A robust vibration damping device not suffering from destruction even when an earthquake force is increased.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structure for a vibration damping wall mainly used in wooden buildings or steel structure buildings for reducing an earthquake force that exerts on buildings to improve the horizontal capacity of structural frames, as well as a method of connecting vibration damping devices.
Description of the Related Art
Techniques relating to vibration damping devices installed to structural frames of buildings and techniques relating to methods of connecting the vibration damping devices and the structural frame for preventing buildings from destruction upon occurrence of huge earthquake have been provided so far (refer to JP-A No. 2009-275473).
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate a vibration damping device and a method of connecting vibration damping devices and a structural frame shown in JP-A No. 2009-275473 of a building. FIG. 6 illustrates a structure frame 60 of a building. The structural frame 60 comprises a foundation 61, a beam 62 and vertical members 63 (first vertical member 63a and a second vertical member 63b). A first vibration damping device 70a is attached about at the midway of a first vertical member 63a by fixing means such as bolts or screws and a second vibration damping device 70b is attached about at the midway of a second vertical member 63a by fixing means such as bolts or screws.
Corner fittings 71 are fitted each by way of fixing means such as bolts or screws at four corners defined by the first vertical member 63a and the second vertical member 63b, the foundation 61, and the beam 62. The four corner fittings 71 and the vibration damping devices 70a and 70b are connected in an X-form by brace members 72 such as steel pipe brace members as illustrates in FIG. 7.
The vibration damping device 70 is usually in a state as illustrated in FIG. 8A and, when an earthquake occurs, the lateral sides 73 expand or contract by the deformation of bend portions of the vibration damping device 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 8C due to earthquake shaking. Then, the earthquake energy is decayed by repeating expansion/contraction to absorb swaying of an entire building structure and prevent the building from destruction.

Vibration damping wall structure and a method of connecting vibration damping devices

Abstract: A vibration damping wall structure includes a structural frame comprising a foundation, a beam, and vertical members. One set of vibration damping devices are attached to a first vertical member, and another set of vibration damping devices are attached at positions respectively opposing the one set of vibration damping devices to a second vertical member. Each of the vibration damping devices is connected with the vertical member by way of a brace. The vibration damping devices in the one set and opposing vibration damping devices in another set are connected each other in a lateral direction by lateral connection members between each of the sets. Further, the vibration damping devices of each of the sets are connected each other in a vertical direction by the vertical connection members respectively in each of the sets.


A personal content stream comprising a plurality of videos is generated for a user. The user selects topics used in the generation of a personal content stream. The plurality of user selected topics is expanded to include topics related to one or more of the user selected topics. Each of the topics in the expanded plurality of topics includes a topic weight. Videos are selected that are related to one or more of the expanded plurality of topics to generate a plurality of stream videos. Additional videos are selected and added to the plurality of stream videos as the user watches videos. The topic weights are adjusted during video playback based on feedback from the user.

1. Field of Disclosure
The disclosure generally relates to modifying personal content streams based on content consumption.
2. Description of the Related Art
Content hosting services generally attempt to present content that is generally of interest to its users. Most services present such content in various predefined categories, such as sports, music, automotive, comedy, animation, and so forth. Content, whether user generated or from third parties, is placed into these predefined categories using either manual or automated methods. However, users' interests may not correspond to the predefined categories, thus making it more difficult for users to find content in which they are interested.

Updating personal content streams based on feedback


The compositions and methods of the invention provide a convenient means for systemically administering an integrin receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically effective amount thereof to a patient by introducing the antagonist, in an ophthalmic formulation, to the patient's eye.

The invention concerns a means for delivering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of an integrin receptor antagonist such as a fibrinogen receptor (.alpha..sub.II .beta..sub.3, also referred to as GP IIb/IIIa) antagonist or a vitronectin receptor (.alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3) antagonist.
Integrins constitute an extended family ("superfamily") of membrane receptors interacting with adhesive proteins in plasma and extracellular matrix and with other membrane receptors (counter-receptors). The name "integrin" implies that they integrate the ligands on the outside of the cell with the cytoskeletal apparatus in the inside of the cell. Integrin receptors consist of a noncovalently lined Ca.sup.2+ -dependent, heterodimeric glycoprotein complex composed of .alpha. and .beta. subunits.
The eight known integrin .alpha. subunits give rise to eight families in which one "founder" .beta. subunit forms heterodimers with different .alpha. subunits. There are at least 14 known .alpha. subunits. Among them .alpha..sub.v ("v" stands for association with the vitronectin receptor) seems to be most promiscuous, forming liaisons with six different .beta. subunits. Receptors belonging to the .beta..sub.1 and .beta..sub.3 families are expressed in endothelial cells. The .beta..sub.1 family, also named Very Late Antigens (VLA), is represented by the fibronectin receptor (.alpha..sub.5 .beta..sub.1, or VLA-5), the collagen receptor (.alpha..sub.2 .beta..sub.1, or VLA-2) and the laminin receptor (.alpha..sub.6 .beta..sub.1). The .beta..sub.3 family is represented by the vitronectin receptor (.alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3), which is structurally similar (the same .beta..sub.3 subunit) to the platelet integrin receptor for fibrinogen, glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (.alpha..sub.IIb .beta..sub.3). The functional difference between these two receptors is that the platelet receptor recognizes the .gamma. chain domain (HHLGGAKQAGDV) of human fibrinogen and the endothelial vitronectin receptor does not. Both recognize the sequence R-G-D identified as the cell adhesion site of fibronectin, vitronectin, vWf, and the .alpha. chain of human fibrinogen. Therefore, synthetic peptides containing the R-G-D sequence cause detachment of endothelial cells from the extracellular in matrix in vitro.
The final obligatory step in platelet aggregation is the binding of fibrinogen to an activated membrane-bound glycoprotein complex, GP IIb/IIIa (.alpha..sub.II .beta..sub.3). Platelet activators such as thrombin, collagen, epinephrine or ADP, are generated as an outgrowth of tissue damage. During activation, GP IIb/IIIa undergoes changes in conformation that result in exposure of occult binding sites for fibrinogen. There are six putative recognition sites within fibrinogen for GP IIb/IIIa and thus fibrinogen can potentially act as a hexavalent ligand to crossing GP IIb/IIIa molecules on adjacent platelets. A deficiency in either fibrinogen or GP IIb/IIIa prevents normal platelet aggregation regardless of the agonist used to activate the platelets. Since the binding of fibrinogen to its platelet receptor is an obligatory component of normal aggregation, GP IIb/IIIa is an attractive target for an antithrombotic agent.
The snake venom proteins, termed disintegrins, have provided important structural information for identifying fibrinogen receptor antagonists, but their antigenicity has limited their development as therapeutic agents (Cook et al. ibid.; and Cox et al. ibid.). Integrilin is a cyclic peptide that is based on the KGD sequence in the snake venom protein barbourin (Cook et al. ibid.; and Cox et al. ibid.). It inhibits ligand binding to GPIIa/IIIa but has very little effect on ligand binding to .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3. Among the non-peptide compounds are Ro 44-9883 and MK-383, which are administered intravenously, and are also selective for GPIIb/IIIa (Cook et al. ibid.; and Cox et al. ibid.). Orally active agents include SC54684, which is a prodrug (i.e., it requires biotransformation in vivo to its active form) with high oral bioavailability and Ro 43-8857, GR144053, and DMP728, which are themselves the active inhibitors (Cook et al. ibid.; and Cox et al. ibid.). Literally thousands of other compounds have been synthesized in an attempt to obtain optimal potency, metabolic stability, receptor specificity, and favorable intravascular survival. Despite variations in these compounds, virtually of all of them retain the basic charge relations of the RGD sequence with a positive charge separated from a negative charge by approximately 10-20 .ANG. (Cook et al. ibid.; and Cox et al. ibid.).
Since .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 is found on endothelial cells, and perhaps smooth muscle cells (Felding-Habermann et al. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 1993; 5:864-868), there are many potential sites of action. Recently Choi et al. demonstrated that a peptide that blocks .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 prevented intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury in the rat (Choi et al. J. Vasc. Surg. 1994; 19:125-134), and Matsuno et al. demonstrated that a peptide that reacts with GPIIIb/IIIa and .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 prevents neointima formation in the hamster (Matsuno et al. Circulation 1994; 90:2203-2206). Whether the peptide used by Choi et al. also inhibited rat platelet GPIIb/IIIa is not known.
Vitronectin (serum spreading factor or S protein) is a 75-kDa glycoprotein found in plasma (500 .mu.g/mL) and in extracellular matrix, including endothelial cell subendothelium (Barnes et al. J. Biol. Chem. 258; 12548 (1983); Hayman et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80; 4003, (1983); and Preissner et al. Blood 71; 1381 (1986)). Endothelial cells express a surface receptor for vitronectin and bind vitronectin (Fitzgerald et al. Biochemistry 26: 8158 (1987); Cheresh et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84; 6471 (1989); Cheng et al. J. Cell Physiol. 139; 275 (1989); Preissner et al. ibid.; and Polack et al. Blood 73; 1519 (1989)). Vitronectin mediates attachment and spreading of endothelial cells, the development of focal adhesion plaques, and clustering of the vitronectin receptor (Dejana et al. Blood 75; 1509 (1990); Dejana et al. J. Cell Biol. 107;1215 (1988); Dejana et al. Blood 71;566 (1988); Charo et al. J. Biol. Chem. 262;9935 (1987); Cheresh et al. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 84;6471, (1987); Cheng et al. J. Cell Physiol. 139;275 (1989); Barnes et al. J. Biol. Chem. 258:12548 (1983); Hayman et al. J. Cell Biol. 95;20 (1982)). Vitronectin is also found in platelets and is released when platelets are activated; vitronectin then binds to platelets, probably to GP IIIb-IIIa (Barnes et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80;1362 (1983)). Vitronectin thus acts as a subendothelial attachment factor for both endothelial cells and platelets. Vitronectin also mediates the adherence of group A and G streptococci to endothelial cells.
Compounds which are .alpha.v.beta.3 antagonists are useful for inhibiting bone resorption, treating and preventing osteoporosis, and inhibiting vascular restenosis, diabetic retinopathy, angiogenesis, artherosclerosis and tumor metastasis.
Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells of up to 400 .mu.m in diameter that resorb mineralized tissue, chiefly calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate, in vertebrates. They are actively motile cells that migrate along the surface of bone. They can bind to bone, secrete necessary acids and proteases and thereby cause the actual resorption of mineralized tissue from the bone.
More specifically, osteoclasts are believed to exist in at least two physiological states. In the secretory state, osteoclasts are flat, attach to the bone matrix via a tight attachment zone (sealing zone), become highly polarized, form a ruffled border, and secrete lysosomal enzymes and acids to resorb bone. The adhesion of osteoclasts to bone surfaces is an important initial step in bone resorption. In the migratory or motile state, the osteoclasts migrate across bone matrix and do not take part in resorption until they attach again to bone.
Integrins are transmembrane, heterodimeric, glycoproteins which interact with extracellular matrix and are involved in osteoclast attachment, activation and migration. The most abundant integrin in osteoclasts (rat, chicken, mouse and human) is the vitronectin receptor, or .alpha.v.beta.3, thought to interact in bone with matrix proteins that contain the RGD sequence. Antibodies to .alpha.v.beta.3 block bone resorption in vitro indicating that this integrin plays a key role in the resorptive process. There is increasing evidence to suggest that .alpha.v.beta.3 ligands can be used effectively to inhibit osteoclast mediated bone resorption in vivo in mammals.
The current major bone diseases of public concern are osteoporosis, hypercalcemia of malignancy, osteopenia due to bone metastases, periodontal disease, hyperparathyroidism, periarticular erosions in rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease, immobilization-induced osteopenia, and glucocorticoid treatment.
Additionally, .alpha.v.beta.3 ligands have been found to be useful in treating and/or inhibiting restenosis (recurrence of stenosis after angioplasty or corrective surgery on the heart valve), artherosclerosis, diabetic retinopathy and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). Moreover, it has been postulated that the growth of tumors depends on an adequate blood supply, which in turn is dependent on the growth of new vessels into the tumor; thus, inhibition of angiogenesis can cause tumor regression in animal models. (See, Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 12th ed., 1991). .alpha.v.beta.3 antagonists, which inhibit angiogenesis, are therefore useful in the treatment of cancer for inhibiting tumor growth. (See e.g., Brooks et al., Cell, 79:1157-1164 (1994)).
Oral integrin receptor antagonists are readily absorbed when a patient consumes them on an empty stomach. However, it has been recently observed that absorption and bioavailability of oral integrin receptor antagonists, when taken with food, may be reduced by the presence of food in the stomach. The present compositions and methods provide a means for systemically delivering to a patient therapeutically effective amounts of integrin receptor antagonists.

