There is disclosed a controlling method for a refrigerator comprising: a first defrosting step of performing defrosting for an evaporator, the first defrosting step which ends when the temperature of the evaporator reaches a first temperature; a pressure difference sensing step of measuring a difference between the pressure in a first through-hole arranged between an inlet hole for drawing air from a storage compartment and the evaporator and the pressure in a second through-hole arranged between an outlet hole for discharging air towards the storage compartment and the evaporator by using one differential pressure sensor; and a second defrosting step of performing additional defrosting for the evaporator when the measured pressure difference is a preset pressure or more.

Generally, a refrigerator has a mechanical chamber provided in a lower area of a cabinet. The mechanical chamber is typically installed in the lower area of the refrigerator, considering the weight center of the refrigerator, the assembling utility and vibration reduction.
A freeze cycling mechanism is installed in the mechanical chamber of the refrigerator. The freeze cycling mechanism is configured to preserve foods fresh by keeping an inner space of the refrigerator on being in a freezer or refrigerator state, using a property of a refrigerant that absorbing external heat while a low-pressure liquid refrigerant is converted into a gas refrigerant.
The freeze cycling mechanism of the refrigerator includes a compressor configured to convert a low-temperature-and-low-pressure gas refrigerant into a high-temperature-and-high-pressure gas refrigerant; a condenser configured to convert the high-temperature-and-high-pressure gas refrigerant converted by the compressor into a low-temperature-and-high-pressure liquid refrigerant; and an evaporator configured to convert the low-temperature-and-high-pressure liquid refrigerant into a gas refrigerant to absorb external heat.
When the compressor is driving, the temperature of the evaporator falls and ice is stuck to the evaporator. Once more ice is stuck to the evaporator, heat-exchange efficiency between the evaporator and air deteriorates enough to make it difficult to chill and generate a sufficient cold air which is supplied to storage compartments. Accordingly, the compressor has to be driving more frequently for a longer time period, which is disadvantageous.
Moreover, once ice forms on the evaporator, a heater starts to drive to remove the ice from the evaporator. If the heater is driven unnecessarily often, the refrigerator is likely to consume more energy disadvantageously.
Especially, a refrigerator that is produced recently tends to have a large storage capacity and then have high power consumption. Accordingly, many studies and researches are ongoing to reduce such high power consumption.

Refrigerator and controlling method for the same


A modular beer pong table comprising a plurality of planar members. Each planar member having the ability to connect to any other planar member indiscriminately by a unique mechanism that employs an alternating pattern of protrusions which can mate with any other similar set of alternating protrusions. The mating protrusions providing for a strong joint and easy assembly. The planar members along with cap-like members combine to form a briefcase-like assembly for easy transportability and storability. The briefcase-like assembly further being able to retain two specialized stands which can be used to elevate the modular beer pong table during use. The modular beer pong table having the ability to float on water. Additional planar members of a modular nature that facilitate multiple concurrent beer pong game sessions. One embodiment employing the unique method of connecting modules for use in a toy construction set.

Beer Pong is a table top game that is a popular pastime for college students, and is quickly spreading beyond the college campus. Arranging a plurality of cups at either end of a table in a triangular formation, players take turns attempting to toss a ping pong ball into any of the cups on the side of the table opposite to them. Cups are taken out of play once a ball is sunk, and the player or team that is first to eliminate the opponents cups wins the game. Beer pong can and is played on a variety of table tops or surfaces such as ping pong tables, dining tables, floors, and counters. Several products even allow beer pong to be played in the pool. Portable Versions have been designed with tailgating and camping in mind.
Beer pong tables that have been designed for the pool have taken many approaches from inflatable rafts with cup holders to flat foam tables with cup holder cutouts. The inflatable tables suffer from numerous shortcoming. First, the cup holders do not allow for the cups to be level and touching at the rims. This is a critical flaw as poor cup alignment causes chaotic deflections of a players shot, often making for a frustrating experience. Second, due to their inflatable nature, these tables are large and clumsy, often rising form the water about half a foot, requiring players to stand in shallow water so that much of their body is out of the water and potentially exposed to uncomfortable breezes. Also, the large thickness of the table will cause it to easily be shifted by a light breeze. Third, the table needs to be inflated for use and deflated for transporting and storage, requiring that the user have a manual or electrical air pump. Blowing these tables up by mouth is a time-consuming and frustrating affair. Once deflated, the product is disorderly, and, as they don't have handles, are difficult to carry. Fourth, inflatable tables are restricted to their original size, usually six feet, two feet under regulation size tables. Player have different preferences when it comes to the length of the table, and those preferences usually depend on the skill level of the player. Sixth, the uneven surface of inflatable tables makes bounce shots a near impossibility. Fifth, inflatable tables are highly susceptible to ruptures which render the product useless unless the hole is patchable.
Foam beer pong tables also suffer from numerous shortcomings. Beer pong tables made of foam are usually six feet or longer. Due to this, they are very difficult to transport and store, and, therefore, also making them very costly to ship. Unlike inflatable tables, there is no way to reduce their volume, and folding the tables in half often results in damage to the product and does little in the way of making them more orderly. The length of these tables also makes them costly to manufacture as low cost manufacturing techniques such as steam-chest molding are not employable. Also, like their inflatable counterparts, current foam tables are restricted to their original size.
Beer Pong tables designed for land use also have their share of shortcomings. Many portable versions have folding partitions, and, due to the mechanisms involved, require high labor costs. These tables are often very heavy, usually around thirty pounds, with their handles being of little consolation. The narrow legs of these tables make beach use difficult, and their heavy nature prevents them from being used in the pool.

Modular beer pong table constructed of easily interchangeable modules


For some data processing systems, it is important to be able to handle overlapping debug events generated by a shared set of debug resources which are trying to cause both exception processing and debug mode entry. However, exception processing and debug mode entry generally have conflicting requirements. In one embodiment, exception priority processing is initially given to the software debug event. Normal state saving is performed and the first instruction of the debug exception handler is fetched, but not executed. Priority is then switched from the software debug event to the hardware debug event and a debug halted state is entered. Once processing of the hardware debug event has been completed, priority is returned to the software debug event and the debug exception handler is executed.

1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to debugging for data processing systems, and more specifically, to handling shared hardware and software debug resource events in a data processing system.
2. Related Art
For some data processing systems, it is important to be able to handle simultaneous synchronous debug events generated by a shared set of debug resources which are trying to cause both exception processing and debug mode entry. However, as the debug circuitry is generally not used during normal operation of the data processing system, it is important that the debug circuitry be kept as small as possible for cost and space purposes.

Method and apparatus for handling shared hardware and software debug resource events in a data processing system


Disclosed is a digital communication system for mobile communication, which has: a transmitter for mixing and outputting outputs from two independent and equivalently synchronized transmitting circuits in a xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system; and a receiver for receiving a mixed wave transmitted from the transmitting circuits and demodulating the received signal by using information as to its phase and amplitude.

This invention relates to a digital communication system, and more particularly to a digital communication system using xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system for mobile digital communications.
In conventional mobile communication systems, lightening of terminal device and minimization of volume have been key factors. To realize the lightening of terminal device and the minimization. of volume, in particular, the minimization of battery volume is an important problem. Along with this problem, xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system with low consumed power has been widely used.
In a conventional PSK modulation system (eight-value PSK system), as shown in FIG. 1, signal allocation points (shown by a circle in FIG. 1) that can be shift to at the next time are eight, and 3-bit information from 000 to 111 is assigned by those signals and a reference signal (signal of one timing before) shown by an arrow in FIG. 1.
On the other hand, comparing with the PSK modulation system, in the xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system, as shown in FIG. 2, eight signal allocation points are divided into two groups. When a signal exists on any point of one group of signal allocation points (shown by a circle in FIG. 2) at certain timing, the signal can shift to any point of another group of signal allocation points (shown by a triangle in FIG. 2) at the next timing. Therefore, the amount of information transmittable is four (2-bit) whereas the signal allocation points is eight (3-bit). Meanwhile, in FIG. 2. arrows indicate a reference signal (signal of one timing before).
In the xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system, the amplitude variation of signal is small and the deterioration and spectrum dispersion on non-linear transmission line is small because the spectrum of modulated wave is phase-shifting without passing the zero point on the signal diagram.
Therefore, this is a very excellent modulation system for mobile communication terminals that have many limitations as to weight, volume, battery capacity, anti-adjacent-channel-interference characteristic etc.
However, in the xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system, there is the demerit that the amount of information transmitted, 22 (2-bit), is small by one bit, as compared with the number of signal allocation points, which is 23 (3-bit)
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a digital communication system that the transmission capacity is increased.
According to the invention, a digital communication system for mobile communication, comprises:
two independent transmitting systems;
wherein the digital communication system transmits carrying two xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulated waves on a same frequency while preventing the dispersion of spectrum.
According to another aspect of the invention, a digital communication system for mobile communication, comprises:
means for mixing and outputting outputs from two independent and equivalently synchronized transmitting circuits in xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system: and
means for receiving a mixed wave transmitted from the transmitting circuits and demodulating the received signal by using information as to its phase and amplitude.
According to another aspect of the invention, a digital communication system for mobile communication, comprises the steps of:
mixing signals in xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system to be output from two independent and equivalently synchronized transmitting systems on a same frequency;
transmitting the mixed signal as an output signal; and
demodulating the mixed signal into a bit string from information as to its phase and amplitude;
wherein signal allocation points which are not used in xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulation system is used by mixing the two independent and equivalently synchronized xcfx80/4 shift QPSK modulated signals.


