A diffractive optical element, as well as an optical system incorporating the same, has a comparatively large minimum grating pitch and, hence, is easy to produce. The diffractive optical element has a diffraction grating surface and an aspherical surface formed on an identical substrate or on separate substrates. The pitch of the diffractive grating varies such that it progressively decreases radially outward from the center of the substrate and then kept constant towards the radially outer extremity of the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a diffractive optical element and also to an optical system incorporating such a diffractive optical element. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a diffractive optical element, as well as to an optical system, suitable for use in optical devices and apparatuses such as, for example, photographic cameras, video cameras, binoculars, and projection exposure apparatuses used in semiconductor production.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of optical systems have recently been proposed, among which are noted those which incorporate diffractive optical elements capable of diffracting light rays, such as Fresnel zone plates, diffraction gratings, holographic elements, and so forth.
In general, a diffractive optical element is used as an optical element that converts an incident wavefront into a predetermined wavefront. Diffractive optical elements exhibit characteristics that cannot be obtained with ordinary refractive lenses. For instance, diffractive optical elements show dispersive power which is reciprocal to that of refractive lenses. In addition, diffractive optical elements do not have substantial thickness and, therefore, serve to reduce the size of an optical system when incorporated in such an optical system.
Techniques employed in semiconductor production can be applied to production of diffractive optical elements, provided that the elements are designed to have binary configurations. This permits rather easy production of diffraction gratings even when the gratings have very small pitches. For this reason, intense studies are being made on binary-type diffractive optical elements in which blazed configurations are approximated by step forms.
FIGS. 9A to 9C are illustrations of a concept of a binary-type diffractive optical element. More specifically, FIG. 9A shows a plano-convex refractive lens 701 and FIG. 9B shows a kinoform-type diffractive optical element, i.e., a Fresnel lens, denoted by 702. The element 702 is formed by removing, from the lens 701 shown in FIG. 9A, portions which provide optical path differences amounting to integer multiples of wavelength. FIG. 9C shows a binary-type diffractive optical element which is obtained by binarily approximating the configuration of the Fresnel lens 702: namely, by quantizing the configuration of the Fresnel lens 702 into step form with a step height which is a fraction of the wavelength. Numerals 703 and 705 appearing in FIGS. 9B and 9C denote a transparent substrate. In FIG. 9B, the surface of the transparent substrate has been processed to have a minute pattern which provides the kinoform-type diffractive optical element, whereas, in FIG. 9C, the surface of the substrate 705 has been processed to have a minute step pattern which implements the diffractive optical element 704. As stated before, the approximation of the diffraction grating pattern by the step configuration permits the introduction of ordinary LSI production techniques into the production of the diffractive optical elements.
FIG. 10 shows, by way of example, a conventional process for producing a quadruple or 4-level binary-type diffractive optical element. There are shown a transparent glass substrate 800 having a refractive index xe2x80x9cnxe2x80x9d, a resist 801, and a mask 802 used for a primary exposure. Numeral 803 designates exposure light rays. By way of example, a positive resist is used as the resist 801.
In Step A, the pattern of the mask 802 is transferred to the resist 801 by exposure of the resist 801 to the exposure light 803 through the mask 802. In Step B, the resist is subjected to development and, in Step C, etching is effected on the glass substrate 800. Removal of the resist from the substrate 800 is performed in Step D, whereby a duplex or 2-level binary-type diffractive optical element is obtained.
The penetration or depth d1 of etching is determined to meet the condition of:
d1 =xcex/2/(nxe2x88x921)
where, xcex represents the wavelength of light to be diffracted by the binary-type diffractive optical element.
The glass substrate 800 now carrying the duplex binary-type diffractive optical element formed thereon is then coated with a resist 804. A secondary exposure is performed through a mask 805 in Step E. The pattern of the mask 805 has a pitch that is half the pitch of the pattern of the mask 802. The secondary exposure is conducted such that the edges of the light-shielding regions of the mask 805 are correctly aligned with the edges of the duplex binary-type configuration, so that a pattern as illustrated can be obtained through a developing processing conducted in Step F.
A secondary etching is executed in Step G, followed by Step H which removes the resist, whereby the aimed quadruple, i.e., 4-level, binary-type diffractive optical element is obtained. The depth xe2x80x9cd2xe2x80x9d of etching is determined to meet the following condition:
d2=xcex/4/(nxe2x88x921)
Although a quadruple structure has been specifically mentioned in the foregoing description, it will be obvious that an octet, i.e., 8-level, and hexadecimal, i.e., 16-level, binary structures are obtainable through repetition of the described process.
The described process basically provides binary structures having 2n steps, where xe2x80x9cnxe2x80x9d represents a natural number. However, any desired number of steps can be obtained when the number of masks employed and the widths of pattern lines are suitably selected.
It is true that the diffraction efficiency is reduced to a certain extent as a result of approximation by the stepped configuration. The diffraction efficiency, however, is still as high as about 95% in the case of an octet step structure (8-level) and about 99% in the case of a hexadecimal (16-level) structure, thus ensuring a high level of practical utility.
In most cases, plane parallel plates are used as substrates of diffractive optical elements, because of ease of manufacture. For instance, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-128590 proposes a diffractive optical element formed on a planar substrate. On the other hand, it is a common understanding that a greater degree of versatility is obtained in regard to correction of aberration when a flat surface of the substrate is substituted by a spherical or an aspherical surface.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-229203, as well-as Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-242373, discloses a diffractive optical element formed on a substrate having a spherical or aspherical surface.
Use of a diffractive optical element as a component of an optical system offers various advantages such as ease of correction of aberration, improved transmittance and so forth, depending on the manner of use. However, fabrication of a binary-type diffractive optical element, relying upon repetition of a lithographic process as described before, encounters restrictions due to practical limitations in the exposure process in regard to precision of the mask alignment, minimum pattern line width, and so forth. The performance of a diffractive optical element is ruled mainly by the minimal pitch of the diffraction grating. It has been impossible to produce a binary-type diffractive optical element having a minimum grating pitch of less than 2 or 3 xcexcm.
A diffractive optical element of the type shown in FIG. 9C simulating the function of a convex lens, as well as diffractive optical elements simulating the functions of a concave lens, convex mirror and concave mirror, usually have a diffraction grating the pitch of which progressively decreases from the center towards the peripheral end of the element. A greater refractive power of the diffractive optical element requires a smaller pitch of the grating and, hence, a correspondingly smaller width of the minimum pattern line. Consequently, the exposure process in the production of a diffractive optical element has to sustain more strict conditions in regard to the precision of mask alignment and fineness of the pattern line.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a diffractive optical element which is easy to manufacture and also an optical system incorporating such a diffractive optical element.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a diffractive optical element comprises a substrate and a diffraction grating formed on the substrate. The pitch of the diffraction grating varies such that it progressively decreases radially outward over a radial region from the center and is then kept substantially constant towards the radial extremity of the element.
An optical system in accordance with this aspect incorporates a diffractive optical element having the features set forth above.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a diffractive optical element has a substrate, and a diffraction grating and an aspherical surface formed on the substrate. The pitch of the diffraction grating varies such that it progressively decreases radially outward over a radial region from the center and is then kept substantially constant over a predetermined radially outer portion towards the radial extremity of the element. The portion of the aspherical surface corresponding to the above-mentioned radially outer portion over which the grating pitch is substantially constant is a curved surface. An optical system in accordance with this aspect of the invention employs a diffractive optical element having the described features.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, an optical system comprises: a first substrate having a diffraction grating the pitch of which progressively decreases radially outward over a radial region from the center and is then kept constant over a radially outer portion of the grating; and at least one second substrate having an aspherical surface, wherein the portion of the aspherical surface corresponding to the portion of the first substrate over which the grating pitch is substantially constant is a curved surface.
Preferably, the diffraction grating in each aspect is a kinoform-type grating or a binary-type grating.
The present invention also provides an exposure apparatus in which an exposure light beam is focused on a substrate through any of the optical systems stated above.
The invention further provides a process for producing a device having the steps of transferring a device pattern onto a resist on a substrate through the exposure apparatus, and subjecting the substrate having the resist carrying the transferred device pattern to a developing treatment.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of the preferred embodiments when the same is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Diffractive optical element and optical system incorporating the same


Interactive electronic device packaging assemblies, methods, and systems change the operational state of a packaged electronic device, for example activating a mobile phone, in response to opening of the retail package. In one embodiment, the retail package includes a hall-effect sensor mounted on one portion, a magnet mounted on another portion, and an audio playback circuit that plays prerecorded audio when the portions are separated during opening. In another embodiment, the audio playback circuit can be coupled to an audio output of the electronic device, enabling the package to function as an external loudspeaker. And in yet another embodiment, the package includes a pull-out drawer for storing accessories, such as a manual, earphones, AC adapter, USB cable, and so forth.

