A super-lattice structure is used for a portion of a laser device of a self-aligned structure to lower the resistance of the device by utilizing the extension of electric current in the layer, paying attention to the fact that the lateral conduction of high density doping in the super-lattice structure is effective for decreasing the resistance of the laser, in order to lower the operation voltage and increase the power in nitride type wide gap semiconductor devices in which crystals with high carrier density are difficult to obtain and the device resistance is high.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor laser optical source used as an optical source for laser beam printers or optical disk devices, and more particularly to a short wavelength semiconductor laser device formed with a semiconductor of a forbidden band width of 2 eV or more.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional short wavelength semiconductor laser devices have been formed of semiconductor materials of GaN and AlGN or the like with wide forbidden band width of more than 2 eV. For the materials of such wide forbidden band width, it has been known that either one of p-type doping or n-type doping is extremely difficult to attain a semiconductor device using the pn junction. Also, for the semiconductor material such as GaN or AlGaN, it has long been considered to realize a semiconductor laser device since p type impurity doping is particularly difficult.
With the progress in crystal growth techniques in recent years, p type doping has become possible even for the semiconductor materials described above, and semiconductor lasers have been developed for practical use. The p type doping, however, is not still easy for the type of the materials described above. For this case, there has been known, for example, that a stacked structure as shown in FIG. 17 for obtaining p type impurity density necessary for practical semiconductor laser devices. To obtain the p type impurity, a p-cladding layer is formed as a super lattice structure of GaN having a relatively narrow forbidden band width and Al0.16Ga0.84N having a relatively wide forbidden band width, and the energy of p type impurity doped to the Al0.16Ga0.84N layer is at a level lower than the Fermi level for the entire super lattice. However, in the ridge waveguide semiconductor laser device, since a current path is only a path in which a current vertically flows in the ridge having a rectangular cross section, the device resistance could not be reduced significantly even with considerations.
One example of the semiconductor laser structures manufactured by using the technique described above includes the document of T. Mizuno, et al. (19th IEEE International Semiconductor Conference 63p).
On the contrary, as a current confinement structure of a semiconductor laser device, a structure referred to as a self-aligned structure is known, which attains the current confinement and the optical waveguide simultaneously with a groove formed in a current blocking layer as described above. Also, for nitride type semiconductor laser device, a structure shown in FIG. 18 has been disclosed (JP-A No. 2003-179314) by Nakajima, et al, for example. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a semiconductor substrate; 7, n-cladding layer; 8, an active layer; 9, a p-cladding layer; 4, a current blocking layer; and 1, a single composition n-cladding layer (re-growth cladding layer). In this structure, the narrowest portion in the current blocking layer 4 is positioned several hundreds nm away from the activate layer 8 to provide a current distribution depicted by solid lines with reference numeral 12, over which current flows.


A device and method are described for measuring the weight of objects using a pneumatically sealed bellows which contains a pair of spaced apart capacitor plates. In accordance with the invention, the pneumatic pressure within the bellows is varied to maintain constant dimensions for the bellows and a constant distance between the electric capacitor plates. This pressure is therefore a function of the weight placed upon the bellows which exerts a pressure tending to force the walls of the bellows and the capacitor plates closer together thereby changing the electric capacitance between the capacitor plates. By adjusting the pneumatic pressure to maintain a constant electric capacitance and constant dimensions for the bellows, a convenient parameter is obtained from which the weight of objects placed on the bellows can be measured. The invention has particular application in the meteorological sciences.

It is well known to employ changes in the dielectric constant between two capacitor plates as means for weighing various objects. U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,885 to Jeffrey, for example, describes a load sensing mat comprising a pair of superimposed spaced, conductive elements held together by resilient material so that the elements constitute capacitance plates which produce electric signal changes according to the load placed on it to compress the resilient material and thus vary the spacing between the capacitance plates.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,876 to Chen describes an hydraulic bellows type scale which has a plurality of hydraulic bellows, a variable capacitor and an integrated circuit and display unit. The weight of an object placed on the scale is transmitted by means of pressure exerted on the hydraulic bellows to the capacitor which produces a capacitance signal which reflects the weight of the object. U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,677 to Hruby et al. describes a layered capacitive sensor for detecting loads and load variations. The device comprises two outer protective layers, a first electrical conductor layer, a first electrically insulating layer, a second electrically conductive layer, a second electrically insulating layer and a third electrically conductive layer. The insulating layers are made of a resilient material to permit compression of the multilayered mat thereby producing a change in electric capacitance.
These devices of the prior art have, however, required that the distance between capacitor plates vary in relation to weight placed upon the plates thereby inducing a change in the capacitance, the change which is measured as an electric signal. Such systems have been found, however, to posses certain characteristics which result in their being inherently inaccurate and unreliable. Particularly where compressible materials are employed between capacitor plates, a large hysterisis effect is encountered in which the relative geometry of the capacitor does not remain constant for a given load. This effect results in inconsistent and unreliable readings since the critical distance between the plates cannot be maintained for a constant load.
Further, where a weight sensitive mat is being employed to measure snow cover, it is important that the thickness of the mat remain constant under variations in snow load temperature and barometric pressure changes. If the mat compresses and enlarges, the snow load itself is compressed and more prone to bridging and or fill in by more snow thereby giving an erroneous snow cover measurement.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a new and improved scale and methodology for weighing objects using capacitor plates in which the distance between the capacitor plates and the thickness of the mat containing the plates can be maintained constant irrespective the objects placed upon it.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a weighing system for determining the weight of objects which employs a pneumatic bellows controlled by change in dielectric constant between capacitor plates to maintain a constant distance between capacitor plates irrespective of the weight placed upon the system.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a pressure sensitive system which is inexpensive, versatile, and can be employed in a number of applications including the measurement of snow water content, rain water collection, and the depth of large bodies of water into which the device can be submerged.


A device calibrates the frequency of an oscillator. The oscillator has first and second inputs and generates an output frequency responsive to a first voltage signal at the first input. The calibration device generates a calibration signal applied at the second input of the oscillator for calibrating its output frequency and comprises a counter. The counter has a first input frequency proportional to a reference frequency and a second input frequency proportional to the output frequency. The counter counts the time window number given by the ratio of the second to first frequencies. The device comprises a comparator that compares the counted time window number with a prefixed time window number. The calibration device changes the value of the calibration signal if the counted time window number is different from the prefixed time window number and until the counted time window number is equal to the prefixed time window number.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to a device for calibrating the frequency of an oscillator, to a phase looked loop circuit comprising said calibration device and to the related frequency calibration method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the present radio communication systems phase looked loop circuits (PLL) are generally utilized for generating oscillating electric signals. Generally the PLLs comprise a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) generation an oscillating output signal as a response of a voltage level applied at the input. The specific parameters of the voltage/frequency relationship depend on the parameters of the VCO manufacturing process, the values of the electric components that it comprises, the ambient temperature and the other factors.
For reducing the effects of the temperature variations and of the process parameters, devices for calibrating the frequency of the VCO are presently used.
Such devices become very important for the following reasons.
The reduction of the sizes of the integrated circuits which are due to the generation of MOS transistors having smaller and smaller channels imposes a reduction of the supply voltage and, for this reason, a reduction of the input voltage of the VCO.
The need of increasing the rejection of the spur radiation emissions in PLL and the risk of frequency variations of the VCO which are due to the interferences given by the coupling with the rest of the circuitry when a complex system is formed on a chip, imposes a reduction of the gain of the VCO.
A PLL having a device for calibrating a frequency of a VCO is disclosed in the article "A Fully Integrated PLL Frequency Synthesizer LSI for Mobile Communication System.", 2001 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium, pages 65–68. The PLL device comprises a programmable divider, a phase comparator, a filter, a delta-sigma converter, a VCO and a frequency error detector. The frequency band of the VCO is selected by means of a digital control signal and the resonant circuit of the VCO has N frequency bands of operation. When new frequency data are sent to the PLL the VCO has an input constant voltage. As a response of a starting digital signal one among the N bands of the resonator circuit is selected and the VCO oscillates at a frequency f1 that is sent to the programmable divider having at the input the output signal of the sigma-delta converter; the output signal of the programmable divider is the signal fdiv. The error detector compares the frequency fdiv with a reference frequency fref and it generates a new digital signal for selecting another frequency band of the VCO. The process is iterated several times until the frequency difference between the signal fdiv and the signal fref becomes less than a prefixed value. When the corrected frequency band of the VCO has been determined, the VCO does not have any longer at the input the constant signal but the output signal of the filter so that the PLL acts in closed loop condition.
The precision of the frequency calibration in this device is due to the bit number of the digital signal; however the use of a digital signal with a large bit number increases the convergence time of the calibration method. It is therefore necessary a trade-off between the bit number of the digital signal and the convergence time of the calibration method.

