An object of the present invention relates to detecting a signal caused by a faulty point part of which the identification has been difficult with conventional EBAC. In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one probe is brought into contact with a sample on which a circuit is formed, the sample is scanned with a charged particle beam while power is supplied via the probe to the circuit identified by a contact of the probe, and a change in resistance value of a faulty point heated locally is measured via the probe. According to the present invention, even a signal caused by a high-resistance faulty point or a faulty point embedded in the sample can be easily detected.

In the faulty point analysis of a semiconductor sample having a circuit formed on a semiconductor surface, it is important to identify a faulty point part. On the other hand, it is difficult to identify a faulty point part due to microfabrication of a device in recent years. As a result, it takes an enormous amount of time in the faulty point analysis. Therefore, at present, an optical beam induced resistance change (OBIRCH), an electron beam (EB) tester and other analyzers have been used for this type of faulty point analysis.
Among others, in the field of the faulty point analysis of a wire, a technology that irradiates the semiconductor samples with the charged particle beam typified by an electron beam, brings a probe into contact with samples, analyzes a current absorbed by the wire or secondary signals (for example, secondary electrons or reflection electrons) emitted from the semiconductor samples and images them has attracted attention. A distribution image of a signal (absorption current signal) obtained on the basis of a current (absorption current) absorbed by the wire is referred to as an electron beam absorbed current image (EBAC).
JP-A-2008-203075 (Patent Literature 1) discloses an absorption current detection apparatus that irradiates a wire pattern on a sample surface with a charged particle beam, brings two probes a and b into contact with the wire pattern, and measures an absorption current flowing into the probe a and b. In Patent Literature 1, it is characterized that the apparatus is configured to apply an absorption current flowing into the probe a and b to a current/voltage converter through an input resistor having a predetermined resistance value for adjusting an output voltage.
On the other hand, JP-A-2009-252854 (Patent Literature 2) discloses a technology that easily identifies a faulty point part, by varying a temperature of a sample when absorption current images are generated and acquiring a difference image between the absorption current images generated at each temperature, even if a signal displacement between a faulty portion and a normal portion is small.

Circuit inspection method and sample inspection apparatus


Multi-phase blends of VDF-based polymers are provided which are useful in a variety of applications such as wire and cable, pipe and liner applications, and rotational molding.

This invention relates to multi-phase polymer blends of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) based polymers, especially to such blends wherein at least one of the polymers is a VDF-based copolymer and wherein the properties of the polymer blends can be tailored to meet the intended application. xe2x80x9cCopolymerxe2x80x9d is used herein in its broadest sense to include polymers made from at least two different monomers, such as terpolymers. The blends are useful in a variety of applications, such as wire and cable, pipe and liner applications, sheet extrusion, polymer foams, thermoforming, injection molding and rotational molding.
While many commercially available polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) homopolymers and VDF-based copolymers, such as VDF/hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and VDF/chlorotetrafluoroethylene (CTFE) copolymers, already have properties (such as good tensile strength, flexibility and the like) that make them suitable for certain applications, it would be useful to have a method of combining such polymers so as to be able to enhance certain properties, such as resistance to chemicals and impact resistance, for specific end-use applications.
Blends of PVDF homopolymer and VDF-based copolymers have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,849, but they only cover single phase blends with 25-75 weight % PVDF. VDF-based copolymers useful in this invention have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,885 on VDF/HFP copolymers and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,900 on VDF/CTFE copolymers. For the purpose of this application, the copolymers described in these latter two patents will be herein referred to as xe2x80x9cheterogeneousxe2x80x9d copolymers.
Multi-phase polymer blends are provided which comprise a VDF-based copolymer and at least one other polymer selected from PVDF homopolymer or another VDF-based copolymer, as well as various applications of such polymer blends for wire and cable, sheet, injection molding, rotomolding, pipe and tube, and the like. Preferred copolymers are the VDF/HFP and VDF/CTFE copolymers, particularly the heterogeneous VDF/HFP and VDF/CTFE copolymers described in the foregoing paragraph.
It has now been found that two or more different VDF-based polymers can be mixed to create multi-phase blends which match certain properties of existing copolymers while enhancing certain other properties so to custom make polymers suitable for specific end uses. These blends are made by using methods known in the art to create homogeneous dispersions of VDF-based polymers, such as by melt mixing via extrusion. Other methods include latex blending, powder blending, solvent blending and the like.
While the detailed discussion below will focus on the VDF/HFP copolymers, this invention is also applicable to VDF-based copolymers made by substitution of one or more other comonomers, such as CTFE, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE), perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PAVE), vinyl fluoride (VF) and/or trifluoroethylene (TFE), for some or all of the hexafluoropropylene.
For example, as shown below, it is possible to substantially duplicate many of the properties of a VDF/HFP copolymer containing 10 weight % HFP, while enhancing its impact resistance and chemical resistance, by creating either (a) a 43/57 weight blend of a PVDF homopolymer with a VDF/HFP copolymer having about 17 weight % HFP wherein the blended polymers have essentially the same viscosity or (b) a 50/50 weight blend of a VDF/HFP copolymer containing about 5 weight % HFP with a VDF/HFP copolymer containing about 15 weight % HFP wherein the blended polymers have essentially the same viscosity.
In the examples below, the polymers and blends were extruded with a twin screw extruder and the test specimens required for mechanical testing were produced by injection molding. Mechanical testing, such as Izod impact resistance, chemical resistance testing and the like are then performed on the polymers.


A device is divulged for generating an infrared image, in which an electron beam having a section substantially equal to the area of a pixel formed from a material having high emissive power in the infrared, directly bombards this material. The energy of the beam is transformed into heat then into infrared radiation, in the material. Each pixel is supported by a slab of a material transparent to the infrared, which is heat insulating and deposited on a screen transparent to the infrared and heat conducting.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for generating an infrared image, comprising a screen transparent in the infrared and supporting a plurality of pixels made from a material having high emissive power in the infrared and means for selectively heating the material of each of said pixels.
Such a device is used for testing infrared imagery devices, such for example as missile homing devices, by reproducing in the laboratory infrared images as close as possible to those which will be met with in reality.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A device of the above type is already known, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,958 to Durand et al. In this device, the selective heating means comprise an electron beam or laser beam, of small diameter with respect to the dimensions of a pixel, which bombards a portion, in the form of a median strip, of a thin layer of good heat conducting material which extends over an area equal to that of a pixel. The purpose of this layer is both to convert the energy of the beam into heat and to diffuse the heat occurring in the strip shaped portion towards the whole of the surface of the layer and parallel to this layer. Two slabs of heat insulating material, disposed in contact with the preceding layer and on each side of the electron beam path before its impact, slowly diffuse the heat of the layer, perpendicularly this time to this layer and in a direction opposite the displacement of the electrons, towards two layers made from a material having high emissive power in the infrared, in this case two black body layers, whose purpose is to convert the heat into infrared radiation, these two black body layers forming the pixel properly speaking. Naturally, the preceding slabs, as well as the layer for converting the energy of the beam into heat, disposed between the two black body layers and the screen, are transparent to the infrared.
In the case where the beam bringing the energy to the pixels is an electron beam, the device is in the form of a cathode ray tube making it possible to obtain animated infrared images from a video signal of known type.
The structure of the screen of such a device is relatively complex and so of a high cost price. Furthermore the performance of such a device is limited because of the use of a low power beam, this being imposed by its necessarily restricted diameter.