In 2012 more than 1.5 billion mobile phones were sold across the world. Many, if not most, of these were packaged in some form of cardboard box, typically including a set of instructions, and one or more accessories, such as an AC adapter and headphones, in addition to the phone itself. Aside from simple containment, the packaging serves primarily to identify and brand the phone, and to protect it during shipping and handling.
The experience of opening or unboxing a mobile phone has become a relatively commonplace and unremarkable, with most packaging discarded soon after purchase and adding little value to the experience of purchasing or using the phone. There is an opportunity to create alternative forms of electronic device packaging generally, and mobile phone packaging particularly, that provide an entertaining and useful introduction to the electronic device.


An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column.

The human spinal column is generally divided into three sections: the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Portions of the spine, known as vertebrae, are divided by intervertebral discs. Due to a variety of stresses and forces imparted upon the spinal column, damage to intervertebral discs is not uncommon. Conventional methods of treating and repairing damaged discs include spinal arthrodesis (i.e. spinal fusion) and surgical replacement of a disc with an artificial disc (i.e. disc arthroplasty).
When performing these and other procedures, it may be important or necessary to determine a specific location along the spinal column or among the various vertebral bodies, such as the center axis of the spinal column, so that the surgeon may locate and/or mark control parts for completing one of the various procedures conducted with reference thereto. Locating the center axis of a spine, however, may prove difficult given the variations in patient anatomy that may result from, for example, patient size, abnormalities of the spine and surrounding structure, and an absence of typical anatomical landmarks. Other problems that contribute to the difficulty of locating markers in a patient include limited visibility due to the presence of tissue, blood, etc., or the lack of adequate lighting, or the presence of tools or devices placed in the patient to complete the surgery. Locating markers within a patient during minimally invasive surgery may also be difficult due to visual constraints.
Methods for identifying working points about a spinal column utilizing radiographic means are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0242869 to Luo et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a method for acquiring radiographic images of a spine and locating and calculating geometrical information, including the center line of the spine. However, images obtained by radiographic means may be of limited value in determining a center axis of the spine, may require additional expenditure of time, expense, and effort to obtain such images, sometimes resulting in misidentification or miscorrelation of anatomical features and radiographic images, etc. Moreover, obstructions resulting from a patient's size and the potential presence/absence of anatomic landmarks that are required to determine the center line by radiographic mapping create practical problems. The invention of Luo et al. and similar methods further subject the patient to radiation exposure which may be undesirable.
Various methods and devices which employ radiographic means suffer from various drawbacks and complications. These include, for example, the need to subject both a patient and a physician or user to radiation, time consuming preparation and administration of radiologic techniques, and the potential for inaccurate or inconclusive results due to the presence of anatomical anomalies or absence of anatomical landmarks.
Therefore, there is a need for an instrument and method capable of accurately and repeatedly identifying one or more points along a spinal column, such as a center axis of a spine. There is further need to economically and quickly, during a surgical procedure, determine these points or "markers" without relying upon radiographic imaging and that otherwise addresses the problems associated with prior art methods. The following disclosure describes an instrument that employs a novel combination of features that address these long felt needs and further describes a method for using the same.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for identification of a center of a patient's body part


An apparatus and method for direct measurement for head/disc interface dynamics in a head/disc assembly is described incorporating two light beams positioned to reflect off two surfaces, two position sensitive detectors for receiving reflected light beams, and a processor for determining the displacement of the surfaces. The processor may further include circuitry for determining the change of displacement as a function of time of the two surfaces and for correlating displacement signals and change of displacement signals with themselves or with other predetermined stored signals to provide an indication of the operating status of the head/disc assembly. The invention overcomes the problem of experiencing unexpected head crashes and of predicting timely preventive maintenance of the head/disc assembly.

With the ever decreasing flying distance between the head and the disc in direct access storage devices, the dynamics of the head/disc interface need to be carefully characterized in order to mitigate failures due to, e.g., head crashes and dynamic "dings". It is imperative that the information be acquired in a real time manner. Currently, information has been acquired in one of four ways: 1) Measuring variations in capacitance between the head and the disc; 2) Performing "Wearscans" where permanent information has been imprinted on each track which is read at a later time to detect changes in signal amplitude; 3) Performing "Quantitative Readback Signal" (QRS) where a sinewave signal which was written on a spin-down of the disc is measured, as a function of disc velocity, on spin-up to determine the flying height of the head; and 4) Measuring variations in acceleration of the head with piezoelectric transducers. A variation of QRS mentioned in 3 above is to take the ratio of the third and first harmonic of the signal using a phase locked loop to determine the flying height of the head. This method is called "Harmonic Ratio Flying-height Analysis" (HRF).
Limitations of these method include: susceptibility to electrical noise, particularly in the case of the capacitance approach, non-linear response of piezoelectric transducers and of the capacitance measurement methods, inaccuracy in the capacitance measurement due to inherent variation (e.g., coating imperfections) which manifests themselves as variations in the dielectric properties of the disc surface or capacitance changes that are not caused by mechanical interface properties (e.g., surface pits), and incompatibility with real time measurement as in the case of the Wearscan, the QRS and the HRF techniques.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,695,767 which issued on Oct. 3, 1972 to D. J. George et al., an apparatus for measuring the flying angle of a pneumatically supported magnetic head relative to a recording disc is described in which a laser beam is directed toward a transparent rotating disc. A portion of the laser beam is reflected from the surface of the disc at a first angle and a portion of the laser beam passing through the disc is reflected by the surface of the flying head which is reflected at a second angle. The two reflected beams will be at an angle relative to each other which is twice the angle between the two reflecting surfaces. A screen is disclosed positioned at a distance R from the flying head which intercepts the two reflected beams. Typically, the distance R is on the order of 50 feet so that the displacement distance on the screen for typical angles of .alpha. would be a few centimeters.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,368 which issued on Jun. 3, 1986 to D. A. Fridge et al., a transparent disc is substituted for the normal hard magnetic disc in a storage system, and a broad spectrum of light such as from a Xenon lamp is directed substantially normal to the surface of the transparent disc, through the disc and onto the slider supporting the flying head. The light reflected from the slider and from the surface of the disc close to the slider is combined and spectrally analyzed for constructive and destructive interference at each of a large number of wavelengths to provide a plot of intensity versus wavelength.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,475 which issued on May 6, 1980 to V. Bodlaj, a system is disclosed for non-contact distance or thickness measurement using a laser and a laser beam deflector for periodically deflecting the laser beam. The deflected laser beam scans an object and produces a measuring impulse during a forward and reverse motion of the scan when the laser beam hits a reference plane and a point on an object and is reflected along a line of sight to a measuring detector which is prepositioned with respect to the object.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,227 which issued on Oct. 11, 1977 to B. Bodlaj, a method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring the height of a blade of a turban rotor as the rotor is being rotated without any contact taking place. A laser beam is deflected along a given path at a known frequency of deflection, the laser beam impinges on the end of the moving blade wherein a portion of the laser beam is reflected from the end of the blade. A portion of the reflected laser beam is sensed to provide a signal, the signal and a reference signal from the laser beam is provided to an electronic analysis system to determine the height of each individual blade.

Direct access storage device with head-disc dynamics monitor

International Business Machines Corporation


An engine shaft of an engine, rotatable shafts of motor generators and a drive force output shaft are interconnected with each other through a drive force transmission arrangement. An ECU computes a torque command value of each of the motor generators through use of an equation of torque equilibrium, which corresponds to the drive force transmission arrangement, based on an engine shaft demand motor generator torque and an output shaft demand motor generator torque.

Lately, a hybrid vehicle, which has an internal combustion engine and a motor generator(s) as drive sources of the vehicle, attracts attention because of increased public demands of low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions. For example, JP H07-135701A teaches a hybrid vehicle, which has an internal combustion engine and first and second motor generators. A drive force of the engine is divided to two systems through a planetary gear mechanism. An output of one of the systems is used to drive a drive shaft to drive wheels of the vehicle. Furthermore, an output of the other one of the systems is used to drive the first motor generator to generate an electric power. The electric power generated by the first motor generator and/or electric power supplied from a battery is used to drive the second motor generator to enable driving of the drive shaft with the power supplied from the second motor generator.
In the hybrid vehicle, which has the engine and the two motor generators, it is demanded to achieve three objectives, i.e., (1) controlling of the rotational speed of the engine, (2) controlling of the output torque and (3) limiting of input and output of the electric power at the battery. However, in the system, in which the engine shaft (an output shaft of the engine) and the drive force output shaft are coupled with each other through a drive force transmission arrangement, which has, for example, the planetary gear mechanism(s), when the two motor generators are individually controlled without integrally controlling the two motor generators, the above-specified three objectives may not be achieved, or the control operation of the motor generators become complicated. For instance, in a system, which has two planetary gear mechanisms, the above-specified three objectives may not be achieved. Also, in a system, which has a single planetary gear mechanism, the control operation of the motor generators may become extremely complicated.