Methods for administering integrin receptor antagonists


An area defense mine has an orientable launch tube to fire a projectile at any bearing angle. The projectile contains at least one explosive charge, an arrangement for spinning the projectile about an axis of rotation and a device for detecting a target. The launch tube is orientable according to at least two different angles of sight. An arrangement for positioning the projectile in the launch tube allows the projectile to be positioned on a sabot of the tube in such fashion that the axis of rotation of the projectile remains oriented at a given axis whatever the angle of sight selected. Such a mine can be used either in a short-range or in a medium-range operating mode.

The present invention relates to an area defense mine of the type comprising an orientable launch tube to launch a projectile at some bearing angle and an observation system to detect a target in the effective area of the mine. The projectile contains at least one explosive charge, an arrangement for rotating the projectile around one axis thereof, and a target detection device.
In general, an area defense mine allows a target such as a tank to be attacked within a radius of a few tens to a few hundreds of meters, the radius sweeping a surface area corresponding to the effective area or operational range of the mine.
To attack a target, one generally envisages a mine with an omnidirectional or directional attack system.
In an omnidirectional attack system, a detection device carried on board the projectile sweeps the total effective area of the mine. The projectile is generally fired vertically and made to spin about a vertical axis so that the projectile detection device sweeps the ground in a spiral-shaped curve called a footprint. The mine is then used in the short-range operating mode, namely the radius of action of the mine is a few tens of meters.
A mine with an omnidirectional attack system is described in particular in document FR-2,641,071 which relates to a projectile self-propelled by an improved rocket engine.
In a directional attack system, the detection device carried on board the projectile sweeps only a sector of the effective area of the mine, so that the mine's observation system must first determine the bearing angle of the target in order for the projectile launch tube to be oriented at this angle. The projectile is generally fired at an angle of elevation between 45.degree. and 60.degree.. The projectile moves along a curved trajectory and its detection device sweeps the ground in a curve corresponding to the combination of a spiral and the projection onto the ground of the velocity vector of the projectile. In this case, the mine is used in a medium-range operating mode, i.e., the action radius of the mine is on the order of a few hundred meters.
A mine of this type is described in particular in document FR-2,607,585 where the projectile is self-propelled and made to spin about the roll axis, and in document FR-2,646,232 where the projectile is self-propelled and made to spin about an axis identical to the projectile launch axis.


An electronic device includes: a PHLCT circuit (15), which includes an input signal DCT coefficient computation module configured to compute DCT coefficients of an input signal of a subject block region in a plurality of block regions and block regions adjacent to the subject block region, respectively, an offset function DCT coefficient computation module configured to compute DCT coefficients of a gradient offset function, which offsets the gradient of the input signal at a block boundary between each subject block region and its adjacent block regions from the DCT coefficients of the input signal, and a residual computation module configured to compute a residual of the DCT coefficients of the input signal and the DCT coefficients of the gradient offset function; a quantization circuit configured to quantize the residual to obtain compressed data; and an entropy coding circuit (17) configured to encode the compressed data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic devices such as a data compression apparatus and a data decompression apparatus, which are used for compressing and decompressing data including various data such as image data and audio data, and an electronic device and system including at least one of these data compression apparatus and data decompression apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention pertains to a data compression method and a data decompression method using the electronic devices and the system, and a data compression program and a data decompression program for controlling the electronic devices and the system.
2. Background-Art
The Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) standard is the international standard for image compression technology that compresses still images. JPEG algorithms can be largely divided into two compression methodologies. The first methodology is based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT), and the second methodology is a spatial domain method performing the differential PCM (DPCM) in the two-dimensional image space.
The DCT is the basis for an algorithm adapted for the present invention and can acquire sufficient decoded image quality even with a small number of bits although it has a lossy coding characteristic of generally not perfectly reconstructing an original image. On the other hand, the spatial domain method is a function added as a standard for implementing a lossless coding characteristic of perfectly reconstructing an original image with low compressibility. The DCT is further divided into a baseline process (baseline system), which is an essential function, and an extended DCT process (extended system), which is an optional function. The baseline process is an algorithm based on the adaptive discrete cosine transform coding (ADCT), and is the required minimum function for all coders/decoders implementing the DCT. Image compression in the baseline process is carried out for each image data block of 8×8 pixels.
Currently, as such, most of the standard digital image compression formats are based on DCT in block units. Compressibility by definition is dependent on convergence rate of DCT coefficients since these methods are based on the cosine series approximation. In general, compressibility decreases when the convergence of DCT coefficients is slow. Furthermore, quantization error of the DCT coefficients increases as coding rate (bit rate) decreases, and deterioration of reconstructed images such as blocking artifact cannot be ignored.

