A sheet-fed printing press comprises a running transport chain, gripper devices supported by the transport chain and each having a gripper and a gripper pad for gripping a sheet, an inspection device for inspecting the sheet gripped and transported by the gripper devices, and a suction table having a guide surface for guiding the sheet at a position of inspection, and suction holes for spreading the sheet along the guide surface. Suction taper plates each having an inclined surface, which gradually decreases the distance between the gripper pads and the guide surface from an upstream side toward a downstream side of the guide surface in the sheet transport direction, are provided on the downstream side of the guide surface at predetermined intervals in the sheet width direction. Grooves, through which the grippers pass, are interposed among the suction taper plates.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-33207 filed on Feb. 9, 2001 including specification, claims, drawings and summary is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a sheet-fed printing press equipped with an inspection unit for checking the printing quality of a sheet-like material.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a sheet-fed printing press is equipped with an inspection unit for checking the printing quality of a sheet (or sheet-like material) printed by a printing unit. In the inspection unit, a sheet being transported by a transport chain toward a pile board of a delivery unit after being printed by the printing unit is sucked onto a guide surface of a suction table. On the guide surface, the sheet is spread as uniformly as possible (so that it becomes substantially wrinkle/crease fuss), and the printed surface of the sheet is photographed by a picture taking device, such as a CCD camera. A control device compares signals from the picture taking device with prescribed quality standards. Sheets which meet the quality standards, and sheets which do not meet the quality standards are separated, and delivered onto predetermined pile boards (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-254091).
The above-described sheet-fed printing press, however, has required that a clearance needs to be provided between the guide surface of the suction table and the front ends of gripper devices (chain gripper devices), which are supported by the transport chain to grip the sheet, in order that the gripper devices and the suction table will not interfere with each other during travel of the gripper devices.
As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), a printed sheet W travels on a guide surface 101 of the suction table, with a leading edge Wa of the sheet W being gripped by a gripper 100a and a gripper pad 100b of a gripper device 100. If the sucking force of the suction table is weak when the sheet W is photographed with a CCD camera 102 of an inspection unit, the sheet W cannot be spread on (sucked by) the guide surface 101 of the suction table. As a result, the sheet makes an unstable motion, thereby affecting the picture taking of the CCD camera 102 of the inspection unit. To avoid this situation, the sucking force of the suction table needs to be increased in order to spread (suck) the sheet W reliably on (onto) the guide surface 101 of the suction table, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).
In taking a picture of the sheet W by the CCD camera 102 of the inspection unit while increasing the sucking force of the suction table, there is a distance between the gripper pad 100b and the guide surface 101, as stated earlier, and the sheet W is transported in a state as shown in FIG. 4(a) or 4(b), although the state of transport differs according to each sheet W. Assume that the sheet W is to be photographed by the CCD camera 102 in the state of FIG. 4(a). Compared with the sheet W transported in the state of FIG. 4(a), the sheet W transported in the state of FIG. 4(b) falls into a state such that a trailing edge Wb of the sheet W extends beyond a detection area E (i.e., the trailing edge Wb recedes). Thus, the sheet W may be judged to be a defective sheet, although it is a normal sheet. (A similar problem occurs in the opposite case, in which the trailing edge Wb enters the detection area E too much.) On the other hand, the leading edge Wa of the sheet W transported in the state of FIG. 4(a) is bent in the form of a crank (nearly at right angles), thus making sheet jogging poor at the delivery unit.
As a countermeasure, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-034891 proposes a technique which comprises: providing grooves, corresponding to the travel paths of the grippers, in the suction table; designing the transport path of the sheet, which is transported by the gripper devices (concretely, the transport path is at the same height as the height of the gripper pad of the gripper device), to be at nearly the same height as the guide surface of the suction table; and inserting the grippers of the gripper devices into the grooves to avoid the interference of the grippers with the suction table, while causing the entire surface of the sheet gripped by the gripper devices to be sucked onto and spread along the guide surface to prevent the instable motion of the sheet, thereby decreasing inspection errors.
With the sheet-fed printing press disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-034891, however, while the sheet is traveling on the guide surface of the suction table, the sheet is rubbed against the edges of the grooves and scratched thereby. Particularly in a perfecting press, the sheet is instantaneously turned into a wasted sheet. Moreover, the sheet is deformed into a corrugated shape because of the grooves discretely present in a sheet width direction. Thus, high accuracy inspection could not be performed.
The present invention has been proposed in consideration of the above-described circumstances. It is the object of the invention to provide a sheet-fed printing press capable of effectively suppressing behaviors of a leading edge of a sheet-like material gripped by gripper devices to make a highly accurate inspection.
According to the present invention, there is provided a sheet-fed printing press comprising:
a transport chain;
gripper devices supported by the transport chain and each having a gripper and a gripper pad for gripping a sheet-like material;
an inspection device for inspecting the sheet-like material gripped and transported by the gripper devices; and
a sheet-like material guide member having a guide surface for guiding the sheet-like material at a position of inspection by the inspection device, and a suction hole for spreading the sheet-like material along the guide surface, and wherein
an inclined portion, which gradually decreases a distance between the gripper pads and the guide surface from an upstream side toward a downstream side of the guide surface in a sheet-like material transport direction, is provided on the downstream side of the guide surface, and
groove portions, through which the grippers pass, are formed in the inclined portion.
According to this feature, behaviors of the leading edge of the sheet-like material gripped by the gripper devices can be suppressed effectively. Thus, inspection errors can be decreased to increase the accuracy of inspection. Moreover, the sheet-like material is minimally deformed, effectively preventing scratches and performing satisfactory sheet jogging.
In the sheet-fed printing press, a suction hole for spreading the sheet-like material along a guide surface of the inclined portion may be provided in the guide surface or groove portions of the inclined portion. Thus, the leading edge of the sheet-like material is further stabilized to increase the accuracy of inspection.
In the sheet-fed printing press, an inspection surface for inspection by the inspection device may comprise the guide surface of the sheet-like material guide member and the guide surface of the inclined portion.
In the sheet-fed printing press, the inclined portion may comprise strip-shaped portions disposed at predetermined intervals in a sheet width direction, and the predetermined intervals may define the groove portions.
In the sheet-fed printing press, the inclined portion may be supported by the guide surface of the sheet-like material guide member.
In the sheet-fed printing press, the transport chain may support a plurality of gripper devices.
In the sheet-fed printing press, the sheet-like material guide member may include a plurality of groove portions.

