A system and method for processing mammographic data are described. The system includes a user input/output system adapted and configured to receive from a user a user-defined scanning protocol that identifies the laterality and view type for each mammographic film in a film case to be scanned. A storage system stores the user-defined scanning protocol for subsequent use in scanning film cases. A scanning system scans film cases and generates digitized versions of each mammographic film. A processor then assigns laterality and view types to the digitized versions of the mammographic film according to the user-defined scanning protocol. The system also receives user alterations to stored scanning protocols. The system can also re-assign a case scanned according to one scanning protocol to another scanning protocol in response to a user's instruction to do so. The system processes the digitized versions according to at least one computer aided detection (CAD) algorithm for detecting anatomical abnormalities therein.

Computer-aided detection (CAD) generally refers to the use of computers to analyze medical images to detect anatomical abnormalities therein. Sometimes used interchangeably with the term computer-aided detection are the terms computer-aided diagnosis, computer-assisted diagnosis, or computer-assisted detection. CAD results are mainly used by radiologists and other medical professionals as "secondary reads" or secondary diagnoses tools. When analyzing a medical image, the radiologist usually makes his or her own analytical determinations before looking at the CAD results, which either verify those determinations or trigger further inspection of the image. Some CAD implementations have used CAD results in a "concurrent reading" context in which the radiologists look at the CAD results at the same time that they look at the images.
In the field of mammography, thousands of mammography CAD systems are now installed worldwide, and are used to assist radiologists in the interpretation of millions of mammograms per year. Mammography CAD systems are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,620, U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,591, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,929, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Mammography CAD algorithms analyze digital or digitized images of standard mammographic views (e.g. CC, MLO) for characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer, such as calcifications, masses, and architectural distortions. The outputs of CAD systems, generally referred to herein as CAD results, are sets of information sufficient to communicate the locations of anatomical abnormalities, or lesions, in a medical image, and can also include other information such as the type of lesion, degree of suspiciousness, and the like. CAD results are most often communicated in the form of reduced-resolution versions of the different mammographic views containing annotations that identify the location and type of potential abnormality. The radiologist analyzes the original mammogram, either in film format on a light box or in digital form on a softcopy workstation, and then reviews the CAD results, usually on a display monitor or a paper printout.
Workflow processes associated with mammography, including CAD-related workflow processes, implicate substantial cost issues in practical clinical environments. "All-digital" mammography environments, in which digitally captured mammograms could be automatically shepherded, with little or no human intervention, through CAD systems and related HIS/RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) equipment directly to the radiologists' viewing workstations, have not yet become common. According to one estimate, approximately 90 percent of all mammography systems worldwide are still film-based units, and an equivalent percentage of all mammograms taken yearly are film-based mammograms rather than digital mammograms. Because film-based mammograms require digitization prior to performance of CAD algorithms, a substantial number of workflow-related issues can arise.
One important issue relates to the scanning and identification process for film-based mammograms. For a CAD algorithm to be effective, it is usually desirable for a typical 18×24 cm or 24×30 cm film mammogram to be digitized at about 50 microns of spatial resolution and about 12 bits of dynamic range. Even using today's scanning technologies, it can take a commercial film scanner 15-60 seconds to digitize one film at these resolutions, and therefore it can take 1-4 minutes to digitize a typical film case having 4 views. A stack of 20 cases can therefore take an hour to run through the digitizer. At least theoretically, the technologist who placed the film stack in the scanner should be able to perform other duties while the digitization is taking place. Progress has been made toward automation of the film scanning process. One example is WO 02/45437 A2, which is incorporated by reference herein, which describes automatic film orientation and identification based on lead view marker and breast outline segmentation. Another example is Published US Patent Application No. US20060126909A1, Ser. No. 10/998,121, filed on Nov. 26, 2004, which describes a graphical status indicator having a plurality of spatially ordered film case icons that graphically communicate a current state of the scanning to a technologist who may be performing other duties while the digitization is taking place. However, practical problems may still arise which may cause the technologist to spend substantial time and attention in the scanning and image identification process.
In order for the scanned images to be correctly identified and properly stored, each image must have information correctly associated with it. This information includes the case to which it belongs, as well as type of image (which side and which view). Film-based medical image scanning systems have conventionally assumed that each case to be scanned has a certain number of films and the films are stacked in a particular order. This pre-defined standard scanning protocol is defined by the manufacturer in advance based on what the manufacturer expects its most likely application to be. In many cases this standard scanning protocol is chosen as the common mammography screening case in the United States. This is commonly comprised of four films per study, ordered as follows: R MLO, L MLO, R CC and L CC.
However, a problem with such conventional approaches arises when the scanning system receives a case that does not have the same number of films, the films are ordered differently, and/or the views do not correspond to the standard scanning protocol set by the manufacturer. Even when automatic film orientation and identification is available, the lead markers may be inadequate. For example, the lead marker may be partially out of the frame or may be overlapping with part of the breast tissue or patient label. Further, the lead marker detection systems may especially have trouble correctly identifying view types that are not one of the four standard screening views.
Errors in film identification are costly and time consuming to correct. If the error is noticed by the technologist during the scanning process, the technologist may use a user interface to manually identify each image. If the technologist does not notice the error, the film may be associated with the wrong case. The radiologist may recognize the error during his or her review, and expend valuable time making a correction.
If the technologist or technician responsible for scanning the cases knows ahead of time that the case does not conform to the standard scanning protocol, the information may be manually entered. However, this may be unduly time consuming, and in many cases such non-standard cases are simply not scanned. If the case is not scanned at all, not only does the case forego the potential benefits of CAD processing, the case is also unavailable for analysis and comparison in later years, at a time when the move to all digital mammography may have taken place at the particular medical facility.
It is important to note that there are many ways in which the case may not conform to the manufacturer's standard scanning protocol. For example, diagnostic mammography cases commonly have more than four films and include other types of views such as ML, LMO, LM, XCC, XCCL, XCCM, FB and SIO for each breast. Certain types of populations may have different imaging procedures. For example, in some medical imaging facilities, certain ethnic populations may have a different standard screenings. A patient my have only one breast due to a prior mastectomy. Some geographic regions may have different screening protocols. For example in the Netherlands, after a standard four-film screening, in subsequent years screening mammography cases typically consist only of two films: R MLO and L MLO.
Some systems allow the user to specify a different number of films per case. One example is the SecondLook® 700 system from iCAD, Inc., which allows users to specify the number of slides per study. However, if one case in a large stack of cases has a missing film, or and extra film, then all of later scanned cases in the stack can have costly identification errors. Moreover, the user still must go through a time consuming process for each film of each case to identify the laterality, view and other critical information if the cases do not match one the standard cases supplied by the manufacturer.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system for medical film digitization that is easier for a technologist cases that do not correspond to a standard case that has been defined by the manufacturer, thereby leading to cost savings and increased productivity.
It would be further desirable to provide such a digitization and/or processing system in a manner that flexibly accommodates cases of different composition, thereby increasing the likelihood that the case is digitized and stored, thereby facilitating evolution from film environments to digital environments.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

User selectable and user definable scanning protocols in mammographic film scanning system with stack film feeder


