An image inputting device is provided which is capable of making reliable and speedy detection of an indicia even for an nonstandard size postal matter. The postal matter, when having passed by a proximity detecting section, is radiated with ultraviolet light at specified timing from light radiating unit. When a postal matter is radiated with ultraviolet light, fluorescence is emitted from a phosphor formed on an indicia after being pumped. In the case where the indicia is an meter, when the meter passes by a fluorescence field of view, red fluorescence enters a fluorescence light receiving optical system along a fluorescence detecting optical axis. If the indicia is a postage stamp containing a substance that emits phosphorescence, when the postage stamp passes by a phosphorescence detecting field of view where no ultraviolet light is not emitted, green fluorescence enters a phosphorescence light receiving optical system along a phosphorescence detecting optical axis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image inputting device being preferably used in, for example, a culling-facing-canceling machine for postal matter, and more particularly to the image inputting device for detecting and identifying a type, position, amount, and/or a like of an indicia, such as a postage stamp, a permit imprint, a meter, and/or a like, affixed or printed on a nonstandard size mail (flat mail).
The present application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-020570 filed on Jan. 28, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in order to cancel postage stamps and/or face standard size mails (letter mails) including postcards, a culling-facing-canceling machine to be exclusively used for letters has been developed and is in actual use.
The culling-facing-canceling machine 101 for letters, as shown in FIG. 9, includes an indicia detection processing module 102 to detect and identify a kind, position, amount, and/or a like of an indicia, such as a postage stamp, a permit imprint, and a meter (postage paid) affixed or printed on postal matter, a facing processing module 103 to face postal matter (turning postal matter toward a same direction) so that the detected indicia are arranged on a lower side of the postal matter, for example, along a carrying direction, a cancellation processing module 104 to cancel (postmark) a postage stamp using, for example, an ink jet printer when the postage stamp is affixed to the postal matter, and a mail accumulating module 105 to accumulate postal matter.
The indicia detection processing module 102 has an image inputting device (not shown) (scanner) to capture an image (monochrome image or color image) affixed or printed on a postal matter being carried at a specified speed and a recognition processing section (not shown) to recognize, for example, a kind of an indicia.
When the above postal matter is radiated with ultraviolet light, a fluorescent substance formed on a surface of the postal matter is pumped and almost all stamps emit phosphorescence and almost all meter emit fluorescence.
Therefore, in the indicia detection processing module 102, by radiating the postal matter with ultraviolet light and by detecting the phosphorescence or fluorescence, processing of detecting and identifying the indicia is performed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei08-030785).
In the case of the standard size, since their sizes are almost equal and positions of affixing (printing) of an indicia, such as a postage stamp and a meter or the like are almost determined, the above indicia detection processing module 102 is so constructed as to detect only a position (height) of an indicia from a bottom face (face on which the postal matter is placed) of the postal matter being carried in an erected state, to arrange one set of the image inputting device, each set being made up two of the image inputting devices, in a manner in which a carrying path is interposed between the two image inputting devices configured so as to face each other and to be able to scan both front and rear sides of the postal matter.
The indicia detection processing module 102, as shown in FIG. 10, has image inputting devices 107 and 108 to be used for scanning a surface and a rear face, respectively, for detection of an indicia on both surface and rear face sides at a specified height position relative to a postal matter being transferred and being flown toward a carrying direction X on a carrying path 106, and an upside-down reversing section 109 to reverse the postal matter upside-down when necessary based on the detection result and the postal matter reversed upside-down is again transferred via a feed-back path 110 to entrance sides of the image inputting devices 107 and 108. The postal matter having passed through the indicia detection processing module 102 is transferred to the facing processing module 103 and cancellation processing module 104.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, an indicia detection processing module 119 may have another configuration with no feed-back path 106 and have image inputting devices 114 and 115 used for scanning the surface and a rear face to detect the indicia on both the surface and rear face sides at a specified height position relative to a postal matter being transferred and being flown in a carrying direction Y on a carrying path 113, an upside-down reversing section 116 to reverse the postal matter upside-down when necessary based on the detection result, and the indicia detecting processing module 119 having a pair of image inputting devices 117 and 118 arranged on an exit side of an upside-down reversing section 116. The postal matter having passed through the indicia detection processing module 119 is transferred to the facing processing module 120 and cancellation processing module 121.
The indicia, though being affixed (printed) to a left upper portion of the postal matter, can be detected and identified by using the indicia detecting processing modules 102 and 119, irrespective of orientation of the postal matter (carrying pattern), that is, irrespective of a position of the indicia on the postal matter viewed from the image inputting devices 107, 108 (114, 115, 117, 118). Directional patterns of a postal matter include four patterns as shown in FIG. 12 to FIG. 15. First, as shown in FIG. 12, if a postal matter "A" is carried by a carrying belt 122 with its surface side (side to which an indicia "B" is affixed) being directed toward a side of the image inputting device 107 (114) and with the indicia "B" being placed on an upstream side, the image inputting device 107 (114) detects and identifies the indicia "B" from a carrying bottom face 122a (face on which the postal matter is placed) of the carrying belt 122 when at least a partial portion of the indicia "B" passes by a detection area "C" having a specified height "h". In this case, the postal matter is not reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section 109 (116) and is carried toward the facing processing module 103 (120).
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, if the postal matter A is carried by the carrying belt 122 with its surface side being directed toward a side of the image inputting device 108 (115) and with the indicia "B" being placed on a downstream side, the image inputting device 108 (115) detects and identifies the indicia "B" when at least a partial portion of the indicia "B" passes by the detection area C. In this case, too, the postal matter B is not reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section 109 (116) and is carried toward the facing processing module 103 (120). Also, as shown in FIG. 14, if the postal matter A is carried by the carrying belt 122 with its surface side being directed toward a side of the image inputting device 107 (114) and with the indicia "B" being placed on the downstream side, since the indicia "B" does not pass by the detection area C, neither the image inputting device 107 (114) nor the image inputting device 108 (115) detects and identifies the indicia "B" and the indicia "B" is reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section 109 (116).
After that, the image inputting device 108 (118) detects the indicia "B" when at least a part of the indicia "B" passes by the detection area C, and the postal matter B is carried toward the facing processing module 103 (120).
Also, as shown in FIG. 15, if the postal matter A is carried by the carrying belt 122 with its surface side being directed toward a side of the image inputting device 108 (115) and with the indicia "B" being placed on the upstream side, since the indicia "B" does not pass by the detection region C, neither the image inputting device 107 (114) nor the image inputting device 108 (115) detects and identifies the indicia "B" and the indicia "B" is reversed upside-down by the upside-down reversing section 109 (116).
After that, the image inputting device 107 (117) detects the indicia "B" when at least a part of the indicia "B" passes by the detection area C, and the postal matter A is carried toward the facing processing module 103 (120).
In the case of the image inputting devices 107 and 108 (114, 115, 117, and 118), the phosphorescence or fluorescence emitted from the indicia "B" passing by the detection area C is feeble, a photosensor having a high sensitivity is used to receive the phosphorescence or fluorescence. Additionally, to improve a gain, a sufficiently wide aperture for receiving the light is provided and a width of a belt-shaped detection area is set at a comparatively large value. By sampling a signal output from the photosensor according to a passage state of the postal matter at specified time intervals, detection of the indicia "B" is made.
On the other hand, in the case of nonstandard size postal matter, there are many problems such as a difficulty in handling mail and device sizes, and in processing capability and, therefore, automatization (mechanization) for handling the nonstandard size postal matter is not yet advancing. That is, the nonstandard size postal matter of large and/or thin types vary largely in size, from a range of about 160 mm to about 400 mm in the carrying direction, from a range of about 150 mm to about 300 mm in height, and from a range of about 1 mm to 20 mm in thickness. An surface area of the nonstandard size postal matter is large, as a result, causing large variations in positions where indicias are affixed (printed). Also, a larger number of stamps are affixed to nonstandard size postal matter when compared with the case of standard size, in many cases.
Thus, a problem occurs when the conventional culling-facing-canceling machine for letters is used as the culling-facing-canceling machine to be applied to nonstandard size postal matter. That is, omission of the detection of postal matter increases due to variations in affixed (printed) positions since the nonstandard size postal matter is carried outside a range of the detection in a position having a specified height from the carrying bottom face (on which postal matter is placed), in many cases. Moreover, another problem occurs, for example, in that a plurality of numbers of stamps can be detected so long as the postage stamps are placed along a carrying direction, however, an omission occurs in the detection of stamps if being arranged in a longitudinal direction (vertical and scanning direction) orthogonal to a carrying direction, which, as a result, causes a decrease of merits obtained by making the detecting processes automatic. To solve this problem, a method is proposed in which a plurality of photosensors is arranged along the longitudinal direction described above.
However, this proposal has also a problem in that the photosensors can be arranged only at intervals of about 20 mm at most, due to a limitation in terms of a physical size, making it impossible to improve resolution of the photosensors and difficult to accurately detect the kind or position of the indicia. Another problem is that, to solve a problem of variations in thickness of postal matter, an adjustment of overlapping between areas for detection by the photosensors and/or compensation for variations in sensitivity among the photosensors are required. Still another problem is that, even if a single photosensor is employed, an adjustment of a gain and/or offset of the photosensor is needed and, if the plurality of the photosensors is used in combination, the adjustment is made complicated, causing much time and labor to be required. Still another problem is that use of many photosensors causes high costs. To solve this problem, technology is proposed in which a linear CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) having light sensing devices, instead of photosensors, arranged in a linear state along a vertical direction orthogonal to the carrying direction is employed for the detection of the indicia (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 2001-243458 and 2001-14425).
A first problem to be solved is that, when the postal matter is radiated with the ultraviolet light and, as a result, the phosphorescence or fluorescence is received from the indicia, it is difficult to receive the phosphorescence, which is emitted with delay separately from the emission of the fluorescence, in a state in which the phosphorescence is differentiated from the fluorescence, thus making it impossible to accurately detect a kind or position of the indicia of the postal matter. A second problem to be solved is that, if such a feed-back path as employed in the conventional culling-facing-canceling machine for letters or such an additional pair of the image inputting devices is provided also on a downstream side as employed in the culling-facing-canceling machine for letters, the indicia detection processing module is made larger due to the large postal matter, which causes costs to be increased and a limitation to be imposed on an installation place.