Sheet-like material guiding device of a sheet-fed printing press


In an energy subtraction processing for radiation images conducted by use of stimulable phosphor sheets, a characteristic value of a difference signal obtained by a subtraction processing of digital image signals detected from the stimulable phosphor sheets carrying radiation images stored therein is calculated. When the difference signal is subjected to a gradation processing, the characteristic value is made to correspond to a predetermined density of a reproduced image by uniformly converting the difference signal or by correcting a gradation conversion table used for the gradation processing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of correcting the density of a subtraction image obtained by a subtraction processing of radiation images, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. This invention particularly relates to a method of correcting the density of a subtraction image obtained by a digital subtraction processing of radiation images conducted by use of stimulable phosphor sheets so that the density range of the subtraction image becomes always the same, and an apparatus for carrying out the method.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, a digital subtraction processing method is used for processing radiation images. In the method, two radiation images recorded under conditions different from each other are photoelectrically read out to obtain digital image signals, which are then subjected to a subtraction processing with respect to the corresponding picture elements of the images, thereby to obtain a difference signal for forming an image of a specific structure contained in the radiation images. The method makes it possible to reproduce a radiation image of only the specific structure by use of the signal thus obtained.
Basically, subtraction processing is classified into the so-called temporal (time difference) subtraction processing method and the so-called energy subtraction processing method. In the former method, the image of a specific structure is extracted by subtracting the image signal of a radiation image obtained without injection of contrast media from the image signal of a radiation image in which the image of the specific structure is enhanced by the injection of contrast media. In the latter method, an object is exposed to radiations having energy distributions different from each other to obtain two radiation images respectively containing the images of a specific structure recorded on the basis of the intrinsic radiation energy absorption characteristics of the specific structure. Then, the image signals of the two radiation images are weighted appropriately when necessary, and subjected to subtraction to extract the image of the specific structure.
Since subtraction processing is extremely effective for diagnostic purposes in image processings for medical X-ray photographs, it has recently attracted much attention, and research has continued to develop improved methods by use of electronic technology. The processing technique is specifically called the digital subtraction processing method, or more commonly, digital radiography (abbreviated as "DR").
A novel digital subtraction processing method has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 58(1983)-163340. The method comprises the steps of (i) using two or more stimulable phosphor sheets exhibiting an extremely wide latitude of exposure to a radiation, (ii) exposing the stimulable phosphor sheets to the radiation passing through the same object under different conditions to have radiation images of the object stored in the stimulable phosphor sheets, image information on the specific structure being different between the radiation images, (iii) detecting the radiation images by scanning with stimulating rays to obtain digital image signals, and (iv) conducting a digital subtraction processing by use of the digital image signals. The stimulable phosphor sheets comprise a stimulable phosphor which is able to store a part of the radiation energy when exposed to a radiation such as X-rays, .alpha.-rays, .beta.-rays, .gamma.-rays, cathode rays or ultraviolet rays, and then emits light in proportion to the stored energy of the radiation when exposed to stimulating rays such as visible light, as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,264. The stimulable phosphor sheets exhibit an extremely wide latitude of exposure and a markedly high resolving power. Therefore, when the digital subtraction processing is conducted by use of the radiation images stored in the stimulable phosphor sheets, it is possible to obtain a radiation image having an improved image quality, particularly a high diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, regardless of the amount of radiation to which the stimulable phosphor sheets are exposed.
The stimulable phosphor sheets can also be used for the aforesaid energy subtraction processing. However, when difference signals obtained by the subtraction processing are directly used for reproducing images, the density range (or luminance range when the images are reproduced on a cathode ray tube) becomes different among the reproduced images. This is because image signals detected from two or more radiation images for the subtraction processing are caused to fluctuate by any fluctuation in sensitivity of the stimulable phosphor sheets, fluctuation in sensitivity of the image readout apparatus, fluctuation in radiation exposure dose at the radiation image recording step, or the like. The difference signal obtained by the subtraction processing is very weak. Therefore, when the image signals fluctuate as described above, the level of the fluctuation component in the difference signal obtained from the image signals becomes markedly higher than the level of the correct signal component, and the density range of the subtraction image reproduced by use of the difference signal fluctuates largely. As a result, the subtraction image often becomes unsuitable for viewing, particularly for diagnostic purposes, so that it is not always possible to carry out correct diagnosis, for example, by comparing many subtraction images.
In order to obtain radiation images for the energy subtraction processing conducted by use of the stimulable phosphor sheets, i.e. radiation images wherein the image information on a specific structure is different, radiation energy to which the stimulable phosphor sheets are exposed may be changed by changing the tube voltage of the radiation source. Alternatively, a filter for changing the energy distribution of the radiation may be inserted between the radiation source and the object, or any other known method may be used. Also, the radiation images may be recorded by a single radiation exposure operation by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet-filter stack or the like as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 57(1982)-193765. This application has a U.S. equivalent, application Ser. No. 883,429, filed July 15, 1986 and commonly assigned with the present application. Ser. No. 883,429 is a continuation of Ser. No. 548,486, filed Nov. 3, 1983, now abandoned.

Density correcting method and apparatus for subtraction image


The invention relates to an infusion apparatus for use in combination with an infusion bag (10) comprising and/or being connectable with a conduit means (12) for transport of infusion liquid to a patient. The infusion apparatus comprises a first space (14) in which the infusion bag (10) is disposed. The infusion apparatus comprises also a second space (16). The volume of this second space (16) can be varied by supplying a pressure generating liquid to the second space (16). This change in volume of the second space (16) exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10). The infusion apparatus comprises also a closing means (20) which exerts a load on the conduit means (12). If the pressure generating liquid exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10) the load will decrease. This allows infusion liquid to leave the infusion bag (10) via the conduit means (12).