In a magnetic disk unit, a number of heads that is settable to a usable setting is less than a maximum number of heads providable in the magnetic disk unit. The magnetic disk unit includes a storage part to provide a buffer region that is usable as a data buffer, a reading part to read head information from a magnetic disk, and a control part to reserve a storage region in the storage part for storing the head information based on the maximum number of heads included in the head information. The control part also stores parameters with respect to the heads having the usable setting in reserved storage region, and releases a region of the storage part other than a storage region occupied by the parameters of the reserved storage region, when storing the head information in the storage part.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to magnetic disk units, and more particularly to a magnetic disk unit which is constructed to read parameters that are set for each head from a system region or area on a magnetic disk and to store or develop the read parameters in a storage part.
2. Description of the Related Art
Characteristics of heads and magnetic disks vary for each head and each magnetic disk. For example, if the output differs for each head, it is necessary to change the gain of an automatic gain control (AGC) in a read channel (RDC) within a magnetic disk unit for each head. In addition, if the write performance differs for each head, it is necessary to change a write current of a head amplifier within the magnetic disk unit and a write precompensation of the read channel for precompensating a phenomenon in which the actual write position appears shifted from a target position. Furthermore, if the mechanical resonance characteristic differs from each head, it is necessary to change a notch filter characteristic of a servo system within the magnetic disk unit for each head.
Recently, due to the core width and the read write performances of the heads used, techniques generally employed in the magnetic disk unit vary the track per inch (TPI) and the data transfer rate. In this case, the TPI and the sector format information differ for each head, and for this reason, it is necessary to change the parameters to optimum parameters that are different for each head.
The parameters that are set for each head include parameters that depend upon the characteristics of the magnetic disk that corresponds to each head, and there are many kinds of parameters that are set for each head. Typical read parameters used at the time of the read include the read frequency, sense current of an MR head, AGC gain, filter cutoff frequency, boost of specific portion of the filter characteristic, constants of a FIR filter, vertical asymmetry correction of the reproduced waveform, and the like. In addition, typical write parameters used at the time of the write include the write frequency, write precompensation, write current, overshoot of the write current, and the like.
Accordingly, because the optimum parameters differ for each head, the parameter settings must be tabulated and stored in the storage part within the magnetic disk unit independently for each of the heads. The parameters for each head are prerecorded in the system region on the magnetic disk, and when the power of the magnetic disk unit is turned ON, the parameters are read from the system region and stored in the storage part within the magnetic disk unit as parameter tables for each of the heads. The parameters of the parameter tables are read from the storage part and used thereafter at the time of the read or write.
The parameters for each head are stored as the parameter table in the storage part within the magnetic disk unit and used, as described above. But in order to reduce the number of processes required to develop the firmware of the magnetic disk unit, the firmware is created so as to store the parameter tables at the same addresses of the storage part even when the number of heads used differ among the magnetic disk units. For example, in the case of a type of the magnetic disk unit capable of providing up to four heads at the maximum, a model having a storage capacity of 400 GB is formed by using the four heads, and a model of the same type but having a storage capacity of 100 GB is formed by using one head. In this case, the model having the storage capacity of 100 GB may only be provided with one head or, provided with more than one head but set to use only one head. However, since the storage addresses of the parameter tables within the storage part are the same for the different models of the same type of magnetic disk unit, the parameter table corresponding to the one head that is set to be usable includes the parameters peculiar to this one head regardless of whether the magnetic disk unit is the model having the storage capacity of 400 GB or the model having the storage capacity of 100 GB, while the parameter tables corresponding to the three heads that are set to be non-usable are empty in the case of the model having the storage capacity of 100 GB. But in the model having the storage capacity of 100 GB, a storage region for storing the parameter tables corresponding to the three heads that are set to be non-usable is still reserved within the storage part of the magnetic disk unit.
In order to improve the performance of the magnetic disk unit, cache control techniques, such as the preread to a cache region of the storage part and a cache operation at the time of the write, are essential. In order to increase the effects of the cache control, it is of course preferable that the cache region is large, and a storage region that is not used at all prevents the improvement of the performance of the magnetic disk unit.
A Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-249044 proposes a magnetic disk unit that stores the parameters for each head in the storage part. The Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-249044 has a corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,781,786.
In the conventional magnetic disk unit using the firmware which stores the parameter tables at the same addresses within the storage part regardless of the number of heads (or the storage capacity) that are set to be usable, the storage region for the parameter tables are fixedly reserved within the storage part depending on the maximum number of heads that can be provided in the magnetic disk unit. For this reason, in the case of the magnetic disk unit that is set to use a number of heads smaller than the maximum number of heads that can be provided in this magnetic disk unit, the storage region for the parameter tables are reserved within the storage part with respect to the heads that are set to be non-usable and are actually not used. Consequently, there was a problem in that the usable (or available) storage capacity of the storage part becomes unnecessarily reduced.
As described above, there are many kinds of parameters that are set for each head. In addition, the write parameters used at the time of the write may be changed depending on the temperature, and thus, even for the same kind of parameter, the parameter table may include values that are different for each temperature, and the number of parameters increases considerably in such a case. Furthermore, even for the same parameter, the parameter table may include values that are different for each zone on the magnetic disk, and the number of parameters also increases considerably in such a case.
Recently, techniques have been proposed to provide a built-in heater in the head, and to improve the characteristics of the head by making the head project towards the magnetic disk by a driving current applied to the heater. In this case, the driving current applied to the heater is set for each head, and the driving current for each head is further set for each temperature and set also for each zone. Therefore, the number of parameters set for each head increases considerably in such a case.
Moreover, although the number of parameters set for each magnetic disk is smaller compared to the number of parameters set for each head, problems similar to those described above also occurred with respect to the parameters set for each magnetic disk.
Therefore, the storage capacity of the storage region within the storage part for storing the parameter tables is increasing with the increase of the number of kinds of parameters, and it is undesirable to reserve the storage region within the storage part for storing the parameter tables with respect to the heads that are set to be non-usable and actually not used and/or the magnetic disks that are set to be non-usable and actually not used.


An orthodontic band has a laser engraved mark with a white, frosty appearance. The mark is characterized by an absence of dark surface oxides, and is aesthetic and easy to read.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an orthodontic band having an engraved identification mark.
2. Description of the Related Art
Orthodontic treatment involves movement of the teeth to desired positions. During treatment, small slotted bodies known as brackets are typically bonded to anterior teeth, and an arch wire held in the slots functions as a track to guide movement of the teeth. The teeth are commonly moved by bends or twists placed in the arch wire or by elastic members connected between the brackets of certain teeth.
Ends of the arch wires are normally anchored in devices known as buccal tubes that are mounted on molar teeth. Occasionally, buccal tubes are bonded directly to an exterior surface of the molar teeth using a small amount of adhesive in a manner similar to the method of bonding brackets directly to anterior teeth. However, buccal tubes are often subjected to relatively large forces from occluding teeth as well as forces exerted by the arch wire, and as a result may spontaneously debond from the tooth. Rebonding of the buccal tube can be achieved, but is a nuisance both to the orthodontist and the patient.
As a consequence, buccal tubes are commonly welded to metallic orthodontic bands that are placed around the molar teeth to provide a stable base for mounting the buccal tubes. Orthodontic bands are made in a variety of shapes and sizes, so that a band with the proper contour and circumferential dimensions can be selected in each instance to tightly fit onto the molar tooth. Bands are also available for use with anterior, cuspid and bicuspid teeth in instances where a relatively strong connection to such teeth is desired.
Orthodontic bands are often provided with an inked identification mark that includes indicia describing which tooth the band is intended to fit, as well as a notation signifying the manufacturer's designated size of the band. Band selection is often made by the orthodontist by first visually estimating the size of the chosen tooth and then selecting a few bands of different sizes that appear to be close in size to the tooth. The bands selected by the orthodontist are placed on a setup tray that is located by the patient.
Next, the bands on the tray are placed on the chosen tooth for a trial fitting until the band having the best fit is found. The remaining bands are sterilized to reduce the risk of cross-contamination before being returned to a storage container. Normally, the storage container is partitioned to separate an inventory of bands by tooth type and size.
Sterilization procedures vary among orthodontists, and typical procedures may use an autoclave, chemical clave, dry heat or a cold sterilizing solution such as that sold under the trademark "CIDEX 7". Unfortunately, sterilization procedures may adversely affect the inked identification mark and make the mark difficult to read, especially if the band is sterilized a number of times. Once the mark is illegible, it is often difficult to find the proper partitioned location in the storage container for the band, as there may be over one hundred fifty storage locations in one or containers for the various band sizes.
Orthodontic bands having a dark laser engraved identification mark that appears brown in color have been sold in the past. However, laser engraved marks that are brown in color are not entirely satisfactory, as it is sometimes observed that a brown mark is more difficult to see after repeated chemical sterilizations. Moreover, many orthodontic patients are concerned about the appearance of appliances that are placed in their mouth, and may not be entirely pleased with a brown identification mark on the surface of a bright, shiny stainless steel band.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


An output time-series of a cell of a neural network is captured. A subset of a set of data points of the output time-series is consolidated into a singular data point. The singular data point is fitted in a data representation to form a quantified aggregated data point. The quantified aggregated data point is included in an intermediate time-series. Using the intermediate time-series as an input at an intermediate layer of the neural network, an anonymized output time-series is produced from the neural network.