A delta-modulated magnitude amplifier is used to amplify the magnitude component of an RF power amplifier that employs envelope elimination and restoration. The delta-modulated amplifier introduces a smaller amount of non-linearity than traditional approaches, which are based upon pulse-width modulation. The disclosed technique can be implemented using switched-capacitor circuits in a standard MOS technology with only two external components, i.e., an inductor and a capacitor. Thus, the disclosed technique allows the implementation of an efficient and yet linear RF power amplifier using low-cost MOS technology.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to power amplifiers. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for linearizing a power amplifier.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The efficiency of an RF power amplifier has a significant impact on the battery life of a portable device, such as a portable transmitter, because the amplifier typically consumes the most amount of power used by the device. Efficient power amplifiers are therefore highly desirable for portable transmitters. Efficient class C, D, E, and F power amplifiers are only capable of generating constant-amplitude outputs. However, many recent transmitter designs require a non-constant amplitude RF output to maximize the data rate within a given channel bandwidth.
A suitable linear RF amplifier may be manufactured using gallium arsenide devices. However, gallium arsenide devices are presently considered too expensive for many applications. While MOS is the preferred process for manufacturing semiconductor devices, due to its low cost of fabrication and high yields, MOS has traditionally been unsuitable for fabricating linear RF amplifiers due to its lack of linearity when used to implement a high efficiency amplifier. Such poor linearity introduces a significant amount of distortion into the amplifier's output signal. Many different linearization schemes have been proposed in the art to achieve a linear and efficient power amplifier.
The design of traditional linear power amplifiers normally involves a trade-off between efficiency and linearity. Polar modulation is a technique known in the art that simultaneously achieves linearity and efficiency in an RF power amplifier. Polar modulation is also known as envelope elimination and restoration (EER). In this approach, an RF input signal is decomposed into its polar components, i.e., phase and magnitude. These two polar components are amplified independently and are then recombined to generate an amplified, linear RF output signal. The phase component of the RF input signal is typically amplified by a constant-amplitude amplifier that is optimized for efficiency. The magnitude or envelope component of the RF input signal is typically amplified by a switching-mode power supply that operates as the power supply for at least the output stage of the constant-amplitude amplifier.
Various approaches to the use of polar modulation have been described by L. Kahn, Single-Sided Transmission by Envelope Elimination and Restoration, Proc. IRE, July 1952, pp. 803-806; and by M. Koch, R. Fisher, a High-Frequency 835 MHz Linear Power Amplifier for Digital Cellular Telephony, 39th IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, May 3, 1989.
FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of a traditional RF amplifier 10 that employs the above-described envelope elimination and restoration technique. In the amplifier shown in FIG. 1, an RF input signal 12 is first decomposed into its polar components. These polar components comprise phase, which is a constant-amplitude signal, and magnitude, which is a low-frequency envelope signal. The phase and magnitude components are amplified independently along separate paths 15 and 11, respectively. The phase and magnitude components are then recombined to generate the linearly-amplified RF output signal 19.
The phase component is extracted from the RF input signal by the limiter 16, and is amplified by an efficient constant-amplitude amplifier that may comprise the nonlinear preamplifier 17, and the efficient, non-linear phase output stage 18. The magnitude component, which has a bandwidth comparable with the channel bandwidth, is extracted from the RF input signal by the envelope detector 13, and is amplified by the linear baseband amplifier 14. To maximize efficiency, the linear baseband amplifier 14 is implemented using a switching-mode power supply having a class-D amplifier as its output stage.
Existing implementations of switching-mode power supplies use pulse width modulation. The output of such a power supply is a square wave whose mark/space ratio represents the magnitude component of the RF input signal. However, using pulse width modulation to amplify the magnitude component introduces intermodulation distortion into the RF output.
It is therefore desirable to provide a high efficiency RF amplifier that can be fabricated using a low-cost process, such as MOS, and that provides linear amplification of the RF input signal.


A content addressable memory comprising a Random Access Memory (RAM) including a plurality of data storage locations. Each of the data storage locations has a unique address. The content addressable memory operates to store a data entry comprising predetermined match information for at least a portion of a data entity. Each at least a portion of a data entity comprises the unique address of the respective data storage location. The RAM has an address port for input of at least a portion of a data entity as an address and an output for outputting the stored data entries. The RAM operates to fetch the data entry stored at the input address and to output the stored match information corresponding to the at least a portion of a data entity, in response to input of the at least a portion of a data entity as an address to the RAM. In a particular embodiment, the RAM comprises an array of RAMs, wherein that at least a portion of a data entity is segmented into n slices. Each of the slices is used as an address to a respective one of said array of n RAMs.

Conventionally, in a computer system, a data entity is electronically stored at and fetched from a particular location in a memory system that is uniquely identified by an address. In such an address based system, data are accessed by inputting an address corresponding to the data to the memory system which then utilizes the address information to locate the data for output by the memory system.
A content-addressable memory is a memory system which stores and retrieves data based on its content rather than on an associated address. The memory is viewed as a representation of the information it contains rather than as a consecutive sequence of uniquely identified locations containing unrelated data. Content addressable memories may be used, for example, in set associative caches.
One particular application of a content addressable memory is to recognize a sparsely populated matrix, i.e., a small preselected set of data entities to be recognized from a large number of possible input data entities.
For example, a computer network using a 48-bit address to uniquely identify and address a component on the network can have any one of 2.sup.48 possible different addresses appear on an address bus coupling the components of the network. A node on the network intercoupling, for example, 64 components to the bus, would have to be able to recognize when one of the components is being addressed, i.e., to recognize a set of 64 specific addresses from the 2.sup.48 possible addresses.
A software content addressable memory can be achieved by the use of hashing algorithms which, for example, use software to process an input data entity to determine whether it is of interest. A software model is not desirable in many instances because it is generally slower in operation than a hardware model.
In the existing art, a hardware content addressable memory typically comprises a system of stored table data entries which are to be compared to the content of a data entity input to the memory system. Table entries are stored in a look-up table and are each compared with a data entity input to the memory system. A match signal indicates that the input data entity exists as a table entry in the look-up table.
An example of such a system is one in which a register is provided for each table entry and stores one table entry. Each register is coupled to a comparator. Each comparator is also coupled to a bus on which a data entity is input to the content addressable memory for comparison. The comparator operates to compare data of a particular table entry stored in its corresponding register, with a data entity input to the content addressable memory. If the data of the table entry contained in the register matches the input data entity, the comparator corresponding to the particular register will output a match signal indicating that the input data entity is in the content addressable memory. All of the comparators in the memory system are arranged in parallel to one another relative to the data entity input bus and thus receive the input data entity simultaneously.
Such a system is relatively slow in operation, when used with large input data entities, such as 48-bit data entities, because of the relative time it takes to compare large multiple bit numbers. In addition to being too slow, such systems, in certain applications, also tend to be too cumbersome due to the numerous comparators that may be required.
Thus, a need generally exists for a hardware content addressable memory which can quickly and accurately identify a sparsely populated matrix.

Apparatus and method for an improved content addressable memory


A re-imaging optical system (10) has a ref lective objective (12) providing an intermediate image of the object being viewed and a relay (14) including refractive (32, 62) and diffractive (34, 72) optical elements. The system is capable of re-imaging the intermediate image onto an image plane (16) with the characteristic advantages of reflective and refractive systems while eliminating their deficiencies.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to re-imaging optical systems and, more particularly, to a catatrioptric re-imaging optical system utilizing reflective, refractive, and diffractive optical elements. 2. Discussion
Re-imaging optical systems generally include two optical modules, an objective group and a relay group. The objective group precedes the intermediate image plane and the relay group follows the intermediate image. Re-imaging optical systems are key optical components in many optical sensors. Re-imaging optical systems also have unique properties. Some of their properties are better rejection of off axis radiation, one hundred percent cold shielding with the cold stop right next to the detector array, and an accessible entrance pupil.
Two examples of common re-imaging optical systems are all reflective three mirror anastigmats and catadioptric optical systems. Three mirror anastigmatic systems generally include two concave mirrors and one convex mirror. Therefore, two of the mirrors are positive and one is negative power. The advantage of a three mirror anastigmat is that it is of a simple optical design which has substantially no chromatic aberration and is generally, relatively speaking, less expensive to fabricate when compared to refractive optical systems. Unfortunately, it is difficult to avoid vignetting or central obscuration without jeopardizing the field of view coverage. The vignetting problem is particularly severe for the tertiary mirror. In order to clarify both the exit pupil and image planes from radiation reflected off the secondary mirror, before impinging on the tertiary mirror, either the line of sight is offset from the optical axis or the tertiary mirror is purposely tilted. Thus, the total usable field of view is limited.
While a catadioptric optical system experiences less vignetting and obscuration problems, they are generally more complicated. The complication is due to the requirement of chromatic aberration correction. To alleviate the chromatic aberration problem, the optical power of each refractive optical element is reduced. In many cases, the optical power of the refractive optical element group is insignificant as compared to that of the reflective optical element.
Thus, three mirror anastigmatic optical systems exhibit vignetting and observation problems, while catadioptric optical systems are complicated due to the requirements for chromatic aberration correction. The present invention provides an optical system which overcomes the above problems.

