There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which transmission of ultrasonic waves into the subject and reception of the ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject are repeatedly performed to obtain a plurality of sequentially continued frames of image data, and a dynamic image is displayed in accordance with the image data thus obtained. According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image data, which is transmitted to a storage unit for the purpose of an average arithmetic operation for the successive frame K+1, is selected for each pixel I from between two types of image data of an averaging image data B (K, I) after an average arithmetic operation processing and a new frame of image data A (K, I) before the average arithmetic operation processing. Thus, both the reduction of noises and the tracking ability to the movement are implemented with greater satisfaction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which transmission of ultrasonic waves into the subject and reception of the ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject are repeatedly performed to obtain a plurality of sequentially continued frames of image data, and dynamic images are displayed in accordance with the image data thus obtained, and also relates to a filter suitable for being incorporated into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, there has been widely used an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for the purpose of diagnoses of a disease.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the basic arrangement of constituents of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by way of example. There will be described an outline of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus referring to this block diagram.
First, there will be described a structure of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus hereinafter.
A main frame 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a control unit 100, an analog processing unit 200, a digital scan converter unit 300, a Doppler processing unit 400, a display control unit 500 and an organism signal amplifier unit 600. The control unit 100 comprises a CPU 101 and a beam scan control unit 102. Connected to the CPU 101 are a control panel 701, a unitary body of touch panel 702 and EL display 703, and a floppy disk device 704.
The analog processing unit 200 comprises a transmit-receive unit 201, a receive delay control unit 202, a beamformer unit 203, a control interface unit 204, an analog signal processing unit 205 and a Doppler signal processing unit 206. The control interface unit 204, the transmit-receive unit 201, the receive delay control unit 202, and the Doppler signal processing unit 206 are connected to one another via a control line 207. Further, the control interface unit 204 is connected via a control line 208 to the analog signal processing unit 205. The receive delay control unit 202 and the beamformer unit 203 are connected to one another via a control line 209. Detachably connected to the transmit-receive unit 201, which constitutes the analog processing unit 200, is an ultrasonic probe 20, by the maximum, four pieces of ultrasonic probe 20.
The digital scan converter unit 300 comprises a black-and-white scan converter 301, a color scan converter 302 and a scroll scan converter 303.
The Doppler processing unit 400 comprises a pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 and a color Doppler analyzing unit 402.
The display control unit 500 is illustrated with a single block. Connected to the display control unit 500 are a printer 705, a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) 706, an observation television monitor 707 and a speaker 708.
The organism signal amplifier unit 600 is also illustrated with a single block. Connected to the organism signal amplifier unit 600 are an ECG electrode unit 709, a heart sound microphone 710 and a pulse wave transducer 711.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further comprises a power source unit 800 connected to a commercial power supply for supplying necessary power to individual sections of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The main frame 10 has a CPU bus 901 for connecting the CPU 101 and the beam scan control unit 102, which constitute the control unit 100, the control interface unit 204, which constitutes the analog processing unit 200, the black-and-white scan converter 301, the color scan converter 302 and the scroll scan converter 303, which constitute the digital scan converter unit 300, the pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 and the color Doppler analyzing unit 402, which constitute the Doppler processing unit 400, and the display control unit 500 with each other. The main frame 10 further has an echo bus 902 for supplying image data generated from the analog signal processing unit 205, which constitutes the analog processing unit 200, to the digital scan converter unit 300. With respect to data generated from the pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 and the color Doppler analyzing unit 402, which constitute the Doppler processing unit 400, such data are also supplied through the echo bus 902 to the digital scan converter unit 300. The main frame 10 further has a video bus 903 for transmitting a video signal generated from anyone of the black-and-white scan converter 301, the color scan converter 302 and the scroll scan converter 303, which constitute the digital scan converter unit 300, to the display control unit 500.
The control panel 701 consists of a keyboard, etc. having a number of keys arranged. When the control panel 701 is operated, operation information is detected by the CPU 101, so that an instruction associated with the operation information is transmitted to the beam scan control unit 102, the control interface unit 204, the digital scan converter unit 300, or the display control unit 500 in accordance with the the instruction.
The EL display unit 703 has a liquid-crystal display screen. The CPU 101 serves as an EL line drawing generating unit for generating an EL line drawing to be displayed on the liquid-crystal display screen of the EL display unit 703, too. The EL line drawing generated in the CPU 101 is displayed on the liquid-crystal display screen of the EL display unit 703. The liquid-crystal display screen of the EL display unit 703 is provided with the touch panel 702. When an operator touches the touch panel 702 by his fingers, position information representative of the associated touched position on the touch panel 702 is transmitted to the CPU 101. The touch panel 702 and the EL display unit 703 are arranged, so that various types of instructions to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be readily inputted, in such a manner that, for instance, when it is instructed to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus through an operation of the control panel 701 that a parameter as to a certain mode is set up for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the CPU 101 causes the EL display unit 703 to display a table of a number of parameters to be set up for the selected mode, so that an operator touches the touch panel 702 by his fingers to set up a desired parameter.
The floppy disk device 704 is a device onto which a floppy disk (not illustrated) is detachably loaded, wherein the loaded floppy disk is accessed. The CPU 101 causes instructions made by an operator through an operation of the control panel 701 and the touch panel 702 to be written into the floppy disk loaded onto the floppy disk device 704. When the power supply of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on, or when a reset to the initial state is instructed through an operation of the control panel 701, various types of instruction information, which are stored in the floppy disk device 704 loaded onto the floppy disk device 704, are read out therefrom and fed to the CPU 101 so that the CPU 101 sets up the individual sections of the ultrasonic-diagnostic apparatus to the initial state in accordance with the instruction information. There will exist a number of parameters to be set up by an operator through an operation of the control panel 701 and the touch panel 702, which are needed when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is operated. It will be very troublesome for the operator to do over again a setting of such a number of parameters, for example, whenever the power supply turns on. For this reason, parameters of the initial state, etc. are written in the floppy disk beforehand, and when the power supply of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is turned on, or when a reset to the initial state is instructed, the parameters and the like stored in the floppy disk are read out therefrom to set up the individual sections of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in accordance with the parameters and the like thus read, thereby contributing to an enhancement of efficiency in setting the parameters and the like.
The CPU 101, which constitutes the control unit 100, mainly serves as a man-machine interface, as mentioned above. On the other hand, the beam scan control unit 102, which also constitutes the control unit 100, is mainly in charge of the control, for example, of timing of transmit and receive of ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which needs an operational ability on a real-time basis. According to this type of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, when transmit and receive of ultrasonic waves are performed, control signals of controlling the individual sections constituting the analog processing unit 200 are transmitted from the beam scan control unit 102 through the CPU bus 901 to the control interface unit 204, so that the control interface unit 204 controls via a control line 207 the transmit-receive unit 201, the receive delay control unit 202, and the Doppler signal processing unit 206. Further, the control interface unit 204 controls via a control line 208 the analog signal processing unit 205. The receive delay control unit 202 controls the beamformer unit 203 via the control line 209 under control of the control interface unit 204.
The transmit-receive unit 201 is coupled to the ultrasonic probe 20. With respect to the ultrasonic probe, there exist, for example, a linear scan type of ultrasonic probe, a convex scan type of ultrasonic probe, and a sector scan type of ultrasonic probe. As an especial type of ultrasonic probe, there is a type of ultrasonic probe to be inserted into a body cavity. Further, with respect to those various types of ultrasonic probes, there exist many types of ultrasonic probes, which may be classified in accordance with a difference in frequency of the ultrasonic waves to be used. In order that a ultrasonic probe is loaded on the main frame 10, a connector (not illustrated) is used. The main frame 10 end is provided with four connectors adapted to be connected to ultrasonic probes. Thus, as mentioned above, it is possible to simultaneously load onto the connectors the ultrasonic probes, by the maximum 4 pieces, of the above-mentioned various types of ultrasonic probes. When a ultrasonic probe is loaded on the main frame 10, the main frame 10 may identify information as to which type of ultrasonic prob is loaded. Such information is transmitted via the control line 207, the control interface unit 204 and the CPU bus 901 to the CPU 101. On the other hand, the control panel 701 issues an instruction as to which ultrasonic probe is used among the ultrasonic probes connected to four connectors of the main frame 10 end, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used. Such an instruction is transmitted via the CPU 101, the control interface unit 204 and the control line 207 to the transmit-receive unit 201. Upon receipt of the instruction, the transmit-receive unit 201 transmits high voltage pulses (which will be described latter) to the ultrasonic probe 20 thus indicated to generate ultrasonic waves, and receives signals which are received by the ultrasonic probe 20. Here, it is assumed that the ultrasonic probe 20, as shown in FIG. 7 by one, is selected for transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves.
On the tip of the ultrasonic probe 20, there are arranged a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21, which are put to a surface of the subject 1 (particularly human body). In this condition, high voltage pulses for transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves are applied from the transmit-receive unit 201 to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21, respectively. The high voltage pulses applied to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 are controlled in a relative time difference under control of the control interface unit 204. Ultrasonic pulse beams are transmitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 along anyone of a plurality of scan lines 2 extending to the inside of the subject 1 in such a manner that the focus of the ultrasonic pulse beams is adjusted on a predetermined depth position inside of the subject 1 in accordance with a control of the relative time difference as to the application of the high voltage pulses to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21. The ultrasonic pulse beam is reflected on the individual points on the one scan line during travelling inside the subject 1, and returns to the ultrasonic probe 20 so that the reflected ultrasonic waves are received by the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21. A plurality of signals, which are obtained through receiving the reflected ultrasonic waves, are supplied to the transmit-receive unit 201 so as to be amplified by a plurality of preamplifiers (not illustrated) of the transmit-receive unit 201, and then fed to the beamformer unit 203. The beamformer unit 203 is provided with an analog delay line (not illustrated) having a number of center taps. The center taps are selected in operation to receive the plurality of signals transmitted from the transmit-receive unit 201 in accordance with a control of the receive delay control unit 202, whereby the plurality of signals are relatively delayed and added together in current. Controlling a relative delay pattern as to the plurality of signals may emphasize the reflected ultrasonic waves in the direction along the scan line identical with the scan line associated with the time of the ultrasonic wave transmission, and forms a so-called received beam in which the focus of the ultrasonic pulse beams is adjusted on a predetermined depth position inside of the subject 1. Since ultrasonic waves travel slowly inside of the subject 1 as compared with a rate of the signal processing, it is possible to implement a so-called dynamic focus in which the focus is sequentially shifted to the deeper position inside of the subject while receiving the ultrasonic waves along one scan line. In this case, the center taps of the analog delay line are switchingly selected by the receive delay control unit 202 in response to the signals sequentially obtained by the ultrasonic transducers, even during once receiving associated with once transmitting the ultrasonic pulse beam.
According to the above-mentioned explanation, the high voltage pulses are applied to the ultrasonic transducers 21 to transmit the ultrasonic pulse beam. In this case, as mentioned above, since ultrasonic waves travel slowly inside of the subject as compared with a rate of the signal processing, it is possible, through measuring time from a stating time of application of the high voltage pulses to the ultrasonic transducers 21 to a time of receive of the reflected ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 21, to identify the signal obtained at that time concerned with receiving of the reflected ultrasonic waves with respect to the association of the reflected ultrasonic wave with the depth position inside of the subject. That is, the feature that the ultrasonic wave to be transmitted is shaped as a pulse may provide a resolution with respect to the depth direction of the subject. Usually, in this manner, the high voltage pulses are applied to the ultrasonic transducers 21. In the special case, however, on condition that it is permitted to have no resolution with respect to the depth direction of the subject, it happens that a continuously repetitive high voltage pulse train signal is applied to the ultrasonic transducers 21 to transmit ultrasonic beams in the form of a continuous wave.
Also hereinafter, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be explained on the assumption that a pulse-like shaped ultrasonic beam is transmitted, except for a case that when the pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401, which constitutes the Doppler processing unit 400, is explained, the continuous wave is referred to.