The present invention relates to an infusion apparatus for use with an infusion bag containing an infusion liquid, which comprises and/or is connectable with a conduit means for transport of infusion liquid to a patient, the infusion apparatus being of a type which comprises:
a first space in which the infusion bag is intended to be disposed,
a second space of variable volume provided with an inlet through which a pressure generating liquid is supplied to the second space to change its volume, the first and second spaces being so arranged that the pressure generating liquid, by said change of volume, exerts a pressure on the infusion bag in the first space to make the infusion liquid leave the infusion bag via the conduit means. An infusion apparatus of this kind is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,539. This document describes an infusion apparatus with a suitable space for comprising an infusion bag. A second space abuts the infusion bag. Into this second space a liquid, for instance, can be introduced by means of a pump system. When the liquid is introduced into the second space, the second space exerts a pressure on the infusion bag. Thereby infusion liquid is conducted out from the infusion bag. In order to supply a liquid to the second space the apparatus comprises a pump or relatively complicated design. Furthermore the apparatus comprises an electrically controlled control device. The apparatus, in addition, comprises various sensors. In case of excessive pressure in the second space the pump motor is switched of.
WO 96/13288 describes an infusion pump preferably driven by air. Alternatively a liquid can be used. A pump pumps air to a bladder which exerts pressure on an infusion bag. The apparatus also comprises a pressure sensor and a monitoring circuit.
The apparatus described in the aforementioned documents are of relatively complex design and comprise monitoring circuits and pressure sensors.
It is also known in health care that infusion liquid can be supplied to a patient directly from an infusion bag. In this case the infusion bag is placed on a higher level than the patient. By means of a tube originating at the infusion bag infusion liquid is transported by gravitation to a cannula connected to the patient. Such an arrangement often comprises a controllable clip arrangement attached to a tube to control the flow rate of the infusion liquid. The apparatus can also comprise a drip chamber to visualise the flow rate. With such an apparatus it is difficult to precisely control the flow rate of the infusion liquid.
In connection with infusion apparatus often relatively expensive disposable components have to be used.
In health care a large number of infusions are given. In certain infusions of such kind it is very important that the infusion liquid be supplied to the patient at a precisely controlled flow rate. When, for instance, certain drugs are administered to a patient by infusion it is often necessary to control the dosage precisely. Furthermore it is advantageous if the flow rate of the infusion liquid is independent of the relative height level of the infusion bag in respect of patient.
An object of the present invention is to provide an infusion apparatus which can be used with infusion bags containing an infusion liquid; the infusion apparatus should be relatively simple and cheap to manufacture while, at the same time, operating with a high degree of safety. Another object of the invention is that the infusion apparatus should be able to transport infusion liquid to a patient at a well-controlled flow rate. A further object of the invention is to avoid the use of expensive disposable components in connection with the infusion apparatus.
These objects of the invention are provided by an infusion apparatus of the kind disclosed in the introduction, the apparatus being characterised by comprising a closing means of a form and disposition to abut against and exert a load on the conduit means in such a manner that the infusion liquid does not flow out from the infusion bag when the pressure generating liquid is not exerting a pressure on the infusion bag, while said load diminishes when the pressure generating liquid is exerting a pressure on the infusion bag to make infusion liquid leave the infusion bag via the conduit means if the pressure generating liquid exerts at least a certain minimum pressure on the infusion bag.
When a pressure of a certain size is exerted on the infusion bag the load of the closing means on the conduit means thus decreases while infusion liquid leaves the infusion bag via the conduit means. An increase in pressure on the infusion bag results in a state of equilibrium which causes infusion liquid to be transported to the patient at a well-controlled flow rate. This makes the height level of the infusion bag in relation the patient to lack effect on the flow rate. It should be noted that the closing means might abut a tube extending from the infusion bag to the patient. It is also possible for the closing means to abut an outlet area forming a part of the infusion bag proper. In this patent application the term xe2x80x9cinfusion liquidxe2x80x9d shall be understood in a broad sense and thus comprises, for example, also liquid or material carried in a liquid which is given to a patient by tube-feeding. The term also comprises blood which is given in blood transfusion.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the infusion apparatus comprises a supporting means arranged to abut the infusion bag when the infusion bag is disposed in the first space, the supporting element being arranged in such a way that, when the pressure generating liquid is exerting a pressure on the infusion bag the infusion bag will exert a pressure on the supporting means, the infusion apparatus comprising a connecting element for connecting the supporting means with the closing means, to make the load exerted by the closing means on the conduit means decrease when the infusion bag is exerting a pressure on the supporting means. Thus an increase of pressure on the infusion bag contributes, by assistance of the supporting means, to decrease the load of the closing means on the conduit means. This contributes to a state of equilibrium being reached between the pressure of the infusion liquid and the load on the closing means at a relatively small increase of pressure on the infusion bag. This results in the flow rate of the infusion liquid to the patient to be controlled with very high precision.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the closing means comprises a first portion and a second portion which, in combination, abut resiliently against and exert a load on the conduit means in such a manner, that the conduit means is clamped between the first and second portions while the connecting element connects the supporting means and the first portion in such a way that, when the pressure on the supporting means increases, the first portion is affected to move in a direction away from the second portion while the load exerted by the first and second portions on the conduit means decreases. This embodiment is a technically simple and well functioning application of the invention.
According to still another embodiment of the invention the infusion apparatus comprises a third space arranged to contain pressure generating liquid, the third space being connected with the second space by joining means for transport of the pressure generating liquid from the third space to the second space. Thus the infusion apparatus comprises the pressure generating liquid; therefore it is not necessary to supply this liquid to the infusion apparatus from an external source.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a drip chamber which allows visual control of the pressure generating liquid transported from the third to the second space. A person supervising the infusion apparatus thus can see by his/her own eyes at which flow rate the pressure generating liquid is being transported to the second space. Thereby an indication is indirectly obtained in regard of at what rate the pressure is being built up in the second space.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the infusion apparatus is designed in such a way, that, when the pressure generating liquid exerts a pressure on the infusion bag of a size that makes the infusion liquid leave the infusion bag via the conduit means, the flow rate of the pressure generating liquid in the drip chamber will correspond to the flow rate of the infusion liquid in the conduit means. This makes the visual control of the flow rate of the pressure generating liquid to constitute, at the same time, a visual control of the flow rate of infusion liquid to the patient. Thus the drip chamber can be arranged permanently in the infusion apparatus in a closed system for transport of pressure generating liquid from the third to the second space. Thus there is, for instance, no need for a further drip chamber to be arranged at the conduit means leading to the patient.
According to still a further embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a flow rate regulator to control the flow rate of the pressure generating liquid to the second space. Thereby the flow rate of the pressure generating liquid can be controlled with a high degree of precision. This makes the flow rate of the infusion liquid also to be controllable with precision.
According to still a further embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a pressure regulator disposed between the third space and the flow rate regulator to provide a constant pressure in the pressure generating liquid present at the side of the flow speed regulator to which pressure generating liquid is supplied from the third space. The existence of such a constant pressure does not change the flow rate of the pressure generating liquid provided that the flow rate regulator setting is not changed. A pressure regulator of this kind thus contributes to maintain a well-controlled flow rate of the infusion liquid.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the infusion apparatus comprises pressure generating means to generate a pressure at the pressure generating liquid present in the third space. Thereby a pressure of the pressure generating liquid thus can be built up. As a pressure generating means a hand-driven air pump can be used, for instance. The pressure generated in the pressure generating liquid in the third space should be high enough to make it exceed, during the entire infusion process, the target pressure exerted on the infusion bag.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the infusion apparatus comprises a pump unit arranged to pump the pressure generating liquid from the third space to the second space at a controlled pumping rate. This embodiment thus constitutes an alternative to putting the pressure generating liquid in the third space under pressure. By the pump unit pumping pressure generating liquid at a controlled pumping rate a controlled flow rate of infusion liquid to the patient is also obtained.
According to still a further embodiment of the invention the infusion apparatus comprises a safety function in regard of overpressure which, when a given pressure of the infusion liquid in the confusion bag is exceeded, prevents infusion liquid from being transported along the conduit means. Such a safety function in regard of overpressure, i.a., has the advantage that, should a blocking occur in the conduit means or in a cannula connected to a patient, the safety function in regard of overpressure will be trigged. Thereby the transport of infusion liquid is stopped.
According to still a further embodiment of the invention the second portion is connected to a frame portion of the infusion apparatus by means of a joining element in such a manner, that, when a force exceeding a certain level is exerted on the second portion in at least one direction, the second portion will disengage from the frame portion, the safety function in regard of overpressure being arranged to be exerted, in combination, by the supporting means, the connecting element, the first portion, the second portion, and the joining element in combination in such a way that, if the pressure on the supporting means exceeds a certain level in spite of the supporting means, by the connecting element, having affected the first portion to reduce the load on the conduit means, the supporting means, by the connecting element, the first portion and the joining element, causes the second portion to disengage from the frame portion, making the load on the conduit means to increase again while decreasing the pressure on the supporting means. According to this embodiment a well working, relatively simple safety function in regard of overpressure is obtained.
According to a further embodiment of the invention the joining element comprises a magnet. Such a magnet can, for instance, be a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet thus holds the second portion fixed in relation to the frame portion. When a force exceeding a certain level is exerted on the second portion, the second portion will disengage from the frame portion. By the connecting element being a magnet the safety function in regard of overpressure is obtained by simple means.