Device for calibrating the frequency of an oscillator, phase looked loop circuit comprising said calibration device and related frequency calibration method


A transceiver includes a power control circuit in the transmitter that operates on a packet-by-packet basis. The transceiver can, for each packet, set a variable gain amplifier to a first gain and use predetermined gain increments to thereafter increase gain until a gain hold event. The gain hold event can be an expiration of a time duration allocated for changing gain or a desired power being reached, whichever event occurs first. The gain can be adjusted by a predetermined amount based on an operating condition.

A transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver, thereby allowing the transceiver to both transmit and receive communication signals. Conventionally, the transmitter contains a power amplifier (PA) that provides the last stage of amplification of the signal to be transmitted.
In most conventional designs, the power amplifier is implemented as a component that is physically separate from other parts of the transmitter and/or transceiver. Also, power amplifiers made from gallium arsenide (GaAs) or Silicon bipolar junction transistors (SiBJT) are typically used because they have an inherently higher breakdown voltage than transistors made in a CMOS circuit, whether the transistors are n-channel or p-channel transistors. While such designs allow for a power amplifier that has the desired amplification characteristics, they do so at the expense of cost. Not only is a GaAs, SiBJT or other non-CMOS power amplifier costlier than a transistor in a CMOS integrated circuit, but the non-CMOS power amplifier cannot be formed on the same integrated circuit chip as the components of the transmitter and/or transceiver. Both of these factors add to the overall cost of the resulting transceiver.
Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a transceiver in which most of the transmitter and receiver circuits are on a single chip, including the power amplifier. For example, an article entitled "A Single Chip CMOS Direct-Conversion Transceiver for 900 MHz Spread Spectrum Digital Cordless Phones" by T. Cho et al. that was presented at the 1999 IEEE International Solid State Circuits Conference, describes a CMOS transceiver chip that includes an integrated power amplifier. An improved CMOS power amplifier is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,504,433, entitled "CMOS TRANSCEIVER HAVING AN INTEGRATED POWER AMPLIFIER", filed on Sep. 15, 2000, and assigned to Atheros Communications, Inc., which recognizes the advantage of integrating the power amplifier.
Nevertheless, a major disadvantage of CMOS power amplifiers is that they exhibit a wide range of power level variation due to their sensitivity to thermal and process variations. High efficiency and constant power levels in CMOS power amplifiers is impeded by the technologies low breakdown voltage, low current drive, and lossy substrate.
Furthermore, conventional transmitter designs operate so that the output power is transmitted based upon a function of many different variables. For example, in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) environment, the power output of a mobile transmitter will typically be based upon the distance between the mobile transmitter and the base station currently in use. In such an environment, the output power will generally increase if the mobile transmitter travels closer to the base station. In operation, the gain of a variable gain amplifier that is part of the transmitter, at either the intermediate frequency (IF) or radio frequency (RF) stage, will be changed to thereby lower the transmit output power. In this situation, while the output power may become too large for a period of time, that is acceptable within the overall system requirements.
However, in other environments, it is required (by for instance the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)) that the output power must not exceed a pre-specified level at any time. In such an environment, the above-described design cannot be used. Specifically, in order to take into account instances in which power will exceed the pre-specified maximum, the average output power must be much lower than that maximum, which degrades system performance to an unacceptable level.
Accordingly, a transmitter containing a variable gain amplifier and a power amplifier integrated with a CMOS transceiver chip that overcomes the above disadvantage would be desirable.

Power control on a packet-by-packet basis in a CMOS transceiver


A communications gateway can be used to provide communications services from a communications service provide to electronic devices within a structure. Signals can be transmitted from the communications gateways to the electronic devices over a plurality of different types of wireline media. The communications gateway can allow communication services using a wireline medium (e.g., a set of twisted pair wires) to be transmitted within the structure by taking advantage of existing wireline media (e.g., CAT3 cable, coaxial cable, power lines, etc.).

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to communications gateways, and more particularly to communications gateways and methods of using communications gateways.
2. Description of the Related Art
Communications gateways, such as residential gateways or multimedia gateways, are commonly used for providing Internet or cable access within a structure (e.g., a house, an office building, etc.) or a portion thereof (e.g., an apartment unit within an apartment building). In one embodiment, a coaxial cable can be received at a house and split into a first coaxial cable line that is directed to a set-top box for broadcast programs, a second cable line that is directed to a personal computer for Internet access, and still another line that is directed to an analog telephone (via an adapter). Not all structures have access to services by cable companies. In remote locations, laying coaxial cable for a structure that is over a kilometer away from the nearest house can be quite expensive. Therefore, even though new structures may be internally wired for a plurality of communications media (e.g., telephone, coaxial cables, and CAT5 cable), those new structures may not be able to receive cable service.
Satellite or other wireless media may be used to provide communication services to remote locations. However, satellite and other wireless media can have significantly slower transmission rates, tend to have fluctuations in the quality of service (e.g., because of environmental conditions, e.g., thunderstorms, solar storms, or improperly shielded equipment operating nearly), or a combination thereof. Therefore, although satellite or other wireless media can be used, wireline communications may be preferred.
Within the United States, nearly every structure occupied by humans for a significant portion of most days has one or more telephone lines provided to such structure or portion thereof (e.g., a house, an office building, an apartment, etc.). Within the structure, a plurality of different types of wireline media (e.g., CAT3 cable, coaxial cable, etc.) within the walls of the structure is commonly used to transmit signals from communications service providers throughout portions of the structure. A wireless router can be connected to a wireline medium; however, the wireless transmission using the wireless router may be subject to some of the problems seen with satellites or other wireless medium. Also, the wireless connections may have transmission problems within a structure if a significant amount of metal (e.g., furnace, water heater, etc.), a relatively dense material (e.g., brick, stone, or other masonry), or a significant distance lies between the wireless router and a personal computer or other device that is to be connected to the wireless router.
Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

Communications gateway and method of using the same


A method of executing a gesture command includes identifying a hand centroid of a hand. The method also includes identifying a first finger tip of a first finger on the hand. The method further includes identifying a thumb tip of a thumb on the hand. Moreover, the method includes determining a surface normal relationship between the hand centroid, the first finger tip, and the thumb tip.

Modern computing and display technologies have facilitated the development of "mixed reality" or "MR" systems for so called "virtual reality" or "augmented reality" experiences, wherein digitally reproduced images or portions thereof are presented to a user in a manner wherein they seem to be, or may be perceived as, real. A virtual reality, or "VR", scenario typically involves presentation of digital or virtual image information without transparency to actual real-world visual input. An augmented reality, or "AR", scenario typically involves presentation of digital or virtual image information as an augmentation to visualization of the actual world around the user (i.e., transparency to other actual real-world visual input). Accordingly, AR scenarios involve presentation of digital or virtual image information with transparency to other actual real-world visual input.
Various optical systems generate images at various depths for displaying mixed reality (VR and AR) scenarios. Some such optical systems are described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/555,585 filed on Nov. 27, 2014, the contents of which are hereby expressly and fully incorporated by reference in their entirety, as though set forth in full.
Mixed reality systems typically employ wearable display devices (e.g., head-worn displays, helmet-mounted displays, or smart glasses) that are at least loosely coupled to a user's head, and thus move when the user's head moves. If the user's head motions are detected by the display system, the data being displayed can be updated to take the change in head pose (i.e., the orientation and/or location of user's head) into account.
As an example, if a user wearing a head-worn display views a virtual representation of a three-dimensional (3-D) object on the display and walks around the area where the 3-D object appears, that 3-D object can be re-rendered for each viewpoint, giving the user the perception that he or she is walking around an object that occupies real space. If the head-worn display is used to present multiple objects within a virtual space (for instance, a rich virtual world), measurements of head pose can be used to re-render the scene to match the user's dynamically changing head location and orientation and provide an increased sense of immersion in the virtual space. However, there is an inevitable lag between rendering a scene and displaying/projecting the rendered scene.
Head-worn displays that enable AR provide concurrent viewing of both real and virtual objects. With an "optical see-through" display, the user can see through transparent (or semi-transparent) elements in the display system to view directly the light from real objects in the environment. The transparent element, often referred to as a "combiner," superimposes light from the display over the user's view of the real world, where light produced by the display projects an image of the virtual content over the see-through view of the real world. A camera (e.g., a field of view or FOV camera) may be mounted onto the wearable display to capture images or videos of the scene being viewed by the user.
Current 3-D optical systems, such as those in mixed reality systems, optically render virtual objects. Objects are "virtual" in that they are not real physical objects located in respective positions in 3-D space. Instead, virtual objects only exist in the brains (e.g., the optical centers) of viewers and/or listeners when stimulated by light beams directed to the eyes of audience members.
MR systems allow virtual objects to interact with real world physical objects. Some of these interactions make use of user input. Mixed reality systems can receive user input through gesture recognition sub-systems, thereby eliminating separate input devices (e.g., keyboards, mice, joysticks, totems, etc.) from the mixed reality systems. Examples of such gesture recognition system are described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/331,218 filed on Jul. 14, 2014, the contents of which are hereby expressly and fully incorporated by reference in their entirety, as though set forth in full. In such systems, a user's hands function as the input devices. However, the complexity of the human hand and it's wide range of articulation complicates gesture recognition. There exists a need for more accurate and precise/repeatable gesture recognition and systems for accomplishing same.