SAT (Societe Anonyme de Telecommunications)


A display device includes a display panel, a first film-like printed circuit board including a first terminal portion, the first film-like printed circuit board extending from one side of the display panel in a direction away from the display panel, a touch panel provided so as to be opposed to the display panel, and a second film-like printed circuit board including a second terminal portion, the second film-like printed circuit board extending from one side of the touch panel in the direction away from the display panel, the one side of the touch panel corresponding to a side parallel with and adjacent to the one side of the display panel. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are provided so that a connecting direction of the first or second terminal portions is different from a connecting direction of the second or first terminal portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, a module formed by attaching a touch panel to a display panel including a liquid crystal display panel (touch-panel attached display module) has become widespread. In such a module described above, respective panels are attached with printed circuit boards (for example, flexible printed circuit boards FPCs), and terminal portions provided on the printed circuit boards are connected to other control substrates.
In the touch-panel attached display module for use in a compact device such as a mobile phone, the printed circuit boards are required to be respectively attached with one side of the display panel constituting the display module, such as a liquid crystal display panel, and with one side of the touch panel which is positioned on the same side of the one side of the display panel. In addition, on each of the printed circuit boards, there is provided the terminal portion having terminals aligned therein in parallel with the above-mentioned sides. Each of the terminal portions is connected to a connector corresponding thereto. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating an example of the touch-panel attached display module. A touch panel and a display panel are provided below a front window FW. A flexible printed circuit board for touch panel TFPC extends from the touch panel while a flexible printed circuit board for display panel DFPC extends from the display panel. A terminal portion for display panel DTE is disposed on an end of the flexible printed circuit board for display panel DFPC while a terminal portion for touch panel TTE is disposed on an end of the flexible printed circuit board for touch panel TFPC. FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of a vicinity of the flexible printed circuit boards DFPC and TFPC illustrated in FIG. 9. An alignment direction of the terminals included in the terminal portion for display panel DTE and an alignment direction of the terminals included in the terminal portion for touch panel TTE are parallel with each other.
Meanwhile, test connectors for the display panel and the touch panel are desired to be large in size because the test connectors are required to have high durability and performance capable of preventing scratches onto components. However, when large-sized connectors are employed, there arises a problem that the connectors interfere with each other. An example of this case is described below. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an example of a positional relation between test connectors DCN and TCN in a case where the test connectors DCN and TCN are to be respectively connected to the terminal portion for display panel DTE and the terminal portion for touch panel TTE illustrated in FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, the test connector DCN connected to the terminal portion for display panel DTE is illustrated by a solid line while the test connector TCN to be connected to the terminal portion for touch panel TTE is illustrated by a chain double-dashed line. The test connectors DCN and TCN each have so large width in the alignment direction of the terminals that a clearance cannot be secured therebetween, which results in interference between the test connectors DCN and TCN.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

PANASONIC LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CO., LTD.


Example methods and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining a shared identity profile. An example method includes receiving, at a first online service provider, a plurality of profile information items from a user and storing, by the first online service provider, the profile information items in an identity profile associated with the user. In the example method, at least one of the profile information items includes user identifying information that is capable of verification. The example method also includes verifying, by the first online service provider, the user identifying information and storing, by the first online service provider, as part of the identity profile, a verification status corresponding with the verifying. The example method further includes receiving, at the first online service provider, a request, from a second online service provider, for one or more of the profile information items including the user identifying information and providing, from the first online service provider to the second online service provider, the requested profile information items and the verification status.

As part of the rapid growth of Internet and World Wide Web use, there has been an ever increasing growth in the availability of online services. Such online services include, for example, online banking online email services, online dating services and online social networks. A number of providers may provide a number of such services. These services are, however, subject to fraud and abuse. For example, some users may sign up for online services using false identification information with the intent to misuse or abuse such services. For instance, someone may sign up for numerous email accounts that are used to generate unsolicited commercial emails, known as SPAM. In other cases, someone may use false information to sign up for an online service with the intent of distributing materials for which the particular online service is not intended. For example, someone may sign up with an online social networking service with the intent to use the social networking service to distribute commercial material. In some cases, such attempts to misuse or abuse online services is automated, where a computer program is used to sign up for such online services and carry out an improper use. Yet another type of misuse that may occur is payment fraud, such as a user attempting to make an online purchase using stolen credit card information.
In order to reduce the amount of fraud and/or abuse, online service providers may use a number of techniques. For instance, an online service may require an individual attempting to sign up for an online service to provide some proof of their identity or perform an action that provides some level of confidence that the individual's intent is not to misuse the online service or services. For instance, in the case of automated attempts to access an online service, many online service providers use what is know as CAPTCHA technology, where a distorted series of characters is presented on a graphical interface and access to the service (or services) is allowed only if the correct sequence of characters is entered by a user and returned to the online service provider's server that is monitoring access to the online services. A number of other techniques also exist. A drawback of current approaches is that they do not provide sufficient assurance that a user seeking to access an online service is who they claim to be. Another drawback of current approaches it that abusers of online services constantly come up with ways of circumventing fraud protection techniques, such as automated ways of defeating CAPTCHA technology.
Users of online services may also obtain different services from different online service providers. When requesting services from such online service providers, a user will set up a profile with each individual online service provider. Each individual online service provider may or may not verify the information included in a user's profile created exclusively to access services from a specific online service provider. Regardless, of how the individual online service providers maintain, process and make use of user profile data, a user having to recreate (and verify, if applicable) a user profile for each online service user wishes to access online services from may be frustrating and time consuming for the user.


An apparatus for enhancing intelligibility of a voice signal in a noisy environment includes a first noise estimator which estimates a far-end noise component from the far-end signal, and a second noise estimator which estimates a near-end noise component from the near-end signal. A noise reduction calculator determines a noise reduction gain from the estimated far-end noise, and an echo gain calculator determines an echo control gain. A master gain calculator combines both the echo control gain and the noise control gain into a master gain which is applied to the far-end signal. A comfort noise generator applies the pre-set minimum threshold of the master gain and constantly matches the spectrum of the far-end noise to synthesize a background noise for selectively mixing onto the far-end signal when echo is determined. Echo is determined based on a comparison of the near-end signal and the far-end signal spectra and by compensating the total gain applied. An automatic level controller adjusts the far-end signal responsive to the far-end signal level, and a noise compensator adjusts the far-end signal level responsive to the near-end noise, both adjustments being responsive to the identification of the far-end signal as either speech or noise.

The present invention relates to the communications arts. It finds particular application in conjunction with improving intelligibility in noisy environments on both a near-end and a far-end of a network and it will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be understood that the invention may find further application outside of the network environment, such as in telecommunications components themselves, or in individual gateways or portals to a telecommunications network.
Many present day communication systems provide unpleasant speech quality in the presence of background noise on both a transmit or far-end, and on a receive or near-end. Additional complexity is introduced by the varied sources of noise ranging from noisy background environments to acoustic and/or electrical echoes. With respect to background noise, the problem potentially exists on both the near-end and the far-end of the communications network. For example, consider a cellular telephone user making a call from a busy street corner. Typical communication systems are not able to adequately distinguish background noise from voice information, with the result that the system attempts to transmit both voice and noise over the communications link. At the other end of the link, this transmitted noise degrades the quality of the received voice signal. Compounding the problem, many such devices incorporate speech coders so as to reduce the bit rate that must be transmitted over the communications channel. Although bit rate reduction is desirable in that it permits the capacity of the wireless communication system to be increased, it renders the communication system increasingly vulnerable to speech quality degradations in the presence of background noise.
Background noise at the receiving end or near-end of the network can also impair intelligibility of the voice signal. For example, consider a telephone call placed to a factory office. High levels of ambient factory noise can degrade the intelligibility of the voice signal received, sometimes requiring the caller to repeat information.
Other known sources of undesirable noise include acoustic echo caused by, for example, a transmitter both receiving a voice signal directly and through echo paths. While prior art echo controllers exist, they typically function by detecting the echo and canceling the signal. However, typical telecommunications users are uncomfortable with periods of total silence interspersed within a voice call. Some systems introduce a white noise signal instead of the silence generated upon echo detection which undesirably only match the noise power but not the spectrum. In other words, the white noise sounds different, or has different spectral characteristics, than the ambient noise.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved method and apparatus to improve intelligibility of a speech signal transmitted over a communications network which overcomes the above referenced problems and others.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of processing a signal between a near-end and a far-end of a telephone network includes receiving both a near-end signal and a far-end signal. A near-end noise component is estimated from the near-end signal, while a far-end noise component is estimated from the far-end signal. Based on the near-end noise component and the far-end noise component, the far-end signal is adjusted to generate a modified signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the far-end signal is adjusted by steps including determining a gain as a function of the estimated far-end noise component, and applying the gain to the far-end signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the determining a gain step includes determining a first gain derived from the estimated far-end noise component and a second gain derived from the near-end signal and the far-end signal. The first and second gains are then combined and thresholded.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first gain is determined by comparing a set of critical frequency bands and the estimated far-end noise component.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second gain is determined by applying a near-end gain compensation to the determining of the second gain.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the far-end signal is adjusted by selectively mixing a thresholded estimated far-end noise component into the far-end signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the far-end noise component is estimated by splitting the far-end signal into a uniform set of frequency bands and converting those bands to a set of critical frequency bands selected for characteristics including the human auditory system. Samples of the set of critical frequency bands are then prefiltered to discard a sample minima shorter than a specified minimum. The plurality of independent filterings are performed to provide an estimate of a smallest sample in a sample set where the estimated far-end noise component includes the estimate of the smallest sample.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of processing a signal to enhance intelligibility in noisy environments includes in the frequency domain estimating a noise component of the signal and calculating a first gain based on the estimated noise component. Still in the frequency domain, a second gain is determined as a function of the far-end echo. The signal is then adjusted as a function of the first and second gain producing a modified signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes in the time domain, adjusting the modified signal as a function of signal level, dynamic range, and identification of the signal as either speech or noise. A gain is applied to compensate for a noise component estimated on the near-end signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes in the frequency domain, combining the first and the second gain, resulting in a master gain, and then thresholding that gain.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method further includes in the frequency domain estimating a noise component of the near-end signal, and in the time domain, applying a third gain to the signal, where the third gain is a function of the estimated near-end noise.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for enhancing intelligibility of a far-end signal in noisy environments includes a first noise estimator which estimates a far-end noise component from the far-end signal. A first calculator then determines a first gain as a function of the estimated far-end noise component. A gain filter applies the calculated first gain to the far-end signal, and an automatic level controller adjusts the far-end signal as a function of signal level, dynamic range of the system, and identification of the signal as speech or noise.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a second noise estimator which estimates a near-end noise component in a near-end signal. A noise compensator then applies a second gain to the far-end signal responsive to the estimated near-end noise component.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first calculator includes a noise reduction gain calculator which calculates a noise reduction gain to reduce far-end noise in the signal. An echo gain calculator calculates an echo control gain to reduce echos detected in the apparatus. A master gain calculator is also provided which combines the echo control gain and the noise control gain into a master gain.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first calculator also includes a thresholder to confine the master gain to a selected limit.
One advantage of the present invention resides in improved intelligibility in noisy environments provided by both noise reduction and noise compensation. Noise reduction addresses the noise in the signal itself by spectrally attenuating its components. Noise compensation, on the other hand, addresses the acoustic background noise that a person is exposed to while listening to another person on the phone.
Yet another advantage of the present invention resides in the determination of echo based on at least one processed signal by compensating the processing gain.
Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art.