Re-imaging optical system including refractive and diffractive optical elements


In a developer supply device, a developer carrying portion has a roller main body and a brush layer having flexible fibrous members. A casing includes a developer reservoir portion therein and is formed with an opening portion. The casing rotatably supports the developer carrying portion while the brush layer is exposed externally at the opening portion and opposes a supply target. A developer regulation portion regulates an amount of developer on the brush layer. The developer regulation portion includes a main part and a regulation part. The main part is fixed to the casing, has a plate portion, and extends from one end to another end in an extending direction. The regulation part is connected to the other end. The regulation part enters into the brush layer toward a central rotational axis. A prescribed rotational direction at the regulation part is substantially opposite to the extending direction.

One such example of these devices is known. Please refer to Patent Documents 1 through 5). These devices use a so-called "brush roller" as a developer carrier (i.e. as a development roller).    Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S57-64266    Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S57-100753    Patent document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S57-108870    Patent document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S58-57156    Patent document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-276720

Developer supply device having developer regulation portion to regulate amount of developer on brush layer


A method and system for use in synchronizing at least two clocks in a downhole network are disclosed. The method comprises determining a total signal latency between a controlling processing element and at least one downhole processing element in a downhole network and sending a synchronizing time over the downhole network to the at least one downhole processing element adjusted for the signal latency. Electronic time stamps may be used to measure latency between processing elements. A system for electrically synchronizing at least two clocks connected to a downhole network comprises a controlling processing element connected to a synchronizing clock in communication over a downhole network with at least one downhole processing element comprising at least one downhole clock. Preferably, the downhole network is integrated into a downhole tool string.

The present invention pertains to drilling operations and, more particularly, to the synchronization of clocks over a downhole network. In modern drilling, much importance is placed on the gathering of accurate, concise, and detailed information about the drilling environment. This information may prove itself to be invaluable upon making decisions relating to drilling operations and strategy. For example, detailed information regarding the shape and content of a natural formation can be a valuable resource for electing a point of entry into the formation.
Such information is often collected using seismic measurements, a practice well known in the art. Typically, a seismic source is used to send acoustic waves through an earth formation. The waves disperse through the formation, bouncing off of various features of the formation and causing reflection waves which are detected by sensors situated at different locations relative to the formation. The data from the reflection waves is analyzed to determine physical characteristics of the formation.
Such measurements are most advantageous when they are compared with other measurements from different locations during the same time interval. In order for seismic and other measurements to provide an accurate depiction of the object of interest, precise time-specific data are ideal. Often this involves the use of synchronized clocks in which the data taken from several locations is overlaid for a given time interval. However, some of the most useful seismic measurements in a drilling environment are recorded downhole. A typical drill string can be as long as 10,000 to 20,000 feet. Due to extremes in temperature, pressure, vibration, jolts, and other factors, a downhole clock can very easily develop a drift from a clock located on the surface or at another location on the drill string. Various methods of establishing and maintaining a system of two or more synchronized clocks in a drilling environment are recognized in the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,718 to Cecconi et al. discloses a device and method allowing seismic measurements to be performed in a well during drilling, comprising, above ground, a seismic source and a recorder connected to one or several seismic reference sensors and, downhole, a seismic sensor mounted in a drill string, wherein the seismic sensors and recorders comprise a low drift synchronized clock system, characterized in that the clock comprising the underground seismic sensor is a dual mode type clock.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,646 to Shah et al. discloses an acoustic system for synchronizing a clock in a well containing a drill string with a clock located near the surface of the well. The system includes devices for transmitting and receiving a pair of acoustic signals between locations comprising each clock and processing those signals.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,595 to Chenin discloses a method for downhole clock synchronization without the use of an electrical connection. The clocks are synchronized using acoustic and mud pulse communication methods.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,046 to Kruspe, et al. discloses an apparatus and method for synchronized formation measurement wherein a sensor is mounted on a drill string for sensing a parameter of interest. Two clocked controllers are synchronized such that the surface controller is performing certain tasks in timed sequence with the sensor even though the surface controller is not connected to the sensor.
Further, several types of systems for taking downhole measurements currently exists. Often logging instruments are lowered into a well bore during a pause in drilling. Another system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,880 to Hall, et al., which discloses a downhole data transmission system in which data can be transmitted through a string of downhole components. In one embodiment of the ″880 patent, a tool string comprises a plurality of downhole components, each with a first transmission element in one end and a second transmission element in another end. Each transmission element comprises a magnetically conductive, electrically insulating trough that houses an electrically conductive coil. The coils in each end of the component are connected by an electrical conductor. When the components are connected in a drill string, data transmission is enabled through the drill string. When measurements are made downhole, they may be conveyed to the surface by means of the system incorporated into the tool string.

Method and system for downhole clock synchronization


This invention relates to methods of treating or controlling a disease or stress condition such as laminitis in a non-human mammal by topically applying to the limb of the mammal a nitrovasodilator and a protective covering dressing in the form of a cuff, sleeve, or boot.

Various form of systemic treatment are prescribed for animals in diseased or distressed conditions. Such treatments involve the administration of medicaments by intravenous, intramuscular or parenteral infusion or injection, by oral administration or by suppositories. However, for a number of animals the prescribed treatments are not easy to administer, particularly if the animal will not eat, or is required to remain still for long periods of time. In other cases the systemic treatments hitherto proposed have been found to be relatively ineffective, especially in relation to diseases of the legs and feet, and systemic and local vascular disorders, or to have undesirable side effects.

Use of nitrovasodilators for treatment of disease or stress conditions in a non-human mammal


The present invention is to provide an improved foldable phone having a first case and a second case, wherein the first case and the second case have an inclined face on one side thereof respectively, a function keypad set is disposed on the first case, a display screen is disposed on the second case, the inclined face of the second case has a protrusion part extending along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the second case having the display screen, and the protrusion part is hinged to the inclined face of the first case so that the second case can be rotated away from the first case, enabling the second case to be in a position perpendicular to the first case. As such, the improved foldable phone can provide a banner-type screen, while operating, to be operated in accordance with different communication functions.

In view of the swiftly evolving global information technology and the communication industry, the advent of the era of the information technology and the mushrooming electronic industry has shortened the interpersonal distance in time and space. The mobile communication products stemming from computer are closely linked with our daily life. While the current electronic communication products (e.g. mobile phone, PDA, etc.) are prevailing and indispensable and the competition in the market are getting tougher, for sake of constantly developing to seize the pie, all leading communication manufacturers continuously weed through the old and bring forth the new without exception so as to win the hearts of users with the novelty and the delicacy. Users of electronic communication products are increasingly demanding, and as a result, providing the electronic communication products possibly addressing services, features and appearances to meet user's requirements becomes a challenging job.
Most of these conventional mobile phones initially pertain to straight phones in terms of the operation methods or the appearance. Owing to the striking external look and the less complicated style, such straight phones certainly have their days triggering the popular unrest. However, to take the screen protection into account and prevent from inadvertently pressing the keypad, and to add that the straight phones fail to provide large-size operation screen, clam-shell phones emerged for that end. A top case of the clam-shell phone is combined with one side of a lower case so that after both cases are both received the abrasion between the display panel and the keypad being idle can be alleviated. Whereas, as a result of multimedia functions vastly implemented in all sorts of mobile phones in addition to the function upgrade of digital cameras, users employ mobile phones to download and view video data and utilize the functions of digital cameras to take pictures of surrounding things and objects. As the screens of such clam-shell phones are mostly vertical, speaking of the customer satisfaction, the viewing and photographing angles thereof are hardly satisfactory for the straight phone.
As a consequence, the mobile phone capable of freely rotating with respect to multiple axes started emerging. As shown in FIG. 1, a screen 5 and a keypad 6 are disposed on such mobile phone. The screen 5 and the keypad 6 are coupled with at least two orthogonal rotating shafts 7 so that the screen 5 can be presented to user in a way mutually alternating the vertical and/or horizontal screen to meet the user's requirements to alternatively use the aforementioned two types of screens in case of concern of different functions and purposes. However, those rotating shafts 7 easily incur damage when those rotating shafts are applied to bend the screen 5 of the mobile phone. Besides, the wirings within those rotating shafts 7 are rather complicated, and those wirings may get twined to result in short-circuit and fault stopping continuous operation while rotating those rotating shafts 7. Therefore, how to develop an improved foldable phone to resolve the foregoing issue becomes a critical subject on top of the list.