Gesture recognition system and method of using same


A liquid crystal display (ALCD@) panel having electrostatic discharge (AESD@) prevention circuitry. The LCD panel includes a plurality of gate lines connected to a gate driving circuit and a plurality of data lines connected to a data driving circuit, the gate lines and the data lines intersect to define a pixel array. The LCD panel further comprises a plurality of ESD prevention circuits each having at least one switching device and at least one control terminal connected to the switching device, each ESD prevention circuit connected between an end of a gate or data line and a common wire. The ends of the gate and data lines are thereby coupled in common by the common wire. The switching device is turned on by electrostatic voltages generated at the gate and/or data lines during LCD panel fabrication, and is turned off by control signals applied at the control terminal during panel testing and normal operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (xe2x80x9cLCDxe2x80x9d) panel having electrostatic discharge (xe2x80x9cESDxe2x80x9d) prevention circuitry for reducing static electricity. In particular, it relates to an LCD panel having ESD prevention circuitry that allows testing of the panel during manufacturing as well as normal operation of the panel thereafter.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
During the fabrication process of an LCD panel, high voltages often develop, such as by friction or discharge, across various electrical components of the panel. Such high voltages may generate instant currents that flow through the wires, the intersections of the wires, and the thin film transistors (xe2x80x9cTFTsxe2x80x9d) formed on the LCD panel. This causes defects and malfunctions in the panel such as an electrical short or open. It is therefore desirable to reduce or eliminate static electricity especially during the manufacturing process of the LCD panel.
FIG. 1 shows a prior technique for static electricity prevention. An LCD panel includes a plurality of intersecting gate lines G1 to GN and data lines D1 to DM. Each of the gate lines G1 to GN is connected at a first end to a gate driving circuit 2 which provides gate signals for the LCD panel, and each of the data lines D1 to DN is connected at a first end to a data driving circuit 4 which provides data signals for the LCD panel. The intersecting gate and data lines define a pixel array or matrix. At each intersection of a gate line and a data line, a pixel element comprising a TFT 10 and a pixel electrode 12 is electrically coupled to the gate and data lines.
Each of the data lines D1 to DM and the gate lines G1 to GM is electrically coupled at a second end to a common shorting bar SB. During fabricating, electrostatic discharge is reduced or prevented because the common shorting bar SB shorts the gate and data lines. The common shorting bar, however, may interfere with the testing of the LCD panel during manufacturing as well as the intended normal operation of the panel, both of which require voltage differences to be applied across the data and gate lines. Thus, this ESD prevention technique requires an additional step of removing the shorting bar after the LCD panel is formed.
FIG. 2 shows another prior technique for static electricity prevention. Identical components in FIGS. 2 and 1 are designated by identical reference symbols. In this device, a transistor 14 is electrically coupled between the common shorting bar SB and the second end of each of the data lines D1 to DM and gate lines G1 to GN. The two gate electrodes of the CMOS transistor 14 are coupled to the data or gate line and the common shorting bar, respectively. The transistors 14 act as diodes. When a voltage is applied to the data or gate line due to static electricity, the transistor 14 is turned on to allow a current to flow between the data or gate line and the common shorting bar SB through the current path of the transistor. This reduces the voltage difference across the transistor 14 until the gate voltages are sufficiently low that the transistor is turned off. Since all data and gate lines are coupled to the common short bar SB via transistors, ESD is reduced or prevented during the fabricating process.
However, during panel testing and normal operations of the LCD panel, the transistors 14 may be turned on, and the signals on the data and gate lines may become distorted due to the currents that flow between the gate lines and the data lines through the transistors, which have low turn-on resistance.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an LCD panel having ESD prevention circuitry that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the prior technique and related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide an LCD panel having ESD prevention circuitry by using switching devices.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a liquid crystal display panel for static electricity prevention includes a plurality of gate lines from a gate driver and a plurality of data lines from a data driver, the gate lines and data lines forming a pixel array, a switching device and a pixel electrode are connected electrically to each pixel, a plurality of static electricity prevention circuits having at least one switching device, each static electricity prevention circuit connected to ends of the gate line and the data line; a common wire connected to each static electricity prevention circuit, the common wire coupling the gate lines with data lines in common; and at least one control part connected to each static electricity prevention circuit, the control part generating a control signal which turns off the switching device.
In another aspect of the present invention, a liquid crystal display panel having electrostatic discharge prevention circuitry comprises a plurality of gate lines; a plurality of data lines, the gate lines and the data lines define an array of pixels; a plurality of switching devices respectively connected to the pixels, the switching devices connected to the gate lines and data lines; a common line; and a plurality of electrostatic discharge prevention circuits each coupled to the common line and one of the gate and data lines, each electrostatic discharge prevention circuit having at least one switching device and at least one control terminal connected to the at least one switching device, wherein the at least one switching device operates in response to a signal from the control terminal.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for making a liquid crystal display panel having electrostatic discharge prevention circuitry comprises the steps of forming a plurality of gate lines; forming a plurality of data lines, the gate lines and the data lines defining an array of pixels; forming a plurality of switching devices respectively connected to the pixels, the switching devices connected to the gate lines and data lines; forming a common line; and forming a plurality of electrostatic discharge prevention circuits each coupled to the common line and one of the gate and data lines, each electrostatic discharge prevention circuit having at least one switching device and at least one control terminal connected to the at least one switching device, wherein the at least one switching device operates in response to a signal from the control terminal.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Liquid crystal display panel having electrostatic discharge prevention circuitry


A controller is operative to heat a first fixing heater by an electric power from a commercial power source, and to heat a second fixing heater by an electric power from an electric storage device in a state that driving of a voltage boosting device is suspended by a PWM controller and an MOS transistor in an initial stage of driving a fixing heater unit. The controller is also operative to drive the second fixing heater by an electric power from the electric storage device which is boosted by the voltage boosting device by driving the voltage boosting device by the PWM controller and the MOS transistor after an inrush current to the second fixing heater has dropped to a certain level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technology of controlling an electric power supply to a fixing device for fixing a toner on a recording sheet by applying a heat.
2. Description of the Background Art
There is known an image forming apparatus such as a copier, wherein a fixing roller is heated by applying a large electric current to a fixing heater with use of a commercial power source and an auxiliary power source device e.g. an electric dual-layer capacitor to reduce a time required for the fixing roller to reach a predetermined fixing temperature when the apparatus is in an initial startup condition or in an energy saving mode where the apparatus is in a standby state for a printing operation, with its power supply to the fixing heater being suspended. In the image forming apparatus, the voltage of the electric dual-layer capacitor itself to be used as the auxiliary power source device is relatively low e.g. 2.5V. In view of this, e.g. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-297526 proposes use of a voltage boosting circuit. Specifically, in the publication, an electric power of the electric dual-layer capacitor is supplied to the fixing heater, after the voltage of the electric dual-layer capacitor is boosted to a voltage suitable for supplying to the fixing heater by the voltage boosting circuit.
Generally, a halogen heater to be used as the fixing heater has a low resistance in a normal temperature condition before being heated. When a voltage is applied to the halogen heater at the start time of heating the heater, an inrush current of a value several times or several ten times as high as that of a rated current flows to the heater. As a result, a coil in the voltage boosting circuit is saturated by the inrush current, which hinders the voltage boosting circuit from functioning properly. In view of this, the electric dual-layer capacitor and the voltage boosting circuit are controlled not to supply their electric powers to the heater at the start time of heating the fixing roller when an inrush current flows. If the aforementioned control of avoiding an inrush current is performed by causing the electric dual-layer capacitor and the voltage boosting circuit to wait for their electric power supply operations until the inrush current disappears, a startup time required for the fixing heater to perform an intended heating operation may be extended, which may resultantly increase a time required for the fixing roller to reach the predetermined fixing temperature. Also, there is proposed an idea of providing an inrush current preventing circuit between the voltage boosting circuit and the fixing heater to prevent an inrush current from flowing to the fixing heater so as to drive the voltage boosting circuit while suppressing flow of the inrush current. In this arrangement, the inrush current preventing circuit is an indispensable element.