Data compression-decompression method, program, and electronic device

National University Corporation Shizuoka University

The Regents of The University of California


A connector for mechanically and electrically connecting devices such that the devices can pivot about two different axes relative to one another.

There are many instances where two or more devices are electrically connected to one another and, in addition, are mechanically connected such that the devices are movable relative to one another. Notebook computers, for example, include a display housing which supports the display and a main housing which supports the keyboard and houses various operating components. Typically, the display housing is pivotally connected to the main housing with a hinge, and is electrically connected to the main housing with a cable. The cable runs from the main housing to the display housing and is mechanically connected to the appropriate devices within the main housing and the display housing. More recently, notebook computers with display housings that are electrically, pivotally and rotatively connected to the main housing have also been proposed.
The inventor herein has determined that conventional arrangements for electrically, pivotally and rotatively connecting two or more devices (such as the display housing and main housing in a notebook computer) are susceptible to improvement. For example, the inventor named in the present application has determined that the use of a single cable that runs from the main housing to the display housing limits the rotational movement of the connected devices.

Connector and apparatus including the same

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A processing system configured to detect large objects includes a sensor module with sensor circuitry coupled to transmitter electrodes and receiver electrodes, and configured to transmit transmitter signals with the transmitter electrode and receive resulting signals with the receiver electrodes, the resulting signals including effects corresponding to transmitter signals. The processing system further includes a determination module configured to determine a transition condition is present using a capacitive image, based on the resulting signals, having capacitive pixel values, and operate in large object mode based on the transition condition being present.

Input devices such as touch screens are used in a variety of devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, monitors, televisions, handheld gaming devices, and many other devices. Touch screens are able to detect a large variety of inputs, and use that information to perform many different functions.

Face detection with transcapacitive sensing


This disclosure concerns nucleic acid molecules and methods of use thereof for control of coleopteran pests through RNA interference-mediated inhibition of target coding and transcribed non-coding sequences in coleopteran pests. The disclosure also concerns methods for making transgenic plants that express nucleic acid molecules useful for the control of coleopteran pests, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is one of the most devastating corn rootworm species in North America and is a particular concern in corn-growing areas of the Midwestern United States. The northern corn rootworm (NCR), Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence, is a closely-related species that co-inhabits much of the same range as WCR. There are several other related subspecies of Diabrotica that are significant pests in North America: the Mexican corn rootworm (MCR), D. virgifera zeae Krysan and Smith; the southern corn rootworm (SCR), D. undecimpunctata howardi Barber; D. balteata LeConte; D. undecimpunctata tenella; and D. u. undecimpunctata Mannerheim. The United States Department of Agriculture currently estimates that corn rootworms cause $1 billion in lost revenue each year, including $800 million in yield loss and $200 million in treatment costs.
Both WCR and NCR are deposited in the soil as eggs during the summer. The insects remain in the egg stage throughout the winter. The eggs are oblong, white, and less than 0.004 inch (0.010 cm) in length. The larvae hatch in late May or early June, with the precise timing of egg hatching varying from year to year due to temperature differences and location. The newly hatched larvae are white worms that are less than 0.125 inch (0.318 cm) in length. Once hatched, the larvae begin to feed on corn roots. Corn rootworms go through three larval instars. After feeding for several weeks, the larvae molt into the pupal stage. They pupate in the soil, and then they emerge from the soil as adults in July and August. Adult rootworms are about 0.25 inch (0.635 cm) in length.
Corn rootworm larvae complete development on corn and several other species of grasses. Larvae reared on yellow foxtail emerge later and have a smaller head capsule size as adults than larvae reared on corn. Ellsbury et al. (2005) Environ. Entomol. 34:627-34. WCR adults feed on corn silk, pollen, and kernels on exposed ear tips. If WCR adults emerge before corn reproductive tissues are present, they may feed on leaf tissue, thereby slowing plant growth and occasionally killing the host plant. However, the adults will quickly shift to preferred silks and pollen when they become available. NCR adults also feed on reproductive tissues of the corn plant, but in contrast rarely feed on corn leaves.
Most of the rootworm damage in corn is caused by larval feeding. Newly hatched rootworms initially feed on fine corn root hairs and burrow into root tips. As the larvae grow larger, they feed on and burrow into primary roots. When corn rootworms are abundant, larval feeding often results in the pruning of roots all the way to the base of the corn stalk. Severe root injury interferes with the roots' ability to transport water and nutrients into the plant, reduces plant growth, and results in reduced grain production, thereby often drastically reducing overall yield. Severe root injury also often results in lodging of corn plants, which makes harvest more difficult and further decreases yield. Furthermore, feeding by adults on the corn reproductive tissues can result in pruning of silks at the ear tip. If this "silk clipping" is severe enough during pollen shed, pollination may be disrupted.
Control of corn rootworms may be attempted by crop rotation, chemical insecticides, biopesticides (e.g., the spore-forming gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis), or a combination thereof. Crop rotation suffers from the significant disadvantage of placing unwanted restrictions upon the use of farmland. Moreover, oviposition of some rootworm species may occur in soybean fields, thereby mitigating the effectiveness of crop rotation practiced with corn and soybean.
Chemical insecticides are the most heavily relied upon strategy for achieving corn rootworm control. Chemical insecticide use, though, is an imperfect corn rootworm control strategy; over $1 billion may be lost in the United States each year due to corn rootworm when the costs of the chemical insecticides are added to the costs of the rootworm damage that may occur despite the use of the insecticides. High populations of larvae, heavy rains, and improper application of the insecticide(s) may all result in inadequate corn rootworm control. Furthermore, the continual use of insecticides may select for insecticide-resistant rootworm strains, as well as raise significant environmental concerns due to the toxicity of many of them to non-target species.
RNA interference (RNAi) is a process utilizing endogenous cellular pathways, whereby an interfering RNA (iRNA) molecule (e.g., a dsRNA molecule) that is specific for all, or any portion of adequate size, of a target gene sequence results in the degradation of the mRNA encoded thereby. In recent years, RNAi has been used to perform gene "knockdown" in a number of species and experimental systems; for example, Caenorhabitis elegans, plants, insect embryos, and cells in tissue culture. See, e.g., Fire et al. (1998) Nature 391:806-11; Martinez et al. (2002) Cell 110:563-74; McManus and Sharp (2002) Nature Rev. Genetics 3:737-47.
RNAi accomplishes degradation of mRNA through an endogenous pathway including the DICER protein complex. DICER cleaves long dsRNA molecules into short fragments of approximately 20 nucleotides, termed small interfering RNA (siRNA). The siRNA is unwound into two single-stranded RNAs: the passenger strand and the guide strand. The passenger strand is degraded, and the guide strand is incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Micro inhibitory ribonucleic acid (miRNA) molecules may be similarly incorporated into RISC. Post-transcriptional gene silencing occurs when the guide strand binds specifically to a complementary sequence of an mRNA molecule and induces cleavage by Argonaute, the catalytic component of the RISC complex. This process is known to spread systemically throughout the organism despite initially limited concentrations of siRNA and/or miRNA in some eukaryotes such as plants, nematodes, and some insects.
Only transcripts complementary to the siRNA and/or miRNA are cleaved and degraded, and thus the knock-down of mRNA expression is sequence-specific. In plants, several functional groups of DICER genes exist. The gene silencing effect of RNAi persists for days and, under experimental conditions, can lead to a decline in abundance of the targeted transcript of 90% or more, with consequent reduction in levels of the corresponding protein.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,612,194, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0050860 and 2010/0192265, disclose a library of 9112 expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences isolated from D. v. virgifera LeConte pupae. It is suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 7,612,194 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0050860 to operably link to a promoter a nucleic acid molecule that is complementary to one of several particular partial sequences of D. v. virgifera vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) disclosed therein for the expression of anti-sense RNA in plant cells. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0192265 suggests operably linking a promoter to a nucleic acid molecule that is complementary to a particular partial sequence of a D. v. virgifera gene of unknown and undisclosed function (the partial sequence is stated to be 58% identical to C56C10.3 gene product in C. elegans) for the expression of anti-sense RNA in plant cells.
No further suggestion is provided in these publications to use any particular sequence of the more than nine thousand sequences listed therein for RNA interference, other than the several particular partial sequences of V-ATPase and the particular partial sequence of a gene of unknown function. Furthermore, none of U.S. Pat. No. 7,612,194, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0050860 and 2010/0192265 provides any guidance as to which other of the over nine thousand sequences provided would be lethal, or even otherwise useful, in species of corn rootworm when used as dsRNA or siRNA. The overwhelming majority of these sequences are not lethal in species of corn rootworm when used as dsRNA or siRNA. For example, Baum et al. (2007) Nat. Biotech. 25(11):1322-6, describe the effects of inhibiting several WCR gene targets by RNAi. These authors reported that 8 of 26 target genes they tested were not able to provide experimentally significant coleopteran pest mortality at a very high iRNA (e.g., dsRNA) concentration of more than 520 ng/cm2.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Nucleic acid molecules that target RPS6 and confer resistance to coleopteran pests


A controller 100 updates data LVLm indicative of a level section of an input audio signal and controls a reference level Vr based on a signal CMP representative of a comparison result between the input audio signal and the reference level Vr, and further, controls gains of electronic volumes 10L and 10R in such a manner that these gains become such gains corresponding to the level section of the input audio signal. In this case, the level sections of the input audio signals are related to the gains in such a manner that levels of output signals of the electronic volumes do not exceed a previously set output amplitude upper limit level.