An open flow helium cryostat system for cooling a sample crystal to be examined using X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, or a similar method. The cryostat system including a primary helium supply to provide a first stream of liquid helium onto the sample crystal and a secondary helium supply to provide a second stream of gaseous helium around at least a portion of the primary helium supply at a temperature warmer than the first stream of liquid helium to prevent the formation of ice on the sample crystal.

The advantages of using low temperatures for crystallography are well understood. Several commercially available systems such as the Oxford Cryostream use liquid nitrogen as a refrigerant and are relatively easy to use in conjunction with traditional methods of single crystal crystallography. However, a system which uses liquid helium as a refrigerant is much better than a nitrogen system because of the ability to achieve even lower temperatures which ultimately improves the quality of the crystallography (the minimum stable temperature achievable by a system using liquid nitrogen is about 85K; in contrast, a liquid helium system is capable achieving temperatures of 30K or lower). Unfortunately, the use of liquid helium as a refrigerant creates its own unique set of problems.
One problem with the use of helium as a refrigerant is the level of expertise required to operate a traditional system, as well as the cost to build it. For example, a typical system as used in the past involved mounting a closed cycle helium refrigerator on a large diffractometer, using, for example, a large Huber circle. The systems are complex in nature, thus requiring a high level of training for operators. Furthermore, a window made of beryllium is required which obscures the crystal and introduces systematic error into the data.
Another problem associated with the use of liquid helium as a refrigerant is the likelihood of frost or solid air forming on and around the inner nozzle of the cryostat or on the crystal itself or its support structure which inhibits accurate examining of the crystal. Frost/solid air formation is caused by the freezing of the gaseous components of air at the very low working temperatures used.
Based on the above, it is clear that a need exists for a cost effective liquid helium cooling system which allows examination of a sample crystal at a very low temperature without the problem of ice/solid air formation.

Open flow helium cryostat system and related method of using


A toilet device is configured to provide a self-rising toilet seat on a toilet. The toilet device includes a base, at least one raising arm, and a force mechanism. The base is configured to attach to the toilet. The at least one raising arm is in communication with the self-rising toilet seat. Each of the at least one raising arms is rotatably connected to the base, where the at least one raising arm is configured to rotate about the base for raising the self-rising toilet seat. The force mechanism is operatively connected to the at least one raising arm. The force mechanism is configured to control the at least one raising arm to move to a raised position of the self-rising toilet seat.

Generally speaking, a toilet is a piece of sanitary hardware that collects human urine and feces, and sometimes toilet paper, usually for disposal. Flush toilets use water, while dry or non-flush toilets do not. They can be designed for a sitting position popular in Europe and North America with a toilet seat, with additional considerations for those with disabilities. Toilets are commonly made of ceramic (porcelain), concrete, plastic, or wood. The technology used for modern toilets varies. Newer toilet technologies include dual flushing, automatic flushing with sensors, low flushing, toilet seat warming, self-cleaning, female urinals and waterless urinals.
A toilet seat is a hinged unit consisting of a round or oval open seat, and usually a lid, which is bolted onto the bowl of a toilet used in a sitting position (as opposed to a squat toilet). The seat can be either for a flush toilet or a dry toilet. A toilet seat consists of the seat itself, which may be contoured for the user to sit on, and the lid, which covers the toilet when it is not in use. The lid may be absent in some cases, particularly in public restrooms. The issue of whether the seat and lid should be placed in the closed position after use is a perennial topic of discussion and light humor (usually across gender lines), with it often being argued that leaving the toilet seat up is more efficient for men, while putting it down is more considerate for women. The "right answer" seems to depend on factors ranging from the location of the toilet (public or private), the population of the users (e.g. a sorority house vs frat house) and/or personal or family values, opinions, preferences, agreements or toiletry habits.
However, in most public restrooms, the toilet seat is typically kept in a down position when a toilet is not in use, making it so, a male should raise the toilet seat to urinate in the standing position. As such, a male must raise the toilet seat prior to urinating in a standing position. However, this standard may not always be followed in public restrooms, as males may not want to touch the toilet seat to raise it prior to urinating. This issue may lead to toilet seats being inoperable to sit on as their top sides become saturated with urine. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a means for raising a toilet seat, especially in commercial or public restroom settings.
The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing a toilet device configured to provide a self-rising toilet seat and method of use thereof.

Toilet device configured to provide a self-rising toilet seat and method of use thereof


An image processing method for converting a first image, which is expressed in a colorimetric system made up of a plurality of color components and is constituted of a plurality of pixels each holding color information corresponding to a single color component, to a second image constituted with a plurality of pixels all holding color information corresponding to at least one common color component, includes: a color difference information generation step in which color difference information is generated by using color information in the first image; a color gradient analysis step in which a color gradient indicating an extent of color change is determined based upon the color difference information having been generated; and an image conversion step in which the first image is converted to the second image based upon the color gradient having been determined.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing method through which a high-resolution digital color image with high image quality is generated.
2. Description of Related Art
Color artifacts are bound to occur following color interpolation processing on color image data obtained by spatially sampling color components with a single-plate color image sensor or the like. International Publication WO 02/060186 discloses a method for adaptively eliminating color artifacts manifesting in such color image data without destroying the image structure and, more particularly, the color structure represented by the color image data (invented by the inventor of the present invention). In this method, color artifact elimination is executed to a greater extent in an achromatic area and is executed to a lesser extent in a chromatic area based upon the results of a color judgment executed by using a color index calculated based upon color difference signals.

Image processing method, image processing program and image processing processor for interpolating color components


A vertical soffit vent in which a length of frieze board is affixed adjacent a length of soffit molding, with a unique arrangement of vents--volutes--in between. More particularly, a length of frieze board having particularly shaped and dimensioned volutes therein is attached or integrally molded to an adjacent length of molding by means of a solid spacer strip. (Alternatively, the spacer strip may be eliminated and replaced with protruding teeth on the frieze board.) The entire combination may be integrally molded. The volutes in the frieze board are contained in the upper half of the frieze board, in and around the solid spacer strip. The combined vertical soffit vent is intended for mounting under the eaves of roof constructions, and permits enhanced air flow into the attic area by means of the uniquely shaped volutes. The outlet ends of the volutes are covered with an insect screen.

Roof construction has a long and diverse architectural history. From the standpoint of construction alone, roofs for homes, buildings, stadiums or arenas or other constructs must not only provide a cover for the building but must be able to resist immense roof loads such as high winds and rain and, in many areas, snow and ice.
A typical roof type is that which is incorporated into a wood-framed dwelling. When the width of the roof area is less than about 30 feet, the roof surface--composition shingles or tile or slate placed on sheathing or plywood--may be supported on rafters or roof trusses which run from the peak of the roof to its eaves. When the width of the area to be covered exceeds about 30 feet, wooden roof trusses are usually used instead of rafters, and additional support may be furnished by the use of longitudinal members, known as purlins, that span the trusses. Industrial buildings often use essentially this same construction, except that the trusses, purlins and roofing are generally fabricated from steel or prestressed concrete or other high load-bearing materials.
No matter what type of roof construction is used, roof design must always accommodate the need for adequate attic ventilation. Satisfactory attic ventilation is necessary for many reasons. Attic ventilation not only removes heat and moisture from attic spaces in hot weather, but removes attic condensation in cold weather to prolong building structure and roof material life and to preserve the viability of the attic insulation.
Traditionally, in order to afford adequate ventilation, rafters or roof trusses were customarily extended well beyond the exterior wall of the dwelling or building, to form vented eaves. Ordinarily, the soffit, or horizontal underside of the eave, was fitted with vents of varying designs, which vents allowed air to pass into the attic from the outside. Hot, moist air inside the attic could then exit through roof vents, known in the art, positioned higher than the vents in the eave and thus able to create a chimney effect in the attic.
One typical vent for an eave of a roof is exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,149 to Speer, in which tubes are provided to allow air to enter through the soffit. The tubes are constructed so that condensed moisture from inside the roof is collected and drained from a drain trap beneath the ventilating tubes. The general concept exemplified by Speer is the use of the soffit as an area of attic ventilation.
Simple vents in soffit are well known, and may comprise strip vents, spot vents or other ventilation apertures provided in the soffit. Usually the ventilation apertures are covered with either a louvre or screening material to discourage infestation of insects and other small life forms. U.S. Pat. No. 2,991,709 to Haddix represents a simple soffit vent of this type. U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,455 to Shaklee discloses a more elaborate variation on this theme, in which a central air flow space through the soffit is provided with a foraminous covering and an adjacent air scoop panel which may be positioned in either an open or in a closed position.
Other patents which allow attic ventilation from the area of the eave with ventilation channels of various types include U.S. Pat. No. 255,608 to Eaton, U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,164 to Grange, U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,034 to Listle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,315 to Weirich and U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,409 to Sells.
None of the prior art under-roof apertures for attic ventilation address the problem which the present invention solves, however. The traditional extension of roof rafters or roof trusses out over the exterior wall, to form eaves, was adopted in the first place to create what was believed to be soffit area necessary for attic ventilation. Requirements were developed over the years for amounts of ventilation which were required to be included in soffit structures, and a certain minimum soffit area itself became a typical minimum building standard, usually a 12-16 inch overhang. Creating large surface areas of soffit for the purpose of creating screened or louvred apertures in such a construct accounted for considerable construction cost. To make matters worse, not only did the existence of the eave create additional expense in the soffit design and construction, but increased roof area and need for roofing materials and labor commensurate with the roof area of the eave meant that the roofs themselves were bigger and more expensive than they would have needed to be merely to cover the building. A need remained in the roof construction industry, therefore, for a soffit vent in which eave construction could be simplified, roof area minimized and attic ventilation enhanced.