Systems and methods for optical communications. In one implementation, a communications device is provided. The communications device includes an Optical domain Adaptive Dispersion Compensation Module (OADCM); an Electrical domain Adaptive Distortion Compensation Module (EADCM); and a controller coupled to, and operable to selectively control, both the OADCM and the EADCM.

The following specification relates to optical communications.
Opto-electrical technologies have been developed to support the transmission and reception of optical signals through optical fiber channels, including controlling signal distortion induced by optical fibers. Dispersion is a significant source of signal distortion. Controlling dispersion is becoming increasingly difficult as optical communication systems progress towards higher data rates. Conventionally, dispersion compensation includes the use of dispersion compensators located at various points along an optical signal propagation path.


An antenna element and beamforming network (10) preferably comprises a plurality of radiators (12), a plurality of band pass filters (14) and a plurality of test couplers (16). Each radiator (12) is coupled to a dedicated MMIC (18). The output of MMICs (18) are coupled to a power stripline combiner (20) to provide a single output. Each of MMICs (18) is independently controllable to shape the antenna beams as desired for producing nulls in pattern coverage. The output of stripline combiner (20) may also be coupled through an output test coupler (46) to a jammer detector and correlator (24). In one embodiment, radiators (12) are horns that include filters (14). The output of each horn is coupled to the input of its dedicated MMIC (18). In another embodiment, radiators (12) are a patch array coupled together by a stripline combiner. The output of the stripline combiner is coupled by band pass filter (14) to the input of the respective MMICs (18). The present invention integrates these components into a single package with reduced size and weight.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to antennas and devices for receiving and transmitting microwave signals. In particular, the present invention relates to multiple beam or phased array antennas, antenna feeds, and beamforming networks.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the recent past, the number of satellites placed in geosynchronous orbit about the earth has increased significantly. Associated with the increase in the number of satellites is an increase in the microwave signals being transmitted from the surface of the earth and the noise being generated. Also, some satellite communication systems are susceptible to intentional jamming by those interested in disrupting communication. Therefore, modern antennas and beamforming networks must be more sophisticated to amplify signals of interest while nullifying noise and signals from other areas. In particular, receivers with the capability to produce nulls in pattern coverage to null out high power jamming signals is needed. Additionally, it is advantageous to send signals to a variety of users without wasting power by radiating the signals toward regions where there are no users of interest. There is also a need for the ability to point an antenna beam at a moving target without having to physically move the antenna elements. Therefore, there is a need for multiple beam antennas and beamforming networks with the ability to shape antenna beams for a variety of needs.
In an attempt to satisfy the need for antennas and beamforming networks for satellites, multiple-beam and phased array antennas have been developed. The prior art typically forms antennas and beamforming networks from machined or electro-formed horns, separate filters and delay line or ferrite phase shifters. These devices are coupled to wave guides and coaxial transmission lines as well as other microwave components. However, the configurations of the prior art are relatively large and heavy which is a particular disadvantage since the antennas are used in spacecraft where size and weight are critical because of the tremendous launch costs for spacecraft. These prior art antennas and phased arrays are also very difficult and expensive to implement on a recurring basis because the horns, filters and phase shifters are individual devices with characteristics that vary from device to device. Additionally, it is difficult and expensive to assemble these devices into antennas that will have uniform characteristics throughout the array.
The prior art also includes a variety of other antennas and receiving systems for microwave signals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,953,857 to Jenks discloses an planar phase array that is mechanically rotatable about an axis for providing wider scanning limits for the array; U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,781 to Campi et al. discloses a microstrip antenna array including spaced radiator elements for easy scanning; U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,880 to Moeller et al. discloses an antenna feed network including power dividers to distribute two microwave signals; U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,700 to Brunner discloses an omni-directional scanning group antenna with electronically phase-control beam for precise target location; U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,438 to Tang discloses a lens antenna having four phased array apertures positioned for hemispherical coverage; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,065 a reconfigurable beam antenna system including a focusing means, an plurality of antenna elements and a feed network. These devices disclose a variety of antennas, however, none disclose the ability to produce nulls in pattern coverage to decrease the impact of high power jamming signals.
Thus, there is a need for an antenna and beamforming network with reduced size, cost and weight as well as the ability to produce nulls in pattern coverage.

