A signal waveform equalizer circuit capable of equalizing the waveform of an input signal with a center voltage of 0 V and yet small in circuit scale. An input signal (in FIG. 1, positive-phase input signal) whose waveform is to be equalized is input to the source of an nMOS, and this enables the equalizer circuit to handle an input signal with the center voltage 0 V without the need to add an extra circuit. The waveform of the input signal is shaped by a delay circuit including a resistor and a capacitor, and an output signal (in FIG. 1, positive-phase output signal) is output from a node.

1. Field
The embodiment relates to signal waveform equalizer circuits and receiver circuits, which may relate to a signal waveform equalizer circuit for shaping signal waveforms distorted due to transmission, and a receiver circuit provided with the signal waveform equalizer circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, high-speed serial interfaces enabling over 1-Gbps data transfer between, for example, LSIs (Large Scale Integrated circuits), such as Serial-ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment), PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)-Express and 10 Gbit-Ethernet (registered trademark), have come into wide use.
Where a data signal is transmitted at high speed through a transmission line with large loss, however, the signal components, especially the high-frequency signal components are significantly lost, with the result that the waveform of the signal arriving at the receiver circuit is distorted, giving rise to a problem that the receiver circuit fails to properly receive the data. To solve the problem, a signal waveform equalizer circuit (equalizer circuit) has been used at the receiving end to amplify only the high-frequency components of the signal, thereby reproducing the original waveform.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a conventional equalizer circuit.
The conventional equalizer circuit 70 has pull-up resistors 71 and 72, n-channel MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors; hereinafter abbreviated as nMOS(s)) 73 and 74, a resistor 75, a capacitor 76, and constant current sources 77 and 78.
The pull-up resistor 71 is connected between a high potential-side power supply terminal VDD and the drain of the nMOS 73, and the pull-up resistor 72 is connected between the power supply terminal VDD and the drain of the nMOS 74. Differential signals are input to the equalizer circuit. Namely, a positive-phase input signal INP is input to the gate of the nMOS 73, and a negative-phase input signal INN is input to the gate of the nMOS 74. The resistor 75 and the capacitor 76 are connected in parallel between the sources of the nMOSs 73 and 74. Also, the source of the nMOS 73 is connected through the constant current source 77 to a low potential-side power supply terminal VSS, and the source of the nMOS 74 is connected through the constant current source 78 to the power supply terminal VSS. The potential between the drain of the nMOS 74 and the pull-up resistor 72 and the potential between the drain of the nMOS 73 and the pull-up resistor 71 are output as positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN, respectively, from the equalizer circuit 70.
FIG. 9 illustrates operating waveforms of the conventional equalizer circuit.
Specifically, the figure shows input data before transmission to the receiver circuit, data after the transmission (i.e., input signals (positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN) to the equalizer circuit 70), and output signals (positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN) of the equalizer circuit 70. In each graph, the horizontal and vertical axes indicate time T and voltage V, respectively.
As illustrated, the transmitted signals (positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN) are subject to loss because of the transmission over a transmission line, and their waveforms are distorted. For example, the difference in level between the positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN decreases, as shown in the figure.
Where the thus distorted positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN are input to the equalizer circuit 70 shown in FIG. 8, the high-frequency components of the signals are amplified by means of the circuit constant of the resistor 75 and capacitor 76, and positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN whose waveforms have been shaped (equalized), as shown in FIG. 9, are output.
In the conventional equalizer circuit 70 of FIG. 8, however, since the input signals (positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN) are applied to the gates of the nMOSs 73 and 74, the input signal voltages must at least be higher than a threshold at which the nMOSs 73 and 74 are switched on, in order to permit a sufficient current to flow. Accordingly, the equalizer circuit as it stands is unable to handle input signals with a center voltage of 0 V, as used in the PCI-Express standard.
Conventionally, therefore, the center voltage of the input signals had to be converted before input to the equalizer circuit 70.
FIG. 10 shows part of a receiver circuit including a center voltage converter circuit as a circuit preceding the equalizer circuit.
The center voltage converter circuit 80 has capacitors 81 and 82, and resistors 83 and 84. The positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN are input through the capacitors 81 and 82, respectively, to the equalizer circuit 70. The node between the capacitor 81 and the equalizer circuit 70 is connected to one end of the resistor 83, and the node between the capacitor 82 and the equalizer circuit 70 is connected to one end of the resistor 84. A bias voltage is applied to the other ends of the resistors 83 and 84. Because of the capacitive coupling, the center voltage 0 V of the positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN can be converted to the bias voltage.
Where the center voltage converter circuit 80 is used to pull up the center voltage, however, the problem described below arises.
FIG. 11 shows the manner of how the center voltage converter circuit outputs signals by pulling up their center voltage, wherein the horizontal and vertical axes indicate time T and voltage V, respectively. The figure also shows the input signals (positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN) whose center voltage is not pulled up yet, namely, the input signals with the center voltage 0 V.
As seen from FIG. 11, where the center voltage is pulled up by means of capacitive coupling, the amplitudes of the positive- and negative-phase input signals INP and INN decrease with the lapse of time if the input data and thus the input signal voltages remain the same, with the result that the voltage difference between the differential input signals diminishes, making it difficult to receive the data.
Also, if the frequency of occurrences "1" and "0" in the input data is biased toward "1" or "0", the signal amplitudes become imbalanced, making it hard to receive either of the input data. Accordingly, restrictions need to be imposed on the use (or the specification) such that "1" and "0" of data should occur with an equal probability during a fixed period of time.
In the conventional receiver circuit, the equalizer circuit 70 is followed by a data latch circuit for receiving and latching the positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN (see, e.g., Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-318726).
FIG. 12 shows an exemplary configuration of the data latch circuit.
The data latch circuit 90 has p-channel MOSFETs (hereinafter abbreviated as pMOS(s)) 91 to 94, and nMOSs 95 to 99.
The pMOSs 91 and 92 have their sources connected to the power supply terminal VDD, and their drains connected to each other as well as to the gates of the pMOS 93 and nMOS 96 and the drain of the nMOS 95. A clock signal CK is input to the gate of the pMOS 91.
The pMOSs 93 and 94 have their sources connected to the power supply terminal VDD, and their drains connected to each other as well as to the gates of the pMOS 92 and nMOS 95 and the drain of the nMOS 96. The clock signal CK is input to the gate of the pMOS 94.
The sources of the nMOSs 97 and 98 are connected to each other as well as to the drain of the nMOS 99. Out of the output signals of the equalizer circuit 70, the positive-phase output signal OUTP is input to the gate of the nMOS 97, and the negative-phase output signal OUTN is input to the gate of the nMOS 98.
The nMOS 99 has its source connected to the power supply terminal VSS, and its gate input with the clock signal CK.
The data latch circuit 90 outputs positive- and negative-phase latch output signals, of which the positive-phase latch output signal LATOP is derived from the node between the drain of the nMOS 96 and the drains of the pMOSs 93 and 94, while the negative-phase latch output signal LATON is derived from the node between the drain of the nMOS 95 and the drains of the pMOSs 91 and 92.
In the data latch circuit 90 configured as above, the output signals (positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN) of the equalizer circuit 70 are input to the gates of the nMOSs 97 and 98, and when the clock signal CK rises, the input data is held by a latch constituted by the pMOSs 92 and 93 and the nMOSs 95 and 96.
In order for the data to be correctly latched, however, the voltage level of either of the positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN must at least be higher than a threshold at which the nMOSs 97 and 98 of the data latch circuit 90 are switched on. Thus, the circuit constant of the equalizer circuit 70 needs to be tuned so that the above voltage level can be secured in all processing and operating conditions.
Such tuning of the circuit constant, however, restricts the operating range (operable bandwidth) of the equalizer circuit 70, giving rise to a problem that the required characteristics cannot be obtained.
In the conventional equalizer circuit 70, for example, if the resistances of the pull-up resistors 71 and 72 are high because of variations caused during the manufacture or due to temperature fluctuation, the voltages of the positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN lower. Thus, taking account of such situations, the circuit constant is tuned through simulation so that the output voltage levels of the equalizer circuit 70 may be high enough to enable the data latch circuit 90 to hold data.
Conversely, if the resistances of the pull-up resistors are low, then the voltages of the positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN become too high, so that the differential voltage swing becomes small or the voltage for discriminating the data held by the data latch circuit 90 deviates from an appropriate level enabling high-sensitivity decision, deteriorating the characteristics as a whole.
To solve the problem, there have been proposed methods in which the equalizer circuit 70 is followed by a differential amplifier circuit or is additionally provided with a feedback circuit.
FIG. 13 shows part of a receiver circuit in which the conventional equalizer circuit is additionally provided with a feedback circuit.
In the figure, like reference signs are used to denote like elements of the equalizer circuit 70 shown in FIG. 8. The feedback circuit 100 has a comparator 101 and resistors 102 and 103. As illustrated, the center voltage of the positive- and negative-phase output signals OUTP and OUTN is obtained by means of resistance splitting. The center voltage is input to the positive-phase input terminal of the comparator 101, and a reference voltage is input to the negative-phase input terminal of same. In accordance with the result of the comparison between the center voltage and the reference voltage, the resistances of pull-up resistors 71a and 72a, which are variable resistors as illustrated, are adjusted so that the output signals may have appropriate voltage levels.
The addition of the feedback circuit 100, however, leads to complexity of circuitry as well as to increase in area and current consumption.
Meanwhile, Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-260287, for example, discloses an amplifier which is provided with an input voltage monitor circuit and in which, when the center voltage (common voltage) of the input signal varies, the gate voltage of a MOS is controlled to prevent the gain from becoming unstable.
As explained above, to enable the conventional equalizer circuit to handle input signals with the center voltage 0 V, as used in the PCI-Express standard, an extra circuit needs to be additionally provided and also restrictions must be placed on the input signals. Also, the conventional receiver circuit involves significant labor in tuning the circuit constant by means of simulation in order to allow the data latch circuit succeeding the equalizer circuit to hold data. Further, since a feedback circuit or a differential amplifier circuit needs to be additionally provided, a problem arises in that the scale of circuitry enlarges.