In the manner as mentioned above, the transmit-receive unit 201 and the beamformer unit 203 sequentially repeatedly perform transmission and reception of the ultrasonic pulse beams along each of a plurality of scan lines 2 inside of the subject 1, so that signals thus generated, each representative of the received beam along each of the scan lines, are sequentially fed to the analog signal processing unit 205. In the analog signal processing unit 205, the received analog signals are subjected to logarithmic compression, detection, and filtering processings, etc. according to a designation issued from the the control panel 701 as to which depth area inside of the subject 1 an image is to be displayed concerned with, that is, a designation as to whether it is sufficient that an image concerned with only the shallow area inside of the subject 1 is displayed, or a designation as to what degree of depth area an image is to be displayed concerned with. The analog signals thus processed are converted into digital of image data by an A/D converter unit. Image data outputted from the analog signal processing unit 205 are fed via the echo bus 902 to the black-and-white scan converter 301, which constitutes the digital scan converter unit 300. The black-and-white scan converter 301 converts the received image data to a video signal for a display, and then transmits the video signal for a display via the video bus 903 to the display control unit 500. The display control unit 500 causes the observation television monitor 707 to display a B-mode image caused by the ultrasonic reflection intensity distribution on the tomographic plane of the subject defined by a plurality of scan lines 2. At that time, if necessary, it is possible to display patient's names, photographing date, photographing conditions, etc. superposing on the B-mode image. As the B-mode image, it is possible to display a dynamic image representative of the state in which the inside of the subject 1 moves, a static image at a certain time, or an image in a certain phase of a movement of the heart of a human body, which is synchronized with the movement of the heart, in accordance with a synchronizing signal generated from the organism signal amplifier unit 600.
Connected to the organism signal amplifier unit 600 are the ECG electrode unit 709, the heart sound microphone 710 and the pulse wave transducer 711. The organism signal amplifier unit 600 generates the synchronizing signal in accordance with any one of these elements or a plurality of sensors, and transmits the same to the display control unit 500.
Connected to the display control unit 500 are the observation television monitor 707, and the printer 705 and the VTR 706 as well. The display control unit 500 outputs images displayed on the observation television monitor 707 to the printer 705 or the VTR 706 in accordance with an instruction from an operator.
Again, an explanation will be continued from the analog processing unit 200.
When it is desired to know time variation of information as to the reflection of ultrasonic waves on a certain one scan line extending to the inside of the subject, the ultrasonic waves are repeatedly transmitted and received along a certain one scan line of interest, and data representative of the received beam of the subject along the one scan line is transmitted via the echo bus 902 to the scroll scan converter 303. The scroll scan converter 303 generates a video signal representative of an image (an M-mode image) in which the ultrasonic reflection intensity distribution in the depth direction of the subject along the one scan line is given in the longitudinal direction, and the lateral axis consists of a time axis, wherein the image is scrolled in the time axis direction. The video signal thus generated is fed via the video bus 903 to the display control unit 500, so that an image based on the video signal is displayed, for example, on the observation television monitor 707.
The display control unit 500 has a function such that the video signal representative of the B-mode image transmitted from the black-and-white scan converter 301 and the video signal representative of the M-mode image transmitted from the scroll scan converter 303 are arranged side by side, and in addition a function such that a color mode image, which will be described later, is superposed on the B-mode image. The observation television monitor 707 is adapted to display thereon a plurality of images being arranged side by side in accordance with an instruction from an operator, alternatively display a plurality of images being superposed.
Again, returning to the explanation of the analog processing unit 200, the Doppler signal processing unit 206, which constitutes the analog processing unit 200, serves as a structure element for determining a blood flow distribution of the inside of the subject, or a blood flow distribution at a certain point or on a certain one scan line. In the Doppler signal processing unit 206, a signal representative of the received beam generated in the beamformer unit 203 is subjected to a so-called quadrature detection and in addition converted into digital data through an A/D conversion. The data, which has been subjected to the quadrature detection, is outputted from the Doppler signal processing unit 206, is fed to the Doppler processing unit 400. The Doppler processing unit 400 comprises the pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 and the color Doppler analyzing unit 402. Here, it is assumed that the data outputted from the Doppler signal processing unit 206 is fed to the color Doppler analyzing unit 402. The color Doppler analyzing unit 402 determines data representative of a blood flow distribution on an area of interest (ROI) on the B-mode image, which is designated by an operator, by an auto-correlation operation based on data obtained through performing, for example, eight times of ultrasonic transmit and receive on each scan line. The data representative of a blood flow distribution on the area (ROI) is fed via the echo bus 902 to the color scan converter 302. The color scan converter 302 converts the data representative of a blood flow distribution on the area (ROI) into a video signal suitable for a display, and transmits the video signal to the display control unit 500. The display control unit 500 superposes a color mode image, in which a blood in a direction coming near the ultrasonic probe 20, a blood in a direction going away from the ultrasonic probe 20, and a blood velocity are represented by, for example, red, blue and luminance, respectively, on the area (ROI) of the B-mode image transmitted from the black-and-white scan converter 301, and causes those images to be displayed on the observation television monitor 707. Thus, it is possible to grasp the outline of the blood flow distribution on the area (ROI).
When an operator inputs a requirement to observe in detail a blood at a certain one point on the area (ROI) or on a certain one scan line, then the transmit-receive unit 201 repeats a lot of number of times of transmit and receive of the ultrasonic waves in a direction along a one scan line passing through the one point, or a direction along the one scan line of interest. And data, which is generated in the the Doppler signal processing unit 206 in accordance with the signals thus obtained by the repetitive transmit and receive of the ultrasonic waves, is fed to the pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 constituting the Doppler processing unit 400. When it is interested in the a blood flow at a certain point, a pulse-like shaped ultrasonic beam is transmitted into the subject. On the other hand, when it is desired to obtain blood information excellent in S/N ratio, permitting that blood information on a certain one scan line is averaged, a ultrasonic beam is transmitted in the form of a continuous wave into the subject.
The pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 performs an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) operation based on data obtained through carrying out a lot of number of times of transmit and receive of the ultrasonic waves on a certain one point, or a certain one scan line to obtain blood flow information on the one point, or blood flow information averaged on the one scan line. Data representative of the blood flow information obtained in the pulse/continuous wave Doppler analyzing unit 401 is fed via the echo bus 902 to the scroll scan converter 303. The scroll scan converter 303 generates a video signal representative of an image in which the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis denote a blood flow velocity and a time axis, respectively, and the image may scroll in a direction of the time axis. This video signal is fed via the video bus 903 to the display control unit 500. The display control unit 500 causes the video signal to be displayed on the observation television monitor 707 together with the B-mode image transmitted from the black-and-white scan converter 301, for example.
According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, weak ultrasonic waves, which are reflected within the subject and returns to the ultrasonic transducers 21, are received to obtain weak signals, and the weak signals are amplified with great degree. Consequently, a thermal noise is large. In addition, since the ultrasonic waves returned to the ultrasonic transducers 21 include mixedly ultrasonic components multi-reflected complicatedly within the subject, those ultrasonic components also strongly effect in the form of the noise. Hence, in a case where no any measure is taken, those noises cause an tomographic image to include very large noises, wherein a pixel value of each pixel extremely varies on each frame.
For this reason, at the pre-stage side of the black-and-white scan converter 301, which constitutes the digital scan converter unit 300, there is provided an image processing circuit for basically performing an averaging processing over a plurality of frames for each pixel. The image data, which is outputted from the analog signal processing circuit 205, is fed through the echo bus 902 to the image processing circuit to perform the averaging processing. The image data (averaged image data) obtained through the averaging processing is fed to the black-and-white scan converter 301.
Performing the averaging processing over a plurality of frames makes it possible to reduce the thermal noises, since the thermal noises are essentially random noises. On the other hand, noises caused by the multi-reflection are not reduced by a interframe averaging, when it is supposed that the ultrasonic probe, which are put in the subject or to the body surface of the subject, stands still completely. Indeed, however, the inside of the subject (human body) always moves. Further, the ultrasonic probe, which is put to the body surface of the subject, is also moved slightly, although it is fixedly held by an operator's hand. These slight movements cause the noises due to the multi-reflection and the like to vary for each frame. Thus, the interframe averaging makes it possible to reduce the noises due to the multi-reflection and the like too.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an image processing circuit for performing an averaging processing over a plurality frames, according to the earlier development.
The image processing circuit comprises an average arithmetic operating unit 41 for performing an averaging processing, a storage unit 42 for storing image data, a data input terminal 43 for inputting image data, a factor input terminal 44 for inputting a factor selection signal (which will be described latter), and a data output terminal 45 for outputting image data (averaged image data) after the averaging processing. The average arithmetic operating unit 41 comprises a factor selector 411, two multipliers 412 and 413, and an adder 414.
The multiplier 412 sequentially receives image data A (K, I) from the analog signal processing unit 205 via the echo bus 902 and the data input terminal 43. Where K stands for a frame number of an image, and I stands for a pixel number of a piece of image. That is, the image data A (K, I) denotes an image data of Ith pixel of an image of a frame number K. Such image data are sequentially inputted one by one in a pixel corresponding in a direction such that the pixel number I is incremented. When a piece of image (a frame) of image data is terminated in its entry, the successive frame of image of image data is inputted in a similar fashion to that of the previous frame of image data.
The factor selector 411 receives from the control unit 100 shown in FIG. 7 via the CPU bus 901 and the factor input terminal 44 the factor selection signal to select a weighting factor to be used when the weighting average arithmetic operation is performed. The factor selector 411 transmits weight P (0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.1) and weight 1-P, which are selected in accordance with the inputted factor selection signal, to the multipliers 413 and 412, respectively.
The storage unit 42 stores therein already averaging image data B (K-1, I), which is a resultant of the weighting average arithmetic operation being performed with respect to the immediately previous frame K-1. The averaging image data B (K-1, I) as to the immediately previous frame K-1 is read out from the storage unit 42 and is fed to the multiplier 413.
Of the two multipliers 412 and 413, in the multiplier 412, the image data A (K, I) of the new frame K transmitted from the analog signal processing unit 205 is multiplied by the weight 1-P transmitted from the factor selector 411, and then the multiplication result (1-P).multidot.A(K, I) is transferred to the adder 414. On the other hand, in the multiplier 413, the averaging image data B (K-1, I) as to the immediately previous frame K-1 read out from the storage unit 42 is multiplied by the weight P transmitted from the factor selector 411, and then the multiplication result P.multidot.B (K-1, I) is transferred to the adder 414. The adder 414 adds the multiplication result (1-P)-A(K, I) and the multiplication result P.multidot.B (K-1, I) to each other to generate the averaging image data EQU B (K, I)=(1-P).multidot.A(K, I)+P.multidot.B (K-1, I) (1)
The averaging image data B (K, I) thus generated is transferred to the black-and-white scan converter 301. Thus, finally, the image based on the averaging image data B (K, I) is displayed on the observation television monitor 707.
Further, the averaging image data B (K, I) is transferred to the storage unit 42 and stored in the storage unit 42 for use in the weighting average arithmetic operation for the subsequent frame K+1.
Here, equation (1) stands for an infinite impulse response which implies a filtering processing by the IIR filter in which an image once entered involves sequentially at the rate of (I-P), P(I-P), P.sup.2 (I-P), . . . , as the frame advances.
In the event that images do not move, when the weighting factor approaches 1, noises or the like, which exhibit sharp fluctuation on each frame, are suppressed, and thus it is possible to obtain a clear image. However, in the event that there is a movement within the subject, the after-image strongly appears at the associated portion. And as a result, the tracking ability of images to the movement is extremely deteriorated whereby image quality is rather damaged. Reversely, when the weighting factor approaches 0, it is hard that the after-image appears. And as a result, the tracking ability of images to the movement is enhanced. In this case, however, an effect of noise reduction, which is the essential purpose of the weighting average arithmetic operation, will be damaged.
In order to improve this problem, there has been proposed such a scheme that the weighting factor P is adaptively varied for each pixel, but not fixed into a certain value. However, such a scheme is associated with a limit to sufficiently satisfy both the requirements mutually to the contrary such as the reduction of noises and the tracking ability of images to the movement.
Japanese Patent No. 2523594 discloses an image processing scheme that with respect to individual pixels, in the event that the subsequent frame is decreased in luminance as compared with the previous frame, the averaging processing shown in equation (1) is practiced on the pixel, alternatively in the event that the subsequent frame is increased in luminance as compared with the previous frame, the averaging processing is not practiced on the pixel, and the pixel value of the subsequent frame is outputted as it is. That is, this scheme is to switchingly select for every pixel as to whether the averaging processing is performed in accordance with a direction of variation of the pixel values. However, in this case, it is difficult to suppress the after-image associated with the portion concerned with the movement within the subject, and thus it is insufficient with respect to the effect of the reduction of noises.

