In estimating a state variable of a target on the basis of a previously estimated state variable and an observation value, a prediction value of a next state variable is found on the basis of the previously estimated state variable by a prediction process pre, and the state variable is updated by a first update process ed on the basis of the resultant prediction value and the observation value so as to find an update value. By a second update process opt, whether the update value meets the boundary condition or not is checked, and when the update value does not meet the boundary condition, a new update value is found which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under the boundary condition. Thus, a parameter of motion information or the like of the target can be optimally estimated under the boundary condition or constraint.

This invention relates to an information processing method and device, and a program supply medium. Particularly, it relates to an information processing method and device for estimating or measuring a parameter using observation data, and a program supply medium for supplying a processing program based on the estimation or measurement method.
In a system for measuring or estimating a parameter of a target system using observation data as an input, because of uncertainty (noise component) of input data or insufficiency of observation data for the parameter to be estimated, the value of the parameter to be estimated is often inappropriate with respect to the actual parameter.
In order to solve this problem, the Kalman filter or a filter for recursive estimation derived therefrom is used, which is described in R. E. Kalman, xe2x80x9cA New Approach to Linear Filtering and Prediction Problemsxe2x80x9d, Trans. ASME-J. Basic Eng., pp.35-45, March 1960.
As the filter for recursive estimation, the Kalman filter is frequently used for a linear system. For an application with a nonlinear system, the extension of the Kalman filter or EKF is the best known filter. This extension of Kahnan filter (EKF) is described in A. Gelb, xe2x80x9cApplied Optical Estimationxe2x80x9d, The Analytic Science Corp., 1974. Also, there are employed the unscented filter, described in S. J. Julier, et al., xe2x80x9cA New Extension of the Kalman Filter to Nonlinear Systemsxe2x80x9d, Proc. Of AeroSense: The 11th International Symposium on Aerospace/Defense Sensing, Simulation and Controlxe2x80x9d, and the pseudo Kalman filter, described in T. Vileville and P. Sanders, xe2x80x9cUsing Pseudo Kalman Filters in the Presence of Constraints, Application to Sensing Behavioursxe2x80x9d, Technical Report 1669, INRIA-Sophia, Valbonne, France, 1992.
While the recursive estimation filter such as the Kalman filter is adapted for estimating the current state variable (parameter) using the current observation value, there is also known a smoother for estimating the past state variable using the current observation value. Hereinafter, the recursive estimation filter such as the Kalman filter will be first described and then the smoother will be described.
The Kalman filter has an efficient minimum square method mounted thereon and is capable of estimating the past, current and future states. It is also capable of estimating a state variable which lacks information and is capable of updating not only the state variable to be estimated but also the error covariance value representing the accuracy of estimation. Therefore, it is known as a robust estimation method.
The Kalman filter is one of the recursive estimation filters. The recursive estimation filter constantly updates the estimation value using only the latest data from continuously inputted observation values. FIG. 1 shows the schematic structure of the recursive estimation filter. This recursive estimation filter includes a prediction section 131 for predicting a motion and an update section 132 for updating predicted data, and carries out estimation by alternately repeating prediction at the prediction section 131 and update at the update section 132.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic structure of a Kalman filter 120 as one recursive estimation filter. First, a set of state variables to be estimated is described as a state vector x. If there are n units of state variables, the state vector x is the n-th order vector. The state vector x of the k-th cycle (one cycle corresponds to the observation cycle) is described as the state vector Xk. The predication process for predicting the next state is expressed by the following equation (1). In the following equation, the vector is described with bold characters. The linear time differentiation of the vector is described with a dot (.) attached to its upper part, and the quadratic time differentiation is described with two dots (..) attached to its upper part.
Xk+1=Akxk+Wkxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
In this case, the matrix Ak is a state transition matrix of the k-th cycle, which is an nxc3x97n matrix. wk represents the prediction process noise generated in the prediction process and is assumed to be the normally distributed Gaussian noise.
The observation process is expressed by the following equation (2).
yk=Hkxk+vkxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
The covariance matrices of the process noise generated in the processes of the equations (1) and (2) are described as Qk and Pk, respectively.
In the equation (2), yk represents the observation vector, which represents the vector of a set of observation values of the k-th cycle, and Hk represents the observation matrix of the k-th cycle. The observation vector yk need not be of the same order as the state vector. If it is assumed that the observation vector yk is of the m-th order, the observation matrix Hk is an mxc3x97n matrix. vk represents the observation noise generated in the observation process, which is assumed to be the Gaussian noise.
The Kalnan filter 120 repeats prediction and update so as to carry out estimation. In this case, the state vector estimated before update is described by the following formula (3) and the estimated state vector after update is described by the following formula (4).
{circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92kxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3)
{circumflex over (x)}kxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(4)
The hat mark ({circumflex over ( )}) attached to the upper part in the formulas (3) and (4) indicates that it is an estimation value. In the following text, however, description of xxe2x88x92k({circumflex over ( )}) and xk({circumflex over ( )}) is used.
The above-described Pk is assumed to represent the estimated error covariance after update. The estimated error covariance before update is described by the following formula (5).
Pxe2x88x92kxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(5)
On the foregoing assumption, the processing at the prediction section 131 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the processing e1 at the prediction section 131, the following prediction of the state is carried out on the basis of the equation (6).
{circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92k=Akxe2x88x921{circumflex over (x)}kxe2x88x921xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(6)
In the processing e2 at the prediction section 131, the following estimated error covariance Pxe2x88x92k is carried out on the basis of the equation (7).
Pxe2x88x92k=Akxe2x88x921Pkxe2x88x921Akxe2x88x921T+Qkxe2x88x921xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(7)
In this equation, Akxe2x88x921T represents the transported matrix of the state transition matrix Akxe2x88x921.
Next, the processing at the update section 132 will be described. In the processing c1 at the update section 132, the Kalman gain Kk is calculated on the basis of the following equation (8).
Kk=Pxe2x88x92kHkT(HkPxe2x88x92kHkT+Rk)xe2x88x921xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(8)
In this equation, HkT represents the transported matrix of the observation matrix Hk and ( )xe2x88x921 represents the inverse matrix of the matrix within ( ).
In the processing c2 at the update section 132, estimation of the state variable is updated on the basis of the following equation (9) using the observation value inputted to the update section 132.
{circumflex over (x)}={circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92k+Kk(ykxe2x88x92Hk{circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92k)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(9)
In the processing c3 at the update section 132, the estimated error covariance Pk is updated on the basis of the following equation (10).
Pk=(Ixe2x88x92KkHk)Pxe2x88x92kxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(10)
In this equation, I represents the unit matrix of the nxc3x97n dimension.
With the Kalman filter 120 as described above, it is assumed that both the prediction process and the observation process are linear. Actually, however, these processes are often nonlinear. In order to cope with this, a derived filter such as the above-described EKF (extension of the Kalman filter) is proposed. The most frequently used EKF will now be described.
In the EKF, the prediction process is expressed by the following equation (11) (corresponding to the formula (1) of the Kalman filter 120), and the observation process is expressed by the following equation (12) (corresponding to the equation of the Kalman filter 120).
xk+1=f(xk)+wkxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(11)
yk=h(xk)+vkxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(12)
In this case, f represents the nonlinear state transition matrix and h represents the nonlinear observation matrix.
With respect to the actual estimation framnework in the EKF, the processing corresponding to the processing e1 of the Kalman filter 120 (FIG. 2) is expressed by the following equation (13).
xe2x80x83{circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92k=f({circumflex over (x)}kxe2x88x921)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(13)
The processing corresponding the processing e2 of the Kalman filter 120 (FIG. 2) is expressed by the following equation (14).
{circumflex over (x)}k={circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92k+Kk(ykxe2x88x92h({circumflex over (x)}xe2x88x92k))xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(14)
The state transition matrix Ak is expressed by the following equation (15) and the observation matrix Hk is expressed by the following equation (16).                               Ak                      (                          i              ,              j                        )                          =                              ∂                                          f                                  (                  i                  )                                                                          (                                                      x                    ^                                    k                                )                                                          ∂                          x                              k                                                  (                  j                  )                                                                                (        15        )                                          H                      k                                      (                              i                ,                j                            )                                      =                              ∂                                          h                                  (                  i                  )                                                                          (                                                      x                    ^                                    k                                )                                                          ∂                          x                              k                                                  (                  j                  )                                                                                (        16        )
In this case, Ak(i,j) represents the matrix elements of the i-th row and the j-th column of the state transition matrix Ak, and is calculated by partially differentiating the i-component of the function f with the j-component of the state variable xk. Hk(i,j) represents the matrix elements of the i-th row and the j-th colm-n of the observation matrix Hk, and is calculated by partially differentiating the i-component of the function h with the j-component of the state variable xk. Except for these features, the EKF is similar to the Kalman filter 120.
In filtering by the Kalman filter or the like as described above, the current state variable (parameter) is estimated by using the current observation value, but the estimation value might be affected by a sudden large noise. On the other hand, in smoothing, the past state variable (parameter) is estimated by using the current observation value. The Kalman smoother utilizing the technique of the Kalman filter is technically established already. The smoother is described in: Toru Katayama, xe2x80x9cApplied Kalman Filterxe2x80x9d, Asakura Shoten; Gelb ed., xe2x80x9cApplied Optimal Estimationxe2x80x9d, MIT Press; and R. G. Brown and P. Y. Hwang, xe2x80x9cIntroduction to Random Signals and Applied Kalman Filteringxe2x80x9d, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Using the smoother, robustness against any sudden change of the observation value is realized. In the case where the observation data is degenerated, the accuracy is often improved by smoothing even though estimation by filtering is difficult.
As such smoother, there are three types, that is, a fixed-point smoother, a fixed-interval smoother and a fixed-lag smoother which are suitable for different applications in accordance with their respective characteristics. The fixed-point smoother is suitable for estimation of an initial value, and the fixed-interval smoother is suitable for batch processing after gathering of a set of time series data. The fixed-lag smoother is characterized in that the parameter is estimated constantly with a lag of a predetermined period (time period L) with respect to the observation data. That is, it is a smoother for estimating the state variable of the time period txe2x88x92L by using the observation data obtained during the time period t. By using this, substantially real-tune processing can be carried out in a system which allows a predetermined delay. For example, in the case where processing is carried out by the fixed-lag smoother using observation data obtained from an NTSC image, if there is a lag L=10 frames, a delay of {fraction (1/30)}xc3x9710=⅓ seconds or more is simply generated. In a system which allows this delay, the smoother for improving the estimation accuracy is useful.