Signal waveform equalizer circuit and receiver circuit


The present invention relates to a laser device comprising at least one large area VCSEL (101) and at least one optical feedback element (201, 301) providing an angular-selective feedback for laser radiation emitted from the laser. The angular-selective feedback is higher for at least one portion of laser radiation emitted at angles θ>0 to the optical axis (601) of the laser than for laser radiation emitted on said optical axis (601). The invention also refers to a method of stabilizing a laser emission of a large area VCSEL in a desired angular distribution (501, 502). With the proposed device and method, the intensity distribution of a large area VCSEL can be stabilized in a desired shape, for example a ring shape.

The present invention relates to a laser device comprising at least one large area vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and at least one optical feedback element providing an angular-selective feedback for laser radiation emitted from said laser. The invention also refers to a method of stabilizing the laser emission of a large area vertical cavity surface emitting laser by angular-selective optical feedback.
High power diode lasers show an increasing number of applications in material processing like cutting, welding or soldering as well as in medicine. Also vertical cavity surface emitting lasers now reach higher output power per device and offer easy scalability in form of 2-dimensional arrays.
The emission of lasers is usually described in terms of Gaussian modes and most lasers are designed to have a fundamental Gaussian intensity distribution. For many laser applications however, especially in material processing or medical applications, different intensity distributions are required in the working plane, e.g. top-hat circular or rectangular shapes or ring structures. Beam homogenizers consisting of one or several lens arrays and at least one Fourier lens can be applied to shape the laser beam to the desired intensity distribution, but have to be carefully aligned in the beam. Furthermore, due to the coherence of the laser beam unwanted artifacts can appear. In addition, ring profiles can only be realized with a significant power loss by the beam homogenizers. Especially such ring shaped intensity profiles can be advantageous in material processing and medical applications. For example, ring profiles can be used in plastic welding to avoid scanning the laser beam on a circular weld seam. Another example is the heating of materials with a high thermal conductivity. If the laser beam used has a top-hat intensity distribution, the temperature distribution on the surface of the workpiece is peaked in the middle due to the better cooling of the rim. With a matched ring shape of the laser beam, the middle peak can be avoided, heating a circular area homogenously.
Small area VCSELs are known to emit Gauss modes. Higher output powers can be achieved by larger active areas, but then the emission changes to distributions best described by Fourier modes. With such large area VCSELs the emission angle of laser radiation depends on the detuning of cavity resonance and optical gain peak as well as on several etalon effects. Large area VCSELs tend to emit mainly in one or more distinct angles depending very sensitive on temperature, driving current and design of the laser. This dependence however results in a shift of the far field with changing current or temperature, as the detuning will change.

Vertical cavity surface emitting laser device with angular-selective feedback


A collision warning system is for a head mounted display (HMD) (10) worn by a user, for example as the interface to a virtual reality system, to warn of nearby objects in the physical environment. A motion detector (30,32) detects positional changes of the HMD, which changes are reflected in changes of a displayed image viewpoint, and a comparator stage (38,40) determines whether the movement takes the user into a "prohibited" area. If so, a visual and/or audible warning is provided to the user via the HMD (10). In an embodiment, the display screens (18) of the HMD include liquid crystal display shutters (20) which are switched to a transparent state in the event of an imminent collision such that the user is not only warned of the danger but also able to see it without having to remove or adjust the HMD.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to graphical user interfaces for computer systems and, in particular, to head mounted displays (HMDs) for use in virtual reality (VR) and related applications.
2. Description of the Related Art
HMDs are used within VR to present pictures of a virtual world to a user, to track that users head position, and also to block out sight of the real world so that the user sees only the virtual world. Examples of patents and patent applications relating to such headsets are given in "Virtual Reality" by B. J. Spear, UK Patent Office Patent Information Monographs series PIM10, 1993, at pages 23-25. Amongst those described is U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,129 to U.S. Philips Corporation which provides a headset which enables film and television pictures to be watched in large format. Changes in user viewing direction cause that part of a larger picture displayed to the user to be changed accordingly. Another of those described is GB-A-2,201,069 of J. D. Waldern (assigned to W Industries) which shows a headset specifically designed for virtual reality applications, particularly in relation to computer games/arcade machines. Two high resolution VDU's provide stereoscopic vision to the user and it is envisaged that the system will have more than one headset such that multiple users can occupy the virtual space and interact with each other and/or with computer-generated models.
The form taken by the virtual world will depend on the intended use of the system and may, for example, comprise the interior of a building for an architectural modelling application, urban or surreal landscapes for games applications, or an environment where the user is presented with molecular models which can be manipulated. In the following, the term "virtual environment" will be used for such virtual landscapes or situations: the term "physical environment" will be used to denote the `real-world` surroundings of the user, for example sitting or standing in a room and wearing the HMD.
Once wearing the HMD, the user can become immersed in the virtual environment, causing them to forget about, or become disoriented with respect to, the physical environment. This can lead to problems with the physical environment placing restrictions on the users movement or actions, without these restrictions being apparent to the user within the virtual environment. As an example, where the system maps the users real movements (such as walking) into the virtual environment, the virtual environment may be showing to the user a clear street along which he can walk when in the real world he is in an enclosed space. This leads to the phenomenon of "glass walls" within the virtual environment which cannot be seen but are nonetheless painful to walk into. Whilst this problem might be avoided in specialist situations where a virtual environment is modelled with reference to a specific physical environment, such an approach is not possible for more general applications.
Within Location Based Entertainment (LBE) VR, the conventional approach has been to restrict the user to a small, safe area by means of tying them down or placing them in a small enclosure. This however is not a particularly practical solution for a consumer (home) environment. There is also still the problem of unexpected reactions due to interaction with the virtual environment. As an example, when immersed in a VR game playing scenario, a user may find himself confronted by a monster and their reaction is to flee via the nearest apparent exit: in the real world this could translate to the user jumping up from his chair and tripping over a connecting cable to the HMD or possibly even running into a wall.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide means for reducing the danger to users immersed in a virtual environment from their surrounding physical environment.


A method and mechanism for hitching and unhitching a fifth wheel trailer to and from a towing vehicle, including an elongate tool having a hooked end portion and a handle portion. The tool allows an operator to stand next to the towing vehicle and reach into the bed of the vehicle with the tool to operate the hitch mechanism. The hooked end portion of the tool can be used to engage a handle portion of the latch mechanism for shifting the handle to and from its latching and unlatching positions. The hooked end portion can also be used to shift a pivot plate to and from its ball confining position. The hooked end portion can also be used to open and close a door which generally encloses the ball hitch.

