A computer-implemented method for encryption and decryption using a quantum computational model is disclosed. Such a method includes providing a model of a lattice having a system of non-abelian anyons disposed thereon. From the lattice model, a first quantum state associated with the lattice is determined. Movement of non-abelian anyons within the lattice is modeled to model formation of first and second quantum braids in the space-time of the lattice. The first quantum braid corresponds to first text. The second quantum braid corresponds to second text. A second quantum state associated with the lattice is determined from the lattice model after formation of the first and second quantum braids has been modeled. The second quantum state corresponds to second text that is different from the first text.

Since the discovery of the fractional quantum Hall effect in 1982, topological phases of electrons have been a subject of great interest. Many abelian topological phases have been discovered in the context of the quantum Hall regime. More recently, high-temperature superconductivity and other complex materials have provided the impetus for further theoretical studies of and experimental searches for abelian topological phases. The types of microscopic models admitting such phases are now better understood. Much less is known about non-abelian topological phases. They are reputed to be obscure and complicated, and there has been little experimental motivation to consider non-abelian topological phases. However, non-abelian topological states would be an attractive milieu for quantum computation.
It has become increasingly clear that if a new generation of computers could be built to exploit quantum mechanical superpositions, enormous technological implications would follow. In particular, solid state physics, chemistry, and medicine would have a powerful new tool, and cryptography also would be revolutionized.
The standard approach to quantum computation is predicated on the quantum bit ("qubit") model in which one anticipates computing on a local degree of freedom such as a nuclear spin. In a qubit computer, each bit of information is typically encoded in the state of a single particle, such as an electron or photon. This makes the information vulnerable. If a disturbance in the environment changes the state of the particle, the information is lost forever. This is known as decoherence—the loss of the quantum character of the state (i.e., the tendency of the system to become classical). All schemes for controlling decoherence must reach a very demanding and possibly unrealizable accuracy threshold to function.
Topology has been suggested to stabilize quantum information. A topological quantum computer would encode information not in the conventional zeros and ones, but in the configurations of different braids, which are similar to knots but consist of several different threads intertwined around each other. The computer would physically weave braids in space-time, and then nature would take over, carrying out complex calculations very quickly. By encoding information in braids instead of single particles, a topological quantum computer does not require the strenuous isolation of the qubit model and represents a new approach to the problem of decoherence.
In 1997, there were independent proposals by Kitaev and Freedman that quantum computing might be accomplished if the "physical Hilbert space" V of a sufficiently rich TQFT (topological quantum field theory) could be manufactured and manipulated. Hilbert space describes the degrees of freedom in a system. The mathematical construct V would need to be realized as a new and remarkable state for matter and then manipulated at will.
In 2000, Freedman showed that some extraordinarily complicated local Hamiltonian H can be written down whose ground state is V. But this H is an existence theorem only, and is far too complicated to be the starting point for a physical realization.
In 2002, Freedman showed a Hamiltonian involving four-body interactions and stated that after a suitable perturbation, the ground state manifold of H will be the desired state V. This H is less complex than the previously developed H, but it is still only a mathematical construct. One does not see particles, ions, electrons, or any of the prosaic ingredients of the physical world in this prior art model. A Hamiltonian is an energy operator that describes all the possible physical states (eigenstates) of the system and their energy values (eigenvalues).
Freedman further defined the notion of d-isotopy, and showed that if it can be implemented as a ground state of a reasonable Hamiltonian, then this would lead to V and to topological quantum computation. Isotopy is defined as deformation, and two structures that are isotopic are considered to be the same. As shown in the toruses 1 and 2 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, for example, X and X′ are isotopic, because one may be gradually deformed into the other. In d-isotopy, small circles can be absorbed as a factor=d. Such closed curves are referred to as multicurves or multiloops. Loop X″ in FIG. 1C (winding around torus 3) is not d-isotopic to X or X′. Loops that are unimportant (because, e.g., they comprise a contractible circle) are called trivial loops and it is desirable to remove, as well as count them. Whenever a trivial loop is removed, the picture is multiplied by "d". In other words, if two multiloops are identical except for the presence of a contractible circle, then their function values differ by a factor of d, a fixed positive real number. It has been shown that d=2 cos π/(k+2), where k is a level such as 1, 2, 3, etc. which is a natural parameter of Cherns-Simons theory.
According to Freedman, the parameter d can take on only the "special" values: 1, root2, golden ratio, root3 . . . 2 cos π/(k+2) (where k is a natural number). At d=1, the space V becomes something already known, if not observed in solid state physics. For d>1, V is new to the subject. Freedman, et al., later showed that d-isotopy is explicable by field theory and that multiloops as domain walls can be alternately interpreted as Wilson loop operators. Thus, d-isotopy is a mathematical structure that can be imposed on the multiloops, and is based on Cherns-Simons theory.
An exotic form of matter is a fractional quantum Hall fluid. It arises when electrons at the flat interface of two semiconductors are subjected to a powerful magnetic field and cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero. The electrons on the flat surface form a disorganized liquid sea of electrons, and if some extra electrons are added, quasi-particles called anyons emerge. Unlike electrons or protons, anyons can have a charge that is a fraction of a whole number.
The fractional quantum Hall fluids at one-third filling (of the first Landau level) are already a rudimentary (abelian) example of the V of a TQFT. To effect quantum computation, it would be desirable to construct states more stable and more easily manipulated than FQHE (fractional quantum Hall effect) fluids.
One property of anyons is that when they are moved around each other, they remember in a physical sense the knottedness of the paths they followed, regardless of the path's complexity. It is desirable to use anyons in a system with complex enough transformations, called non-abelian transformations, to carry out calculations in a topological quantum computation system.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods that overcome the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A semiconductor structure includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer over the second semiconductor layer, and a fourth semiconductor layer over the third semiconductor layer. A first conductive portion is coupled to the first semiconductor layer, and a second conductive portion is formed over the first semiconductor layer.

1. Field
The present invention relates to semiconductors, and, more particularly, to semiconductor devices in integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
Microwave transistors are required to operate at ever-increasing frequencies with increased demands on power handling capability. For example, transistors that operate in frequency ranges in the multiple GHz range at voltages well in excess of twenty volts are increasingly needed. Compound semiconductors that combine more than one kind of atom in the semiconductor material from groups III-V or II-VI of the periodic table of elements are the material system of choice for high frequency, high efficiency communication applications. In contrast to compound semiconductors, semiconductors that utilize silicon are more frequently used. However, silicon-based semiconductors are limited in frequency range of operation due to inherent electron transport properties of silicon. A known transistor that has a silicon substrate is the silicon LDMOS (Lateral Double-Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor. While typical LDMOS transistors are able to operate with bias voltages well in excess of twenty volts, such transistors are limited to frequencies no greater than the low GHz range (e.g. up to 3 GHz). As a result, the operating efficiency of known LDMOS transistors is less than desired for many modern communication systems. Therefore, others have focused on extending the operating voltage of compound semiconductor devices.
One proposed compound semiconductor device utilizes a structure known as a step gate transistor. A common feature of a step gate transistor is a gate having two regions at the same potential near the channel. A first region forms a Schottky junction to the channel region. A second region is an extension of a gate extending toward a drain over a dielectric region. Another compound semiconductor device utilizes a field-plate transistor, which has a gate with two regions at arbitrary potentials near the channel.
In both devices, significant depletion of the semiconductor surface between the Schottky junction and the drain occurs. While some known step gate and field plate transistors operate at voltages above twenty volts, such transistors operate at a low power density and low efficiency. Because of such limitations of compound semiconductor devices, LDMOS transistors are typically commercially used more prevalently for microwave applications than compound semiconductor devices. However, it is desirable to use a step gate or field plate transistor and gain the advantages of such a device for high voltage applications. Therefore, a need exists for a step gate or a field plate transistor that can be used for high voltage applications.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. Also, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.