The present invention is related to an automatic gain control circuit suitably used to control a gain of an audio appliance.
In general, automatic gain control circuits (will be referred to as "AGC circuits" hereinafter) have been provided at a pre-stage of a power amplifier in output stage of an audio appliance such as speaker reproducing apparatus and recording apparatus. The above-described AGC circuit is a circuit equipped with a function capable of controlling a gain when input audio signals are amplified in order that even under such a condition that peak levels of waveforms of the input audio signals are varied, the input audio signals are amplified in proper levels and then the amplified input audio signals having the proper levels are supplied to a power amplifier. There are some possibilities that this sort of AGC circuits are employed as means for preventing occurrences of clips in power amplifiers employed in output stages of audio apparatuses. It should be understood that these AGC circuits are disclosed in, for instance, JP-A-9-93063, and JP-A-2000-106511. Further, the clip preventing technique using the AGC circuit is disclosed in JP-A-2000-106511.
On the other hand, the clip preventing techniques utilizing the conventional AGC circuits are described in, for example, JP-A-2000-106511 as the conventional technical idea. That is, in JP-A-2000-106511, temporal averaged values of output signal voltages of a power amplifier are detected; and a gain of an amplifier provided at a prestige of the power amplifier is fed back in a negative feedback control manner in such a manner that the detected averaged value becomes constant in order that peak levels of output signal waveforms of the power amplifier may be converged to such a level lower than, or equal to a clip level. Although such utilization modes of these AGC circuits have merits to prevent clips, there is such a problem that since non-linear elements such as VCA and the like are used, the output signals of the power amplifiers are distorted.
Further, in the AGC circuits, it is required to set an attack time and a release time to an appropriate length according to the application of the AGC circuits. The attack time is a time for lowering a gain of the amplifier in response to a level of the input audio signal when the level increases, and the release time is a time for increasing the gain of the amplifier in response to the level of the input audio signal when the level is decreased. In the related art, in the case that the AGC circuit is implemented by a semiconductor integrated circuit, a time constant circuit having a time constant in response to the attack time and the release time is externally provided to the AGC circuit which is the semiconductor integrated circuit so that the AGC circuit performs an operation for obtaining the attack time and the release time. Therefore, number of parts of the whole audio appliance including the AGC circuit increased, and thereby increasing the cost. Further, the time constant of the time constant circuit may be sensitive to the temperature and may change over time. Thus, if this circuit is used or the AGC circuit, the problem arises in which stabilities of the attack time and the release are poor.


The roller can be suitably used for a guide section of a moving unit capable of moving a heavy matter without enormously increasing rigidity of a rail and is capable of reducing weight and production cost of the moving unit. The roller comprises: a tubular core having an outer circumferential face, in which a groove section is formed; and a resin coat section continuously coating the outer circumferential face of the tubular core, an inner face of the groove section, both ends of the tubular core and at least parts of an inner circumferential face thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a roller of a moving body, which rolls on a rail so as to move the moving body along the rail, a moving body having the roller, and a method of producing the roller.
2. Description of Background Art
A conventional roller (roller unit) used in a linear drive unit is disclosed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2000-120672. The conventional roller is shown in FIG. 8.
As shown in FIG. 8, the roller unit has a roller member 69, which further acts as an outer retainer. The roller member 69 is made of ceramic and has an outer circumferential face including a rolling face 69c, which contacts a guide face of a linear motion mechanism. Orbital faces 69a and 69b for guiding spherical bodies (balls) 67 are formed in an inner circumferential face of the roller member 69.
Inner retainers 62 and 63 of the roller unit are fitted to one end of a fixed shaft 61. The balls 67 are held between the roller member 69 and the inner retainers 62 and 63. With this structure, the roller member 69 can be freely rotated.
Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2000-120672 further discloses a roller unit including a roller member made of a ferrous material, which contacts a rail (see paragraph 0002 and FIG. 2).
The roller member, whose surface contacting the rail is composed of ceramic or metal, has superior rigidity and abrasion resistance. Therefore, in case of linearly conveying a heavy matter, e.g., 50 kg-several hundred kg, the heavy matter can be smoothly linearly moved without deforming the roller member.
In case of linearly moving a light matter, e.g., 20 kg or less, the surface of the roller member may be composed of synthetic resin.
Japanese Patent Gazette No. 11-351249 discloses a roller unit for linearly moving a relatively light matter, e.g., a slide door of an automobile. A surface of a roller is composed of synthetic resin. The roller unit is shown in FIG. 9.
In the roller unit A shown in FIG. 9, a metallic roller bearing 82 is attached to a shaft 81. Circular grooves 89 are formed in an outer circumferential face of an outer retainer 85 of the roller bearing 82, and a resin coat section 83 composed of synthetic resin is formed, by insert molding, so as to continuously cover the outer circumferential face of the outer retainer 85 and both end faces thereof.
The roller unit A shown in FIG. 9 has the resin coat section 83, which contacts a rail, so that a moving body can be smoothly guided. Further, the circular grooves 89 are formed in the outer circumferential face of the outer retainer 85 and the resin coat section 83 engages with the circular grooves 89, so that the resin coat section 83 can be securely fitted to the roller bearing 82.
However, in the conventional roller shown in FIG. 8, the surface of the roller is composed of ceramic or metal, so the rail will be easily abraded or damaged by the roller. To solve this problem, rigidity of the rail must be increased. By increasing the rigidity of the rail, weight and production cost of the roller unit must be increased.
On the other hand, in the conventional roller shown in FIG. 9, if the roller unit is used to linearly move a heavy matter, e.g., 50 kg-several hundred kg, the resin coat section 83 is deformed by the weight of the heavy matter. By deforming the resin coat section 83, dynamic resistance of the moving unit must be enormously increased and the resin coat section 83 will be detached from the circular grooves 89 or broken.
Generally, a roller having a resin coat section has problems of easily deforming, detaching and breaking the resin coat section, so the roller is not suitable for moving heavy matters.

Roller, moving unit and method of producing roller


An article of protective clothing designed for protection against blast has first sheet (11) of solid material backed by a second sheet (12) of pneumatic material. The physical properties and dimensions of the two sheet (11, 12) being such that an acoustic decoupling effect is provided which greatly reduces the pressure wave effect on the body of a person wearing the clothing. The first sheet (11) might by of GRP. 9 mm thick with an areal density of 20 kg/square meter and a second sheet (12) of pneumatic material having a nominal thickness of 20 mm. 94% air content and a density of 45 kg cubic meter.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to protective clothing.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Many types of protective clothing, for use in environments where a wearer may be exposed to fragments or bullets, are known. Efforts have been made to improve the performance of such armour against the effects of air blast (shock, or pressure, waves). However, no protective clothing has yet been developed which is truly effective against shock waves in air.
The effect of blast (which is the direct impact of a shock wave) on a person's body has two effects, namely gross deformation of the body and the transmission of a high velocity stress wave through the body tissue.
It has, in the past, been thought that the lung and bowel injury resulting from the shock wave was caused by deformation of the body, and the design of protective clothing has been based on this premise. It has now been discovered that, in fact, the main damage is caused by the direct coupling of shock waves into the body. This explains the fact that neither solid nor resilient protective clothing have been able to provide the expected protection. Solid clothing contacting a body allows direct transmission of pressure waves, and resilient material, such as foam, may well give an acoustic coupling effect which, as has been discovered, increases the internal injury.

