A memory type alternating current plasma display panel has two pixel blocks on both sides of a spacer wall, and scanning/sustain electrode pairs for the two pixel blocks respectively have the innermost sustain electrodes closer to the spacer wall than the associated scanning electrodes so as to increase an offset margin during assemblage of panel structures.

This invention relates to plasma display panel and, more particularly, to a structure of a plasma display panel for increasing an offset margin for assemblage and a controlling method used therein.
The plasma display panel has various attractive features. The plasma display panel is thin, free from flicker and large in contrast. It is easy to provide a wide display area, and the viewing angle is large. The plasma display panel is promptly responsive to an image signal, and a vivid full color image is produced in the wide display area. The plasma display panel is, by way of example, used as an image display unit of a computer system.
The plasma display panel is broken down into two categories. One of the categories is called as xe2x80x9calternating current plasma display panelxe2x80x9d. The alternating current plasma display panel has electrodes covered with a dielectric layer, and alternating current is applied between the electrodes so as to generate discharge in the discharge gas. The other category is called as xe2x80x9cdirect current plasma display panelxe2x80x9d, and the electrodes are directly exposed to discharge gas. Direct current is applied to the electrodes, and the electrode generates discharge. The dielectric layer protects the electrodes of the alternating current plasma display panel from the ion bombardment, and is durable rather than the electrodes of the direct current plasma display panel.
The alternating current plasma display panel is further broken down into two sub-categories, i.e., refresh type and memory type. The alternating current plasma display panel varies the illuminance together with the repetition of discharge during a frame. The discharge takes place at each pulse, and the repetition of discharge is proportional to the number of pulses applied to the electrode during the frame. The memory type alternating current plasma display panel can adjust the number of pulses applied to each of the electrodes to an arbitrary value. On the other hand, the refresh type alternating current plasma display panel decreases the displaying time and, accordingly, the repetition of discharge on each scanning line inversely to the displaying capacity. For this reason, the memory type alternating current plasma display panel widely varies the illuminance of an image rather than the refresh type alternating current plasma display panel, and is appropriate to a wide display area. On the other hand, the refresh type alternating current plasma display panel is appropriate to a narrow display area.
A typical example of the memory type alternating current plasma display panel has discharging space between two substrate structures, and three kinds of electrodes are formed on the inner surfaces of the two substrate structures. Two kinds of electrodes are arranged on one of the substrate structures, and are used for sustain discharge. The remaining electrodes are patterned on the other substrate structure, and are used for write-in discharge together with one of the two kinds of electrodes.
FIG. 1 illustrates a pixel of the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel. The prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel largely comprises two substrate structures 1/2 and spacers 3 for creating discharging space 4 between the substrate structures 1 and 2. The substrate structure 1 provides a display area, and an image is produced therein.
The substrate structure 1 includes a front transparent panel 1a, a scanning electrode 1b formed on the inner surface of the front transparent panel 1a, a sustain electrode 1c formed on the inner surface in parallel to the scanning electrode 1b, a dielectric layer 1d covering the scanning/sustain electrodes 1b/1c and a protective layer 1e laminated on the dielectric layer 1d. On the other hand, the other substrate structure 2 includes a back panel 2a, a data electrode 2b extending on the inner surface of the back panel 2a in perpendicular to the scanning/sustain electrodes 1b/1c, a dielectric layer 2c covering the data electrode 2b and a phosphor layer 2d laminated on the dielectric layer 2c. The discharging space 4 is filled with discharge gas such as helium, neon, xenon or gaseous mixture thereof, and the spacer 3 defines the pixel. The discharge gas radiates ultra-violet light, and the phosphor layer 2d converts the ultra-violet light to visible light 5. The visible light 5 passes through the front panel 1a, and forms a part of an image produced in the display area. The protective layer 1e is formed of magnesium oxide, and prevents the dielectric layer 1d from bombardment during the discharge.
The prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel produces an image as follows. The pixel shown in FIG. 1 is required to emit the visible light 5. Firstly, a scanning pulse signal is applied between the scanning electrode 1b and the data electrode 2b, and the pulse height is larger than the threshold of discharge. The scanning pulse signal causes the discharge gas to initiates the discharge, and positive/negative charges takes place. The phosphor layer 2d converts the ultra-violet light to the visible light 5, and the visible light 5 forms a part of the image. The positive charge and the negative charge are attracted to the scanning electrode 1b and the data electrode 2b, and are accumulated on the inner surfaces of the substrate structures 1/2, respectively. The accumulated wall charges are inverse in polarity to the potential levels on the scanning/data electrodes 1b/2b, and reduce the effective potential difference between the scanning electrode 1b and the data electrode 2b. As a result, even though the scanning pulse signal is still applied between the scanning electrode 1b and the data electrode 2b, the pixel can not continue the discharge.
The wall charges are obstacle to continuation of the discharge. In order to eliminate or neutralize the wall charge, sustain pulse signal is alternately applied between the scanning electrode 1b and the sustain electrode 1c. Although the sustain pulse signal is lower than the threshold of discharge, the sustain pulse signal is identical in polarity with the wall charge on the substrate structure 1, and the wall charge causes the effective potential difference to exceed over the threshold of discharge. For this reason, the discharge is continued during the alternation of the sustain pulse signal between the scanning electrode 1b and the sustain electrode 1c. This is the memory function.
In this situation when the wall charge is eliminated or neutralized, the pixel stops the discharge. An erase pulse signal is applied to either scanning or sustain electrode 1b/1c. Then, the pixel can not continue the discharge, and the visible light is extinguished.
The pixels are arranged in rows and columns as shown in FIG. 2, and forms a display area 6. Circles represent the pixels, respectively. The scanning electrodes Sc1, Sc2, . . . and Scj are paired with the sustain electrodes Su1, Su2, . . . and Suj, respectively, and the scanning/sustain electrode pairs Sc1/Su1, Sc2/Su2, . . . and Scj/Suj are associated with the rows of pixels, respectively. On the other hand, data electrodes Da1, Da2, Da3, Da4, . . . , Dak-1 and Dak extend in perpendicular to the scanning/sustain electrode pairs Sc1/Su1 to Scj/Suj, and are respectively associated with the columns of pixels. The phosphor layers 2d are colored in the three primary colors, i.e., red, green and blue, and a color image is produced on the display area 6.
The pixels are controlled as shown in FIG. 3. Each frame is divided into plural sub-fields SF1 to SF6, and each sub-field SF1 to SF6 is further divided into a preliminary discharge period A, an erasing period B, a write-in discharge period C and a sustain discharge period D1/D2/D3/D4/D5/D6. The sustain discharge period D1 is continued for T, and the sustain discharge periods D2 to D6 are successively decreased to T/2, T/4, T/8/T/16 and T/32.
All the pixels are discharged in the preliminary discharge period A, and stop the preliminary discharge in the erasing period B. The scanning pulse signal is sequentially supplied to the scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj in the write-in discharge period C, and line L1 represents the signal application timing in the write-in discharge period C. Certain pixels to be fired are selected from the pixel array during the write-in discharge period C. Upon completion of the application of the scanning signal, the sustain pulse signal is alternately applied to all the scanning/sustain electrode pairs so as to emit the visible light from the selected pixels. The sustain discharge period is reduced at xc2xdn, and a combination of the sustain discharge periods D1 to D6 determines the illuminance of each pixel. Thus, the prior art control method shown in FIG. 3 achieves a gradation of 26.
The potential levels on the sustain/scanning/data electrodes are varied as shown in FIG. 4. A preliminary discharge pulse signal PS1 is applied to all the sustain electrodes Su1 to Suj in the preliminary discharge period A, and all the pixels are fired. An erasing pulse signal PS2 is applied to the scanning electrodes S1 to Sj in the erasing period B. As a result, active particles are produced, and the wall charges are accumulated. This results in that the pixels become promptly responsive to a scanning pulse signal PS3.
The scanning pulse signal PS3 is sequentially applied to the scanning electrodes S1 to Sj, and a data pulse signal PS4 are selectively applied to the data electrodes Da1 to Dak. When the scanning pulse signal PS3 and the data pulse signal PS4 are concurrently applied to a scanning electrode and a data electrode, a pixel defined by the scanning electrode and the data electrode is fired, and enters into the write-in state. This means that the wall charges take place in the fired pixel.
A sustain pulse signal PS5 is alternately applied to the sustain electrodes Su1 to Suj and the scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj, and the pixels in the write-in state are continuously fired.
The pixels have been miniaturized, and, accordingly, the manufacturer has increased the scanning/sustain electrode pairs and the data electrodes of the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel. The prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel with increased scanning/sustain electrode pairs requires the write-in discharge period C longer than the write-in discharge period for the standard memory type alternating current plasma display panel, and each sub-field is prolonged. If the manufacturer keeps the time period for each sub-field constant, it is necessary to make the scanning pulse signal narrower, and the wall charge in a selected pixel is too little to sustain the firing in the sustain discharge period.
When the manufacturer is expected to increase the gradation, each frame requiresxe2x80x94requires the sub-fields more than those of the standard memory type alternating current plasma display panel, and the time period for each sub-field is shrunk. As a result, the scanning pulse signal PS2 is narrowed, and certain selected pixels are misfired due to insufficient wall charge.
The total time TC for the write-in discharge periods C in each frame is expressed as
xe2x80x83TC=Twxc3x97Lnxc3x97Sfxe2x80x83xe2x80x83equation 1
where Tw is the pulse width of the scanning pulse signal PS3, Ln is the number of the scanning electrodes and Sf is the number of the sub-fields. When the frame frequency is adjusted to f, the time for each frame is given by equation 2.
1/f=TC+Txcex1xe2x80x83xe2x80x83equation 2
where Txcex1 is the total time period of the preliminary discharging period A, the erasing period B and the sustain discharge period D. When the number of scanning electrodes is increased or the number of sub-fields is increased, the total time period TC is prolonged. On the other hand, when the frame frequency is increased, the time period for each frame 1/f is shrunk, and the total time period Txcex1 is forced to be shorter. If the manufacturer reduces the sustain discharge period D, the pixels can not achieve a target illuminance. For this reason, the manufacturer usually decreases the sub-fields, and, accordingly, reduces the gradation.