The present invention relates to a liquid crystal element wherein a liquid crystal having a liquid crystal molecule is held between two substrates.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal element, and a manufacturing method and a driving method thereof.
(2) Description of the Prior Arts
A liquid crystal element is widely utilized for such a monitor and a projection type display as a word processor and a computer, and a small-sized portable television, and such an element for controlling light as an optical switching element. A conception of a liquid crystal element includes a liquid crystal display device and an optical switching element. A liquid crystal display device is described as a liquid crystal element unless mentioned particularly in the specification.
A twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal and a vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystal are mentioned as a typical example of a liquid crystal used for a liquid crystal element.
A twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal has a drawback of a low contrast because of an alignment directivity of a liquid crystal molecule near a reverse tilt domain and an interface. Moreover, in both a TN liquid crystal and a VA liquid crystal, light transmittance and reflectance vary greatly with an angle with a liquid crystal element because of the directivity of molecular array, and both liquid crystals have a characteristic of viewing angle whereby the coloring and the decrease of contrast are caused.
In order to correct the viewing angle, a retardation film and a scattering film are disposed on a surface of a liquid crystal element using a TN liquid crystal. Meanwhile, in recent years a method of dividing an alignment direction on a pixel into two or four parts is used for a VA liquid crystal in order to widen the viewing angle, however, the problem is that the utilization efficiency of light decreases and the response time of liquid crystal decreases, and additionally the process of dividing an alignment direction on a pixel and aligning a liquid crystal divisionally becomes complicated. It has been considered that a generally high contrast is obtained in a VA liquid crystal, however, a contrast on a supreme level can not obtained because of light leakage by a slight inclination of a liquid crystal molecule in a black display.
Thus, the problem is that conventional TN liquid crystal and VA liquid crystal have a great dependence on viewing angle, and the coloring, the decrease of contrast and tone reversal occurs according to a direction of viewing. Furthermore, the speed of response is unsatisfactory.
Recently, an in-plane switching (IPS) method, which is developed for improving a characteristic of viewing angle, is noticeable. Although the IPS has a superior characteristic of viewing angle because of driving a liquid crystal molecule on a substrate plane, an insulating layer on an electrode is necessary for preventing a short circuit between electrodes because of forming both electrodes on the same plane of the same substrate. The problem is that the IPS has an image persistence in displaying a fixed pattern for many hours because of the insulating layer.
A general liquid crystal element has a structure in which liquid crystal is sealed between two substrates. When an alignment direction of a liquid crystal molecule in liquid crystal becomes nonuniform in sealing liquid crystal between two substrates, irregularities occur in an alignment direction of a liquid crystal molecule of each pixel on an initial condition. Then, even if a voltage on the same condition is applied to each pixel, a disclination line appears nonuniformly at each pixel. When a display image is a black screen in using a liquid crystal element as a liquid crystal display device, an observer of the screen sees as if white sand would be scattered on the black screen and the screen were spotted.
In a homeotropic type liquid crystal display device (a liquid crystal element) wherein all liquid crystal molecules are aligned vertically to a substrate, a method of improving a display characteristic by providing an aperture for an opposite electrode and controlling electric field is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications No. 3-259121 and No. 6-301036.
The Publication No. 3-259121 relates to a dot matrix type liquid crystal display device, and as shown in FIG. 1, a slender aperture 51 is provided for a crossing portion of a first electrode (pixel electrode) 1 on the side of a TFT substrate and a second electrode (opposite electrode) 3 on the side of an opposite substrate, namely, the second electrode (opposite electrode) 3 in a display portion in a pixel.
Therefore, a diagonal electric field is caused in the crossing portion of the first electrode (pixel electrode) 1 and the second electrode (opposite electrode) 3, and as shown in FIG. 1(b), a liquid crystal molecule 7 is aligned uniformly in a predetermined direction by the diagonal electric field.
The Publication No. 6-301036 relates to an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, and an area, in which a liquid crystal molecule is not inclined remaining vertical, exists by providing an approximately square aperture for a central portion of an opposite electrode, which is opposite to a pixel electrode, namely, a display portion of a pixel, and forming an area with little or no electric field in the pixel electrode despite an existence (ON, OFF) of display. Therefore, the array of a liquid crystal molecule in other areas of the pixel is improved, a disclination line, which is a drawback resulting from the nonuniformity of array, is fixed, spots of the screen never occurs, the liquid crystal molecule is inclined in various directions (four directions) in a pixel, and thereby a characteristic of viewing angle is improved.
However, in either of these methods, since an aperture exists in an opposite electrode, opposite to a pixel electrode, namely, originally a display area, a disclination line always occurs in such a boundary between areas wherein a liquid crystal molecule is inclined in a different direction, and an area wherein a liquid crystal molecule is not inclined despite an existence of electric field as a central portion and a corner of the aperture. FIG. 1(c) shows this state in a liquid crystal display device of the above-mentioned Publication No. 3-259121. As shown in FIG. 1(c), a disclination line 9 occurs at both ends of the aperture 51.
Consequently, a liquid crystal display device (a liquid crystal element) having an aperture causes a remarkable decrease in light transmittance, such as a black portion in a white display.
Since an aperture exists in an opposite electrode in a pixel, which is originally a display portion, the resistance of light transmission increases. In addition, since an aperture which does not conduct electricity exists in an opposite electrode, a voltage in an opposite electrode away from a connection terminal portion decreases greatly, whereby the unevenness of luminance on a display plane occurs.
Accordingly, it has been desirable to actualize a liquid crystal display device wherein, by means of not causing a disclination line in a pixel display portion, a decrease in the utilization efficiency of light is never caused, the unevenness of luminance on a display plane never occurs, and the viewing angle toward up and down as well as right and left is improved.

Liquid crystal display with nonconductive portions in specific areas

Abstract: An information for aligning a liquid crystal molecule 103 in two or more directions phasedly or gradually by applying voltage is provided for two substrates 101 and 102. The information for aligning is provided for the liquid crystal molecule 103 through irregularities in a wave plate and rubbing formed on a substrate.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A shoulder rest for use with a stringed musical instrument, such as a violin or viola, includes a substantially rigid body, defining a hollow resonating chamber, and supporting feet mounted to the body for engaging the underside of the instrument and spacing the body from the instrument when the shoulder rest is attached thereon. A fastener is provided for removably attaching the shoulder rest to the underside of the instrument.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to supports for stringed musical instruments, and more particularly relates to a shoulder rest for use with a stringed musical instrument of the violin or viola type, of conventional size and construction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of shoulder rests to comfortably support a stringed musical instrument such as a violin or viola is well-known in the prior art. In its simplest form, the shoulder rest is merely a pillow-like apparatus that provides a layer of cushioning between the musician's shoulder and the hard underside surface of the instrument's resonance box, thereby absorbing the force of the musician who bears down on the instrument while it is being played. In fact, some prior art shoulder rests have actually employed air bags.
There have been several deficiencies encountered with prior art violin or viola shoulder rests, among which include the inability to effectively position the shoulder rest to accommodate musicians of varying physical characteristics and playing preferences, thus compromising comfort. Moreover, and equally significant, many prior art shoulder rests generally contacted a substantial portion of the instrument's underside surface in such a manner as to partially absorb and muffle the violin sound, thereby adversely affecting the resonance and overall tonal quality of the instrument.
Another important deficiency encountered by some prior art shoulder rests has been their tendency to skid along the underside surface of the instrument's resonance box while the musician was performing, necessitating frequent readjustment of the shoulder rest. Some prior art shoulder rests have employed rubber coated metal support members which clamped the shoulder rest to the instrument, thus preventing the instrument from sliding in relation to the shoulder rest. Unfortunately, clamped rests are undesirable because the clamping action produces pressure on the back of the violin which dampens the sound. To alleviate the problem of sliding, a large contact area would ideally be required to engage the shoulder rest with the instrument's underside surface, in order to provide enough friction between the two surfaces to prevent sliding. This directly conflicts with the objective of eliminating the adverse sound-dampening effects, described previously, which theoretically necessitates an infinitely small point of contact between the shoulder rest and the violin's resonance box.
Some prior art shoulder rests have attempted to strike a compromise between these competing ideals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,213, which was issued to Tamsen Beseke, discloses a shoulder rest for use with a violin or viola that is made of a solid piece of elastic foam material containing regions of depressions and elevations, with the elevated regions engaging against the backside of the instrument, thereby reducing the amount of contact between the shoulder rest and the instrument. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,541, which was issued to Steven W. McMillan, discloses a shoulder rest containing a substantially horseshoe-shaped depression tending to disengage the supporting base of the shoulder rest from the violin's underside surface, except around the device's periphery. These prior art shoulder rests have been unsuccessful, however, at providing any significant enhancements in tonal quality.


The present invention relates to an implantable intervertebral fusion device for use when surgical fusion of vertebral bodies is indicated. The implant is comprised of bone conforming in size and shape with the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae and has a wedge-shaped profile with a plurality of footings and grooves located on the top and bottom surfaces.