Method and apparatus for network speech enhancement


A cutting tool includes a cutting insert releasably retained therein. The cutting insert has top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface extending therebetween. The cutting insert does not include any clamping bore for receiving a clamping component therein. The cutting insert may having unitary, one-piece construction and be formed of a superabrasive material. The cutting insert may have a two-headed arrow shape, or similar shapes, such that the body of the cutting insert is small relative to the cutting regions thereof. The cutting tool includes a top clamp for clamping the cutting insert in an insert pocket. The top clamp has an asymmetrical shape and engages the cutting insert in one engagement region on the top surface, and in one engagement region on the peripheral surface. The cutting insert engages the insert pocket at the bottom surface, and in three spaced apart engagement regions on the peripheral surface.

Some metal cutting operations are performed using a cutting insert which has at least a cutting edge that is coated with, or made of, a superhard material, for example, a superabrasive material, e.g., Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) or Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN). This kind of cutting insert may be used, for example, for machining very hard metals, superalloys, or the like, while providing the machined work-piece with appropriate surface quality, and/or obtaining other desired results.
In some instances, due to the high cost of superhard materials such as superabrasives, the cutting insert is assembled, for example, from two separate components: a cutting insert body and a cutting tip. The cutting insert body is formed, for example, of a material used for manufacturing ordinary cutting inserts, for example, cemented carbide such as Tungsten carbide, and the cutting tip, which is significantly smaller in size than the cutting insert body, is formed of a superabrasive material such as PCD or CBN. A pocket is formed in an end of the cutting insert body and the cutting tip is brazed to the pocket, or positioned therein using other methods.
However, the above-described manufacture of a cutting insert may be prolonged and expensive. Also, the assembling of a cutting insert from two separate components may result in manufacture imprecisions that reduce the cutting quality of the cutting insert. In addition, the cutting tip may undesirably become detached or torn from the cutting insert body, either partially or entirely, for example, due to extensive use of the cutting insert and/or due to a poor assembling thereof.

Tool holder having a tool body and top clamp for retaining a cutting insert


A bottom casting apparatus comprises a pouring pipe, a stool, molds, and runners, wherein the runner satisfies the following equations (1) and (2) and a gap formed between a side wall of a groove for a runner provided in the stool and a runner brick is filled with heat resisting granules, EQU A-D.ltoreq.D(Z/100)+2.5 (mm) (1) EQU A-D>B-E>0 (2). where, A and B are widths (mm) at an upper portion and a bottom portion of the groove, respectively, D and E are widths (mm) at an upper portion and a bottom portion of the runner brick disposed within the groove, respectively, and Z is a mean coefficient of linear expansion (%) of the runner brick in the temperature range of a room temperature to 1000.degree. C.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for bottom casting of a molten steel.
2. Description of the Related Art
As compared with a top casting method, a bottom casting method can provide higher efficiency in casting a molten steel and eliminate possible splashing of a molten steel in a mold, causing a smooth surface of an ingot. Therefore, the bottom casting method is adapted to cast a steel such as a stainless steel.
An apparatus for use in bottom casting, comprises a stool, a pouring pipe and a mold mounted thereon. In the apparatus, a bottom surface of the pouring pipe communicates with a bottom surface of the mold through a runner brick disposed within a groove formed in the stool, allowing molten steel to flow through the pouring pipe into the mold. The pouring pipe generally comprises a cylindrical outer barrel made of cast iron and a cylindrical pouring pipe brick disposed within the outer barrel.
In casting performed by the bottom casting method, molten steel poured into the pouring pipe flows through the runner brick into the mold, and solidifies to form an ingot within the mold. While molten steel within the mold is cooled, molten steel remaining within the pouring pipe and the runner brick also solidifies. Therefore, in each ingot casting completion, the pouring pipe and the runner brick which have been used are removed and replaced with fresh ones.
A work in which the runner brick is disposed in the stool is called "runner brick setting". The work is conventionally performed in the following manner. That is, after the bottom of the groove formed on the stool is filled with sand, a plurality of runner bricks are disposed within the groove along the length thereof, and seam between adjacent runner bricks is sealed. Thereafter, a space between a side wall of the groove and the runner bricks is filled with sand, and an upper portion of sand is covered with mortar.
However, in the conventional method mentioned above, a work for filling the sand and a work drying the mortar securing the sand are required, thereby lowering workability and polluting the working ambiance due to occurrence of dust. Accordingly, for solving the above problem, methods for setting runner bricks without using sand and/or mortar have been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication (JP-B) No. 53-35897, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 6-218494.
In accordance with the method which has been disclosed in JP-B No. 53-35897, the width of each lateral gap between the groove and the runner brick is set to 6 mm or less, or metal plate is inserted in each gap in respective sides to adjust the width of the gap to be 6 mm or less. Even when molten steel flows out due to accidental cracking of the runner brick, the molten steel is cooled and solidified by the side wall of the groove of the stool or the inserted metal plate. Accordingly, molten steel can be prevented from flowing out further. However, in this method, when the width of the gap between the groove and the runner brick is, for example, about 4 mm, the opening width of the crack also become about 4 mm. Therefore, flowing-out of molten steel can not be prevented perfectly.
The method which has been disclosed in JP-A No. 6-218494 has been proposed by the assignee of the present invention so as to overcome disadvantages of the method which has been disclosed in JP-B No. 53-35897 mentioned above. In this method, the width of the lateral gap between the groove and the runner brick, and a difference between the depth of the groove and the height of the runner brick, which are measured in thermal expansion of the runner brick, are made 0.5 mm or less. Even when a crack accidentally occurs in the runner brick, an opening width of the crack can be suppressed to 0.5 mm or less, thereby providing molten steel from flowing out.
As mentioned above, after one casting work is completed, the used runner bricks are removed from the stool. The simplest way for removing the runner bricks one where, after the ingot, the outer barrel of the pouring pipe and the mold are removed from the stool, cause the stool is lifted up with a crane and reversed to cause the runner bricks and the pouring bricks to fall off at a stroke together with solidified material remained therein.
When this removing technique is applied to the method which has been disclosed in the JP-A No. 6-218494, the runner bricks on an upper region of the groove breaks and falls with the solidified material remaining in the runner, allowing them to be removed. However, since broken pieces or chips originated the runner bricks enter into a gap between the runner bricks disposed at a bottom side of the groove and the groove, some of the pieces of the runner bricks remain in the groove in some cases. In this case, it is necessary to remove the remaining pieces from the groove. For example, the reversed stool is returned back to its original state and a removing work must be performed using a breaker or the like. Accordingly, it takes a long time for a post-processing (post-treatment) after ingot casting.

Apparatus and method for bottom casting of molten steel


Photodetectors based on hydrogen-doped, single-crystalline germanium, including waveguide integrated photodetectors for photonic chip applications are provided. Hydrogen doping provides the single-crystalline germanium with increased radiation absorption in the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, including at wavelengths of 1550 nm and above.