Thus, the prior art controlling method shown in FIG. 3 reaches a technical barrier. M. Uchidoi et al propose an improvement in xe2x80x9cPanel Design and Driving Method of 40-in. Diagonal AC Plasma Displaysxe2x80x9d, IDW""96, pages 291 to 294. Uchidoi et al divide the electrodes to be scanned into two groups, and the two groups are concurrently scanned for selectively changing the pixels to the write-in state. As a result, the total write-in discharge period is reduced to a half of the above described prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel. The controlling sequence proposed by Uchidoi et al allows the manufacturer to increase the scanning electrodes, the sub-fields and/or the frame frequency without reduction of the gradation.
FIG. 5 illustrates the memory type alternating current plasma display panel proposed by Uchidoi et al. Small ellipses represent pixels, respectively, and are arranged in rows and columns. The rows of pixels are divided into two groups 11 and 12, which are hereinbelow referred to as xe2x80x9cupper group 11xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9clower group 12xe2x80x9d. Scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj are divided into two groups Sc1/Sc2/ . . . /Scj/2 and Scj/2+1/ . . . /Scj, and are respectively paired with sustain electrodes Su1/Su2/ . . . /Suj+2, Suj/2+1/ . . . /Suj. The scanning/sustain electrode pairs Sc1/Su1 to Scj/Suj are also divided into two groups Sc1/Su1 . . . Scj/2/Suj/2 and Scj/2+1/Suj/2+1 . . . Scj/Suj, and are respectively associated with the rows of pixels in the upper group 11 and the rows of pixels in the lower group 12. Two groups of data electrodes Du1 to Duk and Dd1 to Ddk are prepared for the upper group 11 and the lower group 12, and are respectively associated with the columns of pixels in the upper group 11 and the columns of pixels in the lower group 12.
The prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel shown in FIG. 5 produces an image through the following control sequence. FIG. 6 illustrates the control sequence. Each sub-field is divided into the preliminary discharge period A, the erasing period B, the write-in discharge period C and the sustain discharge period D.
A preliminary discharge pulse signal PS11 is applied to all the sustain electrodes Su1 to Suj in the preliminary discharge period A, and an erasing pulse signal PS12 is applied to all the scanning electrodes Sc1-Scj in the erasing period B. The upper group 11 and the lower group 12 are concurrently scanned with a scanning pulse signal PS13 in the write-in discharge period C, and a data pulse signal PS14 is selectively applied to the data electrodes Du1 to Duk and the data electrodes Dd1 to Ddk.
In detail, the scanning pulse signal PS13 is concurrently applied to the first scanning electrode Sc1 of the upper group 11 and the first scanning electrode Scj/2+1 of the lower group 12, and the other scanning electrodes of the upper group 11 and the other scanning electrodes of the lower group 12 are sequentially scanned with the scanning pulse signal PS13. Finally, the scanning electrode Scj/2 of the upper group 11 and the scanning electrode Scj of the lower group 12 are concurrently scanned with the scanning pulse signal PS13. Pixels concurrently applied with the scanning pulse signal PS13 and the data pulse signal PS14 enter into the write-in state. Thus, the selective write-in is concurrently carried out for the upper group 11 and the lower group 12.
A sustain pulse signal PS15 are alternately applied to the sustain electrodes Su1 to Suj and the scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj in the sustain discharge period.
When each frame consists of six sub-fields SF1 to SF6, the scanning pulse signal PS13 is sequentially applied to the scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj/2 and Scj/2+1 to Scj as shown in FIG. 7. The scanning pulse signal PS13 is applied to the scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj/2 as indicated by arrow L2 and to the scanning electrodes Scj/2+1 to Scj as indicated by arrow L3. The arrow L2 is moved in parallel to the arrow L3, and the write-in discharge is completed within a half of the time period consumed by the prior art standard memory type alternating current plasma display panel. Thus, the manufacturer can increase the scanning electrodes of the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel and the sub-fields in each frame without sacrifice of the gradation and the quality of image to be produced. However, the manufacturer encounters a problem in the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel proposed by Uchidoi in the assemblage between the two-substrate structures.
In detail, the substrate structures 1 and 2 are separately manufactured, and are assembled with one another. In the prior art standard memory type alternating current plasma display panel, the data electrodes Da1 to Dak are shared between all the scanning electrodes Sc1 to Scj. Even if the substrate structures 1/2 are offset from each other, the offset equally affects all the pixels, and the write-in discharging characteristics are not changed among the pixels. However, the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel proposed by Uchidoi et al has two groups of data electrodes Du1-Duk and Dd1-Ddk, and the group Du1-Duk is spaced from the other group Dd1-Ddk. If the substrate structure is offset from the other substrate structure, the overlapping area between the scanning electrodes Scj/2 and Scj/2+1 and the data electrodes Du1-Duk/Dd1-Ddk are unevenly varied, and the pixels on both sides of the boundary between the pixel groups 11 and 12 differently vary the write-in discharging characteristics as described hereinbelow in detail.
FIG. 8 shows one of the pixels incorporated in the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel proposed by Uchidoi et al. A spacer 20 is patterned into a lattice configuration, and defines a rectangular parallelopiped space 21 assigned to the pixel. A scanning electrode 22 and a sustain electrode 23 extend across the pixel in parallel to each other, and a gap 24 takes place between the scanning electrode 22 and the sustain electrode 23. A data electrode 25 projects into the pixel, and the leading end of the data electrode 25 is designated by reference 25a . If the offset varies the leading end 25a from Y0 through Y1, Y2 to Y3, the overlapping area between the scanning electrode 22 and the data electrode 25 is increased, and the scanning electrode 22 and the data electrode 25 start the write-in discharge at lower potential as shown in FIG. 9.
Even if the leading end 25a exceeds over Y3, the minimum potential is not lowered. Therefore, the difference between Y2 and Y3 is the target range for the data electrode 25. FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate two pixels 21A/21B opposed to each other across the boundary between the two groups 11 and 12. Alphabetic letters xe2x80x9cAxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cBxe2x80x9d are added to the references designating the electrodes of the pixel 21A and the references designating the electrodes of the pixel 21B. The scanning electrodes 22A and 22B are corresponding to the scanning electrodes Scj/2 and Scj/2+1.
L1, L2 and Wxe2x80x2 are representative of the projection of the data electrode 25A from the associated scanning electrode 22A, the projection of the data electrode 25B from the associated scanning electrode 22B and the distance between the scanning electrodes 22A and 22B. When the two substrate structures are assembled without any offset margin, the leading ends 25Aa and 25Ba are positioned at Y3, and the projections L1 and L2 are adjusted to L0 as shown in FIG. 10A. The minimum potential is stable at L0.
In order to offer an offset margin Xxe2x80x2 for the assemblage, the data electrode 25A is maintained at L1=L0, and the data electrode 25B is allowed to have the leading end 25Ba at the limit where the data electrode 25B and the scanning electrode 22A are barely prevented from misfiring. The leading end 25Ba is positioned at L2=Xxe2x80x2+L0, and the distance between the leading end 25Ba and the scanning electrode 22A is represented by G min as shown in FIG. 10B.
If the substrate structures are offset from the target position shown in FIG. 10B in the direction of arrow AR21, the data electrode 25A projects from the associated pixel, and the data electrode 25B is retracted into the associated pixel as shown in FIG. 10C. If the substrate structures are widely offset from the target position, the leading end 25Ba projects from the scanning electrode 22B by L0, and the data electrode 25A further penetrates under the sustain electrode 23A so as to have the leading end 25Aa at L1=Xxe2x80x2+L0.
If the distance between the leading end 25Aa/25Ba and the scanning electrode 22B/22A is less than G min, the non-selected pixel is fired. Therefore, the offset margin Xxe2x80x2 for the assemblage is given by equation 3.
Xxe2x80x2={Wxe2x80x2xe2x88x92(L0+G min)}xe2x80x83xe2x80x83equation 3
Thus, the manufacturer encounters the problem in the prior art memory type alternating current plasma display panel proposed by Uchidoi in that the offset margin is extremely small.
It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a plasma display panel, which has a large offset margin.
It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling the plasma display panel.
To accomplish the object, the present invention proposes to arrange two groups of scanning/sustain electrodes in symmetry with respect to a boundary between the two groups.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plasma display panel comprising a plurality of pixel blocks having at least first pixel block and a second pixel block provided on one side of a boundary and the other side of the boundary, a plurality of first scanning electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of first sustain electrodes extending in the first direction, respectively paired with the plurality of first scanning electrodes so as to form a plurality of first electrode pairs selectively associated with pixels of the first pixel block and having the inner most first sustain electrode closer to the boundary than the associated innermost first scanning electrode, a plurality of first data electrodes opposed to the plurality of first electrode pairs through a first discharging space, extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and selectively associated with the pixels of the first pixel block, a plurality of second scanning electrodes extending in the first direction, a plurality of second sustain electrodes extending in the first direction, respectively paired with the plurality of second scanning electrodes so as to form a plurality of second electrode pairs selectively associated with pixels of the second pixel block and having the inner most second sustain electrode closer to the boundary than the associated innermost second scanning electrode and a plurality of second data electrodes opposed to the plurality of second electrode pairs through a second discharging space, extending in the second direction and selectively associated with the pixels of the second pixel block.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a plasma display panel including first sustain electrodes respectively paired with first scanning electrodes so as to form first electrode pairs, second sustain electrodes respectively paired with second scanning electrodes so as to form second electrode pairs, data electrodes opposed to the first electrode pairs and the second electrode pairs for defining a first pixel block and a second pixel block and a boundary opposed to an innermost first sustain electrode and an innermost second sustain electrode closest thereto, and the step comprises the steps of generating a write-in discharge between the data electrodes and the first and second scanning electrodes in such a manner that the write-in discharge sequentially takes place in the first pixel block in a first direction and in the second pixel block in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the boundary and generating a sustain discharge in pixels entered in a write-in state in the previous step.