The vertebral column is a bio-mechanical arrangement composed largely of ligaments, muscles, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs. The bio-mechanical functions of the spine include: (1) support of the body, which involves the transfer of the weight and the bending movements of the head, trunk and arms to the pelvis and legs; (2) complex physiological motion between these parts; and (3) protection of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
As populations age, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in adverse spinal conditions which are characteristic of aging. For example, with aging comes an increase in the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Disabling mechanical pain resulting from disc degeneration is often treated surgically with an interbody fusion.
The primary purpose of the intervertebral discs, located between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae, is to distribute forces between vertebrae, stabilize the spine, and cushion vertebral bodies. Thus the intervertebral disc acts as a shock absorber for the spinal column. A normal intervertebral disc includes a semi-gelatinous component which is surrounded by an outer ring called the annulus fibrosus. In a healthy spine, the annulus fibrosus prevents the gelatinous component from protruding outside the disc space.
Spinal discs may be displaced or damaged as a result of disease, trauma, aging or injury to the spine. Frequently, the only relief from the disability caused by degenerated spinal discs is a discectomy, or surgical removal of the intervertebral disc followed by fusions of the adjacent vertebrae. The removal of the damaged or unhealthy disc without reconstruction would allow the disc space to collapse, resulting in further instability of the spine, abnormal joint mechanics, premature development of arthritis or nerve damage, in addition to severe pain. To prevent the intervertebral space from collapsing, a structure must be placed within the intervertebral space to provide support.
For example, in early spinal fusion techniques, bone material, or bone osteogenic fusion devices were simply placed between the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae. The osteogenic fusion material consisted of cortical-cancellous bone which was not strong enough to support the weight of the spinal column at the instrumented level. Consequently, the spine was stabilized by way of a plate or a rod spanning the affected vertebrae.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,995 assigned to Stephens, David C. and Morgan, Craig D., discloses "a surgical implant for imparting stability to the thoraco-lumbar spine by fixation of the implant to the spine with segmental spinal instrumentation, the implant comprising: a unitary rod having a generally rectangular configuration formed by a pair of spaced apart branches substantially mirror image duplicates of one another and substantially equally spaced apart along their entire length; a bight end piece interconnecting the branch pair at one end portion thereof; and a gate forming end piece connected to close the other end portion of the branch pair except for a small gate opening to provide access to the space between the branch pair."
With this technique, once the fusion occurs, the hardware maintaining the stability of the spine becomes superfluous. There are other several disadvantages associated with the use of the abovementioned metal implants. Solid body metal implants do not effectively enable bone in-growth which may lead to the eventual failure of the implant. Surface porosity in such solid implants does not correct this problem because it will not allow sufficient in-growth to provide a solid bone mass strong enough to withstand the loads of the spine. Attention was then turned to implants, or interbody fusion devices, which could be interposed between the adjacent vertebrae, maintain the stability of the disc interspace, and still permit fusion or arthrodesis.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740 assigned to Centerpulse USA Inc., discloses "a fusion cage adapted for promoting fusion of one or more bone structures when bone-growth-inducing substance is packed into the fusion cage, comprising: a cage body defining a cavity with an inner surface; said cavity adapted to be packed with the bone-growth-inducing substance; said cage body defining an outer surface; means for defining threads on the outer surface of the cage body and adapted for biting into the bone structure; said threads defining means including a plurality of threads which define valleys there between; a plurality of perforations provided in the valleys of the threads for providing communication between the outer surface and the cavity in order to allow immediate contact between the one or more bone structures and the bone-growth-inducing substance packed into the fusion cage".
U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,373 assigned to Surgical Dynamics, discloses "a method for surgically preparing two adjacent bony structures for implanting a hollow cylindrical fusion cage that has an external, substantially continuous helical thread which defines a plurality of turns with a valley between adjacent turns and that is perforated in the valley between adjacent turns of the thread, said method comprising the steps of: (a) drilling a pilot hole laterally between said bony structures, (b) inserting a pilot rod into the pilot hole, (c) fitting a hollow drill over the pilot rod, (d) with the hollow drill, enlarging said pilot hole to form a bore that penetrates into the cortical bone of each of said bony structures, and (e) tapping a female thread into the wall of said bore, the crown of which female thread penetrates into the cancellous portion of each of said bony structures, which female thread can mate with the helical thread of the fusion cage."
The abovementioned intervertebral fusion device has substantial disadvantages, however. The metallic supporting frame of the prior art fusion cages is not osteoconductive and therefore does not form a strong mechanical attachment to a patient's bone tissue. This can lead to graft necrosis, poor fusion and poor stability. Moreover, many of these devices are difficult to machine and therefore expensive. Furthermore, the fusion cages may stress shield the bone graft, increasing the time required for fusion to occur. The abovementioned implants further requires a special tool and additional preparation of the adjacent vertebral bodies to ensure fusion.
In addition, the use of bone graft materials in the prior art metal cage fusion devices presents several disadvantages. Autografts, bone material surgically removed from the patient, are undesirable because the donor site may not yield a sufficient quantity of graft material. The additional surgery to extract the autograft also increases the risk of infection, persistent pain, and may reduce structural integrity at the donor site.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,308 assigned to Zimmer Spine, Inc., discloses "an implant for insertion into a bore formed between opposing vertebrae of a spine where said vertebrae are separated by a spacing with a disk material having an annulus disposed within said spacing, said implant comprising: a rigid body having a leading end and a trailing end spaced apart by a longitudinal axis of said body; said body comprising at least exposed threads disposed at least partially between said leading end and said trailing end; said threads selected to engage vertebra material and draw said body along a direction of said axis upon rotation of said body about said axis; said body having a hollow, generally cylindrical shell with said threads disposed on an exterior surface of said shell; said body having means defining a chamber disposed within said body and said body is provided with a rib disposed within said cylindrical shell and extending radially inwardly toward said longitudinal axis, said rib dividing said chamber into a leading end chamber and a trailing end chamber, and said rib including at least a rigid extension extending between and connecting diametrically opposed sides of said body; said body having means defining at least one opening formed through said body in communication with said chamber and with said opening extending generally radially to said axis; and said body having a transverse dimension generally transverse to said longitudinal axis and dimensioned so as to be greater than said bore for said body to urge said opposing vertebrae apart and to stretch said annulus upon insertion of said body into said bore between said vertebrae with a portion of said body opposing a first of said opposing vertebrae and with an opposite side of said body opposing a second of said opposing vertebrae."
One problem with the implant devices of the type mentioned above is that they tend not to maintain the normal curvature of the spine. In a healthy state, the cervical and lumbar areas of the human spine curve convexly forward. Normal lordosis results, at least in significant measure, from the normal wedge-shaped nature of the spaces between adjacent pairs of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, and the normal wedge-shaped nature of the intervertebral discs that fill these spaces. Loss of lordosis and proper intervertebral spacing may result in an increased risk of degeneration to other intervertebral discs located adjacent to the fusion level due to the alteration of the overall mechanics of the spine.
A further problem with the abovementioned implant is that the cylindrical geometry of the engaging element tends to provide a small area of contact between the engaging element and the vertebrae. The small engaging surface tends to contribute to subsidence or deformation of the cortical layer of the vertebrae adjacent to the engaging element. Moreover, the small engaging surface provides less contact between the bone graft material encased in the device and the adjacent vertebrae. Exposure of the bone graft material to the surface of the vertebrae is important because the greater the area of contact, the greater the possibility of having a successful fusion.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,033 discloses "an allogenic intervertebral implant for use when surgical fusion of vertebral bodies is indicated. The implant comprises an annular plug conforming in size and shape with the end plates of adjacent vertebrae and has a plurality of teeth positioned on the top and bottom surfaces for interlocking with the adjacent vertebrae. The teeth preferably have a pyramid shape or a saw-tooth shape." The teeth 105 of a prior art implant are shown in FIG. 1.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,788 discloses "an allogenic intervertebral implant for use when surgical fusion of vertebral bodies is indicated. The implant comprises a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plates of the vertebrae and has a wedge-shaped profile with a plurality of teeth located on top and bottom surfaces." The teeth 205 of the implant 200 have a pyramidal shape, as shown in FIG. 2.
However, the implants are not sufficiently effective at preventing expulsion of the implant. The surfaces of the implants, whether pyramidal 205 or saw tooth 105, do not effectively provide implant stability.
In the light of the abovementioned disadvantages, there is a need for improved methods and systems that can provide effective, efficient and fast intervertebral fusion device. Specifically, an intervertebral implantable device is needed that conforms to the endplates of the patient's adjacent vertebrae, maintains the normal disc spacing, and appropriate curvature of the spine. Further, an approach is needed that maximizes the probability of success of bone fusion, provides instant stability to the spine while fusion occurs, is easily implantable, and minimizes trauma to the patient and the possibility of surgical and post-surgical complications.

Implantable intervertebral fusion device


An inverter for driving at least one light-emitting unit includes a switching circuit, an electric-isolated circuit and a transforming circuit. The switching circuit generates at least one switching signal according to a DC signal and at least one switching control signal. The electric-isolated circuit has an electric-isolated side and a non-electric-isolated side, which is electrically connected to the switching circuit electrically and generates a first power signal according to the switching signal. The transforming circuit is electrically connected to the electric-isolated side of the electric-isolated circuit, and generates a second power signal to drive the light-emitting unit according to the first power signal.