A recycle-free directory entry system and method thereof applicable in a file system are provided. The file system uses one or more directory entries to record a unique file/directory name. The recycle-free directory entry method consists of plural directory entries stored in a storage device with a plurality of sectors, each sector only recording all directory entries corresponding to a unique file/directory. Each directory entry has a directory name field, a directory attribute field and a reserve field. The directory name field records a filename of a related file/directory. The directory attribute field records an attribute of the related file/directory. The reserve field records an identity byte, which indicates that all directory entries corresponding to the related file/directory are exclusively recorded in a single sector.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the technical field of file systems and, more particularly, to a recycle-free directory entry system and method that is used in a file system.
2. Description of Related Art
As semiconductor processes have developed rapidly, more transistors can be contained in a same area such that electronic devices have the enhanced functions and the trend of sizes is toward being light, thin and small. Accordingly, the capacity of a single packaged NAND flash memory is continuously increased, and a hand-held MP3 player with NAND flash memory can rapidly increase the capacity. In order to download MP3 songs from different platforms, the hand-held MP3 player typically implements an internal FAT32 file system.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of directory entries of a conventional FAT32 file system that are recorded in a storage device. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage device has sectors 11, each providing a memory space to record one or more directory entries 12. As shown, a file 13 in the file system corresponds to one or more directory entries 12. The directory entries 12 record the name and associated data of the corresponding file 13. Searching, deleting and/or adding files are required for operation of the file system, and accordingly the traverse, delete and new functions are provided to the directory entries 12.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a traverse operation in the conventional FAT32 file system. As shown in FIG. 2, step S110 reads a sector 11 from the storage device. Step S120 filters a next target directory entry 12 from the sector 11 read, where each directory entry 12 has 32 bytes. Step S130 determines if the directory entry 12 obtained has the first byte containing "0x00". When the first byte is determined to contain "0x00", it indicates that the directory entry 12 is not used and not followed by another directory entry 12, and in this case, no traverse is operated and the procedure is ended. When the first byte is determined to not contain a value of 0x00, step 140 is executed. Step S140 further determines if the first byte contains 0xE5. When the first byte is determined to contain 0xE5, it indicates that the directory entry 12 is not used but followed by another directory entry 12, namely, the directory entry 12 corresponds to a deleted file 13, and in this case, step S120 is executed to filter a next directory entry 12. When the first byte is determined to not contain 0xE5, it indicates that the directory entry 12 is used by the file 13, and step S150 is executed to gather a filename in accordance with data read from all directory entries 12 read. Step S160 determines if the filename gathered is complete. When the filename gathered is complete, it indicates that the file 13 is traversed and the procedure is ended. When the filename gathered is not complete, step S170 is executed. Step S170 further determines if the tail of the sector 11 is read. When the tail of the sector 11 is read, step S110 is executed to read a next sector. When the tail of the sector 11 is not read, step S120 is executed to filter a next directory entry 12.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a delete operation in the conventional FAT32 file system. As shown in FIG. 3, step S210 reads a sector 11 from the storage device. Step S220 filters a next directory entry 12 from the sector 11 read, where each directory entry 12 has 32 bytes. Step S230 determines if the directory entry 12 obtained has the first byte containing "0x00". When the first byte is determined to contain "0x00", it indicates that the directory entry 12 is not used and not followed by another directory entry 12, and in this case, no directory entry 12 can be deleted and the procedure is ended. When the first byte is determined to not contain 0x00, step 240 is executed. Step S240 further determines if the first byte determined contains 0xE5. When the first byte is determined to contain 0xE5, it indicates that the directory entry 12 is not used but followed by another directory entry 12, and in this case, step S220 is executed to filter a next directory entry 12. When the first byte is determined to not contain 0xE5, it indicates that the directory entry 12 is used by the file 13, and step S250 is executed to concatenate data read from all directory entries 12 read to thereby form a filename. Step S260 determines if the filename is a target filename. When the filename is the target filename, step S280 is executed to set the first byte determined to contain 0xE5 to indicate the directory entry 12 is unused. When the filename is not the target filename, step S270 is executed. Step S270 further determines if the tail of the sector 11 is read. When the tail of the sector 11 is read, step S210 is executed to read a next sector. When the tail of the sector 11 is not read, step S220 is executed to filter a next directory entry 12.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an appending operation in the conventional FAT32 file system. As shown in FIG. 4, step S310 reads a sector 11 from the storage device. Step S320 filters a next directory entry 12 from the sector 11 read, where each directory entry 12 has 32 bytes. Step S330 determines if the directory entry 12 obtained has the first byte containing "0x00". When the first byte is determined to contain "0x00", it indicates that the directory entry 12 is not used and not followed by another directory entry 12, and in this case, step 350 adds a new directory entry 12 immediately after the directory entry 12. When the first byte is determined to not contain 0x00, step 340 is executed. Step S340 further determines if the tail of the sector 11 is read. When the tail of the sector 11 is read, step S310 is executed to read a next sector 11. When the tail of the sector 11 is not read, step S320 is executed to filter a next directory entry 12.
As cited, the conventional FAT32 file system applies one or more directory entries to record the filename and associated data of the file 13, and each directory entry uses 32 bytes. However, the required length is changed because of different filenames, which can have a filename up to 255 characters. Accordingly, a single file 13 may require one to ten directory entries 12, which causes an uncertainty of the use amount of space. When the file system is traversed, the directory entries 12 have to read one by one and determine the contents due to the uncertainty of required length, in order to obtain the complete information for determining if there exists a next directory/file 13 or not and determining where the file 13 is. Such a way takes too much time. In addition, as learned from the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 4, the prior art requires plural comparisons, which also make the operation of the directory entries 12 of the typical FAT32 file system waste too much time. Further, the directories/files 13 deleted may release different space lengths thus causing uncertainty, and the space cannot be reused by proceeding files 13 thus causing space waste.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved directory entry system and method to mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Recycle-free directory entry system and method


Disclosed is an urethane acrylate oligomer to be obtained by reacting an isocyanate group-having urethane prepolymer and hydroxyl group-having acrylate and/or methacrylate, in which the urethane prepolymer is one having isocyanurate rings and the hydroxyl group-having acrylate and/or methacrylate comprises 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate and/or 4-hydroxybutyl methacrylate. The oligomer has a much lower viscosity of itself and a much higher ultraviolet-hardening speed, than the conventional urethane acrylate oligomers, and may be hardened to give a film having excellent physical properties of flexibility, heat resistance, weather resistance of hot-cold repetition cycles and scratch resistance.

An ultraviolet-hardening resin composition is composed of an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer and a photo-polymerization initiator as essential components. The oligomer is a main factor of determining the physical properties of the hardened product from the composition and the liquid properties of the composition itself. As typical examples of the oligomer, there are mentioned urethane acrylates, epoxy acrylates and polyester acrylates.
In particular, urethane acrylates, which can be characterized in flexibility, toughness, weather resistance, chemical resistance and glass transition point by selecting the kinds and proportions of the components such as polyol component, polyisocyanate component and hydroxyl group-containing acrylic monomer, are used in various fields of woodworking materials, polyvinyl chloride flooring materials, coating agents for shaped plastic articles, and coating agents for optical fibers.
Coating agents themselves, containing such urethane acrylates, are described in JP-B 54-22238 and 57-34853. (The term "JP-B" as used herein means an "examined Japanese patent publication".) However, the hydroxyl group-containing acrylates as disclosed in them are only 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, and only 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate is concretely used in the examples of them. The disclosed acrylates could not be incorporated into the coating agent in the absence of a solvent.
On the other hand, JP-A 1-161010 mentions a coating agent containing an urethane acrylate. (The term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application".) However, it relates to an electron-hardening resin composition, which is different from the present invention relating to an ultraviolet-hardening resin. In addition, only 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate is used in the examples of JP-A 1-161010, and this indispensably needs an acrylic monomer as a reactive diluting agent.
JP-A 1-185313 relates to a photo-hardening resin, like the present invention, and the use of urethane acrylates is mentioned. However, only 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate is used in the examples of JP-A 1-185313, and it also needs a reactive diluting agent of an acrylic monomer or the like.
The conventional urethane acrylate oligomers as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent publications or applications have a high viscosity of themselves, as having many urethane bonds therein, and therefore need various diluting agents (such as acrylic monomers, solvents, etc.) when they are formed into coating agents or coating paints. Thus, they involve various problems with respect to the current needs of solvent-free products and energy saving products.
In addition, they are also not sufficiently satisfactory with respect to the ultraviolet-hardening speed and to the physical properties of the hardened films from them, such as flexibility, heat resistance and weather resistance of hot-cold repetition cycles.