Plasma display panel having large offset margin for assemblage and controlling method used therein


A flashlight lamp circuit with automatic light adjustment includes a flashlight charging unit for controlling charging of a main capacitor, a flashlight activation unit activating the flashlight lamp to project a flashlight on the photographed object according to a flashlight control signal, a light sensor receiving and converting a light from the photographed object into an electric signal, an integral circuit receiving the electric signal and having an adjustable circuit resistance. When the amount of flashlight reaches a required light exposure, the flashlight control unit extinguishes the flashlight lamp.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a flashlight lamp circuit for cameras and, more particularly, a flashlight lamp circuit with automatic light adjustment functionality.
2. Related Art
The flashlight lamp is an essential component part of a conventional camera. Obtaining a correct light exposure usually requires knowing the distance of the object and the light sensitivity of the negative film and then evaluating the needed adequate diaphragm. The rear side of the flashlight lamp usually has a fast lookup table that provides the user with a selection of diaphragms. However, this conventional system is not very convenient, which motivates the development of flashlight lamp with automatic light adjustment.
A flashlight lamp with automatic light adjustment is usually provided with a control circuit and light sensor elements. As shown in FIG. 6, once the power source is turned on, a transistor V1 is used as switch to create intermittent pulses so that transformer T1 initially obtains an alternating voltage. Voltage increase is obtained via transformer T1, and it secondarily obtains an alternating voltage of about 60V. The alternating voltage is half commutated via diode D1 to become a direct voltage, which then charges main capacitor C2 and trigger capacitor C3. Once the flashlight lamp has been sufficiently charged, the synchronous light contact of the camera connects to the flashlight circuit. A conventional flashlight lamp circuit uses a transistor as switch controller of the charging current, and an RC circuit is used for the oscillation frequency loop. However, due to a relative high transistor-resistor-capacitor error value, the circuit stability is altered. In addition, the conventional flashlight adjustment circuit uses a Zener diode with an avalanche voltage of 270V to determine when charging stops. At this time, it is necessary to control transistor 2SC1623 to a conducting status, which then generates a high signal informing the CPU that there is voltage saturation. The CPU then outputs another signal to stop charging. Effective charging stop then is performed via transistor DTC143EK. The use of transistors as control means in association with a feedback loop therefore creates a relatively high error value, which may induce erroneous actions. Furthermore, the VR variation range is excessively large, which renders difficult initial settings of the automatic light adjustment.

Flashlight lamp circuit with automatic light adjustment

Inventec Multimedia & Telecom Corporation


An unstable, methyl-substituted (1,1 oxaly diimidazole) molecule capable of accelerating the rate at which a material attains maximum chemiluminescence when reacted hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a fluorophore and a method to synthesize such molecules.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns generally compounds affecting the process of chemiluminescence. Specifically, the invention is related to a new compound that improves the rate at which maximum chemiluminescence is reached and the intensity of such chemiluminescence. More specifically, it relates to the synthesis of such a compound in research involving such diverse fields as clinical diagnosis (e.g. the diagnosis of cancer using specific markers) and the identification and analysis of environmental pollutants.
2. Background of the Invention
High pressure, liquid chromatographic (HPLC) systems in conjunction with a peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence system have been used to quantify fluorescent compounds at trace levels. Peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence has been used to analyze various trace fluorophores because it is more sensitive than fluorescence and UV absorbance technologies. However, with existing technology, resolution is limited by the fact that maximum chemiluminescence is attained in a matter of up to 60 seconds. Minimized separation systems including capillary electrophoresis and microchip technologies require a time frame for maximum chemiluminescence in milliseconds range. Minimizing the time to achieve maximum chemiluminescence avoids problems associated with band width instability. Therefore there remains need of and room for improvement in the compounds affecting the rate at which maximum chemiluminescence is achieved and in the half-life time of compounds driving such chemiluminescence responses.

Peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence compound and system


A method for managing traffic in a network. The method includes receiving an overlay frame comprising a header portion and obtaining, from the header portion, a first label and a second label. The method further includes generating an expanded label comprising the first label and the second label, making a first determination that an overlay network table comprises an entry for the expanded label, and based on the first determination, processing the overlay frame using the entry.

Various mechanisms are used to route and/or forward traffic within a network. Network resources are required to implement these mechanisms. As the size and complexity of the network increases, the management resources and network resources required to implement the aforementioned mechanisms may limit the ability to scale the network effectively beyond a certain size.

Method and system for processing network traffic using expanded labels


A system, method, and associated computer product improve the search of multidimensional databases. The present system determines a near-optimal grid index that is used to locate a geometric shape in a spatial database. More particularly, the present system improves the technique of sampling data for defining the grid cell size in a grid for a given data set, minimizing the number times the data set needs to be sampled, thereby reducing the time to compute the cost of alternative grid index parameters.

Databases are computerized information storage and retrieval systems. A relational database management system (RDBMS) is a database management system (DBMS) that uses relational techniques for storing and retrieving data. Relational databases are organized into tables that comprise rows, all rows having the same columns of data. Each column maintains information on a particular type of data for the data records that comprise the rows. The rows are formally called tuples or records. A database typically comprises many tables and each table typically comprises tuples and columns. The tables are typically stored on direct access storage devices (DASD), such as magnetic or optical disk drives for semi-permanent storage.
Tables are searched using, for example, a Structured Query Language (SQL), which specifies search operations or predicates to perform on columns of tables in the database. The search operations qualify rows in the database tables that satisfy the search conditions. Relational database management system (RDBMS) software using a Structured Query Language (SQL) interface is well known in the art. The SQL interface has evolved into a standard language for RDBMS software and has been adopted as such by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO).
Indexes are used with database implementations to provide good application query performance. Indexes are typically constructed using the data values in one or more columns of an RDBMS table row (e.g., using information such as product number, customer name, address, etc.). This information is represented by bit strings that define numeric or character values. An RDBMS may implement a B-tree index that generates a binary tree based on the bit string values. When a query includes values of columns contained in an index, the B-tree index can be scanned quickly to find the candidate rows with these column values.
Indexing techniques are used to quickly access data. Spatial data is typically information associated with geometric shapes such as lines, points, poly-lines, polygons, and surfaces. Consequently, spatial data is typically represented by one or more coordinates comprising pairs of numeric values (x, y) corresponding to, for example, locations on the earth. Spatial data is often very large and may have two, three, or more dimensions. Queries against spatial data typically are more complex than identifying a specific row or a set of rows with values between a simple range.
The indexing techniques for traditional alphanumeric data are typically based on a linear ordering of key values in a single dimension. B-tree indexing is one of the most common techniques used but this is only suited for single dimension data, not multi-dimensional data such as spatial data. Various indexing techniques have been developed specifically for multi-dimensional data. Grid indexing is one of these indexing techniques associated with searching spatial multidimensional data.
Although this technology has proven to be useful, it would be desirable to present additional improvements. The grid cell size used in grid indexing strongly affects the efficiency of accessing spatial data by techniques that employ grid indexing. A problem has been to refine the determination of particular grid cell sizes and thereby reduce the overhead associated with searching a spatial data set via grid indexing using conventional techniques. More particularly, a problem has been to reduce the computational processing to perform the sampling that occurs during statistics collection. Such data is used to determine the proper grid cell size.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the technique of accessing spatial data by determining overlap of a geometric shape with a grid cell matrix. A grid index contains one index entry for each grid cell that overlap a geometric shape. The storage and processing increases with the number of grid cells that overlap a geometric shape. This aspect would suggest large grid cell sizes compared to geometric shape sizes in order to approach a one-to-one relationship of index entries to geometric shapes. Typical spatial queries are based on finding geometric shapes which overlap a rectangular query region. The grid index technique will scan all index entries in the grid cells which overlap the query region. As the grid size increases, more index entries outside the query region will need to be examined and discarded. An optimal grid size must determine the appropriate trade-off between these two opposing considerations.
A geometric shape that is typically the subject of spatial data may be approximated by a rectangle. When a rectangle bounds the geometric shape with a minimum enclosure, it is referred to as a "minimum-bounding rectangle." A minimum-bounding rectangle is defined to approximate a geometric shape located in a space. Coordinates located on a grid reference the minimum-bounding rectangle and the approximated geometric shape that represent the location of the minimum-bounding rectangle. For example, the coordinates on a grid that correspond to the corners of the minimum-bounding rectangle are stored and used to reference the minimum-bounding rectangle.
An index enables fast access of a certain subset of data contained in a larger set of data. The index comprises a data structure and the techniques used to build, maintain, and search the data structure for the purpose of accessing a subset of data. For example, an index may define a data structure that is used to access a specific geometric shape included in a set of spatial data. The particular index of the present example may define a data structure that contains references to the minimum-bounding rectangles associated with various geometric shapes in a spatial data set. By accessing locator references associated with the minimum-bounding rectangles, the process of accessing particular geometric shapes in a spatial data set is simplified.
Conventional techniques have typically required significant resources to locate a geometric shape in a spatial database. The lack of an efficient process for determining an index that facilitates streamlined location of minimum-bounding rectangles and associated geometric shapes has contributed to inefficient access of information in spatial databases with grid indexing. One problem has been to minimize the amount of data that is processed in order to determine an efficient grid cell size. That is, there exists a need to reduce from the processing required to perform sampling during statistics collection.
What is therefore needed is a system, a computer program product, and an associated method to improve the determination of the grid cell size when grid-indexing techniques are applied to spatial data on a computer system for significantly reducing the processing time. The need for such a solution has heretofore remained unsatisfied.