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to an inverter and a driving device of a backlight module. More particularly, the invention relates to an inverter having an electric-isolating function, and a driving device of a backlight module.
2. Related Art
In general, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a backlight module and a LCD panel. The backlight module mainly drives a light-emitting unit by a driving device, and thus provides a backlight source for the LCD device.
Referring to FIG. 1, a typical driving device 1 of a backlight module includes a power factor correcting circuit 11, a DC-to-DC power transforming circuit 12 and a DC-to-AC power transforming circuit 13 which is the so-called inverter. This architecture is usually referred to as the three-stage architecture.
The power factor correcting circuit 11 transforms a mains power (AC power) into a DC power with 400 volts. The power factor correcting circuit 11 mainly functions to make the voltage and the current in the circuit have the same phase such that the load approximates a resistive load and a better use efficiency can be obtained.
The DC-to-DC power transforming circuit 12 is electrically connected to the power factor correcting circuit 11 for dropping down the voltage of the DC power with 400V and thus outputting a DC power having a voltage lower than 400V. In addition, the reference voltage terminal of the rectified mains power is isolated from the ground of the load (light-emitting unit) in the DC-to-DC power transforming circuit 12 to prevent a user from being dangerously shocked due to the circuit formed by the user and the mains power when the user touches the ground of the load.
The DC-to-AC power transforming circuit 13 is electrically connected to the DC-to-DC power transforming circuit 12, and again transforms the DC power outputted from the DC-to-DC power transforming circuit 12 into an AC power for driving and thus lighting the light-emitting unit.
Recently, a driving device with the two-stage architecture has been disclosed, in which a DC-to-DC transforming circuit is omitted, and the DC power outputted from the power factor correcting circuit is directly transmitted to the inverter. Consequently, the cost of the DC-to-DC transforming circuit can be saved. However, the isolating function provided by the DC-to-DC transforming circuit has to be transferred to the inverter. The typical manufacturer uses an isolated transformer as a boost transformer in the inverter, so the size of the inverter is enlarged. In addition, the number of light-emitting units used in the backlight module is increased as the size of the LCD device is increased. Therefore, many sets of inverters are inevitably needed to drive the light-emitting units. Of course, the size and the manufacturing cost of the inverter are greatly increased therewith.
Therefore, it is an important subject of the invention to provide an inverter, which has a small size, an effectively decreased cost and an electric-isolating function, and a driving device of a backlight module.

Inverter and driving device of backlight module


A method for encrypting application layer packets, including UDPTL data used by T.38 FOIP devices, for securing transmission of Fax communications over the Internet. In one embodiment, a client side SIPCryptAgent is provided and operably installed on the user's Fax or Voice over IP server/device. Similarly, a server side SIPCryptAgent is installed on the SBC servers at the service provider. The client side SIPCryptAgent acts as a proxy for the Fax device thereby receiving all data sent out by the Fax device and encrypting the SIP and media packets of the Fax device using a lightweight protocol before sending them to the SBC servers. Similarly, the server side acts as a proxy for the SBC servers and encrypts outgoing data and decrypts incoming data so that the exchange of data over the Internet between the client side CryptAgent and the server side CryptAgent is done in a secure, encrypted and real time manner.

(a) Field
The subject matter disclosed generally relates to the field of fax and voice over IP. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to real-time fax over IP communications.
(b) Related Prior Art
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is used to control multimedia communications over Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
The market for consumer SIP devices is always expanding. For example, SIP is currently being used in voice over IP, fax communications, video surveillance etc.
At the same time, the concerns about the security of SIP communications over the public Internet are also increasing. The Secure SIP (sSIP) protocol when used with Secure Real Time Protocol (sRTP) can be used to secure audio communications and in turn fax when treated as audio. Proper fax communication however requires use of the T.38 protocol, which treats fax as digital data instead of audio. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional architecture of real-time Fax Over IP communications using SIP for signaling and User Datagram Protocol Transport Layer (UDPTL) for transporting the T.38 fax media. Unlike sRTP, there does not exist a method/system for securing UDPTL. At the same time T.38 Fax Devices do not support SRTP for transporting the T.38 fax media and therefore can not secure fax communications over IP.
As a result, SIP-based, T.38 Fax communications are transferred over a packet network (such as the Internet) without any security as to authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of the Fax communications being transferred.
Therefore, there is a need in the market for a system and method for securing SIP/UDPTL based T.38 Fax over IP communications.

Real-time encryption of voice and fax over IP


In general, the invention is directed to a system of reusable software components that allow computational models to be seamlessly integrated into an executable software program, such as process management software within a manufacturing facility. The system includes a set of objects that encapsulate computational models and provide generic interfaces for invoking the models. A control module is embedded within the software program to invoke the computational models in parallel. The system may further include a model aggregator to receive input values from the control module and to distribute the input values to the objects for use during model execution. The system can be used to quickly and easily provide the results of one or more process models to line operators and process engineers during the manufacturing process, allowing the process engineer or line operator to more readily understand and adjust the process.

In any industrial manufacturing environment, accurate control of the manufacturing process can be essential. Ineffective process control can lead to products that fail to meet desired yield and quality levels. Furthermore, poor process control can significantly increase costs due to increased raw material usage, labor costs and the like. Accordingly, in an effort to gain improved control of the process, many manufacturers seek to develop computational models or simulations for the manufacturing process. A modeling expert, for example, may develop computational models using a variety of tools and a variety of modeling techniques including, for example, neural networks, linear regression, partial least squares (PLS), principal component analysis, and the like.
However, it is often difficult to effectively transfer the process knowledge produced by these models from the expert studying the model to the process engineers and operators on the manufacturing line. Reports produced by such models may be filed and forgotten, information from presentations and training sessions may not be retained, and process models may be left to languish on the computers of the experts who developed them. Furthermore, computational models are often developed using sophisticated modeling and simulation tools that are often unavailable at the manufacturing line, and are often too cumbersome and complex for use by the line operator.

Reusable software components for invoking computational models


The inventive data processing apparatus enables own memory device to store a plurality of key distribution approval data files each containing such a header data comprising a number of “link-count” data units each designating actual number of applicable contents data per decodable contents key based on an enabling key block (EKB) distribution key enciphering key (KEK) enciphered by a corresponding enabling key block (EKB) provided for by a hierarchy key tree structure. When storing a plurality of the enabling key blocks (EKB) in a memory device, such a key enciphering key (KEK) contained in an enabling key block (EKB) having a number of link-count data units is previously decoded and stored in the memory device. By way of applying the stored (KEK) when utilizing contents data, the enabling key block (EKB) processing step is deleted, whereby promoting higher efficiency in the utilization of contents data.