Data emitted over a period by a data source is also called a time-series. In statistics, signal processing, and many other fields, a time-series is a sequence of data points, measured typically at successive times, spaced according to uniform time intervals, other periodicity, or other triggers. An input time-series is a time series that serves as input data. An output time series is a time-series that is data produced from some processing apparatus. A time-series may be an output time-series of one object and an input time-series of another object.
Time series forecasting is the use of a forecasting model to forecast future events based on known past events, to wit, to forecast future data points before they are measured. An example in econometrics is the opening price of a share of stock based on the stock's past performance, which uses time series forecasting analytics.
Time series data is not always uniformly distributed, and includes anomalies. Anomalies are non-uniformity of the distribution of an event in time series data. For example, if the data pertains to a golfing tournament, the events that occur in the tournament are reflected in the data. The type, spacing, peaking, repetition rate, intensity, duration, and other characteristics of the events are dependent on a variety of factors, and are therefore non-uniformly distributed in the data.
A time series is often not a simple case of single-event data. In other words, several factors participate independently or in a dependent manner, subject to a variety of influences, to affect a tracked event, and produce a data point in the time series. Thus, a time series based on which a forecast is to be created is hardly ever representable as a clean waveform of a fixed frequency. Instead, most time series which form inputs to forecasting models are a noisy combination of many waveforms of a variety of frequencies, harmonics, periodicities, seasonality, and anomalies.
Hereinafter, a reference to "data" in the context of an embodiment is a reference to one or more data points in a time-series, unless the reference is in a different context or is expressly distinguished where used.
The illustrative embodiments recognize that while anonymization methods for discrete data are quite readily available, anonymization of time-series is a quite different and significantly more challenging problem. Presently available anonymizers simply operate to remove, mask, or destroy identifying information in discrete data. However, the data points in a time-series typically have temporal dependencies on each other and other factors that influence the time-series. Simply removing or masking the identity of the data source from discrete data points of a time-series using an existing method of anonymization is insufficient to anonymize the time-series. The illustrative embodiments recognize that this insufficiency arises because the dependencies between the data points and the factors influencing the time-series can be used to overcome discrete data anonymization and can be used to reveal the identity of the data source.
The illustrative embodiments recognize that anonymized time-series are useful in a variety of applications, such as in constructing and testing forecasting models, controlling non-identity-related factors of events and processes that produce time-series data, and in numerous other cases. A solution is needed that can produce an anonymized time-series in which the data points are not themselves the original data points of an original time-series but are derived therefrom, while being unusable to determine an identity of a source of the original time-series, and while exhibiting the same temporal characteristics and relationships as in the original time-series.

Anonymized time-series generation from recurrent neural networks

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


An embedded device including a random access memory (RAM) and a processor is provided. The processor includes a processor core and an authentication module. The RAM stores data-to-be-authenticated. The data includes a program code to be executed by the processor core. The authentication module periodically accesses and authenticates the data-to-be-authenticated in the RAM. When the authentication module deems that the program code in the RAM loses its integrity, the authentication module interrupts the processor from further executing the program code.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an embedded device and information security control method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
An embedded system can be applied in diversified fields, including smart phones, smart televisions, and set-up boxes. A device associated with an embedded system is commonly referred to as an embedded device. As the applications expand, an embedded system also begins to handle a vast amount of critical information, such as personal information, card numbers, account information, and files. With respect to an open system or a semi-open system, preventing the critical information from illegal or unintended acquisition is a top-priority information security protection task of an embedded device.
In the information security industry, a protection method is available for known lurking programs. A lurking program is malicious software (malware for short), which is implanted and lurks in a victim computer system and may be actively manipulated by a hacker to cause the computer to perform illegal and/or unauthorized activities. The above protection method uses a program characteristic code of the lurking program as basis for identifying the lurking program. Thus, before the lurking program is executed or stored to a file system, the protection method intercepts the lurking program to prevent a lurking program event, potentially using one or more characteristic codes associated with a known programmatic or bundled threat. Although offering an advantage of having high detection accuracy, this type of protection method suffers from a shortcoming of being only effective to unpacked and/or known lurking programs.
In another protection method, unauthorized activities are intercepted by monitoring a system for abnormal behaviors or behavioral characteristics. When a malicious activity takes place, such a method detects and intercepts the malicious activity. Such a protection method is unbounded by insufficient program characteristics and may provide satisfactory protection on unknown lurking programs. However, defining so-called abnormal behaviors or behavioral characteristics remains a goal for every information security expert.

Embedded device and control method thereof


A hydraulic camshaft adjuster (1) including a stator (2) and a rotor (3) arranged such that it can rotate relative thereto, the stator (2) being connected to at least one separate cover (7) that seals a cavity (11) located between the rotor (3) and the stator (2). In the region of the cover (7), the material of the stator (2) at least partially encompassing said cover (7) is formed without machining.

Camshaft adjusters, in particular hydraulic camshaft adjusters, are already known from the prior art from U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,321 B1, for example.
Such devices for variable adjustment of the control times of gas exchange valves are used in modern internal combustion engines to be able to variably set the phase ratio between the crankshaft and the camshaft in a defined angle range between a maximum "advance" position and a maximum "retard" position. For this purpose, the camshaft adjuster is integrated into a drive train, via which the torque is transferred from the crankshaft to the camshaft. This drive train may include a traction means such as a belt drive or a chain drive. A gear drive may also be used in this regard.
Details of how camshafts are modified in comparison with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine are to be found in the publications DE 10 2010 012 482 A1 and DE 2011 003 556 A1, for example. A device for controlling and/or influencing valve control times of an internal combustion engine is also known from DE 10 2010 024 596 A1 and DE 10 2009 037 976 A1.
The details described in these publications also form the basis for the refinement presented here and will not be discussed further here but should be considered as integrated therein.
Previously, the cavity between the rotor and the stator, which is to be filled with a hydraulic fluid, such as a liquid, namely oil, has been sealed by at least one cover with respect to the outside. A screw connection is usually used here.
However, such a screw connection approach has the disadvantage that it requires many individual parts. This makes the assembly difficult. Furthermore, the possibility of leakage cannot always be ruled out reliably. Furthermore, such a screw connection approach is relatively heavy, so that heavy camshaft adjusters must be used. This is disadvantageous for the consumption of the motor vehicles, which use such camshaft adjusters on internal combustion engines. The precision of the adjustment angle between the rotor and the stator is also not adequately high in some application cases. Unfortunately, ease of dismantling and/or misuse cannot be ruled out in all application cases.

Camshaft adjuster with a rolled connection


A crosstalk cancellation system for preserving quality of sound and the parameter determining method thereof. The system can cancel a two-channel audio signal without compensating a frequency response of an ipsilateral HRTF. The method includes providing an audio signal input device for inputting the two-channel audio signal, modeling a relation between parameters of the crosstalk cancellation system and a head related transfer function (HRTF) to thereby obtain an output transfer impulse response, setting contralateral parts of the output transfer impulse response approximate to zero, setting ipsilateral parts of the output transfer impulse response equal to a delay of ipsilateral head related impulse responses (HRIRs) corresponding to the HRTF, and performing an inverse operation to compute the parameters of the crosstalk cancellation system.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the technical field of crosstalk cancellation and, more particularly, to a crosstalk cancellation system for preserving quality of sound and a parameter determining method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
In acoustics, typical crosstalk cancellation systems play an important role when speakers are applied to a 3D sound reproduction. The typical crosstalk cancellation systems are mainly aimed at cancelling the crosstalk, and compensating and equalizing ipsilateral head related transfer function (HRTF) parts. However, for compensating the poor low-frequency and high-frequency response of HRTF, the typical crosstalk cancellation systems require larger gains, which cause the effect of crosstalk amplification in low-frequency and high-frequency bands and further produce high-frequency noises and distortion. In addition, when the ipsilateral HRTF parts are overcompensated, a reproduced field tone is easily and significantly changed, and thus the quality of tone is poor.
The typical crosstalk cancellation systems have a feature corresponding to the character of a speaker. Namely, different speaker working modules require redesigning the respective crosstalk cancellation systems for achieving the optimal acoustic effect. Besides, for canceling the crosstalk, the crosstalk cancellation systems require a huge computation and accordingly cannot provide the crosstalk cancellation in real time.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved crosstalk cancellation system and method to mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Crosstalk cancellation system with sound quality preservation and parameter determining method thereof