Drive force output apparatus for vehicle


The present invention discloses a data storage apparatus, including a memory module, a USB connector connected with the memory module, a housing for accommodating the memory module, a movable carriage for holding the memory module and the USB connector, and a rotary driving mechanism for transmitting a rotary motion into a linear motion for driving the USB connector.

Data acquisition on a host device, such as a personal computer, has seen remarkable improvements as technology evolved over the years. For example, various local peripheral devices are coupled to computer systems via a variety of recently developed technologies, including USB, IEEE1394, and other interfaces, for data transportation. Among these, the USB provides connectivity to one or more peripheral devices at significantly higher speed than traditional serial ports. Widespread adoption of the USB in industrial applications such as flash drive and thumb drive escalates data acquisition. Other than that, USB has a plug-and-play interface to search for and load an appropriate device driver for the coupled peripheral device. The plug and play feature brings great data portability, while such advantage always accompanies a certain shortcomings. Namely, connector (or plug) of the USB is rather delicate and vulnerable to damp or static electricity. Therefore, standard flash drive is usually equipped with a cap or cover to protect the USB connector from the risk of exposure.
Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a standard flash drive with a USB plug in prior art. Normally there is a cap 11 to protect a USB connector 12. After the cap 11 covering on the USB connector 12, the cap 11 is just matched with a case 13, thereby the cap 11 and the case 13 become one body collectively. The body can protect both the USB connector 12 and electrical parts (not shown in FIG. 1). During usage, the cap 11 may be taken off from the case 13 and easily lost. Once the cap 11 is lost, USB connector 12 may then be simply damaged. Hence, how to improve the disadvantage in prior art is the major discussion of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a flash drive with a retractable USB connector for eliminating chances of losing the cap for protecting the USB connector. As illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, a USB connector 22 is retractable and primarily controlled by pushing a button 21. When pushing forward the button 21, as the arrow indicated in FIG. 2A, the USB connector 22 protrudes out a case 23 of the flash drive. Reversely, when pushing the button 21 toward the direction as the arrow indicated in FIG. 2B, the USB connector 22 is withdrawn back into the case 23. Besides, the case 23 is provided with a slot 231 for allowing linear movement of the button 21. The slot 231 destroys the integrity of surface of the case 23, which could have been reserved for exquisite appearance design or other purposes.
Referring to FIG. 3, it shows a prior art flash device according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,400. FIG. 3A shows a USB connector 33 being hidden in a case 37. The USB connector 33 connects to a PCB 35, and a top of the PCB 35 has a plurality of springs 39 for withstanding between an internal surface of a top of the case 37 and the top of PCB 35. Meanwhile, the springs 39 are elongated. Depressing and pushing a pushing button 311 of a positioning structure 31 upward makes that a buckling piece 315 is inserted into a buckling hole 373 because the pushing button 311, an extended arm 313 and the buckling piece 315 are in one body. On the other hand, pushing button 311 connects with PCB 35 so that USB connector 33 is protruded out from a USB exit 371, as shown in FIG. 3B. At the moment, the springs 39 are depressed, and slightly poking up a poking piece 317 to take buckling piece 315 off the buckling hole 373 for recovering back to the status shown as FIG. 3A via spring force.
As described, the U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,400 employs springs, a buckling piece, and a buckling hole to launch as well as position the USB connector. When the springs are depressed, the USB connector is protruded out. Otherwise, the USB connector is hidden in the case when the springs are released. Utilizing the springs might be an easy way out, while can't keep the manufacturing cost down. Besides, the performance of the springs would decrease after constant depressing and releasing back and forth. Therefore, the primary focus of the present invention is to introduce a data storage apparatus to solve the problems mentioned above. A rotary driving mechanism is adopted for controlling movement of the USB connector. Through turning the rotary driving mechanism, the USB connector is able to either protrude out or draw back into the case of the data storage apparatus. Unlike conventional storage apparatuses, the present invention not only eliminates chances of losing the cap of the conventional storage apparatus, but significantly mitigates the problems of prior arts as well.


Disclosed aspects relate to data packet management in a memory-constrained environment. A data packet having a command may be received by a first device. The data packet may be processed by the first device using the command. A first portion of processed data may be loaded in the memory component by the first device. The first portion of processed data may be communicated by the first device to a second device. A second portion of processed data may be loaded in the memory component by the first device. The second portion of processed data may be communicated by the first device to the second device. A trailer may be loaded in the memory component by the first device. The trailer may be communicated by the first device to the second device.

This disclosure relates generally to computer systems and, more particularly, relates to data packet management in a memory-constrained environment. Computer components may exchange data packets to facilitate device communication and instruction execution. The memory available for data packet exchange and storage may be limited. As computer component communication increases, the need for data packet management in a memory constrained environment may increase.

Data packet management in a memory constrained environment

International Business Machines Corporation


A combined wheel includes spokes, steel bushings, a rim, a metal frame, a brake disc and pins. In use, the steel bushings are installed in grooves of the spokes; the spokes are placed so that the clamping grooves are matched with the connecting blocks; the pins are installed into holes of the spokes and the connecting blocks; the metal frame is matched with the backs of the spokes; the screws I connect the metal frame, the connecting blocks and the spokes together and are matched with the steel bushings; and the brake disc is connected to the metal frame by screws II. In the combined wheel, the radial force and the axial force generated in the running process of the wheel can be counteracted on the spokes; and the brake disc brakes from the inside, thereby increasing the brake radius and reducing the clamping force required when braking.

At present, the automotive industry is advancing towards green development, and it also puts forward a higher requirement for the wheels as important moving parts. In order to achieve the purpose of weight reduction, rims and spokes need to be made of different materials. The rims and spokes made of different materials are often connected by bolting. The wheels may be subjected to radial, axial and shear forces during running. By designing ingenious connecting structures, the quantity of screws used can be effectively reduced. In addition, the hub motor used in an electric vehicle requires a large enough space for a wheel backcavity. The conventional structure of a brake disc severely restricts the design for the structure of hub motor. Therefore, a new brake form is the premise of sufficiently designing the hub motor.


A sensor for measuring rate of rotation is disclosed which includes a disk resonator, an anchor coupled to the disk resonator and further coupled to a substrate, and an optical waveguide wrapping around at least a portion of the perimeter of the disk resonator, the optical waveguide having an input end and an output end, wherein the disk resonator is configured to expand radially when subject to a rotational input, and wherein said radial expansion is adapted to cause a change in an optical signal passing through the optical waveguide.

This section introduces aspects that may help facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, these statements are to be read in this light and are not to be understood as admissions about what is or is not prior art.
A typical barebones MEMS vibratory gyroscope requires four electrodes, two for differential oscillation of a proof-mass along the drive axis, and two for differential sensing of Coriolis acceleration along the sense axis. However, gyroscope architectures today have significantly large number of electrodes which are considered necessary for frequency tuning, mode-matching, quadrature error correction, in-phase error correction, force-feedback and self-test, all with their own electrostatic gaps. While each gap serves an important purpose, these gaps are significant liability in large external shock and vibration situations, as small change to each gap directly affects gyroscope scale-factor and bias stability.
Therefore, improvements are needed in the field of angular rotation rate sensors or gyroscopes.


A leg-protecting apparatus is arranged in close contact with a body surface of a wearer to cover a thigh, a knee, and a calf of the wearer, including a biomechanically protecting strap arranged to correspond with structural locations and paths of tendons and ligaments of the knee and muscles proximal thereto during an exercise process. The strap comprises a cruciate ligament protecting strap, a patellar tendon protecting strap, a thigh muscle group protecting strap, and a calf muscle group protecting strap. Elastic moduli of the cruciate ligament protecting strap and the patellar tendon protecting strap has a step-change upon a change in a fabric tensile ratio caused by the knee bending of the wearer, wherein the step-change occurs after an initial low tensile modulus stage, during a tensile sudden-change stage, and before a high tensile modulus stage transitioning between the stages as knee angle decreases.