Multiple beam antenna and beamforming network


A heat exchanger includes a container having an outlet and an entrance coupled to an inlet and an exit, a receptacle having an entering port and a discharging port for circulating a fluid medium and having an entering opening and a discharging opening. A casing is disposed between the container and the receptacle and includes a passage coupled between the outlet of the container and the entering opening of the receptacle, to allow a heat medium to flow from the container into the receptacle, and a chamber communicating with the discharging opening of the receptacle and the entrance of the container. An air filtering device may be disposed in the casing for air filtering purposes, and for collecting and discharging water.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly to a heat exchanger having an air filtering or drying structure or device, for filtering or removing or collecting water, or for water condensing purposes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical heat exchangers comprise a receptacle including a chamber formed therein for receiving a heat medium, such as water or fluid, and an inlet and an outlet provided therein for allowing the heat medium or water or fluid to flow into and out of the chamber of the receptacle. The receptacle further includes a number of axially and/or laterally extended tubes disposed therein, and arranged to allow ambient air to flow into and out of the tubes, and thus to allow the water or fluid and the ambient air to be heat exchanged indirectly within the chamber of the receptacle.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,022 to Polyak, Jr. discloses one of the typical heat exchangers which also comprises a cylindrical receptacle including a chamber formed therein for receiving a heated fluid, and including an inlet and an outlet provided therein for allowing the heated fluid to flow into and out of the chamber of the receptacle. The receptacle also includes a number of laterally and/or axially-extending tubes disposed therein, and arranged to allow ambient air to flow or to be pumped or cycled through the tubes, and thus to allow the water or fluid and the ambient air to be heat exchanged indirectly within the chamber of the receptacle.
Normally, the ambient air may include water or fluid contained therein, and the water or fluid contained within the ambient air may be condensed while or after the heat exchanging operation. For filtering or removing the water or fluid from the ambient air, an additional air drying device or apparatus is required to be provided and coupled to the cylindrical receptacle, or to the tubes.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional heat exchangers.


One embodiment includes a circuit system. The system includes a power detector configured to convert an AC signal to a DC signal corresponding to a power amplitude associated with the AC signal. The AC signal can include a periodic signal power null. The system also includes a null-gating circuit comprising a logic switch that is activated to enable sampling of an amplitude of the DC signal and that is deactivated during the periodic signal power null. The system also includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the sampled DC signal to a digital signal. The system further includes a processor configured to process the digital signal.

Certain modulation schemes can exhibit cyclic (i.e., periodic) power nulls of the waveform. As an example, some types of broadcast modulation schemes, such as Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), can exhibit the power nulls in the broadcast RF signal. The power nulls can include a fluctuating DC signal at an output of a power detector in an associated receiver. To ascertain the data encoded therein, it is desirable that the fluctuating DC signal be stabilized in some manner. However, some stabilization methods can adversely constrain the response time of the associated power control loop. Other stabilization methods can insert a lag in the system power control response. As a result of existing stabilization methods, an effective system power control loop response time can degrade (e.g., to seconds), which can be inadequate for certain transmitter monitoring and protection functions.


Techniques to automatically generate simulated information are described. A method comprises receiving, by a program builder component executed on a processor, a structured input file comprising one or more data libraries and one or more directive files to generate simulated data for a simulation database. The method further comprising producing, by the program builder component executed on the processor, a data generator program based on the structured input file, the data generator program arranged to generate the simulated data for the simulation database using multiple data generating sessions executed concurrently or sequentially. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

A database management system (DBMS) is a collection of software that generally manages databases. For instance, a DBMS may allow a user or an application to store, retrieve and display information in a structured manner. To gain a competitive advantage, organizations are gathering increasing volumes of information about their customers, operations, market, competitors, performance and more. Organizations may then use various types of application software (e.g., business analytics software) to interact with the DBMS in order to analyze the growing volumes of database information to assist in making strategic business decisions. The sheer volume of database information combined with increasingly complex application programs designed to interact with a DBMS, however, produce a new level of challenges for database design, testing, implementation and management. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements are needed.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A gimbal cover is fabricated having a hollowed body with an opening at a gimbal receiving end enabling slideable insertion of a gimbal butt end into the cover. A butt end is integrated into the cover at an opposite end, providing support and protection for a bottom surface of the gimbal, while also reducing the risk of the gimbal damaging another object. At least one pair of cover slot is formed through the cover butt end, extending into the cover body towards opening. The slots terminate at a slot end. The slots are sized and shape to follow a slot and end of the gimbal butt end. A cover extension segment is created between two adjacent cover slots. A cover extension base protection segment is formed in the cover butt end, wherein the base protection segment extends inward from a base end of the gimbal cover extension segment.

Gimbals are provided on a support end of an apparatus, such as a fishing rod, a dock power cable retainer, a tripod rod holder assembly, and the like. The gimbal is shaped into an end of the primary shaft of the apparatus, wherein the gimbal is a pivotal support that allows the rotation of the object about a single axis. The exemplary apparatuses can include a single slot or a pair of slots oriented at a right angle to one another.
The gimbal is commonly fabricated of a solid, dense material, such as machined or cast metal. The material is generally heavy, where if the item were to be accidentally dropping, the gimbal has a high probability of damaging the surface it would land upon. If the object were dropped upon a rough or dense surface, such as concrete, metal, and the like, the gimbal could be scratched, dented, become cracked, or subjected to other damage.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a device, which protects the gimbal from damage as well as other items from being damaged by the gimbal.


Disclosed is a manufacturing method for a light emitting device including a light emitting element and a wavelength converting part which converts light emitted from the light emitting element into light of another wavelength. The manufacturing method includes a first step and a second step. The first step is a step of applying onto the light emitting element and drying a first liquid mixture in which phosphor and plate-like particles are dispersed in polyhydric alcohol having a valence of two or more to form a phosphor layer. The second step is a step of applying onto the phosphor layer and firing a second liquid mixture in which a translucent ceramic precursor is dispersed in a solvent to form the wavelength converting part.