Germanium (Ge) is a key semiconductor material in photonic and optoelectronic applications due to its superior light absorption properties in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range. Wavelengths beyond 1.55 μm are especially important because the wavelength range for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology expands to the L-band (i.e., 1561˜1620 nm). However, Ge photodetectors typically suffer from low responsivity at wavelengths longer than 1.55 μm due to the abrupt drop in their absorption coefficient beginning at a wavelength of ˜1.5 μm.
Ge nanomembranes (Ge NM), which may have, for example, thicknesses ranging from several tens of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers, have been used in optoelectronic applications. For example, Ge-based infrared optical gain media and flexible Ge photodetectors have been demonstrated. Although a thicker (i.e., bulk) Ge layer has the advantage of better light absorption, a thinner Ge layer (e.g., Ge NM) has more flexibility for device fabrication. Regardless of the thickness, the light absorption coefficient for Ge (both bulk Ge and Ge NM) decreases rapidly at wavelengths longer than 1.5 μm. Therefore, it is desirable to enhance the light absorption coefficient of Ge so that the total light absorption can be enhanced sufficiently to enable its use in Ge-based optical sensor applications for both long haul and on-chip optical communications.


The present invention discloses an automatic page detector, to determine which page of a book is open. The automatic page detector uses a magnet and an inductor as a sensor. In the invention, there is a magnet at each page of the book and the locations of the magnets for different pages are different. There is an array of inductors just beneath the magnets when the book is closed. The inductors are connected to the feedback loop of a LC oscillator through analog switches. The proximity of a magnet to an inductor will change the frequency of the LC oscillator. Scanning the analog switches by a microprocessor and detecting the variation of frequency of the LC oscillator during each scanning time period, the status of each magnet will be detected and we can determine which page of a book is opened.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic page detector. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic page detector by using a magnet at each page of the book, an array of inductors just beneath the magnets and feedback loop of a LC oscillator to determine which page of a book is open.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automatic page detector is often used in an electronic reading book. Electronic book is a book containing a speech synthesizer which can play the contents of the book from a speaker. The "STORY READER" produced by Publication International Ltd, is a prior art of an electronic book with the function of an automatic page detector. This prior art uses a lot of magnets and reed switches as the sensors of the automatic page detector. When a magnet is in proximity of a reed switch, the two terminals of the reed switch will be closed. By detecting the state of each reed switch in an electronic book, we can determine which page of the book is opened. The disadvantage of this technology is the high cost of the reed switch. The other prior art of an electronic book with automatic page detecting function is "Power Touch" produced by Mattel Canada Inc. In this product photo detection technology is used. A sensor consists of an infrared photo diode and transistor pair. A reflecting material is coated on some location of a page of the electronic book. The reflecting material can reflects the infrared light from the photo diode to the photo transistor. Input the status of each photo transistor to a microprocessor, which page of a book is open can be determined. Because of using photo diode and photo transistor, this technology is also not cost effective. Besides, the light from the environment can affect the photo transistor and make the wrong detection.


A data carrier including a flat carrier element having at least one memory segment configured to store user-specific information and at least one inscription segment configured to store visually readable information. Further, the carrier element further includes a multi-information segment having a plurality of information layers arranged one on top of another, and at least two information layers are writable and/or printable and at least one top information layer is made separable from a neighboring lower information layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data carrier such as a credit card or bank cark including at least one removable information layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
German Patent Application DE 197 16 099 A1 discloses a card-shaped data carrier having printed information that is covered by a plastic film. However, the information printed on the card is limited to information provided by the manufacturer of the card. In addition, German Patent Application DE 198 51 836 A1 discloses a card-shaped data carrier having a thermoreversible layer applied sequentially to produce visible information. The information is limited to an area of an inscription segment including the information.
German Patent Application DE 200 17 161 U1 discloses a card-shaped data carrier having a plurality of inscription segments including visually readable information. The number and size of the inscription fields, however, are limited by the size of the data carrier. German Patent Application DE 196 07 363 A1 discloses a card-shaped data carrier including an integrated chip storing user-specific information. However, to read the user-specific information, a separate electrical card reader is required.
German Patent Application DE 101 24 327 A1 discloses a data carrier having a magnetic strip for storing user-specific information and having visually readable information such as an account number, customer number, card issuer, etc. To increase the amount of information provided on the data carrier, another inscription segment including a barcode is glued over the memory segment. However, to prevent an interaction between the electromagnetic memory segment and the inscription segment, the manufacturing costs of this data carrier is increased.


A valve apparatus is small, and regulates a fuel amount by restricting a lift amount of a valve. A columnar portion is formed on a pump body. The columnar portion is inserted into a check valve and a washer formed with a protruding portion which protrudes outward from a flange portion, and the check valve and washer are attached or fixed to the pump body by subjecting a tip end of the columnar portion to thermal caulking or the like. An outer diameter of the protruding portion is set to be relatively smaller than an outer diameter of the flange portion such that when the check valve is sandwiched between the protruding portion and pump body, the check valve contacts an outer peripheral edge of the flange portion when the check valve opens. As a result, a lift amount of the valve can be restricted, and a flow rate of fuel passing through a passage can be maintained at a constant level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a valve apparatus capable of regulating opening of a valve for opening and closing a passage.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a diaphragm type fuel pump, in which an intake/discharge pumping action is performed by activating a diaphragm using pulsation pressure of an engine, is used as a fuel supply apparatus for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel injection apparatus or the like. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application 2002-202026 is known as an example of a conventional diaphragm type fuel pump, structure of which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A fuel pump 10 is constituted by a pump body 16 formed with an intake port 12 and a discharge port 14, shown in FIG. 3, a bottom body 18 disposed on one of side faces of the pump body 16, a cover 20 disposed on another side face of the pump body 16, a diaphragm 22 sandwiched between the pump body 16 and bottom body 18, and a membrane 24 sandwiched between the pump body 16 and cover 20. The pump body 16, bottom body 18, and cover 20 are formed using a synthetic resin material which is capable of plastic deformation under application of heat, but may be formed from metal.
A pump chamber 26 is formed between the diaphragm 22 and pump body 16, and a pulse chamber 28 is formed between the diaphragm 22 and bottom body 18. A pulse introduction passage 30 for introducing a pulse pressure generated by an engine, not shown in the drawings, into the pulse chamber 28 is formed in the bottom body 18, and the pulse pressure is introduced into the pulse chamber 28 through the pulse introduction passage 30.
A fuel intake chamber 32 and a fuel discharge chamber 34 are formed between the membrane 24 and pump body 16. A damper chamber 36 which opposes the fuel intake chamber 32 via the membrane 24, and a damper chamber 38 which opposes the fuel discharge chamber 34 via the membrane 24, are formed between the membrane 24 and cover 20. The fuel intake chamber 32 communicates with the intake port 12 shown in FIG. 3, and the fuel discharge chamber 34 communicates with the discharge port 14 shown in FIG. 3.
An intake communication passage 40 connecting the fuel intake chamber 32 and pump chamber 26, and a discharge communication passage 42 connecting the pump chamber 26 and fuel discharge chamber 34, are formed in the pump body 16. A check valve 44 formed from a flexible material for opening and closing the intake communication passage 40 is attached to the pump body 16. The check valve 44 serves to move fuel only from the fuel intake chamber 32 into the pump chamber 26. A check valve 46 formed from a flexible material for opening and closing the discharge communication passage 42 is also attached to the pump body 16. This check valve 46 serves to move fuel only from the pump chamber 26 into the fuel discharge chamber 34. The check valves 44, 46 are fixed to the pump body 16 by rubber grommets 48.
As shown in FIG. 5(a), a hole 50 for inserting a part of the grommet 48 is formed in the pump body 16 in the vicinity of the intake communication passage 40 and the discharge communication passage 42. The grommet 48 is formed by integrating a head portion 52 on one end side, a stopper portion 54 on another end side, and a neck portion 56 joining the head portion 52 and stopper portion 54. An outer diameter of the head portion 52 of the grommet 48 is set to a larger dimension than an inner diameter of the hole 50 in the pump body 16, but such that the head portion 52 of the rubber grommet 48 can pass through the hole 50 in the pump body 16 when pushed into the hole 50 forcibly. An outer diameter of the stopper portion 54 of the grommet 48 is set with a larger diameter than the head portion, and has a shape and dimensions which prevent it from passing through the hole 50 in the pump body 16 even when pushed into the hole 50 forcibly. The check valve 44 formed from a flexible material takes a disk form having a central hole 58. An inner diameter of the hole 58 in the check valve 44, 46 is set to a smaller dimension than the outer diameter of the head portion 52 of the grommet 48.
A procedure for attaching the check valve 44, 46 to the pump body 16 is shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b). First, the head portion 52 of the grommet 48 is inserted into the hole 58 in the check valve 44, 46, thereby attaching the check valve 44, 46 to the grommet 48. Then, the head portion 52 of the grommet 48 is inserted into the hole 50 in the pump body 16. Thus, the pump body 16 and check valve 44, 46 are sandwiched between the head portion 52 and stopper portion 54 of the grommet 48. As a result, the check valve 44, 46 is attached to the pump body 16. When the check valve 44, 46 is attached to the pump body 16, the intake communication passage 40 or discharge communication passage 42 is closed by the check valve 44, 46.
In the diaphragm type fuel pump shown in FIG. 4, by introducing a pulse pressure generated in a crank chamber (not shown) of an engine into the pulse chamber 28, the diaphragm 22 performs an alternating stroke movement between pump chamber 26 side and pulse chamber 28 side. By virtue of this stroke action of the diaphragm 22, fuel that is introduced into the fuel intake chamber 32 from a fuel tank, not shown in the drawings, enters the pump chamber 26, passes from the pump chamber 26 into the fuel discharge chamber 34, and is discharged to a fuel injection apparatus or the like.
A diaphragm type fuel pump comprising a check valve attached using a conventional attachment structure has the following problems.
(1) Operations are required to insert the head portion 52 of the grommet 48 into the hole 58 in the check valve 44, 46, and to insert the head portion 52 of the grommet 48 into the hole 50 in the pump body 16, and therefore a large number of steps is involved in an operation for attaching the check valve 44, 46 to the pump body 16.(2) The grommet 48 is made of rubber, and therefore deteriorates when it comes into contact with fuel.(3) To fix a central position of disk-form check valve 44, 46 to the pump body 16 using the rubber grommet 48, an inner diameter of neck portion 56 of the grommet 48 must be increased to a certain extent. Accordingly, an outer diameter of the disk-form check valve 44, 46 must be increased, and as a result, a size of the pump itself increases.(4) A fuel intake amount and fuel discharge amount passing through the intake communication passage 40 and discharge communication passage 42 are determined by a passage diameter of the intake communication passage 40 and discharge communication passage 42, and pulse pressure that is generated by the engine and introduced into the pulse chamber 28. However, with a constitution in which the check valve 44, 46 is fixed to the pump body 16 by the grommet 48, the check valve 44, 46 curls up greatly from the intake communication passage 40 or discharge communication passage 42 when the pulse pressure is great (see dot-dash line in FIG. 5), with a result that a valve lift amount of the check valve 44, 46 cannot be restricted.
Due to these problems (1) through (4), it is difficult in the conventional diaphragm type pump shown in FIG. 4 to reduce a size of the pump itself, and desired performance cannot be obtained.