Infusion apparatus for use with an infusion bag


The present invention encompasses materials and methods for catalyzing the cross-linking and curing of siloxane polymers. In particular, the present disclosure provides materials, methods, and conditions for vapor phase catalysis for curing organosiloxane polymers and resins, including resin linear organosiloxane block copolymers, as well as the incorporation of those methods into processes for making light emitting devices, including light emitting diodes.

Siloxane polymers, organosiloxane polymers, and siloxane resins are used in the manufacture of, inter alia, light emitting devices, including, for example, those employing light emitting diodes (LEDs). These organosiloxane materials can be used, e.g., as binders or as encapsulating materials in the manufacture of such devices.
Improper, incomplete, insufficient, or irreproducible curing of organosiloxane polymers and resins in encapsulation applications, including but not limited to the preparation of phosphor binders in the manufacture of LED devices, can provide an unstable intermediate result. Unstable compounds in turn may result in products characterized by limited shelf life and/or limited service life. Accordingly, particularly in view of the widespread use of LEDs in the many forms and types of light emitting devices in the market, there is a need for efficient and reliable methods for the manufacture of LEDS, including therefore, a need for reproducible, standardized, and controlled methods for curing siloxane polymers, organosiloxane polymers, and siloxane resins.
In addition, some organosiloxane polymers can be cured using normal methods. However, curing processes and/or molecular rearrangements may continue long after devices are sold and put into use. This processes, commonly described as thermal and/or photothermal aging, may change the polymer from a somewhat flexible material that can absorb the thermal excursions of a LED device to a brittle material that will crack, delaminate, or cause stress-induced cracks and/or defects of other LED components.
JP2010090292 A describes providing a polyorganosiloxane hardened product with less degradation and free from uneven hardening. A gaseous catalyst and a polyorganosiloxane are contacted in a glass vessel with a lid to produce a polyorganosiloxane hardened product.

Vapor-phase curing catalysis and passivation of siloxane resins in LED applications


A customer may place an order for items to be picked up at a merchant location. Upon receiving an indication that the customer is initiating travel to the merchant location to pick up the items, multiple ETA data points for the customer may be determined while the customer is in transit to the merchant location. Based on the ETA data, it may be determined that the customer is likely to arrive after the merchant location closes, which may prevent the customer from being able to pick up the items from the merchant location. Alternative fulfillment options may be presented to the customer to enable the customer to obtain the items. The alternative fulfillment options may include picking up the items at an alternative merchant location, scheduling a delivery of the items, picking up the items from the merchant location at a subsequent time, or facilitating a cancelation of the order.

Consumers are increasingly ordering items in an online environment, such as via a website or a mobile application. Instead of requesting that the ordered items be delivered to a physical location associated with a customer (e.g., a personal residence, a workplace, etc.), the customer may opt to pick up the ordered items from a physical location of a merchant (e.g., a grocery store). The customer may pick up the ordered items from the physical location of the merchant provided that the customer arrives during the hours of operation of that merchant. However, the ordered items will likely be unavailable for pick-up if the customer arrives after the merchant has closed, which may result in a poor customer experience. Provided that the ordered items had been previously picked and assembled for pick-up, the merchant may also be required to restock the assembled ordered items, resulting in additional costs, and possibly the spoilage of perishable items (e.g., frozen or refrigerated food items).

ETA-based item pick-up and fulfillment alternatives


A testing apparatus comprises a test interface board comprising a plurality of socket interface boards, wherein each socket interface board comprises: a) an open socket to hold a DUT; b) a discrete active thermal interposer comprising thermal properties and operable to make thermal contact with the DUT; c) a superstructure operable to contain the discrete active thermal interposer; and d) an actuation mechanism operable to provide a contact force to bring the discrete active thermal interposer in contact with the DUT.