It is possible to simultaneously identify the sound coming direction from a sound source in all directions and estimate the sound intensity of the sound source. A plurality of microphones (11) are arranged on the surface of a baffle (10) of a shape such as a sphere and polyhedron so that sound from all directions are acquired. A calculation device (40) calculates the amplitude characteristic and the phase characteristic of acoustic signals acquired by the microphones (11). The signal information and information on sound field analysis around the baffle are integrated and calculation to emphasize a sound coming from a particular direction is performed for all the directions so as to identify the sound coming direction from a sound source. According to these calculation results and the distance input by an input device (70), it is possible to estimate the sound intensity of the sound source at a plurality of portions generated at the sound source or boundary surface.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a sound-source-search system that searches for a sound source such as acoustic noise, and more particularly to a sound-source-search system in which a plurality of microphones are arranged at locations on a spherical, semi-spherical or polyhedral baffle surface and/or location separated from the surface, and processes the electrical signals from the sounds obtained from each of the microphones, and estimates the direction from which the sound comes and intensity of the sound source from all directions.
In an electric generation plant, chemical plant, factory having an assembly line, or the like, acoustical noise that is generated from various equipment and machinery such as motors, pumps, fans, transformers, etc., are combined and reach bordering areas or nearby homes. Also, inside transportation means such as automobiles, trains, airplanes, acoustical noises that are generated by the various components such as engines, gears, fans, and the like are combined and inhibit silence inside. Moreover, in normal housing areas such as apartments, and the like, silence inside is inhibited by various noises. In order to solve the problems posed by these acoustical noises, it is necessary to accurately know the direction from which the sound is coming, and the intensity of the sound source.
Conventionally, a sound source was searched for by placing a plurality of microphones over a wide area, recording the acoustical signals obtained by way of those microphones by a recording device such as a tape recorder and processing each of the recorded acoustical signals. However, in this kind of method of searching for a sound source, not only was it necessary to set up a plurality of microphones over a wide area, it was also necessary to wire each of the microphones to a recording device, so the set up work was very complicated.
Also, as a different sound-source-search method is the sound-source-search apparatus disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. H06-113387. This is an apparatus that faces a parabolic reflector in the direction from which the sound is coming and records the acoustic signal to make it possible to visualize the sound source. However, the disadvantage of this method is that the estimated sound source is limited to the direction in which the parabolic reflector is faced. In other words, the recording direction is limited by the location and angle at which the microphone is located, so it is impossible to search for sound sources in all directions at the same time.
In order to solve this problem, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-111183 a sound-source-search system is proposed in which a first to fourth microphone are arranged on a rotating frame that is installed on a base to form a detection unit with an origin point located in the center of a square XY plane, and a fifth microphone is placed above the center of the square formed by the first to fourth microphones such that the distances between the first to fourth microphones and fifth microphone are the same, and the direction from which the sound is coming is estimated from the difference in arrival time of output signals from each microphone.
However, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-111183 described above, the first to fifth microphone are located on a rotating frame, and as can be analogized from the simplified installation work and a single-mounted camera, since it is necessary to rotate the rotating frame in order to search for a sound source in all directions, it is impossible to identify the direction from which the sound is coming and estimate the intensity of the sound source in all directions at the same time. Moreover, since the microphones, camera and accompanying cables are located in a naked state in the space through which the sound propagates, the system is vulnerable to the sound reflected from the microphones, camera and cables themselves, which has a large effect on the results of the search for the sound source.
Taking into consideration the problems described above, the object of this invention is to provide a sound-source-search system that is not limited to a small space and is capable of identifying the direction from which sound is coming and the intensity of the sound source in all directions at the same time.


A plastic artificial gourd for use as a nesting place for purple martins. An outer shell has a neck and an inspection hole and is formed in halves. The front half has an entrance hole for the martins. An inner core is provided with an inspection hole and entrance hole in registry with those in the outer shell. Drainage holes are provided in the bottom of the outer shell and the inner core and the neck is provided with ribs forming an air space when a cap is attached to the neck. The gourd is ventilated though the drainage holes and out the air space under the cap. The inside of the outer shell and inner core may be textured to provide the martins a good footing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to plastic gourd-shaped housing for use in attracting purple martins to nest.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Purple martins started nesting in natural gourds a long time ago. Many purple martin "landlords" believe that the shape of the gourds still appeals to the birds more strongly than any other type of martin house. But natural gourds are expensive to buy, laborious to prepare and hard to clean out. Hence natural gourds are not preferred by most purple martin "landlords."
There are plastic gourds which address some of the problems associated with natural gourds. One such product is a one-piece, blow molded gourd that is sold under the trademark SuperGourd. The SuperGourd has drainage holes in the bottom and a threaded access port. One problem with the SuperGourd is that the inside of the nest is slick. Some think that abnormalities may develop if the baby purple martins slip while moving about in the nesting compartment. Another problem with the SuperGourd is that the access port is round and when a nest camera is inserted through the cap it is difficult to thread the cap on the access port such that the camera is right-side-up. The SuperGourd is also hard to clean out.
There are also plastic gourds which are molded in sections. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,783,831 to Patliff which describes a two-piece plastic gourd for purple martins formed of mating upper and lower sections. The Patliff gourd, however, has no access port such that it difficult for a "landlord" to do nest checks. Commercially a two-piece plastic gourd divided along a vertical plane into a front half with an access opening and a closed rear half is sold by Carroll Industries. This product, like the Patliff gourd, has drainage holes in the bottom and no access port. Another two-piece plastic gourd is sold under the tradename Natureline. This gourd is like the gourd sold by Carroll Industries except that the company offers different snap-in door assemblies such that the "landlord" has a choice of hole shapes. Removal of the door assembly also makes clean out of the nesting compartment easier. The Natureline gourd has a vent cap cover which can be lifted for ventilation but, like the gourd sold by Carroll Industries, no access port. While the vent cap improves ventilation when it is open, it also admits rain which may result in a loss of the featherless baby martins if they become chilled in a damp nest. Additionally, all of the prior art two-piece gourds are slick on the inside.
Some "landlords" believe that purple martins prefer a nesting compartment with a darkened interior. While it is possible to paint the inside of a plastic gourd such those sold by Carroll Industries or Natureline with black paint this removes some of the advantage of using a plastic gourd, i.e., little or no maintenance other than nest clean out.
From the standpoint of a purple martin and from its "landlord," a plastic gourd would ideally have a number of features: Non-slip interior, wide access port for nest checks and nest clean out, clip-on access cover so that a nest camera is easy to insert and good ventilation without wetting the nest. Other desirable features include easy assembly of the gourd, easy positioning of the gourd on a wire or mounting pole such that the ingress and egress hole faces an open flight path, choice of entrance hole shapes, optional black inner core and so forth. Up until now, no purple martin plastic gourd offered all these features, some features not at all and others not in combination.


A vending machine includes a cabinet frame having top, bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central cavity. A plurality of column walls are arranged within the central cavity that, together with the side walls, form an associated plurality of stack or column areas for receiving product containers to be vended. The vending machine includes a door that is pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame for selectively closing off the central cavity. In order to prevent unauthorized access to the product stored in the central cavity, the vending machine is provided with a lock assembly including a main body and a lock member. The main body includes first and second fixed end portions and an intermediate portion that spans one of the plurality of stack areas. The lock member is attached to the main body and receives a locking element of the door.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the art of vending machines and, more particularly, to a lock housing for a vending machine having first and second ends, each of which is secured to an internal structural member of the vending machine.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
In general, it is known to secure a main door of a vending machine with a lock having a fixed lock housing. Typically, the lock housing is secured to a structural member of the vending machine. With this arrangement, unauthorized access to commodities stored within the machine is prevented, thus reducing the occurrence of pilfering and the like.
There are a wide variety of lock arrangements currently in use. Manufactures employ barrel locks and pad-locks to secure the commodities contained within the vending machine. Still other mechanisms include a barrel lock in combination with a spinner and threaded rod assembly. In accordance with this arrangement, release of the barrel lock enables the spinner to rotate a threaded rod. The threaded rod passes from the spinner through the main door and engages a lock housing secured to internal structure of the vending machine. More specifically, the lock housing includes an associated threaded bore adapted to engage the threaded rod. Once the threaded rod is clear of the bore, the main door is free to open thereby providing access to internal machine areas.
Typically, the lock housing is cantilevered from a wall or other structural member of the machine. As such, forces applied to the lock housing are only supported at one end. Accordingly, extreme loading of the door may cause the lock housing to fail, and thus enable unauthorized access to the commodities stored within the machine. In the event that the lock housing does not fail on a first attempt, high loads applied to the cantilevered housing will create structural defects in the housing material.
Despite the known locking mechanisms, there exists a need for a vending machine lock having a lock housing secured to structural components of the vending machine. More specifically, there exists a need for a lock housing having first and second ends, each of which is independently secured to the vending machine such that stress associated with excessive loading of the main door is distributed throughout the lock housing and not focused at a particular point along the housing.

Main door lock housing for a vending machine


A rubber track to prevent occurrence edge-cuts and improve traction force even in the soft ground is disclosed. The rubber track is configured by first lugs which are formed at equal intervals on one side of the inside and the outside in a traveling direction on a surface coming into contact with the ground and have first grooves formed in a width direction; and second lugs which are formed at equal intervals on the other side of the inside and the outside in a traveling direction on a surface coming into contact with the ground and have second grooves formed in the traveling direction.

A rubber track may be widely used for equipment such as a track loader as well as heavy equipment such as an excavator and has various types of lugs for securing traction force on the surface contacting the ground. For example, according to Korean Patent Registration Nos. 10-0725022 and 10-0638885, various types of lugs in a width direction for improving traction force during traveling are proposed.
Such a rubber track may require various functions in order to secure a traveling property of an excavator, a loader, and the like. For example, traction force that enables smooth traveling at the most basic level is required, and the traction force may be particularly a more important function in the poor ground. In addition, like the traction force, the extraction performance is required, and it can be said that traveling and rotation are simultaneously related to each other, and besides, it is natural that stability is required even during rotation.
In addition to the functions required during traveling, considering the sequentially repetitive motion of the trajectory, it is natural that the bending property capable of sufficiently flexibly bending with respect to a certain radius of curvature needs to be ensured. In addition, it is natural that the internal steel cord needs to be supported without being exposed by the use for a long period of time, and it is preferable that the steel cord has a structure which can prevent the occurrence of edge-cuts that may be caused by traveling.