An apparatus and method of communication in a network includes a hub having a burst time plan generating section to generate a burst time plan including time slot allocation information that allocated transmission time slots in a subsequent frame to remote terminals. The allocation information identifies at least one time slot in the subsequent frame as a dummy time slot assigned to at least one remote terminal already acquired in the network. The hub also includes a transmitter to transmit the burst time plan including the allocation information. A corresponding remote terminal and computer readable media are also discussed.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for improved security for acquisition and contention burst activity in a communication network.
Description of the Related Art
A hub in a communication network may broadcast a burst time plan with allocation information for each time slot in a subsequent frame transmitted by remote terminals. The contents of the burst time plan transmitted by the hub and the contents of the subsequent frame transmitted by remote terminals may be encrypted to prevent an eavesdropper from accessing the communication content. However, encryption of the communication content may not prevent someone from detecting communication patterns of the network.
Techniques to hide traffic patterns are referred to as Transmission security (TRANSEC) techniques. These techniques include encrypting addressing information and filling otherwise empty data time slots with encrypted dummy traffic.
TRANSEC techniques are of particular interest in satellite communication because of the extensive coverage of the communications that make it more susceptible to interception at relatively longer distances from the source.
In a time division multiple access (TDMA) system or other related system with multiple remote terminals and multiple carriers of a given frequency and bandwidth divided into different time slots, time slot assignments may be broadcast to instruct the remote terminals to transmit a communication signal or burst response into their respectively assigned slots (sometimes referred to as "bursting into the time slot") in the subsequent frame time.

Apparatus and method to secure acquisition and contention burst activity in a communication network


An electronic package assembly that includes a flexible circuit wrapped around a metal substrate. The leads of the flexible circuit are connected to an integrated circuit that is mounted to the top surface of the substrate. The flexible circuit has a plurality of metal pads located adjacent to the bottom surface of the substrate. The flexible circuit also contains a power/ground plane and a number of conductive signal lines that couple the integrated circuit to the metal pads. The pads can be soldered to a printed circuit board to electrically couple the integrated circuit to the board.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic package assembly.
2. Description of Related Art
Electronic packages typically include an integrated circuit that is encapsulated in a plastic or ceramic housing. The housing has a plurality of wire leads or pads that are coupled to the circuit. The package is typically mounted to a printed circuit board by soldering the leads/pads to corresponding pads or plated through holes in the board.
Integrated circuits generate heat which flows into the housing. The heat is removed from the package primarily by convection from the housing, or conduction into the circuit board through the leads/pads. Plastic and ceramic are relatively poor thermal conductors, wherein the heat can create high junction temperatures in the circuit. It is therefore desirable to provide an electronic package assembly that is thermally efficient in removing heat generated by an internal electrical device.
Electronic packages are typically constructed with internal signal lines that are parallel with each other. When used with a high speed circuit, parallel lines can produce cross-talk and other electrical noise in the signals. It is therefore desirable to have an electronic package that minimizes the amount of electrical noise in a signal that travels through the package. Additionally, it is also desirable to have an electronic package assembly which maximizes the lead density of the package and the input/output (I/O) of the integrated circuit.

Ra-tab array bump tab tape based I.C. package


A system, method and program product for providing a reflexive data collection system. A system is provided that includes: a system for defining a set of environmental conditions; a device for automatically implementing the set of environmental conditions; a system for collecting biometric data under the set of environmental conditions; and a system for encoding the biometric data and the set of environmental conditions into a reflexive template.

Identity verification has numerous applications, including granting login access to computer systems, granting physical access to buildings and rooms, interfacing with banks, etc. Various approaches for verifying identity are known and commonly used, including the use of passwords, the use biometrics such as fingerprint and retinal imagery, etc.
Biometrics are particularly useful in many applications in light of the fact that an individual does not need to remember a password or the like. Instead, unique physical, behavioral, physiological and or cognitive traits and characteristics can be utilized to identify and verify an individual. For example, every person has unique fingerprints that can be used to verify an identity with a high degree of certainty.
One of the drawbacks of biometrics however is that once a biometric image or template of an individual is compromised, an imposter may be able to impersonate the individual. For instance, biometric data for an individual may be encoded in a binary sequence, i.e., template. If the binary sequence was obtained by a third party, the third party could potentially utilize the binary sequence to, e.g., gain access to a computer system. Once compromised, the only way to ensure security for the individual would be to change the encoding scheme of the entire system.
Accordingly, a need exists for a biometric identity verification system that addresses the drawbacks of the prior art.

International Business Machines Corporation


A prediction and stimulation system or method is provided for neurological disorders characterized by a local dysfunction in neuronal activity regulation. An array of electrodes detects neuronal electrical activity of selected brain region. A detection module detects in each electrode changes in electric field and neuronal activity. A prediction module predicts for each electrode abnormal regimes determined by neurological disorder. A neuromodulation module interfaced with the electrodes selects one or more electrodes in the array where a predefined threshold has been exceeded and stimulates the brain region through each of these selected electrodes using an intermittent therapeutic stimulation pattern with a frequency between 150 and 200 Hz. The provided therapy allows for seizure prediction and detection with high accuracy, potential low risk and increased battery life. The flexibility of the method and system allows it to be used in different neurological disorders by tuning the parameters using a calibration procedure.

