In a service providing system, a live-distribution service for live-distributing contents supplied according to a reservation, and a chat service for providing the use of a chat space corresponding to the reservation for the live distribution are provided. When a personal computer and another personal computer use the live-distribution service and the chat service, they need to be authenticated by a streaming server and a communication server. For authentication, both the streaming server and the communication server use a shared password registered in a reservation data base when the live distribution is reserved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses, information processing methods, recording media, and programs, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a recording medium, and a program which share predetermined data to allow authentication to be performed for different services.
2. Description of the Related Art
As services provided through the Internet, there have been, for example, a service (hereinafter called a live-distribution service) which distributes video (contents) captured by a video camera or others in real time, and a chat service which provides an environment (chat space) that allows a plurality of users to talk with each other by inputting texts.
When the user wants to use the live-distribution service and the chat service, the user needs to be authenticated separately by parties providing the services. This means that the user, who receives the services, feels troublesome in authentication processes, and the parties, which provide the services, cannot efficiently manage data used for authentication.

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, recording medium, and program


A cargo hold structure for an oil tanker is provided, in which a plurality of vertical webs that is mounted on longitudinal bulkheads of the cargo hold in a height direction of a hull is made wide and horizontal girders which connect the vertical webs to each other and support them, thereby controlling the sloshing load of the cargo hold and improving the structural strength of the cargo hold without having to mount crossties. The cargo hold structure includes a longitudinal bulkhead (20) arranged in a lengthwise direction of a hull to divide an internal space, a plurality of vertical webs (22) coupled onto the longitudinal bulkhead (20) in a height direction of the hull, the vertical web (22) having a width of 0.15 to 0.20 times the total height (H) of the cargo hold, and a horizontal girder (24) arranged between the vertical webs (22) in the lengthwise direction of the hull, the level of the horizontal girder (24) being within 30% to 60% of the total height (H) of the cargo hold from the bottom thereof.

The present invention relates, in general, to a cargo hold structure for an oil tanker and, more particularly, to a cargo hold structure for an oil tanker, in which instead of mounting a crosstie between longitudinal bulkheads of a cargo hold to support the cargo hold, a vertical web mounted on the longitudinal bulkhead is made wide and a horizontal girder is connected between the vertical webs, thereby controlling the sloshing of a load in the cargo hold and improving the structural strength of the cargo hold.
Generally, a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC) is configured so that a cargo hold is divided into three spaces by means of two longitudinal bulkheads, wherein a reinforcing member such as a crosstie is mounted between vertical webs in order to support the longitudinal bulkheads.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an oil tanker is configured so that a cargo hold having a closed space is defined by a deck 51, an inner bottom plate 53, and left/right side shells 55, a deck transverse is vertically arranged onto the deck 51 in a horizontal direction of a hull, and a girder 59 is arranged on the inner bottom plate 53 in the horizontal direction of the hull.
In this case, the cargo hold is provided so that an inner space is defined by the longitudinal bulkheads 61 that are vertically arranged in the lengthwise direction of the hull between the deck 51 and the inner bottom plate 53, and the deck 51 and the inner bottom plate 53 are interconnected by a vertical web 63 that is mounted along a width direction of the hull and vertically to the hull. Here, the vertical web 63 is a rectangular reinforcing plate with a width about 0.1 times the total height H of the cargo hold. The vertical webs are arranged at multi-points on the entire face of the longitudinal bulkhead and spaced apart by intervals of a predetermined distance in the lengthwise direction of the hull.
The plurality of vertical webs 63 are interconnected by the plurality of crossties 65 that are horizontally arranged along the width direction of the hull. The crossties 65 also serve as a reinforcing member like the vertical webs 63. Thus, the longitudinal bulkhead 61 can secure a proper structural strength by the vertical webs 63 and the crossties 65 connecting the vertical webs.
Furthermore, the vertical webs 63 are interconnected by a plurality of stiffeners 67, which are horizontally arranged along a lengthwise direction of the hull and have a size relatively smaller than the vertical webs 63. Here, the stiffeners 67 are arranged in a stacked form with certain intervals in the height direction of the hull between the vertical webs 63. Thus, the longitudinal bulkhead 61 can secure a proper structural strength furthermore by the combination of the vertical webs 63, the crossties 65, and the stiffeners 67.
However, in the cargo hold of the conventional oil tanker having the above-mentioned construction, the crosstie 65 is of a heavy structure that is suspended in the space in the cargo hold so as to interconnect the vertical webs 63, so that the crosstie becomes vulnerable to vibrations of the hull and to the sloshing of a load of fluid stored in the cargo hold that takes place as the ship travels.
Further, in the VLCC in which two longitudinal bulkheads 61 divide the inside of the cargo hold, since the structure of the cargo hold may be damaged because of the crossties 65 being connected between the vertical webs 63, the VLCC may be vulnerable to marine safety accidents, and much time and cost are taken when manufacturing the VLCC.
Moreover, according to the rules of Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS), a safety device is required that can examine and maintain the safety of the crossties 65 is also needed after delivery of a vessel to a shipowner, so that the manufacturing cost of a vessel problematically increases by even more.

Cargo hold structure for a very large crude oil carrier

DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.


A visual indicator is employed on screen at each station of a video teleconference to inform respective participants of their place in a talk request queue. The indicators are controlled automatically in accordance with designer-chosen conference parameters. Optional system failsafe mechanisms protect against system lock-up.

This invention relates to video teleconferencing and, more particularly, to techniques for controlling the source of the audio portion of a video teleconference.
During the course of a video teleconference involving three or more participating stations, it is often difficult for the participants to know who wishes to talk next. This problem can be exacerbated by time delays inherent in the system (i.e. "audio latency"). These time delays are not so problematic for the case of just two participants, but when three or more participants are involved significant confusion can be caused. If coordination of the video and audio (i.e. "lip synched video") is desired, it is not practical to eliminate the time delays, since significant time is required to implement the necessary video compression and decompression algorithms needed for transmission of the video images on moderate bandwidth channels.
It would therefore be considered highly desirable to have a method for allowing all participants in a video teleconference to be made aware of who wishes to speak next, and to provide a logical and fair arrangement for allocating speaking opportunities.

Audio control system for video teleconferencing


A system and corresponding method for organ rendering are provided, where the system includes a processor, an imaging adapter in signal communication with the processor for receiving organ scan data indicative of an organ, a segmentation unit in signal communication with the processor for segmenting an outer surface of the organ, and a ray-casting unit in signal communication with the processor for providing a maximum intensity projection substantially normal to the segmented outer surface for each of a plurality of rays, and for forming a ray collection by casting each of the plurality of rays from a center of the organ through the respective projection to the segmented outer surface; and where the method includes segmenting an outer surface of an organ, providing a maximum intensity projection substantially normal to the segmented outer surface for each of a plurality of rays, and forming a ray collection by casting each of the plurality of rays from a center of the organ through the respective projection to the segmented outer surface.

Medical image scanning data, for example, is typically obtained in the form of slices in various types of imaging modalities. These slices are then stacked to form a three-dimensional (3D) volume. It is desirable to visualize and segment the volume.
In current approaches to medical image scanning, researchers have developed a wide variety of segmentation techniques for isolating heart coronary arteries. Research in this field is motivated by the high number of patients suffering from coronary artery disease. Heart coronary arteries are typically difficult to segment because of their size and proximity to the surface of the heart and blood pool.
Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method capable of Rendering for Coronary Visualization. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues.


A peroxide-vulcanizable fluorine-containing elastomer containing iodines as cross-linking sites, capable of producing vulcanization products having a distinguished heat resistance is produced by polymerization reaction of a fluorinated olefin having 2 to 8 carbon atoms in the presence of a diiodide compound represented by the following general formula: EQU I--R--. where R is a divalent fluorohydrocarbon group, chlorofluorohydrocarbon group or hydrocarbon group, having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, respectively, and 2,2-difluoroiodoethylene.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for producing a fluorine-containing elastomer and more particularly to a process for producing a peroxide-vulcanizable, fluorine-containing elastomer copolymerized with a new type of cross-linkable monomer.
2. Description of Related Art
Peroxide vulcanization products of fluorine-containing elastomer have been recently widely used in the field of automobile parts due to their distinguished chemical resistances and mechanical properties, particularly due to the resistance to basic additives. For peroxide vulcanization, fluorine-containing elastomers containing iodines, bromines or both thereof as cross-linking sites are used (JP-B 53-4115, JP-A 1-57126, JP-A 61-55138, JP-A 7-316234, etc.).
However, fluorine-containing elastomers containing iodines as cross-linking sites generally have such an advantage as a high vulcanization speed but such a disadvantage as a poor heat resistance, as compared with fluorine-containing elastomers containing bromines or both bromines and iodines. This tendency is particularly remarkable in fluorine-containing elastomers containing iodines bonded at the copolymer molecule terminals.