The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus, a data processing method, and a program providing medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a data processing apparatus, a data processing method, and a program providing medium, in which it is possible to reduce the load incurred from distribution of contents data or incurred from distribution of enciphering keys, and to promote the security of data by way of lowering message volume by introducing such a system for distributing keys of a hierarchy key tree structure. Further, the present invention also makes it possible to more effectively process contents data by enabling a plurality of key distribution approval data files, each containing such a header data consisting of "link-count" data designating the number of contents data that should be treated with such enciphering keys acquirable based on an enabling key block (EKB) distribution key enciphering key (KEK) enciphered by an enabling key block (EKB), to be stored in a memory device.
Recently, there has been a further growth of distribution of so-called "contents" data via a wide variety of software data including music data, game programs, picture data, or the like, which are respectively transmitted via internet service lines, or via distributable recording media including a memory card, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or CD (Compact Disc), or the like, for example.
Any of those distributed contents data is reproduced via user's personal computers, reproduction devices, or game players via reception, or via such recording media including a memory card, a CD, or a DVD loaded in any of those means cited above. In addition, the above contents data are also reproducibly stored in a reproduction device and a recording medium stored in a personal computer such as a memory card or a hard disc for example.
Any of the above-cited reproduction devices, game players, and information device such as personal computers incorporates an interface device for receiving distributed contents data or for accessing a DVD and a CD and further incorporates a controlling means required for reproducing contents data, and yet, also incorporates a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs and a variety of data.
Based on the user's instruction via the reproduction device, the game player, or the information device such as the personal computer or the user's instruction via a connected input means, a wide variety of contents data such as music data, picture data, or programs are individually output from a built-in or detachable recording medium and then reproduced by a data reproducing apparatus or via a connected display device or speaker units.
Conventionally, the rights of distribution for game programs, music data, picture data, or the like, are reserved by corresponding producers and marketing agents. Accordingly, whenever distributing contents data, only restricted proper users are authorized to utilize the contents data so that unauthorized duplication will not be committed. In other words, it is a conventional practice to establish such a safeguard to ensure security.
A process for ciphering distributable contents data constitutes such a practical means to restrain users from utilizing the contents data. Concretely, the ciphering method distributes a variety of contents data comprising ciphered audio data, picture data, game programs, or the like, via internet service lines for example, and in addition, it also enables only those who are authenticated as proper users to decode the distributed ciphered contents data. In other words, only those verified users are entitled with reception of the decoding key.
Ciphered data can properly be restored into practically usable decoded data, i.e., a plain text, solely after completing such a decoding process in accordance with a predetermined procedure. These processes for ciphering data via a ciphering process and decoding data via a decoding method and the process are conventionally well known.
Of those various kinds in the method for ciphering and decoding data by applying a ciphering key and a decoding key, there is such a method so-called common key ciphering system, for example. This common key ciphering system effects ciphering of data and decoding of data by applying a common key. This system provides verified proper users with the common key for ciphering and decoding receivable data whereby preventing unverified users devoid of the common key from improperly accessing data. A typical one of the common key ciphering system is cited as the DES (Data Encryption Standard).
Such a ciphering key and a decoding key usable for the above cited ciphering and decoding processes can be secured by applying a mono-directional function such as a Hash function based on a certain pass-word for example. Such mono-directional function involves an extreme difficulty to compute an input value inversely from an output value. For example, based on an input pass-word predetermined by a user, by applying the mono-directional function and a resultant output value, a ciphering key and a decoding key are respectively generated. On the other hand, it is practically impossible to identify the above-referred pass-words as the original data from the ciphering and decoding keys generated via the above process.
There is a so-called open key ciphering process which utilizes such an algorithm based on such a ciphering process with a ciphering key and such a decoding process with a decoding key being different algorithm from each other. The open key ciphering process utilizes such an open key commonly usable by unspecified users. This ciphering method ciphers a document addressed to a specific individual by applying an open key issued by this specific individual. The document ciphered by this open key can be decoded solely by applying a secrete key corresponding to this open key used for ciphering this document. Inasmuch as the secrete key is reserved by such a specific individual who issued the open key, the document ciphered by the open key can exclusively be decoded by a specific individual reserving the secrete key. The RSA (Rivest Shamir Adleman) ciphering code is cited as the typical system of the open key ciphering method cited above. By way of utilizing the open key ciphering method, it is possible to set up such a system enabling ciphered contents data to be decoded exclusively for the verified proper users.
A number of the contents data distribution systems cited above provide specific users with ciphered contents data via internet service lines or via storage in a recording medium such as a DVD or a CD by way of delivering a specific contents key for decoding ciphered contents data exclusively to those verified proper users. Further, such a system is also proposed, which initially ciphers such a contents data key for preventing a malfeasant from illegally duplicating contents data and then delivers the ciphered contents data key to verified proper users in order to decode the ciphered contents data key by applying such a decoding key solely reserved by the verified proper users whereby enabling them to utilize the delivered contents data key.
Generally, such a judgment to identify whether a corresponding user is verified as the proper one or not is executed prior to distribution of a contents data or a contents data key between a contents data provider for transmitting the contents and a specific device on the part of an individual user. When executing such a conventional authenticating process, initially, entity of the opposite party is confirmed, and then, such a session key solely effective for the related communication is generated. Only after completing the authenticating process, a contents related data or the contents data key is ciphered using thus generated session key to conduct the related communication. There are two kinds of authenticating methods including a mutual authentication by way of utilizing the above cited common key ciphering method and the other one utilizing the above cited open key ciphering method. However, in the case of the authentication utilizing the common key, another common key is required to deal with an expanded system construction, thus generating inconvenience in the process for renewing the related keys. On the other hand, in the case of utilizing the open key ciphering method, calculation load and the volume of required memory are respectively large. Accordingly, it is by no means desirable to further provide individual devices with additional processing means.

Data processing system, data processing method, and program providing medium


A display apparatus and a method for executing a link and a method for recognizing a voice thereof are provided. The method for executing a link of the display apparatus includes displaying a user interface, determining a text included in a link included in the user interface, displaying the text determined in the link to be distinguished from other texts, recognizing a voice input from a user, and if the voice uttered by the user matches the text determined in the link, executing the link associated with the matching text. Accordingly, possibility of misrecognition of a voice input by the user is reduced, and the user controls a display apparatus using more exact voice recognition.

1. Field
Methods and apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus and a method for executing a link and a method for recognizing a voice thereof, and more particularly, to a display apparatus which recognizes a user's voice and executes a control command, and a method for executing a link and a method for recognizing a voice thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
As recent display apparatuses have become multi-functionalized and have been advanced, various input methods to control the display apparatuses have been developed. For example, an input method using a mouse, an input method using a touch pad, and an input method using a motion sensing remote controller have been developed.
In particular, among these various input methods, a voice recognition method, which controls a display apparatus by recognizing a user's voice, is being developed.
However, recognizing the voice spoken by the user may not yield satisfactory results due to the fact that people have different oral structures and different pronunciations.
That is, if a voice recognition apparatus misrecognizes a voice spoken by a user, there is a problem that the user does not control the display apparatus in a manner that he/she wants.

Display apparatus and method for executing link and method for recognizing voice thereof


An optical transmission system capable of monitoring the operating status of Raman-amplifier repeaters even when an optical transmission line is partly disrupted by a fiber failure. An end station sends a monitoring command signal to request a particular repeater to report its operating status, together with a response carrier wave for use in that reporting. With their different wavelengths, an upstream wavelength selector in the repeater selectively passes the monitoring command signal while reflecting back the response carrier wave. Responsive to the command, a monitoring controller creates a response message containing operating status information. An excitation unit performs Raman amplification with a pump beam modulated by a modulation controller, so that the response message be superimposed on the response carrier wave propagating on the upstream link. The resulting monitoring response signal is routed from the upstream wavelength selector to a downstream optical coupler and sent back to the requesting end station.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical transmission system, and more particularly to an optical transmission system with a function to locate a fault on an optical transmission line.
2. Description of the Related Art
The international telecommunication needs are rapidly growing in recent years, with the major driving forces being business globalization and Internet proliferation. In such circumstances, submarine optical transmission systems are expected to be as important as satellite communications systems, to meet the increasing demands for more cost-effective, bandwidth-rich telecommunication service.
In submarine optical transmission systems, in-line repeaters are placed at certain intervals along the fiber optic cable laid under the sea, so that the attenuation losses of signals will be compensated for by intermediary optical amplification. Such submarine systems are required to offer the highest level of reliability because a trouble in the undersea equipment would cost a lot of time and money to repair. For this reason, the system must have an integral troubleshooting mechanism that can pinpoint the fault in the event of such a failure.
To ensure that the optical transmission line is operating correctly, the monitoring system stimulates communication between end stations and repeaters. More specifically, an optical monitoring command signal is sent from an end station on the land to repeaters under the sea, so as to observe the operating status of each individual repeater. Upon receipt of such a command, the repeaters collect information about their own operating status and send the resultant response message back to the requesting end station.
Monitoring response signals are conveyed over the optical transmission line, being superimposed on main optical transmission signals. Conventional repeaters use an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) to boost optical transmission signals with a pump beam generated by laser diodes, and they modulate the pump beam with their monitoring response signals to overlay the information on an optical transmission signal directed to the end station. Even when the incoming optical signal was lost due to a fiber failure or damage, EDFA-based repeaters could respond to monitoring command signals because they can send a response signal by modulating amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) waves produced from the EDF amplifier itself.
While EDFAs are commonly used in WDM systems, researchers have studied several other optical amplification techniques. Raman amplifier is one of the most recent and interesting developments in the field of optical communications, which is based on a nonlinear effect in optical fiber, known as the "Raman effect," that the wavelength of light changes when a light beam is deflected by vibrating molecules. Signal amplification occurs if optical pump waves with the correct wavelength and power are launched into the optical fiber, turning the full transmission length into an amplifying medium.
Such Raman amplification techniques can be applied to optical repeaters to realize a longer-distance, higher-capacity fiber-optic transmission system. As in the EDFA-based systems, repeaters with Raman amplifiers send monitoring response signals to report their operating status to an end station by modulating the pump laser diode output with a response message signal. The monitoring response signals are delivered to the requesting end station as a modulated component of the main optical transmission signals.
Repeaters using Raman amplification, however, would have a serious problem when a fiber failure or damage occurs at a point relatively close to them. As noted before, Raman amplifiers use fiber optic cables as the amplifying medium, meaning that a near-point fiber failure would detach that amplifying medium from the repeater. Since there is neither incoming optical transmission signals nor ASE being produced, the repeater has completely lost the vehicle for its monitoring response signals. The end station cannot monitor the repeaters.