Epilepsy is a multifaceted neurological disorder where the occurrence of seizures leads to alterations in normal electric rhythms that can be recorded and analyzed. Current models show that several factors which govern neuronal excitability and intrinsic neurochemistry are involved in seizure generation, however, little is yet known about how these factors operate and determine the seizure onset. Distinct electrophysiological phenomena originating from different epileptic brain regions precede the ictal discharge.
The presence of interictal spikes has been associated with an increased risk for spontaneous seizure. In addition, during interictal periods in epileptic focal regions quasi-localized clusters of high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) have been revealed based on EEG analysis (Bragin et al., 2009; Bragin et al., 2010; Crepon et al., 2010). These HFOs appear periodically in the epileptic brain and they manifest on a scale of centimeters generated by abnormal hyper-synchronization of large neuronal ensembles. The presence of HFOs in the seizure-generating structures is highly related to temporal and spatial location of seizure onset. On the other hand few analyses have highlighted the presence of focal low frequency oscillations that precede ictal discharge in EEG or MEG data. While alterations at different levels can always facilitate abnormal neuronal activities, the occurrence of seizures is a rare event with a very low probability of occurrence.
From gene to gliogenesis and neurotransmitter release to neurogenesis all mechanisms are highly regulated in the brain. This regulation further extends to synaptic activity and firing activity of neurons in different brain regions. Therefore, changes in regulation at different levels can have broad consequences and influence rhythmic patterns of neuronal activity. The electric field generated by a population of neurons that fire action potentials was termed endogenous electric field. Changes in endogenous electric field alter the dynamics of electric charges, the diffusion of ions as well as the neurotransmitter release. All these changes can significantly influence local neuronal activity. It is the objective of the present invention to provide a method and a system using information pertaining at least some of these changes for seizure prediction and treatment of epileptic disorders as well as treatment of other neurological disorders characterized by dysfunctional regulation of neuronal activity.

Seizure prediction and neurological disorder treatment

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A data transmission method for classifying network connections and transmitting multimedia data is described. After distinguishing multimedia connections from non-multimedia connects, multimedia packets are classified and consolidated into packet groups and then the packet groups are transmitted. The method for transmitting multimedia data comprises the following steps. First, determine whether a connection is used for transmitting multimedia data or not. If it does, the packets are consolidated into a packet group. Finally, forward the packet group according to a predetermined order after the packet group is assembled.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting data through a classification of network connections. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multimedia data transmission method for saving transmission bandwidth. The method includes classifying the network connections and consolidating packets into packet groups and transmitting the package groups if the network connection is a multimedia connection.
2. Description of the Related Art
The conventional method of transmitting the data within a file includes cutting up the file into a plurality of manageable packets and transmitting them in a time sequence. Hence, when a server transmits a multimedia file such as the one shown in FIG. 1, the server will cut up the multimedia file into a plurality of image packets (V1-1, V1-2, V1-3 . . . ), a plurality of sound packets (A1-1, A1-2, A1-3 . . . ) and a plurality of parameter packets (P1-1, P1-2, P1-3, . . . ). Thereafter, the packets are transmitted one after the other in a time ordered sequence as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the first transmitted packet is the image packet V1-1. After that, the sound packet A1-1, the general data packet P1-1, the image packet V1-2, the sound packet A1-2 and so on is transmitted out one by one.
One major disadvantages for this arrangement is that the server needs to wait for a brief period after completing the transmission of the first image packet V1-1 but before transmitting the first sound packet A1-1. Similarly, there is a waiting gap in the transmission of all subsequent packets. The accumulation of a vast number of time gaps can lead to a considerable waste of transmission bandwidth and a slow down of file reception at client's terminal.
A data transmission control system and method is provided in Taiwan Pat. No. 589837. The method includes separating out and transmitting the control packets of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) as soon as possible to increase the transmission efficiency. However, this method does not address the waste in bandwidth transmission due to the presence of inter-packet gaps and does not provide any additional processing for multimedia data.

Method for classifying network connections and transmitting multimedia data


A light filter for use in an optical system for displaying image. The light filter comprising, a substantially transparent substrate and an optical coating applied to the substrate. The optical coating is applied to the substrate such that a percentage of light being directed through the filter that is attenuated varies based on a position on the substrate on which the light impinges.

I. Field
This invention is related to the field of display devices, such as projection display devices. More particularly, the invention is related to methods and systems for attenuating light when displaying images with such display devices.
II. Description of Related Art
Display technology (e.g., for use in computer and entertainment display devices) continues to advance, as generally is the case with consumer and business electronics. Display devices (such as digital display projectors, flat panel displays, plasma displays, cathode-ray-tube (CRT) displays, etc.) continue to improve in the quality and resolution of the images they display. A wide variety of such a display systems is available from InFocus Corporation of Wilsonville, Oreg., the assignee of the present application.
Projection display devices, such as those manufactured by InFocus, include an optical subsystem for displaying images (e.g., still images or video). Such optical subsystems typically include an illumination source (e.g., a high pressure mercury lamp) for generating light. Light is typically generated in a plurality of primary colors (e.g., red, green and blue) using a color wheel or, as one alternative, using separate light sources for each primary color, where the separate light sources are turned on in sequence. The generated light is then directed, focused and modulated to display images (e.g., still or moving) on a display surface, such as a screen or wall. Light may be modulated using any number of approaches. For example, a digital micro-mirror device may be used to modulate light. Such devices are know and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,870,660, entitled "Digital micromirror device having mirror-attached spring tips", which is incorporated by reference herein in it entirety. As an alternative, a liquid crystal array may be used to modulate the primary color light to generate displayed images. Of course, other approaches are possible.
Such systems typically include service logic that is implemented in software, hardware and/or firmware for analyzing the content of the image or images being displayed the display system. Based on the information produced by this image analysis, the display device may modify the manner in which images are displayed.
As one example, based on analysis of an image or series of images (e.g., video content) being displayed, the display device may determine that the content of the image or images is generally dark. When viewing such video content, it may be observed that the brightness transitions are relatively poor as compared with brighter scenes. Due to limitations in the number of steps of brightness available (e.g., resolution), steps from one level of brightness intensity to the next may be visibly abrupt to a viewer of the displayed images. These abrupt steps negatively affect the quality of the image and, therefore, the viewer experience.
As an example of this situation, for a display device that displays images with 8 bits of resolution there are 256 levels of brightness that are available. If these 256 levels are divided equally over the entire range of possible brightness (e.g., in a stepwise linear fashion), transitions from one level to the next will be more readily observable by a viewer at the lower brightness levels due the percentage change in brightness that occurs during those transitions. For instance, transitions at the lowest brightness levels will result in one-hundred percent change in brightness. Accordingly, these transitions are often readily observable when displaying video content with a low level of brightness (e.g., dark scenes).
One approach that is used to address this concern is to reduce the range of brightness over which the number of brightness steps is spread. This is accomplished by placing a solid object in a portion of the path of the light that is used for projecting the video content. For instance, if it is determined by the display device (e.g., using the image analysis service logic described above) that the desired maximum brightness for a particular portion of the video content (e.g., a dark scene in a movie) is half of the maximum white brightness available, then the solid object may be placed such that it reduces the amount of light used to the project the scene by fifty percent. This results in the reduction of the brightness steps by half as well, as the 256 steps are divided over half of the brightness range (e.g., half of the light is blocked).
While such an approach may reduce the perception of abrupt brightness transitions, such approaches still have certain drawbacks. For example, because the light is completely blocked in half of the field and not blocked in the other half, there may still be portions of the displayed images that have abrupt brightness transitions, such as in the portions of the images corresponding with the unblocked portion of the field. Additionally, other portions of the image may have poor contrast, such as in the portions of the images corresponding with the completely blocked portion of the display field. Based on the foregoing, alternative approaches for displaying images or video content with reduced brightness are desirable.