Ultraviolet-hardening urethane acrylate oligomer


A signal processing system which can perform cable transmission or optical transmission of data at the time of data transmission between a keyboard (1) and a signal processing unit to thereby has flexibility of data transmission. This signal processing system is composed of the keyboard (1), the signal processing unit and a receiving adapter unit. Further, the keyboard (1) consists of: a key matrix (6); a control portion (6) for outputting switch data corresponding to an operated key; a data transmitting portion (9) for outputting switch data through a cable (4); an optical data transmitting portion (10) for performing optical transmission of switch data; and a power supply (11). The receiving adapter unit is provided with: a data receiving portion for receiving switch data transmitted through the cable (4); an optical data receiving portion for receiving optical data transmitted by performing optical transmission; a storage portion for storing switch data received by a data receiving portion or an optical data receiving portion; and a transmission/reception control portion for converting switch data read from the storage portion into a switch code, for transmitting the switch code to the signal processing unit and for processing a signal supplied from the signal processing unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a signal processing system, and, more particularly, to a signal processing system, in which a receiving adapter unit is interposed between a keyboard and a signal processing unit, and in which switch data obtained by the keyboard is transmitted to the receiving adapter unit through a cable or as a light signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, in the case of connecting a keyboard to a signal processing unit such as a personal computer (PC), the signal processing unit and the keyboard are connected with a cable. When one of many keys provided on the keyboard is operated, a switch code (namely, a keyboard code) corresponding to the operated key is formed in the keyboard. This switch code is transmitted to the signal processing unit through the cable.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a known signal processing system in which a keyboard is connected to a signal processing unit through a cable.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the signal processing system is configured by connecting a keyboard 51 to a signa processing unit (PC) 53 through a cable 52. In this case, the keyboard 51 consists of: a key matrix 54 in which many keys are placed; a control portion (namely, a control processing unit (CPU)) 55 for supervising and controlling an operation of the entire keyboard by controlling (or managing)control data supplied from the signal processing unit 53; an indicating portion (IND) 56 for displaying operating conditions of the keys and so forth; and an interface circuit (I/F) 57 for interfacing between the keyboard 51 and the signal processing unit 53. In this case, the control portion 55 carries out the following various functions. Namely, a first one of the functions is to generate a scanning signal for sequentially scanning many keys provided on the key matrix 54. Further, a second one of the functions is to receive switch data corresponding to operated one of many keys that are scanned. Moreover, a third one of the functions is to convert accepted switch data into a switch code to be sent to the signal processing unit 53. Furthermore, a fourth one of the functions is to transmit the switch code to the signal processing unit 53 through the interface circuit 57 and the cable 52. Additionally, a fifth one of the functions is to transmit predetermined indication data to the indicating portion 56. Besides, a sixth one of the functions is to perform predetermined signal processing in response to a command signal supplied to the control portion 55 from the signal processing unit 53 through the cable 52.
When some (namely, one or more) of the many keys placed on the key matrix 54 are operated in the signal processing system having the aforementioned configuration, the control portion 55 receives switch data, which respectively correspond to the operated keys, in sequence. Subsequently, the control portion 55 converts the received switch data into switch codes to be sent to the signal processing unit 53. Then, the control portion 55 transmits the switch codes to the signal processing unit 53 sequentially through the interface circuit 57 and the cable 52. If some command data is supplied to the control portion 55 from the signal processing unit 53 during transmitting these switch codes, the control portion 55 performs an operation, which corresponds to the contents of a command represented by the command data, in response to the command data.
Further, among known signal processing systems, there has been developed what is called a wireless keyboard, which is wirelessly connected with a signal processing unit by transmitting light signals such as an infrared light signal therefrom so that the light signal is received by the signal processing unit, instead of connecting a signal processing unit therewith through a cable. An example of such a system is disclosed in the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-304611.
Meanwhile, the known signal processing system, in which a keyboard and a signal processing unit are connected with each other through a cable, has problems in that kinds or types of keyboards, which can be connected to the signal processing unit, are limited, that in addition, kinds of data, which can be transmitted between the keyboard and the signal processing unit, is limited to switch data and so on, which can be processed in the signal processing unit and that thus, the data transmission performed in the signal processing system lacks flexibility.
On the other hand, the known signal processing system, in which a keyboard and a signal processing unit are wirelessly connected with each other by transmitting a light signal, has similar problems in that the kind of a keyboard, which can transmit data to and received data from the signal processing unit, is limited to a wireless keyboard, that in addition, kinds of data, which can be optically transmitted between the keyboard and the signal processing unit, is limited to switch data and so forth, which can be processed in the signal processing unit and that thus, the data transmission performed in the signal processing system lacks flexibility.
The present invention is accomplished to solve these problems of the known signal processing systems.

Signal processing system for transmission of data between a keyboard and a signal processing unit


Disclosed is a method for sealing a light-emitting device wherein formation of air bubbles in a light-emitting device module can be prevented by performing no gelation after fitting of a cover member. This method also enables to seal a light-emitting device by using a gel sealing material composed of a gel precursor which uses a solvent. Also disclosed is a light-emitting module formed by such a sealing method. In this method for sealing a light-emitting device, gelation of the gel precursor of a gel sealing material is performed before placing the precursor on the light-emitting device, and thus no gelation is necessary after fitting of a cover member. Consequently, a gel precursor having high viscosity that is difficult to be used in an injection method can be used in this method. Furthermore, a substance which requires use of a solvent can be used as a gel precursor of a gel sealing material. A light-emitting device module with high luminance wherein no air bubbles are included can be obtained by this method.

The present invention relates to a method for sealing a light emitting element using a gel sealant made by causing a gel precursor to gel to lose liquidity, and further relates to a light emitting element module formed by this method.
The light emitting element module, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, has properties such as having low power consumption, being miniature, being lightweight, and the like, and is used as a light source of a printer head, a light source of a liquid crystal backlight, a light source of various types of meters, and the like.
As an example of such a light emitting element module, as shown in FIG. 7, there is a light emitting element module containing a light emitting element 90, a base 91 having a concave portion in which the light emitting element 90 is stored, a lid 92 covering the light emitting element 90, and a silicone gel 93, for sealing the light emitting element 90, disposed between the base 91 and the lid 92.
The silicone gel 93 for sealing the light emitting element 90 gels by mixing two types of liquids and applying heat thereto. The gelling reaction of the two types of liquids is achieved by applying heat of 80 degrees Celsius to 150 degrees Celsius, thereby forming the silicone gel 93.
One method for sealing the light emitting element involves placing the light emitting element 90 on the base 91, thereafter unifying the lid 92 and the base 91, and, as shown in FIG. 7, mixing and injecting the two types of liquids making up the silicone gel 93 into between the lid 92 and the base 91 using an injector 94, and then heating the liquids. At this time, the mixture of the two types of liquids is injected until overflowing, so that air bubbles causing a decrease in light output or the like are not mixed in.
Furthermore, there is another method for sealing the light emitting element upon storing the light emitting element in the concave portion of the base, injecting the soft material thereon, placing on the soft material the lid protruding in a direction of the light emitting element, and thereafter applying heat thereto to unify the lid, the soft material, and the base (see, e.g., Patent Document 1). The soft material is injected through potting, and thus is fluidic, but the heat applied after the lid is placed causes the soft material to gel.                Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-318448
Through the method for mixing two types of liquids while injecting the mixture with the injector 94, however, the liquid must be injected until overflowing to prevent air bubbles between the base 91 and the lid 92. In other words, the overflowing liquid is wasted. The method raises another problem that it is difficult to align a tip of the injector 94 with injection entrance for injecting the two types of liquids between the base 91 and the lid 92.
Furthermore, heating is necessary for the two types of liquid that become the silicone gel 93 to gel. In other words, it is necessary to use a material for the base 91, the lid 92, and the like that can withstand the heat required to cause the two types of liquids to gel, thereby limiting the material that can be used. Furthermore, through such a method, a substance using a solvent cannot be used as the gel precursor of the gel because such a solvent causes air bubbles when evaporated, thereby decreasing the light output.
On the other hand, in the method for sealing the light emitting element of Patent Document 1, by placing the lid that protrudes in a direction of the light emitting element, air bubbles can be prevented from arising in the fluidic soft material. Determining a location at a time when the viscous soft material is injected thereby becomes relatively easy. The method of Patent Document 1, however, requires heat to cause the soft material to gel and does not allow the use of a solvent for the gel precursor of the soft material, thus leaving unsolved problems.