Disclosed is a method of producing metal oxides, comprising electrodepositing a metal oxide from an electrolyte solution onto a substrate to coat at least a portion of the substrate, whereby metal oxide seed particles are released into the solution, and precipitating metal oxide particles from the solution. The precipitated metal oxide particles have a maximum particle size of less than 1 micron.

Metal oxides such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are commonly used in several industrial fields. For example, TiO2 is used as an opacifier and/or white pigment in the coatings industry, as filler material in plastics, and as a photocatalyst for removing environmental pollutants. In the coatings industry, TiO2 pigments provide efficient scattering of light to impart brightness and opacity. Titanium dioxide is typically commercially available in the anatase and rutile crystalline forms. Rutile TiO2 is particularly desired because it scatters light more effectively and is more durable than the anatase form.
TiO2 (rutile and anatase) has traditionally been produced by two commercial processes, referred to as the "sulfate process" in which titanium ore is treated with sulfuric acid followed by crystallization and precipitation of TiO2 and the "chloride process" in which titanium ore is treated with chlorine gas to produce an intermediate of TiCl4, which is oxidized to form TiO2. The cost of producing TiO2 from these traditional processes has increased significantly and alternative routes for obtaining TiO2 are being sought.


Two features allow for increased performance in running database consistency checks. First, a database consistency check runs directly on a database, as opposed to running on a saved database snapshot. This saves memory since there is no need to save a database snapshot. To handle any pages modified since a start of the database consistency check, a supplemental check runs on modified pages. Any facts generated by either check run through an early aggregation that attempts to aggregate facts during the database consistency check.

In the computer industry, a database typically refers to a collection of information stored in a specific structure. Furthermore, the specific structure normally arranges data as a plurality of objects commonly consisting of queries and tables. A database management system (DBMS) functions as a control system for the database. Different types of DBMSs exist for different types of data models; moreover, data models are both a way of structuring data and a way of defining operation performable on data.
One common DBMS is a relational database management system (RDBMS) which is so named because it uses a relational data model, generally formed from theory and predicate logic. A RDBMS has numerous tables where the system maintains data collection in rows and columns. A common RDBMS used in conjunction with databases is a sever using Transact-Structured Query Language. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language commonly used in databases with several variations available, typically in proprietary form.
In a typical database network, a relational database management system (RDBMS) operates with database consistency checks (DBCCs) during off-peak hours. In most databases, there exists a source and a snapshot database when a DBCC takes place. The source database contains the database as a whole, whereas the database snapshot contains a sparse copy of the database. Before a user performs a database transaction, a system makes copies of each page the user is changing in the source database. This allows the DBCC to function in regards to a consistent point of time. A reason for creating snapshots is to allow for corrections of bad transactions.
The DBCC reads the pages from the database snapshot if the snapshot is present. If the page being read by the DBCC has been changed since the snapshot was created, then the version of the page in the DB snapshot is used; if not, then the source database page is used. In this operation, the DBCC does not utilize pages changed by an ongoing operation, and typically performs a fact-matching algorithm. The system reads an internal data structure in disk-allocation-order. As the system performs the reads, it generates and stores pieces of information called facts in an internal storage structure. After completion of reads, the system matches and aggregates the stored facts to determine if any incorrect facts are present. Consequently, a large number of checks are performed for just a single pass over the database structure. The snapshot database and the fact-matching algorithm consume a large amount of disk space, which is proportional to a rate of change in a source database since pages are copied when they are modified by a user transaction.

Optimizations for a background database consistency check


An error suppression system suppresses an error of a data sequence generated in a transmission path between a transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal. The error suppression system includes a data coding circuit in the transmitting terminal for inserting a known bit at a predetermined position of the data sequence and for carrying out a difference logic conversion with respect to the data sequence, a differential coding circuit in the transmitting terminal for carrying out a sum logic conversion with respect to the data sequence which is received from the data coding circuit, a differential decoding circuit in the receiving terminal for carrying out a difference logic conversion with respect to the data sequence received from the differential coding circuit via the transmission path, and a data decoding circuit in the receiving terminal for carrying out a sum logic conversion with respect to the data sequence received from the differential decoding circuit and for restoring the known bit at the predetermined position of the data sequence.

The present invention generally relates to error suppression systems, and more particularly to an error suppression system for suppressing a spread of an error generated in differential coding in which a phase of a carrier is relatively shifted depending on each bit of transmission data.
Conventionally, in a digital radio multiplex communication system, no phase information of the carrier is transmitted when transmitting data. For this reason, a receiving terminal may synchronize to one or a plurality of phases. In the case of a 2-phase phase shift keying (PSK), for example, it is uncertain on the receiving terminal end whether the synchronization phase is "0" or ".pi.".
Accordingly, a differential coding is employed in the digital radio multiplex communication system. According to the differential coding, a transmitting end modulates the transmission data depending on a phase difference of the carrier and a receiving end reproduces the transmission data independently of the absolute phase of the carrier. As a result, even when the synchronization phase is different from the absolute phase of the carrier, the receiving end does not require an operation which is dependent on the synchronization phase such as inverting the polarity and switching the channels.
A description will be given of a conventional differential coding circuit for the case where the 2-phase PSK is employed. FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional differential coding circuit, and FIG. 2 shows an example of a conventional differential decoding circuit. FIG. 3 shows output logic values at various parts of the differential coding and decoding circuits shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 3, a rectangular mark indicates a frame bit inserting position and a frame bit, a circular mark indicates an error bit, an underline indicates a presumed value, and a "x" mark indicates an uncertain logic value.
At the transmitting terminal, a frame bit inserting circuit 71 shown in FIG. 1 inserts a predetermined frame bit into the transmission data the speed of which is already converted into a predetermined bit rate. An exclusive-OR gate 72 obtains an exclusive-OR of an output of the frame bit inserting circuit 71 and an output of a flip-flop 73 so as to carry out a sum logic conversion. The output of the flip-flop 73 is supplied to a modulator (not shown) as an output of the differential coding circuit.
At the receiving terminal, an exclusive-0R gate 82 shown in FIG. 2 obtains an exclusive-OR of an output of a flip-flop 81 and consecutive bits output from a demodulator (not shown) so as to carry out a difference logic conversion. In other words, the transmission data is decoded. A frame synchronizing circuit 83 detects the frame bit from the decoded data and carries out a frame synchronization. An output of the exclusive-OR gate 82 is supplied to a speed conversion part or the like.
According to the differential coding using the difference logic, a 1-bit error which is generated in a transmission path spreads to consecutive bits by the decoding. FIG. 4 shows the spread of the bit error. In FIG. 4, the same designations are used as in FIG. 3.
An error bit A is output via the exclusive-0R gate 82 as a bit B having an erroneous logic value and is held as it is in the flip-flop 81. Accordingly, at a timing which is delayed by one bit, a bit C which is held by the flip-flop 81 has an erroneous logic value, and as a result, a bit D which is output from the exclusive-OR gate 82 also has an erroneous logic value.
In addition, in a system which employs an error correction code, it is necessary to add redundant bits to the transmission data. However, there is a limit to the occupied bandwidth, and there is accordingly a limit to the number of redundant bits which may be added. Therefore, although the error inevitably which spreads to the consecutive bits in the differential coding, there is a problem in that it is extremely difficult to correct the error spread in the consecutive bits.