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and filter to obtain sequential frames of image data


The filter has a switch function of selectively transmitting a transmission signal through one of first and second branch waveguides branching from a primary waveguide. The filter includes resonators disposed in the first and second branch waveguides. The resonator includes a space formed inside a metal cover, a central conductor disposed inside the space, and a short-circuiting plate. The central conductor has one end grounded to an outer conductor. The short-circuiting plate allows the neighborhood of an open end of the central conductor to be selectively conducted to the outer conductor. The filter performs a selection from the first and second branch waveguides by switching electrical conductivity in a region between the neighborhood of the open end of the central conductor and the outer conductor.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a filter having a switch function and a band pass filter, and more particularly, to a filter having a switch function suitable for a radio frequency (RF) communication device used in common for an antenna in a base station for a cellular phone adopting time division duplex scheme.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, a RF communication device used in common for an antenna by time division duplex scheme realizes transmission of baseband signals by switching between a transmission circuit and a reception circuit through time division using the same frequency band. In this kind of RF communication device, an RF switch circuit 74 having a construction of single pole double throw (SPDT) is installed between transmission/reception circuits (TX circuit 71 and RX circuit 72) and an RF filter circuit 73 as illustrated in FIG. 24, to perform switching a transmission path. Also, the RF switch circuit 74, for example, is configured by mounting an active device such as a PIN diode onto a microstrip line.
In a conventional RF communication device, respective circuits such as the transmission circuit 71 and the reception circuit 72 are formed as single elements, and they are connected with each other using a coaxial cable and the like. However, since the number of electrical and mechanistic components increases in this case, device costs may easily increase, and also, a transmission line of RF signals is lengthened, which increases a transmission loss of the circuit.
Japanese patent application publication No. 2005-51656 proposes a filter having a switch function that integrates an RF filter circuit and an RF switch circuit by installing PIN diodes D1e and D2e between an ANT terminal and an RX terminal, and between the ANT terminal and a TX terminal, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 25. Also, in FIG. 25, C1a to C6e designate capacitance components and TL1e to TL4e designate short-circuit line resonators.
This filter circuit is configured to switch a conduction state between the ANT terminal and the RX terminal, and between the ANT terminal and the TX terminal by controlling voltages applied to the PIN diodes D1e and D2e, and thus to realize a switch operation. According to the same circuit, the number of components can be reduced and simultaneously, the length of the transmission line can be shortened, so that device cost reduction or transmission loss reduction can be achieved.
However, since the filter circuit has a construction of mounting a circuit device such as a chip condenser and a resonator on a plane circuit, that is, a plate-shaped dielectric substrate, and connecting the circuit device on a microstrip line, the transmission loss of the filter may be increased by the dielectric loss of the dielectric substrate. An increase in the transmission loss of the filter causes an increase of power consumption in a transmission circuit of a wireless device, and also, is directly connected with deterioration of a noise figure (NF) in a reception circuit. In that case, use of a low-loss substrate can be considered, but such a substrate is expensive. Also, when a low-cost substrate is used, selectivity of a material is not sufficient, so that it is difficult to obtain desired characteristics.