Hitherto, there has been developed, to be used for an illuminator or the like a light emitting device which produces white light by making phosphor emit, light by using light emitted from a light emitting element such as an LED element as excitation light.
As such a light emitting device, there is known, for example, a light emitting device which produces white light by using phosphor which emits yellow light through blue light emitted from a light emitting element and mixing the colors of light or a light emitting device which produces white light by using phosphor which emits blue light, green light and red light through ultraviolet light emitted from a light emitting element and mixing the three colors of light.
As a light emitting device having such a configuration, there has been developed a light emitting device in which a light emitting element is directly sealed with curable resin in which phosphor is dispersed. Uses of light emitting devices have expanded to a field which requires high brightness such as a headlight for a car. Because of this and so forth, in recent years, light emitting elements have been high-powered ones and accordingly generate heat. Therefore, when phosphor is provided directly on a light emitting element in such a way as to be dispersed in a sealing agent as described above, the sealing agent may deteriorate by heat generated by the light emitting element.
In order to solve this problem, there is proposed in Patent Document 1 a technique to prevent deterioration of a sealing agent, the technique by which phosphor is dispersed not in resin but in a ceramic solution (ceramic precursor solution) so that a light emitting element is sealed with ceramics which do not deteriorate much by heat.
Although the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 can provide durability for a light emitting element, when phosphor is mixed with a ceramic precursor solution and the liquid mixture is applied onto a light emitting element, the phosphor precipitates in the liquid mixture because the specific gravity of phosphor is high. Hence, it is difficult to make phosphor evenly exist on a light emitting element, so that released white light is uneven, and accordingly chromaticity varies between light emitting devices.
Further, when an application liquid, in which phosphor is dispersed in a ceramic precursor solution is applied, to a package on which a light emitting element is mounted, a mask component is usually used so that an application region for the application liquid is limited to a predetermined region. However, the phosphor adhering onto a mask component is often discarded. Because phosphor is expensive in general, it is desired that the phosphor adhering onto a mask component is also collected and reused.
The inventors of the present invention gave consideration to this problem and found that the viscosity of an application liquid was able to be increased, phosphor thereof was able to be prevented from precipitating, and evenness of the application was able to be obtained by using polyhydric alcohol having a valence of two or more as a solvent of the application liquid and mixing certain particles therewith. Although, a technique using polyhydric alcohol is introduced in Patent Document 2, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 uses polyhydric alcohol as a mere additive (surface hardening retarder) (Paragraphs 0012-0014, 0021, etc.), which is totally different in purpose from the case where polyhydric alcohol is used as a solvent of an application liquid.
However, in the technique by which polyhydric alcohol is used as a solvent of an application liquid in which phosphor is dispersed in a ceramic precursor solution, the phosphor adhering onto a mask component was covered with ceramics formed by the ceramic precursor solution and accordingly fixed onto the mask component, so that the phosphor was not able to be collected or reused.
Then, consideration was given again, and it was decided to apply phosphor and a ceramic precursor solution separately.
More specifically, it was decided (i) to apply onto a light emitting element and dry a liquid mixture in which phosphor is dispersed in polyhydric alcohol to form a phosphor layer and then (ii) to apply onto the phosphor layer and fire a ceramic precursor solution to fix the phosphor of the phosphor layer onto the light emitting element.
By this two-step application, before a ceramic precursor solution was applied, a mask component was collected, and accordingly phosphor was able to be collected from the mask component to be reused.

Manufacturing method for light emitting device and phosphor mixture


A system for computer-implemented golf shot analysis includes a tracking device and a computing device. The computing device accesses ball flight data generated by the tracking device in view of a predetermined gradient map and associated functionality to derive a performance metric that penalizes shots deemed to be offline.

The current strokes gained statistic and associated method, derived by Mark Broadie, evaluates a golfer's overall performance after a round of golf, or a golf hole. The strokes gained metric relates to a method that considers compiled professional and amateur data to calculate an expected strokes value to "hole out" from varying starting locations and corresponding distances from a golf hole, and conditions (tee, fairway, rough, sand, green, recovery, water, etc.). For example, for a drive on a golf course, the ball will travel from one condition (the tee) to another condition (fairway, rough etc.). The strokes gained by that shot can be calculated as the expected strokes to hole out from the starting location, minus the expected strokes to hole out from the ending location, minus the one stroke taken. The current strokes gained method allows for a golfer to evaluate his or her performance, following a round, and determine where shots were lost (i.e. hitting a ball into the water), and where strokes can be saved, by improving different aspects of one's game. The strokes gained method can be implemented by a computing device configured to execute the foregoing functionality.
However, the strokes gained performance metric does not account for the severity of a mishit (missed shot); merely, all shots that miss the targeted area are equally penalized during the statistical analysis (i.e., a shot that is 1 yard off the fairway, is considered equally as negative as a shot that is 30 yards off the fairway). Additionally, the strokes gained metric cannot be applied to all terrains (e.g., a driving range or digital golf simulator), except a golf course. Therefore, the current strokes gained statistic can only be utilized when playing a round of golf; such that it is technically lacking with respect to analysis required during practice or fitting sessions.
There is a technical need in the art for technology operable to analyze golf shots along any terrain (not limited to a golf course), and operable to implement functionality for recommending a selection of a club based on how a golfer consistently strikes a particular golf club; relative to a target hole and target distance along the terrain. It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the view of the drawings. The headings used in the figures do not limit the scope of the claims.

Systems and methods for computing a strokes gained performance metric from ball flight data that considers predetermined offline information