Automated test equipment (ATE) includes any testing assembly that performs a test on a semiconductor wafer or die, an integrated circuit (IC), a circuit board, or a packaged device such as a solid-state drive. ATE assemblies may be used to execute automated tests that quickly perform measurements and generate test results that can then be analyzed. An ATE assembly may be anything from a computer system coupled to a meter, to a complicated automated test assembly that may include a custom, dedicated computer control system and many different test instruments that are capable of automatically testing electronics parts and/or semiconductor wafer testing, such as system-on-chip (SOC) testing or integrated circuit testing. ATE systems both reduce the amount of time spent on testing devices to ensure that the device functions as designed and serve as a diagnostic tool to determine the presence of faulty components within a given device before it reaches the consumer. Ate systems can also be used to test and record device performance for pass/fail and for device binning determinations.
When a typical ATE system tests a device (commonly referred to as a device under test or DUT), the ATE system applies stimuli (e.g. electrical signals) to the device and checks responses (e.g., currents and voltages) of the device. Typically, the end result of a test is either "pass" if the device successfully provides certain expected responses within pre-established tolerances, or "fail" if the device does not provide the expected responses within the pre-established tolerances. More sophisticated ATE systems are capable of evaluating a failed device to potentially determine one or more causes of the failure. Other ATE systems can categorize a performance of a device for binning purposes.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional cycle for testing DUTs. At step 1, a single site Socket Interface Board (SIB) (or customer application board) 150 is designed. Each SIB 150 typically comprises a socket that can hold a single DUT. At step 2, the SIBs can be scaled to multiple sites. So, for example, several SIBs (e.g., 24 SIBs) can be implemented on one Test Interface Board (TIB) 185 (also called a Burn-in-Board or BIB). At step 3, the TIB 120 is connected with a power distribution board 165. The power distribution board 165 comprises the power backplane with which the TIB 120 connects. The TIB 120 and power distribution board 165 are communicatively coupled together and can, in one instance, occupy a single slot in a tester. For example, the TIB 120 and power distribution board 165 may be loaded into a single slot tester 110. Alternatively, at step 4, the TIB 120 may be loaded by a handler 195 into a multi-slot tester 196. Similarly, the handler 195 is able to load multiple other TIBs in respective slots within the tester 196. Furthermore, once testing is completed, the handler 195 is able to swap out the TIBs as well.
A first type of conventional tester system comprises: a) a tester (including a power delivery board and controls); b) a tester board such as an ATE load board or TIB with an SIB such as the one discussed in connection with FIG. 1; c) an open socket to hold a DUT; d) a thermal system that heats or cools the device including a thermal control system and a thermal array that includes a thermal interposer (or passive interposer or memory nest); and e) a handler that places DUTs into the socket. In this type of tester system, the socket is open and, therefore, the contact force to hold the DUT in the socket originates from the thermal array or force array. As noted above, the thermal system includes a custom or device-specific interposer that connects with the DUT. Intimate thermal contact is needed between the interposer and the DUT and, therefore, the interposer needs to be molded or shaped precisely like the top side of the DUT. Further, it should be noted that the thermal control system for the first type of conventional tester system comprises a single component with all the electrical, mechanical and thermal features to control all the DUTs on the TIB at the same time, e.g., all 24 DUTs on the TIB. In other words, the thermal control system is typically a single piece of equipment.
One example of this type of conventional tester system with a passive interposer and non-thermal Package on Package (POP) memory nest is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,656,200, titled "High Volume System Level Testing of Devices with POP Structures," which is incorporated herein by reference as background material.
This type of conventional tester system has some drawbacks, however. All the specifications need to be set and rendered permanent ahead of time, e.g., maximum heating and maximum cooling specifications need to be "frozen." The thermal system specifications cannot be changed to accommodate downstream devices. The thermal system is a generic thermal system to which the interposer is attached. The interposer is not a separate piece by itself. Accordingly, this type of conventional tester can only be used with a single temperate zone per device, e.g., the entire device is heated or cooled to a single temperature within the zone. For example, if the thermal system was designed to operate between 0 C and 70 C, it could not accommodate a new DUT that needed to be tested at 80 C.
Another drawback of this type of tester system is that an extra interface is needed between the thermal system and the DUT. Additional thermal interface layers are present between the cooling/heating element of the thermal system and the DUT, thereby, degrading thermal performance. Finally, one of the drawbacks of this type of tester system is that the contact force specifications cannot be customized downstream. The thermal system provides contact force for the DUT. This force cannot be altered downstream across products. For example, if the thermal system provides 100 kg of force, it cannot be changed for other DUTs with different sensitivities.
A second type of conventional tester system is a traditional slot-based burn in system and comprises: a) a tester (including a power delivery board and controls); b) a tester board such as an ATE load board or TIB with a SIB; c) a closed socket to hold the DUT; d) thermal system that heats or cools the DUT including a thermal control system and a thermal array that has a universal interface across products; and a e) a handler that opens the socket and places the DUT into the socket. In the system, after the handler places the DUT into the socket, the socket automatically closes. Note, that the closed socket in this type of tester system is self-actuating and may include a device specific interposer and a flat contact surface. Part of the socket force in this system originates from the self-actuating socket. The other part of the contact force comes from the thermal array or force array.
The thermal system associated with the second type of conventional tester system does not have a device specific interface. Instead, it has a universal interface that interfaces with the lid of the socket. The thermal system interface can be generic because it does not come into contact with a specialized DUT interface. The socket, however, comprises the customization needed to interface with a respective DUT.
This type of conventional tester system also has similar drawbacks to the first type of conventional tester system. All the specifications need to be frozen ahead of time, e.g., maximum heating and maximum cooling specifications need to be frozen. The thermal system specifications cannot be changed to accommodate downstream devices. Another drawback of this type of tester system is that an extra interface (e.g., the socket lid) is needed between the thermal system and the DUT. This extra required interface degrades thermal performance. Finally, one of the drawbacks of this type of tester system is that the contact force specifications (e.g. pressure applied by the socket lid) cannot be customized downstream. This force applied by the socket lid cannot be altered downstream across products.
The actuation systems used with conventional testers also have certain drawbacks associated with them. For example, a traditional actuation system on a classic handler aligns individually via individual thermal interposer heads (or passive heads) and then actuates individually. Traditional actuation systems typically cannot actuate in parallel thereby resulting in extra hardware (e.g., a tester system may need as many actuation heads as devices).

Integrated test cell using active thermal interposer (ATI) with parallel socket actuation