Filter having switch function and band pass filter


In an embodiment, a disc cutter for use on a tunnel boring machine may include a shaft and a cutter assembly rotatably mounted on the shaft. The cutter assembly may include a cutter ring extending circumferentially about a central axis and one or more bearing apparatuses rotatably mounting the cutter assembly to the shaft. Each bearing apparatuses may include a rotor extending circumferentially about the central axis and a first plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about the central axis. Each first superhard bearing element may be attached to the rotor and may include a bearing surface. The bearing apparatuses may further include a stator extending circumferentially about the central axis and a second plurality of superhard bearing elements attached to the stator that are generally opposed to the first plurality of superhard bearing elements of the rotor.

A variety of cutters or bits are presently used in mechanical excavation systems. One type of cutter commonly used on cutter heads in rock excavation is a disc-type rolling cutter. For example, hardened steel disc cutters are frequently used on cutterheads employed in tunnel boring, raise drilling, large diameter blind drilling, and/or small diameter drilling systems.
In hard rock, the disc cutter may be used to apply great thrust on the cutter, and consequently pressure on the rock to be cut, a zone of rock directly beneath (i.e., in the cutting direction) and adjacent to the disc cutter is crushed, normally forming very fine particles. The crushed zone may form a hydraulic-like pressure downward (again, in the cutting direction) and outward against the adjacent rock. The adjacent rock then cracks, and chips spall from the rock face being excavated. The crushed rock is then collected and removed as debris.
The service life of disc cutters can be a significant limitation in the operating efficiency of mechanical excavation systems using such cutters. For example, because the disc cutters are typically pushed against hard rock surfaces (i.e., tunnel faces) with very significant forces including high shock loads and work in an abrasive, high wear environment, the disc cutters can wear at a rapid rate. In addition, disc cutters typically include bearing systems that allow the disc cutters to rotate on the target surface as the cutterheads rotate. If this bearing system fails, the disc cutter can stop turning. When the disc cutter stops turning, the portion of the disc cutter in contact with the target surface slides. This sliding contact can wear the disc cutter rapidly into a flat, wide spot that no longer is able to apply adequate compressive force against the target surface to crush hard rock or other hardened material. These disc cutters may be replaced. However, to change disc cutters, mechanical excavation systems can be stopped for several hours while the disc cutters are removed, replaced, and/or repaired. This time and effort intensive repair activity reduces the overall efficiency or rate of mechanical excavation systems using the disc cutters.
Therefore, manufacturers and users of disc cutters continue to seek improved disc cutter designs and manufacturing techniques.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Tunnel boring machine disc cutters and related methods of manufacture


A sliding door system includes an outer frame, a fixed door panel and a sliding door panel. The outer frame is formed from four frame elements of the same profile which can thus be mitered and connected by corner inserts. The sliding door panel sits on a saddle provided on the outer frame and slides longitudinally of the saddle. A weatherstrip element is carried on the sliding door panel between the saddle and a recess straddling the saddle. The sliding door panel is biased away from contact between the weatherstrip and the saddle but is moved transversely as it reaches the closed position by wedge members at the front edge and by a locking system at the rear edge to compress the weatherstrip to improve the sealing effect. A portion of the saddle is removed adjacent the fixed door panel to allow the sliding door panel to be removed from the top edge.

This invention relates to a sliding window or door construction of the type including an outer frame formed from four elongate elements forming respectively a first post, a second post, a horizontal top rail and a horizontal bottom sill; a fixed panel mounted within the outer frame and a sliding panel mounted in the outer frame for sliding movement from a position adjacent one post against which the sliding panel closes toward the second post to overlap the fixed panel. Devices of this type can be used in a patio door set or as smaller panels in a simple sliding window arrangement.
A number of problems arise with constructions of this type. Firstly the weatherstripping arrangement which is essential to provide sealing between the sliding panel and the outer frame around three sides of the sliding panel and between the sliding panel and the fixed panel along a centre section must receive adequate pressure in the closed position to ensure a proper sealing action while this pressure can interfere with the proper sliding action. Proposals to solve this problem are shown in Canadian Patent 1,078,258 (Allen). In this arrangement the outer frame carries a plurality of wedges against which the sliding panel moves as it approaches the closed position. These wedges action to move the sliding panel transversely to its sliding direction to compress the weatherstripping solely at the closed position while releasing the strong compression when the panel moves away from the closed position. To some extent, therefore, this alleviates the high friction and high wear which are obtained if the sliding panel continually slides against the weatherstripping while under compression. However the design shown is very unsatisfactory and has achieved little commercial success.
Other designs currently available on the marketplace, for example a design manufactured by In-Line Manufacturing Inc. of Toronto, provides highly complex hardware in which an initial action of the door is to move significantly away from contact with the frame and then to slide in the normal sliding direction in the manner of action of an aircraft door or a side sliding door of the type used in many cases on a van. However a design of this type in a sliding door set is less satisfactory in view of the relatively high cost and complexity of the hardware to allow this sliding action.


An information processing device is provided. The device includes a position coordinate storing section configured to store a plurality of positions, a positioning section configured to sequentially calculate the position and store the calculated position into the position coordinate storing section, and a display control section configured to display information items indicating all or a part of the plurality of positions stored in the position coordinate storing section in an order that the positions are calculated, and control a distance between adjacent information items based on a distance between the positions indicated by the adjacent information items.

Positioning units, such as a GPS, have become increasingly common and are equipped with not only car navigation systems but also mobile phones recently. The positioning units are expected to be employed in a wider variety of devices.
Conventionally, in many cases, positioning results of the positioning units are mapped on maps to be displayed. In other words, there are many cases where a map is displayed on the device and a trajectory of positions calculated by the positioning unit is overlapped on the map.

Information processing device, display control method, a program, and an information storage medium


The invention relates to a fuse having an input connection (1), an output connection (2) and two parallel current paths which connect both connections to one another. The current paths are namely a main current path (3) and a partial current path. The electric fuse comprises a single fuse element (5) arranged in the main current path (3). In addition, a switch (6) which is arranged inthe partial current path is provided. The switch (6) is configured in such a way that it opens when given limiting values are exceeded, said limiting values pertaining to the current flowing through the fuse and/or to the temperture of the fuse element.