A cassette autochanger for automatically supplying and selectively reproducing a plurality of cassettes (C) having programs recorded therein comprises a plurality of recording/reproducing devices (3), a plurality of cassette storage locations (5, 6), a cassette transporter (4, 9) for transporting the cassettes (C) between the locations (5, 6) and the devices (3), a first detector (23) for detecting any one of the programs that is recorded in one only of the cassettes (C) , a second detector (23) for detecting two of the devices (3) which are available for use, and a dubbing controller (24) for controlling the two detected devices (3) so that such one of the programs is automatically dubbed on to another cassette (C) using the two detected devices (3). A cassette autochanger system may comprise two cassette autochangers (41A, 41B), the second autochanger (41B) forming a back-up which takes over reproduction using an up-dated reproduction list derived from the first autochanger (41A) in the event of the first autochanger (41A) becoming out of order.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to cassette autochangers and to cassette autochanger systems. Cassette autochangers are used, for example, in television broadcasting stations for storing programs such as commercial messages and advertisements, and television programs, and for selecting in a required order a sequence of the stored programs for reproduction and transmission.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 shows an automatic cassette supplying and reproducing apparatus or cassette autochanger as disclosed in Sony Corporation UK patent specification GB-A-2 190 233. The cassette autochanger comprises an upright, rectangular housing 1 including a video tape recorder (VTR) console 2 having a plurality of reproducing/recording devices 3, such as VTRs 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D capable of reproduction and recording of magnetic video tape cassettes (C), stacked vertically one above the other at one side of the housing 1. A cassette delivery mechanism 4 is provided to deliver to the VTR console 2, the video tape cassettes C selected from a large number of cassette storage locations 5A, 5B, 5C, 5Z and 6A, 6B, 6C formed by bins arrayed in orthogonally related directions, that is in vertical stacks arranged horizontally in succession, in front and rear banks 7 and 8. Each of the cassette storage bins in the banks 7 and 8 can store a single cassette C therein. Further, as is apparent from FIG. 1, the stacks of cassette storage bins in the front and rear banks 7 and 8 are spaced apart to provide an aisle therebetween which accommodates a cassette transporting mechanism 9. The VTRs 3 are of a side-loading type, so each is capable of receiving a cassette C at the side of the respective VTR 3 facing the cassette delivery mechanism 4, from the cassette transporting mechanism 9.
The cassette transporting mechanism 9 comprises fixed upper and lower guide rails 10A and 10B extending horizontally along the aisle, and a movable guide rail 10C extending vertically in the aisle between the front and rear banks 7 and 8, and mounted at its upper and lower ends on the rails 10A and 10B, for movements horizontally in the directions indicated by arrows X--X in FIG. 1. A cassette feeder or carriage 11 is mounted on the guide rail 10C for movements vertically as indicated by arrows Y--Y in FIG. 1 . The cassette carriage 11 has openings 11A and 11B for receiving respective cassettes C. Both the guide rail 10C and the carriage 11 are moved in their respective directions by a drive mechanism (not illustrated). The housing 1 also includes a cassette in-port 12 and a cassette out-port 13.
In operation of this cassette autochanger, a selected cassette C, for example a cassette C1, is removed by the cassette carriage 11 from its respective cassette storage location 6C, whereupon the cassette carriage 11 is moved vertically as needed in the direction of the arrows Y--Y relative to the vertical guide rail 10C which, in turn, is moved horizontally in the direction of the arrows X--X so as to register with the side-loading port or opening of a selected one of the VTRs 3, and the transported cassette C1 is then transferred from the cassette carriage 11 through the cassette delivery mechanism 4 into the selected VTR 3 for reproducing or recording a signal on the tape in the selected cassette C1 . After the desired recording or reproducing operation has been performed, the used cassette C1 is returned through the cassette delivery mechanism 4 to the cassette carriage 11 on the vertical guide rail 10C which is then moved horizontally in the direction of the arrows X--X, whereupon the cassette carriage 11 is moved vertically in the direction of the arrows Y--Y for registering the cassette carriage 11 with the cassette storage bin into which the used cassette C1 is to be returned. This may or may not be the cassette storage bin 5C from which the cassette C1 was originally selected. Then, the returned cassette C1 is transferred from the cassette carriage 11 to the cassette storage bin with which it is registered.
When such a known cassette autochanger is used in a broadcasting station to select and transmit programs comprising commercial messages or advertisements and television programs, there is provided a system controller which maintains a reproduction list to which additions can be made and from which deletions can be made by operation of a keyboard. The reproduction list is primarily a listing of the programs to be reproduced by the cassette autochanger and the order of reproduction.
Suppose then that a segment of the reproduction list consists of a sequence of programs (identified CM) as follows:
CM001 PA1 CM002 PA1 CM003 PA1 CM004 PA1 CM002 PA1 a plurality of reproducing/recording means; PA1 a cassette housing means having a plurality of cassette storage locations; PA1 cassette transporting means for selectively transporting said cassettes between said cassette storage locations and said reproducing/recording means; and PA1 control means for controlling the operation of said reproducing/recording means and said cassette transporting means, said control means comprising: PA1 first detecting means for detecting any one of said programs that is recorded on the recording medium in one only of said cassettes; second detecting means for detecting two of said reproducing/recording means which are available for use; and PA1 dubbing control means for controlling said two reproducing/recording means detected by said second detecting means so that said one of said programs detected by said first detecting means is automatically dubbed into another said cassette using said two reproducing/recording means. PA1 a first cassette autochanger for automatically supplying and selectively reproducing a plurality of cassettes having programs recorded on recording media thereof, the first cassette autochanger comprising: PA1 a plurality of first reproducing means; PA1 a first cassette housing means having a plurality of first cassette storage locations; PA1 first cassette transporting means for selectively transporting said cassettes between said first cassette storage locations and said first reproducing means; and PA1 first control means for controlling the operation of said first reproducing means and said first cassette transporting means according to a reproduction list which shows the order of reproduction of said programs, said first control means updating the reproduction list as reproduced by said first reproducing means and being capable of transmitting said updated reproduction list to a location external to said first cassette autochanger; and PA1 a second cassette autochanger for automatically supplying and selectively reproducing a plurality of cassettes having programs recorded on recording media thereof, the second cassette autochanger comprising: PA1 a plurality of second reproducing means; PA1 a second cassette housing means having a plurality of second cassette storage locations; PA1 second cassette transporting means for selectively transporting said cassettes between said second cassette storage locations and said second reproducing means; and PA1 second control means, operative when said first cassette autochanger is out of order, for controlling the operation of said second reproducing means and said second cassette transporting means according to said updated reproduction list which has been transmitted from said first control means, said second control means updating said reproduction list as each of said programs is reproduced by said second reproducing means; and PA1 selecting means for selecting the output of said first or said second reproducing means, the output of said first reproducing means usually being selected, and when said first autochanger is out of order the output of said second reproducing means being selected.
Until now there have been two ways in which programs have generally been recorded in the cassettes in such a cassette autochanger. In the one cassette for one program recording system, each program is recorded in a respective single cassette. For such a system the above reproduction list presents no problems because the respective cassettes for the first four programs CM001, CM002, CM003 and CM004 can be selected in sequence and brought to the VTRs for reproduction in the required sequence. At least by the time reproduction of one program approaches its end, the cassette with the next program to be reproduced is in a stand-by condition in another VTR 3.
The cassette for the program CM002 is then reselected. This may involve retrieval from a cassette storage bin if the cassette has been returned after the first reproduction, or alternatively, if the time durations of the intervening programs are short, the cassette may have been left in a VTR 3 after the first reproduction ready for the second.
However, this system does have the serious problems that it is very wasteful of recording capacity in the cassettes, and that the number of programs available for automatic reproduction is restricted to the number of cassette storage bins in the cassette autochanger.
As an alternative, therefore, the multisegment recording system is used. In this system, a plurality of programs are recorded in each cassette, so reducing waste of recording capacity and substantially increasing the number of programs that can be made available. However, with this system also, there are serious problems. Thus, in an individual cassette, programs are recorded successively on the magnetic tape with intervals between adjacent programs. Suppose then that in the above example the programs CM001, CM002 and CM003 happen to be recorded in the same cassette. Even if the programs happen to be recorded on the tape in the order CM001, CM002, CM003 their successive reproduction without gaps between programs will be impossible.
One object of the present invention is to provide a cassette autochanger in which the above-mentioned problems of the two known recording systems are overcome.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for automatic re-recording of programs such that every program is recorded in two different cassettes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cassette autochanger which permits successive reproduction of any selected sequence of recorded programs.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cassette autochanger system comprising a main cassette autochanger and a back-up cassette autochanger, and in which reproduction is automatically passed, when necessary, to the back-up cassette autochanger.
According to the present invention there is provided a cassette autochanger for automatically supplying and selectively reproducing a plurality of cassettes having programs recorded on recording media thereof, the cassette autochanger comprising:
Every program found to be recorded in one cassette only is thus automatically dubbed (that is, duplicated) into a second, different cassette, so that reproduction of the programs in any required order is possible.
According to the present invention there is also provided a cassette autochanger system comprising:
This provides for automatic updating of the reproduction list in the second cassette autochanger such that the second autochanger can take over reproduction immediately if for any reason the first cassette autochanger becomes out of order.
The above, and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.


