In an image recording medium, in which a size of a first electrode layer is smaller than a recording photoconductive layer, image quality is enhanced by preventing an influence of corona discharge at an end portion of the first electrode layer and electric charge injection into the recording photoconductive layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image recording medium including an electric accumulator that accumulates electric charges in a quantity corresponding to an electromagnetic wave irradiated for recording as electric charges for a latent image. The present invention also relates to an image retrieving method and an image retrieving apparatus to retrieve an electrostatic latent image recorded on the image recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventionally-known method for use in medical radiography or the like is a method utilizing, for example, a radiation image recording medium (an electrostatic recorder) as a photoreceptor. The radiation image recording medium, which includes a photoconductor such as a selenium plate sensitive to radiations such as X-rays, is used as an image recording medium having an electric accumulator for accumulating electric charges in a quantity corresponding to irradiated electromagnetic waves for recording as electric charges for a latent image. In the foregoing method, X-rays are irradiated onto the radiation image recording medium to allow the electric charges in a quantity corresponding to the irradiated radiation to be accumulated in the electric accumulator inside the radiation image recording medium, whereby radiation image information is recorded as an electrostatic latent image. Moreover, the radiation image information is retrieved out of the radiation image recording medium by scanning the radiation image recording medium, on which the radiation image information is recorded, with a laser beam or a line light source (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,468, for example). It is possible to attempt reduction of radiation dosage of a test subject and enhancement in diagnostic performance by use of the radiation image recording medium.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-105297 and in Japanese Patent Application No. 10 (1998)-271374, there has already been disclosed a radiation image recording medium which is capable of combining high-speed response upon reading out and efficient extraction of signal charges, a recording apparatus for recording radiation image information on this radiation image recording medium, and an image retrieving method and an image retrieving apparatus for retrieving the radiation image information out of the radiation image recording medium, on which the radiation image information is recorded as the electrostatic latent image.
The method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-105297 includes the steps of using a radiation image recording medium including a first electrode layer which transmits radiation for recording or light emitted by excitation of the radiation, a recording photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of the radiation for recording or the light, a charge transport layer which acts substantially as an insulator with respect to electric charges for a latent image and acts substantially as a conductor with respect to transported electric charges having a reverse polarity to the electric charges for a latent image, a retrieving photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of an electromagnetic wave for retrieval, and a second electrode layer which transmits the electromagnetic wave for retrieval, the radiation image recording medium in which the foregoing constituents are stacked in accordance with the above order of enumeration, irradiating the radiation for recording onto the first electrode layer of the radiation image recording medium, recording radiation image information as an electrostatic latent image by allowing electric charges in a quantity corresponding to the dosage of the irradiated radiation to be accumulated in an electric accumulator formed substantially at an interface between the recording photoconductive layer and the charge transport layer, and obtaining the radiation image information by reading the recorded electrostatic latent image by irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval.
In addition, there has also been disclosed a radiation image recording medium, in which the second electrode layer is a stripe electrode composed of multiple line electrodes arranged in a stripe configuration which transmit the electromagnetic wave for retrieval. The foregoing radiation image recording medium can accumulate the electric charges for a latent image intensively in the electric accumulators corresponding to the respective line electrodes of the stripe electrode. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance sharpness of an image.
In the foregoing radiation image recording medium, if a direct-current voltage is applied such that the first electrode layer is charged as negative electric potential and the second electrode layer is charged as positive electric potential, and if the radiation which passed through an imaging object is irradiated onto the first electrode layer of the above-described radiation image recording medium, then charge pairs are generated on the recording photoconductive layer as corresponding to the dosage of the radiation owing to irradiation of the radiation that passed through the first electrode layer. Accordingly, negative electric charges are accumulated in the electric accumulator as the electric charges for a latent image, and the radiation image is recorded as the electrostatic latent image.
Moreover, if application of the direct-current voltage is discontinued and re-arrangement of electric charges are performed by short-circuiting the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and if the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is subsequently irradiated onto the second electrode layer of the radiation image recording medium, then the electromagnetic wave is transmitted through the second electrode layer and irradiated onto a retrieving photoconductive layer, whereby charge pairs are generated in the retrieving photoconductive layer. Among those charge pairs, positive electric charges are transmitted through the charge transport layer and coupled with negative electric charges accumulated in the electric accumulator. Meanwhile, negative electric charges cause electric discharge owing to re-coupling with positive electric charges that are charged on the second electrode layer. Retrieval of the electrostatic latent image is performed by detecting voltage variation generated between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer owing to the electric discharge, as current variation with a current detection amplifier or the like.
Now, in the above-described radiation image recording medium, if a method such as vacuum deposition is used as a method for providing the first electrode layer on a surface of the recording photoconductive layer, such deposition of an electrode material takes place in a state that the radiation image recording medium is supported via a peripheral portion of the recording photoconductive Layer while the surface of the recording photoconductive layer is facing downward. Accordingly, an area of the first electrode layer to be provided becomes smaller than an area of the recording photoconductive layer by an area equivalent to an area of the peripheral portion. Even if the first electrode layer is provided by use of other fabricating methods, it is still difficult to form the first electrode layer exactly in the same area as the recording photoconductive layer. As a result, a small area without provision of the first electrode layer is incurred on the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the recording photoconductive layer. Meanwhile, if the first electrode layer is provided in the exactly same area as the recording photoconductive layer, then electric discharge against the second electrode layer tends to increase. Therefore, there may be a case that provision of the first electrode layer in a smaller area than the recording photoconductive layer as described above is rather preferred.
However, if the size of the first electrode layer is smaller than the size of the recording photoconductive layer as described above, corona discharge occurs at an end portion of the first electrode layer when a direct-current voltage is applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer upon recording a radiation image. As a result, negative electric charges generated by this discharge are charged on a surface of the peripheral portion of the recording photoconductive layer where the first electrode layer is not provided. The negative electric charges leaking out of the end portion of the first electrode layer are injected into the recording photoconductive layer. Furthermore, the injected negative electric charges are accumulated in the electric accumulator after passing through the recording photoconductive layer. Thereafter, the negative electric charges charged on the surface of the peripheral portion owing to the above-described corona discharge and the negative electric charges accumulated in the electric accumulator owing to injection of the electric charges collectively form electric field distribution between the second electrode layer and the negative charges themselves. Such an electric field distribution will not be deleted but retained even after short-circuiting the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer upon the above-described retrieval. In other words, a virtual image is recorded with respect to the above-described peripheral portion even where the image is not supposed to be recorded originally.
Meanwhile, in the above-mentioned radiation image retrieving apparatus, an electromagnetic wave for retrieval is irradiated linearly in a main scanning direction with a line light source, for example, and then irradiated two-dimensionally over the entire surface of the second electrode layer by scanning in a sub-scanning direction. Alternatively, a beam electromagnetic wave is irradiated by scanning in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, whereby the electromagnetic wave is irradiated two-dimensionally over the entire surface of the second electrode layer. Therefore, when the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is irradiated onto the entire surface of the second electrode layer as described above, the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is also irradiated onto a region of the second electrode layer corresponding to the above-described peripheral portion (a non-imaging portion). Accordingly, charge pairs which are generated in the retrieving photoconductive layer are discharged attributable to the electric field distribution, and such discharge generates a large false image signal. Since such a false image signal is intense, the false image signal affects an image signal to be retrieved from an imaging region, thus causing deterioration of image quality. Moreover, since a false image signal attributable to the negative electric charges charged on the surface of the peripheral portion by the corona discharge has a particularly intense time constant, such a false image signal greatly affects the image signal to be retrieved from the imaging region. In addition, it is impossible to remove the false image signals mixed in the image signal upon retrieval from the imaging region as described above by subsequent image processing or the like.
In consideration of the foregoing problem, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording medium, an image retrieving method and an image retrieving apparatus capable of enhancing image quality of an image without generating the false image signal as described above even in the case where the size of the first electrode layer of the image recording medium is smaller than the size of the recording photoconductive layer as described above.
An image recording medium according to the present invention concerns an image recording medium including a first electrode layer which transmits an electromagnetic wave for recording, a recording photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for recording, an electric accumulator which accumulates electric charges for a latent image generated on the recording photoconductive layer, a retrieving photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of an electromagnetic wave for retrieval, and a second electrode layer which transmits the electromagnetic wave for retrieval, the image recording medium being formed by stacking the foregoing constituents in accordance with the above order of enumeration. Here, the image recording medium is characterized in that a size of the first electrode layer is smaller than the recording photoconductive layer and the recording photoconductive layer thereby includes a peripheral portion on an upper surface thereof on which the first electrode layer is not provided, and a light-shielding film is provided for shielding irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto a non-imaging region of the retrieving photoconductive layer corresponding to the peripheral portion.
Here, the foregoing aspect that the xe2x80x9csize of the first electrode layer is smaller than the recording photoconductive layerxe2x80x9d refers to an aspect that the size of the first electrode layer is smaller than the recording photoconductive layer from a viewpoint of a stacking direction (a direction indicated by an arrow S in FIG. 1) of the respective layers of the image recording medium.
Moreover, the foregoing xe2x80x9cnon-imaging region of the retrieving photoconductive layer corresponding to the peripheral portionxe2x80x9d refers to a region of the retrieving photoconductive layer in the same range as the peripheral portion from the viewpoint of the stacking direction of the image recording medium.
Furthermore, the foregoing xe2x80x9cshielding irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto a non-imaging regionxe2x80x9d refers to an action of shielding the non-imaging region from irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval either entirely or partially.
Furthermore, the foregoing xe2x80x9clight-shielding filmxe2x80x9d may be provided anywhere so far as the light-shielding film can shield the non-imaging region of the retrieving photoconductive layer from irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval. For example, the light-shielding film may be disposed on a face of the retrieving photoconductive layer corresponding to the non-imaging region where the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is irradiated, a surface of the second electrode layer corresponding to the non-imaging region, a surface of a predetermined support corresponding to the non-imaging region if the image recording medium is disposed on the support, or the like.
Furthermore, the image recording medium can be designed in a manner that the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is irradiated onto the second electrode layer two-dimensionally by scanning in a main scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction, and the light-shielding film can be designed to shield at least one of the end regions, which are located at both end portions of the non-imaging portion in the sub-scanning direction, from irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval.
Here, if the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is irradiated from a line light source onto the image recording medium, for example, then the foregoing xe2x80x9cmain scanning directionxe2x80x9d refers to a longitudinal direction of the line light source, and a direction approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is referred to as the xe2x80x9csub-scanning directionxe2x80x9d. Meanwhile, if the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is irradiated onto the image recording medium by scanning with beam light, then the foregoing xe2x80x9cmain scanning directionxe2x80x9d refers to a direction in which the beam light is linearly irradiated and a direction approximately orthogonal to the direction of such linear irradiation is referred to as the xe2x80x9csub-scanning directionxe2x80x9d.
Moreover, the light-shielding film can be also designed to shield irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto an edge portion of an imaging region adjacent to the non-imaging region shielded from irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval.
Here, the foregoing xe2x80x9cimaging regionxe2x80x9d refers to a range of the retrieving photoconductive layer in the same range as the first electrode layer from a view point of the stacking direction of the image recording medium.
Moreover, it is preferable that the foregoing xe2x80x9cend portion of the imaging regionxe2x80x9d is a region within the imaging region where the image therein is less important or a region which is a margin of the image.
An image retrieving method according to the present invention concerns an image retrieving method using an image recording medium, which includes a first electrode layer which transmits an electromagnetic wave for recording, a recording photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for recording, an electric accumulator which accumulates electric charges for a latent image generated on the recording photoconductive layer, a retrieving photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of an electromagnetic wave for retrieval, and a second electrode layer which transmits the electromagnetic wave for retrieval, the image recording medium being formed by stacking the foregoing constituents in accordance with the above order of enumeration. The image retrieving method performs retrieval by irradiating the electromagnetic wave for retrieval two-dimensionally by scanning in a main scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction with respect to the second electrode layer of the image recording medium in which the electric charges for a latent image are accumulated into the electric accumulator thereof by irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for recording, and by obtaining an electric signal at a level corresponding to a quantity of the electric charges for a latent image which are accumulated in the electric accumulator by the irradiation. Here, the image retrieving method is characterized in that a size of the first electrode layer of the image recording medium is smaller than the recording photoconductive layer thereof and the recording photoconductive layer thereby includes a peripheral portion on an upper surface thereof on which the first electrode layer is not provided, and the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated onto a non-imaging region of the second electrode layer corresponding to the peripheral portion.
Here, the foregoing xe2x80x9cnon-imaging region of the second electrode layer corresponding to the peripheral portionxe2x80x9d refers to a region of the second electrode layer in the same range as the peripheral portion from a viewpoint of a stacking direction of the image recording medium.
Moreover, as for the foregoing method in which xe2x80x9cthe electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiatedxe2x80x9d, for example, a power source of a light source or the like, which generates the electromagnetic wave for retrieval, may be turned off not to generate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval. Alternatively, the electromagnetic wave for retrieval may be shielded by a predetermined light-shielding member or the like. Moreover, the method may be carried out in a manner not to irradiate the entirety of the non-imaging region or not to irradiate a part of the non-imaging region.
Moreover, the method can be designed not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto at least one of the end regions located at both end portions of the non-imaging portion in the sub-scanning direction.
Furthermore, the method can be also designed not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto an edge portion of an imaging region adjacent to the non-imaging region on which the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated.
An image retrieving apparatus according to the present invention concerns an image retrieving apparatus which includes: an image recording medium including a first electrode layer which transmits an electromagnetic wave for recording, a recording photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for recording, an electric accumulator which accumulates electric charges for a latent image generated on the recording photoconductive layer, a retrieving photoconductive layer which takes on conductivity by receiving irradiation of an electromagnetic wave for retrieval, and a second electrode layer which transmits the electromagnetic wave for retrieval, the image recording medium being formed by stacking the foregoing constituents in accordance with the above order of enumeration; retrieving light irradiating means for irradiating an electromagnetic wave for retrieval two-dimensionally by scanning in a main scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction with respect to the second electrode layer of the image recording medium in which the electric charges for a latent image are accumulated in the electronic accumulator thereof by irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for recording; and image signal obtaining means for obtaining an electric signal at a level corresponding to a quantity of the electric charges for a latent image which are accumulated in the electric accumulator owing to irradiation of the electromagnetic wave for retrieval by the retrieving light irradiating means. Here, the image retrieving apparatus is characterized in that a size of the first electrode layer of the image recording medium is smaller than the recording photoconductive layer thereof and the recording photoconductive layer thereby includes a peripheral portion on an upper surface thereof on which the first electrode layer is not provided, and the retrieving light irradiating means does not irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto a non-imaging region of the second electrode layer corresponding to the peripheral portion.
Moreover, the retrieving light irradiating means can be designed to include a light-shielding member for shielding the electromagnetic wave for retrieval, and the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated onto the non-imaging region by use of the light-shielding member.
Moreover, the retrieving light irradiating means can be designed not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto at least one of the end regions located at both end portions of the non-imaging portion in the sub-scanning direction.
Furthermore, the retrieving light irradiating means can be designed to include a light-shielding member for shielding the electromagnetic waver for retrieval, and the retrieving light irradiating means can be designed not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto at least one of end regions located at both end portions of the non-imaging portion in the sub-scanning direction by use of the light-shielding member.
Furthermore, the retrieving light irradiating means can be also designed not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto an edge portion of an imaging region adjacent to the non-imaging region on which the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated.
Furthermore, the retrieving light irradiating means can be also designed not to irradiate the electromagnetic wave for retrieval onto an edge portion of an imaging region adjacent to the non-imaging region on which the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated by use of a light-shielding member.
In addition, the image recording medium may further include other layers in addition to the above-described layers.
According to the image recording medium, the image retrieving method and the image retrieving apparatus of the present invention, the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated onto the non-imaging region of the retrieving photoconductive layer corresponding to the peripheral portion where the first electrode layer is not provided on the upper surface of the recording photoconductive layer. Therefore, it is possible to avoid retrieval of a false image signal, which is attributable to corona discharge at an end portion of the first electrode layer and injection of electric charges from the end portion of the first electrode layer into the recording photoconductive layer, whereby a deterioration of an S/N ratio of the image signal under an adverse influence of the false image signal can be prevented and image quality can be thereby enhanced.
Moreover, if the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is arranged not to be irradiated onto at least one of the end regions located at both end portions of the non-imaging region in the sub-scanning direction, then it is possible to avoid retrieval of a false image signal corresponding to the end region of the non-imaging region immediately before scanning the imaging region when the false image signal is particularly apt to affect the image signal. Accordingly, it is possible to attempt further enhancement in image quality.
Moreover, if the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is also arranged not to be irradiated onto the edge region of the imaging region adjacent to the non-imaging region on which the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated, then it is possible to avoid the adverse influence by the false image signal more sufficiently.
Furthermore, according to the image recording medium of the present invention, the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is shielded by the light-shielding film. Therefore, the above-mentioned effects are obtainable with a simple constitution.
Furthermore, according to the image retrieving apparatus of the present invention, if the electromagnetic wave for retrieval is arranged not to be irradiated by use of a predetermined light-shielding member, then the above-mentioned effects are obtainable with a simple constitution of the apparatus.