1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to methods and mechanisms for hitching and unhitching a trailer to and from a towing vehicle.
2) Related Art
Trailers can be hitched to towing vehicles by a number of different types of mechanisms. One such mechanism is known as a fifth wheel trailer hitch. This type of hitch mechanism includes a device mounted on the trailer for securely latching onto a ball hitch mounted with the towing vehicle. The trailer's latching device includes a vertically extending rectangular or cylindrical tube structure that must be generally positioned over the ball hitch. The tube must then be lowered or the ball hitched raised until the ball is positioned generally within the tube structure. When the ball has been positioned within the tube structure, a plate can be pivoted into position generally beneath the spherical portion of the ball hitch. In this position, the plate generally confines or captures the ball hitch within the tube structure. An elongate pin member is typically provided for insertion into an opening defined in the plate. The pin in the opening serves to lock the plate in place so that the ball remains captured within the tube structure and the trailer remains securely hitched to the ball during transport.
A handle is typically formed at one end of the pin member which allows an operator to grasp the pin and pull it from or insert it into the opening in the plate. Mounted to the tube structure is a small cradle structure within which the upwardly shifted handle is placed when the pin has been pulled from the plate's opening. The cradle holds the handle and pin in its upwardly shifted position such that the pin does not shift downwardly into the plate opening. With the handle and pin held in this position, the plate can be pivoted to allow clearance for the ball to shift out of the tube structure to unhitch the trailer. When the handle is lifted and pivoted from the cradle a spring will bias the handle and pin downwardly for placing the pin within the plate's opening for again locking the plate in its hitched position.
Many such ball hitches are mounted beneath a door in the middle of the bed of flatbed trucks or pickup trucks. Currently the operator is therefore required to climb up and into the bed of the truck in order to open the door to expose the ball hitch. The operator must remain on the bed of the truck in order to manipulate the handle to shift the pin in and out of the opening in the plate. Furthermore, the operator must remain in the bed of the truck for pivoting the plate to and from its ball hitch capturing position. Therefore, the operator is currently required to climb up into the bed of the truck in order to hitch and unhitch conventional fifth wheel trailers. Climbing into and out of the bed can be difficult, especially since the trailers tend to be relatively large and occupy a large amount of space within the truck bed. The trailer which is positioned in close proximity behind the truck will generally block the operator from getting into and out of the bed via the tailgate. The operator is therefore often required to climb over the side wall of the truck bed, which can be relatively high and difficult to traverse. Climbing into and out of the truck bed can require a great deal of dexterity, and many people find this maneuver difficult, especially those with a disability. Furthermore, once on the truck bed the operator must manipulate the handle and plate in a cramped and confined space beneath the trailer, a process which many operators also find difficult.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method which makes hitching and unhitching a fifth wheel trailer to and from a vehicle more easy to accomplish. It would be desirable for such an apparatus and method to eliminate the need for an operator to climb up into the bed of the truck during the hitching and unhitching process.

Fifth wheel trailer hitching tool and apparatus


A graphics system includes a graphics processor for rendering graphics primitives with a list of display parameters. A host processor generates a display list which includes a XY address for rendering the graphics primitives. A graphics processor which includes an arbitration logic device enables the graphics processor to temporarily arbitrate shared resources to dissimilar graphics drawing engines. The arbitration logic allows data from the dissimilar drawing engines to be prioritized, depending on the configuration of the underlying computer system, for accessing shared resources.

Sophisticated graphics packages have been used for some time in expensive computer design and graphics systems. Increased capabilities of graphics controllers and display systems, combined with standardized graphics languages, have made complex graphics functions available in even the most routine applications. For example, word processor, spread sheets and desktop publishing packages now include relatively sophisticated graphics capabilities. Three-dimensional (3D) displays have become common in games, animation, and multimedia communication and drawing packages.
The availability of sophisticated graphics in PCs has driven a demand for even greater graphics capabilities. To obtain these capabilities, graphics systems must be capable of performing more sophisticated functions in less time to process greater amounts of graphical data required by modern software applications. In particular, there is a continuing need for improvements in software and hardware implementations to draw three-dimensional objects using full color, texture mapping and transparency blending.
Improvements have been made in the hardware realm. Graphics processors and accelerators are available with software drivers for handling two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) graphics applications. Existing prior art graphics systems either support 2D graphics engines or 3D graphics engines to run graphics applications. In either configuration, applications from one configuration are, in many cases, not able to perform satisfactorily in the other. For example, in a 2D system, 3D applications may run slowly and may not have characteristic three dimensional graphics features such as depth values of objects which are displayed in a 2D system.
Similarly, 2D applications running in 3D systems may lack 3D features such as texture, depth values and transparency blending of objects displayed. Consequently, many prior art graphics systems are designed only to support either a 2D application or a 3D application.
The rendering or interpolation of the graphics primitive in graphics applications is very process intensive, especially in 3D graphics, which requires the graphics processor to take control of the computer system bus or establish a dedicated communication link with the CPU. However, since prior art graphics processors do not have system bus mastering capabilities, these graphics processor have to depend on the CPU to handle a bulk of the processing of graphics data in the computer system.
Relying on the CPU to process most of the graphics data means that the graphics processor has to compete with other system resources for the CPU's bus bandwidth. This can be time consuming and may lead to the loss of graphics data from the time the data are processed until displayed on a display screen, depending on the other processes running in the computer system. This may also affect the overall system performance in the computer system if many graphics applications are being run on the system.
Some prior art graphics systems implement both 2D and 3D graphics rendering capabilities in the same graphics processor. In these prior art systems, the graphics processor has a 2D drawing engine which processes 2D graphics data and instructions and a 3D drawing engine which processes 3D data and instructions. Although such prior art systems are configured to handle 2D and 3D graphics data, problems often occur in simultaneously processing 2D and 3D data. Typically when the native applications are running, (i.e. 3D applications in a 3D system and 2D applications in a 2D system), the other graphics applications cannot interrupt the native application until the system has completed processing the native application. Furthermore, many prior art systems have no means of prioritizing graphics operations in the system. Thus, each graphics application will have the same access priority to graphics resources in the computer system. Such a system configuration can therefore have a deleterious effect on the overall system performance of the computer system.
Thus, an arbitration method is needed for of providing a graphics system which can support 2D and 3D graphics operations with prioritizing capabilities to allow an implementation of predetermined priorities in accessing system resources.

Arbitration for shared graphics processing resources


It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical module which can extract only light components satisfying predetermined conditions, and an imaging device comprising the optical module. The optical module (10) comprises a first plate-like optical element (4) formed with a ¼ wavelength plate portion (1) and a −¼ wavelength plate portion (2) alternately jointed together at a joint portion (3), and a second plate-like optical element (8) formed with a ¼ wavelength plate portion (5) and a −¼ wavelength plate portion (6) alternately jointed together at a joint portion (7), wherein the first plate-like optical element (4) and the second plate-like optical element (8) are parallel, and the ¼ wavelength plate portion (1) of the first plate-like optical element (4) and the −¼ wavelength plate portion (6) of the second plate-like optical element (8) are overlapped across a gap (9).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical module and an imaging device. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical module and an imaging device which effectively extract only light components located in predetermined positions, thereby obtaining a clearer image of an observation object.
2. Description of the Related Art
Imaging devices, such as a camera, can obtain a certain level of clear images by focusing on an observation object. However, when a conventional camera focuses on an observation object, the other objects are not focused sharply and blurred images of the other objects are obtained. So a clearer image of an observation object is demanded by cutting lights coming from the objects other than the observation object.
On the other hand, an image of an observation object shedding a glimmering light, such as a certain planet, is desired to be obtained as clear as possible. But intense lights surrounding the observation object prevent the image of the observation object from being taken. So if only predetermined light components which satisfy predetermined conditions can be extracted, light components which do not satisfy the predetermined conditions can be eliminated, thereby obtaining a clear image of an observation object shedding a glimmering light which satisfies predetermined conditions.
FIG. 16 of Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 2005-106627 discloses a two-ply diffraction grating which sensitively detects information on the gradient of every direction of an object. But it does not comprise optical elements for extracting light which satisfies certain conditions. Thus light components which satisfy certain conditions cannot be effectively extracted.
The object of the present invention is to provide an optical module which can extract light components satisfying certain conditions.
The object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device comprising the above described optical module.


A geolocation system and method uses a single platform for determining a Doppler measurement set of a targeted aircraft or signal of interest. The electronic warfare aircraft and the ejected aircraft expendables technology device determine the Doppler measurement set of the targeted aircraft or other signal of interest. The ejected aircraft expendables technology device is initially tuned to an expected frequency of the target of interest. Re-tuning may take place after an initial signal reading and computation has been performed by the electronic warfare aircraft.

Presently, there are methods that use dual platforms to obtain angle and range data relating to a radio frequency emitting energy source. The range is determined by an intersection on multiple lines of bearings. These methods are known as Differential Velocity Interferometry (DVI) techniques. Specifically, the Differential Velocity Interferometry (DVI) methods utilize a pair of electronic warfare aircraft P1 and P2, FIG. 1, flying at known velocities to compute a set of possible contours 5 that satisfy an emitter location 3.
Obviously, a mission having two platforms P1, P2 is very expensive and complex. Further, the accuracy, proximate the platforms, is not good. In addition, the mission geometries, such as platform separation, platform coordination, and platform timing are difficult to control. In summary, allocating and coordinating two electronic warfare aircrafts P1, P2 to perform an electronic warfare mission are complex and expensive tasks. Accordingly, there is a need for a less complex and less expensive method of geolocating a target.
It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Single platform geolocation method and apparatus

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.