However, in the above-described conventional technique, when a boundary condition is added to the parameter as the estimation target, it is impossible or very difficult to take that condition into consideration with the Kalman filter.
Specifically, with the conventional recursive estimation filter such as the Kalman filter or the Kalnan smoother having the Kalnan filter operating inside thereof, only the optimal estimation value in a state space having no constraint can be found. With the pseudo Kalman filter described in T. Vileville and P. Sanders, xe2x80x9cUsing Pseudo Kalman Filters in the Presence of Constraints, Application to Sensing Behavioursxe2x80x9d, Technical Report 1669, INRIA-Sophia, Valbonne, France, 1992, optimal estimation under a constraint expressed by an equation, but a constraint expressed by an inequality and a boundary condition cannot be handled. Strictly, on the assumption that the resolution is known to be necessarily present on the boundary in an inequality or under a boundary condition, the pseudo Kabnan filter can handle the constraint expressed by the inequality and the boundary condition. However, such assumption is not necessarily secured for all problems.
Therefore, even when the state variable has a boundary condition, it is not guaranteed at all that the estimation value from the conventional recursive filter falls within the condition or that the resultant estimation value is the optimum value. The Kalman smoother cannot handle a boundary condition since it basically causes the Kalman filter to operate inside thereof.
A specific example in which a constraint is necessary will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, it is assumed that an arm 42 of a target or an object (person) 41 is observed from a direction p (direction from the right lateral side of the object 41) and from a direction i perpendicular to the direction p. The arm 42 in FIG. 3 includes a wrist joint 42a, an elbow joint 42b and a shoulder joint 42c. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a continuous change from an image i1 to an image i2 in the case where the arm 42 of the object 41 in FIG. 3 is observed from the direction i. An image p1 of FIG. 5A and an image p2-a of FIG. 5B show the images of the arm 42 of the object 41 in the case where it is picked up from the direction p when the image i1 of FIG. 4A and the image i2 of FIG. 4B are observed. In the case where the data of the image p1 of FIG. 5A is correctly estimated with respect to the data of the image i1 of FIG. 4A and where the image p2-a of FIG. 5B corresponds to the actual posture with respect to the data of the image i2 of, the actual posture might be erroneously estimated as an image p2-b of FIG. 5C if the prediction process is not appropriate.
Thus, the estimation system might return the image p2-b as the estimation value. This is because two-dimensional information lacks information of depth. However, since it is known that the elbow cannot be bent in the reverse direction, the solution that the image p2-a corresponds to the actual posture can be obtained on the basis of that knowledge. The conventional recursive filter cannot return the optimum value under such boundary condition, and the smoother using such recursive filter cannot carry out optimal estimation, either.
It is also conceivable to apply the smoother for multi-joint motion estimation. However, it is necessary to consider what parameter should be the estimation target for prediction of a precise motion.
In view of the foregoing status of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and device and a program supply medium which enable effective processing even in the case where an estimation target parameter has a boundary condition with respect to a recursive estimation filter for predicting a state variable (parameter) such as motion information of an object.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing method and device and a program supply medium which enable effective processing even in the case where an estimation target parameter has a boundary condition with respect to a recursive smoother for estimating the past state variable (parameter) from the current observation value and which enable more precise parameter estimation in application to multi-joint motion estimation or the like.
In an information processing method and device according to the present invention, when estimating a state variable of a target on the basis of a previously estimated state variable and an observation value, a prediction value of a next state variable is found on the basis of the previously estimated state variable, and the state variable is updated on the basis of the found prediction value and the observation value so as to obtain an update value and output the update value as an estimation value. As the update value, depending on the case, an update value is used which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under a boundary condition.
In this case, the update value of the state variable is found on the basis of the prediction value and the observation value, and it is checked whether the resultant update value meets the boundary condition or not. When the update value does not meet the boundary condition, a new update value is found which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under the boundary condition. A minimum square method is applied to the case where the estimation target parameter (state variable) has a boundary condition. To find an update value under the restraining condition, quadratic programming or nonlinear programming is used.
Thus, the state variable of motion information or torque of a multi-joint object can be estimated under the restraining condition such as a boundary condition.
Also, in an information processing method and device according to the present invention, when estimating a state variable at a predetermined position on the time base with respect to a target on the basis of a previously estimated state variable and an observation value, filtering processing is sequentially repeated L times, including processing for finding a prediction value of the state variable at that time point on the basis of an update value of a state variable immediately before and for finding an update value which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under a boundary condition. The state variable at the predetermined position on the time base is estimated on the basis of the value obtained in the filtering processing of each time.
The filtering processing is sequentially carried out over a predetermined range from the predetermined position on the time base to the future.
As the filtering processing, the prediction value of the state variable at that time point is found on the basis of the update value of the state variable immediately before, and the update value of the state variable is found on the basis of the resultant prediction value and the observation value at that time point. Whether the update value meets the boundary condition or not is checked. When the update value does not meet the boundary condition, a new update value is found which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under the boundary condition.
In an information processing method and device according to the present invention, when estimating a state variable at a predetermined position on the time base with respect to a target on the basis of an estimation value of a previously estimates state variable and an observation value, filtering processing is sequentially repeated L times, including processing for finding a prediction value of motion information and a prediction value of torque of the target at that time point on the basis of an update value of motion information and an update value of torque of the target immediately before and for finding the update value of motion information and the update value of torque at that time point on the basis of the resultant prediction values, the observation value of motion information of the target and the observation value of torque. The state variable at the predetermined position on the time base is estimated on the basis of the value obtained in the filtering processing of each time.
With the information processing method and device according to the present invention, when estimating a state variable of a target on the basis of a previously estimated state variable and an observation value, a prediction value of a next state variable is found on the basis of the previously estimated state variable, and the state variable is updated on the basis of the found prediction value and the observation value so as to obtain an update value and output the update value as an estimation value. As the update value, depending on the case, an update value is used which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under a boundary condition. Thus, optimal estimation of the state variable can be carried out under the boundary condition.
Also, the first update value of the state variable is found on the basis of the prediction value and the observation value, and it is checked whether the resultant update value meets the boundary condition or not. When the update value does not meet the boundary condition, a new update value is found which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under the boundary condition. Therefore, as the first update value is outputted as the estimation value in the case where the boundary condition is met, computation requiring large burden for finding the new estimation value is not necessary and the overall burden of the computational processing is reduced.
Moreover, with information processing method and device according to the present invention, when estimating a state variable at a predetermined position on the time base with respect to a target on the basis of a previously estimated state variable and an observation value, filtering processing is sequentially repeated L times, including processing for finding a prediction value of the state variable at that time point on the basis of an update value of a state variable immediately before and for finding an update value which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under a boundary condition. The state variable at the predetermined position on the time base is estimated on the basis of the value obtained in the filtering processing of each time. Thus, optimal estimation of the state variable can be carried out under the boundary condition. Also, optimal estimation of the state variable (parameter) can be carried out with respect to an abrupt motion or a motion accompanying a sudden large noise.
In the filtering processing, the first update value of the state variable is found on the basis of the resultant prediction value and the observation value, and whether the update value meets the boundary condition or not is checked. When the update value does not meet the boundary condition, a new update value is found which minimizes the Mahalanobis distance from the prediction value in the state space and the square sum or the absolute value sum of the Mahalanobis distance from the observation value in the observation space under the boundary condition. Therefore, as the first update value is outputted as the estimation value in the case where the boundary condition is met, computation requiring large burden for finding the new estimation value is not necessary and the overall burden of the computational processing is reduced.
Also, with the information processing method and device according to the present invention, when estimating a state variable at a predetermined position on the time base with respect to a target on the basis of an estimation value of a previously estimates state variable and an observation value, filtering processing is sequentially repeated L times, including processing for finding a prediction value of motion information and a prediction value of torque of the target at that time point on the basis of an update value of motion information and an update value of torque of the target immediately before and for finding -the update value of motion information and the update value of torque at that time point on the basis of the resultant prediction values, the observation value of motion information of the target and the observation value of torque. The state variable at the predetermined position on the time base is estimated on the basis of the value obtained in the filtering processing of each time. Thus, more precise prediction of a motion is made possible. Specifically, since the prediction model more resembles the actual model, robust estimation can be carried out even in the case where there is a large change in the data parameter (state variable) of the sampled continuous data. For the same reason, the accuracy of estimation can be unproved.
Moreover, since estimation of the state variable is carried out by using motion information and torque information for the state variable, the motion information and torque information of a multi-joint object can be properly estimated under the boundary condition. The accuracy of estimation in the direction of depth can be improved, which was conventionally difficult in the motion estimation from a single-view image. It can be applied for the single-camera construction of an optical motion capture system (motion measurement system), which currently requires a plurality of cameras. Thus, the complicated operation such as calibration is not necessary. Also, three-dimensional motions of persons and animals can be reproduced from archives such as the past movie films and video pictures.
These effects can be obtained not only in the case where a single-view image sequence is used as an input but also in the case where images from a plurality of cameras or inputs from other sensors such as an angular speedometer and an angular accelerometer are used.