System for suppressing spread of error generated in differential coding


A position determination method including a step of transmitting a periodic signal having a carrier frequency, a step of sequentially receiving the periodic signal having the carrier frequency at various locations using at least one antenna, and a step of determining a first coordinate of the object location on the basis of a zero crossing of a Doppler frequency response which may be associated with the first coordinate of the object location, the first coordinate of the object location corresponding to a coordinate of that location of the at least one antenna which it has when receiving the periodic signal at the zero crossing in relation to the object location.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device and to a method for providing information about an object location by observing a Doppler frequency response regarding the object location such as may be employed, for example, for determining the positions of game devices, in particular balls.
2. Description of Prior Art
For quite some time, various interest groups have wished to study and understand the sequence of movements of moving objects and/or persons, which requires an exact indication of the object's position both in space and time. What is of particular interest here are, among other things, game balls, in particular in commercialized types of sport, such as footballs, or soccer balls, which are highly accelerated in three-dimensional space, as well as tennis or golf balls. The question of who was the last to touch the object of the game, how it was hit, and in which direction it was accelerated further may be decisive for the outcome of the game, depending on the type of game.
Game devices that are used in high-performance sports, such as tennis balls, golf balls, footballs and the like, nowadays can be accelerated to extremely high speeds, so that a detection of the object during the movement requires highly sophisticated technology. The technical means employed so far—mainly cameras—either completely fail to meet the requirements set forth above, or meet them only to an insufficient degree. Also, hitherto known methods for position finding by means of various transmitter and receiver combinations still leave a large error margin with regard to the spatial resolution of the position indication, with regard to the ease of use of the transmitter/receiver components required, and above all with regard to evaluating the data obtained by means of the transmitter/receiver system, so that it is not yet possible, or at least requires a large amount of effort, to evaluate the results obtained from this data as fast as possible.
It is not only in the field of commercial sports, where movable game devices may be employed, but it is also in the personal field that users have become more and more used to electronic devices indicating various pieces of information to give a user feedback as to how he/she has affected an object, or to provide him/her with information about whether, for example, a game device has crossed a pitch line.
Current statistics methods in commercial applications, such as of the German first football division (Bundesliga), work with recording relatively simple statistics, such as the percentage of ball contacts of a team or the number of corners, free kicks or fouls.
On the other hand, there have been means, for example in tennis, where there is a very plannable, clearly arranged environment with only two players, which measure, for example, the speed of the tennis ball at the serve, such that a viewer is in a position to assess whether a serve was "hard" or "soft".
What is problematic about such speed measurements which may occur by optical methods is the fact that they do not function within an environment where there is a muddle of players, such as on a football pitch where there are not only two persons being active, but 22 persons, who, in addition, are not positioned in more or less the same place but may form any constellation on the pitch. On the other hand, particularly in football, it is interesting, both for the feedback of the players in training and for the viewers to know, for example, how fast a ball is flying or whether there is a goal situation or an offside situation at hand.
Thus, a multiplicity of tasks, for example locating a ball in a football match, presuppose knowledge of positions of objects. In a football match, for example, one of the most controversial topics is whether or not, in critical situations, the ball has crossed the goal line. For this purpose, it is necessary that the ball's position at the goal line can be measured with an accuracy of about +/−1.5 cm.
There are numerous localization methods based, for example, on optical two-dimensional or three-dimensional sensor having an evaluation system, an exploitation of the known radar principle or of a principle of radio localization.
One principle of radio localization is the localization of objects by electromagnetic wave propagation. For example, a receiver is integrated into an object to be localized or mounted to an object to be localized, the receiver being able to send data to a central transmitting/receiving device upon request. Thereafter, a position of the object is calculated from signal delay times and/or from differences between at least two signals received at different antennas.
Currently available localization methods based on optical 2D or 3D sensors having an evaluation system, or based on the use of conventional radio localization methods, entail high investment and maintenance cost, sensitivity toward environmental conditions and a large outlay in terms of adapting the evaluation algorithms. To achieve fine resolution of a position determination, systems using conventional radio localization are not suitable, since with a small geometrical expansion, differences of various signal delay times are hardly measurable any more. The requirements placed upon system for localizing objects thus are not met, or are met only to an insufficient degree, with regard to economy, robustness, clock time and object independence, for exact position determination, for example, within a range of a few centimeters.

Device and method for position measurement by means of linear doppler shifts generated


An information processing apparatus includes a first communication unit that receives management data including at least identification information of content data from a different device by using a first communication method. The apparatus also includes an output unit that outputs a first display based on the management information received by the first communication unit. Further, the apparatus includes a selection acceptation unit that accepts a selection of the content data according to a selection operation on the first display. The apparatus additionally includes a second communication that sends a request for the content data of which the selection acceptation unit accepts the selection to the different device and receives the content data corresponding to the request by using a second communication method whose communication range is wider than that of the first communication method.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method and an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus and method and an information processing system by which information can be shared readily.
2. Description of the Related Art
A method of sharing information by carrying out communication between different apparatus using a predetermined communication method is in the past available and disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-285716 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1).
According to the method of Patent Document 1, when a user 12A creates a topic under a given title on an electronic bulletin board 33, a bulletin board server 31 permits different users 12B and 12C to write into the topic. When the different user 12B writes information of a content to be recommended into the topic along the title, a list indicative of the recommended content is outputted as a playlist to terminal apparatus 11A to 11D of the users 12A to 12D from which the bulletin board server 31 is accessed through a network 20. When a content included in the playlist is designated, a content server 32 outputs the designated content to the terminal apparatus of the user to which the playlist is outputted.

Information processing apparatus, and method and information processing system


A vaporless liquid containment system for storing volatile and other liquids while preventing the formation and escape of vapors. The vessel includes a base and a first membrane, the first membrane defines a fluid containment space for containing stored liquid. A fluid-tight gas containment space is located above the first membrane. The gas containment space is adapted to house a gas under pressure. As liquid to be stored is supplied to and withdrawn from the fluid containment space, the gas housed in the gas containment space supplies fluid pressure to the first membrane so that the pressure on the first membrane is maintained above the vapor pressure of the stored liquid. This prevents the formation of vapor caused by the evaporation of the stored liquid.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vaporless liquid storage devices, and more specifically, to volatile liquid storage devices which prevent the accumulation of vapor caused by the evaporation of the stored liquid.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The storage of liquids especially volatile liquid often presents problems because of the possible effect of vapor creation, accumulation and release. In the petroleum and chemical industries, liquids such as benzene, crude oil and alcohol need to be stored in a vessel where potentially volatile vapors are not created or accumulated in the vessel.
Liquid storage vessels for storing volatile and other liquids are well known in the art. One type of liquid storage system includes a hard shelled vessel for containing the stored liquid. U.S. Pat. No. 2,863,297 issued to Johnston is of this type. This patent illustrates an apparatus for storing volatile liquids at atmospheric pressure whereby the storage temperature of the liquid is controlled by a radiation shield. U.S. Pat. No. 2,955,723 issued to McGrath also illustrates a closed tank storage system. This system maintains a substantial pressure within the vessel and provides an upper gas storage portion to contain the vapors of the liquid.
Other liquid storage vessels are directed at maintaining the liquid at a desired temperature and/or pressure such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,855 issued to Turner. Other prior art devices for containing volatile liquids include vessels with fixed covers and vessels with slidable or floating covers which move upwardly and downwardly as liquid is supplied to or withdrawn from the vessel. These systems do not effectively contain or prevent creation of hazardous vapors from the stored liquid.
Various membrane systems have been developed for storing liquids. U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,973 issued to Irland illustrates a single membrane aerosol container system. Aerosol containers commonly have only one membrane or pouch and do not provide for supply as well as withdrawal of the contained liquid. Another membrane type storage device is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 2,758,747 issued to Stevens. In that invention, a tank is fitted with one or two flexible bag-type members for the storage of one or two different liquids. The collapsing action of the bag-type member prevents vapor losses of the liquids yet it does not prevent vapor creation.
Another membrane system for storing liquids is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,409 issued to Lane. A hydropneumatic tank is fitted with a diaphragm-liner. One side of the diaphragm-liner contains a compressed gas while the other side contains a liquid. The pressurized gas forces the liquid into and out of the tank as needed. Various other single membrane systems have been used to store liquids in the prior art.
In the storage of gases, a duel membrane system forming two chambers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,304 issued to Hallen and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The structure of Hallen includes an inner gas filled chamber connected to a source of gas. A predetermined level of pressure is maintained upon the inner gas storage chamber by an outer membrane which creates an outer air filled chamber. The volume of air within the outer air filled chamber compensates for changes in the volume of gas in the inner chamber to maintain a constant pressure thereon.


Disclosed is a hair comb capable of reducing the resistance and improving the smoothness of combing hair, and the hair comb includes a slab-shaped main body, a plurality of parallel slash-shaped teeth implant areas disposed on a surface of the main body, a plurality of serial comb teeth sequentially implanted in the teeth implant areas and disposed opposite to the slash-shaped teeth implant areas respectively, a vacant area without any implanted tooth and disposed on a surface of the main body and the width of the vacant area falling between the serial comb teeth is greater than the distance between two adjacent comb teeth to achieve the effects of reducing the resistance of combining hair by the hair comb and the occurrence of tangled hair and providing a smooth combing operation.