The invention relates to compounds of the formula 1

This invention relates to novel isothiazole derivatives that are useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancers, in mammals. This invention also relates to a method of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals, especially humans, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
It is known that a cell may become cancerous by virtue of the transformation of a portion of its DNA into an oncogene (i.e. a gene that upon activation leads to the formation of malignant tumor cells). Many oncogenes encode proteins which are aberrant tyrosine kinases capable of causing cell transformation. Alternatively, the overexpression of a normal proto-oncogenic tyrosine kinase may also result in proliferative disorders, sometimes resulting in a malignant phenotype. It has been shown that certain tyrosine kinases may be mutated or overexpressed in many human cancers such as brain, melanoma, lung, squamous cell, bladder, gastric, breast, head and neck, oesophageal, gynecological and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, the overexpression of a ligand for a tyrosine kinase receptor may result in an increase in the activation state of the receptor, resulting in proliferation of the tumor cells or endothelial cells. Thus, it is believed that inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as the compounds of the present invention, are useful as selective inhibitors of the growth of mammalian cancer cells.
It is known that growth factors such as the neurotrophin family activate receptor tyrosine kinases such as trks. The neurotrophin family of growth factors includes nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5). These basic proteins are approximately 120 amino acids in length, share approximately 50% sequence homology, and are highly conserved among mammalian species (Issackson et al., FEBS Lett. 285:260–64, 1991). NGF was the first growth factor discovered and remains the best characterized neurotrophin. NGF is required for normal development of sensory and sympathetic neurons and for normal function of these cells in adult life (Levi-Montalcini, Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 5:341–362, 1982; Yankner et al., Annu. Rev. Biochem 51:845–868, 1982).
Neurotrophin binding and activation of a set of high affinity receptors (trks) is necessary and sufficient to mediate most of the biological effects of the neurotrophins. The trks are transmembrane proteins that contain an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane sequence, and a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domain. The trks comprise a family of structurally related proteins with preferential binding specificities for the individual neurotrophins. TrkA, which is sometimes referred to as trk, is a high-affinity receptor for NGF, but it can also mediate biological responses to NT-3 under particular conditions (Kaplan et al. Science 252:554–558, 1991; Klein et al., Cell 65, 189–197, 1991; Cordon-Cardo et al., Cell 66:173–183, 1991). TrkB binds and mediates functions of BDNF, NT-3, and NT4/5 (Klein et al. Cell 66:395–403, 1991; Squinto et al., Cell 65:885–893, 1991; Klein et al. Neuron 8:947–956, 1992). TrkC is relatively specific for NT-3 (Lamballe et al., Cell 66:967–979, 1991).
The Trk family of receptor tyrosine kinases is frequently expressed in lung, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers. See, Endocrinol. 141: 118, 2000; Cancer Res., 59: 2395, 1999; Clin. Cancer Res. 5: 2205, 1999; and Oncogene 19: 3032, 2000. The tyrosine kinase activity of Trk is believed to promote the unregulated activation of cell proliferation machinery. Recent pre-clinical data suggests that Trk inhibitors suppress the growth of breast, pancreatic and prostate tumor xenografts. Furthermore, it is believed that Trk inhibition may be tolerated in cancer patients. It is also believed by those in the art that inhibitors of either TrkA or TrkB kinases have utility against some of the most common cancers, such as brain, melanoma, squamous cell, bladder, gastric, pancreatic, breast, head, neck, oesophageal, prostate, colorectal, lung, renal, kidney, ovarian, gynecological, and thyroid cancer. It is further believed that additional therapeutic uses of Trk inhibitors include pain, neuropathy and obesity.
Isothiazole derivatives are known and have identified as herbicides in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,059,433 and 4,057,416, both assigned to FMC Corporation. Isothiazoles derivatives useful for prolferative disease are referred to in U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,764, assigned to Pfizer, Inc.

Isothiazole derivatives useful as anticancer agents

Abstract: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates or hydrates thereof, wherein wherein X, R1, and R2 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds of formula 1 and to methods of treating hyperproliferative disorders in a mammal by administering the compounds of formula 1.


A method is provided for electrically driving a motor having a plurality of phase windings such that EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) is improved and the running performance of the motor is simultaneously kept constant. At least one of the phase windings is not supplied with a current pulse during a complete revolution of the rotor, or at least one switchable electrical resistor is switched on, for at least one subsequent commutation phase by means of an electrical switching element, if the detected rotor speed is greater than the specified target speed.

Various types of electrically commutated motors are known in the prior art. For example, the stator of a motor is supplied with a plurality of electric current pulses per complete rotor revolution about 360°. In the case of two-phase motors, the stator phase windings are, for example, supplied with two stator current pulses in succession during a complete rotor rotation about 360°. Three, six or more stator current pulses are correspondingly supplied during a complete rotor rotation about 360° in the case of three-phase, six-phase or multi-phase motors.
A method for driving a fan motor is described in EP 20 25 054 B1, wherein an additional controllable semiconductor switch is used, which is arranged in the supply line from the DC intermediate circuit to the parallel circuit. As a result, the energy supply from an external DC source to the motor is switched off at a convenient time, and the energy, which is stored in the phase winding in question when the supply is switched off, is transformed into a motor torque via a special freewheeling circuit.

Control of a fan motor for an improved EMC behavior


A communication device measures an available bandwidth, which is a bandwidth that can be used for data communication, while changing a transmission rate of packets. The communication device comprises a range determination portion that sets a reference point and determines a search range, a bandwidth setting portion that sets a measurement bandwidth, a first generation portion that generates media data, a second generation portion that generates redundant data, a packet generation portion that packetizes the media data and the redundant data, and a packet transmission portion that transmits measurement packets.