Method and device for information processing and program providing medium


A projection image correction system includes a section that detects intersection coordinates in a corrected sheet image, a section that calculates a first projective transformation matrix for transformation of the detected intersection coordinates into intersection coordinates stored in advance, a section that generates two spatial code images from the corrected positive and negative images of Gray code patterns, a section that acquires intersections of brightness profiles in the positive and negative images, a section that acquires coordinates of an intersection of boundary lines in the two spatial code images, a section that calculates a second projective transformation matrix by which transformation is performed so that the acquired intersection coordinates, transformed by the first projective transformation matrix, are distributed over the entire region, and a section that transforms, using the second projective transformation matrix, image data to be outputted to a projector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to projection image correction systems and projection image correction methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a projection image correction system and a projection image correction method for correcting an image projected on an image projection region from a projector.
2. Description of the Related Art
A stereolithography apparatus that produces a three-dimensional shaped object by using a photo-curable resin in liquid form is conventionally known. A photo-curable resin has the property of being cured with irradiation of light such as visible light or ultraviolet light.
As such a stereolithography apparatus, a "lifting type" stereolithography apparatus, for example, is used. In the lifting type stereolithography apparatus, three-dimensional shaping is performed by sequentially stacking photo-curable resins each cured into a given shape.
In the lifting type stereolithography apparatus, a transparent plate is used as a bottom wall of a container that stores a photo-curable resin in liquid form. A shaped object holing plate serving as a base for a three-dimensional shaped object is disposed inside the container. With irradiation of light from below the transparent plate, the photo-curable resin is cured by a given liquid layer thickness at a lower surface of the shaped object holding plate. Thus, a cured layer having a given liquid layer thickness is provided at the lower surface of the shaped object holding plate.
Then, the cured layer cured between the shaped object holding plate and the transparent plate is peeled off from the transparent plate serving as the bottom wall of the container, and the shaped object holding plate is raised by a given liquid layer thickness.
Subsequently, with irradiation of light from below the transparent plate, the photo-curable resin is cured by a given liquid layer thickness to provide another cured layer in addition to the cured layer provided at the lower surface of the shaped object holding plate.
These operations are repeated in sequence, thus providing a three-dimensional shaped object.
With the use of the lifting type stereolithography apparatus, cured layers each having a desired shape are sequentially stacked by repeating the above-described operations in sequence. As a result, a three-dimensional shaped object having a desired shape can be produced.

Projection image correction system and projection image correction method


Provided is a zoom lens including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens unit having a positive refractive power which does not move for zooming; a second lens unit having a negative refractive power which moves during zooming; and an N-th lens unit having a positive refractive power which does not move for zooming and is arranged closest to the image side. In the zoom lens, the N-th lens unit includes in order from an object side: a first sub-lens unit; and a second sub-lens unit which is movable, and a lateral magnification at a wide angle end of the N-th lens unit and a lateral magnification at a wide angle end of the second sub-lens unit of the N-th lens unit when an axial ray enters from infinity in a state in which focus is at the infinity are appropriately set.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens and an image pickup apparatus including the same, and more particularly, to a zoom lens suited for use in a broadcasting television camera, a cinema camera, a video camera, a digital still camera, and a silver-halide film camera.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a zoom lens having a wide angle of field, a high zoom ratio, and high optical performance is desired for use in an image pickup apparatus, such as a television camera, a cinema camera, a film camera, or a video camera. In particular, an image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) used in a television or cinema camera as a professional moving image pickup system has a substantially uniform resolution over the entire image pickup range. Therefore, a zoom lens using the image pickup device is required to have a substantially uniform resolution from the center to the periphery of the screen. There are also needs for reductions in size and weight for an image pickup mode that places emphasis on mobility and operability.
In addition, a macro-photographing mechanism for enabling proximity photographing by moving a lens unit different from a focusing lens unit in an optical axis direction, and a flange back adjusting mechanism for adjusting a distance from a reference surface to which a lens mount is mounted to an image plane are highly requested for an interchangeable lens for a television camera or a movie camera.
As a zoom lens having a wide angle of field and a high zoom ratio, there is known a positive-lead type zoom lens in which a first lens unit having a positive refractive power and a second lens unit having a negative refractive power for variable power are arranged in order from an object side.
For example, in each of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2002-169091 and 2007-78833, there is disclosed a zoom lens including, in order from an object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive or negative refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power. In Numerical Embodiments of each of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2002-169091 and 2007-78833, a lens unit movable for macro photography or flange back adjustment is provided within the fourth lens unit, which is arranged closer to an image side than a stop.
In order to achieve all, of a wide angle of field, a high zoom ratio, and high optical performance in the positive-lead type zoom lens, it is important to appropriately set an arrangement of the refractive powers of the lenses. In particular, because the lens unit closest to the image side plays a role of determining a size of all the lenses closer to the object side than the lens unit closest to the image side, in order: to achieve both of the optical performance and the reduction in size, it is important to appropriately set the lateral magnification of the lens unit closest to the image side. In addition, in order to mount the macro-photographing mechanism or the flange back adjusting mechanism to the positive-lead type zoom lens, the lens units, which are to be moved in an optical axis direction when the macro photography or the flange back adjustment is carried out, needs to have a moderate position sensitivity to back focus.
However, in the zoom lens disclosed in each of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2002-169091 and 2007-78833, a relatively small-sized image pickup element (having a diagonal of 11 mm) for the television camera is supposed, and hence the lateral magnification of the lens unit closest to the image side is small. For this reason, if this zoom lens is applied to an image pickup element (having a diagonal of 25 mm or more) which has been increased in size in recent years, a lens diameter is increased in proportion to the increase in size of the image pickup element. In particular, in such a zoom lens that an angle of field at a wide angle end exceeds 70°, the increase in size of the lens unit closest to the object side becomes remarkable.

Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same


An automatic actuating system for actuators of excavator. The system of this invention automatically controls the bucket which is overloaded to be free from the overloaded state thereof, the bucket to maintain an angular position with respect to the absolute line of the ground surface so as to prevent the objects contained in the bucket from being dropped, the bucket cylinder and the boom cylinder to accomplish the desired surface finishing operation by handling for the dipper cylinder, actuators to limit the operational ranges thereof, optimal quantity of hydraulic fluid flow of the main hydraulic pumps for respective actuators, and the pre-running for the actuators.

1. Field of The Invention
The present invention relates to an actuating system for excavator, a kind of construction machinery, and more particularly to an automatic actuating system for actuators, such as a boom cylinder, a dipper cylinder, a bucket cylinder, a swing motor and a pair of travel motors, of the excavator capable of improving the operational effect of the actuators and the facility in controlling the actuators.
2. Description of The Prior Art
Conventionally, excavators are provided with a plurality of actuators which are actuated by hydraulic power and comprise a driving motor section comprising the swing motor for swinging an upper frame provided with a control cab with respect to a lower frame provided with travelling members, such as crawlers, and the travel motors for travelling the excavators, and an actuating cylinder section comprising the dipper cylinder for driving a dipper stick, the boom cylinder for driving a boom and the bucket cylinder for driving a bucket. The actuators are controlled by means of control levers/control pedals which are provided in the cab and handled by the operator in order to efficiently carry out several operations of the excavator such as excavating operations, surface finishing operations, loading operations and the like.
However, known excavators have the following disadvantages resulting in fatigue of the operator and occurrence of safety accident during operations carried out thereby.
First, there is a disadvantage in that the bucket of the excavator may become stuck or overloaded, such as by engaging a heavy rock, large volume of soil contained thereon or the like. In this case, the operators conventionally handle the control levers/pedals so as to actuate the actuating cylinders, such as the boom cylinder, the dipper cylinder and the bucket cylinder, to drive the overloaded bucket in opposite direction to the excavating direction so as to allow the overloaded bucket to be free from the overloaded state. However, an unskilled operator feels uneasiness because of shake of the excavator car body resulting from a shock imposed thereto due to the overloaded bucket so that he often controls the actuators to move more extent than the actuators need, thereby causing the operational efficiency of the excavator to be considerably deteriorated, while a skilled operator can efficiently handle the actuating cylinders to actuate the overloaded bucket to move backwards in a desired distance and then move up to a desired height, and also actuate the bucket to move in the excavating direction in order to continue the excavating operation under a desired condition without any overload.
Second, the control levers/pedals are handled by hands and feet of the operator at the same time during the operations by the excavator so that it needs skilled handling and careful attention of the operator. Especially, during excavating operation by the excavator, objects such as soil and the like which are excavated and contained in the bucket has to move without dropping thereof in order to be loaded in a truck or poured to another place. Thus, the operator pays careful attention in handling the control lever for the bucket cylinder simultaneously with handling another levers/pedals such as for the dipper cylinder, the boom cylinder, the swing motor or the travel motors in order to allow the open upper portion of the bucket to be parallel with or maintained at an angle with respect to the absolute horizontal line of earth. Thus, the known excavators have a disadvantage in that serious fatigue of the operator occurs in accordance with repeated excavating operation so that the excavating operation can not be continued for a long time, and furthermore in case of unskilled operator, the operational efficiency is deteriorated due to unskilled handling for the several control levers/pedals for actuating several actuators at the same time.
Third, the control levers and pedals are handled by hands and feet of the operator at the same time during the operations by the excavator so that it needs skilled handling and careful attention of the operator. Especially, during surface finishing operation by the excavator, the operator first handles the control lever for the bucket cylinder to cause the front tip or the bottom of the bucket to closely contact with the ground surface which is to be finished, and he then handles the control levers/pedals for actuating the dipper cylinder, the boom cylinder, the swing motor or the travel motors in order to carry out the desired surface finishing operation with respect to the ground surface. Thereafter, simultaneously with handling the levers/pedals for another actuators except for the bucket cylinder and the boom cylinder in order to carry out the surface finishing operation the operator has to handle the levers for the bucket cylinder and the boom cylinder to prevent the front tip or the bottom of the bucket from being separated from the ground surface during running of the excavator. Hence, the operator has to have skilled handling and pays careful attention in handling the lever for the bucket cylinder and the boom cylinder simultaneously with handling the levers/pedals for the dipper cylinder, the swing motor or the travel motors in order to carry out the surface finishing operation simultaneously with allowing the front tip or the bottom of the bucket to contact with the ground surface. In accordance, the known excavators have a disadvantage in that serious fatigue of the operator occurs in accordance with repeated surface finishing operation so that the excavating operation can not be continued for a long time, and furthermore it is very difficult to handle the control levers/pedals for several actuators at the same time.
Fourth, the known excavator has a disadvantage in that its actuators are overly driven in accordance with miss-handling of the control levers/pedals, thereby causing safety accidents such that actuating parts such as boom strikes neighboring constructions such as buildings while the swing motor is driven so as to swing the upper frame of the excavator with respect to the lower frame, and also the bucket in case of excavating operation unconsciously strikes underground constructions such as an underground water line, an underground wiring or an oil pipeline.
Fifth, The known excavators use the hydraulic fluid outputted from the hydraulic pumps for actuating a spool of a directional control valve for each actuator. If there is provided in the excavator only a hydraulic pump commonly connected to whole actuators, the pump must require a large capacity capable of efficient actuating the spools of the whole directional control valves at the same time as demanded. However, in case of requiring relatively lower hydraulic power due to requirement of actuating a part of actuators, considerable power loss occurs in the hydraulic pump due to driving the pump of large capacity even though there needs only low hydraulic power, thereby causing the driving power of the engine for driving the hydraulic pump to be unnecessarily required, thereby causing considerable power loss. Thus, the known excavators are generally provided with a parallel type hydraulic circuit comprising a pair of hydraulic pumps, each directly connected to each half of the actuators and having relatively small capacity than the above-mentioned pump of large capacity, thereby preventing the power loss as much as possible. As required, the parallel type hydraulic circuit is provided with hydraulic Pumps of variable capacity so that when a part of the actuators needs not be actuated, a hydraulic pump connected to the actuators which are not actuated is not driven, thereby preventing the power loss as much as possible. However, if the hydraulic circuit comprises a pair of main hydraulic pumps each simply connected to each corresponding half of the actuators without any cross connection with another half of actuators so that each pump provides hydraulic power to corresponding actuators, the pumps can not commonly provide hydraulic power thereof to an actuator which is overloaded resulting in requiring relatively high hydraulic power, thereby causing the overloaded actuator to be troubled. In result, the parallel type hydraulic circuit is provided with cross connections, each connecting the inlet line of an actuator connected one of the main hydraulic pumps, said actuator being to be often overloaded, with the inlet line of another actuator connected to the other pump so as to allow the hydraulic fluid from the one pump to be supplied to the other actuator cross-connected to the one actuator as the other actuator requires relatively large quantity of fluid flow due to overload thereon, thereby efficiently driving the overloaded actuator without any trouble of the main pumps.
However, simultaneously with cross-connecting the actuators, which are often overloaded, each main hydraulic pump is directly connected to its own actuators. Thus, in case of occurrence of overload on an actuator of the actuators connected to each other, a main pump directly connected thereto supplies almost of required quantity of hydraulic fluid flow to the overloaded actuator, while the other pump being cross-connected to the overloaded actuator only supplies small part of required quantity of fluid flow. In result, both hydraulic pumps can not equally provide a quantity of hydraulic fluid flow to the actuator which is overloaded, thereby causing the pump directly connected to the overloaded actuator to overly drive, resulting in occurrence of trouble thereof, but causing the other pump being cross-connected to the overloaded actuator to drive with considerable reserve. Also, each main hydraulic pump can not equally provide respective desired quantity of hydraulic fluid flow to the respective actuators connected to each main pump due to hydraulic fluid distribution characteristics according to the load thereon so that an actuator is driven at high speed while another actuator is driven at low speed. In other words, the actuating speeds of respective actuators are different from each other. In accordance, the known excavator has another disadvantages in that the hydraulic pumps are often overly driven due to unequal quantity of hydraulic fluid flow outputted from both pumps to the actuator which is often overloaded and directly connected to a pump and cross-connected to the other pump. Thus, the desired operation such as excavating operation, surface finishing operation and the like can not be efficiently carried out due to unequal distribution of the quantity of hydraulic fluid flow from each main hydraulic pump to respective actuators directly connected to the pump.
Sixth, the excavator needs pre-running for each actuator thereof before practice running in order to check the condition of the actuator, the zero point of each sensor nearly mounted to the actuator for sensing the actuating condition of the actuator and lubricating condition of each operating element, such as the boom, the dipper stick, the bucket or the like. However, the pre-running is manually carried out one by one by the operator for each actuator. Thus, the known excavator has another disadvantage in that the pre-running manually carried out one by one by the operator needs cumbersome handling of the control levers/pedals and consumption of considerable long time, and furthermore in case of occurrence of miss in checking the actuating condition of each actuator during the pre-running, a serious safety accident easily occurs such as due to trouble of the actuators.