Image recording medium, image retrieving method and image retrieving apparatus

Abstract: The on and off state of the retrieving light irradiating means is controlled in a manner that an electromagnetic wave for retrieval is not irradiated onto end portions of a non-imaging region of a retrieving photoconductive layer corresponding to a peripheral portion on an upper surface of the recording photoconductive layer where the first electrode layer is not provided, thus avoiding retrieval of a false image signal attributable to corona discharge at the end portion of the first electrode layer and electric charge injection from the end portion of the first electrode layer into the recording photoconductive layer.


The present invention relates in general to equipment for servicing subterranean wells and in particular to a cementing head that is intended to drop a combination of darts, balls, bombs and canisters in order to activate downhole equipment, launch cementing plugs, deliver chemical products, or the like. A cementing head comprises a modular valve apparatus, comprising at least two detatchable parts. This arrangement allows the operator to remove and disassemble the valve apparatus at the wellsite. Thus, repairs and maintenance may be performed at the wellsite and the valve apparatus may be reassembled and reinstalled, obviating the need to transport the equipment to a central facility.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Some embodiments are related in general to equipment for servicing subterranean wells, and in some cases, relate to a cementing head that is intended to drop a combination of darts, balls, bombs or canisters in order to activate downhole equipment, launch cementing plugs, deliver chemical products, or the like.
Tools currently available on the market for downhole services implement a modular design with darts that are preloaded in baskets within the modules. The modules are connected to one another using clamps. The darts are held in place mechanically and released by removing the mechanical obstruction and redirecting the flow of the pumped fluid (hereinafter called "process fluid") through the dart basket. The darts are then forced through the tool by the fluid. The first dart to be launched is placed in the lowest module, with subsequent darts passing through the baskets vacated by the earlier darts.
Darts in prior art designs are launched by blocking the bypass flow of the process fluid and forcing the fluid through the dart chamber. The dart forms an initial seal when placed into the basket. When fluid enters the dart chamber, pressure builds and breaks the seal, forcing the dart out of the basket, through the tool and into the main process-fluid stream.
Some prior art designs consist of modules such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,624,312 and 5,890,537 and UK Patent Application GB 2404210A, incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto. The darts are loaded from the topmost module, through the swivel if necessary, and pushed down to their respective baskets with a long rod. The modules have valves that are used to select between the dart and the bypass flow. The valve itself serves as the mechanical obstruction that prevents the dart from prematurely launching. When the valve is turned, it simultaneously opens a passage for the dart while closing the passage of the bypass flow.
Current valves are manufactured as a single part. Should the valve malfunction or require servicing, the entire cementing head must be returned to a central facility or district for maintenance. Such an occurrence is inconvenient and costly, particularly if the well site is in a remote location, far from the central facility or district. Despite the valuable contributions of the prior art, it therefore remains desirable to provide an improved valve system that can be maintained at the wellsite if necessary.


To perform processing at a high speed to identify some of the structure type definitions in a given definition set to which a received XML document matches. There are provided a decision rule generation section which generates a decision rule for determining to which one of a plurality of DTDs an XML document matches on the basis of unique elements of the DTDs, and a DTD determination section which determines to which one of the plurality of DTDs the XML document to be processed matches on the basis of the decision rule generated by the decision rule generation section.

In the field of information communication through networks, systems in which data, etc., are exchanged by using XML formats are becoming prevalent. Ordinarily, not a single XML document format but a plurality of XML document formats exist as the format of XML documents exchanged as business data, etc., between companies. For example, with respect to a leasing contract system, formats for a quotation request, a contract document, a request item inquiry, etc., are conceivable.
In XML, a format is designated by using a DTD. More specifically, DTD files such as a quotation DTD and a contract DTD are respectively prepared for formats. Although it is technically possible to write a plurality of formats by one DTD but in actuality different DTDs are ordinarily used for a plurality of formats.
In some case, there is a need to recognize the format of an XML document by identifying a DTD to which the XML document matches. For example, in a case where processing according to the contents of a transferred XML document is performed on the XML document, a key for an electronic signature is used according to the format. In such a case, if a DTD has been explicitly designated for the XML document to be processed, it is apparent that the DTD to which the XML document matches can be identified. However, if no explicit designation has been made, processing for actually verifying the XML document with respect to DTDs is required.
In some case, no DTD is designated for XML document. For example, no DTD can be designated in a situation described below. In recent years, system construction through Web services has been spotlighted and such Web services use a simple object access protocol (SOAP) for exchange of XML documents. The SOAP specification functions as an envelop containing an XML document. That is, an XML document is transferred by being wrapped in a SOAP envelop in accordance with a SOAP. A SOAP uses not a DTD but an XML schema as a structure type definition (schema). Therefore, even if an XML document contained in a SOAP envelop matches a predetermined DTD, it is not possible to designate the DTD for the XML document by DOCTYPE declaration. Also in the case of an XML document with an electronic signature, a DTD cannot be designated for the XML document due to the same mechanism.
As described above, if there is a need to identify a DTD for an XML document, and if no DTD is explicitly designated for the XML document to be processed, processing for actually verifying the XML document with respect to DTDs is required to identify a DTD for the XML document.
In the case of an XML document processed in accordance with a SOAP or by processing with an electronic signature, a DTD for this XML document cannot be designated by DOCTYPE declaration. Therefore, processing for actually verifying the XML document with respect to DTDs is also required to identify a DTD for the XML document. In this case, to enable identification of the DTD for the XML document in a processed state, the DTD for the XML document may be described in a SOAP header or the like. However, there is no standard method for designating a DTD.
As described, it is necessary in some case to perform processing for verification with respect to DTDs for recognition of the format of an XML document to be processed. In a case where an XML document to be processed has a multiplicity of formats, however, a process for verifying the XML document with respect to all DTDs is troublesome and time-consuming. The same problem is also encountered with a structure type definition (e.g., the above-mentioned XML schema) other than DTDs.