Method for determining an optimal grid index specification for multidimensional data

International Business Machines Corporation


An image forming apparatus including a sheet conveying apparatus. When a sheet is jammed in a first conveying path, a first unit is pulled out in a direction substantially parallel to a first conveying path. In this way, a driven roller and a driving roller are separated from each other, and a work space is created. The jammed sheet is thus exposed to the first conveying path. It is therefore easy to put a hand into the work space and remove the sheet. This allows for easy maintenance, and easy operation for removing a sheet retained in the apparatus.

In an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying apparatus, or the like, a sheet (e.g. a sheet of paper) is supplied to an image forming section via a conveying path from a feed tray provided at a lower portion of the image forming apparatus. The feed tray is a tray for containing a sheet to be used for image forming. Usually, the feed tray contains a standard-size sheet, which is widely used, suitable for image forming, and easy to convey.
However, a sheet used for image forming is not always the sheet contained in the feed tray. There are cases in which a special sheet is used for image forming. Examples of such a special sheet are (i) a thin sheet, (ii) a thick sheet such as a post card or the like, (iii) a colored sheet, and (iv) a sheet such as a plastic film sheet, which is made of a material different from that of a usual sheet. Such a special sheet, which is used in rare cases, is difficult to feed by using the feed tray provided inside an image forming apparatus.
Moreover, because such a special sheet is used only in rare cases, if a special sheet is always contained in the feed tray which is limited in number, the feed tray cannot be used efficiently. Therefore, before and after using special sheets, it is usually necessary to replace standard sheets contained in the feed tray with the special sheets, and vice versa. This requires a lot of time and labor. In order to overcome this drawback, many usual image forming apparatuses are provided with a feed slot outside the image forming apparatus, and a manual feed tray (i.e. a sheet conveying apparatus) for supplying a special sheet to the image forming apparatus conveniently.
Recently, image forming by an image forming apparatus is performed at an increasingly high speed. Therefore, an increasingly large number of sheets are consumed within a unit time. As a result, a usual feed tray quickly runs out of sheets. Every time a usual feed tray runs out of sheets, it is necessary to refill sheets. In many cases, therefore, an image forming apparatus is externally provided with a large-capacity sheet conveying apparatus, so as to reduce the number of sheet-refilling and save the time and labor required.
If the manual feed tray (i.e. the sheet conveying apparatus) or the large-capacity sheet conveying apparatus is provided, the image forming apparatus requires conveying paths. Through the conveying paths, the sheet is conveyed and supplied to the image forming section of a main body of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, such an image forming apparatus has a complex structure with many conveying paths. In some cases, one conveying path is provided over the other. In other cases, it is necessary to provide a very long conveying path from the sheet conveying apparatus to an inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus. In these cases, when a sheet is retained in a conveying path due to a paper jam or the like trouble, and the image forming apparatus comes to an emergency halt, it is often difficult to remove the sheet retained. It is especially difficult to remove a sheet retained in a conveying path that runs from the sheet conveying apparatus toward an inside of the image forming apparatus. For example, in order to open the conveying path, it is necessary to pull out a feed tray toward a front side of the image forming apparatus, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction. In this case, the feed tray to be pulled out is the feed tray that is provided in a vicinity of the conveying path.
Thus, conventional image forming apparatuses have a problem that it is very difficult to remove a sheet from an opened portion if a direction of an opening of the conveying path is perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. Moreover, if one conveying path is provided over the other, it is necessary to pull out two units, i.e. upper one and lower one, in order to open the conveying paths. This further complicates the structure of the image forming apparatus. Besides, this lowers work efficiency.
In order to solve these problems, there are proposed, for example, image forming apparatuses of Japanese Publication for Unexamined Patent Application, Tokukai 2000-16619 (publication date: Jan. 18, 2000), Japanese Publication for Unexamined Patent Application, Tokukaihei 11-322117 (publication date: Nov. 24, 1999), and the like.
Specifically, for example, the image forming apparatus of Tokukai 2000-16619 is arranged so that a large-capacity cassette (i.e. a sheet conveying apparatus) and a pair of conveying rollers are integrally pulled out in a direction opposite the sheet conveying direction. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus of Tokukaihei 11-322117 is arranged so that a manual feed tray (i.e. a sheet conveying apparatus) and a pair of registration rollers are integrally pulled out in a direction parallel to the sheet conveying direction, whereas a transferring belt is left inside the image forming apparatus.
According to these arrangements, a sufficient work space is created when a paper jam occurs. Therefore, a jammed sheet can be removed easily.
However, as described above, the image forming apparatuses of Tokukai 2000-16619 and Tokukaihei 11-322117 are arranged so that the pair of conveying rollers for conveying a sheet are pulled out integrally when the sheet conveying apparatus is pulled out. Therefore, if a sheet is jammed between the pair of conveying rollers provided to the sheet conveying apparatus, the sheet remains sandwiched between the pair of conveying rollers even after the sheet conveying apparatus is pulled out. In order to remove the sheet sandwiched between the pair of conveying rollers, the sheet needs to be pulled in the sheet conveying direction. Thus, the sheet is subjected to a stress. As a result, work efficiency is low, because the jammed sheet cannot be removed easily.

Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same


A recording apparatus includes a medium supporting section that supports a recording medium, a recording section that performs a recording on the recording medium, and a medium path that has a first face and a second face facing each other, and that transports the recording medium through between the first face and the second face. The first face has a shape which is convex toward the second face. A plurality of rollers which are lined up in a transport direction of the recording medium are arranged on the first face.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.
2. Related Art
In a recording apparatus such as a large ink jet printer, there is a recording apparatus that feeds a sheet from rolled papers (recording mediums) which are mounted on a rolled paper mounting section and performs a printing through a medium path. The medium path of the recording apparatus described above is bent in accordance with a position relationship between a recording section that performs the printing and the rolled paper mounting section. In the middle of the medium path, for example, a pair of transport rollers that pinch the sheet in front of the recording section, and a pair of paper feeding rollers that feed the sheet to the pair of the transport rollers, are arranged.
When the pair of the transport rollers pinch and transport the sheet at the time of printing, there is a possibility that the sheet comes into contact with an inner face of an inner circumference side of the bent medium path. In this case, there is a possibility that a scratch occurs in a sheet face which faces the inner face of the inner circumference side. Moreover, in a case of feeding a new rolled paper, there is possibility that the sheet comes into contact with the inner face of an outer circumference side of the bent medium path. In this case, there is possibility that the scratch occurs in the sheet face which faces the inner face of the outer circumference side.
The problems described above are also present in various recording apparatuses without being limited to the ink jet printer.
Furthermore, since an image recording apparatus which is disclosed in JP-A-5-186078 is an apparatus that feeds a cut sheet, there is no consideration of the problems that occur in case of the rolled paper. In the image recording apparatus, the transport path is bent in order to prevent a jam of the cut sheet. Even in the apparatus, when a pair of resist rollers pinch and transport the cut sheet at the time of printing, since the cut sheet comes into contact with a paper guide, there is a possibility that the scratch occurs in the sheet face which faces the paper guide of the inner circumference side or the sheet face which faces the paper guide of the outer circumference side.