Process for automatically controlling actuators of excavator


An information processing system, including: a portable communication device including a sensor that measures predetermined information and outputs a measurement result, the sensor having output characteristics varying depending on a place of use; and a information processing device for indoor use, which is communicatively connectable to the portable communication device, the information processing device being configured to: acquire the measurement result of the sensor from the communicatively-connected portable communication device; execute calibration of the sensor by using the acquired measurement result; execute an application program that uses the measurement result of the sensor; and performs determination as to whether or not the calibration has been executed for the communicatively-connected portable communication device when the application program is executed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication device incorporating a sensor, an information processing device that performs calibration processing for the sensor, a control method therefor, an information storage medium that stores a control program therefor, and an information processing system including the communication device and the information processing device.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are known some sensors for which calibration needs to be performed prior to use thereof because output characteristics thereof vary depending on ambient environments and the like. Before use of such a sensor, calibration processing is previously performed, for example, by examining its output characteristics by a method of measuring an output value in a reference state or other such methods and by calculating a correction value corresponding to the output characteristics. After that, when actual measurement is performed by using the sensor, a measurement value closer to the real value can be acquired by using the calculated correction value to correct the output value of the sensor.
Such a sensor is incorporated into various devices. For example, some controllers of consumer game machines incorporate a sensor such as an acceleration sensor in order to detect a posture and a movement of the controller.
In a case where the sensor described above is incorporated into a portable communication device, even if calibration is executed in one place, the correction value obtained by the calibration may fail to function effectively in another place. In such a case, an information processing device communicatively connected to the communication device can no longer trust a measurement result of the sensor output by the communication device.


The present invention includes a reservoir on a base supported at an elevation by a support member above a plurality of plants to be watered. A mechanical fill assembly, containing a flush valve and a float connected to a water supply line, automatically keeps the reservoir filled with water for extended periods. The plants are watered by gravity through a plurality of main valves in the reservoir that provide a controlled amount of water to main lines extending to each group of plants. Branch lines extend from each main line that terminate at perforated plant lines at each plant to be watered. A plant valve controls the amount of water each plant will receive on a continuous basis. In a further embodiment of the invention, a bird porch is attached to the reservoir to automatically provided a bird waterer and to provide a bird feeder. Also, a removable fertilizer tray can be provided to fertilize the plants.

This invention is directed to an automatic plant and bird watering system in combination with a bird feeder and more particularly to an economical design allows each plant to be watered at a different rate by gravity. In particular, the watering system has only mechanical components that provide the necessary amount of water to each plant as needed without any input from the user over long periods of time.
Locally, nationally and globally we are facing water shortages in the time of drought. It can be very difficult to make sure plants get the water they need to survive; much less thrive with wells running dry, reservoirs running low and water bans in effect in many areas. In the growing and maintenance of flowers, shrubs and small trees there is a need to supply water in a controlled amount on a continuous basis. It is estimated that a proper watering system could save seventy five percent of the plants that are lost in gardens each year and up to sixty percent of the water could be saved over conventional watering systems. It is our duty to maintain a water efficient garden with an excellent and efficient system to protect our water resources. Most plants absorb very little moisture through their leaves, as almost all the water they need has to be absorbed through their roots. This allows the particular plant to feed itself as needed without the damaging effects of over watering. These plants, shrubs and small trees are collectively referred to herein as plants. This need is particularly true for the present day new home owner who can't always be there for the care of their plants. They have reduced time and resources available for proper maintenance and care of the numerous plants they have. The plants have not established a good root system and watering is critical until roots are established. These plants must also be fertilized. Those renting their home or apartment are just as responsible as the homeowner in maintaining the plants provided by the owner or purchased by the renter.
The sale of houseplants and related goods comprises a significant element of commercial activity. A compact portable plant watering system that is more productive is essential. Present day homeowners and renters are also absent for long periods of time when on vacation. A means to continue watering and fertilizing the plants is critical during their absence. Commercial establishments and apartment owners must employ others at considerable expense to frequently water and fertilize the plants to maintain an attractive appearance of their investment. In addition, everyone is responsible to maintain the health of our wild birds, which includes providing adequate water and food. A means to easily combine these two tasks would be in the best interest of the public.
There are a number of inventions that have addressed different aspects on the watering of plants on a continuous basis. A first group includes those patents which have an elevated reservoir providing a controlled supply of water through a valve or valves in the watering lines extending from the reservoir.
A list of the patents in this first group is listed below along with a discussion of their importance of these patents in view of the present invention. The first group includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,836,106; 5,511,341; 5,385,300; and 4,347,687. The '106 patent discloses a reservoir with a main supply line and branch lines supplying water to a series of potted plants. A valve controls the amount of water to watering devices placed into the soil of the plant. The reservoir includes an entrance which can be opened or closed for receiving water. The '687 patent includes a reservoir with a ventilation tube for measuring the amount of water being supplied to a series of plant trays. A filling pipeline is provided to automatically fill the reservoir using electromagnetically operated valves controlled by a float switch. The '341 patent has a large portable reservoir with adjustable outlet irrigation valves and irrigation tubing extending from each adjustable valve to a plant. The reservoir is refilled by removing a threaded fill plug. The '300 patent has a liquid storage container with a plant feeder outlet to accept a tube. The tube is inserted in a fluid transmission outlet that controls the volume of fluid flow depending on the amount the tube is inserted in the transmission outlet. None of these patents disclose a mechanically operated system to automatically control and refill the water in a reservoir. In addition, no patents were found in this group that incorporate a bird watering and feeding device in combination with the plant watering system.
The second group includes those patents disclosing a continuous supply of water which is regulated by some device to provide the correct amount of water to a plant or plants. This group includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,845,588; 5,212,905; 4,843,758; and 4,097,020. The patents of this group have a water supply directly connected to a device or apparatus that regulates the amount of water supplied to each plant. These patents disclose systems that operate without periodic user operation and the water supply line can come directly from the municipal or rural water system. Except for the '905 patent, none of these patent disclose a reservoir for storage of the supply water. Once again, no patents were found in this group that also incorporates a bird watering or feeding feature.
The third group includes those patents which have an apparatus (pumps or pistons) to supply the correct amount of water from a reservoir to a plant or plants. This group includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,222,454; 5,415,347; and 4,062,491. The patents of this group all disclose a reservoir. The patents include an apparatus (pump or valve) to supply the correct amount of water from the reservoir to a plant or plants. The '454 patent discloses a submerged pump within the reservoir. A sensor within the reservoir detects a low water level and alerts the user that the reservoir needs to be refilled. The '491 patent discloses several water outflows with valves that are actuated by a time-controlled mechanism and are individually adjustable for different operating cycles. The '347 patent discloses a regulator in a container for regulating the water delivered to the plants. Water is supplied to the container from a portable tank having a handle so it can be carried to a water source. These patents require some type of personal user involvement to keep refilling the reservoir or tank.
The fourth group includes those patents which have a line restriction means or valve to manually set the drip rate from an elevated reservoir to a single plant or tree. This group includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,082,971; 6,318,290; 6,216,386; 6,185,866; 5,493,811; 5,513,677; 5,421,122; 5,279,071; Des. 381,602; and Des. 333,763. The patents of this group all have some kind of container, bag or bottle type reservoir, than stores a limited amount of water for watering a single plant through a tube or nozzle device. Control of the amount of water supplied to the plant is either built into the reservoir or the device. The '290 patent discloses a means for supplying water for birds. Once again, these patents do not provide a means for continuous operation without a user filling the reservoir or container.
Inasmuch as the art is relatively crowded with respect to plant watering systems, it can be appreciated that there is a continuing need for and interest in improvements to such watering devices. In this respect, the present invention addresses this need and interest along with the combination of a bird waterer and bird feeder with the plant watering system; plus the ability to add a plant fertilizer to the water.
Accordingly, it is the objective an object of the present invention is to provide a automatic plant watering system with a simple and rugged design that is ready to put into service, safe to use and designed to refill itself without user input over a long period of time.
An essential object of the present invention is to provide a plant watering system having only mechanical components to refill the water reservoir using the pressure of the water supply system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic plant watering system in combination with an automatically refilled bird watering tank.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a plant watering system that does not depend on electronic components to operate.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a plant watering system that waters a number of indoor or outdoor patio and garden plants at the same time but allows each plant to receive the correct amount of water for proper growth and maintenance.
A second additional object of the invention is to provide an ability to chemically add nutrients to the water to fertilize the plants and further enhance their growth.
Another additional object is to provide an automatic plant and bird waterer having an attractive appearance when placed into service.
A further additional object of the invention is to provide a plant watering system that can be used indoors as well as outdoors.