Process for producing fluorine-containing elastomer


An apparatus of an aircraft engine having lubricated moving components is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing having a lubricant cavity for receiving lubricant and a service port cavity, the housing defining a selectively openable service port for accessing the service port cavity. A shaft is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis to the housing. A seal is mounted about the shaft forming a partition between the lubricant cavity and the service port cavity. A vent channel extends between the lubricant cavity and the service port cavity.

Aircraft engines, such as gas turbine engines, include a lubrication system for distributing a lubricating fluid, such as oil for instance, to portions of the engine. Aircraft engines may require maintenance over time. Access to internal cavities of components of the aircraft engines, such as pumps, gearboxes or other components during maintenance or inspection may be cumbersome, as contaminants may enter such internal cavities during maintenance and mix with the lubricants, for instance when a service port of the engine component is opened during maintenance/inspection. This may be detrimental to the performance of the engine and/or engine components.

Sealing arrangement with vent for an engine component with a service port


A removable-medium apparatus that outputs data that is stored on a removable medium that updates ID information that corresponds to data stored on said removable medium when it is detected that a removable medium is mounted, and sends the ID information that is updated. Also, it sends data when receiving a request to send data that is stored on said removable medium and that corresponds to the updated ID information.

The present invention relates to a removable-medium apparatus and control method thereof, and more particularly to a removable-medium apparatus and control method thereof which are capable of sending data that is stored on a removable medium via a network.
Data such as image data that is taken by a digital camera, or text that is created by a computer are stored on a memory card that can be freely mounted or removed (removable medium). The memory card is mounted in a card reader (removable-medium apparatus) which is connected to a network, and data that is stored on that memory card is read, and that data is inputted via a network to a computer which is connected to the network (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-186961).

Removable medium apparatus and control method thereof


A method for determining the condition of a transmission fluid filter and controlling an operator indicator to alert the operator that the fluid filter requires replacement is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a fluid pressure switch, determining an operating mode of the transmission, determining whether the operating mode of the transmission is changing, activating a timer if the operating mode is changing, recording the time, comparing the time to a predefined time threshold, determining whether the recorded time is greater than the predefined threshold, and activating the operator indicator to indicate that the fluid filter requires replacement if the recorded time is greater than the predefined threshold.

Road vehicles that have powertrains require lubricating fluids to continuously operate. More specifically, the engine and especially, the automatic transmission, require lubricating fluids or oils to maintain their operation and extend their useful life. Additionally, these fluids are passed through filters to remove contaminants and metal shavings caused by normal operation of the powertrain. The lubricating fluids and filters need to be replaced on regular intervals during the life of the vehicle. Generally, the change interval for replacing the engine lubricating fluid and filter is different from the change interval for replacing the transmission lubricating fluid and filter. Often the vehicle owner or operator is unaware of when these lubricating fluids and filters require replacement. As a result, many times the fluids and filters go without replacement. Alternatively, the fluids and filters are replaced unnecessarily. If a filter is not changed at its required interval, damage can occur especially in the transmission. A plugged or clogged transmission filter can increase the pressure in the main case of the transmission causing damage.
Thus, there is a need for a method for determining the status of the fluid filters, especially, the transmission filter. The method should alert the vehicle operator or owner that the fluid filter needs to be replaced. Moreover, the method should also check for hardware faults in the fluid filter monitoring system.

Method for controlling a filter maintenance indicator


In order to increase the modulus properties of a rubber compound it is desirable to achieve control of the cure morphology within a rubber matrix. The placement of curatives in a rubber matrix can be controlled by incorporating the curatives into a carrier and mixing the carrier with a rubber compound. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier can be made having the morphology of a short fiber, and the curatives can be oriented like a short fiber.

The invention relates to a method of reinforcing or increasing the modulus of an elastomeric matrix, and an elastomeric matrix made by the method.
The main benefit of including short fibers in an elastomeric matrix is the large increase in low strain moduli demonstrated by the elastomer. This increase in modulus can be achieved using low levels of fibers. This is due to the rheological differences between an elastomer reinforced using short fibers, as compared to such properties in an elastomer matrix that is reinforced with spherical or particulate type fillers. The expected improvement in modulus can be calculated using the semi-empirical Guth-Gold equation, EQU h=h.sub.o (1+0.67fc=1.62f.sup.2 c.sup.2),
where h is the viscosity of the composite, h.sub.o is the matrix viscosity, f is the aspect ratio (1/d) and c is the volume concentration. From this equation, it can be seen that increasing aspect ratio (at constant concentration) is the main factor of short fiber reinforcement in an elastomeric matrix, regardless of the type of material used.
One of the disadvantages of using short fiber reinforcement is that the short fibers are a foreign material in an elastomer matrix, and there is not perfect adhesion between the short fibers and the matrix. Consequently, over a long period of time, as the elastomer works, the short fibers separate from the elastomer in which they are embedded, because the fibers do not flex in the matrix in the same way as the elastomer molecules. When the fibers become separated from the elastomer, their presence becomes detrimental to the properties of the elastomer.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a method of reinforcing an elastomer that does not rely on the presence of short fibers or other reinforcing material. It is also an object of the invention to provide a modulus gradient in an elastomer around fiber type materials in order to minimize the difference in modulus between the fiber and an elastomeric matrix, in order to minimize the separation of fiber reinforcement from its elastomeric matrix.
Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

Cure orientation by incorporation of curatives into a carrier


A ground fault interrupter circuit ("GFIC") device having as a switching device a flextensional electroactive transducer which, when energized, opens a supply conductor between a current source and a load. When a fault current is detected a voltage is induced in a coil; due to the condition that there is less current running through the conductor from the load than through the conductor from the power supply which both extend through the core of the coil. The voltage induced in the coil is amplified by a transistor which causes the transducer to piezoelectrically "snap" from a first neutral position to a second neutral position thereby cutting of current from the power supply to the load.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to asymmetrically stress biased piezoelectric and electrostrictive devices having integral electrodes and, more particularly, to the use of these devices in a ground fault interrupter circuit.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electricity is the most prevalent source of energy used throughout the industrialized world, today. Problems, do however, arise if a person comes into contact with an energized conductor and his body becomes a short circuit to ground. Currents of less than 15 milliamps have been known to interrupt the electrical impulses controlling the heart muscle, and cause the heart to fibrillate, resulting in death.
Ground fault interrupter circuits, "GFICs", protect people from the harmful effects of short circuits by detecting the difference between the current delivered to, and the current returning from, a resistive load. When the amount of current returning on the neutral or grounded conductor is less than the current delivered to the load a ground fault condition occurs. If a GFIC is between the ground fault condition and the supply, the GFIC will open the circuit and prevent injury to anyone or anything that has become a path to ground.
In prior GFICs solenoids are typically used to open the circuit when a ground fault condition is present. A core, which is connected to a solenoid, measures the difference between the supply and returning currents. In a non-ground fault condition, (i.e. normal operating condition), the difference between the supply and return currents is zero. Therefore, the magnitude of the magnetic flux created by the supply current cancels out the magnitude of the magnetic flux created by the return current, resulting in no voltage being induced on the core. When a ground fault condition occurs, the supply current is greater than the return current. Consequently, the magnitude of the magnetic flux created by the supply current exceeds that of the magnetic flux created by the return current and a voltage is induced on the core. The induced core voltage energizes the solenoid. The energized solenoid produces a magnetic field which disengages the solenoid's plunger and opens the supply conductor, thus cutting the supply voltage to the ground fault condition.
Problems may arise when magnetic sensitive equipment is used near prior solenoid-actuated GFICs when they are tripped. Even though the magnetic fields produced within the core and the solenoid expand and collapse almost instantaneously, they are powerful and may damage memory storage devices such as "floppy" disks. Problems may also occur in prior GFICs if dust shorts the solenoid's windings, resulting in an insufficient voltage to disengage the plunger. Dust may also prevent the plunger from fully disengaging, thus rendering the GFIC ineffective.
Another typical problem associated with solenoid type GFICs is their inability to be used near equipment, such as transformers, which produce powerful magnetic fields. Powerful magnetic fields can cause the plunger to be inadvertently disengaged, thus cutting the supply voltage when a ground fault condition does not exist.

Piezoelectrically actuated ground fault interrupter circuit apparatus


A hand-held power tool has a torque-limiting unit with which a maximum torque transferred from a motor output shaft to a tool driver is adjustable by an operator. The torque-limiting unit has a spring system with spring elements having substantially similar characteristics (such as length, compression forces, etc.) and yet generating different spring forces.

Hand-held power tools, such as cordless screwdrivers, cordless drills or cordless impact drills have a high amount of drive torque. Limiting this torque is desirable for many applications. Adjustable torque limitation makes it possible, e.g., to screw a number of screws into a work piece with the same level of screw-down torque; a torque-limiting unit disengages as soon as the screws apply a certain level of torque resistance to the motor output shaft. The operator can adjust the torque-limiting unit according to the maximum torque required for the task at hand. A hand-held power tool with torque limitation of the type described above is made known in DE 103 09 057 A1.
Another hand-held power tool with a torque limiting unit is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,123, and is fully incorporated in its entirety by reference. As described therein, the torque limiting unit has springs 26, 28 of different spring characteristics, i.e., using different spring rates, widths, lengths and/or stiffness. Requiring such different springs is costly as it is necessary to maintain a full inventory of different springs. It also makes assembly of the power tool difficult, as the assembler has to ensure each spring has been installed correctly in each place. Therefore, the likelihood of manufacturing defects is increased.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hand-held power tool with a torque-limiting unit, which is a further improvement of the existing hand-held power tools.

