response to the transceiver in the associated time slot 19 in the second half 16 of a frame at the same frequency and bidirectional communication is established. A reverse procedure occurs when the base station receives an incoming call via the terrestrial telephone line.

System for wireless communication between components of a vehicle


A method to optimize use of available storage capacity of a plurality of sequential data storage media, wherein the method provides (M) sequential data storage media each comprising a plurality of blockids, where the (i)th sequential data storage medium comprises an (i)th available storage capacity, and where (M) is greater than or equal to 2, and where (i) is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to (M). The method then receives source data comprising a plurality of segments, determines a quantum of data to store, determines if the quantum of data to store is substantially equal to an (i)th available storage capacity. If the quantum of data to store is substantially equal an (i)th available storage capacity, then the method writes the source data to an (i)th sequential data storage medium.

Computing devices generate information. It is known in the art to store such information using a plurality of data storage media disposed in an automated data storage system. Such data storage systems often comprise a plurality of sequential data storage media, such as for example magnetic tape storage media, disposed in individual portable housings, i.e. cassettes. Sometimes the nominal storage capacity of one or more of those sequential data storage media is not completely utilized, thereby resulting in unused available storage capacity.

Apparatus and method to optimize the available storage capacity of a plurality of sequential data storage media disposed in a data storage system

International Business Machines Corporation


An integrated circuit chip mounting structure includes a chip carrier electrically connected to a circuit board with an integrated circuit chip mounted on the chip carrier. In addition, a thermally conductive device is thermally connected to the chip and a set of compressible support members are provided to transmit a portion of an applied compressive load from the thermally conductive device to the chip and chip carrier.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to a structure and a method for forming an integrated circuit chip carrier structure and more particularly to an integrated circuit chip mounted on a chip carrier with a set of compressible support members that transmit force from a thermally conductive device to the chip carrier.
2. Description of the Related Art
High power electronic devices are often cooled by bonding them to a good thermal conductor. In common configurations, this is accomplished by first joining the front (circuit) side of a flip chip to a substrate or carrier using electrical conductors (e.g., solder balls). A thermal conductor (a heat spreader or heatsink) is then bonded to the back side of the die using curable organic materials or a solder. In either case, the gap between the die and the thermal conductor should be made as thin as possible to minimize the thermal resistance path without impacting the thermal reliability of the structure.
There are several types of LGA interposers in the market. What they have in common is that they have features that align the interposer to the substrate (chip carrier) and features that aligns the interposer to the card/board, and they have a means of keeping the array of electrical contacts in alignment. They types of contacts vary widely, from springs, to organics, to types of buttons. Each of these types of interposers has some minimum load that is required at each contact to achieve and maintain the required electrical performance. The higher the minimum load, the higher the total required load, the more challenging (and sometimes costly) the solution becomes.
In many cases, the substrate is connected to other components (e.g., board, mothercard, etc.) using a compressive load. This load may serve to physically position and electrically connect the substrate to other components (i.e., using an LGA, land grid array interposer). Ideally, the load is applied uniformly on the substrate using the contact area of the chip. However, for designs in which the die is substantially smaller in area than the substrate, placing a load onto the die to affect a compressive load can cause deformation of the substrate, stress in the thermal interface adhesive, stress in the chip and solder interconnections, highly non-uniform LGA loading, and failure of the assembly. The more uniform that load can be generated, the lower the total load is. Some of the design options for generating uniform loads are the means that the load is applied to the chip carrier, the stiffness of that carrier (thickness and material selection), and the stiffness of the backing plate (thickness and material selection). The invention described below provides a solution to this problem by utilizing structures that distributed the load being imparted by the heatsink partially to the chip and partially to the chip carrier.

Method and structure to provide balanced mechanical loading of devices in compressively loaded environments


An example drilling system includes a rotary steerable system (RSS) having an inner shaft configured to rotate during drilling performed by the drilling system. One or more sensors are associated with the inner shaft to obtain one or more readings based on the drilling performed by the RSS. One or more processing devices may receive data based on the sensor readings and process that data in order to generate an output based on the sensor readings. The data may relate to stresses on the inner shaft and the data may be used for purposes including, but not limited to, controlling operation of the RSS in real-time, determining current condition of the RSS, and estimating a potential life expectancy of the RSS.

Directional drilling systems are configurable to control the orientation of a wellbore. In directional drilling—also called horizontal drilling—a non-vertical wellbore is drilled through a formation to reach a target, such as a water reservoir or a hydrocarbon reservoir. Directional drilling systems typically employ specialized downhole equipment to form non-vertical wellbores. A rotary steerable system (RSS) is a type of downhole drilling equipment that may be used for this purpose.
An RSS includes an inner shaft and a drill bit, among other components. The RSS may be controlled via commands provided by a surface computer system. The RSS may respond to those commands by bending the shaft in a specified direction while drilling. The RSS, however, is susceptible to damage caused during its operation or by downhole environmental conditions.

Monitoring operating conditions of a rotary steerable system