The Secretary of the State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland


An air duct is secured in a projector. The air duct is configured to help a fan module to cool a light emitting module. The fan module defines an air vent. Each side of the light emitting module defines an opening. The air duct defines a hollow cavity. Two ends of the cavity respectively define an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is aligned with the air vent and the air outlet is aligned with the opening. The airflow passes through the air vent and the air inlet to enter into the cavity. Then, the airflow passes through the air outlet and the opening to enter into the light emitting module. Finally, the airflow goes out from another opening to dissipate the heat of the light emitting module.

In projectors, the temperature of the light emitting module is high and causes a great deal of heat. In order to quickly dissipate the heat a fan is installed to cool the light emitting module. However, because the interior of the projector is often crowded, the airflow driven by the fan cannot directly enter into the light emitting module.


A method for operating a motor vehicle after receiving an acceleration signal in which the motor vehicle power train includes first and the second torque transmission devices connected to first and second subgears. The operational method includes selecting and engaging a predetermined target gear in one of the two subgears and selection and engagement of a predetermined intermediate target gear, in the other of the two subgears, while the power train continues to remain engaged. The intermediate target gear is so chosen that it will be higher than the target gear, so that the rpm of the gear input shaft of the target subgear, will be greater than the rpm of the gear input shaft of the intermediate target subgear, in which the current gear is engaged.

Automated gears for motor vehicles are already known. Such automated gears have an electronic control unit or an electronic control to control gear change processes. As a rule, this electronic control unit or this electronic control is in a signal connection with one or several actors. Such actors as a rule in each case have an electric motor. Furthermore, the actors can be hydraulic or pneumatic switching cylinders that are impacted with pressure by a pressure supply unit by means of a corresponding circuit arrangement of valves. The electronic control unit or the electronic control will then trigger these actors in that, for example, the electric motors or the power supply of such electric motors or valves and their pressure supply devices will be impacted with the corresponding control signals. These actors can then be used to engage and disengage gears. It is furthermore known that clutches, such as starter clutches or the like, can be triggered electronically especially by means of electrical, hydraulic, or hydrostatic actors, specifically, also in the context of the engagement and disengagement of gears and/or for interrupting or locking the power train of the motor vehicle or of segments or branches of the power train.
It is furthermore known that, in motor vehicle gear devices, and especially, in automated gears, one can precisely design a power train branch as, for example, in an automated gear shift (ASG) or several, especially two parallel connected power train branches, such as, for example, in a dual clutch gear (DKG) or a parallel gear box (PSG) or automatic gear box that can be engaged or disengaged under load (uninterruptible gear box; USG) or in an automated gear box supported by an electrical machine (ESG).
Applicant—at least in-house—furthermore knows that, to improve driving comfort in the case of automated gears, depending on practical application, in several or all gears, the drive train is opened by the clutch or by the clutches, the moment the driver turns on traction operation, for instance, by reducing the driver pedal position or when driving downhill, in order to prevent the motor or the combustion engine from being driven by the movement of the vehicle. Consequently, the engine rpm will drop, while the input shaft rpm will follow the speed that will be set while the vehicle rolls. This functional mode is referred to as free wheels or neutral idle.
In current uses—which are known to the applicant at least on an in-house basis—the gear selection during free wheels or neutral idle is not changed; in other words, a target gear is always engaged which will ensure an input shaft rpm that will be definitely above the idling rpm (for a diesel engine, this would be typically 2,000+/−500 rpm). If the free wheels or neutral idle is to be left in the direction of traction operation, because the driver increases the load lifting position, then one can engage only after the engine rpm has risen above the input shaft rpm; otherwise, even though the driver would like to accelerate, it would, for a short time, first of all switch to thrust operation, in other words, the vehicle would be briefly decelerated.
Until the engine rpm has risen above the input shaft rpm, no moment is transmitted in the procedure just described, in other words, the vehicle is not accelerated either. The delay between the acceleration requirement for the actual onset of acceleration is felt to be a disturbing factor, especially in turbo-diesel engines whose rpm, on account of the special engine characteristic ("turbo gap"), even when the drive train is engaged, will react only relatively sluggishly to this increase in the driver pedal position. That makes the vehicle appear very inert. In known gear software for parallel gear boxes—known to the applicant at least on an in-house basis—both clutches are (almost) kept engaged in case of a requirement for acceleration during idling, until the engine rpm has risen above the rpm of the gear input shaft with the target gear engaged. Thereafter, for reasons of comfort, the clutch that belongs to the target gear is slowly closed and at the same time a negative engine moment engagement is performed in order to avoid any greater engine rpm overshoots. The complete engine moment, required by the driver, is available for the acceleration of the vehicle only definitely (typically about 1.5 seconds) after the pedal value has been increased.

Motor vehicle gear device as well as method for control of a motor vehicle

LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG


Based on operation information obtained from an operating device for pointing to a position on a screen of a display device, a pointing position to which the operating device points is repeatedly calculated. Next, a change amount of the pointing position is calculated. Then, whether or not the change amount of the pointing position meets a first condition is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the change amount of the pointing position meets the first condition, predetermined processing is executed for the pointing position or a position specified based on the pointing position.