As is known in the art, a full-leg-protecting apparatus includes a calf part, a knee joint part, and a thigh part, and is a protecting apparatus that is used by a sportspeople in an exercise process to protect knee joints and muscle groups of legs to avoid or reduce the potential for sports injuries. Generally, the full-leg-protecting apparatus is divided into parts: an elastic sleeve, a support member, upper and lower edge members, and the like.
Referring to FIG. 1, the knee joint includes medial and lateral condyles of the femur, medial and lateral condyles of the tibia, and the patella, and is the largest human body joint that is most complex and most easily injured. Stability of the knee joint mainly depends on ligaments and muscles. Both medial and lateral collateral ligaments and cruciate ligaments are very important for normal activities of a human body. The cruciate ligaments in the knee joint, also referred to as cruciform ligaments, include the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and connect the femur to the tibia. No matter whether the knee joint extends straight or is bent, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are both in a tense state. In an exercise process, the cruciate ligaments may be injured in the case of insufficient protection of the muscles. A patellar tendon, also referred to as a patella tendon, is a tendon connected between the patella and the tibia. If the patellar tendon is overused or overloaded, patellar tendonitis is possibly caused. Using a protecting apparatus to provide pressure supporting is an effective treatment method.
A lower end of the iliotibial band is attached to the lateral condyles of the tibia, the fibular head, and a bursa of the knee joint. A pes anserinus tendon is an attaching point of tendinous parts of three muscles of a sartorius muscle, a gracilis muscle, and a semitendinosus muscle at the medial proximal of the tibia. As is known in the art, the shape of the pes anserinus tendon is similar to a goose's foot, hence the name.
During knee bending, the main flexor muscles are biceps femoris of a posterior thigh muscle group. Additional flexor muscles further include a gracilis muscle and a sartorius muscle of a thigh muscle group and a popliteus muscle and a gastrocnemius muscle of a calf muscle group. Main extensor muscles are quadriceps femoris of an anterior thigh muscle group. When a sportsman is doing a deep squat, the main involved leg muscles include the quadriceps femoris and the posterior thigh muscle group, as well as thigh adductors and the soleus muscle and the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf muscle group.
In exercise, when a sportsman is doing a squat and bending his knees, the sportsman can maintain the squat position without falling down when the thigh muscles, especially the quadriceps femoris, produce sufficient bearing muscle strength. When the sportsman squats deeper and a knee bending angle becomes smaller, the arm of force may be relatively enhanced, but the lever arm does not change. Therefore, the muscle strength needs to be increased, and the largest knee bending amplitude can be maintained only by the muscle strength four to five times larger than the gravity. A protection method is training the sportsman thus: Do not squat extremely deep and low, especially do not suddenly stop with extra load and at a high speed. Refer to existing movement tips for lunges, for example, Hao Yan and Zhang Junnan reported in GOLFWORLD (August 2013, P. 91) that in a lunge position, it should be ensured that for the leg in the front, there is a straight angle between the thigh and the calf, and the knee cannot exceed the tiptoe. In addition, Song Qinghua reported in Teaching of Physical Education (May 2013, P. 62) that in exercise of lunge stretching, an angle between the calf and the thigh should be always kept to be greater than or equal to 90 degrees. In this way, the knee joint is not obviously extended or does not move back and forth. This reduces the rolling or sliding friction of the articular head in the fossa articularis to the greatest extent, thereby fully extending and stressing the medial ligaments of the thigh, and avoiding wear of the knee articular cartilage in a stressed state. Liu Shitong reported in Chinese Martial Arts (September 2000, P. 41) that when the knee joint bends less than 90°, only the rectus femoris muscle of the quadriceps femoris mainly plays a role in knee extension, and its muscle strength is weak; when the knee bends more than 90°, the other three muscles gradually play a role in knee extension.
Prior art patents aim at providing a leg-protecting apparatus or a knee-protecting apparatus for reducing swinging of muscles of sportsmen in an exercise process, increasing stability of the knee joint and reducing fatigue. Most of the apparatuses are calf-protecting and knee-protecting apparatuses which use different fabric combinations and the like to provide pressure constraint functions. In Chinese Patents (No. 201180062979.X and No. 201180003748.1), two different types of a calf-protecting apparatus and a knee joint-protecting apparatus are respectively disclosed for increasing pressure on gastrocnemius muscle of the calf and the knee joint by using the elasticity of different fabric structures. The former can effectively prevent, in exercise, the gastrocnemius muscle from swinging unduly and reduce the feeling of fatigue of the calf while providing a strong supporting function to the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf by using a cylindrical woven fabric. The latter can reduce, in exercise, load applied by knee tendons, improve stability of a knee joint, and reduce fatigue. In No. 201180062979.X, the patella is pressed by using a sleeved elastic band and a ring pad, so that the patella does not swing or move from side to side in exercise, so as to protect safety of the patella. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,749,181B2, a patella supporting kneepad is invented by using a patellofemoral brace to strengthen the fastening function. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,765B2, a flexible material is used to form a tubular body. A curvilinear stitching system is designed for the body according to the knee joint, so that using different elastic materials provides different tension performance in different regions. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,517,331B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,843B2, and the like, an elastic fabric sports kneepad is provided. U.S. Pat. No. 7,517,331B2 uses an elastic insertion with a special shape and that surrounds the patella to fix the position of the patella in an exercise process, and reduce pressure on the patella. U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,843B uses an elastic fabric to cover the kneepad from the middle of the thigh to the middle of the calf, so as to fix the patella by using an oval insertion, and further provide protection to the knee joint during leg bending.
In the protecting apparatuses for reducing knee joint injuries in an exercise process disclosed in the foregoing patents, patella fixing and protection functions are implemented mainly by using a fabric elasticity, a fabric structure, a design for a special part of a knee joint, and the like. However, in exercise, muscles of legs of a human body are tensioned to different degrees hence single elastic fabric protection not only fails to provide reliable protection but also reduces comfort in an exercise process.
In addition, in the existing protecting apparatus, sweat is easily retained which reduces comfort.
Therefore it is necessary to provide a leg-protecting apparatus having a dynamic function to overcome the disadvantages in the prior art.
The present disclosure provides a leg-protecting apparatus arranged in close contact with a body surface of a wearer to cover a thigh, a knee, and a calf of the wearer, comprising a biomechanically protecting strap (A) arranged to correspond with structural locations and paths of tendons and ligaments of the knee and muscles proximal thereto during an exercise process; and said strap may comprise a cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1), a patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2), a thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3), and a calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4);
wherein the elastic moduli of the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1) and the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2) may have a step-change upon a change in a fabric tensile ratio caused by the bending of the knee of the wearer, wherein the step-change may occur after an initial low tensile modulus stage, during a tensile sudden-change stage, and before a high tensile modulus stage transitioning between said stages as knee angle decreases.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure,
the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1) may be a stripe region covering the front of the leg of the wearer, including a tibia of the calf, a patellar tendon, a patella, a knee joint, a ligament, and quadriceps femoris and extending lengthwise from one end of the protecting apparatus to the other end;
the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2) may extend, from two sides of a knee part of the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1), obliquely upward along a lateral collateral ligament and an iliotibial band at a lateral side of the knee and along a medial collateral ligament and a pes anserinus tendon at a medial side of the knee to terminate at a side part of the thigh, being formed in an approximate U-shape for reinforcement;
the thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3) may comprise a cross reinforcing part and a ring reinforcing part;
wherein the cross reinforcing part may cover a posterior thigh muscle group and may be formed in an "inverted Y"-shaped structure extending obliquely upward from two extension ends of the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2) along the directions of opposite sides at the posterior thigh before merging;
the ring reinforcing part may run annularly around and may be secured to the thigh to cover the anterior quadriceps femoris and the posterior thigh muscle group;
wherein a lower edge of the ring reinforcing part located at one or more of the anterior thigh or posterior thigh may be engaged or partially overlap the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1), and
the calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4) may be connected to both sides of the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1) and a lower edge of the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2), and may wrap around a posterior part of the calf or have an X-shaped cross reinforcing part to cover a calf muscle group.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, wherein the step-change may comprise:
when the fabric tensile ratio caused by the knee bending is 0 to T1, the protecting straps may be at the initial low tensile modulus stage, and the elastic modulus may be smaller than the first elastic modulus, wherein the first elastic modulus may be less than E1;
when the fabric tensile ratio caused by the knee bending is T1 to T2, the protecting straps enter the tensile sudden-change stage; wherein the elastic moduli non-linearly may increase to a second elastic modulus from the first elastic modulus with a change of the tensile ratio, wherein the second elastic modulus may be greater than E2; and
when the fabric tensile ratio caused by the knee bending is greater than T2, the protecting straps may enter the high tensile modulus stage, wherein the elastic moduli may be greater than the second elastic modulus, wherein
T1<T2, T1 may be equal to 20%±2, T2 may be equal to 25%±2, E1≥0.5 MPa, and E2≥5×E1.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, the protecting apparatus may further comprise a thermal comfort zone (B) for sweat removal which may be cylindrical, and said thermal comfort zone may extend from a lower portion on a gastrocnemius muscle of the calf to a thigh muscle group; wherein the thermal comfort zone (B) may comprise a posterior-leg thermal comfort zone (B-1) and an anterior-leg thermal comfort zone (B-2) that extend along the length direction of the protecting apparatus respectively, and join with each other.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, the posterior-leg thermal comfort zone (B-1) may be made of a material configured to transmit sweat generated on the body surface of the wearer outside the protecting apparatus; and wherein material of the anterior-leg thermal comfort zone (B-2) may have a thickness less than 1 mm; and the overall moisture management capability when the materials of the posterior-leg thermal comfort zone (B-1) and the anterior-leg thermal comfort zone (B-2) deform more than 10% may be greater than or equal to 3.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, the protecting apparatus may further comprise a reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C) arranged at the end portion of the biomechanically protecting strap (A) and the thermal comfort zone (B); the reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C) may comprise a lower-end reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C-1) annularly bound to a protruded lower part of the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf, an upper-end reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C-2) annularly bound to an upper part of the middle of the thigh, a below-the-knee-joint reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C-4) annularly bound to a lower part of the knee joint or bound to a posterior part of the calf in an X-shaped crossing manner, and an above-the-knee-joint reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C-3) annularly bound to an upper part of the knee joint or bound to a posterior part of the thigh in an X-shaped crossing manner, wherein the elastic moduli of the lower-end reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C-1) and the upper-end reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C-2) may be greater than 0.1 MPa, a friction coefficient may be greater than 0.4, and pressure may be greater than 10 mmHg.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, the reinforcing and anti-slipping strap (C) comprises a strap and a Velcro tape/fastening tape.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1), the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2), the thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3), and the calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4) may use materials having corresponding non-linear elastic modulus properties.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1), the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2), the thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3), and the calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4) may use laminated composite materials affixed to material of the thermal comfort zone (B).
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, elastic moduli of the thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3) and the calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4) may be greater than an elastic modulus of a basic fabric.
In the leg-protecting apparatus provided in the present disclosure, local elastic moduli of the thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3) and the calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4) are more than 3 MPa.
The present disclosure provides a leg-protecting apparatus having dynamic biological functions, being in close contact with a body surface of a wearer and covering a thigh, a knee, and a calf of the wearer, comprising
a biomechanically protecting strap (A) arranged on the basis of structural locations and paths of a tendon and a ligament of the knee and a muscle as well as a biomechanical feature of a human body in an exercise process; the biomechanically protecting strap (A) comprising a cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1), a patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2), a thigh muscle group protecting strap (A-3), and a calf muscle group protecting strap (A-4),
wherein the elastic moduli of the cruciate ligament protecting strap (A-1) and the patellar tendon protecting strap (A-2) have step-change based on a change in a fabric tensile ratio caused by the bending of the knee of the wearer, and wherein the step-change comprises an initial low tensile modulus stage, a tensile sudden-change stage, and a high tensile modulus stage that involve a gradual transition as a knee angle decreases.
Implementation of the leg-protecting apparatus configured on the basis of the biomechanical feature of the human body in the exercise process specifically includes four protecting straps for protecting main muscle groups or ligaments. The elastic moduli of the cruciate ligament protecting strap and the patellar tendon protecting strap may have a step-change upon a change in the fabric tensile ratio caused by the knee bending of the wearer, and the step-change occurs after the initial low tensile modulus stage, during the tensile sudden-change stage, and before the high tensile modulus stage transitioning between the stages as the knee angle decreases. Therefore, when a sportsman bends knees in an exercise process, comfortable elastic protection can be provided.
An elastic modulus of a knee material is correspondingly automatically adjusted according to knee angles caused by different knee bending amplitudes in exercise, so as to provide healthy and comfortable elastic protection in the case of both a small knee angle and a large amount of exercise.
When the knee bends slightly, the elastic moduli are at the initial low tensile modulus stage, which can reduce sports obstacles and enhance a sporting feeling;
when the knee bends more deeply, the elastic moduli are at the high tensile modulus stage, which can provide larger resilience for protection, thereby preventing or reducing knee joint injuries, preventing tendon, ligament, and muscle strains, and improving an exercise posture.
Meanwhile, according to different exercise requirements, the thigh muscle group protecting strap and the calf muscle group protecting strap are designed to strengthen muscle fastening forces of the calf and the thigh, so as to stabilize the knee joint and muscle groups, prevent or reduce knee joint injuries, prevent ligament and muscle strains, and improve exercise posture.
Further, the thermal comfort zone is configured to transmit sweat generated on the body surface of the wearer out of the protecting apparatus. This effectively improves transfer and evaporative efficiency of sweat at a knee fossa in the protecting apparatus, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency on the skin surface of the knee fossa, reducing increased core body temperature, and improving an exercise capability. The reinforcing and anti-slipping strap can prevent sliding of the protecting apparatus.