Hand-held power tool with torque limiting unit


A synchronization circuit for a multiframe signal based upon a multiframe synchronization pattern of a plurality of frame bits inserted in the multiframe signal at a predetermined period is disclosed. A shift register(11) stores and sequentially shifts state data each representing degree of the synchronization, the number of states corresponding to the number of the frame bits. The value of the multiframe synchronization pattern expected for the input at the each state up to establishment of the multiframe synchronization is stored in a memory(14). The past state data for the predetermined period is read out from the shift register in response to an input of the multiframe signal. In a state decision circuit(13), the value of the multiframe synchronization pattern for the read out state data is read out from the memory. The value of the read out multiframe synchronization pattern and the input multiframe signal is compared, the state data representing the subsequent transition state is applied to the input of the shift register in response to the coincident detection, and determines establishment of multiframe synchronization when the state transition to a predetermined state occurs.

The present invention relates generally to a data communication system, more particularly to a circuit for establishing multiframe synchronization at the receiving end of a multiframe data communication system.
In time-division multiplexing data communication, it is typical to repeat frames at a predetermined period. One method for so doing is a so-called multiframe method wherein a number of frames constitute a unit. In the multiframe method, a multiframe is, for example, composed of 1,544 kbits/s 24 frames as illustrated in FIG. 9 and each frame comprises 193 bits of data. The first of every 4 frames of the 24 frames, i.e., the 1st, 5th, 9th, 13th, 17th and 21st frames contain a frame bit (referred to as F-bit hereinafter) at its head. These 6 F-bits constitute the following bit pattern (1): EQU "001011" (1)
When this bit pattern (referred to as 24-frame multiframe sync pattern) is detected, it is determined that the multiframe synchronization has been established.
FIG. 10 illustrates a multiframe synchronization circuit used for detecting conventional multiframe synchronization (sync) pattern. Provided are five shift registers 21-1 through 21-5 in the circuit. Each shift register is designed to store the received data for four multiframes, that is, 4.times.193 bits received data to shift the bit sequentially to the left in synchronism with the received clock pulses.
Each output from the first to fourth shift registers 21-1 through 21-4 is split in two, one to be applied to input terminals D.sub.1 through D.sub.4 of a coincident detection circuit 22 and the other to the input of the subsequent shift register. The output of the final shift register 21-5 is connected to input terminal D.sub.5 of the coincident detection circuit 22. The received data 23 from a receiving circuit (not shown) is applied to input terminal D.sub.0 of the coincident detection circuit 22 and also to the input of the first shift register 21-1.
The operation of the conventional multiframe synchronization circuit of the above construction will be described hereunder. On supplying the received data 23 from the receiving circuit in a bit by bit manner, such data 23 is applied to both input terminal D.sub.0 of the coincident detection circuit 22 and the input of the first shift register 21-1. In this way, applied to input terminal D.sub.0 of the coincident detection circuit 22 is the most recent bit data. The bit data applied to the first shift register 21-1 is sequentially shifted to the left in the drawing in synchronism with the received clock pulse. When shifted 4.times.193 bits equal to the full 4-frame data, the first bit data is applied to input terminal D.sub.1 of the coincident detection circuit 22 and also to the input of the second shift register 21-2. This means that the bit data at input terminal D.sub.1 of the coincident detection circuit 22 is 4-frames old.
Similarly, the 3rd through 5th shift registers 21-3 through 21-5 output bit data 4 frames old as compared with that applied to their respective inputs. And such 4-frame old bit data are applied to the respective input terminals D.sub.3 through D.sub.5 of the coincident detection circuit 22. In this way, 6 bit data with phase delayed by 4 frames each are simultaneously applied to the input terminals D.sub.0 through D.sub.5 of the coincident detection circuit 22. The coincident detection circuit 22 monitors the bit data at the input terminals D.sub.0 through D.sub.5 to generate a sync pattern match signal 24 when the bit pattern is equal to the pattern as given by the above expression (1).
FIG. 5 graphically illustrates a frame configuration of a 12 multi-frame signal including 12-frame multiframe. As shown in FIG. 7, the 12 front bits (or F bits) of the 12 frames are configured to take the sync pattern given by the following expression (2): EQU "100011011100" (2)
In the case of the 12 multiframe signal, 11 stages of 193 bit long shift registers are used and the multiframe sync is carried out by using the coincident detection circuit 22 (FIG. 10) to detect the bit pattern given by the above expression (2). The total capacity of the shift registers is 2123 bits in this particular example.


A charcoal ignition fluid that is composed of a blend of bio-based hydrocarbons for the ignition of charcoal in both briquette and lump forms. The charcoal ignition fluid utilizes linear and branched alkanes produced by means of variations of the Fischer-Tropsch process that incorporates raw materials that are generally recognized as more sustainable than petroleum oil. The process for producing the charcoal ignition fluid deoxygenates fatty acids, esters, etc. by removing and fully saturating all double bonds in the bioactive raw materials.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a charcoal ignition fluid that is composed of a blend of bio-based hydrocarbons for the ignition of charcoal in both briquette and lump forms, and more particularly, a charcoal ignition fluid that utilizes linear and branched alkanes produced by means of variations of the Fischer-Tropsch process that incorporates raw materials that are generally recognized as more sustainable than petroleum oil.
2. Description of the Related Art
The petroleum-based charcoal starter fluid that is most widely in use is a petroleum distillate that contains significant levels of aromatic and sulfur-containing compounds, which may affect the quality and safety of food cooked over charcoal ignited with this fluid. Additionally, the petroleum distillate charcoal starter fluids consume a significant quantity of petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel.
Charcoal starter fluids incorporating petroleum distillates currently in use have a number of drawbacks relative to consumer and environmental issues. For example, they contain a significant and potentially toxic amount of aromatic compounds. Consumers who do not wait until these toxic compounds burn off adequately before placing food over charcoal ignited with petroleum distillates may unknowingly contaminate the food with residues from the incomplete combustion of the fluid still contained in the charcoal. The sulfur-containing compounds in petroleum distillate can also form noxious odors and flavors that are absorbed by food placed in a charcoal cooker.
In order to be easily ignited, the charcoal starter fluid composed of petroleum distillates must have a flashpoint that is low enough, typically 103° F. to 107° F. (Tag Closed Cup). Charcoal starter fluids with flashpoints below 100° F. are more regulated based on being more hazardous to use. Charcoal starter fluids with flashpoints higher than 110° F. are typically too difficult to be ignited, and are therefore, not accepted by consumers.
The presence of certain hydrocarbon species in petroleum-based, charcoal starter fluid causes it to emit significant levels of volatile organic compounds ("VOC") into the atmosphere. The presence of aromatic and cyclic hydrocarbons produce evaporative emissions prior to ignition, as well as those caused by incomplete combustion after ignition. A charcoal starter fluid that does not contain a significant amount of these compounds and that contains higher levels of hydrocarbons that undergo more complete combustion when ignited produce much lower emissions of VOCs.
It is therefore desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid that is composed of a blend of renewable bio-based hydrocarbons for the ignition of charcoal in both briquette and lump forms.
It is further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid that utilizes linear and branched alkanes produced by means of variations of the Fischer-Tropsch process that incorporates raw materials that are generally recognized as more sustainable than petroleum oil.
It is further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid that replaces the petroleum distillate currently in wide use as a means of igniting charcoal in both briquettes and lump forms.
It is yet further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid that replaces the hydrocarbon made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, by mimicking the physical characteristics of the distillate so closely that the typical consumer can use it in the same manner to which they are accustomed when using petroleum distillate.
It is still further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid that is lower in noxious odors and the tendency to product off-flavors compared to petroleum distillate-based charcoal starter fluids.
It is yet further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid having a renewable status that makes it more sustainable on a raw material basis.
It is still yet further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid having a decreased toxicity concern due to the absence of aromatic compounds, such as toluene, xylene, and benzene.
It is still yet further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid composed without aromatic and sulfur compounds, which can affect the flavor and odor of foods cooked over charcoal.
It is still yet further desirable to provide a charcoal ignition fluid that meets VOC emission levels that are permissible according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1174 (1991).
Other advantages and features will be apparent from the following description, and from the claims.