An apparatus for linearly driving a vehicle or machine. The apparatus includes a frame, at least one drive wheel, and at least one rotatable driver comprising a pulley or a sprocket, rotatably mounted with respect to the frame. Further, the system includes a flexible, elongated power transmitter comprising a belt, a chain, or a cable, the transmitter being mounted for reciprocating linear motion with respect to the frame and passing around and engaging the rotatable driver to rotate the driver in at least a first rotational direction. The apparatus also has a first and second pedal to engage the power transmitter in a first and second direction. The first and second pedals are mounted to the frame in a manner that permits only non-arcuate, linear reciprocating motion of the pedals with respect to the frame. The second pedal is connected to the first pedal such that motion of the first pedal in a first linear direction causes the second pedal in an opposite, second linear direction, and the motion of the first pedal in the second linear direction causes motion of the second pedal in the first linear direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to the field of an apparatus for powering a human-powered machine. More particularly, the invention pertains to a linear driving mechanism suitable for a bicycle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional bicycles are mostly driven by circular motion of crank pedals. However, only a small portion of the 360.degree. rotation of the crank is used to propel the bicycle; the rest is rotary motion and is wasted. Rotary crank pedals do not provide a uniform effective conversion of the substantially linear driving force exerted by a rider into drive torque. Thus, a rider expends excessive energy and fatigues more quickly. Since the pedal stroke of circular crank pedals cannot be adjusted, and a full turn of the crank pedal is inevitably required to drive the conventional bicycle, the rider's legs and stroke pattern do not always fit with the crank's pedal circular motion stroke.
Although lever propelled bicycles, propelled by up and down arcuate motion levers have been proposed, the mechanisms used for transmitting the motion of energy of the levers to a drive wheel has not been satisfactory. Since a majority of these solutions do not provide a true linear drive mechanism, they do not provide a 100% efficiency in the stroke. Furthermore, these solutions have failed to provide a mechanism by which an individual can power a vehicle on a backward and forward stroke.
Therefore, bicyclists and bicycle manufacturers are in need of a linear drive system which provides true linear driving capabilities as well as the capability to drive the bicycle upon an upward and backward stroke of the pedals.


Embodiments for displaying multiple page files are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a plurality of files may be automatically displayed. For the respective files of the plurality of files, a count of pages may be determined, and at least one of the pages of the file may be displayed. If the count of pages is determined to be greater than one, a plurality of pages of the file may be automatically displayed.

It is becoming increasingly popular to view images stored in files on computing platforms or other types of electronic devices. For example, it is common for a user to download images from a digital camera onto a computer and then view the images on the computer system's display monitor. A user may select individual images to be displayed one at a time, or may also set up what may be referred to as a "slideshow" where a number of specified images are displayed sequentially. Transitions such as dissolves, fades, or wipes may be utilized when switching from one image to another in order to add interest to the slideshow.

Method and apparatus for displaying multiple page files


Material properties such as stress in a ferromagnetic material may be measured using an electromagnetic probe. While generating an alternating magnetic field in the object, and sensing the resulting magnetic field with a sensor, the signals from the magnetic sensor may be resolved into in-phase and quadrature components. The signals are affected by both geometrical parameters such as lift-off and by material properties, but these influences may be separated by mapping the in-phase and quadrature components directly into material property and lift-off components, and hence a material property and/or the lift-off may be determined. The mapping may be represented in the impedance plane as two sets of contours representing signal variation with lift-off (A) (for different values of stress) and signal variation with stress (B) (for different values of lift-off), the contours of both sets (A, B) being curved. The stress contours (B) intersect any one liftoff contour (A) at a constant angle. Hence calibration measurements taken along a few contours of each set enable the positions of the other contours of each set to be determined.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus in which an electromagnetic probe is used to measure material properties in a ferromagnetic material, for example stress, or to measure the separation of the probe from the surface of such a material.
The stresses in structures such as rails, bridges and pipelines, complex mechanisms such as vehicles and machinery, or simple devices such as struts, cables or bearings arise from various causes including changes of temperature, and the loads and pressures due to use. There may also be residual stresses arising from the fabrication of the structure or device, and any bending that the structure or device was subjected to during construction; the residual stresses arising from fabrication will also be affected by any stress-relieving heat treatment. In some situations (such as pipelines) the principal stress directions can be expected to be in particular directions (circumferential and longitudinal), whereas in other situations the stress directions are also unknown. A variety of magnetic techniques are known to have some sensitivity to stress, although magnetic measurements are usually also affected by other material properties such as microstructure. A way of measuring stress in a steel plate is described in GB 2 278 450, this method using a probe containing an electromagnetic core to generate an alternating magnetic field in the plate, and then combining measurements from two sensors, one being a measure of stress-induced magnetic anisotropy, and the other being a measure of directional effective permeability (DEP). The probe is gradually turned around so the magnetic field has a plurality of different orientations in the plate, and these measurements are taken at each such orientation. The DEP signals are affected not only by stress, but also by the lift-off from the surface (i.e. the gap or separation between the probe and the surface), and so must be corrected for lift-off.
According to the present invention there is provided a method for measuring biaxial stresses in an object of ferromagnetic material using at least one probe, the or each probe comprising an electromagnet means and a magnetic sensor arranged for sensing a magnetic field due to the electromagnet means; the method comprising detecting signals from the magnetic sensor and resolving them into first and second components that are orthogonal in phase, and mapping the first and second components directly into apparent stress and liftoff components; taking such measurements with the one said probe oriented with two principal stress axes of the object, and deducing two corresponding values of apparent uniaxial stress; and hence deducing the true biaxial stresses in said object.
The mapping requires a preliminary calibration, with a specimen of the material, to determine how the first and second components of the signal vary with lift-off (at a constant stress) and vary with stress (at a constant lift-off), and deducing from the calibration measurements the applicable mapping for any stress and any lift-off. The signals from the sensor are at the frequency of the alternating field, and the components may be the components in phase with the current supplied to the electromagnet means, and the component in quadrature to that. The mapping may be represented in the impedance plane (i.e. on a graph of quadrature component against in-phase component) as two sets of contours representing signal variation with lift-off (for different values of stress) and signal variation with stress (for different values of lift-off), the contours of both sets being curved. The contours or lines of one set intersect those of the other set at non-orthogonal angles. The angles at which the contours for constant lift-off (varying stress) intersect any one contour for constant stress (varying lift-off) are constant along that contour. However the angles of intersection of different lift-off lines with any one stress line are different: the angle of intersection at a fixed lift-off varies slightly with stress. Hence measurements taken along a few contours of each set enable the positions of the other contours of each set to be determined.
Surprisingly this simple mapping has been found to give an accurate representation of the variation of the signals with material property (e.g. stress or microstructure); more surprisingly it enables these variations to be distinguished unambiguously from variations arising from lift-off or other geometrical variations such as surface texture or curvature. It may perhaps be presumed that material property changes cause changes in the permeability of the steel in the magnetic circuit and these have both inductive and resistive (lossy) components, whereas geometrical changes such as lift-off change the amount of air in the magnetic circuit, in which energy dissipation by eddy currents cannot occur, so this of itself would be purely inductive (non-lossy). Where the object has a coating of a non ferromagnetic material (such as a paint, or a ceramic), this coating will separate the probe from the surface, so the lift-off measurement may indicate its thickness.
Preferably the electromagnet means comprises an electromagnetic core and two spaced apart electromagnetic poles, and the magnetic sensor is preferably arranged to sense the reluctance of that part of the magnetic circuit between the poles of the electromagnet means. It is also desirable to arrange for such measurements to be taken with a plurality of different orientations of the magnetic field, at a single location on the object. This may be achieved using a single probe that is rotated at that location, measurements being taken with different orientations of the probe, or using an array of probes of different orientations that are successively moved to that location. In either case, the sensor or sensors provide a measure of the permeability of the material through which the flux passes between the poles, and so provide a signal indicative of the effective permeability of the material; the corresponding measurements at different probe orientations at a location on the object hence indicate the effective permeability in different directions. The signals from this sensor may be referred to as a reluctance, or 'flux linkage', signal.
The probe, or at least some of the probes, may also include a second magnetic sensor between the two poles and arranged to sense magnetic flux density perpendicular to the direction of the free space magnetic field between the poles. This second sensor would detect no signal if the material were exactly isotropic; however stress induces anisotropy into the magnetic properties of the material, and so the signals received by the second sensor are a measure of this stress-induced magnetic anisotropy or 'flux rotation'. The variations in the flux rotation signals at different probe orientations, at a location on the object, enable the directions of the principal stress axes to be accurately determined. The flux rotation signals can also be related to the stress.
The flux linkage signal from the or each probe is preferably backed-off, i.e. processed by first subtracting a signal equal to the signal from that sensor with the probe adjacent to a stress-free location. The backed-off signal is then amplified so the small changes in the flux linkage signal due to stress are easier to detect. This backing off is performed after resolving into in-phase and quadrature components but before performing the mapping. Preferably the signals from the or each probe are digitized initially, and the backing-off and resolution are performed by analysis of the digital signals.
To achieve penetration below the surface of the ferromagnetic object it is desirable to operate at alternating frequencies less than 200 Hz, for example between 5 Hz and 100 Hz (which in mild steel provide penetrations of about 5 mm and 1 mm respectively). In other situations, where such depth of penetration is not required, higher frequencies can be used, for example up to 150 kHz for a penetration of only about 15 μm. The depth of penetration may be represented by the skin depth, δ=1/√{square root over (()}πμoμrfk), where μo is the permeability of free space, μr is the relative permeability of the material, k is its electrical conductivity, and f is the frequency. The frequency should be such that the skin depth is much less than the thickness of the object.
Generally, the more different probe orientations are used for taking measurements the more accurate the determination of stress levels and principal axes can be. In many cases the principal stress axes can be assumed to be aligned in particular directions—axial and circumferential directions in the case of a pipe, for example—so that the signal maxima for flux linkage signals would be expected to be along these directions, and the signal maximum for flux rotation signals would be along the bisection angles between these directions.
The probe, or at least some of the probes, may also include a third magnetic sensor (a 'flux leakage' sensor) between the poles and arranged to sense magnetic flux density parallel to the free space magnetic field. This third sensor will detect any flux leakage, this being influenced by changes in material properties, lift-off, and cracks. As with the flux-linkage sensor, measurements at a location are preferably made at different probe orientations.