The invention relates to an electric fuse, in which the current interruption in the case of, for example, an overcurrent caused by a short-circuit is effected by a fusible element. Such fuses are also used, for example, to protect the high-current supply of the on-board network of motor vehicles. The input connection of the fuse is connected to the positive pole of the vehicle battery, while the output connection is connected to the on-board network.
A problem generally associated with safety fuses is their trip behavior. The length of time that passes until the fuse is tripped or the fusible element melts through is a function of, among other things, the magnitude of the overcurrent. The larger the overcurrent, the shorter the trip time. The trip time also depends on the size of the fuse or its fuse value. With the same overcurrent, a 70 A fuse, for example, trips faster than a 100 A fuse. A shortening of the trip timexe2x80x94which is not only desired for vehicle electrical systemsxe2x80x94through the use of weaker fuses is, however, impossible due to the associated danger of faulty tripping in conventional fuses.
A further problem is that, due to high-resistance line connections, for example, or a defective or inadequately-charged battery, the current flowing across the fuse does not suffice to melt the fusible element, or the current is too low to effect the melt-through in a sufficiently short time. The electrical system is consequently damaged.
Based on these conditions, it is the object of the invention to provide an electric fuse that exhibits an improved trip behavior.
This object generally is accomplished according to the invention by a fuse arrangement wherein two parallel current paths, namely a main current path and a partial current path, which connect the input and output connections of the fuse to one another, and a single fusible element and a switch are provided. The single fusible element is disposed in the main current path, and the switch is disposed in the partial current path. The switch is designed to open when predetermined limit values of the current flowing through the fuse, and/or the temperature of the fusible element, are or is exceeded. Whereas, in conventional fuses having a fusible element, the entire current flows off across the fusible element, according to the invention, the current is divided. The current flowing by way of the main current path or the fusible element is reduced by the amount of current flowing by way of the partial current path. Thus, a fuse having a lower fuse value can be inserted into the main current path. If, for example for protecting a consumer or an on-board network, a 100 A fuse is required, an 80 A fuse can be used if the partial current path is designed such that 20% of the total current flows off via the partial current path.
With the same current value, the trip time in a weaker fuse is less than in a stronger fuse. The switch of the partial current path is designed to open in the event of an overcurrent caused by, for example, a short-circuit in the electrical system. When the switch is opened, the entire overcurrent flows off via the fusible element. Because, however, the embodiment according to the invention allows the fusible element to have a lower fuse value than is normally required, the trip time is shortened relative to the strong fuse that is otherwise used. Finally, a fuse according to the invention attains the same effect as a fuse having a lower fuse value than is necessary; in this case, however, the risk of faulty trips is eliminated.
The switch in the partial current path can essentially be embodied to open when either a predetermined current value, or a predetermined maximum temperature of the fusible element, is exceeded. Both parametersxe2x80x94temperature and current valuexe2x80x94can, however, also be used simultaneously as criteria for the opening of the switch. Bimetal switches, semiconductor switches or switching elements referred to as a xe2x80x9cpolyswitch,xe2x80x9d whose resistance increases sharply when the switch is heated, are examples of suitable switches.
The safety fuse and the switch disposed in the partial current path are arranged sandwich-style, particularly if the opening criterion for the switch is the temperature of the fusible element, with the switch and the fusible element resting against one another with two contact surfaces and being in thermal contact.
Generally, the elements that are preferably used are those that automatically re-close after the fusible element has melted through or cooled. Examples of such switches include the aforementioned switches, e.g., bimetal switches, semiconductors and polyswitch elements. In a motor vehicle, the advantage is that, if the current supply of the on-board network has failed due to a short-circuit, a layman is typically incapable of replacing the defective fuse with a new one. This is because the high-load fuses of a motor vehicle are usually only accessible to auto mechanics. The failure of the on-board network takes critical vehicle functions, such as the hazard-light system or the like, out of operation. If, however, the switch re-closes after the fuse has melted through, the on-board network is supplied with current after the short-circuit has been remedied. The current flowing across the switch is reduced due to the increased resistance of the partial current path. The current is usually sufficient, however, to restore devices such as the hazard-light system or an on-board telephone to operation.
If a sustained short-circuit occurs in the on-board network, a thermosensitive switch will re-open after a certain period of time when an excessive current flows by way of the partial current path. If, however, the source of the short-circuit is remote, an uninterrupted supply is available to the on-board network, which is only the case in conventional fuse systems after the fusible element has been replaced.
Special advantages are attained with the use of a microprocessor. The microprocessor can control the switch, for example. The switch therefore need not be thermosensitive. The temperature of the fusible element can be detected by a thermosensor and reported to the microprocessor, which actuates the switch if a temperature limit value is exceeded. It is also conceivable for the fuse to include a current-measurement device, which transmits the value of the present total current flowing through the fuse to the microprocessor, which actuates the switch if a limit current value is exceeded. A further advantage of the use of a microprocessor is that it can be connected to the testing and monitoring system of a vehicle. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the switch is also opened simultaneously if an airbag is triggered in order to attain the earliest-possible melt-through of the fusible element in the event of a short-circuit in the on-board network. Finally, a microprocessor can be used, for example, to detect a temperature increase in the region of the input or output connection of the fuse, with the aid of a thermosensor. If the aforementioned connections exhibit an increased temperature, for example due to corrosion because of an excessive resistance, this can be reported to the driver by way of a display in the dashboard, so he is forewarned and can begin looking for an auto mechanic shop.


The yarn tension is modulated by a yarn-braking device controlled by a control unit which receives signals of measured tension from a tension sensor and compares them with a reference tension signal in a control loop; as long as the reference tension remains unchanged, a first set of coefficients is used in the control loop causing the control loop to have a relatively slow behavior in relation to the error-compensating action; when a change in the reference tension occurs, the system switches to a second set of coefficients causing the control loop to have a relatively fast behavior; the second set of coefficients is maintained as long as the difference between the second value of the reference tension and the measured tension remains greater or equal to a predetermined minimum value, then the system switches again to the first set of coefficients.

So called "negative" storage yarn feeders are known, which are provided with a stationary drum on which a motorized swivel arm winds a plurality of yarn loops forming a stock. Upon request from a downstream textile machine, e.g., a conventional circular/rectilinear knitting machine, the yarn loops are unwound from the drum, then the yarn passes through a controlled yarn-braking device which modulates its tension in order to maintain it substantially constant on a predetermined value, and finally is fed to the machine.
With yarn-braking devices such as the one disclosed in EP-B-622 485, the yarn is pressed between a stationary plate and a movable braking member, which is also shaped as a plate and is driven by a linear motor. With yarn-braking devices such as the one disclosed in EP-B-1 059 375, the unwinding yarn is pressed between the delivery edge of the drum and a hollow, frustoconical braking member connected to a motor. In any cases, the motor driving the braking member is controlled by a control unit provided with a closed control loop, which receives a measured tension signal from a tension sensor arranged downstream of the feeder, compares it with a reference tension representing a desired tension, and modulates the braking action in such a way as to minimize the difference between the measured tension and the reference tension.
The conventional control systems are designed to compensate for slow changes in the tension, which may be generated, e.g., by the wear of the braking members, and are tuned in such a way as to be substantially indifferent to any small, sudden variations of tension, which may be generated, e.g., by a node or by a portion of yarn having an irregular thickness. To this purpose, the control loop is set to a very low frequency band, even below 0.1 Hz.
It is also known from EP2031106 to enable the control loop only when the yarn consumption speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in order to prevent the control system from operating improperly during particular operative conditions, e.g., at the start of the weaving process, when the knitting machine is not running yet, or during the insertion step, when the yarn is not running.
Although the known control systems are satisfactory for those applications in which the reference tension is rarely, or even never, changed during processing, they are not suitable to those applications in which the reference tensions are frequently changed at short time intervals during processing, e.g., in order to produce meshes having particular fancy patterns. In fact, due to the very low frequency band, several seconds are required to align the yarn tension to the new value, but this delay is not acceptable with the above processes.
Therefore, nowadays these processes can be only performed on expensive knitting machines which allow the stitch cams to be adjusted, while they cannot be carried out on less sophisticated, older machines which do not have this function.