Techniques for computing a multimedia stream schedule in a resource-constrained environment. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for processing multiple media streams in accordance with a resource-constrained environment includes the following steps/operations. An optimization associated with a composite representation of the multiple media streams is computed based on timing constraints associated with the multiple media streams and one or more constraints associated with at least one device in the resource-constrained environment useable to present at least one of the multiple media streams. Scheduling transmission and/or storage of the multiple media streams, based on the optimization, is then performed. The multiple media streams may be encoded, based on the optimization, prior to the scheduling step/operation. Advantageously, the present invention may provide a scheduling strategy to multiplex multiple objects in a resource-constrained data path, while respecting all the presentation deadlines, and minimizing the required playback delay and decoding buffer.

The development of techniques for effectively computing a scheduling strategy associated with the transmission of multimedia content (e.g., video, images, audio, etc.) has been given considerable attention. Issues of concern relating to such scheduling strategies that some existing techniques address include attempting to meet deadlines imposed by the content author with respect to the presentation of the multimedia content, and attempting to meet constraints on available bandwidth associated with the transmission channel.
There are existing scheduling approaches that are directed toward the transmission of video from a server to a client device. Some of these approaches attempt to minimize bandwidth associated with the transmission channel between the server and the client, while others attempt to optimize the distortion of an uncompressed video stream.

Methods and apparatus for multimedia stream scheduling in resource-constrained environment

International Business Machines Corporation


An A.C. generator has a rotor that is equipped with a permanent magnet and a field coil. The output of the A.C. generator charges the high-voltage battery. Voltage of the high-voltage battery is stepped-down by a DC/DC converter and supplied to the low-voltage battery. When the motor controller detects that the field coil has not been energized, the higher-rank controller switches so as to generate power by means of the permanent magnet of the A.C. generator and charge the low-voltage battery. This mechanism enables power to be generated when a circuit malfunctions.

Recently, as the electrical components for an automobile increases, electric power generated only by a conventional 12-V low-voltage battery is not sufficient as the power supply on the automobile. Accordingly, a power supply system for vehicle has been proposed that is equipped with two battery systems: a 12-V low-voltage battery and a 36-V high-voltage battery. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2001-28832, in a well-known power supply system for vehicle, a low-voltage battery and a high-voltage battery are electrically connected to each other via a DC/DC converter, and the generator normally charges the 36-V battery and then charges the 12-V battery via the DC/DC converter. Furthermore, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 11 (1999)-299123, in a well-known power supply system for vehicle, a spare battery is provided as a precaution when the regulating circuit that controls direct current supplied to the field coil of the A.C. generator malfunctions, and if the malfunction occurs, the spare system starts to generate electric power so that the vehicle can continue traveling.

Abstract: Thereby, a power supply system for vehicle can generate power when a circuit malfunctions so that the driver on the vehicle can drive the vehicle to a repair shop.


A method for washing a hollow fiber membrane used for blood dialysis, comprising washing the inner wall of the hollow fiber with a clearing solvent comprising, as a main component, a specific aliphatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of 110-240.degree. C. and a flash point of not less than 21.degree. C. According to the present invention, the lipophilic liquid contained in the core part of the hollow fiber can be removed selectively without removing the glycerol filled in the pores of the hollow fiber membrane. In addition, the method of the present invention is free of the problems of flammability and pollution of global environment.

A hollow fiber membrane is typically prepared by extruding a polymer solution for forming a fiber from an outer circular part of a double tube nozzle, concurrently with a core liquid including a lipophilic liquid, such as liquid paraffin, or a core gas, such as nitrogen gas, from the center of the nozzle to form a hollow fiber, while forming micro-pores in the membrane at the same time. Then, the hollow fiber membrane is washed with water, impregnated with an aqueous solution of glycerol in the fine pores therein, and wound up in a bobbin. Thereafter, a fiber bundle comprising a number of such hollow fibers is housed in a plastic case to give a hollow fiber membrane module.
It is a common practice to wash a hollow fiber membrane with ether, chlorofluorocarbon and the like to remove the core liquid in the hollow fiber or waste, dust and the like present in the core (hollow) part of the hollow fiber before or after forming the hollow fiber membrane module. However, ether may possibly start a fire, since it has a low boiling point and a low flash point. Moreover, washing with ether results in removal of glycerol filled in the fine pores in the hollow fiber membrane, thus lowering the water-permeability of the hollow fiber membrane after washing. In addition, ether easily produces peroxides upon heating and said peroxides exert adverse influence on the hollow fiber to cause degradation of the fiber.
A method comprising washing with a chlorofluorocarbon, such as trichlorotrifluoroethane having a high ozone depletion coefficient of 0.8, leads to the depletion of ozone layer, which in turn worsens the global environment, so that the use of trichlorotrifluoroethane is now restricted as being among specific fleons. While a chlorofluorocarbon such as dichloropentafluoropropane having a low ozone depletion coefficient of 0.2 may be used, this compound is associated with a drawback that it not only degrades the plastic case containing a hollow fiber bundle, but washes away glycerol filled in the fine pores in the hollow fiber membrane.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the problems of inflammability and pollution of global environment and to provide a method for washing a hollow fiber membrane to remove waste, dust and the like, which are present in the core part of the hollow fiber, and selectively remove a lipophilic liquid present in the core part of the hollow fiber without removing glycerol, polyethylene glycol and the like filled in the fine pores of the hollow fiber membrane, or degrading the case containing the hollow fiber bundle.

Method for washing hollow fiber membrane


Novel powders or particles are formed by associating them with relatively small proportions of hydrolysable liquid material. The resulting particle/liquid mass is placed in a mold and sintered under conditions of heat and pressure that enables at least some of the hydrolysable liquid to react within the sintered mass. The sintered mass displays a controllable range of properties such as increased density, increased tensile strength, and improved natural polish finish. The hydrolysable liquid may partially hydrolyze and/or react with the powders and particles, but the liquid is not completely (not 100%) reduced to an inorganic oxide prior to introduction to the mold and performance of the sintering process.