To achieve the reduction in size of an electronic device. The electronic device serving as an element of a wireless communication system includes a module unit, a battery that supplies electric power to the module unit, and a coupling part that electrically couples the module unit and the battery. The module unit includes a sensor that detects a physical quantity, and a wireless communication unit configured to transmit the data based on an output signal from the sensor.

The present invention relates to an electronic device, and for example relates to a technique effectively applied to the electronic device serving as an element of a wireless communication system.
Japanese patent Laid-Open No. 2007-313594 (Patent Literature 1) describes a structure of arranging, respectively, a sensor control layer and an RF layer so that surfaces in which the sensor control portion and the RF portion are formed serve as the side coming into contact with an MEMS layer so as to sandwich the MEMS layer.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2006-505973 (Patent Literature 2) describes that an antenna area is arranged over a substrate and a die includes RF terminals.
International publication No. WO2010/026990 (Patent Literature 3) describes that a transmission circuit package and a reception circuit package as a high frequency circuit package are mounted over an antenna substrate.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-207797 (Patent Literature 4) describes an RF interface block that converts a sensing signal subjected to signal processing to a high frequency signal.


A predictive order status system includes one or more processors to receive a request for a current order status of an order for a computing environment, the order having at least one task representing a segment of an order process for completing the order and the request associated with a unique order identifier, determine the current order status for the order for the computing environment, the current order status comprising a simulated percentage value that is based on an amount of elapsed time since the order was placed divided by a total order process time to complete the order, determine an exception status for the order for the computing environment, the exception status being one of on track to be completed within the total order process time to complete the order, possibly at risk for being completed within the total order process time to complete the order, and at risk for being completed within the total order process time, and send a graphical user interface representation of the current order status and the exception status.

Computing resources used by enterprises, such as corporations and universities, are often provided by one or more cloud computing providers and hardware providers that offer hardware resources and software resources that function in a collaborative manner to meet the computing resource needs of the enterprise. The computing resources may be provided by one or more providers and may be used to power one or more workloads, web sites, and/or software applications used by the enterprise. While being provisioned and built, information technology (IT) representatives associated with the enterprises have been unable to obtain an accurate, meaningful, and comprehensive status of provisioning and the delivery of the computing resources. Consequently, the enterprises may be uninformed or misinformed. On the other hand, too much status information could be overwhelming and difficult to understand.

Predictive order status system and method for computing environment


A plurality of tube shields interlock with each other to protect the weld of a securement strap used to secure the shields to a tube of a power plant. The tube shield comprises a semi-cylindrical longitudinally extending tube member terminating at a first and second end. The first end is provided with a tongue portion and a stepped portion. The second end is provided with a flanged portion and a pair of longitudinally extending bayonets. A securement strap is wound about a tube to be protected and the tongue portion of the tube shield. Each end of the securement strap is then welded to the tongue portion. A second tube shield is then placed adjacent to the first tube shield. The flanged portion of the second tube shield overlaps the tongue portion, securement strap, and stepped portion to provide protection from the hostile environment of the boiler. The bayonets are inserted between the boiler tube and the securement strap and provide a wedge-like interlocking assembly to securely fasten each tube shield to one another and to the boiler tube. Successive tube shields may be utilized to protect any desired length of tubing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to tube shields and more specifically to tube shields for protecting tubes of boilers and condensers in power plants from highly abrasive and corrosive environments.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Tubes are commonly used in various heat exchanger apparatuses such as boilers and condensers. Tubes employed in boilers are commonly exposed to highly abrasive and corrosive environments. Exposure of these tubes to such environments often has the result of premature failure resulting in expensive maintenance and boiler down-time costs.
Many shield type devices have been devised to protect the tubes from hostile environments. One type of shield device includes an axially elongated protector of arcuate cross section. This device, or shield, is sized to fit over the tube to protect the portion of the tube which it embraces. A strap is then placed around the tube and welded to each side of the shield. This type of shield suffers in that the welds are exposed to the hostile environment and it is difficult to effectuate the weld due to space limitations.
A second method of attaching a common shield to the tubes is to use U-bolts to clamp the shield to the tube. This method requires a U-bolt and flat plate with two holes to bridge the tube and engage the U-bolt. This method is not desirous as the U-bolt is both costly and exposed to the hostile environment.
Another method of attaching such shields to the tubes is to directly weld the shield to the tube. However, because welding can cause unwanted metallurgic changes to the tubes a certified welder is required. In this method the weld is again exposed to the hostile environment which can lead to premature separation of the shield from the tube. These prior art tube shields are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,957 and is hereby incorporated by reference.
A forth method involves a shield which is provided with holes located in appropriate positions such that once the shield is positioned adjacent the tube a rod is simply inserted through the holes to trap the tube therebetween. The rod is subsequently welded to the shield. Here again the weld is exposed to the hostile environment.
A need, therefore, exists for a tube shield which protects a securement weld from the hostile environment of the boiler, and an interlocking tube shield which facilitates easy assembly.


Methods and systems for document classification are provided. One method includes generating by a processor, a plurality of topics using content of a plurality of electronic documents, where each topic includes a plurality of words associated with the plurality of electronic documents; reducing by the processor, the plurality of topics to a subset of topics to represent the plurality of electronic documents based on a parameter indicating a property of each subset topic and separation between the subset topics; automatically generating by the processor, a tag for each subset topic, based on the tag's position within the subset topic; wherein each tag is an attribute of each subset topic; storing by the processor, the subset of topics with corresponding tags in a model data structure; and updating the model data structure by the processor based on one of a new topic and a new tag associated with an electronic document.

Electronic documents continue to be produced extensively by various organizations. IDC (International Data Corporation) estimates that by 2025 worldwide data will be about 163 ZB (Zetabytes), where 1 ZB is equal to 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, bytes)). A large portion of this data would be unstructured, dominated primarily by text. The large number of new web pages mined by Google (without derogation of any third party trademark rights), or the 6000 tweets posted per second, as well as the growing electronic email archives and file services contribute to the growth of unstructured data generation. This increase in data volume presents challenges for enterprises to store, manage and utilize data. The challenge is predominant for unstructured data because very little is "known" about the data.
Electronic data/documents are processed by various organizations using different governance policies and procedures. It is desirable to develop computing technology for an automated document classification system that can tag a specific document such that a document can processed by one or more computing systems. Continuous efforts are being made to develop machine learning systems for classifying documents.

Methods and systems for document classification using machine learning


A visual feedback system and method for airfoil polishing is disclosed. In one aspect there is a system for providing visual feedback during a polishing operation of a workpiece. In this system there is a model having a representation of a desired shape of the workpiece. A scanning system generates a representation of a current shape of the workpiece while in-process during the polishing operation. A comparator compares the current shape of the workpiece to the desired shape of the workpiece. An illumination system highlights the workpiece with visible light during the polishing operation. The highlighting of the workpiece with visible light is a function of the comparison between the current shape and the desired shape. The illumination system highlights a portion of the workpiece that needs additional polishing to conform to the desired shape.

The present invention relates generally to manufacturing turbine buckets and more particularly to providing continuous visual feedback while performing a polishing operation on an airfoil used for a turbine bucket or a turbine nozzle.
Typically, a polish operator skilled in polishing turbine airfoils will manually polish each airfoil by hand to remove machining marks from the surface of the airfoil to attain its final desired shape. Often the operator will remove too much material from the airfoil during the polish operation. In order to account for the removal of too much material during the polish operation, a machinist that machines the airfoil will add more material to the base shape of the airfoil to account for the excess amount of material typically removed during the polishing. This is helpful in obtaining an airfoil that will be closer to its final desired shape. Despite this effort to bring the airfoil to its final desired shape, this process often results in an airfoil having a blade profile with tolerances that are greater than may be desired. An airfoil with greater tolerances often leads to variation in performance and mechanical properties. In addition, the greater tolerances that result from this polishing process make it difficult to manufacture airfoils having more advanced shapes with higher performance entitlements.


A throwable device consisting of a generally tube-shaped body having a baffle defined on one end of the body, wherein the baffle defines an opening therein restricting the flow of air through the tube-shaped body, thereby providing aerodynamic stability to the device. The body of the device also has a spring integral therewith, which allows the compression of the body of the device. The device is propelled away from the thrower by holding the device in a compressed position with both hands and propelling the device away from the body of the thrower in a motion similar to a two-handed basketball pass, with a combination of the throwing force and the decompression of the spring determining the speed, distance and trajectory of the device.

Throwable-type toys are well known in the art and have been used as a source of entertainment for children and adults alike for generations, Aside from typical ball-type throwable toys, such as baseballs and footballs, other types of throwable toys have gained popularity over the years, such as the Frisbee® and Frisbee-like devices, such as, for example, aerodynamic rings, Such toys are typically spherical or disc-shaped and rely on the strength of the initial throwing motion and the shape of the toy to determine the flight characteristics of the device.