Tension-controlling method for a yarn unwinding from a storage yarn feeder to a textile machine


A device for lifting and supporting a cabinet during installation thereof and including elongated support legs and elongated dowels connected to the support legs for preventing the movement of the support legs and for maintaining the device at a substantially stable positioned during operating conditions. Side panels are secured to the upper end of the support legs for defining a cavity therebetween, and a moveable section is disposed substantially medially of the side panels. There is a pulley mechanism for selectively lifting the movable section in a substantially vertical direction between raised and lowered positions that is disposed within the cavity and is anchored to the moveable section and the side panels.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a lifting device and, more particularly, to a cabinet lifting device for assisting an operator to maintain a cabinet steady during an installation process.
2. Prior Art
The installation of cabinets and the like within kitchens is difficult for one person to accomplish in view of the size of the cabinets and the confines of the kitchen enclosure. Normally, when installing an item such as a cabinet or ceiling frame, it is necessary for a helper to lift the cabinet in place against a wall or ceiling while the item is secured to the wall or ceiling by the installer. The use of a helper increases the labor cost of such installation. However, there are several drawbacks to using another person as helper.
For example, it is very difficult for a helper to hold a cabinet steady in the selected or proper position. In addition, the helper is usually directly in the installer's way. If the installer does not have a helper, then the installer must use props of some type under the cabinet or must simply be strong enough to hold the cabinet up with one hand while fastening it with the other. These approaches are usually clumsy, unsatisfactory and dangerous. In addition, lifting cabinets can cause back injuries and other medical problems.
It would be highly desirable to provide an apparatus that can be safely operated by one person to lift and hold a cabinet in place while that person secures the cabinet to the wall or ceiling. A further problem associated with positioning such cabinets is the requirement to level and shim the cabinets prior to final installation. The use of conventional vertical lifting devices, per se, does not readily allow such leveling and horizontal positioning of the cabinets.
Accordingly, a need remains for a cabinet lifting device to overcome the above-noted shortcomings.


A cryosurgical instrument includes a feed line for conveying fluid into an expansion chamber. The feed line has a capillary line section that terminates in the expansion chamber and forms an aperture for the fluid to undergo the Joule-Thomson effect. The flow cross-section of the feed line decreases in at least one transition section of the feed line in the form of a funnel. Following each transition section there preferably follows a step section, in which latter section the flow cross-section is preferably largely constant. The last step section is preferably formed by the capillary line section. Due to the acceleration of the fluid in the transition sections and the abating of pressure fluctuations in the capillary tube section and, optionally in the additional step sections, the expansion range in the expansion chamber is increased, without impeding the backflow of the expanded gas out of the expansion chamber.

Prior art has disclosed medical instruments whose working end is being cooled in order to thus generate physiological or therapeutic effects on the tissue of the patient. For example, from publication WO 02/02026 A1 there is known a cryoprobe that comprises a tip for cutting, in which case liquid cooling means is supplied to the tip in order to cool said tip. Publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,581B2 describes a heat transfer element to be inserted into a blood vessel, in which case said element is to cool blood in the vessel in that cooled working agent is supplied to the tip of the instrument.
Instruments for cryosurgery work, for example, with the targeted utilization of the Joule-Thomson effect, in which case a fluid experiences a reduction of its temperature due to being slowed down.
Publication DE 10 2008 024 946 A1, for example, discloses a cryosurgical instrument that comprises a feed line for feeding a fluid, in particular a gas, into an expansion chamber in the head of the probe. On the front side of the feed line there is an aperture with an opening through which the fluid flows out of the feed line into the expansion chamber and is thus expanded, whereby the fluid cools. In doing so, the probe tip is cooled. The cooled fluid flows from the probe tip back through a gas feedback line.
Publication WO 2006/006986 A2 describes a cryosurgical instrument comprising a tube with a closed end. Arranged inside the tube there is a gas feed line, to the end of which a capillary tube is connected, in which case the end of the latter terminates in an expansion chamber in the tip of the probe.
Publication US 2012/0 130 359 A1 describes an instrument for cryotherapy with the use of which nerves at the operating site can be affected with cold for therapeutic purposes. The instrument comprises a shaft, at the end of which a working section is provided. Extending through the shaft in the working section, there is a feed line for feeding coolant back into the working section. At the end of the feed line, there may be provided an aperture or a capillary tube with which the feed line terminates in an expansion chamber in the working region.
Publication US 2005/0 016 188 A1 describes an instrument for the cryosurgical ablation of tissue with a cryocatheter comprising a tube having a closed distal end, wherein a feedback line extends in the tube up to the end of the instrument, in which case a capillary tube is arranged in the end of the feed line, said capillary tube terminating in a chamber on the distal end of the instrument.


An electronic cash register includes a cash drawer, a memory for storing upper limits of the total amount of cash to be received in the cash drawer for different periods of time, and a processing section for generating total amount data indicating the total amount of cash stored in the cash drawer, comparing the generated total amount data with the upper limit of the total cash amount set for the current time and generating a warning to require the collection of cash when the total amount data is equal to or larger than the upper limit of the total cash amount.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electronic cash register which generates a warning when the total amount of cash stored in a cash drawer becomes larger than a preset amount of money.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are some types of cash registers which always check the total amount of cash stored in the cash drawer thereof and generate a warning when the total amount of cash becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined upper limit. In this case, only one upper limit is set.
In stores using electronic cash registers, it is generally required to keep the total amount of cash stored in the drawer less than a minimum required amount since the possibility that the store is burglarized in the nighttime is high. However, when the upper limit is set to a small value according to the sales amount in the nighttime, the total amount of cash in the drawer will easily exceed the upper limit needed in the daytime during which a large number of customers will come to make purchases. Then, the manager must frequently collect the cash in the drawer. Therefore, one upper limit for the total amount of cash in the drawer is generally set according to the sales amount in the daytime.

Electronic cash register indicating when cash is required to be collected from the cash drawer


Meconium stained amniotic fluid can indicate intrauterine fetal distress. The invention provides a system and method for detecting meconium in released amniotic fluid in pregnant women, including a collection body such as a hygienic pad, having a meconium detector. This invention is designed to be employed mainly by a lay person at home; it also may provide possible etiologies for fetal distress.

The colon of a fetus during gestation fills with meconium, the fetal feces comprising bile and its metabolites, gastrointestinal and pancreatic secretions, mucus, cellular debris, swallowed vernix caseosa, and blood. In a significant minority of births, the fetus ceases to be continent and excretes meconium into the amniotic fluid. It is important to be aware of such an occurrence for the future mother and for the obstetrics personnel.
The fetus may pass stool to the amniotic fluid in response to stress (e.g., hypoxemia) and then inhale it into the lungs. Fetal stool, meconium, is toxic in the lungs, it can obstruct airways, and also does harm by other mechanisms, resulting in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Meconium aspiration may occur before, during, and after labor. About 13% of all live births are complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), and about 30,000 develop MAS annually in the United States, leading to the death of 1000 children. MSAF is associated with an increased risk for perinatal complications during labor and delivery (e.g., low Apgar score, higher risk for cesarean section, and higher admission rate to neonatal intensive care unit. MSAF is considered to be a marker for possible fetal compromise. Prenatal detection of meconium in the amniotic fluid can alert a caregiver or patient to intrauterine fetal distress and might have an important role in reducing the incidence and consequences of MAS, fetal hypoxemia, and cerebral palsy. Moreover, when meconium concentration is high—designated herein as thick meconium, the amniotic fluid has a dark green opaque color. Heavy (thick) MSAF may indicate worse fetal/neonatal prognosis than light (thin) MSAF.
There is a consensus that a pregnant woman with MSAF should be carefully evaluated for fetal well-being in order to reduce the chances of irreversible damage to the fetus/newborn. To date, a number of invasive and non-invasive methods and devices are known to identify MSAF. Amniocentesis is an invasive sampling procedure removing a small volume of the amniotic liquid for in vitro testing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,759 describes an invasive method for detection of undesired components, including meconium, in amniotic fluid by absorbance spectroscopy of a sample of amniotic fluid acquired by penetrating the amniotic sac. U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,351 describes an invasive method for the detection of meconium in amniotic fluid by penetrating the amniotic sac with a probe and withdrawing amniotic fluid through the lumen of the probe into an observation chamber. Amnioscopy is a less invasive technique, enabling direct observation of the forebag of an amniotic sac to look for meconium staining; it may help in detecting heavy staining by meconium, but milder cases remain undetected, and the method may require an undesirable degree of cervical dilation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,693 describes the detection of meconium in the amniotic sac by detecting fluorescence of the bilirubin component of meconium, placing a probe against the uterine wall and irradiating the amniotic fluid through the body tissues by excitation light, leading to characteristic fluorescence of eventual meconium components in vivo. US 2010/0324391 describes a device for detecting meconium in amniotic fluid by fluorescent measurement of zinc coproforphyrin in vivo. U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,284 relates to an apparatus for measuring the concentration of meconium in amniotic fluid by employing optical sensors measuring the fluid transmittance in vivo. The above approaches are characterized by physical or optical penetration into the amniotic sac. U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,598 describes a non-invasive method to detect MSAF: a specific meconium protein (14 kilodaltons) can be detected by immunological techniques.
All approaches described above must be employed by professional personnel and, therefore, limit their use to medical facilities. As a matter of fact, high quality fetal wellbeing monitoring is still restricted to skilled personnel (e.g., ultrasonographic fetal heart rate tracing, biophysical profiling, and amniotic fluid indexing).
Rupture of the amniotic sac membranes may occur throughout almost the whole pregnancy period. When rupture of membranes (ROM) occurs, umbilical cord (UC) prolapse (0.5 percent of all pregnancies) can be one of the biggest threats to the fetus. UC prolapse occurs when a UC loop precedes the leading part of the fetus (during spillage of amniotic fluid from the uterine cavity). During this process the UC loop may be compressed and result in imminent fetal asphyxia. In a significant minority of term pregnancies (37-40 gestational weeks) 10-15% of women arrive at the hospital with their 'water already broken'. ROM and the associated severe complications (e.g., UC compression, placental abruption) may occur at home, away from a medical facility. Failure to recognize and immediately treat these complications may result in fetal death. A well-established possible indicator for these complications is MSAF.
To date, there is no simple accurate method or device that enables home detection of MSAF by lay people. Furthermore, nowadays MSAF can be detected at home by the naked eye only. However, in a significant number of events MSAF may be bloody or may be lightly stained and therefore not detectable by the naked eye. Another important aspect is the ability to identify the etiology for MSAF (and the possible fetal distress) at home by lay people, as well as the potential severity of the MSAF. To date, there is no simple method or device enabling such a thing. It is an object of this invention to enable the detection of MSAF by lay people.
Thus, there is a need for: a) Providing a method of detecting MSAF without penetration into the amniotic sac; b) Providing a sensitive and specific method and kit for detecting MSAF (including bloody or lightly stained MSAF) without employing complex analytical tools or devices; c) Providing a method and a kit for detecting MSAF that can be employed by unskilled users at home; d) Providing a platform for identifying etiologies for fetal distress after ROM has occurred; e) Providing an inexpensive home kit that will reduce medical costs by early identification of fetal distress; and (f) Providing a method and kit for differentiating between thick and thin MSAF.