Hitherto, iron-based powder compositions for powder metallurgy have been produced by a mixing method in which alloying powders such as core materials such copper, graphite, and iron phosphide powders, are mixed with an iron powder, and according to the necessity, in addition to the powders for improving the machinability, a lubricant such as zinc stearate, aluminium stearate, and lead stearate is mixed into the composition. Such a lubricant has been adopted in view of a desire for homogeneous mixing with a metal powder, easy decomposition and removability of materials other then the core materials at the time of sintering.
Recently, as the requirement of higher strength for sintering manufactures is increased, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,185 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,630, it has been proposed in the industry to use a warm compaction technology which permits higher density and higher strength of compacts by means of performing a compaction while metal powders are heated. It is considered for the lubricant used in such a compaction procedure that a lubricity at the time of heating is important as well as the homogeneous mixing with a metal powder, the ease of decomposition and the removability of the lubricant at the time of sintering. Specifically, a mixing of mixtures of a plurality of lubricants having mutually different melting points with metal powders serves, at the time of a warm compaction, to melt part of the lubricants, to uniformly spread the lubricants between iron and/or alloying metal particles, and to decrease frictional resistances among the particles and between a compacted form and dies, so that compactibility of the material and accuracy of the formed rendition is improved.
However, such a metal powder composition involves the following drawbacks. First, a raw material mixture undergoes segregation. Regarding the segregation, since the metal powder composition contains powders having different sizes, shapes and densities, segregation occurs readily during transport after mixing and upon charging the powder composition into hoppers, or upon discharging the powder composition from the hoppers or during molding treatments. For example, it is well known that segregation of a mixture of iron-based powder and graphite powder occurs within a transport vehicle owing to vibrations during trucking, so that the graphite powder rises to the top. It is also known with respect to graphite charged into a hopper that the concentration of graphite powder differs at the beginning, middle, and end of the discharging operation from the hopper owing to segregation within the hopper. These segregations cause fluctuations in the composition of products of the powder metallurgy; fluctuations in dimensional changes and strength become large, and this causes the production of inferior products.
The flow rate of the powder composition increases as a result of the increased specific surface area of the mixture, since graphite and other powders are fine powders. Such increases in flow rate are disadvantageous because it decreases the production speed of green compacts by decreasing charging speed of the powder composition into die cavities for compaction.
As for technologies for preventing segregation of such a powder composition, there are known methods based on selection of an appropriate binder as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette (Kokai) Sho.56-136901 and Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette (Kokai) Sho.58-28321. However, these methods involve such a drawback that if the quantity of binder added is increased so that segregation of the powder composition is sufficiently improved, the flow rate of the powder composition is increased.
Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette (Kokai) Hei.1-165701 and Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette (Kokai) Hei.2-47201 proposed methods in which a melt composed of the combination of an oil and a metal soap or wax, melted together is selected as a binder. These methods make it possible to sufficiently reduce segregation of a powder composition and dust generation, and also to improve the flowability. However, these methods involve such a problem that the flowability of the powder composition varies with the passage of time owing to means for preventing the segregation mentioned above. Previous technologists developed a method in which a melt composed of the combination of a high-melting point of oil and a metal soap, melted together is selected as a binder, as proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette (Kokai) Hei.2-57602. According to this method, the melt has a small change of elapse, and a change of elapse of flow rate of the powder composition is reduced. However, this method involves another drawback such that apparent density of the powder composition varies, since a high-melting point of saturated fatty acid of solid state and a metal soap are mixed with iron-based powders at the room temperature.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,304 describes an iron-based powder composition for powder metallurgy excellent in flowability and compactibility is produced in accordance with a method comprising the steps of: adding to iron-based and alloying powders, for a primary mixing, a surface treatment agent, and in addition, for a secondary mixing, a fatty acid amide and at least one lubricant, wherein the lubricant has a melting point higher than that of the fatty acid amide and can be a thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, and inorganic or organic compounds having a layered crystal structure; heating and stirring up a mixture after the secondary mixing at a temperature above a melting point of the fatty acid amide to melt the fatty acid amide; cooling, while mixing, the mixture subjected to the heating and stirring process so that the alloying powder and a lubricant having a melting point higher than the fatty acid amide adhere to a surface of the iron base powder subjected to the surface treatment by an adhesive force of the melt; and adding at the time of the cooling, for a tertiary mixing, a metallic soap and at least one thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer powders and inorganic or organic compounds having layered crystal structure. The mixture is heated to about 423K and loaded into a die for compaction.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,600 describes an iron-based powder composition made by a process comprising the steps of: adding to iron-based and alloying powders, for a primary mixing, a surface treatment agent, and in addition, for a secondary mixing, a fatty acid amide and at least one lubricant, wherein the lubricant has a melting point higher than that of the fatty acid amide and can be, a thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, and inorganic or organic compounds having a layered crystal structure; heating and stirring up a mixture after the secondary mixing at a temperature above a melting point of the fatty acid amide to melt the fatty acid amide; cooling, while mixing, the mixture subjected to the heating and stirring process so that the alloying powder and a lubricant having a melting point higher than the fatty acid amide adhere to a surface of the iron base powder subjected to the surface treatment by an adhesive force of the melt; and adding at the time of the cooling, for a tertiary mixing, a metallic soap and at least one a thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer powders and inorganic or organic compounds having layered crystal structure. The mixture is heated to about 423K and loaded into a die for compaction.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,076 describes an iron-based powder composition for powder metallurgy having excellent flowability at room temperature and a warm compaction temperature, having improved compactibility enabling lowering ejection force in compaction, to provide a process for producing the iron-based powder composition, and to provide a process for producing a compact of a high density from the iron-based powder composition. The iron-based powder composition comprises an iron-based powder, a lubricant, and an alloying powder, and at least one of the iron-based powder, the lubricant, and the alloying powder is coated with at least one surface treatment agent selected from the group of surface treatment agents of organoalkoxysilanes, organosilazanes, titanate coupling agents, fluorine-containing silicon silane coupling agents. The iron-based powder composition is compacted at a temperature not lower than the lowest melting point of the employed lubricants, but not higher than the highest melting point of the employed lubricants.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,788 discloses a process for making metal oxide hydrophobic by coating the metal oxide with a silicone polymer is disclosed. The hydrophobic metal oxide is prepared by contacting the metal oxide with a reactive silicone compound and then in a subsequent step the coated metal oxide is heated to 40° to 100° C. for between 1 and 10 hours. The resulting metal oxide is hydrophobic, non-reactive, not affected by water and can be applied to the skin for protection from ultraviolet light of the sun. U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,650 discloses a method for adjusting the surface properties of materials by the application and reaction of liquid compositions. The process applies a solid coating onto a surface of an article. The surface of an article has a first physical property measurable as a degree of hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity. A liquid coating of an oxidizable material containing at least one element other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen is applied onto the surface of the article. The oxidizable material is oxidized on the surface to attach an oxidized material having said at least one element other than carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen onto said surface. This process thereby changes the first physical property with respect to its hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity. The process is relatively gentle to the underlying surface, at least in part because of the moderate temperatures which may be used for oxidation, and a wide range of properties may be provided onto the surface by appropriate selection and/or mixing of the liquid material and selection of the surface. The process is particularly useful with particulate materials.


An electrophotographic digital copier capable of identifying a particular color existing in a document image. The copier copies both of a bicolor document and a monocolor document in the same period of time. Even when monocolor documents and bicolor documents are to be copied together, the copier executes monocolor copy processing with the former and bicolor copy processing with the latter automatically.

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic digital copier capable of identifying a particular color existing in a document image and, more particularly, to an electrophotographic digital copier capable of producing a bicolor hard copy by a single image transfer.
An electrophotographic digital copier is extensively used which scans a photoconductive element or similar medium by a light beam issuing from a light source to electrostatically form a latent image and develops the latent image by a toner. This type of copier is operable not only as an ordinary copier but also as an output unit included in a facsimile transceiver or a computer. A current trend in the imaging art is toward bicolor or multicolor recording to meet the increasing demand for color recording and to implement color copiers.
A copier capable of producing a bicolor hard copy is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 228269/1989. The copier taught in this Laid-Open Publication produces a bicolor hard copy by repeating a copying sequence twice. In the first copying sequence, the copier scans a document image to identify a particular color, i.e., a first color, produces image data representative of the first color, executes predetermined image processing with such image data, writes the image data on a photoconductive element while binarizing the data, develops the written image, transfers the developed image to a recording medium in the form of a paper sheet, fixes the image on the paper sheet, and then temporarily stacks the paper sheet or copy on a refeed tray. In the second copying sequence, the copier scans the same document again to identify a second color different from the first color, produce image data of the second color, executes predetermined processing with the image data, writes the image data on the photoconductive element while binarizing the image data, develops the written image, refeeds the paper sheet carrying the image of the first color from the refeed tray, and then transfers the image of the second color to the paper sheet.
The problem with the above-described conventional copier is that the period of time necessary for a bicolor image to be formed is several times longer than the period of time necessary for a monocolor image to be formed since the copying process has to be repeated twice. Moreover, since the image reading and image transfer is repeated twice each, it is extremely difficult to cause the images of two different colors into register with each other. The above-mentioned Laid-Open Publication discusses various kinds of systems such as one using an image transfer drum and one forming a plurality of images of different colors on a photoconductive element as prior art. However, none of such systems is capable of automatically separating a particular color existing in a document image and transferring toner images of two colors from a photoconductive element to a paper sheet at the same time, i.e., copying a bicolor document at the same speed as a monocolor document.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 87058/1981 discloses an electrophotographic apparatus of the type forming images of two different colors on a photoconductive drum at the same time by a single rotation of the drum. This Laid-Open Publication, however, does not mention an implementation for identifying a particular color of a document image or an implementation for writing image data of identified colors on a photoconductive element.

Digital copier for copying a bicolored document at the same speed as a monocolored document


A toner T1 develops an electrostatic latent image, the toner T1 having relieved charge-up characteristics, improved development characteristics, and improved transfer characteristics. The toner T1 may ensure high charge stability against environmental condition changes, and an appropriate amount of charges at a high printing speed, may reduce background contamination on a photoreceptor, may prevent undesirable fusing onto a blade even after prolonged printing, and may have high transfer efficiency and high image uniformity. The toner T1 may have effective flowability and transportability, and may have good storage stability, so as to be unlikely to cause blocking when stored for an extended time.