Light emitting element module and method for sealing light emitting element


The invention provides a method of textile printing using microorganisms with less limitation to dyes with less damage on base materials, and with less blurring of color borders. The method is capable of producing a complex, fine pattern; capable of realizing colored discharge printing with brilliant colors; and capable of readily producing an ombre pattern. The invention also provides a microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye and use in the textile printing method. In accordance with the invention, textile printing is carried out by coating a solution or paste (which may contain a dye) containing a bacterial strain Bacillus OY1-2 of genus Bacillus (Deposit Number: FERM 13118), in a desirable pattern on the cloth dyed with an azo dye (which may include a non-azo dye), subsequently proliferating or acting the bacterial strain while keeping the strain in a wet state, and to entirely or partially metabolize the azo dye to eliminate or decrease the coloring of the azo dye for textile printing. The method may be used, for example, in direct textile printing, white discharge printing, colored discharge printing or reserve printing. A non-colored base material can be combined with the solution containing the bacterial strains and azo dyes and the like as described above.

The present invention relates to a method of textile printing by microorganism and a microorganism for decolorization of azo system dye. More specifically, the present invention relates to a textile printing method using a specific bacterium, comprising treating a base material colored with an azo-system dye or with a azo-system dye together with a non azo-system dye or a base material with a pattern printed thereon by means of a paste solution containing at least the specific bacterium (and another azo-system dye). Additionally, the present invention also relates to a microorganism for decoloring azo system dyes. The microorganism being capable of metabolizing the azo system dyes.
The term "textile printing" includes direct textile printing (printing a pattern on a white base material or a ground dyed base material), discharge printing printing a pattern on a ground dyed base material (including white discharge printing, colored discharge printing and semi-discharge printing)! and reserve printing (comprising dyeing after drawing a pattern with a substance inhibiting the dyeing).
For the "discharge printing" , there is carried out 1. "white discharge printing" comprising depositing a paste solution containing a reducing agent or an alkali on primarily solid dyed cloth following a desired pattern for thermal processing, to facilitate decolorization via the reduction or the saponification of the carboxylate of a dispersion dye, thereby producing the pattern in white; 2. so-called "colored discharge printing" comprising effecting bleaching along with dyeing with another color; and 3. "semi-discharge printing" comprising terminating the white discharge printing during its intermediate stage, thereby leaving a pattern in slightly paler color than the base color. Furthermore, the "direct textile printing" comprises coating (printing, etc.) a given pattern on a base material using a predetermined color paste, subsequently drying the material, and steaming and washing the material for final finishing.
According to the aforementioned textile printing methods (the color discharge printing in particular), a reducing agent or an alkali is used for bleaching, so that it is required that the dye for preliminary solid dyeing (so-called dye for ground dyeing) should be a dye which can be decolored readily. Furthermore, the textile printing is limited in that the printing dye (dye of effect color for printing) should he a dye resistant to reduction and alkalis during decolorization. The textile printing is disadvantageous in that cloth may be damaged with reducing agents and that halation (blurring in the border of colors) may occur readily.

Method of textile printing by microorganism and microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye


A field for which a first priority level that has been set is the same as a second priority level that is stored in a priority level storage portion is specified as an update field from among a plurality of fields that have been defined in a content that is stored in a data storage portion. At least one character that is contained in the update field is updated in the specified order. A level of the second priority level is lowering by one level in a case where a character rollover has occurred during the updating of the at least one character. Printable data for the content in which the at least one character has been updated is created in a case where the character rollover has not occurred during the updating of the at least one character. The update field is specified every time the second priority level that is stored in the priority level storage portion is lowered.

The present disclosure relates to a data creation device that is configured to create data for printing content that contains characters that have a specified order, like numerals, alphabetic characters, and Japanese syllabic characters, as well as to a computer-readable medium that stores a data creation program.
A printer is known that is provided with a numbering function that sequentially updates a numbering character string and prints the updated character string on a tape. The numbering character string is configured from characters that have a specified order, as do alphabetic characters and Japanese syllabic characters.

Data creation device and computer-readable medium storing data creation program


A graphics rendering processor receives data related to a display and a user's gaze which is directed at the display. The user gaze may be detected based on inputs received from an optical sensor, such as a near-infrared sensor. The processor then renders different portions of the display based on the user gaze, such that an area where the user gaze is directed will receive higher rendering priority than an area at which the user gaze is not directed. In a processor with multiple cores which differ in precision, operation cost, etc. a controller may determine what portion of the display to render on which cores, based on the detected user gaze, content, or a combination thereof.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section. Similarly, issues identified with respect to one or more approaches should not assume to have been recognized in any prior art on the basis of this section, unless otherwise indicated.
Many devices, such as Internet of Things devices, today include a display unit. For many of these, the largest power consumption is due to the display, and associated processors. Optimizing the processors may allow smaller power consumption or performing additional tasks utilizing the same power consumption. Processor architectures are typically optimized for certain tasks, while possibly falling short in others.
Some applications include the use of asymmetrical processors, such as the art described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,087,161 "Asymmetrical scaling multiple GPU graphics system for implementing cooperative graphics instruction execution", to Diamond. As best understood, Diamond describes using multiple graphic processor units (GPUs) which are asymmetrical (different in their rendering capability), for scaling rendering capabilities to a computer system. Such a system is complex and may require an overhead for each GPU of generating an instruction set corresponding to the workload of the specific GPU, which may only run on the same.
It would therefore be beneficial to improve upon the prior art and provide a graphics rendering processor more efficient in power consumption, memory usage, or both.

Think Silicon Research and Technology Single Member S.A.


A positive latch connector is provided which includes a first component which includes at least one resilient arm having a pin extending therefrom at a distal end thereof. A mating second component is provided which includes inclined first and second ramps, and an oppositely inclined third ramp. In use, the pin is moved along the first ramp against an elastic member until the pin snaps into a first latch groove to lock the first and second components in place. To release the components from each other, the pin is moved further against the elastic member along the second ramp to a second latch groove from which the pin is urged by the elastic member in an opposite direction along the third ramp, thereby allowing the components to be separated.

Typical electrical connectors such as, for example those used with an antenna connector for an antenna cable such as that used in the automobile industry for radios, include a male connector body generally in the form of a plug and a female connector body generally in the form of a ferrule which forms a socket. In use, the male connector body is plugged into the female connector body to effect a mechanical and electrical connection between the two. Typically, an antenna cable in the form of a coaxial cable is electrically and mechanically attached to one of the connectors such as the male connector, and the other connector, such as the female connector, is electrically and mechanically attached to a circuit such as a circuit on a printed circuit board. In such electrical connectors there is a tendency for the male and female components to become unintentionally disconnected due to opposing axially directed forces which are sometimes inadvertently exerted upon the male connector relative to the female connector. In addition, the lack of satisfactory tactile feedback makes it difficult to know when a suitable connection has been made. One known positive latch connector which does prevent inadvertent disconnection and provides tactile feedback during assembly is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,199 granted to the present inventor on Feb. 04, 1997. The present invention provides a positive latch connector having features in addition to those provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,199. For example, the positive latch connector of U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,199 provides only one form of tactile feedback and does not provide means for facilitating the disconnection of the connector.


A method and apparatus for error masking for data transmission using received data. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a first data packet, where the first data packet contains multiple data elements, the first data packet being a data packet in a data stream. The method further includes determining that one or more data packets are missing from the data stream, and generating one or more data packets to replace the one or more missing data packets based at least in part on the one or more data elements of the first data packet.

In transmission of data streams, errors in data often occur as a result of noise, data congestion, or other issues. Data transmission may occur over any medium, including, but not limited to data transmission over a power line, conventional wires or cables, or wireless transmission.
Conventional systems may provide for methods to detect errors that occur in data. For example, data may be sent in sequence, and the receiving system may detect when data is not received in sequence. Further, the process may allow for retransmission of certain data packets or frames to obtain missing data that is not received in the proper sequence.
However, if data delivery is time sensitive, different factors may come into play regarding the data. There may not be sufficient time to retransmit missing data packets or frames in certain circumstances, and thus the data may not be recoverable in time to be of any use to the receiving device. If the missing data is not recovered, then the receiving system generally is required to either to continue operation without the missing data, or to fail in operation.