Method and system for dynamic gradient light filtering


A brake mechanism is constituted to have: an electromotive actuator which suppresses a rotation of a disk by moving a first pad toward a second pad to sandwich and press the disk between the first pad and the second pad; a pressing force setting section outputting a set signal to set a pressing force of the pad to the disk; a plurality of piezoelectric elements provided at different places from each other in the first pad or the second pad, the plurality of piezoelectric elements detecting a stress of the pad; a signal processing part which processes electric signals obtained from the plurality of piezoelectric elements and generates a detection signal of a pressing force, the detection signal corresponding to a pressing force of the pad to the disk; and a computing part which obtains a deviation between the set signal and the detection signal, computes an operation signal of the electromotive actuator based on the deviation, and then outputs the operation signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a brake mechanism which includes a piezoelectric element, and to a transport apparatus and industrial apparatus which include the brake mechanism.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a braking device for a conventional vehicle such as an automobile driven by gas, a disk brake has been used, for example. As such a disk brake, pads to be a pair to each other are disposed on both surfaces of a disk which is connected to a tire and rotates along with the tire. When a driver depresses a brake pedal installed at a driver seat, one pad moves toward the other pad by an oil pressure mechanism, for example, and the disk is sandwiched by the pads. Then, a friction force between the pad and the disk decreases a rotation speed of the disk, eventually bringing a rotation of the disk to a halt. A rotation of the tire is also halted by the halt of the rotation of the disk.
In recent years, in order to protect environment, an electric vehicle which has an engine driven by electricity instead of gas has been developed. In order to simplify a structure of the electric vehicle, it is examined to provide a motor instead of providing the oil pressure mechanism thereby to operate the pad by the motor.
Meanwhile, in such an electric vehicle, for safer and comfortable driving, it is examined to make a depressing angle of a brake pedal of the vehicle and a deceleration of a tire correspond closely. For such a purpose, it is required to make the depressing angle of the brake pedal and a pressing force of the pad by the motor corresponded to each other, but adjusting the pressing force with high accuracy by the motor is difficult. Thus, it is examined to provide a piezoelectric element in a rear surface (surface opposite to a pressing surface of the disk) of the pad. More specifically, it is examined to detect a pressure change of a pressure detecting region of the rear surface of the pad by the piezoelectric element and to control an operation of the motor based on a detection result.
However, when the disk is pressed, in some cases, a pressure in a certain point of the pad becomes temporarily large or small compared with a pressure in another point, due to minute irregularities of the pressing surface of the pad and each surface of the disk, for example. Since a variation of the pressure becomes sometimes large as described above, stable control cannot be always done. Though a disk brake of the electric vehicle has been explained here, in a device using a brake mechanism which controls a rotation speed of a disk by pressing the disk as above it is required that braking is performed with high accuracy in correspondence with a user's operation, similarly to in the disk brake.
Patent Document 1 describes, with regard to a pressure sensor constituted by a crystal, a structure in which a plurality of electrodes are formed in one side of a crystal piece, but cannot solve the above-described problem.
(Patent Document)
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-349816

Brake mechanism, transport apparatus and industrial apparatus


A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises vertical power supply wiring 12 divided into first and second narrow-width vertical power supply wirings 12a and 12b, vertical ground wiring 14 disposed in parallel with vertical power supply wiring 12 and divided into first and second narrow-width vertical ground wirings 14a and 14b, auxiliary vertical power supply wiring 22 connecting first narrow-width vertical power supply wiring 12a and second narrow-width vertical power supply wiring 12b, and auxiliary vertical ground wiring 24 connecting first narrow-width vertical ground wiring 14a and second narrow-width vertical ground wiring 14b.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a layout view of a semiconductor integrated circuit device. Shown in FIG. 1 are I/O area 1 where an I/O buffer was formed, ROM area 2 where ROM was formed, RAM area 3 where RAM was formed, logic area 4 where a logic circuit was formed, logic element area 5 where a logic element was formed within logic area 4, and power supply/ground wiring area 6 where power supply wiring and ground wiring were formed within logic area 4.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of wiring within the logic area of a conventional semiconductor integrated circuit device, and the figure corresponds to the configuration of xe2x80x9cAxe2x80x9d part in FIG. 1. Shown in FIG. 6 are horizontal power supply wiring 101, vertical power supply wiring 102, horizontal ground wiring 103 disposed in parallel with horizontal power supply wiring 101, vertical ground wiring 104 disposed in parallel with vertical power supply wiring 102, horizontal inter-element wirings 105 used for the connection between logic elements, vertical inter-element wirings 106 used for the connection between logic elements, through holes 107 used for the connection between horizontal power supply wiring 101 and vertical power supply wiring 102, and through holes 108 used for the connection between horizontal ground wiring 103 and vertical ground wiring 104.
The power supply wiring, the ground wiring, and the inter-element wiring are formed of metal such as aluminum or copper, for instance. The power supply wiring and the ground wiring have a width that is larger than the width of the inter-element wiring such that the power supply wiring and the ground wiring have resistance to electromigration.
The power supply wiring, ground wiring, and inter-element wiring are formed by etching and dissolving interlayer insulation film at the position where these wiring are formed, to form holes and then burying metal such as aluminum or copper in the holes. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the process of etching and dissolving the interlayer insulation film. The etching of interlayer insulation film 111 proceeds in the order of from FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, as the etching of interlayer insulation film 111 proceeds, a foreign substance is deposited on the entrance of hole 112, and thereby the sectional shape of hole 112 becomes trapezoidal. Accordingly, the power supply wiring, ground wiring, and inter-element wiring each have a trapezoidal sectional shape. The wider the width of the wiring is, the wider the taper part of the trapezoid is.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the VIIIxe2x80x94VIII line of FIG. 6. Shown in the figure are taper parts 102a of vertical power supply wiring 102, taper parts 104a of vertical ground wiring 104, and taper parts 106a of vertical inter-element wirings 106.
Widths a2 of vertical power supply wiring 102 and vertical ground wiring 104 are wider than width b2 of vertical inter-element wiring 106. For instance, width a2 is about 0.41 xcexcm, and width b2 is about 0.22 xcexcm. For this reason, widths c2 of taper part 102a of vertical power supply wiring 102 and of taper part 104a of vertical ground wiring 104 are wider than width d2 of taper part 106a of vertical inter-element wiring 106. Accordingly, intervals f2 between vertical power supply wiring 102 and vertical inter-element wiring 106, and between vertical ground wiring 104 and vertical inter-element wiring 106 are wider than interval g2 between vertical inter-element wirings 106. Moreover, interval e2 between vertical power supply wiring 102 and vertical ground wiring 104 is wider than interval f2. Interval e2 is about 0.5 xcexcm, interval f2 is about 0.4 xcexcm, and interval g2 is about 0.22 xcexcm, for instance. Interval h2 between vertical inter-element wiring 106 that is adjacent to vertical power supply wiring 102 and vertical inter-element wiring 106 that is adjacent to vertical ground wiring 104 is 2*a2+e2+2*f2, and is about 2.12 xcexcm.
The conventional semiconductor integrated circuit device is arranged as mentioned above, the sectional shapes of power supply wiring, ground wiring, and inter-element wiring are trapezoidal, and the widths of the taper parts of a power supply wiring and a ground wiring that each have a wide width are wider than the width of the taper part of an inter-element wiring having a narrow width. For this reason, it is necessary to make the intervals between the inter-element wiring and the power supply wiring, and between the inter-element wiring and the ground wiring wider than the interval between the inter-element wirings. Accordingly, there has been a drawback that the wiring density of the inter-element wirings is low, and simultaneously the element density of the logic elements is low.
The present invention has been accomplished to solve the above-mentioned drawback. An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor integrated circuit device in which the intervals between an inter-element wiring and a power supply wiring, and between an inter-element wiring and a ground wiring are narrow, and the element density of logic elements is high.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor integrated circuit device including: a power supply wiring divided into a plurality of narrow-width power supply wirings; a ground wiring disposed in parallel with the power supply wiring and divided into a plurality of narrow-width ground wirings; an auxiliary power supply wiring connecting each narrow-width power supply wiring; and an auxiliary ground wiring connecting each narrow-width ground wiring.
Here, a narrow-width power supply wiring and a narrow-width ground wiring may be alternately disposed.

Semiconductor wiring structure having divided power lines and ground lines on the same layer


An image pickup apparatus according to one or more embodiments includes a power line and first through fourth photodiodes. The first, second, and third photodiodes are arranged along a first direction so that the first photodiode is adjacent to the second photodiode, and the second photodiode is adjacent to the third photodiode. The power line includes a first conductor disposed along the first direction and a second conductor disposed along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second conductor is disposed on a region between the second and third photodiodes. First and second transistors corresponding to the first and second photodiode, respectively, are connected to the power line. The fourth photodiode is disposed adjacent to the second photodiode in the second direction. A third transistor corresponding to the fourth photodiode is connected to the power line.

1. Field of the Invention
One disclosed aspect of the embodiments relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup system.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image pickup apparatus including a plurality of photoelectric conversion units arranged in a two-dimensional array is used in, for example, digital cameras and digital camcorders.
A technology for detecting a focus state using a phase difference method has been used in image pickup apparatuses. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-250931 describes an image pickup apparatus including two photoelectric conversion units under each of a plurality of microlens in order to receive light rays separated from a light ray collected by the microlens. The photoelectric conversion units are configured so as to receive light rays from different pupil planes of an image-capturing lens.
As illustrated in FIG. 8 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-250931, in the image pickup apparatus, each of two photoelectric conversion units disposed under a microlens has a transistor that reads a signal. More specifically, three transistors B07, B09, and B11 are disposed for a first photoelectric conversion unit PD1. In addition, three transistors B08, B10, and B12 are disposed for a second photoelectric conversion unit PD2. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-250931 describes that any light shielding member is not disposed between the photoelectric conversion units disposed under a microlens.
Still furthermore, as the number of pixels of an image pickup apparatus increases in order to capture a high-resolution image, the area or the aperture ratio of the photoelectric conversion unit (e.g., a photodiode) is reduced. To solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-256521 describes a technology for sharing an electrical component by a plurality of pixels.