1. Field
The present general inventive concept relates to an electrophotographic toner, and more particularly, to a toner to develop an electrostatic latent image.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, electrophotographic imaging involves the following processes: uniformly charging a surface of an electrostatic latent image carrier, exposing the surface of the electrostatic latent image carrier to form an electrostatic latent image thereon, adhering toner to the electrostatic latent image to visualize the electrostatic latent image, transferring a resulting toner image onto a recording medium such as paper, cleaning the electrostatic latent image carrier to remove the toner remaining thereon, erasing charges from a surface of a photoreceptor to lower electrical characteristics, and fusing the toner image onto a recording medium by heat or pressure.
To obtain electrophotographic toner with appropriate characteristics, technologies of controlling the shape and surface of toner particles have become more important. The faster the printing speed of a printer, the more frequently the toner is subjected to a shearing force. Thus, stronger durability is required for toner. To realize a compact, environmentally-friendly printer, the amount of untransferred toner may be reduced. To this end, improvements in charge uniformity and transfer efficiency (transferability) of toner are advantageous. Improving charge stability, transfer efficiency, and cleaning ability of toner are effective in obtaining high-quality printed images.
To provide toner particles with high charge uniformity, high charge stability, high transfer efficiency, and high cleaning ability, surface characteristics of the toner need to be improved. One of the important factors affecting the surface characteristics of toner is an external additive adhered to surfaces of the toner particles. A primary function of the external additive is preventing adhesion of the toner particles to each other to maintain flowability of the toner particles. The external additive may also affect charge uniformity, charge stability, transfer efficiency and cleaning ability of the toner. For example, silica powder or titanium oxide powder is generally used as an external additive.
Conventional external additives are known to be ineffective in terms of charge uniformity. For example, fumed silica particles, as a most widely used external additive, have strong negative polarity. For this reason, excess charge-up may frequently occur with the use of toner that includes fumed silica as an external additive.
To prevent excessive frictional charging resulting from an excess charge-up due to the use of fumed silica, using titanium oxide particles as an external additive has been suggested. However, titanium oxide has a low electric resistance and an effective charge exchangeability, and may easily produce a reverse- or weak-charging toner. Accordingly, using titanium oxide as an external additive may lower charge uniformity of the toner.
Silica particles may be porous and have hydrophilic surfaces. When a toner including highly porous, highly hydrophilic silica particles as an external additive is used in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, the toner may not be smoothly charged due to the absorption of excess water that serves as an electric conductor. On the other hand, a toner including silica particles as an external additive tends to be excessively charged in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment, and thus may have ineffective charge stability due to environmental condition changes. Consequently, ineffective toner concentration reproducibility and background staining in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, or electrostatic staining of an image at low temperature and low humidity may result.
To address a reduction in environmental charge stability caused by moisture, silica particles or titanium oxide particles, each treated with a surface treating agent such as hydrophobic silicone oil or hydrophobic silica coupling agent may be used as an external additive. However using external additive particles surface-treated with such a surface treating agent may enhance cohesiveness of toner particles, and may instead sharply reduce flowability of the toner particles.
In preparing fumed silica particles, the silica particles are frequently apt to form agglomerates, which may lower dispersibility of the fumed silica particles. Using such an external additive with an inherently poor dispersibility may also lower flowability, anti-caking ability, fusability, and cleaning properties of the resulting toner.
To prevent the aggregation of the fumed silica, sol-gel silica may be used. Sol-gel silica powder refers to silica powder prepared using a sol-gel method. For example, sol-gel silica powder may be prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of alkoxy silane in an organic solvent in the presence of water, and removing the solvent from a silica sol suspension resulting from the condensation. Sol-gel silica powder prepared by a sol-gel method may consist of spherical silica particles having a uniform particle size. Conventional sol-gel silica particles have almost perfect spherical shapes. Using silica particles having a sphericity near to 1 as an external additive may deteriorate cleaning properties of the toner that includes the external additive.
Recently, use of small-diameter toner has been steeply increased to provide high image quality. However, using such inorganic particles in preparing small-diameter toner particles does not ensure sufficiently good performance. The smaller the toner diameter, the more ineffective the flowability of the toner particles may become, and the greater the number of inorganic particles may be required as an external additive. The external additive is exposed to friction against a supply roller and a blade or due to stirring within a developing unit during electrophotography. Stress exerted on the toner particle during this process may cause the external additive to be separated from the toner surfaces or to be buried in the toner surfaces. As a result, the toner may have ineffective flowability, may be unable to be smoothly supplied in an electrophotographic imaging system, and may have increased adhesion to a developing roller, resulting in sharp reductions in development characteristics and durability.
The smaller the toner particles become, the higher the charge quantity may become, and the higher the adhesion of the toner particles to a developing roller may become. Consequently, development characteristics of the toner may be deteriorated. The adhesion of the toner particles to a photoreceptor may also be increased, leading to deterioration in transfer characteristics of the toner. The higher the charge quantity becomes, the more the toner may be apt to cause a charge-up in a low-temperature, low-humidity environment. To prevent a charge-up and to improve development characteristics and transfer characteristics of a toner, there is a need to reduce the amount of charges of the small-diameter toner.

Toner to develop electrostatic latent images


A scan driving circuit includes a first scan driver including a plurality of first units, the first units receiving an input signal or an output voltage of a previous first unit and first and second clock signals to output a scan signal, and a second scan driver having a plurality of second units, the second units receiving a plurality of scan signals output from respective ones of the first units, and at least one of the first and second clock signals, and outputting an emission control signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic light emitting display. More specifically, the present invention relates to a scan driving circuit employable in a current driven type organic light emitting display.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of flat panel displays are being developed. Flat panel display devices are more commonly replacing cathode ray tubes (CRTs) because flat panel display devices may be made to be thinner, have less volume, and/or be lighter than (CRTs). Flat panel displays include, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a field emission display (FED), a plasma display panel (PDP) and an organic light emitting display (OLED), etc.
Amongst the flat panel displays, organic light emitting displays generally display an image using an organic light emitting diode (OLED) that generates light by the recombination of an electron and a hole. Such an organic light emitting display is advantageous because it has a relatively rapid response time, and may be driven with a relatively lower amount of power. Organic light emitting displays generally enable an organic light emitting diode to emit light by supplying a current corresponding to a data signal into the organic light emitting diode using a transistor formed in every pixel.
Such a conventional organic light emitting display may include a data driver for supplying a data signal to data lines, a scan driver for sequentially supplying a scan signal to the scan lines, an emission control driver for supplying an emission control signal to an emission control line, and a pixel unit including a plurality of pixels connected with the data lines, the scan lines and the emission control line.
The pixels included in the pixel unit may be selected when a scan signal is supplied to the scan line to receive a data signal from the data line. The pixels receiving the data signal display a predetermined image while generating the light of a predetermined luminance corresponding to the data signal. An emission time of the pixels is controlled by the emission control signal supplied from the emission control line.
The scan driver or the emission control driver should be mounted on a panel in order to reduce the size, weight and manufacturing cost of the OLED device, particularly as larger OLED panels are being developed.
However, it is difficult to mount a conventional scan driver or emission control driver on a panel because the conventional scan driver or emission control driver is composed of PMOS transistors and NMOS transistors. Also, it is difficult to drive a conventional emission control driver at a high speed because the conventional emission control driver generates an output signal per at least one cycle of a clock signal. Also, the conventional scan driver or emission control driver composed of the PMOS transistors and the NMOS transistors has a relatively high level of power consumption because a predetermined static current flows when an output signal is generated.

Scan driving circuit and organic light emitting display using the same


In an array of pixels, a method for segmenting a selected pixel of the array between at least two layers including identifying an N-by-N window centered upon the selected pixel, evaluating at least one pixel in the N-by-N window to determine whether the selected pixel is a potential text element, identifying an M-by-M window centered upon the selected pixel when the evaluation determines that the selected pixel is a potential text element, wherein the M-by-M window is smaller than the N-by-N window, and determining whether the potential text element includes text by comparing at least two pixels within the M-by-M window.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to compression techniques and, more particularly, improved compression techniques for use with the mixed raster content compression format.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image compression addresses the problem of reducing the amount of data required to represent a digital image. Compressed data (i.e., text and/or image data) may be easier to transmit by, for example, facsimile and/or e-mail than non-compressed data.
The underlying basis of the reduction process is the removal of redundant data during a scanning operation or, alternatively, from existing electronic files. Compression techniques typically fall into two broad categories: information preserving compression (i.e., lossless compression) and lossy compression. Lossless compression allows data to be compressed and decompressed without the loss of information. Lossy compression provides higher levels of data reduction as compared to lossless compression but results in a less than perfect reproduction of the original image (i.e., information loss).
Lossless compression methods (e.g., Lempel-Ziv or LZW) perform well on text but do not perform particularly well on scanned images. In contrast, lossy compression methods (e.g., JPEG) work fairly well on continuous-tone pixel arrays but do not work particularly well on text.
Accordingly, the mixed raster content (MRC) format may be used to compress documents including both text and images. The MRC format segments a document into two or more planes or layers. For example, each pixel in a document may be segmented into a text layer, a foreground layer and a background layer, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,778,092 and 6,324,305, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The text layer may include only text data of the document, the foreground layer may include color information of the text data and the background layer may include any image that is not considered text data.
Once each pixel has been segmented between two or more layers, each layer may be separately compressed using an appropriate compression method based on the content of the layer. For example, the text layer may be compressed using a lossless compression method such as LZW while the foreground and background layers may be compressed using a lossy compression method such as Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG).
In the prior art, the segmentation step may be carried out by separating high frequency pixels, which typically are associated with text, from low frequency pixels, which typically are associated with image and background data. Such edge detection techniques often misclassify pixels belonging to large halftone dots (i.e., halftone dots having a size equal to or greater than the edge detector kernel) as high frequency pixels and therefore treat them as text pixels, thereby increasing the size of the compressed file.
Accordingly, there is a need for a segmentation technique having an improved capability for detecting the difference between halftone areas and text areas.

Document segmentation for mixed raster content representation


In a connector including a first contact having a terminal portion to be connected to a center conductor of a cable, a second contact is held together with the first contact by a housing. The second contact has a grounding terminal portion. A ground bar clamps the cable and is connected to an outer conductor of the cable. A shell is coupled to the housing. The ground bar has a contact connecting terminal to be connected to the grounding terminal portion of the second contact. The shell at least covers the terminal portion of the first contact, the grounding terminal portion of the second contact, and the ground bar. At least one of the ground bar and the shell has a shell connecting terminal to be connected to a shell of a mating connector.