Leg-protecting apparatus having dynamic biological function

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited


A system provider has a data storing unit for storing at least one digital picture data block referred to as a minimum playback picture block (GOP: Group of Pictures) in each fixed-length area (for example, picture data for one second is composed of eight GOPs) and a detecting unit for detecting an address in the data storing unit for the picture data to be provided as playback picture data corresponding to a playback request received from a user.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a picture data reproducing system for use with a video on-demand system that provides the user with picture data and sound data through a network corresponding to a request received from a user, and in particular to a picture reproduction position detecting system for detecting the start position of a reproduced picture.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a video-on-demand system for providing a user with picture data and sound data through a network corresponding to a request received from the user, it is necessary to accomplish an operability and a response that are the same as those with which the user reproduces picture data using a video cassette recorder, without being conscious of a network and a center that provide the user with the data.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a conventional video-on-demand system. In FIG. 1, the system is composed of a video-on-demand center 1 that provides a user with picture/sound data, a network 2, a television set 3 with which the user side reproduces the picture/sound data, a set top unit (STU) 5 that sends a request of the user from a remote controller 4 through the television set 3 to the center 1 corresponding to a predetermined protocol, a personal computer 6 used by another user as a substitute for the television set 3, and so forth.
When a video server in the video-on-demand center 1 sends picture/sound data requested by the user, the video server should quickly detect the stored position and the playback start position of the requested picture data. As requests received from the user, there are a playback request, a pause request, a rewind request, a fast-forward request, and so forth. The video server should quickly and accurately detect the picture/sound sending position or the playback resume position corresponding to such requests and send the requested data.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a format of digital picture data and sound data stored in the video-on-demand center 1. Conventionally, picture data is converted into digital data, compressed, and then stored. Digital picture data is compressed and stored on a disk of the server. On the disk of the server, the digital picture data is stored at a position corresponding to sound data. In addition, time data necessary for synchronizing the picture data with the sound data, playback time data, and so forth are added to the digital picture data.
In FIG. 2, "data type" in the header information represents an identification of picture data or sound data and playback speed. "Compression code type" represents an encoding system to be used. (In the embodiment of the present invention, the MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group), as an encoding system that allows video data to be effectively stored in a digital data storing medium, is used.) "Playback start relative time" represents a relative time period after picture data is played back until data including the header data is played back. The header data also includes the "amount of data".
In conventional video-on-demand systems, there are two systems for detecting a picture data playback position corresponding to a request received from the user. In the first system, the playback start relative time in the header data shown in FIG. 2 is read. The playback start position is then detected corresponding to the relative time.
In the second system, all the header data is read beforehand. A table having the relation of the playback start relative time of the header data and the picture data storing positions on the disk is created. In the second system, the table is searched for the playback start position.
However, in the first method, whenever a request is received from the user, the disk is accessed for each header data so as to read the playback start relative time included in each header. Since digital picture data is compressed and stored, the playback time varies for each digital picture data. In this system, the amount of data to be processed becomes huge. For example, when many users send their requests to the video-on-demand center, it cannot handle them all at the same time.
In the second system, since the table that has been created beforehand is searched for the playback start position of the requested picture data, the performance is higher than that of the first system. However, in the second system, after the table is searched with a pointer of time, the disk should be accessed. Thus, it is also difficult to handle requests received from many users at the same time.

Picture reproduction position detecting apparatus for use with video on demand system


A heat-resistant and high-transparence polyesterimide composition is disclosed which is prepared from the reaction of: (a) an imidihydroxycarboxylic acid represented by the following formula: ##STR1## (b) at least one dicarboxylic, such as terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid, or mixture thereof, and (c) at least one dihydroxy compound represented by the following formula: ##STR2## Wherein Y can be --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --, --SO.sub.2 --, --CH(CH.sub.3)--, --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --, where m in an integer of 1 to 10, --O--, or --S--; X can be H, Cl, or Br; and n is an integer of 0 to 4. The polyesterimide resins disclosed in this invention also exhibit improved fabricability due to their improved solubility in organic solvents, and improved mechanical strength.