Hydraulic adjustable vibration damper with a piston fastened to a piston rod and dividing a work cylinder into two work chambers filled with damping fluid, whereby at least partly to control the damping force, an electromagnetically activated damping valve comprising a coil, a magnetic armature, a valve body and a valve seat pressurizes a flow passage. The connection between the armature and the valve body is designed so that it can be adjusted axially, to set the length of the valve stroke after assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a hydraulic adjustable vibration damper with a piston fastened to a piston rod and dividing a work cylinder into two work chambers filled with damping fluid, whereby at least partly to control the damping force, an electromagnetically activated damping valve consisting of a coil, a magnetic armature, a valve body and a valve seat pressurizes a flow passage.
2. Background Information
There may be known hydraulic adjustable vibration dampers (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,460, entitled Hydraulic Adjustable Shock Absorber, which corresponds to Federal Republic of Germany Patent No. 37 12 477; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,086, entitled Adjustable Vibration Damper, which corresponds to Federal Republic of Germany Patent No. 37 19 113), the damping force of which can be adjusted. For this purpose, a damping valve equipped with an axially movable valve body and a valve seat controls the effective cross section of a damping passage. The electromagnetically activated damping valve comprises a number of individual parts, e.g. magnetic armatures, valve bodies and the armature guide surrounding the magnetic armature, where the individual parts have the normal manufacturing tolerances. For functional reasons, the armature of the electromagnet must coincide very precisely on its end surface with the barrel of the armature guide, and at the same time the valve cone or face must assume the sealed position. If manufacturing tolerances exist in the axial direction, the valve strokes will be different.
To prevent such tolerances or spreads, one of the inside parts can be manufactured with a certain amount of oversize and can be machined to the proper size after measurement. Such spreads can also be eliminated by installing prefabricated spacer discs, but for that method there must be a correspondingly graduated assortment of spacer discs available. The two methods described above, however, are unsuitable for the mass production of such electromagnetically activated damping valves.


A circuit board includes at least one insulator layer and a plurality of conductors over which a plurality of signals is carried. A plurality of terminals is coupled to at least a subset of the plurality of conductors. A void is formed in the circuit board between at least two terminals.

In one typical configuration, a telecommunications system is housed within a chassis. In such a configuration, various cards are inserted into slots formed within the chassis. The chassis provides mechanical support and environmental, magnetic, and electrical protection and shielding for the cards inserted into the chassis. Typically, a backplane is housed within the chassis. The cards are coupled to the backplane so that the cards are able to communicate with one another over the backplane.
For example, in such a configuration, each card includes a connector (also referred to here as a "backplane connector") that is coupled to a mating connector on the backplane (the latter connector is also referred to here as a "card connector"). Typically, the backplane includes multiple card connectors so that multiple cards can be coupled to the backplane.
In order for a card to be coupled to a backplane, the backplane connector of that card and a corresponding card connector of the backplane must be compatible (that is, mate together). When a new version of a backplane is released, in order for a previously released card (also referred to here as a "legacy card") to be coupled to the new backplane, at least one of the card connectors of the new backplane must be compatible with the backplane connector of the legacy card. Otherwise, the legacy card will not be able to be coupled to the new backplane.
Similarly, when a new version of a card is released, in order for a previously released backplane (also referred to here as a "legacy backplane") to be coupled to the new card, the backplane connector of the new card must be compatible with at least one of the card connectors of the legacy backplane. Otherwise, the new card will not be able to be coupled to the legacy backplane.

Printed circuit board with void between pins


A wrist-worn electronic device configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in two frequency bands comprises a bezel loop antenna, first and second signal processing elements, a diplexer, and a tuning element. The bezel loop antenna has a first impedance and is configured to wirelessly receive first and second electronic signals simultaneously. The first and second signal processing elements process the first electronic signal having a frequency in a first frequency band and the second electronic signal having a frequency in a second frequency band. The diplexer is configured to receive the first and second electronic signals and output the first electronic signal to the first signal processing element and the second electronic signal to the second signal processing element. The tuning element has a second impedance causing the bezel loop antenna to wirelessly receive electronic signals in the first frequency band and electronic signals in the second frequency band.

Wrist-worn electronic devices often include functionality that may be used to track wearers' current location, distances traveled, velocities, and other performance metrics or data. This functionality may be provided by receiving positional information from a satellite-based positioning system including the global navigation satellite system (GNSS). In addition, such devices may communicate wirelessly with other electronic devices, systems, or networks to monitor a user's activities, running or biking performance, upload and download data, receive messages and information, and so forth. The communication protocols utilized to transmit and receive information may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular signaling protocols. Such devices may also include one or more antennas that are utilized to receive signals from GNSS satellites and wirelessly communicate with other electronic devices.

Wrist-worn electronic device with housing-based loop antenna


A control ring that usable in adjusting one or more operating parameters of an exercise device includes a body, user input mechanisms, and a transmitter. The control ring is wearable on a finger of an exerciser. The body of the control ring has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The user input mechanisms are associated with the body and may be selectively activated by the exerciser. Upon activation of the user input mechanisms, the transmitter communicates a control command to an exercise device in order to adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device.

Exercise devices are being used at an ever increasing rate. Individuals use exercise devices to improve their health and fitness level. Many exercise devices are used when an individual's schedule or inclement weather prohibits the individual from exercising outdoors. Additionally, some exercise devices, such as treadmills, are used to train for competitions. For instance, distance runners often use treadmills to train for upcoming races. Such training allows the individual to conveniently monitor various aspects of their performance (e.g., pace, cadence, speed, distance, time, etc.) during their training session since many treadmills track and display such information. Additionally, treadmills with adjustably inclining treadbases can also simulate the terrain the user will experience during the upcoming race. As a result, individuals do not have to train at the actual location of an upcoming race to be familiar with the race course.
While treadmills can be useful in exercising and training for a race, some individuals find it difficult to manipulate the treadmill controls, and thereby adjust the operating parameters of the treadmill, while exercising on the treadmill. The difficulty in manipulating the treadmill controls often increases as individuals increase their speed from walking to jogging to running. Not only can it become more difficult to manipulate the treadmill controls as an individual's speed increases, but reaching to manipulate the treadmill controls can also have a negative impact on the individual's exercise performance. For instance, it may be difficult for an individual to maintain his/her pace and/or form when reaching to manipulate the treadmill controls.
Various exercise devices have been developed that allow for the adjustment of a treadmill's operating parameters without requiring an individual to manipulate controls on the treadmill console. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,070 discloses a hand-held controller for remotely controlling an exercise device such as a treadmill. The hand-held controller includes buttons and a transceiver that communicates with the treadmill to adjust the operating parameters of the treadmill. Similarly, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0004562 discloses a remote control for wirelessly communicating with a treadmill to control the treadmill. Other exercise devices that allow for the adjustment of operating parameters without manipulation of console controls are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,418, U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,337, U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,391, U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,532, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,924, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,009.


The present invention comprises a Schema Generation Program (SGP) and Schema Update Program (SUP). The SGP creates an initial XML Schema and copies the database into a hashtable. At the occurrence of a query interval, the SGP compares the database to the hashtable. If the database is identical to the hashtable, then the SGP resets the query interval and repeats the comparison. If the database and the hashtable are not identical, then the SGP deletes the old hashtable, stores a copy of the database as a new hashtable, and creates a new XML Schema. The XML Schema is stored in the web server so that a registered party may access the XML Schema and check the validity of a group of data before sending the data to the web server as a proposed addition to the database. The SUP notifies registered parties of updates to the XML Schema.