XML document processing for ascertaining match of a structure type definition

International Business Machines Corporation


A blank for producing a carton and a carton erected from the blank wherein two 180° fold lines of each fold-in panel in the blank and carton extend from a point on a second end edge of such panel substantially midway between first and second side edges thereof to respective ones of points of the intersections of a first end edge thereof and first and second side edges thereof. Each of these two 180° fold lines of the fold-in panels includes first and second compressed areas extending from respective ends of the 180° fold line, and a C-shaped cut extending between the first and second compressed areas. The fold-in panels form part of continuous closure panels of the carton erected from the blank and enable the continuous closure panels to snap shut upon closure and remain closed in a closed position.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,467,682; 6,668,525; 6,886,311 and 6,951,530 disclose a carton, a blank for producing a carton, and methods and apparatus for erecting, closing and sealing a carton. The blank for erecting a carton has fold-in panels that include 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a straight slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the continuous closure panel formed by the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device. The disclosures of the aforementioned U.S. patents are hereby incorporated by reference.
An example of this known carton blank 30 from which a carton can be erected is shown in FIG. 1. Blank 30 includes a first side panel 32 having a first end edge 34, a second end edge 36, a top edge 38 and a bottom edge 40. End edges 34 and 36 are substantially parallel with each other, while top edge 38 and bottom edge 40 are substantially parallel with each other and substantially perpendicular to edges 34 and 36. Blank 30 further includes a first end panel 42 having a first side edge 44, a second side edge 46, a top edge 48, and a bottom edge 50. Carton blank 30 also includes a second side panel 52 having a first end edge 54, a second end edge 56, a top edge 58, and a bottom edge 60. Carton 30 further includes a second end panel 62 having a first side edge 64, a second side edge 66, a top edge 68, and a bottom edge 70. Edges 46, 54, 56, 64 and 66 are substantially parallel with edge 34, while edges 48, 58, and 68 are extensions of edge 38, and edges 50, 60, and 70 are extensions of edge 40.
Carton blank 30 also includes a first top panel 72 having a first side edge 74, a second side edge 76, a first end edge 78, and a second end edge 80. Edges 74 and 76 are substantially parallel with edge 38, and edges 78 and 80 are extensions of edges 34 and 36, respectively. Carton blank 30 includes a first bottom panel 82 having a first side edge 84, a second side edge 86, a first end edge 88, and a second end edge 90. Edges 84 and 86 are substantially parallel with edge 38, while edges 88 and 90 are extensions of edges 34 and 36, respectively. Carton blank 30 also includes a first fold-in panel 92 having a first end edge 94, a second end edge 96, a first side edge 98, and a second side edge 100. Edges 94 and 96 are extensions of edges 74 and 76, respectively, while edges 98 and 100 are extensions of edges 44 and 46, respectively. Carton blank 30 has a second fold-in panel 102 having a first end edge 104, a second end edge 106, a first side edge 108, and a second side edge 110. Edges 104 and 106 are extensions of edges 84 and 86 respectively, while edges 108 and 110 are extensions of edges 44 and 46, respectively. Carton blank 30 includes a second top panel 112 having a first side edge 114, a second side edge 116, a first end edge 118, and a second end edge 120. Edges 114 and 116 are extensions of edges 94 and 96, respectively, while edges 118 and 120 are extensions of edges 54 and 56, respectively. Carton blank 30 includes a second bottom panel 122 having a first side edge 124, a second side edge 126, a first end edge 128, and a second end edge 130. Edges 124 and 126 are extensions of edges 104 and 106, respectively, while edges 128 and 130 are extensions of edges 54 and 56, respectively. Carton blank 30 additionally includes a third fold-in panel 132 having a first end edge 134, a second end edge 136, a first side edge 138, and a second side edge 140. Edges 134 and 136 are extensions of edges 114 and 116, respectively, while edges 138 and 140 are extensions of edges 64 and 66, respectively. Carton blank 30 includes a fourth fold-in panel 142 having a first end edge 144, a second end edge 146, a first side edge 148 and a second side edge 150. Edges 144 and 146 are extensions of edges 124 and 126, respectively, while edges 148 and 150 are extensions of edges 64 and 66, respectively.
First end panel 42 extends from first side panel 32, with first side edge 44 of first end panel 42 joined to second side edge 36 of first side panel 32 to define a 90° fold line. Second side panel 52 extends from first end panel 42, with first end edge 54 joined to second side edge 46 to define a 180° fold line. Second end panel 62 extends from second side panel 52, with first side edge 64 joined to second end edge 56 to define a 90° fold line. First top panel 72 extends from first side panel 32, with first side edge 74 joined to top edge 38 to define a 90° fold line. First bottom panel 82 extends from first side panel 32, with first side edge 84 joined to bottom edge 40 to define a 90° fold line. First fold-in panel 92 extends from first end panel 42, with first end edge 94 joined to top edge 48 to define a 90° fold line and with first side edge 98 joined to second end edge 80 to define a 180° fold line. Second fold-in panel 102 extends from first end panel 42, with first end edge 104 joined to bottom edge 50 to define a 90° fold line and with first side edge 108 joined to second end edge 90 to define a 180° fold line. Second top panel 112 extends from second side panel 52, with first side edge 114 joined to top edge 58 to define a 90° fold line and with first end edge 118 joined to second side edge 100 of first fold-in panel 92 to define a 180° fold line. Second bottom panel 122 extends from second side panel 52, with first side edge 124 joined to bottom edge 60 to define a 90° fold line and with first end edge 128 joined to second side edge 110 of second fold-in panel 102 to define a 180° fold line. Third fold-in panel 132 extends from second end panel 62, with first end edge 134 joined to top edge 68 to define a 90° fold line and with first side edge 138 joined to second end edge 120 of top panel 112 to define a 180° fold line. Fourth fold-in panel 142 extends from second end panel 62, with first end edge 144 joined to bottom edge 70 to define a 90° fold line and with first side edge 148 joined to second end edge 130 of bottom panel 122 to define a 180° fold line.
Each fold-in panel 92, 102, 132, and 142 includes a pair of 180° fold lines 152 which extend from a point on the second end edge 96, 106, 136, 146, of the respective panel substantially midway between the first and second side edges of such panel to respective ones of points at the intersections of the first end edge 94, 104, 134, 144 of the respective panel and the first and second side edges of such panel. The carton blank 30 in the example also includes a sealing strip 154 extending from third fold-in panel 132, second end panel 62, and fourth fold-in panel 142 as depicted in FIG. 1. Sealing strip 154 includes fold lines which are extensions of the 90° fold lines defined by edges 68 and 134 and edges 70 and 144. After carton blank 30 has been manufactured, it is folded 180° on the fold line defined by edges 46, 54, 100, 110, 118, and 128, and sealing strip 154 is sealed to panels 72, 32, and 82, forming the folded carton blank as depicted in FIG. 15 of the aforementioned U.S. patents. Alternatively, sealing strip 154 can be omitted, and panels 132, 62, and 142 sealed to panels 72, 32, and 82 by other means such as a sealing tape. Further, instead of making the folded carton blank in one piece, it can be made in two pieces which are then sealed together, as discussed below with regard to FIG. 11.
FIGS. 2-5 show the form of the 180° fold lines of the known carton blank. Each 180° fold line includes first and second compressed areas 156 which extend from opposite ends of the 180° fold line for a distance of about two inches and which are joined by a straight slit 158. Each compressed area 156 is preferably oval in shape with a maximum width of from about ⅜ inch to about ½ inch for standard packing carton corrugated panels. As can be seen in FIG. 3, each compressed area 156 extends into the material of carton blank 30 a substantial distance, while leaving the adjacent panel portions joined. A protrusion 160 extends from the undersurface of carton blank 30, substantially along the center line of each compressed area 156 to define a fold line. As can be seen in FIG. 4, each slit 158 extends through carton blank 30.
FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which carton blank 30 can be folded 180° as a result of the 180° fold lines formed by compressed areas 156 and slits 158. As can be seen in FIG. 5, as a result of compressed areas 156, the 180° fold is readily made without unduly stressing the carton blank material.
FIGS. 6-10 illustrate the manner in which a carton 162 formed from carton blank 30 can be closed after the carton has been erected and filled. In FIG. 6, carton 162 is illustrated with top panels 72 and 112 and first and second fold-in panels 92 and 132 extending upwardly from their corresponding side panels and end panels together forming a continuous closure panel. FIG. 7 illustrates carton 162 when fold-in panels 92 and 132 are initially folded in on 180° fold lines 152. Top panels 72 and 112 are folded partially together. FIG. 8 depicts carton 162 with the fold-in panels 92 and 132 further folded in and with top panels 72 and 112 folded closer together. FIG. 9 illustrates carton 162 full closed. FIG. 10 shows the closed carton 162 with top panels 72 and 112 sealed together, by a sealing tape 164. Carton 162 can be closed and sealed with the method and apparatus disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. patents or, if desired, carton 162 can be closed and sealed, as well as erected, manually. Manual erecting and closing of carton 162 can be done rapidly by simply pressing on any one of the bottom panels to erect the carton and any one of the top panels to close the carton. Pressing on any one of the bottom panels or of the top panels causes all of the bottom panels or the top panels to fold inwardly, closing the bottom or the top.
Instead of the single piece carton blank 30 of FIG. 1, the carton blank can be formed of two blanks 169 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The two blanks 169 are then positioned one over the other, with one rotated 180° with respect to the other, and the sealing strip of each blank is sealed to the other blank. This construction provides a carton blank 30 just as illustrated in FIG. 15 of the aforesaid U.S. patents.
FIG. 12 depicts another form of carton 162b having a strip 212 of sealing tape affixed to top panel 112 so that when top panels 72 and 112 are closed, the strip will adhere to panel 72, sealing the carton. With this feature, a sealing apparatus is not necessary.
It has been found that the top and bottom panels of cartons erected from these known carton blanks, when closed, have a tendency to spring open from their closed position. There is a need for an improved carton of the above-described type, and an improved carton blank for erecting the carton, which avoids this drawback of the known carton blank and carton.


A physiological signal prediction method includes: collecting a video file, the video file containing long-term videos, and contents of the video file containing data for a face of a single person and true physiological signal data; segmenting a single long-term video into multiple short-term video clips; extracting, by using each frame of image in each of the short-term video clips, features of interested regions for identifying physiological signals so as to form features of interested regions of a single frame; splicing, for each of the short-term video clips, features of interested regions of all fixed frames corresponding to the short-term video clip into features of interested regions of a multi-frame video, and converting the features of the interested regions of the multi-frame video into a spatio-temporal graph; inputting the spatio-temporal graph into a deep learning model for training, and using the trained deep learning model to predict physiological signal parameters.