An archery training device for teaching an archer proper muscular control, muscle force and body positioning before, during, and after release of an arrow for promoting accurate shooting of the arrow with the bow. The archery training device promotes a push-pull balance between the archer's string arm elbow and bow hand throughout the shot while also providing feedback of this balance when shooting arrows. The archery training device includes a string arm connector which is securable to the string arm elbow and a bow hand connector that is secured to the bow hand of the archer so as not to interfere with the archer's grasp of the bow. An elastomeric force carrying member elastically extends between the string arm connector and the bow hand connector to create a constant tensional force between the string arm elbow and the bow hand when the archer is in the full draw position. Alternatively, a remote anchor may be positioned away from the archer, and by connecting the elastomeric force carrying member to the remote anchor a non-parallel constant tensional force may be created between the string arm, elbow and the bow hand. The muscles associated with the archer's upper body are thereby required to remain taut throughout the draw and release of the bowstring to maintain a proper push-pull balance throughout the shot, while also restraining the anchor hand, bow hand, string arm, and shoulders from movement that would adversely affect shooting accuracy. The archery training device allows the archer to practice shooting groups of arrows whose grouping patterns provide feedback to the archer relating to the archer's push-pull balance and upper body posture.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an archery training device for teaching an archer proper muscular control, muscle force and body positioning before, during, and after string release for accurate shooting of a bow and arrow. More specifically, the present invention promotes a balance between the archer's push-pull and the bow force while also providing feedback of this balance when shooting arrows.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An observer of an archer shooting a bow and arrow occasionally witnesses a flinching or collapsing of the archer's upper body during the process of releasing the bowstring. Obviously, such body movement or imbalance contributes to inconsistent and inaccurate shooting of an arrow with the bow. The importance of an archer practicing every day to improve his skills, and thereby minimize the tendency for collapse or imbalance has led to a need for training devices. For example, an archery training device was disclosed by Applicant in U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,584. However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,584 does not teach an archery training device that simultaneously allows an archer to shoot arrows in that a substantially inelastic force carrying member is employed. The inelastic force carrying member is suitable for isometric exercises, but artificially limits the archer's draw to the length of the inelastic force carrying member.
In contrast, U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,365, also in the name of Applicant, discloses an archery training device specifically adapted for use with a bow, with or without an arrow. However, using this archery training device with an arrow adversely affects the arrow's performance, making it unsuitable for use with an arrow for most practical purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,365 discusses in detail that the cause of this collapse is attributable to the archer having relaxed his or her upper back muscles during the initial stage of the shot so that the anchor hand (the hand used to draw the bowstring), bow hand, string arm elbow, or shoulders begin to move before the string fingers are completely free of the bowstring. This "reflex muscle relaxation" is an involuntary response, and, therefore, can only be shortened, but not eliminated entirely. To date, the above prior art has taught that compensation is possible under two approaches: shortening the period of time in which reflex muscle relaxation can influence the shot, and minimizing the effect of reflex muscle relaxation by improving the stance of the archer.
Ideally, for maximum stability while shooting an arrow, certain points of the archer's upper body frame should lie within a plane termed the "rigid frame plane". As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, these points are the string arm or rear elbow joint 24 of the string arm 22, the anchor hand 34, the string or rear shoulder 23, the front shoulder 25 and the contact point of the bow hand 15 with the bow 14. The string arm elbow 24, the rear shoulder 23 and the contact point of the bow hand 15 with the bow 14 define the corners of a scalene triangle that establishes the rigid frame plane .alpha.. An archer properly maintaining the rigid frame plane a during the reflex muscle relax time will reduce movement of the string or anchor hand 34, bow hand 15, string arm elbow 24, and shoulders 23 and 25 in a manner which will improve shooting accuracy.
FIG. 1 shows the string arm elbow joint 24, the anchor hand 34 superimposed on the bow hand 15, and the string shoulder 23, indicated by points A, B and C, respectively, lying in the rigid grame plane .alpha.. Simultaneously, the anchor hand 34 and bow hand 15 lie in the bow plane .beta., which determines the lateral trajectory of the arrow. FIG. 2 illustrates a common defect in the stance of an archer 12 in which the string arm elbow 24 is outside the rigid frame plane .alpha. by some distance X. As a result, during the period in which the bowstring is being released, the anchor hand 34 ("B") is also forced out of the bow plane .beta., causing a significant error in the arrow's trajectory, as illustrated by FIG. 3.
In that the consequences of failing to attain the rigid frame plane .alpha. arise during the period between the beginning of the release of the bowstring and the time at which the string fingers are clear of the bowstring, this period is of primary importance in ascertaining the total effect of the rigid frame plane .alpha.. This period, in which the upper back muscles relax before the string fingers are free of the bowstring, has been termed the "reflex muscle relax time". The reflex muscle relax time begins when the string fingers start to open and ends when they are free of the forward pull exerted by the bowstring.
In general, the shorter the reflex muscle relax time, the less opportunity there will be for the collapse or otherwise adverse movement of the archer's bow hand 15, anchor hand 34, string arm elbow 24, and shoulders 23 and 25 outside of the rigid frame plane .alpha.. Consequently, a shorter reflex muscle relax time will enable the archer 12 to shoot more consistently and accurately even if the rigid frame plane .alpha. is not entirely achieved at the beginning of the shot. It also follows that proper muscular force and positioning of the anchor hand 34, string arm elbow 24, shoulders 23 and 25 and bow hand 15 within the rigid frame plane .alpha. during the reflex muscle relax time will also reduce the previously noted collapsing and imbalance of the archer's upper body, and thus promote more consistent and accurate shooting.
With reference again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the stance of the archer 12 at the start of the reflex muscle relax time is indicated at "D". As a result of failing to perfectly achieve the rigid frame plane .alpha. in conjunction with the reflex muscle relax time, the stance at the end of release, i.e. the end of the reflex muscle relax time, is altered as indicated at "E". Where no reflex muscle relax time occurs, the arrow's trajectory is indicated by a "zero relax line" 56. However, as a consequence of the inherent tendency to have reflex muscle relaxation and an imperfect rigid frame plane .alpha., the trajectory of the arrow is generally indicated by a "body relax line" 52.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,365, supra, provides an archery training device having an elastic member which is attachable to the archer's string elbow and the bowstring to induce a rapid increase in tension between the string elbow and the bow hand after release of the bowstring. The effect is to train the archer's muscles to remain taut throughout the shot to thereby minimize reflex muscle relaxation and thereby the adverse effect of the reflex muscle relax time. The archery training device provides the archer feedback regarding his or her upper body position and reflex muscle relax time after the bowstring release. This feedback is based on either an imbalance of forces exerted by upper back muscles which causes adverse movement of the anchor hand, bow hand, string arm elbow, and shoulders or an incorrect positioning of the bow hand, string arm elbow and shoulders. When the archer is properly positioned in the full draw position, the elastic member is positioned against his or her neck. However, if improper shifting of the upper body occurs during the shot due to a force imbalance, the elastic member shifts away from the side of the neck during release of the bowstring, a signal to the archer that he or she is not maintaining proper upper body positioning. If an arrow were to be shot at the time, this shifting would have an adverse effect on shooting accuracy. However, the device is not suitable for providing feedback when shooting an arrow because the elastic member is attached directly to the bowstring and the increasing tensional force generated by the elastic member on the bow string impairs the arrow's performance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,584, supra, discloses a similar device with a first embodiment disclosing an inelastic force carrying member extended between the string arm elbow and the bowstring, while another embodiment includes an elastic member between the force carrying member and the bow handle to simulate the bow draw force in the archer's stance without the use of an actual bow. As with U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,365, these devices are intended for isometric exercise to train the archer's muscles to remain taut throughout the shot, which serves to minimize the effect of the reflex muscle relax time. However, the use of an inelastic force carrying member artificially limits the archer's draw to the length of the force carrying member. Even in the embodiment where an elastic member is attached between the force carrying member and the bow, the limited length of the elastic member provides almost negligible extension. Accordingly, none of the above devices are suitable for using when actually shooting an arrow, and all but the first embodiment is adapted for use without a bow.
In addition to the reflex muscle relax time, Applicant has determined that another critical aspect of shooting an arrow involves the push-pull balance between the bow hand 15 and the string arm elbow 24. More specifically, it is imperative that the pull force of the anchor hand 34 and the push force of the bow hand 15, which define a force line on the rigid frame plane .alpha., are balanced to assure stability and accuracy of the shot. Contrary to what one might think, the push and pull of the draw are independent of each other. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an archer's push-pull balance is defined with respect to the archer's spine 13. The front half push of the bowstring draw exists between the spine 13 and the bow hand 15, while the rear half pull of the draw exists between the spine 13 and the string elbow 24. The push-pull forces are designated to be either "dynamic" or "static." A dynamic force means contracting muscles that adapt to remain equal to the opposing bow force during bowstring release. A static force means contracting muscles that are less than the opposing bow force during bowstring release. The above is summarized in a pamphlet distributed by Applicant under the title "The Technical Side of Archery Form and the Formaster Training Device." R. F. Carella (1992), p. 5.
When balanced, the push-pull effect acts along the previously-noted body relax line 52 throughout the release cycle (unless zero reflex muscle relax time could be achieved --then, the push-pull effect would act along the zero relax line 56). Each half opposes the bow force with equal dynamic force during the release cycle. However, if each half of the push-pull does not have the same dynamic muscle force when the bowstring is released, the arrow's trajectory will follow a "force relax line" 54 which differs from the body relax line 52 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 shows the effect of the pull being static, resulting in a collapse between the spine 13 and the string arm elbow 24 during the release of the bowstring, corresponding to the archer's aim being deflected to the left. FIG. 8 shows the effect of the push being static, resulting in a collapse between the spine 13 and the bow hand 15 during the release of the bowstring, corresponding to the archer's aim being shot to the right. In each case, the force relax line 54 deviates from the body relax line 52, thereby significantly affecting the arrow's trajectory, which compounds the effect of the reflex muscle relax time that establishes the body relax line 52.
It would be desirable to provide a device which can be used with an arrow, thereby enabling the use of the device during actual practice to improve the ability of the archer to maintain his or her push-pull balance in addition to sustaining the rigid frame plane while minimizing the reflex muscle relax time. U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,584, supra, was directed only at improving the stance for the rigid frame plane and muscle strengthening, and furthermore did not allow the use of an arrow. The archery training device taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,365 was not suitable for shooting an arrow because the elastic member would impair the arrow's performance.
Accordingly, what is needed is an archery training device which aids in maintaining the push-pull balance of an archer's stance while also reducing the effects of the reflex muscle relax time and promoting proper positioning of the bow hand 15, string arm elbow 24, and shoulders 23 and 25 of the archer 12 within the rigid frame plane .alpha. when he or she is drawing and releasing the bowstring. In addition, what is needed is such an archery training device that will achieve the above aspects while also permitting the archer to shoot an arrow to allow the placement of the arrow to serve as a distinct form of feedback as to his or her push-pull balance and stance.