A hydraulic excavator is equipped with one or more downsizing scheme including at least one of: (i) a bubble removing device for removing bubbles in hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic tank including a main tank and a variable capacity tank arranged separately from each other, and (iii) a variable capacity tank or hydraulic tank which is fitted to the rear surface of the upper cover of the seat-side block. Thus, the lateral section of the seat can be ultimately downsized to provide a large space around the seat. Then, unlike the prior art, a canopy or a cab of a larger hydraulic excavator can be securely arranged on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator. Since such large parts can be commonly used with large hydraulic excavators, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the hydraulic excavator.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a service vehicle typically equipped with a hydraulically driven work implement such as a hydraulic excavator or another construction machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Relatively small hydraulic excavators having a turning diameter smaller than the width of the vehicle main body are known. In the case of hydraulic excavators, the upper swing body is mounted on the vehicle main body, which has a pair of lower running bodies (generally crawlers). In the case of such a small hydraulic excavator, the upper swing body turns within the width of the vehicle main body, including the width of the paired lower running bodies, so that it does not move out of the width of the vehicle. Therefore, such a hydraulic excavator is advantageously used in city centers, residential areas and other areas where the lot is normally small, because it can make a small turn.
Canopy type models and cab type models of hydraulic excavators are available so that either model can be selected at the time of purchase. The canopy type model is equipped only with a canopy arranged above the operator seat so that it is less costly and the operator can get onto and away from the seat without difficulty. On the other hand, the operator seat of the cab type model is enclosed by a box-like cab so that the operator is reliably protected against rainfall and wind and therefore can comfortably work in the cab.
Meanwhile, dedicated parts are developed and prepared conventionally for small and large hydraulic excavators based on the size of the vehicle. Such a process of developing parts is rather costly. In view of the current circumstances where cost reduction is an imposing requirement to be met regardless of the size of the machines, efforts are being made to develop parts that can be commonly used for machines of any size for the purpose of cost reduction.
Additionally, to enable the hydraulic excavator to be operated comfortably, it is necessary that sufficient space be provided around the operator seat. Therefore, there is a practice of mounting a cab developed for a large hydraulic excavator on a small one in an effort to provide parts that are commonly used for all the types. However, when a cab developed for a large hydraulic excavator is mounted on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator, the cab disadvantageously extends past the upper swing body to a large extent.


Two metal electrode layers are provided. A first electrode layer is patterned with a minute separation distance according to an element region as in the case of the conventional case. Meanwhile, it suffices that a second electrode layer be in contact with the first electrode layer. Thus, no problems arise even if the separation distance is elongated. Specifically, the second electrode layer can be set to have a desired thickness. Moreover, by disposing a nitride film on the first electrode layer below a wire bonding region, even when volume expansion is caused by an Au/Al eutectic layer, transmission of stress to the element region can be prevented.

Priority is claimed to Japanese Patent Application Number JP 2005-224606 filed on Aug. 2, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an insulated gate semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to an insulated gate semiconductor device which reduces an ON-resistance of the device, and which corrects a failure in wire bonding, and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 9A and 9B show a conventional semiconductor device. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view and FIG. 9B is a plan view. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b-b in FIG. 9B.
As shown in FIG. 9A, an element region 51 is provided with, for example, a MOSFET 52 having a trench structure. Specifically, a drain region is formed with providing an n− type epitaxial layer on an n+ type silicon semiconductor substrate 31, and a p type channel layer 34 is provided thereon. Thereafter, a trench 37, which penetrates the channel layer 34 to reach the drain region 32, is formed, and an inner wall of the trench 37 is covered with a gate oxide film 41. Thus, a gate electrode 43, which is made of polysilicon buried in the trench 37, is provided. In a surface of the channel layer 34 adjacent to the trench 37, an n+ type source region 45 is formed. Moreover, in the surface of the channel layer 34 between the source regions 45 respectively of each two adjacent cells, a p+ type body region 44 is provided. The gate electrode 43 is covered with an interlayer insulating film 46. On the interlayer insulating film 46, a metal electrode layer 47, which is connected to the element region 51, is provided.
As shown in FIG. 9B, the metal electrode layer 47 is patterned into a predetermined shape, and forms a source electrode 47s, which covers the entire surface of the element region 51, a gate pad electrode 47g, and the like. The source electrode 47s is in contact with the source region 45 and the body region 44. Moreover, the gate pad electrode 47g is connected to the gate electrode 43 in the element region 51 through a protection diode D or the like.
On the metal electrode layer 47, a nitride film 50, which serves as a protective film, is provided. An opening is provided in the nitride film 50 and a bonding wire 60 is fixed therein. This technology is described for instance in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-368218.
The bonding wires 60 are fixed, for example, at four spots on the source electrode 47s covering the element region 51, and at one spot on the gate pad electrode 47g.
In an insulated gate semiconductor device such as a MOSFET, reduction in an ON-resistance has been an important factor for improving characteristics of the insulated gate semiconductor device. Various methods are adopted for the reduction in the ON-resistance. For example, a resistance value of the metal electrode layer 47 (the source electrode 47s), which is in contact with the entire surface of the element region, is easily reduced at relatively low costs. To be more specific, the metal electrode layer 47 made of aluminum alloy is generally adopted as a metal layer having a low resistance value.
However, in the case of the metal electrode layer 47 made of aluminum alloy, when thin gold (Au) wires are used as bonding wires, there is a problem that a failure occurs after a certain period of time passes, for example. Specifically, when an Au ball is fixed directly to the metal electrode layer 47, Au and Al are mutually diffused in an interface therebetween as time passes. Thus, an Au/Al eutectic layer is formed. The Au/Al eutectic causes volume expansion, and stress generated at the time of the volume expansion applies pressure to the interlayer insulating film 46.
When the pressure is applied to the interlayer insulating film 46, cracks C are generated (see FIG. 9A). Accordingly, there is a problem that a leak occurs between a gate and a source.
Moreover, when further reduction in the ON-resistance is sought, for example, it is also conceivable that a metal layer having a lower resistance value is adopted instead of the aluminum alloy layer. If the metal layer is not the aluminum alloy layer, occurrence of the cracks C due to the Al/Au eutectic described above can be avoided. However, an existing sputtering apparatus can be utilized for the aluminum alloy layer, and the layer is formed at low costs. Moreover, the aluminum alloy layer is easily patterned, and is suitable as the metal electrode layer 47. Therefore, the resistance value can be further reduced by adopting the aluminum alloy as the metal electrode layer 47, and by increasing a thickness of the metal electrode layer 47.
However, there is a limitation on an increase in the thickness of the aluminum alloy. Specifically, in a case where the aluminum alloy is patterned by low-cost wet etching, side etching takes place for an amount equivalent to that of etching in a depth direction. Thus, the larger the thickness of the aluminum alloy is, the longer distance between adjacent patterns (for example, the gate pad electrode 47g and the source electrode 47s) needs to be secured. As a result, pattern arrangement including the element region 51 and the gate pad electrode 47g increases in area more than necessary. Thus, there is a problem that a chip size is increased.
Meanwhile, if dry etching is adopted, no side etching takes place. However, an etching apparatus is expensive. Moreover, an etching selection ratio of a resist film as an etching mask to the aluminum alloy imposes a limit on a thickness which can be etched. Specifically, a dry etcher of the aluminum alloy has a low selection ratio of the resist film to the aluminum alloy. Thus, the resist film, which should be left, is etched while etching the thick aluminum alloy. Hence, a mask pattern cannot be accurately formed. Although the resist film may be formed to have a large thickness, a resolution is deteriorated in that case. For this reason, the thick resist film is not suitable for a minute pattern.

Insulated gate semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof


The present invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a fold abutment provided so as to be movable in translation along a shaft fixed on a guide plate for guiding a document to be folded. This adjustment device comprises an actuator device and a transmission device for transmitting the displacement of the actuator device to the abutment, which transmission device is constituted by a looped cable kept taut by three pulleys, with one straight portion of the cable being parallel to the side edge of the plate and connected to the abutment, and with another straight portion of the cable being connected to the actuator device.

A known adjustment device for adjusting the abutments in a large-size high-rate folding machine consists of an arrangement of strips. Each strip carries an abutment and may be manually moved in translation along rails provided on the longitudinal edges of the document guide plates. The abutment is adjusted by displacing the strip and locking it in the desired position.
This type of device requires sufficient free space for providing access to the strips. In compact and medium-size folding machines, the amount of free space available is such that it is impossible or difficult to insert a hand so as to access the abutment.
Moreover, folding machines are often associated with mechanisms for inserting the document into an envelope and for closing the envelope, which mechanisms require space in the machine and reduce the availability of access to the various portions of the folding machine.
A folding machine having pockets is described in French Patent Application 90 13580. Such a folding machine includes a top pocket for making a first fold, and a bottom pocket for making a second fold. Each pocket includes a fixed plate and a central plate that moves.
Each of the central plates supports an abutment which is adjustable in translation along its pocket, so as to select the positions of the first and second folds in the document. Such a folding machine is designed to be followed by a mechanism for inserting the document into an envelope and for closing the envelope.
An aim of the invention is to provide an adjustment device for adjusting the positions of the abutments, in particular for such a machine, with the access and maneuverability of the adjustment device being particularly practical and reliable.