This invention relates to a connector adapted to be used in high-speed transmission and, in particular, to a connector suitable for a small-sized electronic apparatus such as a PDA (Portable Digital Assistant) and a mobile telephone.
For high-speed transmission, a coaxial cable is generally used widely. The coaxial cable comprises a center conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the center conductor via an insulating member. Therefore, a connector to be connected to the coaxial cable comprises a contact to be connected to the center conductor and a ground connection structure to be connected to the outer conductor.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2001-307822 discloses a connector including such ground connection structure. The connector comprises a shell covering an insulator holding a contact to be connected to a coaxial cable. The shell comprises a first shell member arranged at a position corresponding to a contacting portion of the contact and fixedly held by the insulator and a second shell member removably held by the insulator. The second shell member has a holding portion clamping and holding the coaxial cable in cooperation with the insulator.
The above-mentioned ground connector structure is connected to a mating connector via the shell. In addition, the number of points of ground connection is small. Therefore, an electric resistance is increased. As a result, a ground condition is insufficient so that a noise generated from a signal line is not sufficiently shielded to often cause a noise trouble.

Connector with ground connection improved in protection against a noise trouble

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited


It is an object of the invention to improve the radiotherapy workflow. This object is achieved by a medical product configured to be used for image based radiotherapy planning. The medical product is configured to be connected to: —a medical imaging system configured for acquiring medical images of a patient; —a contour module configured for segmenting one or more contours based on one or more of the medical images and; —a treatment planning system configured for calculating a radiotherapy plan based on the one or more contours. The medical product comprises a user interface configured to receive user input on a treatment target in the patient and to receive user input on a treatment technique. The medical product is configured to execute a data object readable to the medical imaging system, the contour module and the treatment planning system on the basis of the user input and wherein the data object comprises computer readable instructions for these systems and modules and wherein the systems and modules are configured to contribute to the creation of the radiotherapy plan based on the user input.

The current radiotherapy workflow is a time intensive workflow. After a patient has been diagnosed with cancer and it has been decided that radiotherapy is the treatment of choice, one or more medical images will be acquired from the patient. These medical images will be used to determine a location of a treatment target (tumour) and organs at risk within the patient. Once all medical images have been acquired, the treatment target and organs at risk will be delineated within the medical images. The most widely used medical images for this purpose are computed tomography (CT) images. However, magnetic resonance images (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) images could be of added value, especially for delineating the treatment target. It may be favourable in some situations to replace the CT images entirely by MRI images.
Also, one or more of these medical images will be used in order to determine how radiation will be attenuated within the patient. Radiation attenuation can be directly determined from CT images. However, when using MRI images for this, more elaborate images processing will be needed.
After the treatment target(s) (e.g. prostate and seminal vesicles) and organs at risk have been delineated and the information about radiation attenuation has been obtained, a treatment technique will be selected. This treatment technique comprises for example information about what treatment device is being used, dose prescriptions for the treatment target(s) and dose constraints for organs at risk, clinical goals for the treatment target and/or organs at risk, a method that will be used for the treatment, e.g. intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and a number of treatment fractions.
After the treatment technique has been selected, treatment planning can be started. Based on the resulting treatment plan the patient will be treated. This total workflow easily takes 4-8 hours, or even more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Medical product configured to be used for image based radiotherapy planning


In a module for detecting the docking of a vehicle, changes of vehicle engine torque and rotational wheel speed of the vehicle are determined as a function of time. It is checked whether the change of the engine torque is >>0 and the change of the rotational wheel speed is <<0. If both of these conditions are met, docking is detected and the vehicle can be braked. The module may be implemented in the form of software.

This application claims the priority of German Patent Document No. 103 45 748.8, filed Oct. 1, 2003, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a method of detecting the docking of a vehicle to a docking system.
Particularly in the case of autonomously driven vehicles (that is, vehicles which operate without a driver), such as may be utilized for example in a forwarding company yard, it is necessary to detect the end of a docking operation. When such a vehicle approaches a docking system, such as a loading ramp for loading or unloading, a semitrailer, container or trailer, it is necessary to detect the point in time at which the vehicle is docked, so that the vehicle can be braked in time.
In autonomously driven vehicles, it is known to provide switches which trigger braking when the vehicle comes in contact with a loading ramp. Alternatively, a distance measurement can take place, for example, by means of lasers, and braking can be implemented starting from a certain distance. Additional sensors are required for this purpose, however.
One object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting docking of a vehicle without requiring additional sensors or switches.
This and other objects and advantages are achieved by the method according to the invention, in which changes in quantities that are indicative of longitudinal velocity of the vehicle and engine torque are monitored. If the change of the velocity quantity is below a defined first value and the change of the engine torque quantity is above a defined second value, it can be determined that a docking has taken place.
The longitudinal velocity a vehicle (or a quantity indicative of it) and the engine torque (or a quantity indicative of it) are detected in all events for other purposes, such as controlling the engine torque. Moreover, temporal changes of the detected quantities can be determined easily, without any additional switches or sensors on the vehicle, in a software module. For this purpose, only the velocity quantity and the engine torque quantity have to be fed to the software module.
When the vehicle comes in contact with a loading ramp, a semitrailer or a trailer, the velocity drops abruptly; and as a result of rotational speed control, the actual engine torque rises simultaneously. Particularly when the change of the engine torque quantity is >>0 and the change of the velocity quantity is <<0, docking is indicated, and braking of the vehicle can be initiated. A Human interaction is not required for braking the vehicle.
In an advantageous variant of the method, automatic braking takes place when a docking is detected. In particular, when a change of the velocity quantity is below the defined first value and a change of the engine torque quantity is above the defined second value, a braking command can given to the braking system and/or the braking can take place by way of the engine. For example, a zero torque can be defined for the engine, or the engine can be returned to its idling rotational speed. Depending on the further development of the transmission line, the clutch can also be opened when a docking is detected. The braking command and the zero torque can be transmitted (via a CAN bus which is already present in the vehicle) to the braking system and the engine control, for example, by a software module which determines whether a docking is taking place.
In a preferred variant of the method according to the invention, the change of the velocity quantity is monitored by reference to the change of rotational wheel speed of at least one vehicle wheel, particularly a rear wheel. As a rule, in the case of vehicles, the longitudinal velocity is determined by measuring a quantity proportional to the longitudinal velocity and correlated therewith. A quantity which is particularly easy to measure is the rotational wheel speed. A change of the rotational wheel speed is accompanied by a change of the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle. Thus, the change of the longitudinal velocity can be determined in a simple manner from the measured rotational wheel speed. However, it may also be provided that the rotational wheel speed is fed directly to the software module and is used to determine whether a docking is taking place.
When the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle is monitored (particularly whether the longitudinal velocity is below a defined velocity value), docking can be detected unambiguously. As a rule, docking is preceded by a maneuvering operation, so that the vehicle drives at a low longitudinal velocity. If a rapid change of the rotational wheel speed and engine torque occurs in such a situation, this is most probably a docking. The detection of a slow longitudinal velocity (particularly a velocity below a threshold value) can be provided as a prerequisite for the detection of the docking. It is conceivable, for example, to determine the changes of the engine torque quantity and of the velocity quantity with respect to time only when the vehicle drives at a longitudinal velocity below the threshold value. In this case, it is advantageous for the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle to be used as the velocity quantity.
It is particularly advantageous to detect and analyze additional vehicle parameters for identifying a docking, particularly vehicle parameters describing the condition of the transmission line. One such parameter which may be used for this purpose is the engaged gear of a transmission, from which the driving direction and the transmission ratio can be detected. It can, for example, be detected whether the reverse gear is engaged. Only then can a docking be involved. The detection of additional vehicle parameters can therefore enhance the reliable detection of the docking. These preferably include the condition of a clutch (engaged or released) situated in the transmission line and the rotational engine speed, from which the rotational input speed and the rotational output speed of the transmission are obtained.
In addition, the object of the invention is achieved by a module to which an engine torque quantity describing the engine torque and a velocity quantity describing the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle are fed, and which has devices for determining change of the engine torque quantity and of the longitudinal velocity quantity, which are connected with devices for determining whether a docking is taking place. Without providing additional sensors on the vehicle, such a module can determine reliably whether a docking of the vehicle to a docking system is taking place, and a braking maneuver can be initiated. The module can be constructed as a hardware module.
As an alternative and preferably, the invention can be constructed as a software module, and the process can be performed by a microprocessor which is otherwise present in the vehicle. The process can thus be implemented and carried out in a particularly cost-effective manner, and no additional hardware is required for detecting the docking.
When additional input quantities describing additional vehicle parameters, such as the velocity or status quantities of the transmission and drive train, are supplied to the module, the decision as to whether a docking has taken place can be based on a more reliable foundation.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the module is connected by way of a data line, particularly a CAN bus, with the braking system and/or the transmission line control (such as the engine, transmission) of the vehicle. Ordinarily, a CAN bus is present in the vehicle anyway. Thus, no new data lines are necessary for transmitting the braking command. This means that existing autonomously driving vehicles can be retrofitted particularly easily with the module according to the invention.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method of detecting the docking of vehicles


A system for, and method of, providing advance notification of issued items. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a data collection subsystem that gathers data regarding the issued items from an entity having issued items and transmits the data in a prescribed form and (2) a data storage and communication subsystem, including a central database, that receives the data from the data collection subsystem, combines the data with data gathered from other entities having issued items, stores the combined data in the central database and provides access of the central database to a potential item recipient thereby to allow the potential item recipient to receive advance notification as to whether an item to be received by the potential item recipient was properly issued.