The present invention relates to interfaces and methods for producing input for software applications based on the absolute pose of an item manipulated or worn by a user in a three-dimensional environment. Absolute pose in the sense of the present invention means both the position and the orientation of the item as described in a stable frame defined in that three-dimensional environment. The invention describes how to recover the absolute pose with optical hardware and methods, and how to map at least one of the recovered absolute pose parameters to the three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom available to the item to generate useful input. The applications that can most benefit from the interfaces and methods of the invention involve 3D virtual spaces including augmented reality and mixed reality environments.

When an item moves without constraints in a three-dimensional environment with respect to stationary objects, knowledge of the item's distance from and inclination to these objects can be used to derive a variety of the item's parameters of motion as well as its pose. Particularly useful stationary objects for pose recovery purposes include a ground plane, fixed points, lines, reference surfaces and other known features.
Over time, many useful coordinate systems and methods have been developed to parameterize stable reference frames defined by stationary objects. The pose of the item, as recovered and expressed in such stable frames with parameters obtained from the corresponding coordinate description of the frame, is frequently referred to as the item's absolute pose. Based on the most up-to-date science, we know that no absolute or stationary frame is available for defining truly absolute parameters. A stable frame is thus not to be construed to imply a stationary frame. More precisely stated, the stable frame in which the absolute pose is parameterized is typically not a stationary or even an inertial frame (for example, a reference frame defined on the Earth's surface is certainly stable, but not stationary and non-inertial due to gravity and Earth's rotation). Nevertheless, we shall refer to poses defined in stable frames as "absolute" in adherence to convention.
Many conventions have also been devised to track temporal changes in absolute pose of the item as it undergoes motion in the three-dimensional environment. Certain types of motion in three dimensions can be fully described by corresponding equations of motion (e.g., orbital motion, simple harmonic motion, parabolic motion, curvilinear motion, etc.). These equations of motion are typically expressed in the stable frame defined by the stationary objects.
The parameterization of stable frames is usually dictated by the symmetry of the situation and overall type of motion. For example, motion exhibiting spherical symmetry is usually described in spherical coordinates, motion exhibiting cylindrical symmetry in cylindrical coordinates and generally linear motion in Cartesian coordinates. More advanced situations may even be expressed in coordinates using other types of parameterizations, e.g., sets of linearly independent axes.
Unconstrained motion of items in many three-dimensional environments, however, may not lend itself to a simple description in terms of equations of motion. Instead, the best approach is to recover a time sequence of the item's absolute poses and reconstruct the motion from them. For a theoretical background, the reader is referred to textbooks on classical mechanics and, more specifically, to chapters addressing various types of rigid body motion. An excellent overall review is found in H. Goldstein et al., Classical Mechanics, 3rd Edition, Addison Wesley Publishing, 2002.
Items associated with human users, e.g., items that are manipulated or worn by such users, generally do not move in ways that can be described by simple equations of motion. That is because human users exercise their own will in moving such items in whatever real three-dimensional environment they find themselves. It is, however, precisely the three-dimensional motion of such items that is very useful to capture and describe. That is because such motion may communicate the desires and intentions of the human user. These desires and intentions, as expressed by corresponding movements of the item (e.g., gestures performed with the item), can form the basis for user input and interactions with the digital domain (e.g., data input or control input).
In one specific field, it is important to know the absolute pose of an item associated with a human user to derive the position of its tip while it contacts a plane surface. Such position represents a subset of the absolute pose information. Various types of items, such as elongate objects, can benefit from knowledge of their pose, which includes the position of their tip. More precisely, such items would benefit from knowing the absolute position (in world coordinates parameterizing the stable frame) of their tip while it is in contact with a plane surface embedded in the three-dimensional environment. These items include walking canes when in touch with the ground, pointers when in touch with a display or projection surface, writing devices when in touch with a writing surface, and styluses when in touch with an input screen.
The need to determine the absolute position of the tip or nib is deeply felt in the field of input devices such as pens and styluses. Here, the absolute position of the tip has to be known in order to analyze the information written or traced by the user on the writing surface. Numerous teachings of pens and related input devices providing relative tip position and absolute tip position are discussed in the prior art. Some of these teachings rely on inertial navigation devices including gyroscopes and accelerometers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,492,981; 6,212,296; 6,181,329; 5,981,884; 5,902,968. Others combine inertial navigation with force sensing as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,081,261; 5,434,371. Still other techniques rely on triangulation using signal receivers and auxiliary devices on or adjacent to the writing surface as found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,177,927; 6,124,847; 6,104,387; 6,100,877; 5,977,958 and 5,484,966. Furthermore, various forms of radiation including short radio-frequency (RF) pulses, infra-red (IR) pulses, and even sound waves in the form of ultrasound pulses have been taught for triangulation and related techniques. A few examples of yet another set of solutions employing digitizers or tablets are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,050,490; 5,750,939; 4,471,162.
The prior art also addresses the use of optical systems to provide relative, and in some cases, absolute position of the tip of a pen or stylus on a surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,836 teaches emitting two light beams from the stylus to two receivers that determine angles with respect to a two-dimensional coordinate system defined within the surface. The tip position of the stylus is found with the aid of these angles and knowledge of the location of the receivers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,165 teaches integration of force sensing at the tip of the pen with an optical imaging system having a camera positioned in the world coordinates and looking at the pen and paper. Still other teachings use optical systems observing the tip of the pen and its vicinity. These teachings include, among others, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,031,936; 5,960,124; 5,850,058. According to another approach, the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,486 proposes using an optical ballpoint in the pen. More recently, optical systems using a light source directing light at paper have been taught, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,650,320; 6,592,039 as well as WO 00217222 and U.S. Pat. Appl. Nos. 2003-0106985; 2002-0048404.
In some prior art approaches the writing surface is provided with special markings that the optical system can recognize. Some early examples of pens using special markings on the writing surface include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,661,506; 5,652,412. More recently, such approach has been taught in U.S. Pat. Appl. 2003-0107558 and related literature. For still further references, the reader is referred to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/640,942 and 10/745,371 and the references cited therein.
Most of the prior art approaches listed above are limited in that they yield relative position of the tip on the writing surface. Tablets and digitizers obtain absolute position but they are bulky and inconvenient. Of the approaches that provide absolute position of the tip without tablets by using optical systems, most rely on observing the relationship of markings provided on the writing surface to the tip of the pen. This approach is limiting in that it requires a specially-marked writing surface, which acts as a quasi-tablet.
In addition to being cumbersome, state-of-the-art pens and styluses employing optical systems usually generate a limited data set. In fact, most only recover and provide data corresponding to the trace traversed on the writing surface. Meanwhile, there are many applications that could benefit from a rich stream of data from the pen or stylus afforded by the full absolute pose parameterized in coordinates describing the stable frame. Furthermore, the absolute pose of such items when not in touch with a surface, as described in the prior application Ser. No. 10/769,848, also provides useful information. Indeed, there exists a much larger set of items, including pointers, absolute 3D mice, wands, remote controls, gaming objects and many others that would greatly expand their input capabilities if their full absolute pose parameters were made available.
The rich stream of information expressing an item's absolute pose combines its three linear or translational degrees of freedom with its three rotational degrees of freedom. Typically, translations are measured along linearly independent axes such as the X, Y, and Z-axes. The translation or displacement along these axes is usually measured by the position (x, y, z) of a reference point on the item (e.g., the center of mass of the item). The three-dimensional orientation of the item is typically expressed by rotations taken around three linearly independent axes. The latter are typically expressed with three rotation angles, such as the Euler angles (φ, θ, ψ).
Conveniently, absolute pose can be expressed with all six absolute pose parameters (x, y, z, φ, θ, ψ) in the world coordinates laid down in the stable frame. In some cases, alternative expressions for the rotation angles such as the three Tait-Bryan angles, the pitch yaw and roll angles, the four Cayley-Klein angles or quaternions are more appropriate. One can also use direction cosines or other alternatives for expressing the three rotational degrees of freedom of the item.
Optical methods for recovering the absolute pose of items endowed with on-board camera units are particularly simple and precise. These approaches are used in computer vision and robotics. They rely on algorithms that recover the camera's pose (optical pose estimation and recovery) in the three-dimensional environment from various optical inputs. Since the camera is affixed to the item, recovery of camera pose is tantamount to the recovery of the item's pose.
The optical approach to pose recovery is also intuitive, since our own human vision system computes locations and motion trajectories of items in real three-dimensional environments in that manner. This includes recovery of our own pose and movement in a three-dimensional environment based on images provided by our eyes. In other words, our own senses implement pose recovery algorithms from images. These abilities develop as part of our natural proprioception in early childhood.
The high accuracy and precision of optical navigation is due in large part to the very short wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in comparison with typical dimensions of objects and items of interest. Furthermore, radiation incurs negligible latency in short distance measurements due to the extremely large speed of light as well as its relative immunity to interference. Thus, it is well known that the problem of determining an absolute pose or a motion trajectory of an item in almost any real three-dimensional environment may be effectively addressed by the application of optical apparatus and methods.