According to some embodiments, there is provided a communication terminal, including: a communication device, a connection processing unit, a device power managing unit and a device power managing unit. The communication device communicates with a network. The connection processing unit establishes a connection with a first communication terminal on the network. The communication managing unit detects a start and an end of a session on the connection. The device power managing unit controls feeding of power to the communication device in accordance with a detected result by the communication managing unit.

With the development in communication technology, a terminal such as a smartphone that has a communication function is in widespread use. Meanwhile, societal demands on reducing power consumption of terminals are increasing due to concern for global warming. Further, for a battery-powered terminal such as a smartphone, there is a need for reducing power consumption of the terminal from the standpoint of the convenience by increasing run time thereof.
In response to the demands for reducing power consumption, a framework named ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) for power supply control is being proposed. According to the above, a state named "S3" is defined. The "S3" is a state that is called "Suspend to RAM." In the "S3" state, values in registers of a CPU are written out in a main memory, and feeding of power to the CPU, a bus, and a bus device is stopped while the main memory is kept in an energized state. A terminal in the "S3" state cannot carry out an operation, but power consumption thereof is smaller than in an "S0" state (an operating state). Further, when the terminal returns to the "S0" state from the "S3" state, the terminal can return to a state prior to transitioning to the "S3" state. Therefore, it is more convenient than a cold boot.
Further, as another related technique, the following can be cited. Suppose a user logs on to a remote terminal from a local terminal via telnet and carries out operations such as text creation or the like on the remote terminal. At this time, if the local terminal transitions to the "S3" state from the "S0" state, a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connection pertaining to the telnet session is disconnected by the remote terminal. Thus, when the local terminal returns to the "S0" state from the "S3" state, a problem occurs in that a text that has been created on the remote terminal is lost, and further, a problem occurs in that the user must operate to again log on to the remote terminal. The aforementioned another related technique is intended to solve these problems. That is, as the local terminal transmits a "TCP-SLEEP" message to the remote terminal when having transitioned to the "S3" state, the TCP connection is prevented from being disconnected by the remote terminal.
Further, according to another related technique, in a case where there is no receiving or transmitting packet for a predetermined period of time in a wireless LAN terminal, information that is necessary to transmit data to a connected access point is stored in the terminal, and feeding of power to a communication circuit is stopped. When a transmitting packet is generated, power is fed to the communication circuit, and the packet is transmitted to the access point having been connected to previously using the stored information without carrying out a connecting procedure. In this way, by omitting the procedure to connect to the access point, a delay that is required for transmitting a packet after power is fed to a communication unit is reduced.
In recent years, services called Web services or cloud services have been in widespread use. For example, Gmail by Google Incorporated or the like can be cited. With Gmail, mail data are present on a server, and by accessing them from a Web browser, a list of received mail and content of selected mail are displayed without using a dedicated mail application. In a case where such a service is assumed, it is desirable from the standpoint of reducing power consumption that, each time the local terminal receives necessary data, the local terminal disconnects a TCP connection and stops feeding power to a communication section of the local terminal. For example, after received mail list data are acquired, the TCP connection is disconnected, and a received mail list screen is displayed. While a user is browsing through the received mail list screen, a control is carried out to stop feeding of power to the communication section. Then, when the user operates on the received mail list screen, power is fed to the communication section, and a TCP connection to a server is established. A request in accordance with that operation is then transmitted to the server, a response included in the response is received, and a screen is displayed using data included in that response.
However, if a TCP connection is reestablished each time a browser displaying the received mail list screen is operated in this way, a delay until a next screen is displayed on the browser increases due to overhead by a connection setup and a flow control called a slow start. Through this, convenience for the user decreases. This problem and a solution therefor are not described in the aforementioned another related technique. Further, in the aforementioned another related technique, since the entire local terminal stops operating in a power saving state (for example, "S3"), the user cannot operate the terminal in the power saving state, and thus there exists a problem in that the convenience is lost.
In addition, in the aforementioned yet another related technique, since an association with a wireless LAN access point is disconnected, the TCP connection is disconnected from the server. Accordingly, a problem that arises due to reestablishing a TCP connection cannot be solved.

Communication terminal, communication method, and computer readable medium


Various techniques for managing a system reset of a computing system to maintain error data are described herein. In one example, a computing system configured for managing a system reset to maintain error data comprises a memory buffer device to receive a transaction from a system processor and to notify the system processor of an error in performing the transaction to volatile memory. In some examples, the system processor is configured to initiate a system reset of the computing system in response to the error, the system reset comprising a reset of the memory buffer device. Furthermore, the computing system includes an integrated circuit to block the reset of the memory buffer device to maintain error data in the volatile memory.

Computing systems may experience errors associated with software and hardware components or devices. As appreciated by the skilled artisan, such errors (e.g., uncorrectable errors) may prompt the system processor or controller (e.g., central processing device or CPU) of the computing system to perform a system-wide reset to reset various components or devices throughout the computing system. Unfortunately, data indicating the nature and details of the error experienced may be lost in the reset of the components, adversely impacting diagnostic evaluation of the computing system.

Managing error data and resetting a computing system


The preparation of pigment concentrates for the coloring of resin molding compositions in which the pigment is very finely dispersed is carried out successfully using, for the preparation of the pigment concentrates, a dispersant which contains the following components:. from 0 to 90% by weight of a substantially amorphous poly-.alpha.-olefin, PA1 from 0 to 90% by weight of polyolefin wax, PA1 from 0 to 30% by weight of crystalline polyolefin, and PA1 from 1 to 50% by weight of a specific polyacrylic acid ester.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dispersant useful for pigment preparations for coloring polyolefins, and to pigment preparations prepared using this dispersant.
2. Discussion of the Background
Pigment preparations suitable for the coloring of polyolefins are already known. DE-B 12 39 093 describes carrier materials based on a mixture of an amorphous ethylene-propylene block copolymer having a viscosity of 5000-300,000 cp at 150.degree. C. and a low molecular weight, crystalline polypropylene. The use of polypropylene wax having a viscosity of 500-5000 cp at 170.degree. C. and an isotactic content of 40-90% by weight is described in DE-A 26 52 628. DE-C 42 36 337 reveals that certain polyacrylic acid esters are suitable as dispersants for pigments in organic media.
With the present prior art, however, when using such carrier materials in the coloring of polyolefins, it is not possible to completely prevent the occurrence of agglomerates. This is particularly disadvantageous in the preparation of colored polyolefin fibers, since pigment agglomerates can lead both to the blockage of the melt screens of the spinning extruder and to fiber breakage. Fiber breakages are extremely undesirable since they lead to a breakdown in production which is associated with considerable downtimes and substantial cleaning operations.


An elongated pedestrian safety barrier adapted to be longitudinally disposed between a roadway and an adjoining pedestrian walkway. The safety barrier features a concrete structure up to about 24 inches in height having an outwardly angled sidewall facing the roadway and a concavity on its bottom surface to engage the top and roadside surface of a standard curb.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a new and improved raised pedestrian safety barrier adapted to supplement an existing curb structure between a roadway and an adjoining pedestrian walkway. The safety barrier features a low profile and an outer sidewall facing toward the road which angles outwardly from the barrier base so as to reduce ramp and roll tendencies of vehicles impacting on the barrier.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is standard practice today to provide a curb structure alongside a roadway to facilitate drainage and provide a roadway limitation so that traffic is encouraged to remain within the roadway limits. Modern curbs are normally about 6" in height and present either a rounded or roughly rectangular shape to provide a modest step-like structure which allows pedestrians to easily step down into the roadway and cross at a crosswalk or perform a similar operation.
Unfortunately, modern curbs afford little actual protection to pedestrians in a walkway adjoining a roadway. This fact is particularly emphasized in urban areas when construction occurs in the roadway area. Often, barriers are erected between the pedestrian and roadway areas in the form of plywood structures which house the walkways.
However, these structures also provide little actual protection from roadway traffic.
Accordingly, a need persists for a more substantial pedestrian safety barrier which can reduce the risks of adjoining roadway traffic.