Check fraud has been a problem for both financial institutions and retailers for decades, and the incidence involving check fraud has been on the increase for the last several years. Whenever a person forges a check on an account, one type of potential check fraud occurs. The person either makes the forged check payable to himself or a fictitious payee. The person then tenders the check to a retailer, perhaps in payment for goods or services received and perhaps with a request for cash. Alternatively, the person may tender the check directly to an FI (a "presenting FI") in the form of a deposit with a simultaneous request for cash (by means of the "less cash" field present on conventional deposit slips, such fraud being commonly called "less cash" fraud). Either way, the check ends up at a presenting FI, which, in the usual course of business, must determine (among other things) whether the check is genuine. Even with today's sophisticated presentment systems, this process can take precious days.
If the presenting FI finds the check to be a forgery, the retailer or the FI may take harsh measures against the person, if he can be found. The immediate victim in this scenario is, of course, the retailer or the presenting FI to which the check is originally tendered, and the cost to the retailer or presenting FI is the amount of the fraudulent check. The cost of such fraud is typically passed on in the form of increased prices to customers in general, who collectively then become the ultimate victims.
Both civil and criminal enforcement against fraudulent check writers are, unfortunately, difficult and most often will not lead to complete financial restoration. Habitual fraudulent check writers are difficult for the authorities to apprehend, because they can easily move from one geographical location to another and successfully evade the authorities while continuing to write fraudulent checks. Even when apprehended, however, they are usually financially incapable of making full financial restitution.
In an attempt to mitigate the problem of fraudulent check writers, retailers and FIs, in the past, have often relied on the "best judgment" of their cashiers or store managers, who examined photo ID cards, such as driver's licenses, and evaluated checks against an established local procedures. This process, however, has been only minimally effective and does not alert the retailers to the more sophisticated fraudulent check writers.
Additionally, retailers have turned to check-guarantee companies. Guarantee companies typically reimburse retailers if an approved check is returned for fraudulent reasons and also takes on the obligation of collecting the funds from the person who has forged the check. While these companies do protect the retailers from the financial risk, their services are costly, and again this cost is typically passed on to the consumers through increased prices for goods or services.
To overcome these deficiencies, check authorization networks ("CAN") have been formed in which retailers share information on returned checks and closed checking accounts. These systems may further incorporate information from a financial institution's database that is manually input into the CAN system. Typically, a retailer, who is a member of CAN is provided a host computer terminal for entry of returned check information or uses a host to host connection. A CAN master computer system retrieves that information from the retailer's computer terminal or host, adds or deletes checking account and driver's license numbers from the CAN master database and may redistribute the updated information to the retailer's computer systems for point-of-sale ("POS") access, retailers can select either national or regional database access.
The retailer's host computer is accessed through its POS terminals. Daily, the CAN master computer sends the retailer updates about fraudulent and returned check accounts that were received by other retailers. The retailer, in turn, uploads information concerning the returned checks it has received into the CAN master computer system, which, in turn, is distributed to or accessible by other retailers, who participate in the system. The type of information that is available with respect to the check may vary from one system to another. However, the more salient information typically includes the payor's name, address, driver's license number, social security number, and FI, account number and reason for inclusion on the file.
When a retailer or FI accepts a check from a person, the payor's checking account and/or driver's license number is provided to the POS terminal for verification purposes. If the person has an outstanding returned check, the retailer receives a decline code. It is then the person's obligation to contact someone within the check authorization network to remedy the problem. Once all outstanding returned checks have been paid by the person to the various payees, the CAN's master computer is updated with this information and downloaded to the retailer's host computer. After the updated information is downloaded and made accessible by the POS terminals, the payor's checks may then be accepted at various point-of-sale terminals.
The check authorizations networks, as just generally discussed, are very effective in deterring fraudulent check writing. However, there are certain areas in which it is desirable to make these systems even more efficient and effective.

System and method for providing central notification of issued items


A collapsible keyboard comprises a first key assembly, a second key assembly rotatably connected to the first key assembly and a third key assembly rotatably connected to the second key assembly. The first key assembly is located between the second and third key assemblies when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode, and the first key assembly, the second and third key assemblies are substantially located on the same level when the collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode.

The invention relates to a keyboard, and in particular to a collapsible keyboard.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional bi-fold keyboard 10. The keyboard 10 comprises a left key part 12, a right key part 14, a shaft 16 and a bracket 18 connected to the left key part 12. The left key part 12 is pivoted to the right key part 14 via the shaft 16. When the left key part 12 and the right key part 14 are folded together via the shaft 16 into a received mode, the size of the folded keyboard 10 is only reduced by half.
The bracket 18 connected to the left key part 12 (or the right key part 14) serves as a support for a portable electronic device (not shown), e.g. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Typically, the electronic device supported by the bracket 18 must be moved to a central region 18′ of the keyboard 10 to be viewable. It is not easy, however, to position the bracket 18 on the center of the unfolded keyboard 10.
FIG. 2 is another schematic view of a conventional quad-fold collapsible keyboard 20. The keyboard 20, comprising a first part 22a, a second part 22b, a third part 22c and a fourth part 22d can be folded by the method depicted in FIG. 1B. The folded keyboard 20 is very thick. Several keys 24 between the second part 22b and the third part 22c are, however, outwardly projected and easily damaged when the keyboard 20 is folded. Thus, a space key 24 of the keyboard 20 must be divided into two sections to respectively locate on the second part 22b and the third part 22c. This results in inferior user sensitivity when operating the keyboard 20.


A group of contact pads (20EB) formed on a lower surface (20B) at a connection end of a board portion of an optical module board (20) includes, in order from the endmost end, a contact pad (20B1) conducting to a ground line (G), contact pads (20B2) and (20B3) conducting to transmission-side high-speed signal lines (S), a contact pad (20B4) conducting to the ground line (G), contact pads (20B5, 20B6, and 20B7) conducting to low-speed signal lines (S), a contact pad (20B8) conducting to the ground line (G), contact pads (20B9 and 20B10) conducting to receiving-side high-speed signal lines (S), and a contact pad (20B11) conducting to the ground line (G). Fixed terminal portions of a plurality of contact terminals (32ai) connected to the contact pads (20B2 and 20B3) conducting to the transmission-side high-speed signal lines (S) and the contact pads (20B9 and 20B10) conducting to the receiving-side high-speed signal lines (S) in a host connector (30) are electrically connected to conductive paths (16THL, 16RHL), which are continuous with high-speed signal lines formed on a plane shared with electrode portions (16BE2, 16BE3, 16BE9, and 16BE10) via the electrode portions (16BE2, 16BE3, 16BE9, and 16BE10) of a printed wiring board (16).

A transceiver module and a receptacle assembly have been in practical use in an optical communication system in order for an optical signal transmitted by using an optical fiber or a copper cable, an optical connector, and the like to be transferred to a mother board. As disclosed in PATENT DOCUMENT 1, for example, a transceiver module (which is referred to as an SFP module in PATENT DOCUMENT 1) is made attachable to and detachable from a cage that constitutes part of a receptacle assembly placed on a printed wiring board. For instance, such transceiver module comprises, as its main elements: a transmitting optical sub-assembly (hereinafter also referred to as a TOSA); a receiving optical sub-assembly (hereinafter also referred to as an ROSA); a module board configured to perform signal processing, control, and the like for the TOSA and the ROSA; and a connection terminal portion of the module board configured to electrically connect the module board to a host connector in a receptacle assembly. As disclosed in PATENT DOCUMENT 2, for example, the connection terminal portion of the module board is electrically connected to a mother board through an SFP (small form-factor pluggable) connector serving as the aforementioned host connector. The SFP connector has a slot located at an end of a housing and opened toward an opening end portion of a cage that allows the transceiver module to pass through. The connection terminal portion of the module board is detachably inserted into the housing through the slot. A first contact terminal array and a second contact terminal array, in which respective contact portions are arranged opposite to one another in such a way as to pinch the connection terminal portion of the module board, are provided in the housing of the SFP connector. In each of the first contact terminal array and the second contact terminal array, contact terminals are arranged at predetermined intervals in such a way as to be substantially orthogonal to a direction of attachment and detachment of the connection terminal portion of the module board. Each of the first contact terminal array and the second contact terminal array comprises 10 pieces of contact terminals, for instance. Hereby, the contact portions in the first contact terminal array and the second contact terminal array are electrically connected to an upper contact pad array and a lower contact pad array of the connection terminal portion of the inserted module board, respectively.

High-speed signal connector and receptacle assembly equipped therewith and transceiver module assembly equipped therewith