Error masking for data transmission using received data


The invention includes a computer readable medium storing executable instructions to enroll a user with a secure email support facility. The computer readable medium includes executable instructions to send an enrollment message, supply a registration response, and confirm the registration response. An authentication email is also sent. A client identifies the authentication email. Authentication information within the authentication email is decrypted. The authentication information is used to authenticate the client and subsequently obtain access to a secure email support facility.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art system 100 for facilitating encryption and decryption operations using an email server that utilizes a supported protocol. The system 100 includes a client machine 102 that communicates with an email server 106 through an encryption/decryption server 104. The encryption/decryption server 104 supports the protocol used by the email server 106. Therefore, the encryption/decryption server 104 can be positioned between the mailer server 106 and the client 102 and can offer encryption and decryption services to the client transparently. The email server 106 receives and transmits encrypted messages via the Internet 108. This prior art system is disclosed in a set of pending U.S. patent applications owned by PGP Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif., the assignee of the present invention. These applications include: System and Method for Secure and Transparent Electronic Communication, Ser. No. 10/462,775; System and Method For Dynamic Security Operations, Ser. No. 10/462,607; and System and Method for Secure Electronic Communication in a Partially Keyless Environment, Ser. No. 10/462,618. The content of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
The configuration of FIG. 1 is not available if the protocol used by the email server 106 is unsupported (e.g., it is proprietary or otherwise not supported by the encryption/decryption server 104). In this case, the encryption/decryption server 104 cannot be positioned between the email server 106 and the client 102. Accordingly, the encryption/decryption server 104 cannot authenticate the client 102 or otherwise directly process email between the email server 106 and the client 102.
In view of this problem, it would be desirable to provide a technique that allows the encryption/decryption server to operate with an email server using an unsupported protocol. More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a technique to authenticate a client and to then facilitate encryption and decryption operations over an email server using an unsupported protocol.

Apparatus and method for facilitating encryption and decryption operations over an email server using an unsupported protocol


A pedal plate assembly has a main block, a socket block, and a middle ring. The socket block has a circular recess on the connecting end of the socket block and inner recesses in the socket block. The middle ring encloses the circular recess. The main block has a tapered portion. Two opposite elongated notches are formed on the tapered portion. A plurality of click blocks are disposed on the tapered portion. Each click block is snapped in the corresponding inner recess. The socket block has a tapered interior to receive the tapered portion.

The invention relates to a pedal plate assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a pedal plate assembly for a bicycle.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a main frame 60 of a pedal plate has an upper frame 61 and a lower frame 62. The right and left molds 72 and 73 abut two overlapped aluminum plates. The upper mold 70 and lower mold 71 press two aluminum plates to form the upper frame 61 and the lower frame 62. However, it is difficult to decorate the aluminum plates. It is difficult to cast the patterns, alphabets or numerals on the aluminum plates also. The volumes of the molds 70, 71, 72 and 73 are very large, so they will occupy a large area while processing.


A covering for electrical machines has at least one film which is placed around a pole housing and around parts attached to the pole housing and which is permanently shrunk onto the pole housing and the parts.

Electrical machines, in particular starter devices of internal-combustion engines, which are subjected to dirt and moisture during rugged use in motor vehicles, are sealed and protected against corrosion in a known manner, by dip varnishing. In this case, it is disadvantageous that the varnishing generally takes place in a dipping process using varnishes which inherently and during processing require costly environmental protection measures because of the risk of explosion and to prevent hazardous emissions. It is furthermore disadvantageous that the motor housing, drive bearing and commutator bearing have a certain elasticity in the case of clamping bolts or tie rods which hold starter devices together. For example, it is necessary to counteract the vibration influences during operation of the motor vehicle. However, the varnishes become brittle after a certain period of time and are then always breaking out of the separating joints on the end sides of the motor housing. The inside of the motor is no longer sealed, dirt and moisture can penetrate, and lead to damage in the motor. In addition, corrosion damage occurs at the joint sections where there is no varnish.
The same also applies in general to electrical machines having the same or similar construction, with corresponding seals which are used, for example, in motor vehicles as generators, as small motors for other units such as windscreen wipers or, for example, also as drive motors in electric tools.
An electric motor for a starter device is already known, with a rubber tube pushed a motor housing a rubber tube, and covering in a waterproof manner only the separating joints at the end sides of the motor housing on which the drive and commutator bearings are arranged. In this case, it is disadvantageous that the rubber tube is a complicated and expensive moulded part. Furthermore, the rubber tube is provided on one end with a radially inwardly projecting holder and a hole through which a braided power supply cable is pushed. In addition, the rubber tube has annular inner shoulders distributed over its complete length, in order to serve as impact protection for the motor housing and the permanent magnets which are bonded to its inner wall.

310
FSC 74
FSC 29
FSC 53
FSC 150
FSC 206
FSC 290


Hepatic-directed compounds, reagents useful in making such compounds and associated methods and compositions are discussed. Hepatic-directed compounds are processed by metabolic mechanisms, which generally differ in degree or in kind from the metabolic mechanisms encountered by compounds which are not so directed. Reagents useful in the preparation of hepatic-directed compounds include a hexose cluster characterized by multiple hexose residues connected in an iteratively branched configuration. In one embodiment, the hexose cluster comprises at least four hexose residues with each branch of the configuration having two prongs. In another embodiment, the hexose cluster comprises at least nine hexose residues with each branch of the configuration having three prongs.

Conventional cancer therapy is plagued by the problem that the generally attainable targeting ratio (ratio of administered dose localizing to tumor versus administered dose circulating in blood or ratio of administered dose localizing to tumor versus administered dose migrating to bone marrow) is low. Improvement in targeting ratio dose to tumor is sought.
One method employed in efforts to improve targeting ratio is to decrease the serum concentration of a compound. One method of decreasing the serum concentration of an administered compound is to subsequently administer a molecule designed to be eliminated rapidly via the liver and to bind to the first administered compound. Galactose-HSA-biotin conjugates, discussed in PCT patent application No. PCT/US93/05406 facilitate elimination of circulating targeting agent-streptavidin conjugates from the bloodstream. Galactosylated antibodies directed to a portion of a previously administered molecule have also been employed for this purpose.
In addition, the liver is susceptible to a variety of conditions for which liver delivery of an active agent would be useful. In these circumstances, delivery of active agent via the hepatic artery has been proposed. This methodology is invasive and, therefore, other methods of active agent delivery to the liver are sought.

Hepatic-directed compounds and reagents for preparation thereof


Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, optical line terminals (OLTs), optical network units (ONUs), apparatuses and computer storage media for transmitting a time synchronization message. In some example embodiments, the OLT is configured to: determine a threshold rate to be N messages per second for transmission of a time synchronization message to an ONU, wherein N being greater than or equal to 0.1; and transmit, to the ONU, a time synchronization message at the threshold rate or a rate above the threshold rate, to enable the ONU to perform time synchronization with the OLT. In some other example embodiments, the OLT is configured to: select a plurality of ONUs for transmitting time synchronization information; and transmit, to the ONUs, a broadcast or multicast message the time synchronization information, to enable the plurality of ONUs to perform time synchronization with the OLT.

In various passive optical networks (PONs), such as an Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON), a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) and the like, for example, the xPON, the optical line terminal (OLT) and the optical network unit (ONU), acting as a pair of cascaded media converters, are a part of chains of the Telecom Boundary Clock (T-BC) and are used to achieve time synchronization in xPON. G.8273.2 defines performance requirements of the OLT and the ONU as TBC cascaded media converters, including performance requirements related to noise transfer. Also, the transfer of time error from a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) input interface to the PTP output interface and 1 pulse per second (1PPS) output interface, and the transfer of phase shift from a physical layer interface to the PTP output interface and the 1PPS output interface are included.
The OLT and the ONU may work as a distributed T-BC synchronization device, or the equivalent of two T-BC synchronization devices. Existing standards related to the xPON (e.g., G.984.3 amd2, G.9807.1, G.989.3, etc.) only specify the frequency and phase transfer manner from the OLT to the ONU, but do not involve how to meet the noise transfer performance between the OLT and the ONU.

Methods, devices, apparatuses and computer storage media for transmission of a time synchronization message


In one embodiment, a current controller is configured to control a value of the current without regulating a voltage formed by the controller.