The rPPG (Remote Photoplethysmography) that has emerged in recent years is a non-contact measurement method, which can be used to measure, for example, human blood volume parameters. Expansion and contraction of capillaries in a normal body will cause changes in blood volume. The amount of hemoglobin and blood oxygen content in blood vessels also varies over time. Considering that hemoglobin absorbs light into the skin, diffuse reflection waves will slightly vary with changes in the blood volume. As can be known from the above, a camera can capture minor periodic fluctuations in the values of red, green and blue waves over time, i.e., pulsatile information about physiological parameters, for measuring physiological signals.
Existing techniques for measuring physiological signals based on rPPG mainly relates to traditional signal processing methods such as independent component analysis (ICA), fast Fourier transform (FFT), wavelet transform (WT).
Patent Application Publication CN105100701A discloses a system and method for increasing accuracy of a physiological signal obtained from a video that monitors desired physiological function of a subject. In one embodiment, image frames of a video are received. Successive batches of image frames are processed. For each batch, pixels associated with an exposed body region of the subject are isolated and processed to obtain a time-series signal. If movement occurred during capture of these image frames that is below a pre-defined threshold level, parameters of a predictive model are updated using this batch's time-series signal. Otherwise, the last updated predictive model is used to generate a predicted time-series signal for this batch. The time-series signal is fused with the predicted time-series signal to obtain a fused time-series signal. The time-series signal for each batch is processed to obtain a physiological signal for the subject corresponding to the physiological function.
Patent Publication CN105190691B relates to a device and method for obtaining a vital sign of a subject despite motion of the subject, in particular for discriminating a vital sign such as a respiratory information signal from noise in a projection based vital signs registration. The proposed device includes: an interface that receives a set of image frames of a subject; an analysis unit that determines the amount of direction changes and/or the time distances between direction changes within an interested region (ROI, Region of Interest) in a subset of image frames comprising a number of image frames of said set, a direction change indicating a change of the direction of motion appearing within said interested region; an evaluation unit that determines if said interested region within said subset of image frames comprises a vital sign information and/or noise by use of the determined amount of direction changes and/or the time distances for said subset of image frames; and a processor that determines the desired vital sign of the subject being included in said interested region within said subset of image frames if it is determined that said interested region within said subset of image frames comprises a vital sign information.

Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences


A method of producing a photovoltaic panel, including the steps of producing a light-transmitting, photovoltaic-element holding member which holds, along a reference surface, a plurality of photovoltaic elements each of which includes a P-type layer and an N-type layer, and forming, on one of opposite sides of the photovoltaic-element holding member, a first electrode which is electrically connected to the respective P-type layers of the photovoltaic elements, and a second electrode which is electrically connected to the respective N-type layers of the photovoltaic elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photovoltaic panel and a method of producing a photovoltaic panel.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Japanese patent document No. 7(1995)-335925 discloses a photovoltaic panel including (a) a transparent, plate-like member including a plurality of photovoltaic elements each of which has a P-N junction between its core portion and its shell portion; (b) a first electrode which is provided on one of opposite sides of the plate-like member and which is electrically connected to the respective shell portions of the photovoltaic elements; and (c) a second electrode which is provided on the other side of the plate-like member and which is electrically connected to the respective core portions of the photovoltaic elements.
The photovoltaic panel disclosed in the above-indicated document receives light on the above-indicated other side of the plate-like member where the second electrode does not fully cover the plate-like member. Since the second electrode does not fully cover a light receiving surface of the plate-like member, light can be incident to the light receiving surface of the plate-like member.
However, the photovoltaic panel disclosed in the above-indicated document has the problem that the second electrode only partly covers the light receiving surface of the plate-like member, i.e., that the light receiving area of the panel is decreased by the provision of the second electrode and accordingly the light incident to the panel cannot be efficiently utilized by the panel.
Japanese patent document No. 7(1995)-335925, indicated above, discloses a photovoltaic-panel producing method including (a) a photovoltaic-element-holding-member forming step of forming a light-transmitting, plate-like member holding a number of photovoltaic elements and (b) an electrode forming step of forming electrodes which are electrically connected to the photovoltaic elements held by the photovoltaic-element holding member formed in the photovoltaic-element-holding-member forming step. In the photovoltaic-element-holding-member forming step of the photovoltaic-panel producing method, the photovoltaic-element holding member is produced by first applying a light-transmitting resin to the photovoltaic elements fixed at respective predetermined positions on a substrate and subsequently curing the resin.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to make it possible to utilize more efficiently light incident to a photovoltaic panel.
It is another object of the present invention to make it possible to produce more easily a photovoltaic-element holding member than the photovoltaic-panel producing method disclosed in the above-indicated document does.
The above object may be achieved according to any one of the following features of the present invention in the form of a photovoltaic panel and a photovoltaic-panel producing method. Each of the following features of the present invention is numbered like the appended claims and depends from the other feature or features, where appropriate, to indicate and clarify possible combinations of technical features. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the technical features or any combinations thereof that will be described for illustrative purposes only. It is to be further understood that a plurality of elements included in any one of the following features of the invention are not necessarily provided all together, and that the invention may be embodied without some of the elements described with respect to each feature.
(1) A method of producing a photovoltaic panel, comprising the steps of:
producing a light-transmitting, photovoltaic-element holding member which holds, along a reference surface, a plurality of photovoltaic elements each of which includes a P-type layer and an N-type layer, and
forming, on one of opposite sides of the photovoltaic-element holding member, a first electrode which is electrically connected to the respective P-type layers of the photovoltaic elements, and a second electrode which is electrically connected to the respective N-type layers of the photovoltaic elements. The reference surface may be a plane surface or a curved surface. The photovoltaic-element holding member may have a generally plate-like shape.
In the photovoltaic-panel producing method according to this feature, the photovoltaic-element holding member holding the photovoltaic elements is produced, and both the first electrode electrically connected to the P-type layers and the second electrode electrically connected to the N-type layers are provided on one of opposite sides of the holding member. That is, neither of the first and second electrodes is provided on the other side of the holding member. Therefore, in the case where the holding member has a light receiving surface on the other side thereof, the photovoltaic panel can efficiently utilize the light incident thereto, without needing to decrease the light receiving area thereof.
(2) A method according to the first feature (1), wherein the step of producing comprises
producing a light-transmitting member which has, along the reference surface, a plurality of photovoltaic-element holding portions, and
holding, with the photovoltaic-element holding portions, the photovoltaic elements, respectively.
The photovoltaic-element holding portions may comprise recesses which are formed in a photovoltaic-element holding surface of a photovoltaic-element holding plate, and those recesses may be formed either mechanically using, e.g., a drill, or chemically.
The photovoltaic-element holding portions may be provided at a predetermined, regular interval of distance. If the distance between each pair of holding portions adjacent to each other is too great, a density of the photovoltaic elements may be too low; and if the distance is too small, a power-generating efficiency of each photovoltaic element may be too low. Thus, the distance is predetermined in view of those factors.
An adhesive may be used to fix the photovoltaic elements to the photovoltaic-element holding portions. In this case, the adhesive is one which can transmit light in its cured state. Alternatively, the photovoltaic elements may be fitted in, and fixed to, the photovoltaic-element holding portions. In the latter case, it is preferred that receiving holes as the holding portions have a size which is somewhat smaller than that of the photovoltaic elements.
(3) A method according to the first or second feature (1) or (2), the step of producing comprises
forming a light-transmitting layer of a light-transmitting material before curing,
embedding at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements in the light-transmitting layer, and
curing the light-transmitting layer in a state in which the at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
In the photovoltaic-panel producing method according to this feature, the light-transmitting layer is formed, and subsequently at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer. Then, the light-transmitting layer is cured to form the photovoltaic-element holding member.
The light-transmitting layer before curing has physical properties which assure that respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the layer, in other words, properties which maintain the state in which the respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the layer. In many cases, the light-transmitting layer is in a half-solid (or gel) state, but in some cases, it is in a liquid state. That the light-transmitting layer is in a state in which the photovoltaic elements can be embedded therein may be expressed in terms of a viscosity, or an elasticity, of the light-transmitting layer.
The light-transmitting layer needs to have physical properties which assure that respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein, just at the time when the embedding step is carried out. However, when the light-transmitting layer is initially formed, the layer may have other physical properties. For example, the layer which has just been formed may have so low a viscosity that the layer cannot maintain a state in which respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein.
When the light-transmitting layer in a state in which respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein is cured, the layer can hold the photovoltaic elements. If at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the layer, the layer can hold the elements. The photovoltaic elements may be entirely embedded in the layer. However, if the elements are not entirely embedded and are partly exposed, the electrodes can be formed easily.
(4) A method according to the third feature (3), wherein the step of embedding comprises
temporarily holding, with a temporarily holding surface of a temporarily holding member, the photovoltaic elements, and
moving the temporarily-holding member holding the photovoltaic elements, toward the light-transmitting layer, till the respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
In the photovoltaic-panel producing method according to this feature, the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member holds the photovoltaic elements, and the temporarily-holding member holding the photovoltaic elements is moved toward the light-transmitting layer, so that at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer. That is, the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer, not directly, but indirectly using the temporarily-holding member. In some cases, the photovoltaic elements can be more easily embedded in the light-transmitting layer before curing, if the elements are temporarily held by the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member, than if the elements are directly embedded at respective predetermined positions (or in a predetermined pattern) in the light-transmitting layer.
In addition, since the temporarily holding member is used, an amount of projection of each of the photovoltaic elements can be changed. For example, the amount of projection of each photovoltaic element can be selected at the least possible amount that can allow the formation of the electrodes. The amount of projection of each of the photovoltaic elements may be selected at a predetermined amount, irrespective of the shape or size of the each element.
If the temporarily holding member is provided by a flat member, the member can be easily operated. However, it is not essentially needed that the temporarily holding member be provided by a flat member. Similarly, the temporarily holding surface may be a plane surface or a curved surface.
In the case where the light-transmitting layer is formed of a photosetting or photocurable material and is cured by light incident to the temporarily holding member, the temporarily holding member is preferably formed of a light-transmitting material. On the other hand, in the case where the light-transmitting layer is formed of a thermosetting material and is heated by heat applied to the temporarily holding member, the temporarily holding member is preferably formed of a material which is excellent to heat transfer. In many cases, the light-transmitting layer can be more easily cured or set by heat applied, or light incident, to the temporarily holding member.
When the photovoltaic elements are temporarily adhered to a plate-like holding member, an adhesive such as an adhesive sheet may be utilized. Preferably, the adhesive has a lower adhesiveness to the photovoltaic elements than its adhesiveness to the light-transmitting layer. In the latter case, when the plate-like member is removed from the light-transmitting layer after the layer is cured to hold the elements, the elements are prevented from coming off the layer.
(5) A method according to the fourth feature (4), wherein the step of moving comprises pressing, in a state in which the photovoltaic elements contact the light-transmitting layer, the temporarily-holding member and the light-transmitting layer against each other.
Since the temporarily-holding member and the light-transmitting layer pressed against each other, the photo photovoltaic elements can be surely embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
(6) A method according to any one of the third to fifth features (3) to (5), wherein the step of forming the light-transmitting layer comprises supplying the light-transmitting material to a container and thereby forming the light-transmitting layer.
In many cases, the light-transmitting layer is formed of a material in a liquid or half-solid state. Accordingly, the layer can be easily formed using the container.
Usually, the container is one that is used for just forming the light-transmitting layer and is not employed as part of the photovoltaic panel. Therefore, after the photovoltaic-element holding member is produced, or after the photovoltaic panel is produced, the container is removed. However, the container may be employed as part of the photovoltaic panel.