It has been known in the art that compounds containing imide group provide excellent heat resisting characteristics. It is also well-known in the art that polyimide resins exhibit superior heat resisting properties. Polyimide resins also provide excellent mechanical strength, in additional to their superior heat resisting properties. These advantageous properties thereof enable polyimides to be widely used in the industry. A typical example of the applications in which polyimides are extensively used is the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs), especially flexible PCBs. Polyimides are also widely used as varnishes for coating electric wires and in the making of packaging materials for the electronic/electrical industry.
One of the disadvantages of polyimides is their inferior solubility in most organic solvents. This solubility problem presents a barrier in attempting to directly applying the solution processing technology for fabricating polyimide products. In most applications where polyimides are utilized, a precursor polymer--most commonly a polyamic acid--is used instead of directly using the polyimide resin. After the fabricating steps, polyamic acid is then cyclized to become polyimide. The storage of polyamic acid prior to processing often causes a ponderous problem in the polyimide processing industry. This problem is aggravated by the strong corrosiveness of the polyamic acid. Furthermore, the need to dewater the final product after cyclization also adds difficulty to the polyamic-to-polyimide indirect solution processing approach. While this practice might have been acceptable in the past, it could raise serious problems as the need to mitigate environmental pollution is becoming a global concern.
In addition to poor solubility in organic solvents as described hereinabove, polyimides also exhibit relatively inferior transmissibility to visibly light rays. Such a poor transparence of polyimides is related to the frequency of molecular vibration of the polyimide molecules. In many industrial applications, it is desirable to provide a heat-resisting polyimide that is also highly transparent.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,098 (the '098 patent), it is disclosed a polyester-polyimide prepared from the reactants of: (1) tris (2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate; (2) a polycarboxylic acid, such as terephthalic acid or isophthalic acid; (3) an aromatic diamine, such as oxydianiline or methylene dianiline; and (4) an aromatic carboxylic anhydride containing at least one additional carboxyl group, such as trimellitic anhydride or pyromellitic anhydride. Because of the existence of the fatty ester linkages, the polyester-polyimide resins prepared according to the '098 patent exhibit relatively inferior heat resisting property.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,697,471 (the '471 patent), it is disclosed a polyesterimide resin produced from dimethyl terephthalate, ethylene glycol, glycerin, and a 5-membered imide ring compound. The 5-membered imide ring compound was produced from reactions of an aromatic carboxylic acid anhydride, which, besides the 5-membered cyclic carboxylic acid anhydride group, also contains at least one additional reactable group; and a primary amine, which, besides the primary amino group also contains at least one additional reactable group. Since the polyesterimides prepared according to the '471 patent also contain fatty ester linkages, they similarly exhibit relatively inferior heat resisting property.
The processes disclosed in both the '098 and the '471 patents require a phenolic solvent (cresol in the '098 patent and a mixture of p-chlorophenol, phenol and o-cresol in the '471 patent). The offensive odor of the phenolic solvents and their adverse effects on human skins could cause significant processing problems. The polyesterimide resins prepared according to either the '098 or the '471 patent show brownish color; they both exhibit inferior transmission to visible light rays. Furthermore, in order to achieve solubility in the solvents mentioned hereinabove, the polyesterimides disclosed in the '098 and the '471 have relatively low molecular weight. As a result, these resins have relatively poor filmability, poor mechanical strength, and are unsuitable for use as engineering plastics.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,390 discloses a polyesterimide resin obtained by the reaction between a bis-(hydroxyphthalimide) and a dicarboxylic acid dihalide. The bis-(hydroxyphthalimide) is prepared by reacting 4-hydroxyphthalic anhydride with an organic diamine such as m-phenylenediamine. The dicarboxylic acid dihalide is obtained by the halogenation of a dicarboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid. The polyesterimide resin prepared according to the '390 patent was reported to exhibit good heat resistance and light transmittance. However, the '390 patent did not address many of the important issues that have significant bearings on the commercial applicability of polyimide such as solubility, filmability, mechanical strength, and molecular weight thereof. Bis-(hydroxyphthalimide) is not a commercially available product and the polyesterimide of the '390 patent requires a two-step process.

High-transparent and heat-resistant polyesterimide

Industrial Technology Research Institute


Techniques, systems, and articles of manufacture for automated application reconfiguration. A method includes identifying, for each of one or more configuration files in a pre-configured source virtual machine, a corresponding configuration file in a target virtual machine, identifying one or more mis-configured and/or missing points of variability in the one or more identified configuration files in the target virtual machine based on information derived from the one or more configuration files in the source virtual machine, and reconfiguring the target virtual machine by replacing each identified mis-configured point of variability with a given value based on the information derived from the one or more configuration files in the source virtual machine, and adding each identified missing point of variability at a given location with a given value and a given format based on the information derived from the one or more configuration files in the source virtual machine.

Application configuration is a time-consuming and expensive process with many manual steps. Additionally, an application configuration process is required in many applications such as automated application deployment and management (troubleshooting), application reinstallation during migration to a cloud environment, etc. It is possible to automate some steps in the process that work at the operating system level, but application-dependent steps require manual efforts (driven by ad hoc scripts). Consequently, application configuration is typically performed by experts, contributing to additional cost associated with the process.
Cloud computing presents a model to automatically deploy workloads using standard templates. However, in existing approaches, reconfiguring an application to work in a new environment remains manual and time-consuming.
Accordingly, a need exists to automatically identify configuration files in a new target virtual machine (VM) independent of the application and reconfigure the files with desired values for points of variability (PoVs).