Noninvasive detection of meconium in amniotic fluid


An angular velocity sensor is described with improved ageing and hysteresis properties. The sensor may be of a ring type driven by a driver circuit, the sensor further comprising primary and secondary portions having corresponding signal pickoffs. The gain of the primary pickoff signal and the capacitance of the primary portions of the sensor are controlled relative to the gain of the secondary pickoff and the capacitance of the secondary portions of the sensor. Control electronics is provided that enables matching of the relative signals from the respective channels. In this way, temperature hysteresis and ageing effects of materials used in forming the sensor are overcome.

Many types of inertial sensors are known. Angular velocity sensors incorporating a MEMS type ring are known and such examples can be seen in, for example, GB2322196. In such angular velocity sensors a vibrating planar ring or hoop-like structure is disclosed. The ring-like structure is suspended in space by a suitable support mount for detecting turning rate, linear acceleration and angular acceleration. Turning rate is sensed by detecting vibrations coupled by Coriolis forces, whereas linear acceleration and angular acceleration are sensed by lateral, vertical and rocking movement of the entire ring or hoop-like structure within its mount.
These sensors are required to accurately measure signals derived from stimuli which are also controlled by the sensor. In the case of coriolis gyroscopes, the linear velocity is setup and controlled by a transducers and the rate response is also measured by a 'similar' transducer.
Typically the MEMS ring type structures are formed from crystalline silicon and incorporate transducers formed from Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) materials. PZT materials have significant benefits in terms of signal level (and therefore signal to noise ratio levels) when used as the transducer technology in low cost MEMS sensor applications. However PZT suffers from fundamental ageing and temperature drifts compared to other transducers technologies (inductive, capacitive). Gain variations due to temperature effects may cause the rate sensor scalefactor to vary and this error can be compensated by using an independent temperature sensor but ageing is normally a limiting factor. In addition the phase accuracy of the transducers is a key error in determining the bias (Zero offset) of the overall rate sensor due to the presence of very large quadrature bias signals which are at 90 degrees (electrical) phase to the required rate signal and typically 3 orders of magnitude larger. The phase is affected by the PZT material characteristics, particularly capacitance and is also subject to large temperature and ageing related drifts. The result of all these issues is that the use of PZT transducers in MEMS sensors is limited and PZT is generally only used in low performance applications or where stability over a short timescale is required, for example in GPS aided navigation systems.

Angular rate sensor with improved aging properties


A method includes receiving one or more test signals at a first gateway from a second gateway. The method also includes comparing the one or more test signals to one or more expected signals. In addition, the method includes generating a score representing a voice quality supported by the first gateway on a path from the first gateway to the second gateway. The score is based at least partially on the comparison.

A typical packet-based communication network can support voice communication sessions between two or more participants. For example, the network could support a voice telephone call or a facsimile transmission by transporting Internet Protocol (IP) packets between a client used by a calling party and a client used by a called party. The quality of service or "QoS" supported in the network often determines whether an acceptable voice communication session can occur across the network. For example, if the network supports only a low quality of service, the participants in a telephone call may notice a substantial amount of disruption in the call.

System, method, and apparatus for testing voice quality in a communication network


A fenceless animal confinement system comprising portable units attached to the animal and including means for receiving GPS signals and for providing stimulation to the animal. The GPS signals are processed to provide location information which is compared to the desired boundary parameters. If the animal has moved outside the desired area, the stimulation means is activated. The signal processing circuitry may be included either within the portable unit or within a separate fixed station.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the fenceless control of animals, and more particularly, to the control of livestock utilizing a receiver attached to the animal that receives data identifying the location of the animal and administers appropriate control stimuli to the animal based on the location of the animal relative to the desired location.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Animal Confinement
Various conventional fencing systems are currently used to control the location of livestock. These systems include barrier fencing (such as barbed wire fencing) that physically blocks the movement of the animal and electric fencing that utilizes an electric shock to control the animal. The use of electric fencing has become more widespread because of its lower cost and ease of relocation.
Electric fencing has particular application in managed intensive grazing in which a large number of animals are confined to a smaller pasture area for a relatively short duration. Studies have shown that this higher stocking density followed by a longer period of no grazing yields significantly increased pasture productivity. This method more closely replicates the movement of an unrestrained herd of grazing animals and is more consistent with the evolutionary development of both grasses and grazing animals. Unfortunately, this method is labor intensive and requires substantial investment in electric fencing materials.
It is well established that animals respond to electrical stimuli, as evidenced by the effectiveness of electric fencing. A more recent development is the use of electrical stimulation via a stimulation device attached to the animal. Pet confinement systems have been developed that utilize an animal-attached receiver that applies an electrical shock when the animal approaches the proximity of a buried, current conducting, wire. Recent research has established that such a system also has application to livestock control.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,956, incorporated herein by reference as part of the disclosure hereof, describes a system in which animals wear small ear tag receivers that are activated when the animal enters an exclusion zone defined by stationary field transmitters. This system has particular application for locations in which traditional fencing is impractical and it is necessary to permanently exclude animals from sensitive areas.
Various methods have been developed for applying aural and electrical stimulus, including the ear tag described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,956 and the electronic nose clip described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,759, incorporated herein by reference as part of the disclosure hereof. Collar-mounted units are widely used in dog and other appropriate confinement applications. It is desirable to provide an audible signal prior to applying any electrical shock to allow the animal time to move and avoid the shock. In practice, the audible signal is generally sufficient to cause the desired animal movement.
Position Determination
Significant advancements have been made in the technology available to precisely determine the location of an object. The United States government has placed in operation a multiple satellite global positioning system ("GPS"). A GPS receiver receives signals from multiple satellites and calculates the position of the receiver based on the signal data. The method of operation of GPS systems is well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,224, incorporated herein by reference as part of the disclosure hereof, describes GPS system operation in detail. Even greater accuracy is possible with a "differential" GPS method that determines a correction factor based on the difference between the GPS-determined location of a fixed station and the actual known location of that station.
Many types of GPS receivers are available. Most include components to perform the processing functions necessary to convert the GPS satellite data into location information. Some receivers simply retransmit the data received from the GPS satellite to a central processing unit that converts that data into location information, in an effort to reduce the cost of the receiver components.

Fenceless animal control system using GPS location information


The present invention discloses the adherent PHBV-PCDA electrospun mats on paper for use as an authentication feature. Further disclosed herein is the process for preparation of adherent PHBV-PCDA electrospun mats and use of the above product to authenticate cigarettes.