Throwable toy having spring assisted motion


An apparatus for dissipating heat generated by electronic components on a surface of a memory module and a method of assembling the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes substantially identical first and second heat exchanger members, each having a heat spreader member thermally coupled to a heat sink member. The two heat exchanger members are positioned on opposing sides of a memory module and assembled together about the module. A surface of the heat spreader member is configured to engage electronic components on the surface of the memory module. A clip member protruding from an edge of each heat exchanger member is also provided. The first heat exchanger clip member is configured to engage an edge of the second heat exchanger member and the second heat exchanger clip is configured to engage an edge of the first heat exchanger member to releasably lock the first and second heat exchanger members together about the memory module.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to heat exchangers, and more particularly, to an apparatus for dissipating heat generated by electronic components on a surface of a memory module.
2. Description of the Related Art
Memory devices that are currently in use do not generally require devices to dissipate heat. The electronic components on currently available 66 Mhz and below memory modules do not generate enough heat to require additional thermal enhancement. However, as the requirements for memory in the same or less amount of space increase, more electronic components, or higher density components, which generate more heat must be used. As the industry progresses toward SDRAM DIMM devices at 100 Mhz and above, the use of heat sinks will be required to remove the additional heat generated by the memory module. A heat sink device that is easy to install, and one that can be used with a variety of memory modules would be needed.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.

Clip on heat exchanger for a memory module and assembly method


An assembly that includes a first reflective polarizer substantially reflecting light having a first polarization state and substantially transmitting light having a second polarization state, a polarization rotating layer or depolarizing layer (or both) positioned to receive light passing through the first reflective polarizer, and a second reflective polarizer positioned to receive light passing through the polarization rotating layer or depolarizing layer, the second reflective polarizer substantially reflecting light having a third polarization state back through the polarization rotating layer or depolarizing and substantially transmitting light having a fourth polarization state. Articles containing the assembly can be formed.

The physical downsizing of microprocessor based technologies has led to portable personal computers, pocket secretaries, wireless phones and pagers. All of these devices, and also other devices such as clocks, watches, calculators, etc., have the common need for a low power consumption data display screen to extend the useful working time between battery replacements or battery charges. The common Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is often used as the display for such devices. LCDs can be classified based upon the source of illumination. Reflective displays are illuminated by ambient light that enters the display from the front. In applications where the intensity of ambient light is insufficient for viewing, supplemental lighting, such as a backlight assembly, is used to illuminate the display. Some electronic displays have been designed to use ambient light when available and backlighting only when necessary. This dual function of reflection and transmission leads to the designation, "transflective".
A liquid crystal display (LCD) illustrates another example of the use of polarized light. FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate one example of a simple TN (twisted nematic) LCD device with E-mode transmission and normally white (NW) operation using a backlight. It will be understood that there are a variety of other LCD types and other modes of operation, as well as displays that use ambient light or a combination of a backlight and ambient light. The inventions discussed herein can be readily applied to these display types and modes of operation.
The LCD 50 of FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a liquid crystal (LC) cell 52, a polarizer 54, an analyzer 56, and a backlight 58. The arrows 55, 57 on the polarizer 54 and analyzer 56, respectively, indicate the polarization of light that is transmitted through that component. Arrows 51, 53 indicate the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light, respectively entering and exiting the LC cell 52. Additionally, the plane of the LC cell 52 containing arrows 51, 53 generally includes transparent electrodes. Light from the backlight 58 is linearly polarized by the polarizer 54. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, in the absence of an electric potential applied across the LC cell, the director substantially lies in the plane of the display twisting uniformly through 90° along its depth. The polarized light is transmitted through the LC cell 52 where the polarization ideally rotates by 90°, with the director of the liquid crystals indicated by the arrows 51, 53. This light can then be transmitted through the analyzer 56.
An electric potential can be applied at electrodes (not shown) proximate to opposing ends of the LC cell 52, setting up an electric field within the LC cell. In the case where the LC material has a positive dielectric anisotropy, the director substantially aligns in the direction of the electric field lines, provided sufficient potential is applied across the electrodes. The director at the center of the cell is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the display in this case. The linearly polarized light entering the cell is no longer rotated through the 90° required for transmission through the analyzer. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the plane of polarization of the polarized light as it exits LC cell 52 (designated by arrow 53′) is unchanged from its original orientation (designated by arrow 51). Hence, the light exiting the LC cell 52 is not transmitted through the analyzer 56, because the light exiting the LC cell has the wrong polarization. One method of obtaining a gray scale includes only applying sufficient electric potential to partially orient the director of the liquid crystals between the two illustrated configurations. In addition, it will be recognized that a color cell can be formed by, for example, using color filters.
Typically, the polarizer 54 and analyzer 56 are constructed using absorbing sheet polarizers because these polarizers have good extinction of light having the unwanted polarization. This, however, results in substantial loss of light because the backlight generally emits unpolarized light. Light of the unwanted polarization is absorbed by the polarizer. As an alternative configuration (illustrated in FIG. 1C), a reflective polarizer 60 is placed between the polarizer 54 and the backlight 58. The reflective polarizer reflects light with the unwanted polarization back towards the backlight. The reflected light can be recycled using a reflector 62 behind the backlight where a substantial portion of the reflected light can be reused.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A household appliance includes a housing, a door pivotably connected to the housing, a cable connected to the door, a roller in contact with the cable, and a motor configured to drive the roller to move the cable such as to effect a pivoting movement of the door.

The present invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a water-using household appliance.
Many household appliances, such as household dishwashers for example, comprise a pivotable door. Furthermore, the household appliance can comprise a device which can compensate for the weight of the door, in order to prevent the door from falling down in its open position. For this purpose the device for example comprises a cable which is connected by one end to the door and by its other end to a spring element. The spring element is in turn for example connected to a housing of the household appliance. During an opening movement of the door, the spring is for example pretensioned, so that a spring force acts on the door with the aid of the cable such that the door is prevented from falling down. Friction elements can furthermore be provided, which make a pivoting movement of the door more difficult. In the open position of the door a corresponding friction force can form a difference between the weight of the door, which pulls on the cable, and the spring force.
EP 0 541 974 A1 shows for example a dishwasher with a device housing in which an electromotive drive is provided. With the aid of the electromotive drive a device door of the dishwasher can for example be closed or opened fully or partially.


Balloons are shaped and adapted for use in hollow body orifices. The balloons can be inflated and expanded within the body cavity in such a way as to prevent bleeding in the area, to apply pressure to the area or to allow application of medicine in the region. Each of these application can be performexd without disturbing bodily functioning in the area of application.

The bleeding in human beings is common and many times it happens in a hollow part of the body such as the gastro-intestinal system, nose or trachea. Therefore during treatment it is important not to prevent the function of such hollow areas since it will disturb the function of the body and cause suffering, complications or even the death of the person. This unit is made to allow problems in such hollow areas to be taken care of without disturbing their function to a significant degree. This unit also has other uses such as to allow to visualization of the gastro-intestinal system during endoscopy, etc.

Device for aiding procedural and therapeutic interventions of the gastrointestinal tract


For use in a blow molding machine for containers, especially plastic bottles, a production line is provided for thermally pretreating preforms transported by holders, where each holder is loaded with at least one exchangeably fixed fitting such as a shielding plate. To reduce the exchange period for the holders the fitting is secured by a quick-change element which remains on the holder during the exchange and is adjustable on the holder between a secured position and a release position by the application of an external force, and which can be adjusted manually and/or mechanically.

Further technical developments have permitted a considerable increase in the production rates of modern blow molding machines. As in practice the tendency goes toward producing a very large number of different containers in one and the same blow molding machine, which differ, for example, by differently formed orifices and which require the retooling of the blow molding machine, the possible high production rates are opposed by inexpediently long exchange periods and complicated exchange procedures. Developments are being made to shorten the exchange periods for fittings such as preform mandrels significantly and to simplify and/or automate the exchange periods therefor. However, in blow molding machines used in practice, other fittings, e.g. shielding plates, which have to be exchanged during a retooling as well, are still exchanged by hand and in complicated exchange procedures. In the blow molding machine used in practice, each shielding plate is secured by a U-shaped spring bracket, which must be manually withdrawn from the holder and, after the new shielding plate was inserted, must be reinserted manually. The removal of the spring bracket requires a high expenditure of energy and great skills, while the reinsertion of the spring bracket requires a high targeted precision and a relatively strong thrust force. Therefore, the exchange period for each shielding plate is long. The exchange procedure is cumbersome, considering that often more than 100 shielding plates have to be exchanged over the production line.