In the case where at least a portion of the container is formed of a light-transmitting material, that portion of the container need not be removed. That is, that portion of the container can be deemed as part of the light-transmitting layer, and a rigidity of the photovoltaic panel can be increased by that portion of the container.
In the case where the container is removed after the photovoltaic panel is produced, the container can be used to protect the light-transmitting layer during the production of the panel.
As will be described in DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS, a portion of the container may be utilized as a stopper which defines a limit of movement of the temporarily holding member toward the container.
The container is not essentially needed to form the light-transmitting layer. For example, if the light-transmitting layer is formed of a material having a high viscosity, the container is not needed.
(7) A method according to the first feature (1), wherein the step of producing comprises
arranging, according to a predetermined rule, a plurality of transparent spherical members, along a reference plane, and
holding, with the arranged spherical members, the photovoltaic elements, such that the photovoltaic elements are positioned on the spherical members.
The transparent spherical members may be positioned at respective vertices of a triangle or a rectangle, as shown in FIG. 25 or FIG. 26, respectively, and respective positions of the photovoltaic elements are determined by the respective positions of the spherical members. In the example shown in FIG. 25, each photovoltaic element is supported by three spherical members; and, in the example shown in FIG. 26, each photovoltaic element is supported by four spherical members. The photovoltaic panel (i.e., closest packing) shown in FIG. 25 in which each photovoltaic element is supported by three spherical members enjoys a higher density of photovoltaic elements than that shown in FIG. 26.
Since the spherical members are arranged along a reference plane, i.e., in a single layer, respective positions of the photovoltaic elements are determined by the spherical members. That is, the photovoltaic elements can be positioned at respective desirable positions by selecting the size of the spherical members or the pattern in which the spherical members are positioned.
Preferably, the spherical members are formed of an optical ceramics or an optical resin. In addition, preferably, the spherical members have a higher strength than the photovoltaic elements, but this feature is not essentially needed.
For example, the photovoltaic-element holding member may be produced by first using the spherical members to hold the photovoltaic elements, casting a material before curing, a and then curing the material. Preferably, the material before curing has a lower viscosity than that of the light-transmitting material.
(8) A method according to any one of the fourth to seventh features (4) to (7), wherein the temporarily-holding member is formed of an elastic material, and wherein the step of temporarily holding comprises stretching the temporarily-holding member holding the photovoltaic elements, to change a space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements of the plurality of photovoltaic elements.
The space between each pair of photovoltaic elements adjacent to each other can be increased by stretching the temporarily holding member. An amount of increasing of the space can be changed by changing an amount or proportion of stretching of the temporarily holding member.
For example, in the case where the temporarily holding member holds the photovoltaic elements such that there remains substantially no space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements, a space is produced between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements, by stretching the temporarily holding member. In many cases, arranging the photovoltaic elements such that there remains substantially no space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements, is easier than arranging the elements such that there remains a predetermined space between each pair of adjacent elements, and the photovoltaic elements arranged in the former manner enjoys a higher density than those arranged in the latter manner.
The temporarily holding member can be stretched in one direction only, or in each of two directions that intersect each other, preferably, two directions that are perpendicular to each other.
(9) A photovoltaic panel, comprising:
a plurality of photovoltaic elements each of which includes a P-type layer and an N-type layer;
a first electrode which is provided on one of opposite sides of a first plane intersecting the photovoltaic elements and which is electrically connected to the respective P-type layers of the photovoltaic elements;
a second electrode which is provided on the one of the opposite sides of the first plane and which is electrically connected to the respective N-type layers of the photovoltaic elements; and
a light-transmitting layer which is formed of a light-transmitting material and which is provided on the other side of the first plane and which fills at least a space between the first plane and a second plane which is parallel to the first plane and is tangent to the photovoltaic elements.
In the photovoltaic panel according to this feature, both the first and second electrodes are formed on one of opposite sides of a first plane that intersects the photovoltaic elements, and the light-transmitting layer is formed on the other side of the plane. The light-transmitting layer is formed of a light-transmitting material which fills a space between the first plane and a second plane which is tangent to the photovoltaic elements. Thus, neither of the first and second electrodes are provided on the opposite side on which the light-transmitting layer is provided. Therefore, if light is incident to the light-transmitting layer, the photovoltaic panel can efficiently utilize the light incident thereto, without needing to decrease its light receiving area.
The material used to form the light-transmitting layer may be an optical ceramics or an optical resin. Preferably, the material is excellent with respect to light transmittance and is free of yellowing. More preferably, the material is excellent with respect to weather resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation, and has a mechanical strength higher than a certain degree. More preferably, the material is excellent with respect to moldability or formability. The material may be toughened glass, acrylic resin, urethane resin, polycarbonate resin, or unsaturated-polyester resin.
Since the photovoltaic elements are held by the light-transmitting layer, the light-transmitting layer may be called as a photovoltaic-element holding layer.
(10) A photovoltaic panel according to the ninth feature (9), wherein the first plane divides each of the photovoltaic elements into a first portion whose volume is smaller than 50% of a volume of the each photovoltaic element, and a second portion whose volume is greater than 50% of the volume, and wherein the light-transmitting layer is provided on the other side of the first plane on which the respective second portions of the photovoltaic elements are located.
The more portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer, the less likely the elements are to come off the layer. In view of this, it is desirable that the more portions of the photovoltaic elements be embedded. More specifically described, it is preferred that not less than 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% of each photovoltaic element be embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
Electric power is generated at the P-N junction of each photovoltaic element. In the case where light is incident to respective portions of the respective P-N junctions of the photovoltaic elements that are embedded in the light-transmitting layer, and electric power is generated at those portions, it is preferred that more portions of the P-N junctions be embedded in the layer.
However, it cannot be said in all cases that the more portions of the P-N junctions are embedded, the more efficiently the electric power is generated. How effectively the photovoltaic elements are embedded depends on the direction in which light is incident to the photovoltaic panel, and/or the shape of the photovoltaic elements. When light is incident to the photovoltaic panel in a certain direction or directions, a portion of each photovoltaic element may be shaded by another portion of the same. In the case where each photovoltaic element has a generally spherical shape and somewhat more than 50% of the each element is embedded in the light-transmitting layer, at least half the each element can be utilized to generate electric power, irrespective of which side of the photovoltaic panel the light may be incident to.
In order to form the electrodes, it is required that some portion of each photovoltaic element remain not embedded in the light-transmitting layer. In view of this, it is preferred that not more than 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, or 80% of each photovoltaic element be embedded in the layer.
(11) A photovoltaic panel according to the ninth or tenth feature (9) or (10), wherein the light-transmitting layer has a shape having two plane surfaces parallel to each other, and wherein one of the two plane surfaces is substantially parallel to the first plane and the other plane surface is substantially parallel to the second plane.
According to this feature, since the light-transmitting layer has a generally flat shape, the photovoltaic panel can be used with ease.
In addition, since the light receiving surface may be provided by a plane surface, the light is prevented from being scattered by the light receiving surface.
Moreover, an angle of incidence of the light to the photovoltaic panel can be easily changed.
(12) A method of producing a photovoltaic panel, comprising the steps of:
producing a light-transmitting, photovoltaic-element holding member which holds a plurality of photovoltaic elements along a reference surface, and
forming at least one electrode which is electrically connected to the photovoltaic elements held by the photovoltaic-element holding member,
wherein the step of producing comprises
forming a light-transmitting layer of a light-transmitting material before curing,
embedding at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements in the light-transmitting layer, and
curing the light-transmitting layer in a state in which the at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
In the photovoltaic-panel producing method according to this feature, the light-transmitting layer is formed of a light-transmitting material before curing, and respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer. Then, the light-transmitting layer is cured to produce a photovoltaic-element holding member. The present method can more easily produce the photovoltaic-element holding member than the conventional method in which, after a light-transmitting resin is applied to photovoltaic elements, the resin is cured.
The light-transmitting layer before curing has physical properties which allow respective portions of the photovoltaic elements to be embedded therein, that is, properties which maintain a state in which respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein. It can also be said that the light-transmitting layer before curing has physical properties which assure that the layer is deformed while keeping close contact with the photovoltaic elements. Because of the physical properties of the light-transmitting layer, the layer behaves like a fluid (i.e., is deformed) and respective portions of the photovoltaic elements can be embedded in the layer. In many cases, the light-transmitting layer is in a half-solid (or gel) state, but in some cases, it is in a liquid state. That the light-transmitting layer is in a state in which the photovoltaic elements can be embedded therein may be expressed in terms of a viscosity, or an elasticity, of the light-transmitting layer.
The light-transmitting layer needs to have physical properties which assure that respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein, just at the time when the embedding step is carried out. However, when the light-transmitting layer is initially formed, the layer may have other physical properties. For example, the layer which has just been formed may have so low a viscosity that the layer cannot maintain a state in which respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein.
When the light-transmitting layer is cured in a state in which respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein, the layer can hold the photovoltaic elements. If at least respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the layer, the layer can hold the elements.
(13) A method according to the twelfth feature (12), wherein the step of embedding comprises embedding more than 50% of a volume of each of the photovoltaic elements, in the light-transmitting layer.
The more portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer, the less likely the elements are to come off the layer. In view of this, it is desirable that the more portions of the photovoltaic elements be embedded. More specifically described, it is preferred that not less than 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% of each photovoltaic element be embedded in the light-transmitting layer. In order to form the electrodes, it is required that some portion of each photovoltaic element remain not embedded in the light-transmitting layer. In view of this, it is preferred that not more than 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, or 80% of each photovoltaic element be embedded in the layer.