A telephone device and method that enable the user of the telephone to visibly read a number stored in a memory of the telephone even though the telephone does not have a numeric display. The telephone has at least one light, such as an LED, that is visible by a person using the telephone. The light is coupled to a controller that consists of a microprocessor and an LED driver. The microprocessor is coupled to the various keys on the telephone. When the microprocessor receives a command, via the telephone keys, for viewing a specific number, the microprocessor reads that number from memory. The microprocessor then instructs the driver to flash the light or lights on the telephone in such a manner that a person viewing the lights would become cognizant of the number. Thus, a person watching the telephones lights can read numbers from the memory of the telephone, even though the telephone does not have a numeric display.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to telephone systems and related methods that display numeric sequences stored in the memory of the telephone.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many telephones have liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that are used to either display a number dialed on that telephone or display a number that has been retrieved from the telephone's autodialing repertory. The display informs the user of the telephone about the number actually dialed or recalled from memory. As a result, the telephone user can check the accuracy of the number before the telephone call is completed. Furthermore, the telephone user can view numbers stored in the autodialing repertory of the telephone and can view other numbers stored in memory such as the number of the last call dialed.
Not all telephones, however, contain a numeric display. On such telephones, a user can not check the accuracy of a dialed number. Furthermore, a user has no means to either view a number stored in the telephone's autodialing repertory or view other numbers held in memory, such as the last number dialed.
A need therefore exists in the art for a system and method that enables a person to view a number stored in a telephone's memory on a telephone that does not have a numeric display.

System and method for displaying numbers on a telephone with no numeric display


The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display panel capable of reducing or eliminating metal erosion in an area in which a conductive dot is formed. In some embodiments, a display panel comprises a common electrode formed on an upper substrate, a first electrode formed on a lower substrate opposing the upper substrate and configured to receive a common voltage, a conductive dot formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate and positioned to supply the common electrode with the common voltage, an insulating layer having a contact hole exposing the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the insulating layer to connect the conductive dot and the first electrode, wherein a cross sectional area of the conductive dot between the upper substrate and the lower substrate is greater than a cross sectional area of an opening of the contact hole.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display ("LCD") panel and a method of manufacturing the LCD panel. More particularly, the present invention relates to an LCD panel and a method of manufacturing the LCD panel capable of reducing or preventing metal erosion due to crack generation by a conductive dot.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes) are most widely used as display devices. However, since CRTs have the difficulty in implementing slim, light products, alternative display types have been developed and used. These display types include flat panel displays ("FPDs") such as liquid crystal displays ("LCDs"), plasma display panels ("PDPs"), organic light emitting diodes ("OLED"), and other types of flat panel displays. Of these display types, LCDs, which have low power consumption, high resolution, and a large display area, are the most widely used.
LCDs display an image by adjusting light transmittance of a liquid crystal using an electric field. Generally, LCDs include a color filter substrate and a thin film transistor substrate opposing the color filter substrate, with the liquid crystal interposed therebetween.
The color filter substrate includes, as an upper substrate, a black matrix for preventing light leakage, color filters for implementing colors (usually red, green, and blue), and a common electrode for applying a common voltage to the liquid crystal.
The thin film transistor substrate includes, as a lower substrate, gate lines and data lines crossing the gate lines, thin film transistors each formed in pixel regions defined by adjacent crossing gate and data lines, and pixel electrodes connected to the thin film transistors. Additionally, a conductive dot for supplying the common electrode with a common voltage is formed between the thin film transistor substrate and the color filter substrate. A common voltage supplying pad which delivers the common voltage supplied from an external power source is formed on the thin film transistor substrate, as is a contact electrode portion connected to the common voltage supplying pad and the conductive dot.
The contact electrode portion is connected to the common voltage supplying pad, and includes a first contact electrode formed under an insulating layer and a second contact electrode connected to the first contact electrode through a contact hole that penetrates the insulating layer. The conductive dot is formed on the second contact electrode. In order to reduce contact resistances of the first contact electrode and the second contact electrode, the contact hole is formed to have an area greater than a cross-sectional area of the conductive dot.
Because of the pressure of the conductive dot, a crack may be generated on the second contact electrode. Moisture can then penetrate into the first contact electrode through the generated crack, thereby eroding the first contact electrode. In particular, if the first contact electrode is formed using aluminum or an aluminum alloy, etc. a serious erosion problem may occur.

Liquid crystal display panel and method of manufacturing the same


A system and method for charging heavy capacitive loads may comprise an n-stage stacked charging circuit wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 2 and wherein the n-stage stacked charging circuit may comprise n−1 capacitors and a voltage supply, each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in an order through a respective first through nth switch during a respective first through nth charging time period; the n−1th capacitors each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in reverse order during a first through n−1th discharging time period through the respective n−1th through first switches. The system and method may comprise an n+1th switch electrically connecting the capacitive load to ground during an nth discharging period. The capacitive load may comprise a piezoelectric element, which may comprise an inkjet printer head inkjet actuator.