Various hair combing tools are used in our daily life, and comb is one of the popular hair combing tools as well as a necessary tool particularly for women with long hair. There are different types of combs available in the market, and these combs are basically divided into linear single-plate hair combs, planar blade combs and cylindrical combs, wherein the linear single-plate comb has a combing section extended from an end of a handle and including a plurality of equidistant comb teeth; the blade comb has a combing section extended from an end of a handle and including alternate longitudinal and transversal comb teeth; and the cylindrical comb has a combing section extended from an end of a handle and including a plurality of comb teeth columns implanted in the circumferential surface of the cylindrical comb. Regardless of the types of combs, users may find it difficult to comb the hair due to the large resistance, or the hair may be tangled or even worse torn by the gaps between comb teeth easily. The main reasons to be blamed are the design of arranging the comb teeth at transversal and longitudinal positions of the hair comb, and the too-small distance between each comb tooth and its adjacent comb tooth, and thus the comb teeth are arranged alternately in a high density. In FIG. 5, the distance between each comb tooth 50 and its adjacent comb tooth 50 of the hair comb 5 is too small, so that the hair may be tangled by the gaps between the comb tooth 50 and its adjacent comb tooth 50 or the hair may be torn easily during the process of combing hair, and such design of the hair comb 5 is obviously not good enough. If manufacturers increase the gap between the comb teeth 50 to reduce the resistance of combing hair, such design will not be able to meet the requirement of attaching the hair properly for the hair combing effect, and thus this design is also not good enough. In view of the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional hair comb having a large resistance that causes an unsmooth combing operation or even tears hair, the inventor of the present invention based on years of experience in the related industry to conduct extensive researches and experiments, and finally develop a hair comb of the invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.


A link aggregation function and maintenance function by MPLS OAM. Identical entry information is stored in plural circuits IF which perform a LA setting. In this way, multiplexing to the same LSP is possible even with different IF. The first network IF is assumed to be OAM ACT, and the second network IF is set to OAM SBY (SBY). OAM frame insertion is performed only by an OAM ACT port. In this way, in an opposite MPLS transmission apparatus, it is possible to prevent CV frame reception above a specified number of frames. Further, a switch forwarding table is set to forward frames from the network side to the first network IF of OAM ACT. The second network IF which was set to OAM SBY does not perform fault detection by CV reception. In this way, incorrect detection of faults due to non-reception of OAM can be prevented.

A device which provides a function called link aggregation (LA) is known. LA is a technique which bundles plural physical ports so that they are used as one logical port between two apparatuses. A device corresponding to LA selects an output physical port belonging to a LA port from identification information (ID) which specifies a flow, such as a VLAN (Virtual LAN) tag and MAC.
Some MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) transmission apparatuses determine a MPLS LSP (Label Switching Path) connection from, for example, a VLAN. An MPLS transmission apparatus provided with a maintenance function by MPLS OAM (Operations, Administration and Maintenance) monitors end-to-end connectivity by periodically forwarding a connectivity verification (CV) frame. When the CV frame is not received, each interface unit changes over the operating system from working to protection.
Nonpatent document 1: ITU-T Recommendation Y.1710 SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS, Internet Protocol Aspects-Operation, Administration and Maintenance
Nonpatent document 2: ITU-T Recommendation Y.1720 SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS, Internet Protocol Aspects—Operation, Administration and Maintenance Protection switching for MPLS networks
Nonparent document 3: IEEE Standard for information technology telecommunications and information exchange between systems—Local and metropolitan area networks—Specific requirements, Part 3: Carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) access method and physical layer specifications, Section 3, Chapter 43, pp. 285-350

Transmission apparatus and transmission system


A chip card reading device for chip cards and/or SIM cards having different thicknesses is provided, comprising a frame, a receptacle within said frame, contact elements, first spring means for providing a contacting force of said contacting elements against contact pads on a chip card when said chip card is inserted, and second spring means for pressing said chip card against a bearing surface of said chip card reading device wherein said second spring means provide a spring force in excess of the contacting force provided by said first spring means.

Chip card reading devices are also known in the art as CCAD (chip card acceptor devices). These chip card reading devices can accept either chip cards having a standard thickness or having twice said standard thickness, i.e. double thickness. A chip card reading device adapted to read chip cards of different thicknesses is presently not known.
The receptacle of chip card reading devices for standard thickness cards is too narrow to accept also cards having double thickness. Chip card reading devices for double thickness cards can accept cards having the standard thickness, however, contacting problems arise in this case. If the difference in thickness of the chip cards is to be accommodated by elastic contacting elements of the chip card reading device, due to the larger amount of bending of the contacting elements and the larger required displacement thereof, it is not possible to keep the contacting force of the contacting elements on the corresponding contact pads of the chip card within the allowable range of 0.3 to 0.5N.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,078 discloses an IC card reader which comprises a rocking lever including a central pivot, an actuating cam on one side of the pivot and against which a card being inserted comes to bear at the end of its insertion stroke, thereby pivoting the lever from a rest position to a pressure-applying position, a pressure cam on the other side of the pivot for bearing against the card when the rocking lever is in its pressure-applying position, thereby bending the card towards the contact elements, and resilient return means returning the rocking lever to its rest position when it is not engaged by a card inserted in the reader. This reference does not consider cards having different thicknesses. Further, the stresses and strains imposed on the card when bent by said cam in the reading position will lead to premature failure of the contact pads and/or the circuit comprised on the card.
German Patent Application DE 43 36 192 shows a chip card reading device in which a rocking lever similar to the one disclosed in the above U.S. patent is actuated by a card being inserted into the chip card reader. An actuating cam of the rocking lever acts on the contacting elements of the reader to press them against the the card. This reference does not consider cards having different thicknesses either. If cards of different thicknesses were used with this card reader, it would not be possible to keep the contacting force of the contacting elements on the corresponding contact patches of the chip card within the allowable range of 0.3 to 0.5N.
Finally, German Utility Model No. G 94 00 348 discloses a chip card reader which comprises a frame, a movable carrier within said frame for receiving the chip card, a lever pivotably mounted on said frame and comprising a pressure plate at one end thereof and a cam track, and a stationary roller cam rotatably mounted on said frame. Upon insertion of a chip card into said reader, the chip card moves the carrier within the frame causing the roller cam to ride on the cam track of the lever thereby pivoting the lever and pressing the pressure plate against the inserted chip card, which is thus pressed against contacting elements mounted on said carrier. Apart from the complexity of the mechanism which adds to manufacturing cost and is prone to wear and failure, this chip card reader cannot be used for chip cards of different thicknesses since mutual arrangement of the carrier, the roller cam and the lever allows proper functioning of the card reader only with a chip card having a fixed predetermined thickness.
It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a chip card reading device adapted to receive chip cards having standard or double thicknesses, i.e. a thickness in the range of about 0.72 mm to about 1.68 mm, with the contacting force of the contacting elements of the reader on the contact pads of the card being kept within the allowable range of about 0.3 to about 0.5N in the reading position of the chip card.


A system includes a vehicle processor configured to communicate with an intelligent street light to receive advertisements pertaining to local businesses. The processor is also configured to store a plurality of received advertisements. The processor is further configured to sort the advertisements based on one or more user factors. Also, the processor is configured to determine an appropriate time for advertisement delivery and deliver the advertisements at the appropriate time.

Smart street lighting and traffic control (SLATC) does more than simply shine light on the road. Infrastructure components include lampposts, traffic lights and signs and local web servers. Mobile components include personal vehicles, mass transit vehicles, goods vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. SLATC devices are typically connected using power-line or wireless digital communication components, computational components, storage systems, sensors and actuators.
These components can communicate with each other using a gateway to a content delivery network. Communication interfaces allow the assembly of a digitally monitored, secure and reliable network where various smart sensors can monitor weather conditions, air pollution and lamppost inclination, satellite navigation corrections, vehicle location and velocity, etc. Networked street lighting systems can be managed via wired or wireless communications through any of several proven communication standards.
U.S. patent application 2012/0249343 generally relates to a system for intelligent transport communication including at least one transmitter, and at least one in-vehicle mobile receiver for use within a mobile road vehicle. The transmitter broadcasts, by wireless communication, dedicated data for each of a plurality of heading directions of the mobile road vehicle, on a corresponding plurality of multiplexed channels. The receiver receives the dedicated data on one of the multiplexed channels that corresponds to an actual heading direction of the mobile road vehicle. A multiple-redundant vehicle heading direction identification system for use within the mobile road vehicle includes a GPS direction identification system, a multiple digital compass system that identifies a heading direction of the mobile road vehicle based on input from multiple digital compasses, and a central processing unit that selects the heading direction produced by the GPS direction identification system only when an output of the GPS direction identification system is healthy
U.S. Pat. No. 7,062,778 generally relates to a system comprising a number of transmitters spatially separated and transmitting different local information. A number of portable or mobile receivers adapted to receive transmitted information and provide this to a user, the receivers being adapted to inform the user about which transmitters are available and allow the user to select a transmitter. The information is transmitted via IR light, microwaves or radio waves.

Method and apparatus for intelligent street light advertisement delivery