The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method and a computer readable medium storing instructions that are capable of measuring an available bandwidth while data communication is performed.
In public networks, such as the Internet, it is necessary to transmit and receive data at a transmission rate that is appropriate for an available bandwidth, which is the maximum bandwidth that can be used for data communication between communication devices. In this type of network, the available bandwidth varies depending on a region, a provider, a time zone, and other situations.
The following type of measurement method is known in order to measure the varying available bandwidth while transmitting and receiving media data, such as audio data. A transmission-side communication device sets a search range, which is a bandwidth range that becomes a measurement target. Next, the transmission-side communication device sequentially transmits a plurality of packets to measure the bandwidth in the set search range while changing a transmission interval. A difference between the transmission interval of the packets and a reception interval is calculated. The transmission interval is calculated from time information in the packets and the reception interval is recorded by a receiving-side communication device. The most recent available bandwidth is measured from a change tendency of the calculated plurality of difference values. When one cycle of bandwidth measurement is completed, a next search range is set based on a past measurement result and the next measurement processing is performed.
With the above-described measurement method, the search range is set centering on a reference point that indicates the most recent measurement result, and the bandwidth to transmit packets is selected from the set search range. The transmission-side communication device needs to transmit packets in a wider bandwidth than the most recent measurement result. A wide bandwidth is used for data communication and network load increases. Therefore, the receiving-side communication device may not be able to receive media data properly.
Various exemplary embodiments of the general principles herein provide a communication device, a communication method and a computer program that are capable of measuring an available bandwidth while transmitting media data properly.
The exemplary embodiments provide a communication device that measures an available bandwidth, which is a bandwidth that can be used for data communication, while changing a transmission rate of packets, the communication device comprising: a range setting portion that, based on a bandwidth measurement result, sets a reference point indicating a bandwidth value to be used as a reference for a next bandwidth measurement, and sets a search range, which is a bandwidth range that becomes a measurement target, centering on the reference point; a bandwidth setting portion that sets a bandwidth which has not been measured and which is included in the search range, as a measurement bandwidth which is a measurement target bandwidth; a first generation portion that generates media data at a constant interval, at a first generation rate that is lower than the reference point; a second generation portion that, in a case where the measurement bandwidth set by the bandwidth setting portion is higher than the first generation rate, generates redundant data that is capable of complementing the media data generated by the first generation portion, at a second generation rate corresponding to not more than a difference between the measurement bandwidth and the first generation rate; a packet generation portion that packetizes the media data generated by the first generation portion and the redundant data generated by the second generation portion, and thereby generates measurement packets; and a packet transmission portion that transmits the measurement packets generated by the packet generation portion to the measurement bandwidth set by the bandwidth setting portion.
The exemplary embodiments also provide a communication method that is performed by a communication device that measures an available bandwidth, which is a bandwidth that can be used for data communication, while changing a transmission rate of packets, the communication method comprising the steps of: setting, based on a bandwidth measurement result, a reference point indicating a bandwidth value to be used as a reference for a next bandwidth measurement, and determining a search range, which is a bandwidth range that becomes a measurement target, centering on the reference point; setting a bandwidth which has not been measured and which is included in the search range, as a measurement bandwidth which is a measurement target bandwidth; generating media data at a constant interval, at a first generation rate that is lower than the reference point; generating, in a case where the set measurement bandwidth is higher than the first generation rate, redundant data that is capable of complementing the generated media data, at a second generation rate corresponding to not more than a difference between the measurement bandwidth and the first generation rate; packetizing the generated media data and the generated redundant data, and thereby generating measurement packets; and transmitting the generated measurement packets to the set measurement bandwidth.
The exemplary embodiments also provide a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising instructions for causing a computer of a communication device that measures an available bandwidth, which is a bandwidth that can be used for data communication, while changing a transmission rate of packets to execute the steps of: setting, based on a bandwidth measurement result, a reference point indicating a bandwidth value to be used as a reference for a next bandwidth measurement, and determining a search range, which is a bandwidth range that becomes a measurement target, centering on the reference point; setting a bandwidth which has not been measured and which is included in the search range, as a measurement bandwidth which is a measurement target bandwidth; generating media data at a constant interval, at a first generation rate that is lower than the reference point; generating, in a case where the set measurement bandwidth is higher than the first generation rate, redundant data that is capable of complementing the generated media data, at a second generation rate corresponding to not more than a difference between the measurement bandwidth and the first generation rate; packetizing the generated media data and the generated redundant data, and thereby generating measurement packets; and transmitting the generated measurement packets to the set measurement bandwidth.

Communication device, communication method and computer readable medium storing instructions for measuring available bandwidth during data communication


A method for monitoring, metering and improving system parameters, including leakage sensitivity and response over a time period in an electrical panel for a single phase system, or a 3-phase system comprising phase lines X, Y and Z, wherein the system reaction and accuracy are critical to a decision to disconnect the line with the malfunction before operation of the leakage breaker to cut off power. Set parameter 1: a leakage threshold in mA that can be changed in system setup mode. Set parameter 2: Allowable deviation in mA for alert; and set parameter 3: Maximum deviation in mA to disconnect currents. Set parameter N for the time to include in an average calculation.

Electric panels generally include circuit breakers, ground connectors, cable terminals, phase connectors, among other electric circuit components. The electricity supply usually comes from an outside source through automatic or semi-automatic transfer switches, and is conducted through circuit breaker that protect from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit.
Electric panels generally do not include safety means, which provide an indication regarding the quality and condition of the ground, and/or the RCD (residual current device), the circuit breakers, condition of phase and neutral connections, and these panels generally do not include products and accessories which provide protection in case of power surges and blackouts.
Leakage circuit breakers, also known as residual current devices (RCD's), residual current circuit breakers (RCCB's) or ground fault interrupters (GFI's), and others, installed in accordance with standard International Electrotechnical CommissionI are defined to disconnect the current in the case of an excessive leakage current greater than 30 mA or other. A leakage current is defined as a case where there is a difference (differential) between the current flow in the phase line and the current flow in the neutral line. According to electrical system theory, the current in both lines should be the same. If there is leakage current, generally it flows to the ground line.
The existence of leakage current is identified as a situation where a person may receive an electric shock and the RCD is installed as a safety measure to protect against electrocution and even death.
In accordance with standard practice, a leakage current of 30 mA is determined as the maximum current value that can pass through a healthy human body and will not cause irreversible damage. But as regards unhealthy or underage persons, electrocution from hand to hand or wet/bare-feet will cause permanent damage and even death.
The main reason that the RCDs disconnect the current only at 30 mA rather than at lower leakage current values is because there is unpredicted current leakage in the power lines or from electrical products at different low and cumulative values. In order not to cause false current disconnections of the line, the RCD's are set for the maximum current value a healthy man can suffer.
However, RCDs do not protect the users against electrocution in all cases.
The following cases illustrate the exposure of users to the risk of electric shock, injury or even death, despite the use of RCD/leakage circuit breakers:                1. RCD's are not sensitive enough to disconnect the current supply in situations of leakage current lower than 30 mA.        2. The standard leakage RCD's will not protect users if not properly grounded.        3. Standard leakage RCD's will not protect users if the neutral line is not working properly, and the risk for severe injury is higher in 3-phase power boards.        4. In accordance with the instructions of the RCD manufacturers, a test should be performed once a month for proper operation of the RCD by pressing the test button located on the RCD. According to surveys, most users never perform the test.
There are known cases where a proper RCD was installed on a power board and people were electrocuted to death because there was no proper grounding in the structure and the discharge circuit did not detect leakage currents.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a solution to the abovementioned problems.

Electrical power supply panel with increased safety through monitoring and control


Example embodiments relate to methods for forming via holes self-aligned with metal blocks on substrates. One embodiment includes a method where the substrate includes an interlayer dielectric layer. The method includes forming a metallic layer on the interlayer dielectric layer. The method also includes forming a dielectric layer on the metallic layer and forming a plurality of parallel spacer line structures on the dielectric layer. In addition, the method includes forming a sidewall oxide, a first sacrificial layer, and an opening in the first sacrificial layer. Further, the method includes etching the dielectric layer and removing the first sacrificial layer. Additionally, the method includes forming a second sacrificial layer, forming an opening in the second sacrificial layer, depositing a metal block on the metallic layer, and removing the second sacrificial layer. Still further, the method includes etching the metallic layer and the interlayer dielectric layer to form a via hole.