(14) A method according to the twelfth or thirteenth feature (12) or (13), wherein the step of embedding comprises embedding more than 50% of an area of junction of a P-type layer and an N-type layer of each of the photovoltaic elements, in the light-transmitting layer.
(15) A method according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth features (12) to (14), wherein the step of embedding comprises embedding, in the light-transmitting layer, the photovoltaic elements such that an electric-power generating efficiency per unit area of the photovoltaic panel is higher than a predetermined value.
Electric power is generated at the P-N junction of each photovoltaic element. In the case where light is incident to respective portions of the respective P-N junctions of the photovoltaic elements that are embedded in the light-transmitting layer, and electric power is generated at those portions, it is preferred that more portions of the P-N junctions be embedded in the layer.
However, it cannot be said in all cases that the more portions of the P-N junctions are embedded, the more efficiently the electric power is generated. How effectively the photovoltaic elements are embedded depends on the direction in which light is incident to the photovoltaic panel, and/or the shape of the photovoltaic elements. When light is incident to the photovoltaic panel in a certain direction or directions, a portion of each photovoltaic element may be shaded by another portion of the same. In the case where electric power is generated by light incident through the light-transmitting layer and each photovoltaic element has a generally spherical shape, it is preferred that somewhat more than 50% of the each element be embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
(16) A method according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth features (12) to (15), wherein the step of curing comprises at least one of heating the light-transmitting layer, cooling the light-transmitting layer, and exposing the light-transmitting layer to light.
The material used to form the light-transmitting layer is cured after the photovoltaic elements are embedded therein. Some materials are heated for curing; some materials are cooled for curing; and other materials are exposed to light, such as ultraviolet rays or light containing ultraviolet rays, for curing.
The materials that are cured by heating are, e.g., thermosetting resins; the materials that are cured by cooling are, e.g., glass; and the materials that are cured by light are, e.g., photocurable resins (or photosensitive resins). In each case, it is preferred that the material be excellent with respect to not only light transmittance but also heat resistance and weather resistance.
The thermosetting resins are, e.g., UV-curable acrylic resins or UV-curable urethane resins.
(17) A method according to any one of the twelfth to sixteenth features (12) to (16), wherein the step of embedding comprises
temporarily holding, with a temporarily holding surface of a temporarily holding member, the photovoltaic elements,
moving the temporarily-holding member holding the photovoltaic elements, toward the light-transmitting layer, till the respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer.
In the producing method according to this feature, the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member holds a number of photovoltaic elements, and the temporarily-holding member holding the photovoltaic elements is moved toward the light-transmitting layer, so that respective portions of the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer. That is, the photovoltaic elements are embedded in the light-transmitting layer, not directly, but indirectly using the temporarily-holding member. In some cases, the photovoltaic elements can be more easily embedded in the light-transmitting layer before curing, if the elements are temporarily held by the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member, than if the elements are directly embedded at respective predetermined positions (or in a predetermined pattern) in the light-transmitting layer.
If the temporarily holding member is provided by a flat member, the member can be easily operated. However, it is not essentially required that the temporarily holding member be provided by a flat member. Similarly, the temporarily holding surface may be either a plane surface or a curved surface.
In the case where the light-transmitting layer is formed of a photocurable material and is cured by light incident to the temporarily holding member, the temporarily holding member is preferably formed of a light-transmitting material. On the other hand, in the case where the light-transmitting layer is formed of a thermosetting material and is heated by heat applied to the temporarily holding member, the temporarily holding member is preferably formed of a material which is excellent to heat transfer. In many cases, the light-transmitting layer can be more easily cured or set by heat applied, or light incident, to the temporarily holding member.
(18) A method according to the sixteenth feature (16), wherein the step of temporarily holding comprises temporarily fixing the photovoltaic elements to an adhesive layer which is formed on the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member.
The adhesive layer needs to hold just temporarily the photovoltaic elements, and need not hold the same for a long time. The adhesive layer is, e.g., a transparent adhesive sheet.
(19) A method according to the seventeenth or eighteenth feature (17) or (18), wherein the step of temporarily holding comprises temporarily holding, with an arranging member, the photovoltaic elements on the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member.
Since the arranging member is used, the photovoltaic elements can be positioned at respective desired positions on the temporarily holding surface of the temporarily holding member. In addition, the arranging member may be used to define a distance between each pair of photovoltaic elements adjacent to each other.
The arranging member may be one which has a number of openings.
(20) A method according to the seventeenth or eighteenth feature (17) or (18), wherein the temporarily-holding member is formed of an elastic material, and wherein the step of temporarily holding comprises stretching the temporarily-holding member holding the photovoltaic elements, to change a space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements of the plurality of photovoltaic elements.
The space between each pair of photovoltaic elements adjacent to each other can be increased by stretching the temporarily holding member. An amount of increasing of the space can be changed by changing an amount or proportion of stretching of the temporarily holding member.
For example, in the case where the temporarily holding member holds the photovoltaic elements such that there remains substantially no space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements, a space is produced between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements, by stretching the temporarily holding member. In many cases, arranging the photovoltaic elements such that there remains substantially no space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements, is easier than arranging the elements such that there remains a predetermined space between each pair of adjacent elements, and the photovoltaic elements arranged in the former manner enjoys a higher density than those arranged in the latter manner.
The temporarily holding member may be stretched in one direction only, or in each of two directions that intersect each other, preferably, two directions that are perpendicular to each other.
(21) A method according to the twentieth feature (20), wherein the step of moving the temporarily-holding member comprises moving the temporarily-holding member toward the light-transmitting layer, while preventing contraction of the temporarily-holding member stretched.
In the case where the temporarily-holding member is provided by an elastic member which is not plastically deformed when being stretched by an external force, i.e., which is used within a range of elastic deformation, the temporarily-holding member contracts because of its elastic force, if the external force is removed. Hence, the temporarily-holding member is kept stretched to prevent its contraction.
(22) A method according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-first features (17) to (21), wherein the step of temporarily holding comprises
arranging, in a container, the photovoltaic elements into a single layer such that the photovoltaic elements contact with each other, and
pressing the temporarily holding member against the photovoltaic elements arranged in the single layer in the container.
For example, if the photovoltaic elements are supplied to the container which is being vibrated, the spaces among the photovoltaic elements can be reduced and can be easily packed such that there is substantially no space between each pair of adjacent photovoltaic elements. In the photovoltaic-panel producing method according to this feature, the density of the photovoltaic elements held by the temporarily holding member can be easily increased.
(23) A method according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-second features (17) to (22), wherein the step of moving comprises pressing, in a state in which the photovoltaic elements contact the light-transmitting layer, the temporarily-holding member and the light-transmitting layer against each other.
When the temporarily-holding member and the light-transmitting layer are pressed against each other, the photovoltaic elements can be easily forced into the light-transmitting layer. To this end, it is preferred to employ a stopper which defines a limit of movement of the temporarily-holding member and the light-transmitting layer toward each other. In the latter case, it is possible to embed appropriately the photovoltaic elements in the light-transmitting layer.
Meanwhile, it is possible to carry out concurrently the curing step and the pressing step. In the case where the light-transmitting layer is cured slowly, the photovoltaic elements can be embedded in the light-transmitting layer being cured.
(24) A method according to any one of the seventeenth to twenty-third features (17) to (23), wherein the step of producing further comprises removing, after the step of curing, the temporarily holding member from the light-transmitting layer cured.
After the light-transmitting layer is cured, the temporarily-holding member is removed from the layer to provide the photovoltaic-element holding member.
(25) A method according to any one of the twelfth to twenty-fourth features (12) to (24), wherein the step of forming the light-transmitting layer comprises supplying the light-transmitting material to a container and thereby forming the light-transmitting layer.
In many cases, the light-transmitting layer is formed of a material in a liquid or half-solid state. Accordingly, the light-transmitting layer can be easily formed using the container.
Usually, the container is used for just forming the light-transmitting layer and is not used as part of the photovoltaic panel. Therefore, after the photovoltaic-element holding member is produced, or after the photovoltaic panel is produced, the container is removed. However, the container may be employed as part of the photovoltaic panel.
In the case where at least a portion of the container is formed of a light-transmitting material, that portion of the container need not be removed. That is, that portion of the container can be deemed as part of the light-transmitting layer, and a rigidity of the photovoltaic panel can be increased by that portion of the container.
In the case where the container is removed after the photovoltaic panel is produced, the container can be used to protect the light-transmitting layer during the production of the photovoltaic panel. As will be described in DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS, a portion of the container may be utilized as a stopper which defines a limit of movement of the temporarily holding member toward the container.
The container is not essentially needed to form the light-transmitting layer. For example, if the light-transmitting layer is formed of a material having a high viscosity, the container is not needed.
(26) A method according to any one of the twelfth to twenty-fifth features (12) to (25), wherein the step of forming the at least one electrode comprises forming two electrodes on one of opposite sides of the photovoltaic-element holding member.
(27) A method according to any one of the twelfth to twenty-fifth features (12) to (25), wherein the step of forming the at least one electrode comprises forming two electrodes on opposite sides of the photovoltaic-element holding member, respectively.
An electrode connected to respective P-type layers of the photovoltaic elements, and an electrode connected to respective N-type layers of the elements may be both provided on one of opposite sides of the photovoltaic-element holding member, or may be respectively provided on the opposite sides of the holding member. In the latter case, one electrode which is provided on one side of the holding member to which light is incident is formed to cover only a portion of the light receiving surface of the holding member so that the light is efficiently utilized by the photovoltaic elements, or is formed of a transparent material.