A particularly acute need for efficient, accurate and low-cost determination of the absolute pose of an item in a real three-dimensional environment is found in the field of items associated with a human user. Such items may be held and manipulated by the user. Alternatively, they may be worn by the user. In either case, the items are intended to help the user interact with the digital world. Such items encompass myriads of manipulated objects such as pointers, wands, remote controls, gaming objects, jotting implements, surgical implements, three-dimensional digitizers and various types of human utensils whose motion in real space is to be processed to derive a digital input for an application. In some realms, such application involves interactions that would greatly benefit from a rapid, low-cost method and apparatus for motion mapping between real space and a cyberspace.
Specific examples of cyberspace games played in three-dimensions (3D) and requiring high-accuracy tracking of control items involve scenarios where the item is transported into or even mimicked in cyberspace. Exemplary gaming objects of this variety include a gun, a golf club, a racket, a guitar, a ball, a steering wheel, a flying control or any other accoutrement that the player wishes to transport into and utilize in a cyberspace application. A very thorough summary of such 3D interface needs for graphics are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,489 to Shimizu, et al.
A major problem encountered by state-of-the-art manipulated items such as wands and gaming implements is that they do not possess a sufficiently robust and rapid absolute pose recovery system. In fact, many do not even provide for absolute pose determination. Rather, they function much like quasi-3D mice. These solutions use motion detection components that rely on optical flow sensors, inertial sensing devices or other relative motion capture systems to derive the signals for interfacing with cyberspace. In particular, many of such interface devices try to solve just a subset of the motion changes, e.g., inclination. An example of an inclination calculation apparatus is found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,379,841 to Ohta while a broader attempt at determining relative motion is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,388 to Sato and U.S. Application 2007/0049374 to Ikeda, et al.
Unfortunately, motion mapping between space and cyberspace is not possible without the ability to digitize the absolute pose of the item in a well-defined and stable reference frame. All prior art approaches that do not solve the full motion problem, i.e., all devices and methods that do not capture successive absolute poses of the item with a method that accounts for all six degrees of freedom (namely, three translational and the three rotational degrees of freedom inherently available to rigid bodies in three-dimensional space) encounter limitations. Among many others, these limitations include information loss, appearance of an offset, position aliasing, gradual drift and accumulating position and orientation error.
In general, the prior art has recognized the need for tracking all six degrees of freedom of items moving in three-dimensions. Thus, optical navigation solutions typically employ several stationary cameras to determine the position or trajectory of an object in an environment by studying images of the object in that environment. Such optical capturing or tracking systems are commonly referred to as optical motion capture (MC) systems.
This approach to motion capture tends to be computationally expensive because of significant image pre- and post-processing requirements, as well as additional computation associated with segmentation and implementation of algorithms. One particular system taught by McSheery et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,296 discloses a distributed-processing motion capture system that employs a number of light point devices as markers, e.g., infrared LEDs, attached to the item or object whose motion is to be determined. The markers use unique sequences of light pulses to represent their unique identities and thus enable filtering out of information not belonging to the markers (i.e., background noise) by the imaging cameras located in the environment. Since McSheery's system permits a great deal of irrelevant information from the imaging sensors (e.g., CCDs) to be discarded before image processing, the system is less computationally expensive than more traditional motion capture systems.
Another three-dimensional position and orientation sensing system that employs markers on the item is taught by Kosaka et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,724,930. In this case the markers are uniquely identified based on color or a geometric characteristic of the markers in the extracted regions. The system uses an image acquisition unit or camera positioned in the environment and relies on image processing functions to remove texture and noise. Segmentation algorithms are used to extract markers from images and to determine the three-dimensional position and orientation of the item with respect to the image acquisition apparatus.
Still another way of employing markers in position and orientation detection is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,587,809 by Majoe. The item or object is tracked by providing it with markers that are activated one at a time and sensed by a number of individual sensors positioned in the environment. The position of the energized or active marker is determined by a control unit based on energy levels received by the individual sensors from that marker.
The above approaches using markers on objects and cameras in the environment to recover object position, orientation or trajectory are still too resource-intensive for low-cost and low-bandwidth interfaces and applications. This is due to the large bandwidth needed to transmit image data captured by cameras, the computational cost to the host computer associated with processing image data, and the data network complexity due to the spatially complicated distribution of equipment (i.e., placement and coordination of several cameras in the environment with the central processing unit and overall system synchronization).
Despite the above-mentioned limitations of general motion tracking systems, some aspects of these systems have been adapted in the field of manipulated items used for interfacing with computers. Such objects are moved by users in three-dimensional environments to produce input for computer applications. Hence, they need to be tracked in all six degrees of freedom. Therefore, recent three-dimensional wands and controls do teach solving for all six degrees of freedom.
For example, U.S. Patent Application 2008/0167818 to Kimber et al. has a passive wand with no on-board devices or LEDs. The wand is viewed from multiple cameras. Finding the full 6 degrees of freedom to provide for more precise estimation of wand pose is expressly taught in this reference. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,697 to Wilson et al. teaches the use of external calibrated cameras to decode the orientation of the pointer used for control actions. U.S. Patent Application 2006/0109245 to Wilson, et al. further teaches how intelligent computing environments can take advantage of a device that provides orientation data in relative motion mode and absolute mode. Further teachings on systems that use external or not-on-board cameras to determine the pose and motion of a wand or control and use it as input into various types of applications can be found in U.S. Patent Applications: 2008/0192007, 2008/0192070, 2008/0204411, 2009/0164952 all by Wilson.
Still other notable teachings show as few as a single off-board camera for detecting three-dimensional motion of a controller employed for game control purposes. Such cameras may be depth sensing. Examples of corresponding teachings are found in U.S. Patent Application 2008/0096654 by Mondesir, et al., as well as U.S. Patent Applications 2008/0100825, 2009/0122146 both by Zalewski, et al.
Unfortunately, approaches in which multiple cameras are set up at different locations in the three-dimensional environment to enable stereo vision defy low-cost implementation. These solutions also require extensive calibration and synchronization of the cameras. Meanwhile, the use of expensive single cameras with depth sensing does not provide for robust systems. The resolution of such systems tends to be lower than desired, especially when the user is executing rapid and intricate movements with the item in a confined or close-range environment.
Another approach involves determining the position or attitude of a three-dimensional item in the absolute sense and using this position or attitude data for driving a graphical user interface. One example of this approach is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,885 to Ishino, et al. Here the sensor is on-board the manipulated object. A projected image viewed by the sensor and generated by a separate mechanism, i.e., a projection apparatus that imbues the projected image with characteristic image points, is employed to perform the computation. Additional information about such apparatus and its application for games is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,852,032; 6,993,206 both to Ishino, et al.
The solution proposed by Ishino et al. is more versatile than the prior art solutions relying on hard-to-calibrate and synchronize multi-camera off-board systems or expensive cameras with depth sensing capabilities. Unfortunately, the complexity of additional hardware for projecting images with characteristic image points is nontrivial. The same is true of consequent calibration and interaction problems, including knowledge of the exact location of the image in three-dimensional space. This problem translates directly to the difficulty of establishing stable frames in the three-dimensional environment and parameterizing them. Furthermore, the solution is not applicable to close-range and/or confined environments, and especially environments with typical obstructions that interfere with line-of-sight conditions.
There are still other teachings attempting to improve on both the apparatus and method aspects of generating computer input with manipulated items or objects such as wands, pointers, remote controls (e.g., TV controls). A very illuminating overall review of state of the art technologies that can be used for interacting with virtual environments and their limitations are discussed by Richard Halloway in "Virtual Environments: A Survey of the Technology", University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, September 1993 (TR93-033). Still more recent teachings focusing on how absolute pose data can be used in specific contexts and for remote control applications is discussed in the following U.S. Patent Applications: 2007/0189737; 2008/0106517; 2008/0121782; 2008/0272272; 2008/0309511; 2009/0066647; 2009/0066648; 2009/0153389; 2009/0153475; 2009/0153478; 2009/0158203 and 2009/0158222.
The challenges for 3D user interfaces with the digital world do not end with their ability to recover absolute pose in an efficient and accurate manner. Many additional issues need to be addressed and resolved, over and above those that we have discussed above. In fact, it may be in a large part due to the fact that some of the more basic challenges are still being investigated, that the questions about how to use the recovered poses are still unanswered.
In particular, the prior art does not address the mapping between absolute poses recovered in a stable reference frame and the digital world to obtain a meaningful interface and user experience. Even the parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/769,484 (Published Appl. 2005-0168437, now allowed), although it teaches the use of various subsets of absolute pose data as well as processing data in those subsets, does not teach or suggest to a person skilled in the art, how to map absolute pose data from the real three-dimensional environment into the digital world of a software application.