The present invention relates, in general, to electronics, and more particularly, to methods of forming semiconductor devices and structure.
In the past, the semiconductor industry utilized various methods and structures to form DC/DC converters that utilized charge pump circuits to control the output voltage formed by the converter. These converters typically monitored the value of the output voltage and switched the mode of the charge pump circuit in order to regulate the value of the output voltage. Typically, a feedback voltage that was representative of the value of the output voltage was compared to a reference voltage and the mode of the charge pump circuit would be changed if the feedback voltage fell below the value of the reference voltage. One example of such a DC/DC converter was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,531 that issued to Nork et al on Jun. 25, 2002. One problem with these prior DC/DC converters was the area consumed by the reference voltage circuit, the comparator, and the other closed loop elements. The circuits generally required a large area on the semiconductor die on which the circuit was formed thereby increasing the cost of the converter circuit.
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a controller circuit that utilizes less die area and that has a lower cost.
For simplicity and clarity of the illustration, elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, and the same reference numbers in different figures denote the same elements. Additionally, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of the description. As used herein current carrying electrode means an element of a device that carries current through the device such as a source or a drain of an MOS transistor or an emitter or a collector of a bipolar transistor or a cathode or anode of a diode, and a control electrode means an element of the device that controls current through the device such as a gate of an MOS transistor or a base of a bipolar transistor. Although the devices are explained herein as certain N-channel or P-Channel devices, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that complementary devices are also possible in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words during, while, and when as used herein are not exact terms that mean an action takes place instantly upon an initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as a propagation delay, between the reaction that is initiated by the initial action.

Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC


In a vehicle collision sensing system, a relative pressure sensor senses a pressure difference between a pressure at an inside of a door interior space and a pressure at an outside of the door interior space. An air bag ECU determines the collision of the vehicle based on the pressure difference, which is sensed by the relative pressure sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle collision sensing system, which senses, for example, a pressure in an interior space of a door of a vehicle and determines collision of the vehicle based on the sensed pressure.
2. Description of Related Art
One previously proposed way of activating an occupant protective device is use of a pressure sensor, which serves as a collision sensing means for sensing a collision of the vehicle (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H02-249740). For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H02-249740 recites a system that includes an airtight air tank, which is arranged in an interior space of a door of a vehicle, and a pressure sensor, which senses a pressure in the air tank. In this system, when the pressure in the air tank sensed by the pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that a collision of the vehicle has occurred, and a protective device, such as an air bag, is activated.
However, a receiving space for receiving the air tank in the interior space of the vehicle door needs to be provided. Therefore, the limitations on the designing of the vehicle door and the air tank are increased. Furthermore, the provision of the air tank leads to an increase in the manufacturing costs. In view of this, it is conceivable to eliminate the air tank and directly measure the pressure in the interior space of the vehicle door with the pressure sensor to sense the collision of the vehicle. That is, the collision may be determined by comparing the pressure in the interior space of the door of the vehicle door with the predetermined threshold value.
However, the pressure in the interior space of the vehicle door substantially changes when the atmospheric pressure substantially changes due to a substantial change in an altitude and/or weather of a current location of the vehicle. When the collision of the vehicle is determined by comparing the pressure in the interior space of the vehicle door with the predetermined threshold value, there is a possibility that the collision of the vehicle cannot be reliably sensed. This is also true in the case where the air tank is provided in the vehicle door.


A key comprises a key blade, a key handle integral with one end of the key blade and forming a portion of a carabiner that includes a generally C-shaped portion integral with said key blade, and a latching element having a first end pivotably attached to a first open end of the C to permit pivoting movement of said latching element between open and closed positions, and a second end overlapping the second open end of the C when said latching element is in said closed position, to limit the pivoting movement of the latching element. In one implementation, the key includes a biasing spring that urges said latching element toward said closed position.

Keys are difficult to attach and detach from key chains. Keys are also difficult to distinguish from each other. Prior attempts to make a key that is easier to attach or detach are poor solutions, usually because they have been cumbersome to attach and/or detach too easily or are weak and prone to break when twisting in a lock.
In accordance with one embodiment, a key comprises a key blade, a key handle integral with one end of the key blade and forming a portion of a carabiner that includes a generally C-shaped portion integral with the key blade, and a latching element having a first end pivotably attached to a first open end of the C to permit pivoting movement of the latching element between open and closed positions, and a second end overlapping the second open end of the C when the latching element is in the closed position, to limit the pivoting movement of the latching element. In one implementation, the key includes a biasing spring that urges the latching element toward the closed position. The biasing spring may be contained in a cavity in the latching element, with the spring engaging the latching element at one end of the spring and engaging the C-shaped portion at the other end of the spring.
The key blade and the C-shaped portion of the carabiner are preferably formed by a single piece of stamped metal. A pair of rounded polymeric parts may be laminated to opposite sides of the C-shaped portion of the carabiner, and the polymeric parts may be made of a colored material or imprinted with various designs for decorative purposes.
A locking sleeve may be mounted on the latching element for sliding movement along the latching element to telescope over the other open end of the C-shaped portion when the latching element in its closed position, thereby locking the latching element to the C-shaped portion.
While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments or implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of an invention as defined by the appended claims.


This invention relates to a non-detonating cartridge containing an explosive composition, and more particularly but not exclusively to a non-detonating cartridge having enhanced safety characteristics. The cartridge includes a container including a cavity suitable for receiving a low explosive composition; an initiator, for in use initiating the explosive composition inside the cavity; and a shielding member which is displaceable relative to the container between a safe position, in which the initiator is shielded from the cavity such that initiation of the initiator does not result in initiation of the explosive composition, and a live position in which the initiator is exposed to the cavity to permit initiation of the explosive composition. The cartridge is characterised in that the shielding member is slideably displaceable relative to the container.

Explosive cartridges are widely used in mining, excavation and construction. Traditionally, high explosive compositions have been used but more recently low explosive compositions, which are non-detonating, have become more popular due to their good performance and enhanced safety compared to high explosive compositions.
High (detonating) explosive compositions, such as TNT and dynamite, are characterized by extremely rapid decomposition and development of high pressures irrespective of the condition of confinement. Low (non-detonating) explosive compositions, such as black powders and propellants, deflagrate meaning that they are merely fast burning resulting in the accompanying production of gas at relatively low pressures.
Non-detonating cartridges are reasonably well-known in trade and industry. Existing cartridges are made from plastic or other synthetic materials, which work well, but which results in significant plastic residue and material being left behind after the cartridge has been used. This is true not only for the primary cartridge, but also for the booster cartridges in use attached thereto. The sizes of these non-detonating cartridges are also relatively specific, because the cartridges comprises of plastic sleeves specifically moulded for the application. It is therefore not that simple to change the length or diameter of the cartridges.
Another characteristic of existing non-detonating cartridges is that they use low explosive compositions that require confinement for easy ignition and fast propagation. If a cartridge is not confined in a borehole or similarly restricted space, ignition of the low explosive composition charge typically has little effect other than the cartridge becoming ruptured or dismantled. For this reason it is permissible to transport low explosive composition cartridges with an initiation device, such as a fuse head, inserted in it provided certain safety requirements are met. One of these safety requirements is that accidental ignition of a cartridge in a carton should not cause the carton to rupture. Low explosive cartridges contain a gas generating compound, commonly a propellant or other gas generating compound or mixture. Although very rare, it is conceivable that an initiation device could be accidentally activated by an Electro Static Discharge (ESD), electromagnetic induction, or the like. Most cartridges available on the market do not include a safety mechanism which could forestall such an accidental activation.
Some embodiments of cartridges with enhanced safety features are disclosed in the applicant's prior application WO2017/145064, the content of which is incorporated herein by references. WO2017/145064 discloses a number of different mechanism by which the initiator of the cartridge is displaceable relative to the container between a safe position, in which the initiator is shielded from the explosive composition such that initiation of the initiator does not result in initiation of the explosive composition, and a live position in which the initiator is exposed to the explosive composition to permit initiation thereof. The mechanism typically takes the form of components that are rotatable relative to one another (for example the cap of the cartridge and the body of the cartridge), and which are relatively complicated and expensive to manufacture. It is also not that easy to see if the cartridge is in a safe or live position, and careful inspection is required. Additionally, existing safety mechanisms do not alter the geometry of the cartridge (for example the span), and a cartridge can be inserted into a borehole even if the cartridge is still in a safe position, which is not ideal.
In this specification "low explosive composition" shall have its widest meaning and include any suitable gas generating composition or mixture of materials, including propellants. An "initiator" shall mean any device capable of causing initiation or ignition of a low explosive composition.
It is an object of the invention to provide a non-detonating cartridge which will, at least partially, address the above shortcomings.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a non-detonating cartridge which will be a useful alternative to existing cartridges, and which will also alleviate disadvantages associated with existing cartridges.