Heavy capacitive loads are very common in industrial and commercial systems and equipment. A common example is a piezoelectric element which is used extensively in such applications as ink jet printers, speakers and motor drives. A piezoelectric element, formed by piezoelectric material sandwiched between two electrodes, is typically electrically modeled as a large capacitor, with the piezoelectric material acting as both a dielectric between the electrodes and an actuator under the influence of the electric field resulting from the application of a voltage across the electrodes. Indeed, an entire matrix of piezoelectric actuators for individual droplet making mechanisms in an inkjet printer head may be modeled as a single capacitive load. Throughout this application, unless otherwise expressly stated, discussion of a capacitive load in the form of a piezoelectric actuator will be understood to also include a matrix of such actuators, producing a single capacitive load to which an output voltage is applied, and that this capacitive load also has typically resistive and inductive components to it. The operation of load drive circuits for other loads with high capacitance and with added inductance, such as in an LC tank circuit may be improved with embodiments of the present invention.
The electrical drive to the capacitive load, such as a piezoelectric actuator, may be a controlled high voltage waveform delivered, as an example once per cycle of printer head operation or the like. The shape, period, and frequency of this waveform can be heavily dependent upon the application. Such loads may have, as is the case with most piezoelectric element drive waveforms, fast switching transitions.
Therefore, typically a fast linear high voltage (HV) amplifier is used to deliver the waveform to the piezoelectric element. In such a fast linear high voltage (HV) amplifier, power dissipated while switching a load capacitor between a ground voltage GND to the high voltage VDD (as an example 50 V) is given by:PDISS=CL·VDD2·f  (1)where CL=Load Capacitor capacitance, f=Frequency of drive waveform.
Existing linear capacitive load drives conform to equation 1. This relationship can result in limitations on attributes of the application or engineering system, such as maximum load capacitance and frequency of the waveform. This relationship can further limit the number of actuators that can be driven, such as in the piezoelectric inkjet printer print head application, the number of inkjets and thereby the resolution of the printing by the print head, as well as the speed of printing, i.e., cycles per second of actuation. Achieving higher resolution by being able to drive more inkjets and higher frequency of the drive voltage waveform is generally desirable. In inkjet printer piezoelectric applications, faster operation is always a goal resulting in faster printing speed.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a circuit 10 useful in understanding energy dissipation while driving a capacitive load CLOAD 20. FIG. 1 shows two switches 22, 24 for charging and discharging the capacitor CLOAD 20. The circuit 10 includes a voltage supply 26, such as a 50 V DC power supply, which when voltage controlled switch 22 is closed, charges the load capacitor 20 through a resistor 28 that is modeling ON resistance of the switch, and a voltage controlled switch 24, which when closed, discharges the load capacitor 20 through a resistor 30 to ground. Each of the switches 22, 24 has a respective switch voltage supply 40, 42 to assist in the control of the timing and operation of the respective switches.
FIG. 1 shows switch 22, that when closed, charges the load capacitor 20 with a charge Q=CLOAD×VDD. The energy from the supply 26 to provide this charge is ESUPPLY=Q×VDD=CLOAD·VDD2. The energy stored in the capacitor 20 is Ec=CLOAD·×VDD2/2. These results can also be derived by integrating the instantaneous power over the period of interest.
                                          E            SUPPLY                    =                                    ∫              0              ∞                                                                                i                    VDD                                                                          (                    t                    )                                                  ·                                                      V                    DD                                                                          (                    t                    )                                                                                ⅆ                t                                                                                =                                    C              L                        ·                          V              DD                        ·                                          ∫                0                ∞                                                                                ⅆ                                              V                        OUT                                                              ·                                          ⅆ                      t                                                                                ⅆ                  t                                                                                =                                    C              L                        ·                          V              DD                        ·                                          ∫                0                50                                                          ⅆ                                  V                  OUT                                                                                =                                                    C                L                            ×              50              ×              50                        =                          2500              ·                              C                L                                                                                E            C                    =                                    ∫              0              ∞                                                                                i                  dd                                                                  (                  t                  )                                            ·                                                v                  out                                                                  (                  t                  )                                            ·                                                                                ⅆ                t                                                                                =                                    C              L                        ·                                          ∫                0                ∞                                                                                ⅆ                                                                        v                          OUT                                                                                (                          t                          )                                                                                ⅆ                    t                                                  ·                                                      V                    OUT                                                                          (                    t                    )                                                  ·                                  ⅆ                  t                                                                                =                                                            C                  L                                ·                                                      [                                                                  v                                                  OUT                          2                                                                    2                                        ]                                    0                  50                                            =                              1250                ·                                  C                  L                                                                                E                              diss                                                                                1                                      =                                                            E                  SUPPLY                                -                                  E                  C                                            =                              1250                ·                                  C                  L
This analysis shows that half of the energy supplied by the voltage source is stored in the load capacitor while the other half is dissipated in switch 22 and resistor 28. During the discharge phase, the charge is removed from CLOAD 20, and the energy is dissipated in switch 24 and resistor 30. Thus the energy dissipated during each switching cycle is given by:Ediss=CLOAD·VDD2=2500·CLOAD(VDD=50V)  Equ (1)
Adiabatic switching has been done at low voltages in digital circuits as discussed in the following references. Indermaur et al., Evaluation of Charge Recovery Circuits and Adiabatic Switching for Low Power CMOS Design, IEEE Symposium on Low Power Electronics (1994), relates to charge recovery through adiabatic switching (from rail high or low voltage to the other rail voltage over sequential rails) for power reduction in CMOS integrated circuits. Gabara, Pulsed Power Supply CMOS—PPS CMOS, IEEE Symposium on Low Power Electronics (1994), relates to similar ramped driving and charge recovery, called "pulsed power" in CMOS circuits. Similarly Svensson et al., Driving a Capacitive Load Without Dissipating fCV2, IEEE Symposium on Low Power Electronics (1994), describes a similar "stepwise charging" in CMOS circuits.
While existing systems are of great benefit, there is always a need to improve performance of capacitive load drive systems, such as a piezoelectric drive system, including performance in energy savings, improved speed of operation, ability to drive more load elements which would allow for increased resolution of inkjet printing. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a more effective and efficient drive circuit.

Stepped voltage drive for driving capacitive loads


The present application provides a method for predicting the functional site of a protein using data of the entire proteins of an organism of which genome data or cDNA data is known. More specifically, the present application provides a method for predicting a protein functional site, comprising the steps of calculating the frequency of occurrence of an oligopeptide in the entire proteins, calculating the value of each amino-acid residue contributing to the frequency of occurrence as the representative value of the function, and predicting the protein functional site by using the representative value of function as an indicator. The present also provides a system for predicting a functional site for automatically performing said methods. Additionally, the present application provides a method for preparing a function-modified protein comprising subjecting the amino-acid residues composing the functional site identified by the method described above to artificial mutation, and a novel thermophilic DNA polymerase prepared by the method.

Following the progress of genome analysis and cDNA analysis of various organisms including pathogenic microorganisms, the number of novel genes whose functions are unknown is rapidly increasing, together with the number of proteins encoded by the genes. So far, the analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the whole genome of a microorganism, for example Mycoplasma genitalium (Fraser et al., Science 270, 397–403, 1995), Haemophilus influenzae (Fleischman et al., Science 269, 496–512, 1995), and Methanococcus jannaschii (Bult et al., Science 273, 1058–1073, 1996), has been completed, so that numerous novel proteins predicted from the genome sequence have been discovered. For humans and mice, the cDNA analysis is under way in combination with the genome analysis, which brings about the discovery of a great number of novel proteins.
In such circumstance, the prediction of the function of a functionally unknown protein or a functional site thereof has been a significant issue. If not only a novel protein but also a novel function or a novel functional site of a protein with a known function is discovered, whether or not these proteins are worth industrial or clinical application is possibly determined. Furthermore, such prediction of function possibly enables to prepare a modified protein with a further improved function.
Whether or not a protein encoded by a gene elucidated by genome analysis or cDNA analysis is novel or has a known function has been determined conventionally by searching the homology through protein databases such as Swiss-Prot. So as to predict a functional site, additionally, functionally identical proteins derived from various organisms are extracted from a protein database and are then subjected to alignment, to identify a region conserved in common to them and predict the conserved region as a functional site.
However, disadvantageously, such alignment method cannot be used if a protein obtained by genome analysis or cDNA analysis is an absolutely novel protein. Even if the protein has homology with known proteins in a protein database, the conserved region occupies most of the amino acid sequence of the protein in case that the protein is homologous to proteins derived from closely related organisms, so that it is impossible to predict the functional site. As to modification of protein, generally, the function of a protein is potentially deteriorated irrespective of the fact that the function is known or unknown once the conserved region is modified, even if the functional site is predicted by alignment. Accordingly, the amino-acid residues outside the conserved region should be modified to improve the function. In other words, it is required to find a novel functional site in such protein to be modified. Using the conventional alignment method, disadvantageously, a novel functional site cannot be discovered or which amino-acid residue should be modified cannot be predicted.
Taking account of such circumstance, the present invention has been carried out. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for predicting a functional site of a functionally unknown protein obtained by genome analysis or cDNA analysis.
In accordance with the present invention, furthermore, it is an object to provide a system for predicting the function.
In accordance with the present invention, still furthermore, it is an object to provide a method for predicting a novel functional site of a protein with an unknown function or with a known function and subjecting the functional site to mutation to prepare a modified protein.
Still furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protein with a function modified by the method described above.