Deriving input from six degrees of freedom interfaces


An internally geared chuck that can generate sufficient torque to ensure adequate jaw gripping or jaw releasing force regardless of whether it is used in a keyless or key enabled chuck version. The key enabled version encompasses an internally housed, spring retracted chuck key that may be enabled to add additional torque to tighten or loosen the jaws when so required. The key enabled version may be operated with simple hand tightening in a keyless mode. The second embodiment has two levels of keyless operation. By drawing together elements of the chuck, a mechanical gearing advantage may be realized to add additional torque. In both embodiments all of the various sized and configured gears are housed within the chuck body.

The present invention relates to a tool chuck, and more particularly relates to an improvement in construction of a chuck for firmly holding a tool such as a drill bit or a driver bit of electric work devices. This invention relates to a chuck for use with rotating equipment such as drills. Such rotating equipment is commonly driven manually or in the case of power drivers, electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically. More particularly, the present invention relates to a style of chuck which may be keylessly tightened or loosened by hand, or can alternatively, be tightened or loosened by rotation of a twist key which can be engaged by partial extraction from within a key recess about the periphery of the chuck body. The mechanical gearing is located within the interstitial void of the chuck body and through a series of gear reductions, offers mechanical advantage to increase the torque that is applied to the jaws in the tightening and loosening process.
Both hand and powered tool drivers are well known. The general configuration is a rear rotational driver, mechanically coupled to a chuck by threaded engagement or via a tapered sleeve that mates into a corresponding recess in the chuck body. The chuck has any number of circumferentially equally spaced jaws that are advanced concurrently both axially outward and radially inward from a front orifice. It is the advancement of these jaws that grip a tool or bit. The chuck may be used to hold any one of a multitude of tools such as screw or nut drivers and cutting, shaping or grinding bits, although the most common is a twist drill. With such a diverse selection of tool bits, the diameters and configurations of the shanks vary considerably from circular to polygonal in cross section. For this reason the chuck is adjustable over a relatively wide range.
Numerous chucks have been developed and are well known in the art. The most common type is found on the household hand drill. This is perhaps the most simple configuration with three jaws approximately spaced circumferentially 120 degrees apart from each other. Each jaw is housed in an angularly disposed passageway in the chuck body configured so that rotation of the chuck body in one direction with respect to a constrained nut engaging the jaws forces the jaws into gripping relationship with the tool bit. Counter rotation acts to release the gripping relationship. The rotation is commonly accomplished through the use of a key. If sufficient torque can be developed by hand rotation of the chuck, i.e. enough torque to hold the tool bit such that the rotating tool may be used without the disengagement or loosening of the tool bit from the jaws of the chuck, a key is not necessary. This is known as a "keyless" chuck, and the act of securing a tool bit in this manner is known as "keyless" operation. This is a desirable configuration in that bits can be quickly removed or inserted and lost or damaged keys do not hinder the process.
In the current state of the art, key and keyless chucks both have several disadvantages. First, if they require a key, it is made of a specific size as all keys are not interchangeable. Keys are easily lost and the engagement teeth can become stripped. Replacement keys can often be hard to find. Second, this type of tightening is slow as it requires insertion and separate tightening at different axial positions around the chuck. If it is a keyless chuck it often does not hold the tool bit secure enough for arduous operations, or conversely it holds the tool bit too firm such that hand release of the bit is extremely difficult. The disadvantages of the keyed and keyless chucks are in direct opposition to their respective advantages. It would be desirable to have a style of keyless chuck that offers additional torque to secure or release the tool bit. It would also be advantageous to have a style of chuck that has a key that can't be lost or that does not slip off of the outer, planar tightening ring gear because of minimal teeth engagement.
The present invention resolves all of these drawbacks in the existing chucks and just as importantly, has cleaner aesthetics. By housing the planar tightening ring gear and tightening mechanism inside the chuck's nose cone, these gears can be lubricated with oil or grease without fear of spreading it onto the user, and the gears are protected from chipping. By utilizing a second planar gear in the tail section of the chuck that can be brought into use to increase the torque, the present invention offers significant increases in user friendliness.

Chuck with internal geared tightening mechanism


The present invention provides a crosslinked polyethylene sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module offering exceptional heat resistance, wherein the sealing material sheet is provided with high metal-adhesion performance. A sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module comprises a sealing material sheet composition for a solar-cell module containing a polyethylene resin in a concentration of 0.900 g/cm3 or less, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), a radical polymerization initiator, and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), wherein the GMA content of the sealing material sheet is 0.15 to 3.0% by mass, the TAIC content of the sealing material sheet is 0.15 to 3.0% by mass, and the radical polymerization initiator content of the sealer is 0.01 to 2.5% by mass.

Recently, as awareness of the environmental problems rises to a higher level, solar cells are in the spotlight as clean energy resources. Currently, solar-cell modules that are constituted in various types are developed and suggested. In general, a solar-cell module is constituted by laminating a transparent front substrate, a solar cell element, and a rear-surface protecting sheet through a sealing material sheet.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA) has been the most commonly used material as the sealing material sheet used for protecting a solar cell element filled in a solar-cell module from outside impact, and also for preventing the invasion of water into the solar-cell module. However, EVA resin tends to slowly decompose as it is used for a long period of time, and thus, deteriorates in the solar-cell module, thereby having the possibility of decreasing strength or generating acetic acid gas affecting the solar cell element. In order to solve such a problem, a sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module, which is formed by using a polyethylene-based resin instead of an EVA resin, has been suggested (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, for example, a sealing material sheet formed by a modified ethylene-based resin including alkoxysilane as a co-polymerization component is known as a polyethylene-based sealing material sheet. In addition, a sealing material sheet crosslinked by a modulation process or a subsequent heating process after combining such a modified ethylene-based resin with a crosslinking agent is known (see Patent Document 2). Such a polyethylene-based sealing material sheet has weatherability and durability that are equivalent to or more than that of a sealing material sheet of an EVA resin, and thus, may be preferably used as a sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module.
Meanwhile, a sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module requires high adhesion to other members that are laminated above and below in a solar-cell module. However, for the above-described polyethylene-based sealing material sheet, there is room for further improvement in consideration of adhesion to electrodes of a solar cell element constituted of zinc oxide, and the like, especially. As the thing that can solve such a problem, a sealing material sheet for a solar-cell module, which is formed by using the resin added with an ethylene copolymer including glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as an adhesion improving agent, has been suggested (see Patent Document 3).
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2000-91611
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2009-10277
Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2011-77358

Sealing material sheet for solar-cell module