Databases play an important role in the modern business world. Significant amounts of time and resources are expended in creating and managing databases. Additionally, companies are continuously looking for methods to decrease the time and resources spent managing and modifying the databases. One area in which companies expend considerable time and resources is validation of data for entry into a database. Validation is defined as the process of analyzing data to determine whether it conforms to the completeness and consistency parameters defined by the database. In other words, validation is the act of checking to see whether the data meets the database's requirements for data size, type, formatting and so forth. Validation is especially important in backend management of the database. Backend management of a database occurs when the proposed database addition must conform to the database rules.
One tool that database administrators have used to help validate data is an XML Schema. XML is an acronym for eXtensible Markup Language, a condensed form of SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language). XML lets web developers and designers create customized tags that offer greater flexibility in organizing and presenting information than is possible with the HTML document coding system. XML's simplicity and flexibility have caused industry wide adoption of XML and an increasingly important role for XML in the exchange of a wide variety of data for both client and web applications. Because of the industry wide adoption, XML is the preferred method of packaging data when transmitting information between programs.
With the popularity of 3-tier architecture, backend database management is very important to applications development and is often the key driver for automation, for storing information necessary to make software more flexible, and for making the maintenance process easier. The standardization of XML, combined with the common usage of databases for older and legacy systems, initiated the need for validation when constructing, interpreting, and storing data.
XML is used by database administrators to validate HTML data for entry into the database. More specifically, the XML file that is used to validate the data is called the XML Schema. The XML Schema is formed to define the structure, content, and semantics of XML documents and the defined structure becomes the body of rules used to validate XML files. Thus, an XML Schema, or some similar method of validation, is required to validate data prior to entry into the database when the database is backend driven.
A problem arises when applications are backend driven and require element names or values within the XML to conform with database properties such as table or column names. Developers will either have to create a gigantic XML Schema file that will be used to validate all possible XML Schemas or the developers will have to predefine multiple XML Schemas to serve the same purpose. Both of these foregoing actions will require enormous overhead and maintenance because database properties are often altered. For example, database tables are added or deleted, columns are altered, and any other changes in the database property will require updating the XML Schemas. Updating the XML Schemas may require suspending the application in order to reload the new XML Schemas. Suspending the application is especially difficult when the applications are deployed in a customer's information technology environment.
The prior art contains various methods for creating XML Schemas and persons of ordinary skill in the art are aware of the methods for creating XML Schemas. However, while the problem of how to create an XML Schema has been addressed, the problem of when to create an XML Schema remains relatively unaddressed. For example, the prior art method for creating XML Schema is to create the XML Schema at the discretion of the database administrator. While this method is adequate for a skilled database administrator, there is often a need to automate the XML creation process so that the database administrator will not have to constantly monitor the database. The prior art automation of this method is to create a new XML Schema upon regular intervals (i.e. once every ten minutes). In other words, the prior art method is to create a new XML Schema regardless of whether a new XML Schema is necessary or not.
The prior art automated method, while adequate, utilizes an excessive amount of computer resources to generate the new but unnecessary XML Schemas. A new XML Schema is only necessary when there has been a change to the database (i.e. the addition of a new field, column, or table). Therefore, it would be advantageous to determine when a new XML Schema is required, and to then only create a new XML Schema when necessary. Consequently, what is needed beyond the prior art is a method for monitoring a database and creating a new XML Schema only upon the determination that a new XML Schema is necessary.

Dynamic generation of XML Schema for backend driven data validation

International Business Machines Corporation


A system for irradiating a microplate may include a light engine with a plurality of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes, included in one or more linear arrays. The plurality of light sources are configured to emit germicidal irradiation, which is directed to the microplate by optical components, such as optical lenses positioned on top of each well of the microplate. The linear array is linearly movable so that as the linear array scans across the microplate, the optical components direct the germicidal irradiation to a plurality of surfaces of each well.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C and/or UV-B) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is extensively used for sterilizing laboratory equipment and reagents, including microplates (also called multiwell, microwell, or microtiter plates). Microplates include a plurality of wells, each of the plurality of wells defined by a sidewall (or sidewalls) and a bottom of the plate and having a small volume capacity (e.g., 100-500 μL). Because the UV-B/C light must be in a direct line-of-sight with an area in order to disinfect it, microplates have been challenging to fully disinfect. For example, the sidewalls of each well may produce a shadowing effect and prevent the UV-B/C light from directly contacting areas of the well, such as the sidewall area close to the bottom of the well.
One example approach to address the above-mentioned problems includes including a plurality of UV-B/C light sources, such as in a 2D array, to provide complete coverage of the microplate and sufficient irradiance. However, including enough UV-B/C light sources to irradiate the entire microplate may be cost-prohibitive.
The inventors herein have recognized the above-mentioned issues and have engineered a way to at least partially address them. In one example approach, an irradiation system includes a plurality of light sources, each of the plurality of light sources included in a linear array and configured to emit radiation downward, relative to a vertical direction, toward an irradiation surface; an actuation system adapted to linearly move the linear array in an orthogonal direction, relative to the vertical direction; and one or more optical components positioned below, with respect to the vertical direction, the plurality of light sources. In this way, by linearly moving the linear array across the microplate and focusing the radiation emitted by the plurality of light sources via the one or more optical components, an entire microplate may be irradiated by a smaller number of light sources.
Furthermore, an example method includes focusing radiation emitted by an array of light sources on targeted regions of a microplate via an optical lens; and adjusting the targeted regions of the microplate by linearly moving the array of light sources across a width of the microplate, the width arranged in a direction of the linear movement. For example, a controller may adjust duration of irradiation in each of the targeted regions, and intensity of irradiation in each of the targeted regions, and a pattern of irradiation based on input from a user or according to a specified sterilization protocol.
In this way, deep UV irradiance with a single wavelength or a combination of multiple different wavelengths may be proved to a plurality of areas of a microplate, including the sidewall area close to the bottom of the well, with a greater than threshold intensity for at least a threshold duration, resulting in complete and effective sterilization of the targeted area. Furthermore, the illumination system may include economical optical components and a compact light source arrangement, which may reduce a cost and size of the UVGI system.
The above advantages, other advantages, and features of the present description will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken alone or in connection with the accompanying drawings.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

Irradiation system for multiwell inactivation


According to one embodiment, a medical image display apparatus includes a storage unit storing data of a three-dimensional image, a slice image generating unit generating three slice images associated with three slices from the three-dimensional image, a display unit displaying the three slice images respectively in three display areas, an ROI marker generating unit generating three ROI markers to be respectively superimposed on the displayed three slice images, the three ROI markers corresponding to a single ROI, an operation unit performing operation of changing relative positions between the three slice images and the three ROI markers, and a display control unit controlling move the three slice images in the three display areas in accordance with the operation of changing the relative positions and fix the three ROI markers at center positions of the three display areas.

A time intensity curve is provided as an index effective for diagnosis, which represents a temporal change in the luminance value or luminance average of a region of interest set on a two-dimensional ultrasonic image. An operator sets a region of interest by moving, for example, a circular, quadrilateral, or polygonal ROI marker to the region of interest on a two-dimensional ultrasonic image with a mouse or trackball.
It is more difficult to align an ROI marker with a portion of interest on a three-dimensional ultrasonic image than on a two-dimensional ultrasonic image.