Conventionally, there is known a game apparatus which starts a predetermined motion based on an operation with an input device equipped with an image pickup device (e.g. "DENGEKI DS&Wii Style Vol. 2", ASCII MEDIA WORKS Inc., released on Aug. 1, 2007, P28 (hereinafter, referred to as Non-Patent Document 1), "Shuukan Famitsu Aug. 3, 2007 edition", ENTERBRAIN INC., released on Aug. 3, 2007, P152 (hereinafter, referred to as Non-Patent Document 2), "Kadukeusu Z Futatsu No Choushittou instruction manual", ATLUS CO., LTD., released on Dec. 2, 2006, P25 (hereinafter, referred to as Non-Patent Document 3)). In games disclosed in the Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, an input device is used like a sword, and an enemy object displayed on a screen is cut by swinging the input device. By swinging the input device vertically, horizontally, and obliquely, three types of cutting attacks, "vertical cutting", "horizontal cutting", and "oblique cutting", can be performed according to the swinging direction. A trajectory of the sword in each cutting attack has an angle in accordance with the vertical, horizontal, or oblique swinging of the input device. When performing an operation for a cutting attack, the position of a "pointer" displayed on the screen can be locked by pressing a predetermined button (pointer lock). When the input device is swung in a state where the position of the pointer is locked, the position of the pointer becomes the center of a sword trajectory. When the pointer is not locked, a sword trajectory passes through the center of the screen.
Meanwhile, a game disclosed in the Non-Patent Document 3 is a surgery game in which an input device is used like a scalpel. For example, when the trunk of a patient is displayed on a screen and an operation for incising skin is performed, a marker indicating a part to be incised is displayed on the screen. Then, the operation for incision can be performed by moving a cursor along the marker with a button of a controller pressed. If the cursor can be moved not far from the marker, the incision is successfully made.
However, the above game apparatus have the following problems. In the games disclosed in the Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, when performing an operation for a cutting attack, if the pointer is not locked, a sword trajectory always passes through the center of the screen. Thus, if a cutting attack with a sword trajectory which does not pass through the center of the screen is desired, the pointer lock is necessary. In other words, a two-step operation need to be performed that a button operation is performed for the pointer lock and then the input device is swung. Therefore, unless an operation for the pointer lock is performed, it is impossible to cut a desired position. Further, because such a two-step operation is needed, there is a problem that a cutting attack operation cannot be performed quickly. Further, in the games disclosed in the Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, regardless of the length and the speed of swinging by a player, the sword trajectory of a cutting attack always extends linearly from end to end of the screen. In other words, for an effect (animation) for the sword trajectory which is to be displayed at the cutting attack, a pattern in accordance with a direction of vertical, horizontal, or oblique swinging is merely read out from among some predetermined sword trajectory patterns, and reproduced. Thus, it is impossible to perform an operation for cutting a part of the screen, not from end to end of the screen. Therefore, there is a problem that a cutting attack operation lacks a degree of freedom.
Meanwhile, in the game disclosed in the Non-Patent Document 3, it is possible to perform an operation for cutting only a part of the screen. However, the operation for incision in the game is an operation of moving the cursor along the marker displayed on the screen, and a position desired by a player cannot be freely cut by the operation for incision. Thus, similarly as in the games disclosed in the Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a problem that an operation for cutting a desired position lacks a degree of freedom.
Therefore, an object of certain example embodiments is to provide a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game program that enables operations with a higher degree of freedom, and a game apparatus that enables operations with a higher degree of freedom.
Certain example embodiments have the following features to attain the object mentioned above. It is noted that reference characters and supplementary explanations in parentheses are merely provided to facilitate the understanding in relation to the later-described embodiments, rather than limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.
A first aspect of certain example embodiments is directed to a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game program that is executed by a computer of a game apparatus for executing predetermined processing based on operation information that is obtained from an operating device for pointing to a position on a screen of a display device. The game program causes the computer to operate as: pointing position calculation means; change amount calculation means; first determination means; and processing execution means. The pointing position calculation means repeatedly calculates a pointing position to which the operating device points, based on the operation information. The change amount calculation means calculates a change amount of the pointing position. The first determination means determines whether or not the change amount of the pointing position meets a first condition. When it is determined by the first determination means that the change amount of the pointing position meets the first condition, the processing execution means executes predetermined processing for the pointing position or a position specified based on the pointing position.
According to the first aspect, when the change amount of the pointing position of the operating device meets a condition, processing can be executed for a position desired by a player, thereby providing the player with a game having a higher degree of freedom of operability.
In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the game program further causes the computer to operate as second determination means. The second determination means determines whether or not the change amount of the pointing position calculated by the change amount calculation means meets a second condition. The processing execution means starts execution of the predetermined processing when it is determined by the first determination means that the change amount of the pointing position meets the first condition, and ends the execution of the predetermined processing when it is determined by the second determination means that the change amount of the pointing position meets the second condition.
In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the first condition includes the change amount of the pointing position being equal to or larger than a first predetermined value, and the second condition includes the change amount of the pointing position being equal to or less than a second predetermined value.
According to the second and third aspects, arbitrary positions can be set as a start point and an end point for the processing, thereby providing a high degree of freedom of operability.
In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the game program further causes the computer to operate as in-screen pointing determination means for determining whether or not the pointing position is included in a range that is assigned as the screen. The processing execution means starts execution of the predetermined processing when: it is determined by the in-screen pointing determination means that the pointing position to which the operating device points is included in the range that is assigned as the screen; and it is determined by the first determination means that the change amount of the pointing position meets the first condition.
According to the fourth aspect, when the change amount of the pointing position of the operating device meets a condition, the predetermined processing can be executed with a position, in the screen, desired by the player being set as a start point.
In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, the game program further causes the computer to operate as in-screen pointing determination means for determining whether or not the pointing position is included in a range that is assigned as the screen. After starting execution of the predetermined processing, the processing execution means ends the execution of the predetermined processing when it is determined by the in-screen pointing determination means that the pointing position is not included in the range that is assigned as the screen.
According to the fifth aspect, when the player points to a position out of the screen after the predetermined processing is executed with a position, in the screen, desired by the player being set as a start point, the processing can be ended, thereby further enhancing operability.
In a sixth aspect based on the first aspect, the processing execution means draws a predetermined object at the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position.
In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the processing execution means draws a trajectory connecting in chronological order the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position.
According to the sixth and seventh aspects, it can be easy to make the player recognize a position in the screen for which the processing is executed.
In an eighth aspect based on the first aspect, the game program further causes the computer to operate as hit determination means. The hit determination means determines whether or not a predetermined target object exists at a position, in a virtual game space, corresponding to the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position. The processing execution means executes hit processing for the predetermined target object when it is determined by the hit determination means that the predetermined target object exists at the position, in the virtual game space, corresponding to the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position.
According to the eighth aspect, after the predetermined processing is started by the processing execution means, different processing can be further executed for the object through which the pointing position passes. Thus, for example, realistic feeling of an operation for "cutting" a predetermined object is enhanced, and hence the fun of the game can be enhanced.
In a ninth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the virtual game space is a virtual three-dimensional space, and the game program further causes the computer to operate as: three-dimensional coordinate calculation means; straight line calculation means; and straight line collision determination means. The three-dimensional coordinate calculation means calculates a three-dimensional coordinate that represents the position, in the virtual three-dimensional space, corresponding to the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position. The straight line calculation means calculates a straight line connecting a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space to the position that is represented by the three-dimensional coordinate calculated by the three-dimensional coordinate calculation means. The straight line collision determination means determines whether or not the straight line calculated by the straight line calculation means collides with the predetermined target object. When it is determined by the straight line collision determination means that the straight line collides with the predetermined target object, the processing execution means executes the hit processing for the predetermined target object with which the straight line collides.
According to the ninth aspect, a collision determination in the three-dimensional space can be easily performed, and a game with a greater sense of reality can be provided.
In a tenth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the game program further causes the computer to operate as: continuation parameter change means; and third determination means. When it is determined by the hit determination means that the predetermined target object exists, the continuation parameter change means changes a value of a continuation parameter that is a parameter for indicating whether or not the processing executed by the processing execution means continues. After execution of the predetermined processing is started by the processing execution means, the third determination means determines whether or not the value of the continuation parameter meets a third condition. When it is determined by the third determination means that the value of the continuation parameter meets the third condition, the processing execution means ends the execution of the predetermined processing started by the processing execution means.
According to the tenth aspect, even when the change amount of the pointing position does not meet the second condition, the processing started by the processing execution means can be ended, thereby further enhancing the fun of the game.
In an eleventh aspect based on the first aspect, the processing execution means includes movement direction calculation means and object movement means. The movement direction calculation means calculates a movement direction of a predetermined movement object in a virtual three-dimensional space, based on the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position. The object movement means moves the predetermined movement object in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the movement direction calculated by the movement direction calculation means.
According to the eleventh aspect, a predetermined object can be moved based on the pointing position on the screen. For example, in a game or the like set in a virtual three-dimensional space, when the player performs an operation for causing the player object to fire a bullet object of a shooting weapon, the bullet object can be moved based on the pointing position on the screen, thereby enabling an intuitive operation.
In a twelfth aspect based on the first aspect, the processing execution means includes: three-dimensional vector calculation means for calculating a three-dimensional vector indicative of a movement direction of a predetermined movement object in a virtual three-dimensional space, based on the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position; and object movement means for moving the predetermined movement object in the virtual three-dimensional space, based on the three-dimensional vector calculated by the three-dimensional vector calculation means.
In a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the movement direction calculation means: converts the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position into a three-dimensional coordinate that represents a position, in the virtual three-dimensional space, corresponding to the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position; and calculates, as the movement direction of the movement object, a direction from a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space toward the position that is represented by the three-dimensional coordinate.
According to the twelfth and thirteenth aspects, a pointing coordinate represented in a two-dimensional coordinate system is converted into a coordinate in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and then the movement object can be moved toward the coordinate represented in the three-dimensional coordinate system. Thus, a game with a greater sense of reality can be provided.
In a fourteenth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the processing execution means repeatedly executes the processing executed by the movement direction calculation means and the object movement means, until a predetermined condition is met.
In a fifteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the processing execution means repeatedly executes the processing executed by the movement direction calculation means and the object movement means, every predetermined time.
In a sixteenth aspect based on the fourteenth aspect, the processing execution means includes accumulation means for accumulating the change amount of the pointing position. The processing execution means repeatedly executes the processing executed by the movement direction calculation means and the object movement means, every time an accumulated value of the change amount reaches a predetermined value.
According to the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, a plurality of movement objects are consecutively moved at predetermined intervals, thereby enhancing the fun of the game.
In a seventeenth aspect based on the first aspect, the processing execution means includes: vector calculation means for calculating, based on the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position, a three-dimensional coordinate that represents a position, in a virtual three-dimensional space, corresponding to the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position, and calculating a vector having a start point at a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space and an end point at the three-dimensional coordinate; and extension object drawing means for drawing an object extending in a direction, in the virtual three-dimensional space, along the vector calculated by the vector calculation means.
According to the seventeenth aspect, for example, an attack such as a laser beam can be expressed, thereby further enhancing the fun of the game.
In an eighteenth aspect based on the first aspect, the processing execution means includes vector calculation means, straight line extension means, and collision determination means. The vector calculation means calculates, based on the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position, a three-dimensional coordinate that represents a position, in a virtual three-dimensional space, corresponding to the pointing position or the position specified based on the pointing position, and calculates a vector that extends from a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space toward the three-dimensional coordinate. The straight line extension means extends a straight line from the predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space along the vector calculated by the vector calculation means. The collision determination means determines whether or not a predetermined target object exists on the straight line extended by the straight line extension means. The processing execution means executes hit processing for the predetermined target object when it is determined by the collision determination means that the predetermined target object exists on the straight line.
According to the eighteenth aspect, a collision determination in the three-dimensional space can be easily performed, and a game with a greater sense of reality can be provided.
A nineteenth aspect of certain example embodiments is directed to a game apparatus for executing predetermined processing based on operation information that is obtained from an operating device for pointing to a position on a screen of a display device. The game apparatus includes pointing position calculation means, change amount calculation means, first determination means, and processing execution means. The pointing position calculation means repeatedly calculates a pointing position to which the operating device points, based on the operation information. The change amount calculation means calculates a change amount of the pointing position. The first determination means determines whether or not the change amount of the pointing position meets a first condition. When it is determined by the first determination means that the change amount of the pointing position meets the first condition, the processing execution means executes predetermined processing for the pointing position or a position specified based on the pointing position.
According to the nineteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.
According certain example embodiments, because a start point in the screen for the predetermined processing can be determined based on the change amount of the pointing position, it is possible to provide a game having a high degree of freedom of operability.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Computer-readable storage medium having stored game program therein, and game apparatus