Adjustment device for adjusting the fold dimension of documents, in particular for a folding machine having pockets


A display table contains a projector that can either project an image onto a display surface of the display table or onto an external surface that is separate from the display table. A user can change the path of the light from the projector from the display surface to the external surface, either by rotating the projector to an appropriate position, or by moving a mirror into the path of light from the projector. A video camera included in the display table also has dual functionality and can selectively be used either to image objects on or above the display surface, or objects that are not adjacent to the display surface. A panel in the housing of the table is opened, and either the video camera is pivoted or a mirror is moved into its light path. Imaging a user with the video camera is useful for video conferencing.

Many people enjoy viewing movies and other video images at their leisure, in the privacy of their homes, on television monitors or other types of display screens. The ready availability of recorded commercial movies as well as other video material on VHS tapes and more recently, on DVDs, has greatly increased the popularity of large screen televisions, and various types of monitors for viewing such video materials. In addition, a suitable video system can also be used for viewing digital photographs, over the air television programs, cable or satellite programming, and if coupled to an outside network through a suitable computing device, can even be used for browsing the Internet.
Others have taken the entertainment concept one step further by setting up a home theater system that employs a projector to project video images onto a screen mounted at the front of the room, or other appropriate surface. These projector systems provide excellent viewing quality while simulating a large screen, cinema-like experience. When setting a home theater projector system, however, a homeowner must face the relatively high cost of the projector and the problem of where to mount it. Many homeowners have chosen to mount the projector on the ceiling, which is expensive due to the time and labor necessary to mount it and hide the wiring used to provide power and a video signal to the projector. Furthermore, as a result of the complexity of this installation procedure, a homeowner most likely will be limited to viewing projected video images in a single room or area. It would therefore be desirable to enable the projection system to be more mobile and to reduce the overall cost of an entertainment system by combining the high cost projector with other components that enable multiple uses for the projector.
Prior art devices exist that incorporate a projector component in a display system that is usable with a computing device to view computer generated images, and also can readily be used for viewing movies on DVD or other video images. For example, a display platform was developed in the MIT Media Lab, as reported by Brygg Ullmer and Hiroshi Ishii in "The metaDESK: Models and Prototypes for Tangible User Interfaces," Proceedings of UIST 10/1997:14–17. The metaDESK includes a near-horizontal graphical surface used to display two-dimensional geographical information. A computer vision system inside the desk unit (i.e., below the graphical surface) includes infrared (IR) lamps, an IR camera, a video camera, a video projector, and a pair of mirrors. The mirrors reflect the graphical image projected by the projector onto the underside of the graphical display surface, so that the image is viewable from above the display surface. Since a considerable portion of the cost of the metaDESK is for the projector, it would clearly be desirable to employ the projector to view images in larger perspective, by projecting the images onto a screen or adjacent wall. It would also be desirable to make the metaDESK more mobile, to enable it to be moved to a desired location where the images are projected onto a nearby wall or screen that is larger than the display surface of the metaDESK to be viewed in comfort.
Another prior art device was disclosed in several papers published by Jun Rekimoto of Sony Computer Science Laboratory, Inc. in collaboration with others. These papers briefly describe two display systems, which are referred to respectively as a "HoloWall" and a "HoloTable." Both of these display systems use a projector to project images onto a rear of a display surface. The rear projection panel, which is vertical in the HoloWall and horizontal in the HoloTable, is semi-opaque and diffusive, so that rear projected images are clearly visible. Again, it would be desirable to use this projector in the HoloWall or HoloTable to project video images onto a larger wall or screen that is separate from either of these systems.
The relatively expensive projector in these prior art display systems should preferably be selectively usable to display images either on the display surface included with the display system or on another external surface to provide more cost effective use of the projector. In addition, it should be relatively easy to changes modes from viewing the image on the display surface of the system, to viewing the image on the external surface. By thus switching viewing modes, a user would be able to enjoy a home theater projector experience, but in a more cost effective manner, since the projector is being utilized for more than one purpose, but would also enjoy the benefits of the display system when the projector is used to project images on the display panel. Providing the consumer with another mode for utilizing the expensive projector is more appealing to a consumer and ensures greater marketing opportunities for such a display system, since there is no need for the consumer to purchase a second projector for use in a home theater.
The metaDESK and the HoloTable and HoloWall display systems include a video camera that is used to image the surface of the display table to detect objects. However, it would be desirable to use the video camera in a second mode to image a person or persons sitting within the viewing range of the video camera, when the projector is being used to project an image onto the external surface. This arrangement would be useful in video conferencing, to enable a user to view an image of another person involved in the video conference, while the other person sees an image of the user provided by the video camera.

Selectable projector and imaging modes of display table


A text description generating method and device, a mobile terminal and a storage medium. The method of the embodiments of the present disclosure includes: obtaining the video content; performing text recognition according to the video content to obtain first text information, and displaying the first text information; and/or, generating second text information in response to user input operation on the video content, and displaying the second text information.

When part of video authors post videos to various platforms, they add text descriptions or content supplementary explanations about the videos or other text content that they want to share, such as the current mood in the platform posting process; and added text description content also effectively promotes interaction between ordinary users and the video authors. There are two ways to post videos.
First, posting a posted video; and second, creating a new video for posting. For the above two ways of posting videos, the operation of adding text descriptions is complicated.

Text description generating method and device, mobile terminal and storage medium

Beijing Dajia Internet Information Technology Co., Ltd.


An information reproducing apparatus (1) is provided with: a correcting device (18) for correcting waveform distortion occurring in a read signal corresponding to a long mark, of a read signal (RRF) read from a recording medium (100); and a processing device (15) for performing a PRML (Partial Response Maximum Likelihood) process on the read signal in which the waveform distortion is corrected.

In order to improve the reproduction quality of a read signal read from the recording medium on which the data is recorded at high density, a patent document 1 discloses such a technology that a reproduction system which does not require a high-frequency component is realized by applying a partial response method and by intentionally providing waveform interference in a reproduction system in which an S/N ratio is increased and the amplitude of a high-frequency component is deteriorated with increasing the recording density in a linear recording direction, and that a maximum likelihood decoding method is applied by which a most probable series is estimated from a probability calculation considering the waveform interference (a technology about a so-called PRML process).    Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid. Open No. 2005-93033

Device and method for reproducing information, and computer program


To detect a faulty operation in a non-contact switch, a pulse signal is applied to the light emitting element of the non-contact switch. The input pulse signal is compared with an output signal generated by a light receiving element of the non-contact switch. The faulty operation of the non-contact switch is discriminated in accordance with the thus compared input and output signals.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preventing erroneous operation in a non-contact push-button switch which is used as a pendant switch of hoist crane, for example.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, as the pendant switch mentioned above, a contact type push-button switch has been used. However, in operating the push-button switch of this type, sparking takes place upon each operation resulting in an erosion of the contact and the service life of the switch is shortened. Also, in a low-voltage operation, an inferior contact takes place and the crane operation thus lacks accuracy. Moreover, in the case of a contact type multi-stage operation switch, the switch assembly must be made large.
In view of the above drawbacks of the contact type push-button switch, the present inventors previously suggested a non-contact type push-button switch which utilizes light (Japanese Patent Application No. 58-77860 and Japanese Patent Application No. 60-94294). This switch comprises a luminous element, a light receiving element and a push-button having a light shading plate provided between both elements and is designed s that light projection to the light receiving element is selectively controlled according to the position of the push-button.
Since the above pendant switch is suspended from a hoist crane, it is more readily subject to impact, vibration, etc.. That is, it must operate under severe conditions. Electronic parts of the push-button switch will more readily break-down than electronic parts contained in a control box, for example, when the switch breaks, if an operation signal is not given in spite of the operation of the push-button, although the crane is inoperable, the danger presented is minimal. However, if an operation signal is given continuously in spite of restoring the push-button to an OFF position, unintended movement of the crane will result, thus creating a very dangerous situation.

Apparatus for detecting erroneous operation in a non-contact push-button switch


A fuel filter assembly employs a spring-loaded collar which retains the disposable cartridge to the base. The collar carries a wave spring and comprises followers which ascend a spiral ramp of the base for securing the disposable cartridge to the base in a positive locked position. The filter assembly also incorporates an efficient bleed orifice and a pair of axial spaced seal rings for implementing a fluid seal with the received disposable cartridge.