Photovoltaic panel and method of producing same


An image processing device for displaying an image in high quality on color image display using fixed pixels. The image processing device causes a display device making pixels of R, G and B arranged inside each of a plurality of areas on a screen emit light to display a designated color in unit areas. A signal generation circuit determines a pixel of which an arrangement position is not matched with a reference position of the unit area used for reference by a first pixel signal as a target to be interpolated among pixels of R, G and B, generates a second pixel signal which uses the arrangement position of the pixel to be interpolated as a reference on the basis of the first pixel signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing device used for a color image display used with fixed pixels and an image processing method used for the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A color image display device used with fixed pixels such as a liquid crystal display or plasma display panel (PDP) has a plurality of unit areas which are provided in a matrix in a two-dimensional display region and in which pixels of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) (fixed pixels) are arranged continuously or with adjoining respectively.
For example, each of the pixels of R, G and B is formed with a pixel region of a stripe or mosaic shape in the unit area.
The color image display device makes the R pixel emit light on the basis of an R signal, the G pixel emit light on the basis of a G signal, and the B pixel emit light on the basis of a B signal. An emission of Light of the pixels of R, G and B placed in the unit area is visible as a color mixed them, so a designated color is displayed in the unit area.
Note that, the R, G and B signals are generated so as to respectively make a center of the unit area as a reference.

Image processing device and image processing method


The invention relates to a firing capsule for the gas generator of a passenger restraint system in a motor vehicle, especially for the gas generator of an inflatable impact protection cushion (airbag), in which the electrical energy necessary for detonating the igniting agent is inductively coupled into the firing capsule from the outside by means of alternating magnetic fields. The secondary circuit located in the firing capsule is formed by a closed resistance wire which is applied to a carrier plate of insulating or poorly conductive material.

The invention relates to an inductively activatable firing capsule for the gas generator of a passenger restraint system in a motor vehicle as claimed in the preamble of claim 1.
One such firing capsule is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,972 A. In this prior art a transformer is connected to the trigger circuit and electrically isolates the firing capsule from the trigger current source. GB 1 416 095 A describes a firing capsule in which the electrical energy necessary for the detonation process is likewise inductively coupled in. For this reason, outside the firing capsule there is a primary winding, while in the interior of the capsule there is a secondary winding. The two ends of the secondary winding spaced apart from one another dip into an electrically conductive igniting agent which is caused to explode by current flowing through it. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,093 discloses an inductively activatable firing capsule for different applications in which the secondary winding within the capsule is applied to a core and the ends of the secondary winding are connected by a resistance wire which penetrates the igniting agent.
The object of the invention is to develop an inductively activatable firing capsule of the initially mentioned type such that misfires as a result of broken or corroded resistance wires are reliably avoided.
This object is achieved by the inductively activatable firing capsule with the features cited in claim 1. Advantageous developments and embodiments are given in the dependent claims.
The inventive idea is to replace the thin, fracture-endangered resistance wire of conventional firing capsules by an especially simple and at the same time invulnerable construction.
The invention is detailed below using embodiments.

Ignition capsule, which can be inductively activated, for occupant restraint systems, and a test circuit for said ignition capsule


An apparatus including a display, an input unit and a processor connected to the display and input unit, the processor being configured to recognize an input and embed at least one effect, in response to the input, into a video feed transmitted from the apparatus.

1. Field
The disclosed embodiments relate to user interfaces and, more particularly, to user interfaces for communicating with other devices.
2. Brief Description of Related Developments
When people speak with each other non-verbal communication such as body movement, hand and face gestures play a large part in the conversation. Hand and face gestures may indicate to others an emotional state of the speaker. For example, when the speaker has a frown on his/her face it generally means that the speaker is sad or upset. When the speaker is smiling it generally means the speaker is in a happy mood. Likewise, when the speaker is frantically waving his/her arms when speaking there may be an indication that the user is excited in some way.
As the individual lifestyles becomes increasingly busy there is less time to sit with friends and family to have a face to face conversation. In addition, people living far away from each other may not be able to have face to face conversations with others. As such, more and more people are using communication devices to hold conversations, as opposed to a face to face talk, to communicate with co-workers, friends, family and the like. However, non-verbal communication such as body movement, hand and facial gestures may be lacking from the conversation. These non-verbal communications are an important part of a conversation as they may indicate to a listener the emotional state of the speaker, they may emphasize what the speaker is saying and the like.
Video calls may be used to enable individuals who are unable to have a conventional face to face conversation (e.g. a conversation where the individuals are physically located next to each other) to converse while looking at each other. However, in video calls usually only the face of the participants are shown on the display of the receiving device. Any facial expressions that do appear on the display of the receiving device may be misinterpreted or hard to see because of, for example, poor display resolution or a small display size, represented on the display at the wrong time due to network lag, and the like. Also due to the limited display size the body movements such as hand gestures may not be visible to the participants of the video call.
It would be advantageous to supplement the video feed in a video call with visualizations that coincide with the content of the call in a manner that is clear to a participant of the call.