Image pickup apparatus and image pickup system


A sign assembly includes a substantially rigid framework such as a rectangular or other shaped frame, and a flexible display sheet, typically of cloth or fabric material. The display sheet wraps around an outer portion of the framework and enters a channel, where it is retained at a flexible retainer element disposed in the channel. Optionally, the flexible retainer element may be a strip of resilient sheet material defining one or more slit or slot patterns and/or openings that are configured to releasably engage portions of the display sheet. A cover element may be used to cover the channel and to present a finished appearance along the outside portion of the framework.

Cloth or fabric signs tend to be more durable than paper-based signs, resist permanent creases, and can be less expensive than other materials commonly used for signs, such as plastic sheet materials. One of the challenges in providing a satisfactory display surface made of cloth or fabric sheet material is ensuring that there are no wrinkles that could detract from the appearance of the sign. Another challenge is reducing the effort or difficulty of working with fabrics that generally do not hold a fixed shape unless they are held taut.


A method for securely enabling a user to create a listing for equipment on an equipment online marketplace platform is disclosed. The method may include: receiving a request from a user to create a listing for the equipment on the equipment online marketplace platform; prompting the user to upload one or more images or documents of the equipment; receiving the one or more images or documents of the equipment from the user, the one or more images or documents containing information of the equipment; determining whether an identity of the equipment is verified based on the information of the equipment in the one or more images or documents; and if the identity of the equipment is verified, enabling the user to create a listing for the equipment on the equipment online marketplace platform.

Traditionally, equipment, such as aerospace parts, may be bought and sold in primary and secondary safety-critical marketplaces. Such marketplaces typically include brochure inquiries, often relying on intermediaries which require buyers and sellers to have several conversations to assess the correctness of information/attributes tied to the equipment before a deal is made to sell the equipment. Today, approximately $4 billion of aerospace parts are traded annually throughout the world. However, less than 2% of the aerospace parts commerce is conducted through online marketplaces, such as e-commerce websites. In the aerospace industry, it is difficult to establish such an equipment online marketplace platform because there exists a lack of trust between the buyers and sellers on the online marketplace.
Buyers may lack trust in sellers in an equipment online marketplace for various reasons. First, buyers of equipment may lack trust in a seller's identity over the equipment online marketplace. Second, buyers may lack trust in a seller's posted listing. For example, ghost listings may be a problem in which sellers post equipment information while not physically having the equipment/inventory in possession. Third, buyers may also lack trust on the information/attributes of the posted listings, mapping to the physical equipment.
Likewise, sellers may lack trust in buyers in an equipment online marketplace for various reasons. First, sellers of equipment may lack trust in a buyer's identity over the equipment online marketplace. Second, sellers may lack trust in the mode of payment for the equipment from the buyer.
Furthermore, equipment trading, such as aerospace parts trading, may be spread between several high assets, such as airlines, airports, aircrafts, and/or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For example, highly demanding time-constrained services, such as airport gates and runways, may be traded. However, there is currently no integrated equipment online marketplace that integrates these resources amongst the various participants (e.g., airlines, airports, aircrafts, and OEMs).
The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of these above-referenced challenges.

Systems and methods for securely creating a listing of equipment on an equipment online marketplace platform


A support bracket for domestic containers for the transportation of cargo on railcars is provided for giving support, to the attachment blocks which are used by cranes and loaders to pick and manipulate such containers, as well as to the framework members of the container which are adjacent to the attachment block.

1. The Technical Field
The present invention relates to domestic containers for use in transportation of cargo on railroads, in particular the kind of domestic containers which may be transferred back and forth between truck trailers and railroad cars, and which, when particularly mounted on railroad cars, are stacked in tandem. The present invention, in particular, relates to support brackets for use in repairing and/or reinforcing such domestic containers which have composite material constructions of part metal, part wood or other material.
2. The Prior Art
In addition to dedicated boxcars, tank cars and flat cars, cargo may be transferred via the railroads, using devices which, in the U.S. at least, are commonly known as "domestic containers". Such containers typically have a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and have a composite construction, in which a metal frame is provided, and wood or other materials are used for the panels which form the side, end, top and bottom walls of the container. Typically, the sides and top are steel or aluminum panels and the floor is wood. There is typically a wood liner for the sides. A typical domestic container may have a length of forty eight feet (lengths of 40 feet, 45 feet and 53 feet are also known), a height of nine and one-half feet, and a width of eight and one-half feet. Such a container may have an empty weight on the order of eight to nine thousand pounds, and may have a loaded weight of more than sixty five thousand pounds.
Such containers may be transported both on truck trailers, as well as on specially configured, low profile railroad cars. Typically, when used on such railroad cars, a first domestic container is placed into a well formed into the railroad car. A second domestic container is then stacked atop the first, for efficient loading and use of available space. Such containers are typically not owned by the railroads on which they are used. Instead, such containers are usually leased from other entities.
Manipulation of such domestic containers in a railyard is typically accomplished by cranes or self-propelled loaders which grasp the containers by inserting hooks into attachment apertures formed in metal "blocks" in the frame of each container. Typically, two such blocks are located at opposite sides of the container, at two locations, a short distance from each end of the container. For example, for the example mentioned above, two such attachment apertures may be positioned four feet or thereabout from each end of the container.
These blocks, in which the attachment apertures are located, typically project slightly upwardly and outwardly, relative to the adjacent wall panels of the container. As such, when one container is stacked above another, the weight of the upper container in large part is concentrated through the lower container frame, and in particular, the metal blocks having the attachment apertures. Accordingly, the metal structure of the frame making up and surrounding the blocks receives a disproportionate amount of stress and loading.
The metal of the frames of such domestic containers is typically iron or steel which may not be specially treated or formulated to resist attack from the elements, with the possible exception of a somewhat fragile coating of paint. The metal then, over prolonged exposure to the elements, is attacked by rust and weakened. Although the containers are made to be watertight, repeated pounding and stresses cause moisture leakage into the interior of the containers, along the seams between the frame and the wall panels, which causes the interior frame members to also be attacked by rust and/or other chemical corrosion, further weakening the structure of the container.
Eventually, the repeated pounding and stresses which such containers encounter, as they are transported, as well as during the railyard handling and stacking, awaiting transport, causes the frame structures of the containers to buckle and fail. Most often, this buckling takes place at one or more locations in the immediate vicinity of the blocks for the attachment apertures. Once this buckling has begun, it progresses quickly, and the container is soon rendered unusable, even though apart from the localized buckling, the rest of the container may be in generally good condition. Such containers have been in use for well over ten years, and the aforementioned buckling phenomenon has been known to occur after only a few years of use of any particular container. So far, an effective solution to restore such containers to utility, for more than a few months at a time, if at all, without totally reconstructing the container, is believed not to have been found, before the present invention.
Because each such container may cost up to twenty five thousand dollars or more to replace, the premature loss of function of each container creates a significant burden on the railroads, in terms of finding usable containers in order to maintain the flow of goods, but also in terms of the amount of money "tied up" in unusable capital. It is believed that at the present time, many thousands of such containers, representing millions of dollars of investment, are idled due to such damage.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for supporting the structures of such domestic containers, which will enable such containers to be restored to useable condition.
It would also be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for supporting the frame structures of such domestic containers, which may be applied to existing, still usable containers, in order to prevent such containers from becoming prematurely unusable.
Methods are known which have been used in an attempt to restore such containers to useful function. One method which is known is to force the collapsed frame structure, in the vicinity of the block, back into its original shape and then place several sheets or plates of metal around the interior surface of the metal block forming the support for the attachment aperture, like a form of flashing, which covers the area of the block and portions of the adjacent frame structure. Typically, these sheets or plates are all generally flat and are welded together, and to the original metal of the container frame, at the edges where these sheets or plates meet. As such, the flashing provides only limited support to the frame structure, and such repairs have been known to last only a short time before buckling sets in again. This may be due to the fact that the welds between adjacent sheets or plates are subjected to and must withstand considerable bending forces, which the joined, non-integrally formed flashing plates are ill-equipped to do.

Support bracket for domestic containers for railroad transportation