This invention relates generally to devices for filtering and separating liquids. More particularly, the present invention relates to fuel filters for removing foreign particles and separating water from fuel in the fuel supply systems of an internal combustion engine.
Fuel filters commonly employ a disposable filter cartridge which is replaced at pre-established intervals of filter usage. The disposable cartridge is conventionally secured to the filter assembly base by a retaining or locking mechanism, which is releasable to allow for the removal of the cartridge for replacement purposes. There are numerous conventional fuel filter cartridge base retention systems. Many of such retention systems become exceedingly troublesome to use or even fail over time due to the harsh environment of the fuel filter assembly.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,285, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, one disclosed inverted fuel filter assembly employs a base which fixedly mounts to the vehicle. A disposable filter cartridge is suspended directly below the filter base. The cartridge is retained to the base by a threaded collar. The collar includes a ramp which retentively engages against a circumferential roll seam structure at the periphery of the cartridge housing. The collar threads to the base, and the cartridge is replaced by loosening the threaded collar and dismounting the filter cartridge.
In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 7/466,693 filed on Aug. 16, 1991, which application is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a disclosed fuel filter assembly employs a retainer collar which locks the disposable cartridge to the base. The base has an inverted cup-like receiving skirt. A pair of spiral ramps extend at the exterior of the skirt. Stops are angularly spaced from an upper end of the ramp to define detentive slots. The disposable cartridge which houses one or more filter elements is partially receivable by the base skirt. The cartridge has a peripheral engagement flange. The retainer collar has a shoulder which is engageable against the flange and an integral inner spiral follower which terminates in a catch. A spring in the form of a spring washer which has two alternating sets of spring leaves is disposed between the base and the cartridge. One set of the leaves is engageable against the cartridge and the other is engageable against the base. The spring washer is retained to the base by means of a retainer ring. Each follower rides the base ramp until the catch engages the stop and is positively captured in the slot under the bias of the spring.

Fuel filter with spring-loaded retention system


An apparatus, system, method, and article for enhancing video sharpness are described. The apparatus may include a media processing node to enhance sharpness of an input image. The media processing node may include a wavelet decomposition module to perform wavelet decomposition of the input image to detect and modify edge information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Sharpness is a perceptual feature, which is determined by the human visual system. While the human eye is more sensitive to the sharpness of the luminance signal than to that of the chrominance, higher resolution images such as ,igh definition television (HDTV) images, require the co-joint enhancement of both the luminance (black and white) and the chrominance sharpness. In color television broadcasting standards, such as National Television System Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alteration by Line (PAL), for example, the limited bandwidth of the chrominance and the luminance signals produces relatively slow transitions, causing smeared edges in the received images.
Various methods for sharpness enhancement have used edge transition to better improve the picture quality, but either lacked adaptability to the picture contents, degraded with noisy sequences and/or required complex hardware. Even though improving the edge transitions results in an improved overall sharpness, the lack of adaptability to the picture contents produces irritating artifacts and reduces the overall impression of sharpness improvement.

Enhancing video sharpness and contrast by luminance and chrominance transient improvement


A wheel hub drive with drive motor and drive gear system for industrial trucks, with the following features: driving and output axis of the drive gear system, rotation axis of the wheel and driving axis of the drive motor are disposed coaxially; the drive gear system is a single step or multi step planetary stepping gear system or a two or more step planetary coupler mechanism gear system, two horizontally spaced wheel bearings are located inside the drive gear system, wherein, a first wheel bearing is disposed between a first bearing portion, connected with the wheel hub, and a frame-fixed planet carrier, and a second wheel bearing is disposed between the first bearing portion and a frame-fixed second bearing portion or the frame-fixed planet carrier.

Wheel hub drives are frequently used for the travelling drive of industrial trucks. These are a combination of a wheel bearing and a gear system for the transformation of the driving torques and rotation numbers. Wheel hub drives are used in industrial trucks for unsteered as well as for steered wheels. The gear system transmits the driving torque from the drive motor to the driving wheel. The wheel bearing serves to support the vertical forces of the wheels. The space for construction is normally extremely limited, so that a compact construction is required.
In the state of the art, a series of wheel hub drives has become known. From EP 1 167 140 B1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, or DE 102 58 913 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, wheel hub drives have become known in which two taper roller bearings in O-arrangement form the wheel bearing and the drive gear system, realised as a planetary gear system, is disposed coaxially to the wheel's central axis. The outer diameter of the taper roller bearings is largely identical with the partial circle diameter of a hollow wheel of the planetary gear system. A wheel hub drive of similar construction, in which the drive gear system is radially accommodated in the wheel bearing and into which a brake as well as a drive motor is built in, is described in DE 100 61 221 A1.
DE 196 33 071 C2, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an one step planetary gear system for a wheel hub drive, in which the planet carrier serves for accommodating the wheel bearing, which consists of a roller bearing on the torque leading side and a roller bearing on the not torque leading side of the planet carrier laterally besides the planetary step. In order to reach the required gear ratio of the drive gear system, the planetary gear system is supplemented by a parallel shaft gear system, so that the drive motor is positioned hypoid to the wheel's central axis.
In DE 199 11 458 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a wheel hub drive of a wheel steered by an electric motor is disclosed, in which wheel bearing and drive gear system are disposed side by side. A fifth wheel for the wheel drive unit is rotatably mounted in the vehicle frame via a four point bearing, the steering gear system, realised as a wolfrom gear system, being accommodated radially inside the four point bearing. In the mentioned document, an arrangement is also disclosed by which a fifth wheel bearing, formed by two roller bearings, and the steering gear system realised as a planetary gear system are disposed one above the other, coaxially to the driving axis.
In DE 101 32 319 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, DE 100 62 315 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, and DE 103 34 939 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, wheel hub drives for steered wheels are described, wherein drive motor or drive gear system are disposed radially inside at least one roller bearing of the wheel bearing, and the fifth wheel is rotatably mounted in the vehicle frame with the aid of a four point bearing.
The present invention is based on the objective to provide a wheel hub drive for industrial trucks, in which the unit consisting of drive gear system and wheel bearing is realised as to be particularly compact. An arrangement with outside diameter as small as possible and limited width is to be provided in particular, which transmits a maximum torque to the driving wheel.


A heat dissipating device includes multiple self-aligning, interconnecting fins linked together. Each self-aligning, interconnecting fin has a first side edge, a second side edge, an inside surface, an outside surface, multiple alignment arms, and multiple outer connecting tabs. The alignment arms perpendicularly extend respectively from the first side edge and the second side edge and have distal ends and multiple inclined edges. The inclined edges press respectively against inclined edges of corresponding alignment arms on an adjacent fin. Then the outer connecting tabs are bent inward against the inside surface of the adjacent fin to hold the fins together securely.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heat dissipating device, and more particularly to a heat dissipating device composed of multiple separable heat dissipating fins.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional heat dissipating device is composed of multiple separable heat dissipating fins assembled close together to increase the surface area to dissipate heat. Heat dissipating devices for CPUs (central processing units) require a large area to dissipate the heat generated by the increased CPU speed. To meet the dissipating needs and keep the surface temperature of CPUs within operating parameters, heat conduction features are also incorporated into conventional heat dissipating devices.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a conventional heat dissipation device has multiple heat dissipating fins (80) and multiple heat conduction pipes (90).
Each heat dissipating fin (80) has an upper edge (801), a lower edge (802), two notched holes (84), four connector holes (82), four connector tabs (83) and multiple folded tabs (81). The two notched holes (84) are formed near the upper edge (801). Two of the connector holes (82) are formed near the upper edge (801), and the other two of the connector holes (82) are formed near the lower edge (802) The four connector tabs (83) extend respectively from the four connector holes (82) and are mounted respectively in the four connector holes (82) in an adjacent heat dissipating fin (80) to connect adjacent heat dissipating fins (80) together. The folded tabs (81) are formed respectively on the upper edge (801) and the lower edge (802).
The heat conduction pipes (90) are mounted respectively through the notched holes (84) to increase the heat dissipating rate. However, the fins (80) are loosely connected so the distance between the fins will vary during manufacturing.


System and method for monitoring middleware performance is described herein. A route time for a sample message transmitted along a predetermined network route is determined and at least one queue residency time is determined. The at least one queue residency time reflects an amount of time an actual application message is stored in at least one respective local production queue located along the network route. Middleware response time is calculated according to the route time and the at least one queue residency time.

Generally, middleware is software that has its own application programming interfaces ("APIs") that help insulate software developers from operating system-specific APIs. A middleware layer is often located between client and server processes. By measuring the route time associated with the middleware layer of an application, problems can be identified and corrected resulting in improved performance and availability. Currently, the route time associated with a middleware application can be measured by changing the code of the application itself. Such a procedure is considered intrusive. Other known procedures used for measuring route time rely on a host of resources and require synchronization among multiple components.
Thus, there is a need for a non-intrusive system and method that monitors the performance of middleware by measuring the route time and storage residency time, for example, the residency time of a message stored in at least one queue. As a result, a determination can made as to which component(s) of a configuration is problematic or potentially problematic. A need also exist for monitoring the middleware performance without requiring synchronization.

System and method for measuring middleware response time


A tubular section and a system including the tubular section include a first tubular member including a threaded pin section and a second tubular member, the second tubular member including a threaded box section configured to mate with the threaded pin section. The tubular section also includes a shoulder ring disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein a wall thickness of at least a portion of the shoulder ring is greater than a smallest wall thickness of the threaded pin section of the first tubular member.