Blow molding machine and holder for fittings


Determining a fuel card usage exception with the use of a computer that receives fuel card transaction data responsive to a fuel purchase event. The fuel card transaction data identifies a quantity of fuel purchased for a vehicle using a fuel card. In addition, the computer receives first fuel level data and second fuel level data of the vehicle that identifies a quantity of fuel present in a fuel tank of the vehicle prior to a fuel purchase event and after a fuel purchase event respectively. The computer can determine an exception associated with the fuel purchase event based on the fuel card transaction data, the first fuel level data, and the second fuel level data. Responsive to detecting an exception associated with the fuel purchase event, the computer may generate an alert and transmit the alert for presentation by a computing device of a user.

Businesses may own and/or lease vehicles that may be used for accomplishing various business activities. For example, business may use the vehicles for goods transportation, fulfilling delivery orders, and/or employee travel related to the businesses. While the vehicles are being used for business activities, the businesses may cover the incurred fuel cost and/or the maintenance cost of the vehicles. To pay for the said costs, the businesses may furnish the drivers of the vehicles with payment cards that are secure, such as financial services cards and/or fuel cards that may be used to cover any expenses associated with the vehicle, such as fuel purchase, and maintenance.
Despite receiving fuel cards that are secure, the drivers may use the payment cards fraudulently in ways that are undetectable by conventional technology. For example, the driver may use the payment card to purchase fuel for personal purposes, or the driver may use the fuel card to purchase fuel for their personal vehicle. Such fraudulent usage of the payment cards may result in the business incurring a monetary loss which may affect the financial goals of the business. In addition to fraudulent usage of the fuel card, drivers may not use the provided payment card on a consistent basis, i.e., for some transactions the driver may choose to use a different payment card other than the one provided to them, and thereby loose discounts or offers that are available via the payment card provided by the business. For example, a driver may be habitually inclined to use a personal financial services card that is not provided by the business and later claim reimbursements. The business may not be able to track the usage of the personal payment card and may have to accept reimbursement claims on their face value which may or may not be legitimate.
Further, different drivers may have different driving habits which may affect a gas mileage and a frequency of vehicle maintenance. For example, some drivers may be very rough in the way they drive the vehicle, thereby reducing a gas mileage and increasing a vehicle maintenance frequency. Bad driving habits may increase a gas consumption of the vehicle which in turn increases an operation cost of the vehicle and thus the profitability of the business. Conventional technology may lack the ability to extensively track driving patterns, fuel card usage, varying gas mileages and so on, which may directly and/or indirectly affect the monetary goals of the businesses that operate the vehicles. Thus, there is a need for a technology that addresses the above-mentioned deficiencies.

Method and system for detection of a fuel card usage exception

FleetCor Technologies Operating Company, LLC


An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming parts, a moving medium continuously moving on the image forming parts, first and second image forming devices, a test image density measuring device, and a control device. The first test image forming device forms a first test image on the medium by using the image forming parts in a first order. The second test image forming device forms a second test image on the medium. The control device controls image forming processing in the image forming parts based on a result of a density measurement of the second test image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as, for example, a printer or a copying machine, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having an arrangement of a plurality of image forming parts and an image formation control method in the same.
2. Related Background Art
In recent years, a printer as an image output terminal has rapidly become popular. Particularly, with an advance of colorization, there are increasing demands for improving stability of printed image qualities in a color printer and for equalization of color image qualities among color printers. Particularly, color reproducibility on a printed image is required to have advanced stability of image reproduction independent of a change in the installation environment, a change with time, and a difference in printer type. In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, however, image reproducibility fluctuates due to a change in environmental condition where the apparatus is placed or deterioration with time of a photosensitive member or developer. Therefore, it cannot satisfy the high desired values over the long term if there is no change in the initialization. Accordingly, in this type of color printer, it is common to conduct a feedback control for maintaining the image density optimally.
The feedback control is performed as described below. First, a density patch is formed on a cyclically moving member such as, for example, a photosensitive member, an intermediate transferring member, or a transferring and transporting belt and then a density of the formed density patch is measured. A control factor of the patch density is then controlled in such a way that the density of the density patch is close to a target density, considering a surrounding environment, deterioration with time, and a nonuniformity in solid. There is also suggested a method of forming a density patch on a recording medium such as recording paper and measuring the patch density on the recording medium to perform the same control.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H1-169567 discloses a method of measuring a density of a density patch and controlling an exposure condition or a developing bias condition of a laser beam to achieve a desired image density. As a density patch in this case, there is a density patch of an unfixed developed image after a developing process or an image density patch after a fixing process. The reason for using the image density patch here is that it enables an evaluation of the image quality including density fluctuations in the transferring process or the fixing process due to monitoring the image in the same condition as one a user obtains finally. As the feedback control using the density patch, there have already been known a density control for determining a control factor affecting image characteristics such as the highest density, a line width, fogging, or the like (hereinafter, referred to as Dmax control) and a halftone control for correcting linearity (gamma characteristic) of a halftone reproduction (hereinafter, referred to as Dhalf control), as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H7-209934, H10-39555, H11-119481. The Dhalf control for controlling the halftone reproducibility is generally performed after the Dmax control in order to use a result of the Dmax control. Thus, a gamma correction after controlling the highest density to a predetermined value keeps the linearity and regularity of the density.
A normal printing operation cannot be performed during the above calibration, thus the user have to wait for the finishing the calibration to execute the printing operation. Therefore, it is required to reduce the time for the calibration as greatly as possible. In addition, in calibration for printing a test pattern on paper or other recording medium, it is required to minimize a quantity consumed of recording medium (recording paper), which is a user resource.

Image forming apparatus and image formation control method in the same


An austenite stainless steel plate having both excellent surface brightness and superior corrosion resistance, without polishing after finish annealing and pickling for descaling of the strip. The steel plate contains Si 0.02 to 0.2 wt % together with Si oxides at 1.0 wt % or less in the surface layer part in the 10 .mu.m depth from the surface. The depth of the intergranular groove in the surface layer part is 0.1 .mu.m or more to 0.5 .mu.m or less. Furthermore, the steel plate contains Al of 0.005 wt % or less and 0 of 0.006 wt % or less. The Al oxides are contained at 0.1 wt % or less in the surface layer part in the 10 .mu.m depth from the surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an austenite stainless steel plate with excellent surface brightness and corrosion resistance.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Because austenite stainless steel plate represented by SUS 304 has excellent thermal resistance, corrosion resistance, processability and the like, the steel plate has been put to a variety of uses with attention focused on the characteristic properties thereof. For producing a cold-rolled steel strip from the austenite stainless steel slab, generally, annealing is carried out after cold rolling at the finish process, to prepare the steel strip with specified properties, depending on the use.
The annealing process at the finish process is carried out in strongly reducing atmosphere or in combustive gas atmosphere. The former process is called bright annealing (BA), and the oxidized film (scale) formed on the steel strip surface by such annealing is so extremely thin that the surface brightness remaining on the material immediately after rolling out can be retained practically as it is. Because H.sub.2 and N.sub.2 gases in mixture are used in the atmosphere, however, the equipment therefor gets complex, which disadvantageously makes such annealing costly. On the other side, by the latter process, a relatively thick scale layer is generated during annealing, and therefore, the resulting steel plate at such state adversely affects the corrosion resistance and the die life during forming. Thus, pickling is indispensable for descaling in case that annealing is carried out in the combustive gas atmosphere by the latter process. Consequently, the surface brightness of the finished plate is poorer than the rolled-out surface.
As to the pickling, a great number of research works have been conducted conventionally, with a lot of technical references in publication. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 38-12162, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Sho 59-59900 or Stainless Steel Guide Book (edited by Masayoshi Hasegawa, ed., published by Nikkan Industrial Newspaper, 1973, p.839) discloses a so-called salt process comprising immersing the annealed steel strip in an alkali molten salt or a method comprising an electrolytic process of the annealed steel strip in a neutral salt solution and a subsequent immersion process of the resulting strip in an acid solution such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and nitrate salt or a subsequent electrolytic process of the strip.
At the pickling process for the descaling of austenite stainless steel strip, conventionally,an acid mixture comprising nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid has been used generally. When the acid mixture is used, however,the surface of the steel strip at a state such that not only the crystal intergranular phase but also the crystal intragranular phase is eroded by the acid mixture. Subjecting the steel strip at such state to "skinpass rolling" under a mild pressure, the surface brightness is severely deteriorated, compared with the surface brightness generated by conventional rolling. So as to produce a steel strip with sufficient surface brightness, accordingly, a polishing process has been indispensable after pickling. For the purpose of reducing the burdens of works during the polishing process, conventionally, several proposals have been made as described below.
For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. Sho 62-60164 proposes a technique comprising after cold rolling austenite stainless steel strip, polishing the surface by means of a cloth belt prior to annealing and pickling, and subjecting the resulting steel plate, if necessary, to "skinpass rolling" to prepare a product. However, the technique requires large-scale equipment for surface polishing by means of a cloth belt, which disadvantageously escalates the production cost enormously.
For the purpose of improving the polishing properties of the steel strip surface, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 3-60920 proposes to reduce the intergranular eroding by descaling of a hot-rolled annealed steel plate in an acid mixture of given concentrations of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid. By the technique, however, the surface of the steel plate is so severely solubilized above the necessary level that superficial non-uniformity and irregularity readily develop; and the surface brightness after pickling is not necessarily good. Thus, no improvement is realized as to the requirement of the polishing work.
Additionally, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 6-280064 discloses a method for improving the polishing properties, by skipping annealing after hot rolling but carrying out annealing and pickling within specific ranges at the finish process to prepare the depth of the pickling-generated micro-groove at 1.0 .mu.m or less. Even by the method, however, the polishing properties are more or less improved, but the surface brightness of the steel strip after pickling is deteriorated. So as to improve the surface brightness, additional "skinpass rolling" should essentially be enforced.
Still furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 6-17271 discloses a technique to improve the polishing properties, comprising of suppressing the depth of the intergranular groove as much as possible by defining the annealing conditions and the concentrations of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid, thereby preparing the depth of the intergranular groove below 1.0 .mu.m or less. The method has another problem however in that scale still remains on the surface after pickling and the corrosion resistance is severely deteriorated unless the scale is removed by polishing and the like.
Further, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 7-113187 discloses a method for promoting the whitening of the surface of a steel strip through pickling in sulfuric acid at a specific concentration, in place of acid mixture composed of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Even by the technique, however, polishing is inevitable for procuring sufficient surface brightness after skinpass rolling, by the definition of the acid concentration, the surface chromium-depleted layer cannot sufficiently be removed, which is disadvantageous because the corrosion resistance after pickling is poorer than the resistance brought about by conventional methods.
From the respect of the improvement of corrosion resistance, still yet furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 6-88297 or Japanese Patent Laid-open No. Hei 6-88300 discloses a method for removing the Si-concentrated layer on the steel strip surface, by limiting the pH of a solution for neutral salt electrolysis prior to pickling in an acid mixture or by limiting the electrolytic conditions for nitrate electrolysis after the pickling. Under the limitation of the pH of the solution for neutral salt electrolysis and of the conditions for nitrate electrolysis, the surface is highly solubilized and the intergranular phase in particular can be readily eroded. The corrosion resistance is improved, indeed, but on the contrary, no sufficient surface brightness can be realized, disadvantageously.
As has been described above, all the known techniques described insofar have problems in that polishing is essential after pickling for procuring satisfactory surface brightness in austenite stainless steel and additionally in that the corrosion resistance of the resulting steel strip is unsatisfactory.