An apparatus and a method for compensating an error of an AQM measuring and compensating the error using returned I/Q digital signals calculate the error compensating signal is disclosed. The process includes detecting a DC offset signal by averaging sampling values of returned I/Q digital signals; detecting a gain compensating signal using a maximum value in a period of the I/Q digital signals of which the DC offset is compensated; and detecting a phase compensating value of the I/Q digital signals on the basis of sum of absolute values for differences between the gain compensated I-digital signals and Q-digital signals, and remove phase error, gain error and DC offset of the inputted digital signal sequentially to compensate the AQM error.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an analog quadrature modulator (AQM), and more particularly to an apparatus and a method for compensating an error for an AQM.
2. Background of the Related Art
A power amplifier is used to amplify a high frequency signal. A power amplifier that amplifies only a strength of a signal linearly without distorting the signal is an ideal power amplifier. However, power amplifiers include a plurality of active elements that have nonlinear characteristics. Therefore, the amplified signal can be distorted, and a function of an entire system is severely affected.
To improve the nonlinear characteristics of the power amplifier, various corrections have been suggested. These include a feed forward method, an envelope feedback method, a predistortion method, and a bias compensation method. The predistortion method is frequently used since it is inexpensive for its function and can operate in wider bandwidth.
The predistortion method is able to improve the linearity of the system by predistorting an input signal to have opposite characteristics of the nonlinear distortion characteristic of the power amplifier. Also, the predistortion method can be realized on a baseband. Consequently a size of the entire system can be miniaturized and the efficiency can be improved.
In order to realize a wider predistortion system, the entire system is implemented using AQM rather than using digital quadrature modulation (DQM). However, the AQM system is constructed using analog elements, and includes error components such as DC offset and amplitude/phase imbalance. These are the principal elements that degrade the function of predistorter. Therefore, the error of the AQM should be compensated in order to get optimal function of the predistorter.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a related art error compensating apparatus for the AQM. As shown in FIG. 1, a path from the predistorter 110 to a directional coupler 105 is a main path on which a signal is transmitted. A path from the directional coupler 105 to a controller 107 is a feedback path for detecting an error generated in the AQM. The error is generated in the AQM due to the DC offset or the amplitude/phase imbalance.
The related art error compensating apparatus for the AQM includes a predistorter 110 for distorting a signal to have an opposite characteristic of the nonlinear characteristic of a digital input signal, and an error compensating unit 120 for compensating I/Q digital signals outputted from the predistorter 110 by as much as an error compensating signal. The apparatus further includes first and second digital/analog converters 102 and 103 for converting the I/Q digital signals outputted from the error compensating unit 120 into I/Q analog signal respectively, and a modulator 130 for modulating frequencies of the analog signal outputted from the first and second D/A converters 102 and 103. Next, a power amplifier 104 is provided for amplifying the output signal of the modulator 130 and supplying the signal to the directional coupler 105. The apparatus further includes a down converter 140 for down converting a returning signal branched in the directional coupler 105, an analog/digital converter 106 for converting the output signal of the down converter 140 into a digital signal and a controller 107 for detecting an error compensating value by comparing the output signal (Vfb) of the analog/digital converter 106 to the I/Q digital signals (Vref) inputted from the predistorter 110, and applying the error compensating signal according to the value to the error compensating unit.
The error compensating unit 120 is an equivalent circuit of the modulator 130, and includes a first amplifier 121 for controlling gain of an I-digital signal, which is predistorted according to a first gain compensating signal (α) transmitted from the controller 107, and a second amplifier 122 for controlling gain of a Q-digital signal, which is predistorted according to a second gain compensating signal (β) transmitted from the controller 107. The compensating unit 120 further includes a third amplifier 123 for controlling a phase of an output signal from the second amplifier 122 according to a first phase compensating signal (sin φ), and a fourth amplifier 125 for controlling a phase of an output signal from the second amplifier 122 according to a second phase compensating signal (cos φ). Additionally included are a first adder 124 for adding output signals of the first amplifier 121 and the third amplifier 123, a second adder 126 for adding an output signal of the first adder 124 and a first DC offset signal (C1), and a third adder 127 for adding an output signal of the fourth amplifier 125 and a second DC offset signal (C2).
The modulator 130 inlcudes a first multiplier 131 for multiplying an I-analog signal outputted from the first D/A converter 102 by a local oscillator frequency outputted from a local oscillator, a second multiplier 132 for multiplying a Q-analog signal outputted from the second D/A converter 103 by the local oscillator signal outputted from the local oscillator and phase converted as 90°, and a combiner 133 for combining the output signals of the first and second multipliers 131 and 132 and outputting a high frequency signal.
The controller 107 calculates an AQM error using a reference signal (Vref) inputted from the predistorter 110 and a signal (Vfb) returned from the directional coupler 105, and compensates the respective errors.
An operation of the related art error compensating apparatus for the AQM will be described as follows.
First, the predistorter 110 controls a level of an inputted digital signal, and inputs the signal into the error compensating unit 120 after distorting the signal into I/Q digital signals having opposite characteristics of the nonlinear characteristics of the power amplifier.
The error compensating unit 120 compensates the error of the I/Q digital signals outputted from the predistorter 110 and applies the signal to the first and second D/A converters 102 and 103. The first and second D/A converters 102 and 103 then output the inputted I/Q digital signals after converting them into I/Q analog signals.
The modulator 130 receives the I/Q analog signals outputted from the first and second D/A converters 102 and 103 and AQM modulates the signals. That is, the first multiplier 131 of the modulator 130 up converts the I-analog signal outputted from the first D/A converter 102 by multiplying the signal by the local oscillator signal outputted from the local oscillator, and the second multiplier 132 up converts the Q-analog signal outputted from the second D/A converter 103 by multiplying the signal by a signal having phase difference of π/2 from the local oscillator signal. The respective signals which were up converted are combined as a high frequency signal in the combiner and applied to the power amplifier 104.
The down converter 140 down converts the frequency of a signal which is branched and returned from the directional coupler 105 after passing through the power amplifier 104, and applies the signal to the A/D converter 106. The A/D converter 106 converts the output signal of the down converter 140 into the digital signal outputs it into the controller 107.
The controller 107 detects the error value by performing a predetermined calculation with the I/Q digital signals (Vref) inputted from the predistorter 110 and the I/Q digital signals (Vfb) received from the A/D converter 106. The error compensating signal is then applied to the error compensating unit 120 for compensating the error value. The error compensating unit 120 compensates the error of the I/Q digital signals according to the error compensating signal and outputs the compensated signal.
A process of detecting the error compensating signal by the controller will be described in additional detail as follows.
The controller 107 detects respective DC offsets (C1 and C2) from the returned I/Q digital signals, removes the DC offset for the returned I/Q digital signals, and calculates gain compensating signals (α and β) by comparing the I/Q digital signals, from which the DC offset is removed, to the I/Q digital signals (Vref), which is a reference signal inputted from the predistorter 110. The gain is thereby compensated.
A time delay value is detected by using the gain compensated I-digital signal and the I-digital signal, which is a reference signal inputted through the predistorter 110. After that, the controller compensates the time delay of the gain compensated I/Q digital signals. In addition, the phase compensating value (φ) is detected by using the Q-digital signal, of which the time delay is compensated, and using the Q-digital signal, which is a reference signal inputted through the predistorter 110. The Q-digital signal, of which the time delay is compensated, is compensated by as much as the phase compensating value.
The error compensating unit 120, which received the error compensating signal detected through above processes, compensates the gain of the I/Q digital signals through the first and second amplifiers 121 and 122. It also compensates the phase error of the I/Q digital signals through the third and fourth amplifiers 123 and 125, and compensates the DC offset of the I/Q digital signals through the second and third adders 126 and 127. Finally it outputs the digital signal.
As described above, the related art AQM error compensating apparatus has various problems. For example, the AQM error compensating apparatus detects the error compensating signal by comparing the reference digital signal inputted from the predistorter to the returned digital signal. Therefore, memories for storing the respective digital signals are needed. In addition, the time delay must be precisely compensated before calculating the AQM error value. That is, the error in the time delay affects to the gain and phase error values. Therefore, the time delay should be precisely compensated. However, it is difficult to realize the precise time delay compensation.
In addition, in the related art AQM compensating apparatus, in order to detect a precise phase compensating value, many interpolations are required. However, it is difficult to get many interpolations due to the memory limit in the controller.
Also, in the related art AQM error compensating apparatus, the error compensating unit performs the gain compensation of the inputted digital signal earlier than the phase compensation. Therefore, independent functions between the gain and phase are not performed, and accuracy of the compensating function is reduced.
The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

Apparatus and method for compensating error for analog quadrature modulator (AQM)


A circuit for charging a battery combined with a capacitor includes a power supply adapted to be connected to the capacitor, and the battery. The circuit includes an electronic switch connected to the power supply. The electronic switch is responsive to switch between a conducting state to allow current and a non-conducting state to prevent current flow. The circuit includes a control device connected to the switch and is operable to generate a control signal to continuously switch the electronic switch between the conducting and non-conducting states to charge the battery.

This invention relates in general to circuits for charging batteries and in particular to a circuit with a switch and a control device for charging a battery, which is combined with a capacitor.
Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a known circuit 10 for charging a battery 12 combined with a capacitor 16. The battery 12 has a first battery terminal 13 and a second battery terminal 14. The capacitor has a first capacitor terminal 17 and a second capacitor terminal 18.
Preferably, the second battery terminal 14 is connected to ground, as indicated at 55.
The circuit 10 includes a blocking diode 52. The blocking diode 52 has a cathode 53 and an anode 54. The anode 54 is connected to the first battery terminal 13.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is a power supply 20, as indicated by dashed lines. The power supply 20 includes a motor-generator 24, and a power converter 28. The motor-generator 24 is an AC motor-generator. The motor-generator 24 has first and second motor-generator terminals 25 and 26.
The power converter 28 includes a rectifier, for converting the AC power from the motor-generator 24 to DC power. The power converter 28 has first and second input ports 29 and 30. The power converter 28 has first and second output ports 21 and 22. The first motor-generator terminal 25 is connected to the first input port 29. The second motor-generator terminal 26 is connected to the second input port 30. The motor-generator 24 is thus connected to the power converter 28.
The circuit 10 further includes a switch 32. The switch 32 has first a first switch terminal 33 connected to the first output port 21. The switch 32 has a second switch terminal 34 connected to the first battery terminal 13. The switch 32 also has a control terminal 35. The switch 32 is responsive to a control signal applied to the control terminal 35 to change between a conducting state that allows current flow between the first and second switch terminals 33 and 34 and a non-conducting state that prevents current flow between the first and second switch terminals 33 and 34. While the switch 32 is shown as an electrical device, it will be appreciated that the switch 32 may be a mechanical device or any other suitable switch.
Typically, a switch control line 48 connects the power converter 28 to the switch control terminal 35.
The power converter 28 is operable to generate a switch control signal to switch the switch 32 to the conducting state to charge the battery 12 when the power converter 28 is on and to switch the switch 32 to the non-conducting state when the power converter 28 is off. The switch control signal is transmitted to the switch 32 via the switch control line 48.
The first capacitor terminal 17 and the cathode 53 are connected to the first output port 21. The second capacitor terminal 18 and the second battery terminal 14 are connected to the second output port 22. The first battery terminal 13 being connected to the anode 54, the battery 12 and capacitor 16 are, thus, connected in parallel when either the diode 52 or the switch 32 is in the conducting state.
The capacitor 16 is suitable to provide energy for high current surges and the battery 12 is to provide energy during longer duration loads, as compared to the capacitor 16. When sufficient energy has been drained out of the capacitor 16, the voltage of the capacitor 16 will drop to the same voltage as the battery 12, and the diode 52 will change to a conducting state. When the diode 52 is in the conducting state, the battery 12 and the capacitor 16 will supply energy simultaneously. However, most of the energy is then supplied from the battery 12. When energy has been drained out of the battery 12, the battery 12 will to be recharged. The main purpose of the capacitor 16 is to shield the battery 12 from large current pulses, which for (+) IL is accomplished if and only if the voltage of the capacitor 16 is higher than the voltage of the battery 12. The capacitor 16 shields the battery 12 for all (−) IL as long as the switch 32 is open.
In operation, to charge the battery 12, the switch 32 is closed, or in a conducting state, and the power supply 20 provides power to the battery 12. Conversely, when the switch 32 is open, or in a non-conducting state, the power supply 20 does not supply power to the battery 12.
During charging, the voltage of the battery 12 and the voltage of the capacitor 16 are almost identical. Thus, a (+) IL pulse that may occur during charging may conduct through the diode 52 and the pulse will be shared between the capacitor 16 and the battery 12. Thus, during charging the capacitor 16 cannot shield the battery 12 from (+) IL current pulses, the main reason for combining the capacitor 16 with the battery 12. In practice, most of the (−) IL pulses will be much larger than the charging current, but the switch 32 will only be rated for the charging current. Therefore, during charging, the power supply 20 must detect the start of a (−) IL pulse and open the switch 32 in order to protect the switch 32. If the switch 32 is a mechanical device, it also will conduct (+) IL current and, therefore, also must be opened before the start of a (+) IL pulse.