An annuloplasty device is disclosed comprising first and second support rings being configured to be arranged as a coil in a first configuration around an axial direction, wherein the first and second support rings are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve, wherein the first and second support rings are separated with a first pitch distance in the axial direction, in the first configuration, wherein the first and second support rings are configured to assume a contracted state having a second pitch distance in the axial direction being shorter than the first pitch distance, and wherein the first and second support rings are configured to be transferable between the first configuration and the contracted state to pinch the heart valve leaflets. A method of repairing a defective heart valve is also disclosed.

Diseased mitral and tricuspid valves frequently need replacement or repair. The mitral and tricuspid valve leaflets or supporting chordae may degenerate and weaken or the annulus may dilate leading to valve leak. Mitral and tricuspid valve replacement and repair are frequently performed with aid of an annuloplasty ring, used to reduce the diameter of the annulus, or modify the geometry of the annulus in any other way, or aid as a generally supporting structure during the valve replacement or repair procedure. The annuloplasty ring is typically implanted around the annulus of the heart valve.
A problem with prior art annuloplasty implants is to achieve correct positioning at the heart valve and fixate the implant in the correct position. Suturing devices for annuloplasty implants have disadvantages that makes it difficult to suture in the correct position, thereby resulting insufficient suturing strength, and also in a very time-consuming procedure, which increases the risks for the patient. Furthermore, suturing devices are often not sufficiently compact for catheter based procedures. The use of clips for positioning annuloplasty implants is also associated with challenges, in particular when implanting helix rings that are to be positioned on either side of a heart valve. Insufficient fixation of such implant lead to traumatic effects since the fixation structure must ensure the correct position of the device over time. A further problem in the prior art is thus also to achieve a reliable fixation at the annulus of the heart valve. An annuloplasty implant is intended to function for years and years, so it is critical with long term stability in this regard.
The above problems may have dire consequences for the patient and the health care system. Patient risk is increased.
Hence, an improved annuloplasty implant would be advantageous and in particular allowing for avoiding more of the above mentioned problems and compromises, and in particular ensuring secure fixation of the annuloplasty implant, during the implantation phase, and for long-term functioning, in addition to a less complex procedure, and increased patient safety. A related method would also be advantageous.


Various systems and methods for controlling a vehicle using driving policies are described herein. A system for controlling a vehicle using driving policies includes a memory device; and a processor subsystem to access instructions on the memory device that cause the processor subsystem to: operate a host vehicle using a driving policy from a policy repository, the host vehicle operating in a lane on a first road, the driving policy governed by a safety model; detect a second vehicle, the second vehicle operating in a second lane; determine whether the second vehicle is an oncoming vehicle or an intersecting vehicle, the oncoming vehicle operating on the first road with the first and second lanes in adjacent bidirectional arrangement, and the intersecting vehicle operating on a second road that intersects the first road; and initiate a vehicle maneuver of the host vehicle to reduce or avoid a collision with the second vehicle, based on the safety model, the vehicle maneuver performed based on whether the second vehicle is an oncoming vehicle or an intersecting vehicle.

Advancements in autonomous vehicle operation continue to be developed and released. In the future, fully autonomous vehicles may be operating on open roads. Such autonomous vehicles may interact with conventional human-operated vehicles. Developers are designing autonomous vehicle operation to operate in a manner that is at least as safe as human-operated ones.

Extension to safety protocols for autonomous vehicle operation


A private branch exchange has optional service modules for providing optional service functions. The optional service modules are initially disabled, but can be enabled through a telecommunication link, in reply to owner information furnished by the private branch exchange. If the owner information is incorrect, the optional service modules can still be enabled, but the owner information stored in the private branch exchange is altered to leave evidence of the enabling operation. The enabling is carried out by remote authorization equipment according to an authorization key that specifies both the required optional service modules and the owner information. The authorization key is stored on a data medium that can be read only once.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing optional service functions in a privately-owned or leased telephone switching system, referred to below as a private branch exchange or PBX.
A conventional PBX has standard service functions that are built in when the PBX equipment is manufactured, and optional service functions that can be added by loading additional software modules into the PBX. When the PBX owner orders additional optional service functions, a representative of the PBX vendor brings to the owner's site one or more data media on which copies of the required software modules are stored. The data media are read by a device such as a disk drive in the PBX and stored in a non-volatile memory in the PBX, thereby installing the software in the PBX; then the data media are removed and the owner is billed for the additional service functions.
This method of providing optional service functions is slow and inefficient because it requires a separate visit to the PBX owner's site each time optional service functions are added. To add optional service functions to ten different PBX systems, for example, the vendor's representative must visit ten different sites, which may involve considerable travel time and expense.
A further disadvantage of the conventional method of providing optional service functions is that it invites mistakes, such as installing the wrong optional service functions by inserting the wrong data media into the disk drive in the PBX. Such mistakes can moreover be made intentionally, to provide service functions in a way that deprives the PBX vendor of revenues. This unscrupulous practice has been difficult to control, because once a software module is installed in the PBX, there has been no way to tell whether the module was rightfully or wrongfully installed.
An even greater disadvantage of the conventional method is that the data media containing the software modules can be copied using commercially available equipment. Once a copy is made, further copies can be made from the copy, and these copies can be used to provide pirated service functions to an unlimited number of PBX owners. If such copied media come into general circulation, the PBX vendor faces a serious loss of revenue.

Method and apparatus for providing optional service functions in a private branch exchange


A method, information processing node, and a computer program storage product are provided for performing synchronization operations between participants of a program. Each participant includes at least one of a set of processes and a set of threads. Each participant in a first subset of participants of a program updates a portion of a first local vector that is local to the respective participant. Each participant in a second subset of participants of the program updates a portion of a second local vector that is local to the respective participant. The participants in the second subset exit the synchronization barrier in response to determining that all of the participants in the first subset have reached the synchronization barrier.

Parallel computing allows a computational problem to be decomposed into multiple tasks. These multiple tasks are then carried out by a plurality of processes or threads which may operate concurrently. Parallel computing may allow a computational problem to be solved in a shorter amount of time by utilizing the computational resources of a plurality of processors. Parallel computing may also allow large computational problems to be solved that may not be practical to solve using conventional computing systems and methods. With currently available parallel computing systems, it is possible to harness the computational resources of hundreds or thousands of computer processors to run hundreds or thousands of concurrent processes.
Typically, there are interdependencies between at least some of the concurrent processes. In order to avoid a condition where one process races too far ahead of another interdependent process (which may cause an indeterminate computational result), it is often necessary to incorporate a process synchronization mechanism, such as a barrier synchronization point. A barrier synchronization point is one of the most widely used synchronization operations in parallel applications. In the most common format of barrier, each participant, which can be either a process, thread, or a task (a set of processes or tasks), makes a barrier call to register that it reached a particular point of the program it is associated with. The participant then blocks in the barrier call until all participants make the call. In other words, none of the participants can pass the barrier if any of participants have not called the barrier.
One problem with many barrier synchronization methods is that they require a completer barrier even if a partial barrier is sufficient. A complete barrier requires that each and every participant check into the barrier to complete the synchronization and every participant leave the barrier afterwards, while a partial barrier does not require this. In a partial barrier, the synchronization is among a subset of participants and another subset of participants exits the barrier in response to the synchronization among the first subset. The first subset and the second subset have at least one participant in common. One such scenario is a hierarchical synchronization among participants running on multiple nodes and multiple participants running on at least one of the nodes. In this hierarchical synchronization, participants running on the same node first synchronize among themselves, often through shared memory. Then some of the participants are designated to be representatives of all participants on the node to participate in inter-nodal synchronization.
These representatives need to synchronize among themselves once a while if more than one is desired for better inter-nodal performance. Once the inter-nodal synchronization is complete, the representatives need to notify non-representatives the complete of the entire synchronization among all participants. All the synchronization among subsets of participants can be done using complete barrier. One problem with this barrier synchronization method and other methods that use complete barriers for partial barriers is that the cost of a complete barrier is higher than a partial barrier. These methods are inefficient and have high shared memory barrier costs which reduce the benefit of using multiple representatives per node.
Therefore a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