Method for producing austenitic steel plate with excellent surface brightness and corrosion resistance


A figure reading apparatus capable of increasing the processing rate while maintaining the recognition precision, includes an image input apparatus for inputting a color image and a data processing apparatus for conducting processing on the input color image. The figure reading apparatus has a main color extraction function of extracting main colors contained in the color image and resolving the color image into main color images respectively of the main colors extracted from the input color image, a projection function of projecting points of extracted main colors on a three-dimensional space onto a plane by using a conversion expression, a candidate narrowing down function of removing combinations that need not be combined according to features of distance between main colors projected onto a two-dimensional space, and a combination generation function of combining images from candidates narrowed down and generating an image area candidate.

There is a conventional technique of recognizing figures such as characters represented by a color image without being affected by the illumination condition or the like. In this technique, it is made possible to recognize a subject figure with high precision by using combinations of main color components of the subject figure in order to cope with separation caused in a figure area of a recognition subject by an influence of, for example, a shadow depending upon the illumination condition or a coated surface thinned by deterioration or the like condition.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a system for removing the influence of the illumination condition or the like in the conventional figure reading. The conventional figure reading system includes image input means, main color extraction means, combination generation means, figure area extraction means and figure recognition means.
The conventional system having such a configuration operates as described hereafter. With respect to a color image input from the image input unit, the main color extraction means extracts main colors on the basis of a local peak value in a color histogram included in the color image, and resolves the color image into main color images respectively of the extracted main colors. The combination generation means combines the main color images generated by the resolving and generates combined images. The figure area extraction means extracts character area candidates from the main color images and the combined images. The figure recognition means conducts character recognition processing on all extracted character area candidates, and obtains the best character reading result on the basis of character recognition frequencies in a result of the character recognition processing.
Furthermore, there is a pattern recognition apparatus for selecting a main color having a distance from a main color which is a certain threshold or less from among the main colors in the RGB color space in the pattern recognition of characters or the like indicated in a color image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1: JP 2003-16444A

Figure reading apparatus, method and program


Provided is a heat treatment apparatus that even when annealing SiC at high temperature, can exhibit a low heat capacity and perform uniform heating. The heat treatment apparatus includes a pair of parallel plate electrodes, high-frequency power supply that applies a high-frequency voltage to the pair of parallel plate electrodes so as to discharge between the pair of parallel plate electrodes, a temperature measurement instrument that measures the temperature of a sample to be heated which is disposed in the pair of parallel plate electrodes, a gas introduction unit that introduces a gas to the pair of parallel plate electrodes, reflection mirrors that surround the pair of parallel plate electrodes, and a control unit that controls the output of the high-frequency power supply. Heating of a gas due to discharge between the pair of parallel plate electrodes is used to thermally treat the sample to be heated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor fabrication apparatus that fabricates semiconductor devices. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a heat treatment apparatus that performs activation annealing or defect repair annealing, which is preceded by doping of an impurity and intended to control the conductivity of a semiconductor substrate, and oxidation or the like of the surface of the semiconductor substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, an expectation has been put on introduction of a novel material having a wide bandgap, such as, silicon carbide (SiC) (or gallium nitride (GaN)) as a substrate material of a power semiconductor device. Since SiC has a wider bandgap than silicon (Si) that is an existing material, if SiC is adopted for a switching device or a Schottky barrier diode that is used to construct an inverter or the like, a dielectric strength can be improved and a leakage current can be minimized accordingly. Eventually, power consumption can be reduced.
A process of fabricating various types of power devices using SiC as a substrate material is almost identical to a process in which Si is used as the substrate material, though the size or the like of the substrate is different between the SiC substrate and Si substrate. As a sole largely different process, a heat treatment process is cited. What is referred to as the heat treatment process is represented by activation annealing that is preceded by ion implantation of an impurity and intended to control the conductivity of the substrate. In the case of a Si device, the activation annealing is performed at the temperature ranging from 800° C. to 1200° C. However, in the case of SiC, the temperature ranging from 1800° C. to 2000° C. is necessary in terms of the material properties.
As an annealing apparatus, a resistive heating furnace described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-32774 is known. Aside from the resistive heating furnace type, an annealing apparatus of an induction heating type described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-34481 is known.

Heat treatment apparatus that performs defect repair annealing


A data driver includes a data storage unit configured to store a data signal therein, a level shifting block configured to shift a level of the data signal and output a level shifted data signal based on the result of the level shifting, a waveform conversion block configured to convert a waveform of the level shifted data signal and generate a conversion data signal (e.g., based on the waveform conversion), and a digital-analog conversion unit configured to output an analog signal based on the conversion data signal, wherein the conversion data signal has a rising time and a descending time that are different from each other.

1. Field of the Disclosure
Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure relate to a data driver and a display apparatus including the same.
2. Discussion of the Background
An R-string type converter is broadly used as a digital-analog converter in a data driver for driving data lines of a display panel.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a conventional R-string type digital-analog converter.
Referring to FIG. 11, the digital-analog converter may turn switches (SW1 through SW6) on or off based on digital data (e.g., D1 through D4), and output one of a plurality of voltages distributed by resistor string 901 having resistors (R1 through R4) connected in series by switching of the switches (SW1 through SW6) as an analog signal (Va).
When the switches (SW1 through SW6) are turned on or off in response to the data (D1 through D4), a through current (910, 920 or 930) may flow between the resistor string 910 and the switches (SW1 through SW6). The through current (910, 920 or 930) may be provided during a period where the switches (SW1 and SW3, SW and S4) are turned on simultaneously. A current path (path1, path2 or path 3) flowing through the switches turned on simultaneously may be formed in that period.
In case such a through current is generated, fluctuation might be caused in a waveform of the distributed voltage provided by the resistor string, and such fluctuation could lengthen the time taken for the output of the digital-analog converter to reach a final voltage. Accordingly, the speed of digital-analog conversion may be reduced.

Data driver and a display apparatus including the same


The invention relates to an in vitro method for determining the adsorbing capacity of an adsorbent having limited solubility, such as a bile acid sequestrant, under conditions simulating the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. The method is particularly useful for studying the release profiles of controlled release formulations comprising adsorbents having limited solubility.