Modern circuit fabrication typically includes processes of forming electrical interconnection structures for interconnecting semiconductor devices in a functioning circuit. An interconnection structure may include one or more interconnection levels or tiers, which are formed above the active device region. An interconnection level includes horizontal conductive paths or lines arranged in an insulating material layer. Conductive paths of different interconnection levels may be interconnected by conductive vias extending vertically through the insulating layers.
In conventional circuit fabrication, an interconnection level is typically formed in what is referred to as a "dual damascene process." According to this approach horizontally extending trenches are etched in an insulating layer. Further, vertically extending via holes are formed in the insulating layer. Thereafter the trenches and via holes are simultaneously filled with a conductive material to form conductive lines in the trenches and conductive vias in the via holes. The process may be repeated to form a stack of interconnection levels.
In modern circuit fabrication, multiple patterning techniques like (litho etch)x, or pitch splitting techniques such as self-aligned double patterning (SADP) or quadruple patterning (SAQP), are typically employed during trench formation to enable conductive line patterns with sub-lithographic critical dimensions.
However, using state-of-the-art patterning and block techniques it is becoming increasingly difficult to produce ever more aggressive line pitches. In particular, it is becoming increasingly difficult to align conductive line ends with vertically extending via holes, due to edge placement errors (EPE) among others at such aggressive line pitches.

Method for forming a via hole self-aligned with a metal block on a substrate


An information storage system for recording and reproducing information by use of irradiating light on a medium capable of overwriting information is provided. The information storage system is capable of recording information even if the light intensity is varied so as to enhance reliability. The intensity of the light at the time of overwriting is modulated, the more intense light intensity being P.sub.H and the less intense light intensity being P.sub.L. The system includes a mechanism to keep relationship of P.sub.H +.alpha.P.sub.L equal to a constant (.alpha. being a constant depending on the recording conditions). The laser drive circuit is so adjusted that P.sub.H and P.sub.L always provide an optimal condition even if P.sub.H and/or P.sub.L vary. Thus recording can always be performed under optimal conditions to enhance the reliability of the information storage system to expand the power margin of a recording medium and to increase the percentage yield of information medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information storage system for recording and reproducing information by use of a light (or laser beam) and more specifically to an information storage system capable of recording new information without erasing previously recorded information (or direct overwrite) at the time of recording.
2. Description of Prior Art
An overwrite operation may be executed by modulating the light intensity at the time of recording into binary values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L for a recording medium capable of overwriting, as disclosed in the Journal of Magnetics Society of Japan, Vol. 15 Supplement No. S1, 1991, pp 293-298.
Normally, the value of P.sub.L is set at a value larger than the light intensity P.sub.R at the time of reproduction, such that at the time of designing a real information storage system the laser drive circuit must be so designed as to be capable of modulating the light intensity independently into three values, i.e., P.sub.H, P.sub.L and P.sub.R. In addition, in order to ensure a reliable recording operation, P.sub.H and P.sub.L values have to be established to attain an optimal condition.
A constitution of such a recording system according to a prior art is shown in FIG. 1. The information storage system shown in FIG. 1 is designed to detect the values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L and restore them to the original set values when the values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L which were set to an optimal condition are varied due to certain conditions, as explained below. In FIG. 1, the values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L (i.e., the values for the optimal conditions) set by a reference value setting circuit 5 are respectively transmitted to a laser drive circuit 3 through a P.sub.H value setting circuit 6 and a P.sub.L value setting circuit 7, respectively. The P.sub.H and P.sub.L values thus transmitted drive a laser diode 1 so as to modulate the laser light of the laser diode 1 into the light intensity of two levels corresponding to P.sub.H and P.sub.L in accordance with the binary information "a" from a data modulating circuit 4. The intensity of the light irradiated from the laser diode 1 is converted into electrical signals by a photodiode 2 for monitoring by a laser beam intensity monitoring circuit 8, and the P.sub.H and P.sub.L values are respectively monitored at a peak value detection circuit 9 and a bottom value detection circuit 12. The P.sub.H and P.sub.L values thus detected are compared by a comparison circuit 10 with the P.sub.H and P.sub.L values which have been set by the reference value setting circuit 5 and serve as the reference values. If there is any deviation from the reference values, such deviation is respectively compensated by a P.sub.H compensation circuit 11 and a P.sub.L compensation circuit 13, and the relative control signals are sent to the P.sub.H value setting circuit 6 and the P.sub.L value setting circuit 7 respectively, such that the compensated P.sub.H and P.sub.L values cause the laser diode 1 to be driven. Thus, the laser diode 1 is modulated by the desired light intensities of P.sub.H and P.sub.L values corresponding to the initial set values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L.
Since the storage system having a laser drive circuit as explained above according to a prior art controls P.sub.H and P.sub.L values independently, it is necessary to produce a recording medium having a wide range of laser beam intensity (or so-called power margin) so that the signal characteristics at the time of reproduction are not varied in relation to the optimal value at the time of recording even if the laser beam intensity may deviate from the optimal value set in advance for P.sub.H and P.sub.L respectively.
Namely, even if such a circuit as shown in FIG. 1 is used, which is adapted to compensate for the variation of the light intensities of P.sub.H and P.sub.L, the ultimate values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L are likely to deviate from the desired optimal values by .+-.10%, for example, due to variation of the application environment, such as variation of the application temperature between 0.degree. and 50.degree. C., variation of the irradiation characteristic of the laser diode 1 with age, variation of the light reception sensitivity of the photodiode 2 for monitoring and so forth. Furthermore, since the values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L are controlled independently, deviation of the P.sub.H and P.sub.L values from the optimal values occurs independently of each other. Suppose that, if the intensity of the laser diode 1 is varied to the optimal light intensity values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L by using signals with 50% duty, and the information which has been recorded on a recording medium by the intensity of the laser diode 1 varied as mentioned above is reproduced, the duty of the reproduced signal becomes 50%. In the above-mentioned case, the allowable deviation of the duty of the reproduced signal is in the order of .+-.4%, for example, in such an information storage system designed to attain a reproduced signal with 50% duty. As explained above, if the light intensity values of P.sub.H and P.sub.L deviate by .+-.10% independently from the respective desired optimum values, the deviation of duty of the reproduced signal exceeds the allowable range of .+-.4%. In view of this problem, there has been a need to produce a recording medium which attains in itself a wide power margin.
Furthermore, since the P.sub.L value is smaller than the P.sub.H value, it is difficult to control P.sub.L and P.sub.H with the same accuracy.