Circuit with a switch for charging a battery in a battery capacitor circuit


The invention discloses a liquid crystal display apparatus and a pixel element design thereof. The liquid crystal display apparatus includes a register, a liquid crystal display panel, a driving circuit, a dynamic frequency adjustment unit and a control circuit. The liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of liquid crystal capacitors and a plurality of pixel units. The driving circuit includes a plurality of storage capacitors corresponding to the liquid crystal capacitors. A capacitance of the storage capacitors far exceeds a capacitance of the liquid crystal capacitors. The driving circuit casts the image information on the liquid crystal display panel. The dynamic frequency adjustment unit computes and judges based on an image characteristic classification of the image information, so as to generate a display mode control signal dynamically.

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to a pixel element design and a method for driving the liquid crystal display apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus has been applied in many areas, including a notebook personal computer, a monitor, a vehicular navigation device, a functional calculator, various sizes of TV sets, a mobile phone and an electronic message board. Particularly, the current thin and light or portable electronic products have become a new trend in the market. The LCD apparatus has a smaller volume and thickness than the prior CRT (cathode-ray tube) display apparatus, so the LCD apparatus has been widely applied.
In the development of the current electronic display technology, the power consumption of the display apparatus is emphasized, so the LCD apparatus with low power consumption better meets the requirements of a user for energy saving and environment protection. Particularly, in a portable display apparatus (such as a cellular phone, a smart phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), an e-book and a tablet computer), the power consumption of the LCD module directly influences the endurance of the entire apparatus. Particularly, in the current large-size, thin and light display apparatus, the LCD module with the low power consumption and high efficiency is urgently demanded.
The current LCD apparatus generally has a certain refresh rate or frame rate. Generally, the LCD apparatus adopts the rate of 50-70 Hz. That is, the frame refreshes 50-70 times per second.
In other words, even if the display frame of the LCD apparatus has no change or few changes, the display driving circuit may still periodically refresh a display signal of each pixel of the display module at the rate of 60 times per second. Thus, unnecessary energy consumption is generated.
For a current general TFT-LCD (thin film transistor liquid crystal display) apparatus on the market, the power consumption is mainly caused by the LCD panel, the driving circuit and the backlight module. Taking the 10.1-inch TFT-LCD apparatus as an example, the power consumption of the LCD panel and the driving circuit is approximately between 1000 mW and 2000 mW. On the other hand, the power consumption of the backlight module is approximately between 2000 mW and 3000 mW.
Although a polarity inversion driving method, e.g. a row inversion driving method or a frame inversion driving method, has been proposed in this industry directed for the driving circuit, and an area scanning backlight method has been proposed directed for the backlight module, the above methods have limited effects. Therefore, those in the industry are endeavoring to find an LCD apparatus having a stable display effect and low energy consumption and a display driving method thereof.


A catalyst represented by General Formula (1) below:

An amide bond is a basic constitutional unit of synthesized polymers such as biopolymers (e.g., proteins) and nylons and is contained in 25% of synthesized pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the amide bond forming reaction has considerably high industrial usability (see NPL 1).
The amide bond forming reaction is generally performed using a stoichiometric activator. Use of such an activator generates a desired amide, while there is a problem that a large amount of waste products are formed as a by-product.
Then, the working group, which consists of a plurality of pharmaceutical companies that belong to American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute, selects "the amide bond forming reaction that generates less waste products" as reaction that should be the most desirably developed in 2006 (see NPL 2).
In recent years, catalytic amide bond forming reaction has been considered and has been proposed (see NPL 3).
For example, reaction using an enzymatic catalyst has been proposed. In this reaction, however, there is a problem that an applicable range of a substrate with respect to the enzyme is limited.
For example, reaction using a metallic catalyst has been proposed. In this reaction, however, there is a problem that the reaction requires a high temperature of about 150° C.
For example, reaction using boric acid, aromatic boronic acid, or aromatic borinic acid as a catalyst has been proposed (see NPL 4). In this method, however, about 10 mol % of the catalyst is used relative to the substrate and the yield is about 50% to about 60%. In particular, this method is problematic in terms of the following points. Specifically, an applicable range of the substrate is limited. More specifically, this method is not suitable for reaction of a substrate having a sterically bulky group.
The present inventors have proposed a catalyst represented by the following Structural Formula as a catalyst that can be used for amide bond forming reaction, does not require a high temperature in reaction to be used, and is applicable in a wide range of substrates (see NPL 5).

This catalyst is a catalyst that can be used for amide bond forming reaction, does not require a high temperature in reaction to be used, and is applicable in a wide range of substrates. However, this catalyst requires an expensive modified boron reagent in synthesizing the catalyst and requires multistep synthesis. Therefore, there is room for improvement.
In addition, it is difficult or impossible to collect and reutilize this catalyst after amide bond forming reaction.
Therefore, there is a demand for such a catalyst that can be used for amide bond forming reaction, does not require a high temperature in reaction to be used, and is applicable in a wide range of substrates, and that can be synthesized with less steps, can be produced at a low cost, and can be collected and reutilized.

Catalyst, method for forming amide bond, and method for producing amide compound

Abstract: where in the General Formula (1), R1 to R14 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent.


The apparatus cooperates with a vehicle having a chassis, and engine compartment and a passenger compartment and a framework extending above the passenger compartment and a windshield assembly which is disposed in front of the passenger compartment which includes a single flexible sheet material formed into a generally rectangular top section. The top section has first and second opposed edges as well as the front edge and a back edge. The front edge includes a lip dimensioned and configured for engagement with a header bar that is part of the sport utility vehicle and disposed proximate to the top of the windshield assembly.

Currently, removably attachable tops for vehicles such as sport utility vehicles fall into two categories based upon the materials out of which they are constructed. The first type of top is commonly known as a "soft top". Soft tops are usually made from vinyl, canvas, or other pliable, cloth-like materials. Soft tops are also removably attachable to the motor vehicle and are usually shaped in part by an internal frame that is also removably attachable to the motor vehicle and to the material out of which the top is manufactured. Soft tops are most often are more manageable by one person and, if necessary, the top, when removed, can be stored in the vehicle whereby the top is available, for example, in the event of unexpected rain or other storms as well as unexpected cold weather.
A major drawback of hardtops is that they are often awkward, cumbersome, and heavy. It is virtually impossible for one person to remove the hard top unassisted, and removal usually requires the use of currently available mechanical devices, such as winches or hoists. Once removed, the hardtop requires a large amount of space for storage, as it is fragile when removed and standing apart from the vehicle and must, therefore, be stored carefully.
From the above, it is therefore seen that there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described herein and above.


An improved oscillating circuit for use in microwave frequency bands has reduced power loss and is made smaller in vertical size. The local oscillating circuit includes an MMIC oscillator which comprises a FET, and a resonator connected thereto so as to stabilize the oscillating frequency of the oscillator. The resonator is ring-shaped and arranged as close as several .mu.m to several tens of .mu.m to a predetermined position of a micro strip line forming a feedback loop connected to the FET forming the oscillator. Moreover, the resonator is a thin film formed by depositing a high-temperature superconducting material. As exemplary embodiments, YBCO, niobium and the like, can be used as high-temperature superconducting materials. Furthermore, a portion of the micro strip line, closest to the resonator, is concentrically disposed therewith to form a circular arc portion whose central angle is set at 90 degrees.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an oscillating circuit of the type to be formed as part of an integrated circuit and adapted for use in microwave frequency bands.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As demand for information network systems increases so does demand for satellite communication systems As a result, use of high-frequency waves such as microwaves within frequency-band designations is on the rise.
Such demand for high-frequency communications and related applications, requires also that oscillating circuits applicable as local oscillating circuits usable as down converters, for converting high-frequency signals to low-frequency signals, be provided therewith.
In designing any oscillating circuit for communication applications, an engineer must keep in mind several critical factors. Such factors include cost of manufacture and component size. For this reason, oscillating circuits made of microwave integrated circuit MIC technology, mainly composed of a transmission line (a micro strip line and the like) formed on a dielectric substrate, have been used.

Oscillating circuit with a ring shaped resonator of superconducting material coupled thereto