In vitro simulation technologies offer an alternative or complementary approach for human or animal studies. In complete in vitro gastrointestinal models, the kinetics of the gut are simulated by controlling the concentrations of gastric, small intestinal and pancreatic enzymes, bile, pH, temperature, feed composition, transit time in the gastrointestinal tract and the anaerobic environment with physiological relevance. Such models have e.g. been reported by Allison et al. (Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 1989, vol. 55, p. 672-678), Molly et al. (Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 1993, vol. 39, p. 254-258) and Minekus et al. (Appl. Microbiol Biotechnol. 1999, vol. 53, p. 108-114).
The intestinal tract is a very complex and diverse ecosystem, comprising up to 1014 cells of 300-500 different microbial species (Hill, M. J. (1995) Role of Gut Bacteria in Human Toxicology and Pharmacology. Taylor & Francis, London. 286 pp). The intestinal microbial community plays a significant role in processes of food digestion, bioconversion of endogenous or exogenous compounds, immunomodulation, and prevention from infection by intestinal pathogens (Gibson and Roberfroid, J. Nutr. 1995, vol. 125(6), p. 1401-1412; Fuller, J. Appl. Bacteriol. 1989, vol. 66(5), p. 365-378). A good understanding of the fate of a pharmaceutical product in the gastrointestinal tract is therefore very valuable. In vitro gastrointestinal models may in that respect serve as helpful tools in the pre-clinical development of a pharmaceutical product, as they may provide important information on the product's solubility, release, stability and bioavailability under conditions simulating the stomach, the small intestine and the colon.
The low solubility of certain compounds, such as bile acid sequestrants, in aqueous environment prevents measuring the concentrations of these compounds. This restricts the possibilities of studying such compounds in an in vitro gastrointestinal model.
Bile acid sequestrants, such as colesevelam, cholestyramine and colestipol, are polymeric resins that are used to bind bile acids in the lower gastrointestinal tract. In the colon, the sequestrant and the bile acid form an insoluble complex, which is then excreted in the faeces. The sequestrant thereby prevents the normal reabsorption of bile acids from the gut. However, bile acid sequestrants are also known to interact with other drugs administered concomitantly and to induce risks for malabsorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. In order to minimize the risk for undesired interactions with other compounds in the gastrointestinal tract, it is preferred that the release of sequestrant should be as little as possible before it reaches the lower part of the small intestine. Therefore, oral formulations of sequestrants are preferably administered to a patient as a targeted release formulation that specifically releases the sequestrants in the proximal part of the colon.
Because bile acid sequestrants are not soluble in aqueous environment, they are not "released" from formulations comprising them (such as a targeted release formulations) in that they dissolve and diffuse into the intestine. It is therefore difficult to determine the release profile (i.e., a profile of the availability to the intestinal content) of a bile acid sequestrant when administered as a controlled release formulation, such as a targeted release formulation.
In view of the above, there is a need for improved methods that make it possible to study the behavior of insoluble compounds in in vitro gastrointestinal models. Such methods would in particular be useful for studying release profiles of targeted release formulations comprising insoluble compounds.

In vitro method for determining the adsorbing capacity of an insoluble adsorbant


A motor vehicle, for example an electric vehicle, of the kind having a propulsion motor with a low heat loss, i.e. which emits heat at a relatively low rate, has a heating and ventilating apparatus for its cabin. The heating and ventilating apparatus comprises: first heating and ventilating means including a first blower feeding air into a first duct through a first heating radiator, through which fluid heated by the propulsion motor flows; second heating and ventilating means including a second blower feeding air into a second duct through a second heating radiator which is powered electrically; a common delivery duct which is fed by the first and second ducts; and control means for selectively distributing the air streams delivered respectively by the first and second ducts into the delivery duct.

Such electric vehicles may be driven by a purely electrical power unit, or they may be driven by a mixed power unit, which consists of an electric motor together with an auxiliary heat engine. The heat engine can either drive a generator for recharging the power batteries (in the case of so-called hybrid vehicles), or it may also serve as a propulsion unit for direct propulsion of the vehicle (in the case of "dual model" vehicles). Such mixed propulsion vehicles are also referred to as "lean and clean" vehicles, due to the fact that the auxiliary heat engine is not intended to be used in urban situations.
The electric propulsion motors of electric vehicles give off only a small amount of heat, generally in an amount of the order of a few hundred watts, as compared with the heat engines of conventional motor vehicles which emit very much more heat.
In conventional motor vehicles, the high heat loss of the engine is used for the purpose of heating the cabin of the vehicle. To this end, a heating radiator is supplied with engine cooling fluid, and an airstream is passed through the radiator and thence delivered into the cabin. By contrast, in an electric vehicle, whether having purely electrical propulsion or mixed propulsion, the heat output emitted by the propulsion unit has up to the present time been regarded as much too small to be useful for heating the cabin. This is why heating of electric vehicles is usually obtained by means of an electric heating radiator or by a fuel burner.
The main disadvantage of an electrical heating radiator is that it is supplied with power from the on-board source of electrical energy, which is detrimental to the autonomy, or independence, of this type of vehicle. Such autonomy is already severely reduced by the limited capacity of the propulsion batteries. As to the use of a fuel burner, the disadvantage of this is that two different energy sources have to be provided on the vehicle, and such a burner is of course also a source of pollution.

Heating and ventilating apparatus for the cabin of a motor vehicle having a low heat loss motor


A method of directing sound in a mobile device equipped with a directional speaker includes determining a location of a target in relation to the mobile device, and adjusting a direction of sound output from the directional speaker toward the target, based on the location of the target. An apparatus for generating directional sound includes a directional speaker configured to control a direction in which sound is output, and a controller configured to determine a location of a target in relation to the mobile device, and adjust a direction of sound output from the directional speaker toward the target, based on the location of the target. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Recently, with the development of technology, portable terminal devices have come to be widely used. Some portable terminal devices provide notifications to users by outputting sound. For example, a mobile phone can notify a user by outputting sound in response to an incoming call request or when an SMS message is received. Furthermore, a mobile phone may notify a user by outputting sound when an alarm time set by a user is reached.
However, in general, the direction in which sound is output is not set appropriately, that is, sound is output in all directions without directionality. Furthermore, the volume of sound output is not suitably set. In this case, other persons can feel disturbed and inconvenienced because the sound with the high volume is coming from other's terminal other than their terminals.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method of appropriately controlling a direction of sound, or a volume of sound, or both.

Method and apparatus for generating directional sound


A hand held sharpener has two slots to selectively accommodate the blades of ice hockey skates. A two-piece body having stepped inside housing walls accommodate different diameter and length abrading stones. Fasteners releasably holding the members of the body together can be loosened to allow the different stones to be interchanged.

Typically ice hockey skate blades are sharpened with a hollow grind. This allows the sharpened blade edges to protrude further and dig into the ice surface for added traction. The deeper the hollow, the greater the bite. As the ice skate blade slides on the ice surface during skating, there is constant friction as ice commonly contains microscopic abrasive materials. Friction causes blade wear. As the edges of the skate blade wear down, the hollow diminishes. Mild edge deterioration does not require a thorough grinding. A tuning of the edges will restore the bite. After several tuning sessions it may be necessary to restore the depth of the hollow using a power grinder.
There are many types of ice hockey skate blade grinding machines in use. These machines are adjustable to make a wide range of hollows. The depth of the hollow determines the bite the skate feels as wells as the length of time between sharpening. Ice hockey skate blades differ in hollow size, rocker size and blade width. Deeper hollows, i.e. 5/16 and 3/8 inch radius hollows, generally last longer and provide more bite. Moderate hollows, such as 1/2 inch radius hollows, provide less bite. The most suitable hollow for a particular skate blade depends on several factors. For example, the size of the skater, the skater's skating style, and ice hardness are considered to determine the proper depth of the hollow. Also, the amount of contact a blade has with the ice surface determines the hollow radius to achieve a desired bite. The most common sizes for blade hollows are the 5/16 and 3/8 inch radius hollows.
Ice hockey skate blades differ in width. TUUK skate blades and ICM skate blades have a thicker or relatively wide blade widths. In contrast, SLM skate blades and PRO-LITE3 skate blades have thinner or relatively narrow blade widths.
Blade rocker is the curvature of the blade from the toe to heel. The amount of curvature is measured in feet as though the blade was part of a large circle. The radius of this circle is the rocker of the blade. Most ice hockey skate blades have a 7 foot to 13 foot rocker. The smaller the rocker, the less the contact the blade has with the ice surface. Once a proper blade rocker and hollow are established it is important to maintain them.
Uneven or damaged edges can occur during a game or the course of a tournament rendering the skate inoperable and limiting the maneuverability of the skater. Correcting the damaged blade is dependent on locating a person to operate a grinding machine or having access to a portable skate sharpener for emergency rink-side use.