An apparatus includes a monitor node and a first control node. The monitor node determines and broadcasts whether a non-system device is consuming an energy resource over a network. The first control node is coupled to the monitor node and a second control node via the network. The first control node has a node processor and a global schedule module. The node processor operates a first energy consuming device to maintain a first local environment. The global schedule module is coupled to the first node processor, and coordinates run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment, and energy consumption data broadcast by the monitor node.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to the field of resource management, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for coordinating the use of certain resources such that a peak demand of those resources is optimized.
2. Description of the Related Art
The problem with resources such as electrical power, water, fossil fuels, and their derivatives (e.g., natural gas) is that the generation and consumption of a resource both vary with respect to time. Further, the delivery and transport infrastructure limits instantaneous matching of generation and consumption. They are limited in supply and the demand for this limited supply is constantly fluctuating. As anyone who has participated in a rolling blackout will concur, the times are more and more frequent when resource consumers are forced to face the realities of limited resource supply.
Most notably, the electrical power generation and distribution community has begun to take proactive measures to protect limited instantaneous supplies of electrical power by imposing a demand charge on consumers in addition to their monthly usage charge. Heretofore, consumers merely paid for the total amount of power that they consumed over a billing period. Today most energy suppliers are not only charging customers for the total amount of electricity they have consumed over the billing period, but they are additionally charging them for their peak demand, that is the greatest amount of energy that they use during a measured period, typically on the order of minutes.
For example, consider a factory owner whose building includes 20 air conditioners, each consuming 10 KW when turned on. If they are all on at the same time, then the peak demand for that period is 200 KW. Not only does the energy supplier have to provide for instantaneous generation of this power in conjunction with loads exhibited by its other consumers, but the distribution network that supplies this peak power must be sized such that it delivers 200 KW.
So it is acceptable today that high peak demand consumers are required to pay a surcharge to offset the costs of peak energy generation and distribution. And the notion of peak demand charges, while presently being levied only to commercial electricity consumers and to selected residential consumers, is applicable to all residential consumers and consumers of other limited generation and distribution resources as well. Water and natural gas are prime examples of resources that will someday exhibit demand charges.
But consider in the facility example above that it is not time or comfort critical to run every air conditioning unit in the building at once. Run times can be staggered, perhaps, to mitigate peak demand. And this technique is what is presently employed in the industry to lower peak demand. There are very simple ways to stagger run times, and there are very complicated mechanisms that are employed to lower peak demand, but they all utilize variations of what is known in the art as deferral.
Stated simply, deferral means that some devices have to wait to run while other, perhaps higher priority, devices are allowed to run. Another form of deferral is to reduce the duty cycle (i.e., the percentage of the a device cycle that a device is on) of one or more devices in order to share the reduction in peak demand desired. What this means in the air conditioning example above is that some folks are going to be very uncomfortable while waiting for their turn to run, or that everyone in the facility is going to be mildly uncomfortable. And as one skilled in the art will appreciate, there is a zone of comfort beyond which productivity falls.
Virtually every system of resource consuming devices exhibits a margin of acceptable operation ("comfort zone" in the air conditioning example above) around which operation of the device in terms of start time, duration, and duty cycle can be deferred. But the present inventors have observed that present day techniques for controlling peak demand all involve delaying ("deferring") the start times and durations of devices and decreasing the duty cycles, thus in many instances causing local environments to operate outside of their acceptable operational margins. It is either too hot, too cold, not enough water, the motors are not running long enough to get the job done, and etc.
Accordingly, what is needed is an apparatus and method for managing peak demand of a resource that considers acceptable operational margins in determining when and how long individual devices in a system will run.
What is also needed is a technique for scheduling run times for devices in a controlled system that is capable of advancing the start times and durations of those devices, and that is capable of increasing the duty cycles associated therewith in order to reduce demand while concurrently maintaining operation within acceptable operational margins.
What is additionally needed is a mechanism for modeling and coordinating the operation of a plurality of devices in order to reduce peak demand of a resource, where both advancement and deferral are employed effectively to reduce demand and retain acceptable operational performance.
What is moreover needed is a demand coordination apparatus and method that employs adaptive modeling of local environments and anticipatory scheduling of run times in order to reduce peak demand while maintaining acceptable operation.
Furthermore, what is needed is a demand coordination mechanism that will perform reliably and deterministically in the presence of periodic network disruptions.
The present invention, among other applications, is directed to solving the above-noted problems and addresses other problems, disadvantages, and limitations of the prior art. The present invention provides a superior technique for managing and controlling the demand level of a given resource as that resource is consumed by a plurality of consuming devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling peak demand of a system of energy consuming devices is contemplated. The apparatus includes a monitor node and a first control node. The monitor node is coupled to a non-system energy consuming device and to a demand coordination network, and is configured to determine and broadcast whether the non-system device is consuming an energy resource. The first control node is coupled to a second control node and the monitor node via the demand coordination network. The first control node has a node processor and a global schedule module. The node processor is coupled to a first energy consuming device, and is configured to operate the first energy consuming device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first local environment by cycling on and off. The global schedule module is coupled to the first node processor, and is configured to coordinate run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device, where the coordination is based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment, and energy consumption data broadcast by the monitor node.
One aspect of the present invention contemplates an apparatus for controlling peak demand of a system of energy consuming devices. The apparatus includes a monitor node and a first control node. The monitor node is coupled to a non-system energy consuming device and to a demand coordination network, and is configured to determine and broadcast whether the non-system device is consuming an energy resource. The first control node is coupled to a second control node and the monitor node via the demand coordination network. The first control node has a node processor, a global schedule module, and a local schedule module. The node processor is coupled to a first energy consuming device, and is configured to operate the first energy consuming device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first local environment. The global schedule module is coupled to the first node processor, and is configured to coordinate run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device, where the coordination is based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment, and energy consumption data broadcast by the monitor node. The local schedule module is coupled to the node processor and the global schedule module, and is configured to direct the first energy consuming device to cycle on and off at appropriate times as a function of a device actuation schedule provided by the global schedule module.
Another aspect of the present invention comprehends a method for controlling peak demand of a system of energy consuming devices. The method includes coupling a monitor node, a first control node, and a second control node together via a demand coordination network; via the monitor node, determining and broadcasting whether a non-system device is consuming an energy resource; via the first control node, operating a first energy consuming device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first local environment by cycling on and off; and coordinating run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device, where the coordination is based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes respectively coupled to the first and second energy consuming devices, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment, and energy consumption data broadcast by the monitor node.

Apparatus and method for controlling peak energy demand based on a global schedule


An image output device includes a marking engine and a media path adjacent the marking engine. The media path has a media transportation direction and a media transport element (e.g., a nip drive, a belt drive, a suction drive, an air pressure drive, etc.) within the media path that moves the media along the media path in the media transportation direction. A drive motor is operatively connected to the media transport element. The drive motor provides drive force in a forward direction that causes the media transport element to move media along the media path in the media transportation direction. The drive motor can also provide the drive force in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction. A one-way drive transfer device (e.g., a one-way clutch, a one-way swing arm mechanism, etc.) is operatively connected to the drive motor. The one-way drive transfer device only transfers drive force from the drive motor when the drive motor operates in the reverse direction. The reverse direction drive of the motor, in conjunction with a one-way drive transfer device, can be used to perform the lock/unlock or the open/close of a jam clearance mechanism, baffle, or shield.

Embodiments herein generally relate to paper path baffles that open and close to allow jam clearance access. Such devices often have handles/latches that are used to lock and unlock the baffles. The baffles may need to be locked to prevent improper user access, to support nip loading contained in the baffles, or for other reasons. These handles/latches are usually operated via physical interaction from the user to lock and unlock the mechanism. For example, when a jam in printer is declared, the user is directed to unlatch and open the baffle in the jam region.
Conventional access to the jam clearance areas of a media path drive has been achieved by manually opening or removing portions of paper path baffles. Alternatively, portions of media path baffles could be opened automatically using a dedicated motor or other actuator to achieve the opening motion. For instance, a dedicated motor may be used to rotate a jam clearance mechanism that pivots open to allow customer access to the media path. Automatic opening can be useful for letting the customer know where to clear a jam without confusing knobs or handles and for allowing uncomfortably hot media path baffles to cool prior to customer jam clearance.