In downhole exploration and production systems, a transmission line is often used in drill pipes and with downhole tools to convey data and instructions downhole or uphole. Sections of pipes that are coupled together to extend the downhole reach of the equipment are often configured as mating pin and box pairs that thread together. Because the threads on both the pin and box sides must sometimes be re-machined, the unthreaded portion at the tip of the pin as well as at the box thread runout follow geometric rules and limitations with regard to radial design space.

Shoulder ring for transmission line and transmission devices


A server device for net game is provided with a party organizing section 101 for organizing a plurality of members participating in a virtual party, a question preparing section 102 for preparing a specified number of questions to be presented to organized mobile communication terminals, a matching section 104 for selecting two members from those participating in the party based on answers to the prepared questions and a congeniality evaluation parameter value, a question drafting section 105 for letting the selected two members to draft a specified number of questions and possible answers corresponding to the questions, an access setting section 106 for enabling an access time and an imaginary access place to be set based on answers to the drafted questions and the congeniality evaluation parameter value, and an access judging section 107 for judging whether the two selected members have accessed at the set time and imaginary place and giving mailboxes.

There have been web sites on Internet which can furnish simple games, and these games can be enjoyed by accessing to these game sites via mobile phones.
Further, electronic mails are widely spread as one of communication means in personal computers, mobile phones, etc.
Also known are training games in which players are trained to correctly answer questions. However, there is no such game in which the progress of the game changes and evolves in relation to other players.
Although the conventional net games possess a bilateral nature such as exchange of electronic mails between players, this bilateral nature mainly concerns an exchange of information in the progress of the game and it has been difficult to understand other players' tastes, hobbies, characters, etc.
In view of the above problem residing in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a server device for an interesting and enjoyable net game enabling players to find out compatible friends therethrough, a method for controlling the progress of the net game, and a program for executing the net game.

Server device for net games, method for controlling progress of net game and program for executing net game

Konami Computer Entertainment Osaka, Inc.


The invention provides novel methods and compositions for modulating gluconeogenesis through modulation of PGC-1 activity or expression. Also provided are methods for identifying compounds that modulate gluconeogenesis through modulation of PGC-1 activity or expression, as well as methods for identifying compounds that modulate the interaction of PGC-1 with PGC-1 target molecules. Further provided are methods for treating disorders characterized by aberrant gluconeogenesis.

All mammalian cells use glucose as a major energy source; certain cell types such as neurons and blood cells being especially dependent on it. Therefore, homeostatic mechanisms are in place to maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range, protecting the body against prolonged periods of fasting and against excessively high levels following the ingestion of a meal. These goals are met chiefly through the production of glucose by the liver and the peripheral uptake by tissues such as the skeletal muscle, fat, and the liver.
The liver can produce glucose by breaking down glycogen (glycogenolysis) and converting certain precursor molecules such as lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and alanine, into glucose (gluconeogenesis). Glycogenolysis occurs on a more rapid time scale, beginning within two to three hours after a meal in humans, but gluconeogenesis assumes a much greater importance as the liver glycogen stores become depleted (Nordlie, R. C., and Foster, J. D. (1999) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 19:379-406; Pilkis, S. J. and Granner, D. K. (1992) Annu. Rev. Physiol. 54:885-909, and references therein). The activation of glycogenolysis is primarily mediated by glycogen phosphorylase, which is in turn regulated allosterically and by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The rate of gluconeogenesis is controlled by the available supply of precursors, as well as the activities of the multiple enzymes in the pathway, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase. These enzymes are regulated allosterically by intracellular metabolites in some cases and also at the level of the enzyme amount by extracellular hormones. The transcriptional control of the PEPCK gene by hormones is a particularly well-studied example.
Hormones are the principal means by which the body regulates systemic carbohydrate metabolism, including the response of the liver to fasting and feeding. Following a meal, the rise in plasma glucose immediately leads to increased secretion of insulin by the pancreatic β-cells, which lowers glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose production. In the fasted state, on the other hand, insulin secretion diminishes, glucagon secretion goes up, and the catecholamines and the glucocorticoids increase relative to insulin. The counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon and catecholamines enhance hepatic glucose output by stimulating both gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Glucocorticoids also increase gluconeogenesis (hence their name). A careful coordination of the effects of these hormones is critical for fine-tuning the level of hepatic glucose production and is therefore a requisite part of achieving systemic normoglycemia.
Diabetes mellitus is broadly classified into type 1 (also known as insulin-dependent or IDDM) and type 2 (also known as non-insulin dependent or NIDDM) diabetes. The former is caused by an absolute deficiency of insulin, usually due to an autoimmune process affecting the β-cells of the pancreas, while the latter is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that result in insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 80% of the diabetic population. Other types of diabetes, such as maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to specific genetic mutations, are occasionally placed together in a third category.
The metabolic disturbances that underlie type 2 diabetes include impaired insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells, reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and increased hepatic glucose production (DeFronzo, R. A. (1997) Diabetes Rev. 5(3):177-269, and references therein). It is generally, although not universally, believed that the peripheral insulin resistance precedes the β-cell defect, as insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia can be detected for an extended period of time well before any occurrence of glucose intolerance. Ultimately, however, the β-cells are unable to keep up, leading to a deterioration of glucose homeostasis and overt diabetes. The major site of insulin resistance depends on nutritional state. In the fasted state, the liver is the main source of hyperglycemia. In the fed or insulin-stimulated state, on the other hand, both inefficient glucose uptake by muscle and fat and impaired suppression of hepatic glucose output (HGO) contribute to postprandial hyperglycemia. While the liver can produce glucose by either glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis, approximately 90% of the increase in HGO above baseline is attributed to accelerated gluconeogenesis (DeFronzo (1997) supra).
While type 2 diabetes is widely recognized as a polygenic disease, useful insights have been obtained from targeted gene disruptions in animals, for example, those involving the insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrates (IRS), the p85 regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase, and the Glut4 transporter. The use of the Cre/loxP system has also allowed a genetic dissection at the tissue level. A tissue-specific inactivation of the IR gene in the pancreatic β-cell (BIRKO) has been shown to produce a defect in acute phase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, similar to that seen in type 2 diabetes (Kulkarni, R. N. et al. (1999) Cell 96:329-339). The IR deficiency in muscle (MIRKO) showed alterations of fat metabolism associated with diabetes, but unexpectedly the whole-body glucose disposal did not change significantly, suggesting that other tissues may compensate (Bruning, J. C. et al. (1998) Mol. Cell 2:559-569). On the other hand, the liver-specific IR knockout (LIRKO) generated mice with severe insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and a failure of insulin to suppress HGO (Michael, M. D. et al. (2000) Mol. Cell 6:87-97).
Not surprisingly, oral pharmacological agents currently available for treatment of type 2 diabetes target some of these affected tissues. Sulfonylureas and repaglinide act on the β-cells to stimulate insulin secretion, and the TZDs and metformin improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues such as muscle and/or liver (DeFronzo, R. A. (1999) Ann. Intern. Med. 31:281-303). However, there exists a need for additional therapeutic options which target the other major parameter of systemic glucose homeostasis, hepatic glucose output.

Methods and compositions for modulating gluconeogenesis using PGC-1


The present invention is an electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, and an opening and closing device for opening and closing the second housing with respect to the first housing between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the opening and closing device includes a stand that is disposed in the first housing; a base plate that is pivotably borne by the stand; a movable plate that is disposed in the second housing and that is movably disposed in the base plate, wherein the movable plate is configured to move between a first position where the movable plate overlaps with the base plate and a second position where the movable plate protrudes from the base plate; a bias unit configured to bias the movable plate to the base plate in the protruding direction; a movement restriction system that is formed of a first member and a second member, wherein during a state in which the base plate is at the closed position, the movement restriction system is configured to restrict, by locking between the first member and the second member, movement of the base plate with respect to the stand and movement of the movable plate with respect to the base plate; and a movement bias system configured to bias, during movement of the base plate from the opened position to the closed position, the movable plate to move from the second position toward the first position in accordance with the movement, wherein the first member is integrally formed with one of the first housing and the second housing.

Digital cameras, camcorders and mobile phones are known in the art as electronic devices that are configured such that a liquid crystal display or the like is embedded into a device main body to confirm captured images. Further, an electronic device is provided that has a configuration in which a display unit is movable with respect to the device main body, so that the liquid crystal display can be viewed from various angles.
In this type of electronic device, the display unit can be accommodated in a rear surface of the device main body during a normal state, and the configuration is such that the liquid crystal display of the display unit can be viewed in this accommodated state. However, the liquid crystal display may not be viewed in a state in which the display unit is accommodated, depending on a photographing condition, such as a photographing position. In such a case, the display unit is moved from the device main body, and thereby the configuration allows the display unit to be viewed even in the above-described photographing condition.
Recently, taking a self portrait photograph by using an electronic device, such as a digital camera, is becoming popular (so called "selfie"). In such a case, in a state in which the display unit is accommodated in the rear surface of the device main body, a photographer who is located in front of the device main body may not view the liquid crystal display. For this reason, an electronic device is provided that has a configuration such that, when a photographer is located in front of the device main body, the display unit can be moved to a position at which the liquid crystal display can be viewed (Patent Document 1).
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-138959