Authentication of documents, currency notes, certificates and detections of counterfeiting using simple means without need for extensive interventions is a challenge that is being addressed by many technologists and scientists. In some products, this feature is provided for, but still does not solve the issue of counterfeiting, for eg as in cigarettes it is provided for a pack, but is not an essential feature of each cigarette.
Fake cigarettes are a major problem for cigarette manufactures across the globe as the cigarette counterfeiting is immensely lucrative, with profits easily rivaling those of the narcotics trade. The trade in counterfeit cigarettes has been a problem for years and it is a growing global problem that hurts tobacco manufacturers to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars each year. In addition to deceiving smokers into buying fake cigarettes, the trade in counterfeit cigarettes supports organized crime. Also, counterfeited cigarettes are often of substandard quality and do not comply with government and industry standards. Since these cigarettes are manufactured using contaminated tobacco leaves; the use of the same results in increased health risks associated with smoking. Thus counterfeited cigarettes very often contaminated with much higher levels of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, lead, cadmium, and arsenic than genuine brand-name cigarettes. Also, consumers buy fake cigarettes that are transported and stored in unhygienic conditions.
Fake cigarettes represent a billion-dollar industry across the globe and with tobacco taxes rising aggressively, fake cigarettes also grown in popularity as the same is available at a lesser price. Since the consumer intend to save few dollars on their smokes, the smokers are ignorant of counterfeiting cigarettes and the price becomes more relevant than the harmful additives, which normally included in the fake cigarettes like feces and sawdust that are even worse than that of a normal cigarette.
Thus the fake cigarettes become a global challenge not only for the manufacturers but also on the governments due to substantial increase in health risks.
Detecting illegal cigarettes using portable E-noses based on the differences between odors from counterfeit and genuine cigarettes is disclosed in article titled "Cigarette Brand Identification Using Intelligent Electronic Noses" by Dehan Luo. However, the method is tedious and non-reliable.
In the light of the foregoing, there is a need in the art to provide an effective solution that can take care of counterfeiting in individual cigarettes but not on the cigarette packets.
Also, premier cigarettes need a feature to authenticate their originality by the end user himself. Moreover the features available today cannot authenticate individual cigarette, rather they authenticate only the boxes containing them.
There is therefore a need for counterfeiting and authentication features which can be visibly observed. Most features available today are on the packet and not on individual cigarette. The current available solutions for counterfeiting and authentication include holographic stickers, fluorescent inks, screen printing, offset printing, flexographic printing and blind embossing. Again, all these features are marked on the packet of cigarette and not on the individual cigarette. Further, these features are costlier and difficult to use and also vests with issues such as biodegradability and safety.
So there is a need to provide means to detect counterfeiting in cigarettes that will enable detection in each unit, rather for an entire pack. Also, the solution proposed should be such that it does not affect the product itself during incorporation or detection, either in terms of aesthetics or in terms of method of use. The feature and method should also be such that it preferably provides a simple visual means of detection of counterfeiting.

PCDA-PHBV electrospun adherent mats as authentication feature

COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH


A subnet of an information network includes one or more mobile hosts, and a first interface of a home router. The first interface and the mobile hosts are assigned corresponding group addresses. Unicast addresses of packets received at a second interface of the home router and destined to members of the subnet, are mapped to the member's group addresses. Each mobile host sends a request to join a group corresponding to the group address assigned to the host, whenever the host links with the network at a new point of attachment. Thus, network routers can track the host as it moves its link with the network from one point of attachment to another, and unicast packets destined to the mobile host from a host outside the subnet are routed to the mobile host over the virtual link created between the home router and the mobile host.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a technique that enables a mobile node or host to communicate with other nodes associated with a wired information network, notwithstanding changes in the mobile host's point of attachment to the network.
2. Discussion of the Known Art
As devices that operate over the global Internet are now of such size as to be easily carried (or even worn) by a person, it becomes more important to consider Internet Protocol (IP) communications involving hosts that are geographically mobile. A known approach to IP mobility solves the problem of delivering IP packets to mobile hosts by assigning one unique IP address for each host, and allowing a home agent or "proxy" located at the site of the IP address to forward the packets to the mobile host while the latter continuously informs the agent of its present location.
Another approach is to re-define the address of the mobile host each time the host changes its point of attachment with the network. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,986 (Nov. 14, 2000) which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and invention, discloses a method of defining an address for a mobile terminal host when the latter links with a wired network such as the global Internet. When the host links with the network via a first base station, the host is assigned an address that corresponds in part to an address of the first base station. When the host changes position and links with a second base station, the host address is changed to one that corresponds in part to the second base station's address. At least one stationary host in the network is informed of a current address assigned to the mobile host, by establishing a connection with the mobile host. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,751 (Jul. 29, 1997), which discloses message routing schemes for wireless mobile networks having dynamically changing topologies.
The Mobile IP working group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is also working on an architecture based on controlled unicast packet re-direction and tunneling between a mobile host's notional "home router" (i.e., a router one hop away from the host based on the topology implied by the host's IP address), and a router near the host's actual location. See Request for Comment (RFC) 2002. Protocol extensions are required for each mobile host, the home router, and base stations associated with subnets that may be temporarily used as attachment points by the mobile host. RFC 2002, and other RFCs noted herein, may be obtained via the Internet at www.ietf.org/rfc.html.
Mobility can be supported in a way that does not impact on IP level routing. Layer 2 (data link layer) mobility can leave the IP routing topology intact, even when a mobile host moves within a region covered by a given layer 2 technology. For example, a wireless LAN is geographically unconstrained (to a first approximation). A host using wireless connectivity between itself and a local IP router will always appear connected at the same point in the IP topology, as long as wireless connectivity is maintained. An ATM-attached classical IP/ATM (See RFC 2225) host can disconnect from one ATM interface, move to another, re-register with its logical IP subnet, and continue to use the subnet's default router. Even though the host's ATM address has changed, no topology change occurs at the IP level. The only requirement is that the host be logically connected to the same IP router while moving, and this is managed by the IP-to-layer 2 protocol that is being used within the subnet.
The scope of a layer 2 network is not always large enough to cover a desired range of mobility, however. As it moves about, the mobile host may need to switch from one layer 2 network to another. Alternatively, the layer 2 network may be of such large scope as to lead to inefficient (e.g., long latency) paths being used when alternative, shorter paths could be established if the host's home router could be changed dynamically from one router to another in the overall IP topology.

Supporting mobile hosts on an internet protocol network


An alkaline dry battery includes a battery case, a hollow cylindrical positive electrode accommodated in the battery case, a negative electrode disposed in the hollow portion of the positive electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution contained in the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator. The alkaline dry battery further includes a layer principally including a compound containing a polyoxyethylene group between the positive electrode and the inner surface of the battery case.

Alkaline dry batteries (alkaline manganese dry batteries) have a larger capacity and can draw a larger current than manganese dry batteries, and thus have found widespread use. An alkaline dry battery includes a battery case, a hollow cylindrical positive electrode accommodated in the battery case, a negative electrode disposed in the hollow portion of the positive electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution contained in the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator. The electrolytic solution that is used is an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide or the like, and exhibits a good viscosity and good ion conductivity in a room temperature environment around 20° C.
Patent Literature 1 discloses that a conductive layer is formed on the inner surface of a battery case using a paint which includes 100 parts by mass of a rubber-elastic resin, 50 to 100 parts by mass of a plasticizer, 5 to 50 parts by mass of a crosslinking reaction agent and 20 to 200 parts by mass of a particulate conductive material. A carbon material is used as the conductive material. The plasticizer is polyethylene glycol (PEG) or the like. The PEG content in a conductive layer formed from the paint is about 50 mass % at maximum.

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A connection device for fluid lines has a housing in which at least one housing recess is formed stepped in the longitudinal direction and merging at an inner end thereof with a fluid duct. An attachment means is fixed in the housing recess and defines a passage opening rendering possible the plugging into position of a fluid line to be connected. A sealing ring is associated with said attachment means. The sealing ring has an inner periphery matching the outline of the fluid line to be connected and being penetrated by the fluid line when connected. A centering section of the housing recess is located axially within the attachment means. An adapter ring is provided able to be inserted into the centering section for bridging over any radial intermediate space present between the outer periphery of the line's end section and the inner periphery of the centering section.

The invention relates to a connection device for fluid lines comprising a housing in which at least one housing recess is formed stepped in the longitudinal direction and merging at an inner end thereof with a fluid duct, an attachment means being fixed in the housing recess and defining a passage opening rendering possible the plugging into position of a fluid line, which is to be connected, such attachment means being provided with a sealing ring having an inner periphery matching the outline of the fluid line to be connected, such sealing ring furthermore having such connected fluid line extending through it, a centering section of the housing recess being located axially within the attachment means, into which centering section the end section of the connected fluid line extends with a simultaneous transverse supporting action.