Paper path powered jam/lock systems and methods


A digital camera having a camera body includes a small memory card receiving member, a large memory card receiving member having a width larger than the width of the small memory card receiving member, and a forward projecting portion having a inclined portion which gradually protrudes in a forward direction toward a bottom portion of the camera body, the forward projecting portion being located below a lens barrel of the digital camera. The small and large memory card receiving members are provided within the forward projecting portion in the camera body, the small memory card receiving member being located above the large memory card receiving member and located within the inclined portion in the camera body. A front end of the small memory card receiving member is located at a position more rearward than a front end of the large memory card receiving member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera having a large memory capacity in which the operability of a lens barrel is enhanced, and an ejection mechanism for a memory card used in a mobile instrument such as a digital camera or a personal computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional digital camera which incorporates a substrate having an electronic circuit thereon, a memory card receiving member (receptacle), and a connector for the memory card, in a camera body of an interchangeable lens type single lens reflex camera, the memory card receiving member is, in general, provided in the camera body and extends substantially horizontally in the vicinity of the bottom of the camera body.
In such an arrangement, in order to increase the memory capacity of the digital camera so as to take a large number of pictures without exchanging the memory card, it is possible to provide two upper and lower PC card receiving members, so that two PC cards can be stored at one time.
However, the PC card is long (wide) in the forward/rearward direction (i.e., in the optical axis direction of a camera lens of the camera) and, hence, if the two PC card receiving members are horizontally provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the camera body, it is necessary to provide a bulged portion which protrudes forwardly on a lower portion of the front surface of the camera body. Consequently, the space between the bulged portion and the lens barrel is small, so that it is difficult for an operator to operate the lens barrel (e.g., focusing ring or stop ring, etc.). This problem is more serious for a digital camera whose size in the upward/downward direction is small.
In general, the PC card receiving member is mounted to a substrate provided in the camera body. If other electrical elements are mounted to the substrate, the substrate, and accordingly the camera body, are increased in size.
Moreover, a memory card receiving member which receives a memory card, which can store various data, can be arranged in a body of a mobile instrument such as a digital camera. In known mobile instruments, a plurality of card memory receiving members having different widths are arranged therein.
Generally speaking, the memory card inserted in the memory card receiving member is ejected therefrom by operating an ejector button provided on the side of the memory card receiving member.
However, if the memory card is a PC card whose width is large, the ejector button provided on the side of the memory card receiving member increases the width of the mobile instrument. The increased width of the mobile instrument is undesirable from the viewpoint of function and design.

Digital camera and ejection mechanism for memory card in mobile instrument


A gap measurement device 1 comprises a light source 5 for projecting light on a gap 3 to be measured, a lens optical system 6 for focusing on an imaging surface 7 a gap image 3A from light transmitted through the gap 3, and a light-receiving element 9 for receiving light of the gap image 3A formed on the imaging surface 7 of the lens optical system 6. A holed mask 8 provided with a light-transmitting hole 8a having a prescribed aperture size is arranged on the imaging surface 7, and the light-receiving element 9 receives the light of the gap image 3A via the hole 8a. A gap size at a point to be measured in an extended gap 3 can be measured by forming an image of the gap with the lens optical system 6 and placing the hole 8a of the holed mask 8 on the point to be measured on the imaging surface 7 of the lens optical system 6.

The inventors proposed such kind gap measurement device which uses a gap visualization method in patent documents 1 and 2.
Patent Document 1: JP-A 2010-156630
Patent Document 2: JP-A 2009-229312
In a gap visualization method, it is sometimes necessary to measure the gap distance at a specific point in a gap extending in a prescribed direction (an extended gap). In this case, a method may be used in which a mask provided with a pinhole, window, or the like, is arranged proximally to the gap and light from a gap portion other than the object point is blocked. Or, a method may be used in which a point light source is placed on the specific object point proximal to the gap so that light from a gap portion on the periphery is not produced.
However, with the former method which places the mask immediately after the gap, the light passing through the mask gets diffracted. One method for overcoming this drawback involves analyzing the diffraction pattern to learn the size of the gap, but there is a problem that the analysis is difficult. A situation also may arise in which it is difficult to place the mask proximally to the gap.
With the latter method which uses a point light source, when the location to be measured is small, it may be difficult to direct the light emitted from the light source to the target location. Also in the case of a thick measured object, a design for diagonally directing the light source, or the like, is necessary, and a spatial constraint arises.


Herein disclosed is a method and system to perform product delivery interception. In one implementation, a product delivery interceptor receives, from a purchaser, a request to determine availability of a product. The product delivery interceptor identifies a recipient of the product and transmits a bid for the product for consideration by the recipient. The product delivery interceptor acquires the recipient response to the bid and conveys an instruction to reroute delivery of the product to the purchaser if the recipient response indicates acceptance of the bid.

The availability of online shopping and its growing acceptance trend has shaped consumer purchasing habits. Two types of consumers have been identified.
The first type of consumer looks for best prices. He or she is open to options that can help to reduce the cost of a wanted product.
The second type of consumers are those who are impatient when a product is urgently needed. Such consumers are willing to pay extra for early deliveries. For example, a consumer who wants a mobile phone is ready to pay more for expedited delivery.
A need therefore exists to find possible solutions that meet the needs of the above two consumer types.

Device and method for product delivery interception


A polling system polls a USB keyboard connected to a USB port of a computing system. A detect module in identifies the keyboard as a low speed USB device. A polling module polls the keyboard with the scheduled interrupt transactions. A key press polling response module detects a key press, stores corresponding key scan data in a key data buffer, and returns the key scan data in response to a scheduled interrupt transaction from the polling module. A key repeat polling response module starts akey repeat polling mode when the key scan data is returned from the key press polling response module, detects whether the key data buffer is empty when a scheduled interrupt transaction is received, and returns the key scan data again if the key scan data buffer is not empty. A stop module stops the key repeat polling mode if the key scan data buffer is empty.

An example of a periodic event in a slow USB 1.1 type device is the polling of a keyboard for key repeat data. In a key repeat event a key is pressed and held on the keyboard. The key scan data will be resent to the keyboard controller driver every 8 milliseconds so long as the key is not released. As a result the computer will display or otherwise enter the same key repetitively every 8 milliseconds until the key press is released. In USB 1.1 devices, this is accomplished by polling the keyboard driver every 8 milliseconds and returning key scan data for each polling operation. These repetitive polling operations were scheduled and performed by a universal host control interface (UHCI) or an open host control interface (OHCI) as defined for USB 1.1. These interfaces are known as the classic interfaces for USB.
A problem has arisen in that the enhanced host control interface (EHCI) for USB 2.0 does not provide a mechanism for generating generic periodic events internally. It is possible to generate periodic events based on USB 1.1 devices, but this event will not be generic and needs a lot of computer resources. It is always possible to use clocking available at the computer, but this clocking is not necessarily reliable. It is preferable to use internal operations in the computer that are performed in a known time interval. For example the accessing of a non-existent USB device using transfer structures created in memory from the host control driver by a universal host control interface or an open host control interface driver can be used to provide a periodic timed event.
When a slow USB type device such as a keyboard driver is attached to a high speed USB 2.0 port, this USB 2.0 port is controlled through the enhanced host control interface. Therefore, there is no mechanism in the host control driver using only EHCI to internally generate a periodic timing event.
It is with respect to this problem and others that the present invention has been created.

Usage of EHCI companion USB controllers for generating periodic events


A packaging structure, a packaging method, and a display apparatus are disclosed. The packaging structure includes: a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other; a plurality of first sealing frames located between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the plurality of first sealing frames enclose a plurality of sealed cavities not communicating with each other, and each of the sealed cavities is configured to package at least one to-be-packaged unit of a to-be-packaged device; and a first filler located in the sealed cavity.

Due to characteristics of self-luminescence, fast response, wide viewing angles, high brightness, bright colors and thinness, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display apparatuses find wide applications in the field of display technologies. The OLED display apparatus can realize the display function by means of light emitted from the OLED devices therein. As the OLED devices may easily be eroded by oxygen, moisture or other substances in the air, it is necessary to provide a packaging structure to isolate the OLED devices from the air.

Packaging structure, packaging method and display apparatus