International Business Machines Corporation


There is provided a file server which is capable of suppressing power consumption of a storage apparatus. When a file sharing program receives a file access from a client, the program makes reference to a mapping table. Then, the program addresses the access to the target file in the volume of a RAID group in which the target file is stored. A coupling-request reception program memorizes a coupling time for each user into a coupling history table. A grouping program applies a grouping to users whose coupling time-zones are similar to each other. A data transfer program transfers, into the same RAID group, data of the files associated with the grouped users, thereby collecting the data of the files into the same RAID group. On account of this, the time-zone during which no access is made to the RAID group (i.e., non-coupling time-zone) can be made longer. Accordingly, a spin-up/down request program makes a spin-down request to the RAID group in the non-coupling time-zone.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to technologies for relocating files memorized in a storage apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a file server, file management system, and file relocation method capable of suppressing power consumption of the storage apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the needs for a file service which utilizes a file management system including a file server (NAS (: Network Attached Storage) apparatus) for managing the file management system and one or more storage apparatuses for storing files of the file management system. In accompaniment with this rapid increase, the capacity of a file to be stored into each storage apparatus also exhibits a tendency to increase, and the unit number of disk devices constituting each storage apparatus also exhibits the tendency to increase. This increase in the unit number of the disk devices gives rise to the occurrence of an increase in power consumption of the entire storage apparatus. In particular, in a large-capacity disk array system on which a large number of disk devices are mounted, and in which a plurality of disk devices constitute a RAID (: Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks), the suppression of this power-consumption increase in the entire storage apparatus has become a serious problem.
In JP-A-2007-18483, the following disclosure has been made: When the NAS receives a file open request from a host computer, the NAS identifies a logical volume which stores the open target therein. Then, if the number of files in the open target stored in the logical volume is equal to zero, the NAS instructs start-up of disk devices and fan devices.
Also, in JP-A-2008-134829, the disclosure has been made concerning a constitution whereby the power-saving of storage apparatuses in a storage system is made implementable from a management apparatus. Namely, the storage system includes a power-saving instruction receiving unit for receiving, from a management console, a power-saving instruction for specifying a storage apparatus in a RAID group, and a power-saving control unit for implementing the power-saving of one or more physical storage apparatuses corresponding to the storage apparatus specified by this power-saving instruction.

File server, file management system and file relocation method


The flash file system includes a flash memory and a subsystem interfacing between the flash memory and a host system. The subsystem includes a hierarchical structure of a host system interface, cache memory system, flash translation layer unit and a flash memory interface. The host system interface interfaces with the host system. The cache memory system has a storage capacity of a predetermined number of data units and stores data for transfer to and from the host system via the host system interface. The flash translation layer unit maps a logical address received from the host system via the host system interface and the cache memory into a physical address of the flash memory. The flash memory interface interfaces with the flash memory to transfer data to the flash memory from the cache memory system based on the physical address received from the flash translation layer unit and to transfer data from the flash memory to the cache memory system based on the physical address received from the flash translation layer unit.

The present invention relates to the field of electronic storage. More particularly, the invention is directed towards flash memory and a file system therefore. Flash memory is becoming more and more widely used because information stored in a flash memory is maintained even when power is no longer supplied to the flash memory. Furthermore, flash memory is a solid state device and is extremely useful for portable devices such as portable computers, digital still cameras, etc. A flash memory consumes much less power and is not susceptible to shocks as are many types of magnetic storage media such as hard disks.
There are two types of flash memory, a NAND type and a NOR type. The NOR type of flash memory provides for random access, but is expensive to manufacture. The NAND type of flash memory, on the other hand, is relatively inexpensive but suffers from an inefficient write operation.
When a portion of the flash memory has previously been programmed (i.e., written) with data, reprogramming (i.e., over-writing) that portion of the flash memory with data requires performing an erase operation before the data can be written. Besides being inefficient, this erase before write, or EBW, process means the flash memory has a limited lifetime.
Flash memory is a transistor memory cell that is programmable through hot electron, source injection, or tunneling and erasable through the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling mechanism. The programming and erasing of such a memory cell requires current to pass through the dielectric surrounding a floating gate. Because of this, such types of memory have a finite number of erase-write cycles because the dielectric eventually deteriorates.
Several techniques have been proposed to mitigate the EBW problem. One method is to use a logical or virtual addressing scheme wherein, for example, a host system supplies a logical address for a read or a write operation to the flash memory that is then mapped into a physical address of the flash memory. During this process, data is preferably written into free physical space of the flash memory so that an erase operation does not need to be performed. This techniques involves maintaining a mapping table of logical addresses to physical addresses. Conventionally, this mapping operation requires both a translation and mapping operation. For example, a host device will supply logical addresses based on a 4 KB unit of data called a cluster. Stated another way, the file system of the host device, such as a computer, has a cluster size format. However, the physical addresses of the flash memory are established based on a unit of data that can be erased at one time, generally 16 KB or more, and the file system used by the controller for the flash memory in conventional flash memory systems is based on the physical structure of the flash memory. As a result, to map the logical address to the physical address, also requires a translation of the host device file system into the file system for the flash memory.
The mapping information for the flash memory must be maintained even when power is no longer supplied to the device incorporating the flash memory. Storing this information in the flash memory itself reduces the storage capacity of the flash memory, and can also result in configurations of the flash memory which are difficult to manage.
Additionally, the controller for the flash memory in these conventional systems includes an interface structure that so closely integrates the host interface functionality with the flash memory interface functionality that a change in the flash memory, a change in the host interface, or a change in a portion of the interface structure requires a complete redesign of the flash memory system.


Provided are a load transfer method and system in thunder and lightning weather. The method includes: detecting lightning and predicting a position and time of a lightning strike to obtain a lightning prediction result; determining a transmission line possibly struck by lightning in a power grid according to the lightning prediction result; determining a load transfer scheme; and before the lightning occurs, transferring at least part of loads on the transmission line possibly struck by lightning according to the load transfer scheme.

Lightning has always been an important natural factor endangering the operation safety of a power grid. As the scale of the power grid keeps increasing, the impact of lightning on the power grid is becoming more significant. For a load center area in an area where lightning often occurs, due to the extremely high load density of the power grid, one lightning storm may cause hundreds of power supply lines of the power grid to trip out, resulting in a large number of customers losing power and bringing huge economic losses. Therefore, lightning protection of the power grid is particularly important.
At present, a main lightning protection strategy adopted by the power system is to divert lightning energy through the multiple types of lightning protection devices installed on equipment and transmission lines, so as to reduce the probability that the equipment in the power grid trips out due to a lightning strike, thereby achieving static lightning protection. For example, lightning rods are installed in and around substations to reduce the possibility that the lightning strikes equipment in the substations; lightning conductors are disposed above transmission lines to protect the lines below them; grounding devices of transmission towers are optimized to reduce the grounding resistance of the towers and weaken the ground potential rise caused by a lightning strike on the towers; line insulation is strengthened so that it can bear the overvoltage caused by a lightning strike.
From the perspective of operation effects, static lightning protection equipment can provide better protection for the equipment in the substations, but the lightning protection effect for transmission lines is not good. Due to the randomness of discharge channels of the lightning, the situation where the lightning bypasses the lightning conductors and strikes the phase line under the lightning conductors occurs occasionally. More common than the bypass strike is the arcing between the transmission tower and lines caused by the transmission tower being struck by the lightning. Due to the diversity and complexity of the geology and climatic conditions in transmission corridors, the effect of reducing the grounding resistance and strengthening the line insulation is not significant.
Additionally, after a lightning strike accident occurs, there is still no effective method to deal with the affected loads. Although lines are usually equipped with automatic reclosing equipment and standby power switch devices, on the one hand, line tripping out caused by lightning is largely caused by line insulation arcing, which is not instantaneous, so reclosing generally cannot succeed; on the other hand, at present, the substation is usually not equipped with a dedicated standby power supply, but two transformers in operating are used and the two transformers are standby for each other. Since lightning usually occurs during an on-peak period of loads in summer, a main transformer and a standby transformer are in high load rate states respectively. If all loads of one transformer are transferred to the other transformer due to the power-loss of the one transformer, it will cause serious overload, which may lead to expansion of the accident. Therefore, in practice, when the line trips out due to the lightning strike, the standby power supply is rarely put into use.
At present, the power grid adopts a rigid processing approach to the processing of the lightning protection and the loads, that is, if the normal operation of equipment and loads cannot be ensured, all of them will be cut off.
It is thus seen that the passive lightning protection measures for the power system mainly have the following limitations: the cost of the equipment is relatively high, and it will increase with the growth of the scale of power grid equipment; for transmission lines, the success rate of lightning protection is low; early warning is so lacking that almost no time is reserved for handling faults; after the trip-out, the load is cut off directly, causing large-area power outage and economic losses; a large amount of loads are disconnected from the grid in a short time, causing a great impact on the system.

Method and system for transferring a load in a thunder and lightning weather

STATE GRID JIANGSU ELECTRIC POWER CO., LTD. MARKETING CENTER