Medical image display apparatus and ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus


A method and system for web based control components. Specifically, the present invention describes a method of rendering user interface button and tab control components within a hypertext markup language (HTML) web page. The present invention generates an HTML table that comprises a plurality of cells. For a button component a two row by three column table is generated. For a tab component a five column table is generated. The present invention places a plurality of graphical corner images in the plurality of cells to produce corner outlines of the button or tab control component. Multiple button or tab components can be coupled together in a single table by repeatedly adding more of the plurality of cells associated with button or tab components, respectively. In addition, the control component has the ability to accommodate word wrapping of the text contained within the control component.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of web based control components. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to button and tab control components for display within the context of a hypertext markup language based web page.
2. Related Art
Network environments allow a worldwide collection of networks (e.g., the Internet) and users on those networks to communicate with each other. Users accessing the Internet through a web browser can access and interact with content from web sites that are located on the Internet. Web sites located on the Internet comprise a group of related documents, associated files, script routines, and databases. A server manages and controls the websites that are associated with the server to present content within the websites to the accessing users.
The standardized Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) can be used for creating documents that are supported by various platforms (operating system and web browser) on the Internet. The HTML uses tags to mark elements (e.g., text and graphics) in a document to indicate how a web browser should display those elements. As such, a web page coded in HTML will generally be presented to a user similarly across various platforms.
In addition, HTML tags indicate how components within the web page should respond to actions by a user (e.g., mouse clicks). User interactions with components in a web page across the various platforms will generally have the same effect. Within the context of an HTML web page, user interface control components can be implemented for interaction between the web page and content within the web page. The control components are also known as widgets in some circles. Standard button and tab control components based in HTML can be implemented within the HTML web page for user interaction. For example, button control components can contain text for requesting an action, such as, "OK," "CANCEL," "SAVE," etc. Tab control components can contain text that when selected requests an associated page or window to be displayed. The text contained within the button or tab control component may be comprised of multiple words, e.g., "Save All Changes."
It can be desired that web pages be designed to have a particular style and format. A web page that is designed to have the same alignment and display presentation can be especially powerful for marketing purposes. For example, by preserving the presentation and format of its company web page across the various platforms that access and support the Internet, name brand recognition can be reinforced as users are presented with web pages that are consistent in presentation across whatever platform the user implements to access the Internet.
Unfortunately, within the context of HTML, button and tab components are affected by localization into foreign languages and user preferences. Localization of a web page involves altering the web page so that it is appropriate for use within a different country. In one case, this involves translating action text associated with a button or tab component. Depending on which language is used, the button or tab component may grow or shrink in size throwing off the alignment of graphics, text, and components within a web page. An action text translated from English may be increased to contain more words. As such, an HTML button or tab would increase in the horizontal direction to accommodate the increase in the number of words. As a result, horizontal scroll bars may be presented since the web page may be extended further in the horizontal direction.
Similarly, an HTML button or tab component may occupy more space in the vertical direction if the action text is translated to a language using characters or symbols for words (e.g., Chinese characters). Buttons or tabs that are in a line across a web page may come out of alignment, as some of the component may require translation and others not. In that case, components that are translated to characters may be taller vertically, and components that are not translated would not become taller, thereby throwing off vertical alignment.
Furthermore, user preferences for text size also will affect alignment and size of components within a web page. Button and tab components will extend in the horizontal and vertical directions to accommodate for increased size of text within a button or tab component. While web pages written in HTML will alter and flow the content to accommodate for increased size, page resizing is not generally performed. A component with text that has increased font size will increase in the vertical direction to accommodate for the increased size. This may be the case even though the web page may have empty space in the vertical direction. In that case, horizontal and vertical scroll bars would be presented prematurely to accommodate for the increased size of the component.
Similarly, it may be desired to have a web page that interacts with users in a similar fashion across the various platforms that support the Internet. In this way, users that are familiar with how to interact with components within a web page can interact with the same components in a consistent manner across the various platforms. There is no need to relearn what each component is supposed to do just because it is presented differently. As such, interactive consistency can help a web page distinguish its services from other web pages.
One approach in the prior art describes a display button for a web page integrating both a graphic pictorial image with character based textual information (with link) into a single iconic button in U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,654, "System and Method for Rendering On-Screen Iconic Buttons with Dynamic Textual Link," to Alexander. The display button is preferably represented in a table structure within HTML. The table structure contains two end cells which display graphic images therein. In between the end cells is inserted a display region displaying character based text. Also, thin horizontal row cells are colored to match the end cells and to create an outer boundary or edge image to help render a three-dimensional push button. Multiple upper display regions form the top of the push button and multiple lower display regions form the bottom push button. The text display region is surrounded by the end cells and the upper and lower display regions.
A problem with the Alexander patent is illustrated in Prior Art FIGS. 11A and 11B. While the upper and lower display regions and the text display region automatically expand or contract to accommodate the size of the textual link placed within the text region, the graphical images in the end cells are unable to accommodate for the stretching and contraction. Prior Art FIG. 11A is a diagram of a push button 1100 with one line of text 1110 within the text display region 1115. The graphical images within the two end cells form the curved right 1130 and left 1120 sides of the push button 1100.
Unfortunately, when the push button 1100 of Prior Art FIG. 11A expands, the graphical images that form the right 1130 and left 1120 curves within the two end cells are unable to accommodate for the expansion. Prior Art FIG. 11B illustrates the problem associated with displaying the graphical images within the end cells when the text display region has expanded. The push button 1100 has expanded to include two lines of text 1140 and 1150. However, the rounded half circles 1120 and 1130 representing the ends of the button remain the same size as in Prior Art FIG. 11A. The rounded half circles 1120 and 1130 as graphical images are unable to expand to accommodate for the expansion of the display region, the horizontal upper region, and the lower display region, without adding new graphical images. As such, the two ends are no longer completely rounded. The left side includes lines 1125A and 1125B to accommodate for the expansion within the display and horizontal upper and lower display regions. Also, the right side includes lines 1135A and 1135B to accommodate for the expansion.
Moreover, within the context of HTML, standard button components are not presented consistently across the various platforms that support access to the Internet. The operating system and web browser that is used to access the Internet will determine how a button or tab component will be presented. For example, the shape of the particular component will vary across the various platforms. A button presented on an Apple Macintosh platform will not look the same as a button presented on a Microsoft Windows platform. Similarly, the colors of a particular component will be determined by the platform being used to access the Internet.

Method and system for generating button and tab user interface control components within the context of a hypertext markup language (HTML) based web page


The invention relates to a method includes etching at least one shallow trench in at least an SIO layer; forming a dielectric liner at an interface of the SIO layer and the SIO layer; forming a metal or metal alloy layer in the shallow trench on the dielectric liner; and filling the shallow trench with oxide material over the metal or metal alloy.

Ionizing radiation can cause single event upsets (SEUs) as well as total failure resulting from total dose (long accumulation of radiation) in semiconductor ICs. Ionizing radiation can directly upset storage circuits, such as SRAMs, register files and flip-flops. Moreover, radiation events in combinational logic create voltage glitches that can be latched. SEUs may cause the IC to perform incorrect or illegal operations; whereas, an accumulation of radiation over a long period of time may additionally lead to complete device failure.
By way of a more specific example, due to prolonged radiation exposure (total dose) a charge can build up at an interface between an oxide (STI) and an SOI. This build up will eventually change the charge flow at the SOI interface. This leads to shift in VT of the device. If the Vt is allowed to move further enough from the design point, the circuitry can fail to operate.
Methods to prevent SEUs and total dose include adding spatial and/or temporal redundancy, so that a single radiation event cannot cause an SEU. Redundancy solutions incur area, power and performance penalties. Consequently, there is a need to improve detection schemes of radiation events in ICs.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.

Method for fabricating semiconductor device having conductive liner for rad hard total dose immunity


Venturi sleeves (24, 26, 28 and 30) are telescopically moved upwardly into the bores (14, 16, 18 and 20) of the carburetor body (12) until the annular shoulder (46) of each sleeve abuts a corresponding shoulder (36) of each bore. Booster venturis (74, 76, 78 and 80) are suspended coaxially with respect to the venturi sleeves (24-30) with the support conduit (86) extending through a notch (52) at the first edge of the venturi sleeve. Positioning cords (50) are formed in the lower outer cylindrical surface (44) of each venturi sleeve (24), so that the positioning cords (50) must face and abut each other when the venturi sleeves are properly inserted into the bores of the carburetor body, thus assuring that the sleeves are properly oriented in the carburetor body. Flow director surfaces (104, 106, 108 and 110) in the carburetor bowl (102) guide the air toward the venturi sleeves.

Carburetors for high performance internal combustion engines used for racing vehicles usually are of high capacity and are relatively expensive. The carburetors as well as many other parts and components of a racing vehicle are subject to being changed so as to modify the performance of the vehicle. In some instances, a carburetor must be changed in response to the change of or modification to an engine of the vehicle. In other instances, the capacity of the carburetor must be modified, as by changing out the carburetor, to achieve maximum engine performance. Most carburetors are produced by casting which usually does not create a precision shape and it becomes cost prohibitive to machine the critical surfaces of a cast venturi in order to modify the performance characteristics of the venturi. Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to expediently modify the shape and other features of venturi surfaces of a carburetor by replacing one venturi surface with another venturi surface.

Carburetor with a replaceable venturi sleeves