Method and a system for predicting protein functional site, a method for improving protein function, and a function-modified protein

Japan Science and Technology Corporation


A parametric loudspeaker system using improved modulators to compensate for the non-linearity of the parametric process in air when driving the air at saturation levels and below saturation levels. The parametric loudspeaker uses a pre-processed single sideband modulator that offers ideal linearity as characterized by square root pre-processed double sideband modulators but with a lower carrier frequency and without the wide bandwidth requirements. By eliminating some or all of the lower sideband the carrier frequency can be reduced without producing sideband frequencies in the audible range. Lower operational frequencies result in greater translation efficiency and greater output capability before reaching the saturation limit of air. A pre-processor minimizes the effects of saturation limits for double sideband, truncated double sideband or single sideband processing to achieve superior output.

A parametric array in air results from the introduction of sufficiently intense, audio modulated ultrasonic signals into an air column. Self demodulation, or down-conversion, occurs along the air column resulting in an audible acoustic signal. This process occurs because of the known physical principle that when two sound waves with different frequencies are radiated simultaneously in the same medium, a sound wave having a wave form including the sum and difference of the two frequencies is produced by the non-linear interaction (parametric interaction) of the two sound waves. So, if the two original sound waves are ultrasonic waves and the difference between them is selected to be an audio frequency, an audible sound is generated by the parametric interaction. However, due to the non-linearities in the air column down-conversion process, distortion is introduced in the acoustic output. The distortion can be quite severe and 30% or greater distortion may be present for a moderate modulation level. Lowering the modulation level lowers the distortion, but at the expense of both a lower output volume and a lower power efficiency.
In 1965, Berktay formulated that the secondary resultant output (audible sound) from a parametric loudspeaker is proportional to the second time derivative of the square of the modulation envelope. It was shown by Berktay that the demodulated signal, p(t), in the far-field is proportional to the second time derivative of the modulation envelope squared.p(t)∝∂2/∂t2[(env(t))2].  (Equation 1)This is called "Berktay's far-field solution" for a parametric acoustic array. Berktay looked at the far-field because the ultrasonic signals are no longer present there (by definition). The near-field demodulation produces the same audio signals, but there is also ultrasound present which must be included in a general solution. Since the near-field ultrasound isn't audible, it can be ignored and with this assumption, Berktay's solution is valid in the near-field too.
The earliest use of this relationship for parametric loudspeakers in air was a modulator design for parametric loudspeakers in 1985. This advancement included the application of a square root function to the modulation envelope. Using the square root function compensates for the natural squaring function which distorts the envelope of the modulated sideband signal emitted to the air. Those skilled in the art have also shown that the square root double sideband signal can theoretically produce a low distortion system but at the cost of infinite system and transducer band width. It is not practical to produce any device that has an infinite bandwidth capability. Further, the implementation of any significant bandwidth means that the inaudible ultrasonic primary frequencies will, on the lower sideband, extend down into the audible range and cause new distortion which is at least as bad as the distortion eliminated by the infinite bandwidth square root pre-processing system.
In a typical application, the desired signal is amplitude modulated (AM) modulated on an ultrasonic carrier of 30 kHz to 50 kHz, then amplified, and applied to an ultrasonic transducer. If the ultrasonic intensity is of sufficient amplitude, the air column will perform a demodulation or down-conversion over some length (the length depends, in part, on the carrier frequency and column shape). The prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,908 to Tanaka, et al., teaches that the modulation scheme to achieve parametric audio output from an ultrasonic emission uses a double sideband signal with a carrier frequency and sideband frequencies spaced on either side of it by the frequency difference corresponding to the audio frequencies of interest.
For example, when amplitude modulating a 6 kHz tone onto a 40 kHz carrier, as shown in FIG. 1, sideband frequencies are generated. FIG. 2 shows that the carrier frequency (40 kHz) is now accompanied by a 34 kHz lower-sideband and a 46 kHz upper-sideband. Three components are now present, 34 kHz, 40 kHz, and 46 kHz which gives a pure 6 kHz envelope. As described previously, the 6 kHz signal would be square rooted before being used as the modulation signal shown in FIG. 3. Using a spectrum produced by the square root function for the modulation signal of a 40 kHz carrier generates the spectral components shown in FIG. 4. Applying a square root function to the 6 kHz signal produces infinite harmonics, and the AM spectrum has upper and lower sideband frequencies that are also infinitely far from the carrier. It is infeasible to implement this type of system because of transducer bandwidth limitations and similar problems.
In practice, the first five or six harmonics are enough to give a good approximation of the ideal square rooted wave. However, even when the number of harmonics is limited, the low sideband frequencies still reach down into the audio range and create distortion. As in the foregoing example in FIGS. 1-4, the lower-sideband frequencies that would need to be emitted are 34, 28, 22, 16, 10 and 4 kHz. This creates the problem that audible frequencies (16, 10, and 4 kHz) will need to be emitted along with the ultrasonic ones to make the desired modulation envelope.
Applying a square root function to the original signal reduces or eliminates the distortion in the demodulated audio but it creates unwanted audible frequencies that are emitted. In the current state of the prior art, the only choice is between high distortion (avoiding the square root function) or a wide bandwidth requirement with less distortion (using a square root function). Further, the square rooted signal for any given ultrasonic frequency is only valid for low level signals. As the ultrasonic power levels are increased to provide significant audio output, the ideal envelope shifts from the square root of the signal to the audio signal itself (or 1 times the signal).
Another problem exhibited by parametric loudspeaker systems is that as the frequency and/or intensity of the ultrasonic sound waves is increased to allow room for lower sidebands and to achieve reasonable conversion levels in the audible range, the air can be driven into saturation. This means that the fundamental ultrasonic frequency is limited as energy is robbed from it to supply the harmonics. The level at which the saturation problem appears is reduced 6 dB for every octave the primary frequency is increased. In other words, the power threshold at which saturation appears, decreases as the frequency increases. Double sideband signal systems used with parametric arrays must always be at least the bandwidth of the signal above any audible frequency (assuming a 20 kHz bandwidth) and even more if the distortion reducing square root function is used which also demands an infinite bandwidth.
A further problem with prior art parametric loudspeakers is that they have a built in high pass filter characteristic such that the amplitude of the secondary signal (audio output) falls at 12 dB per octave for descending frequencies. Because the lower sideband of a double sideband system must be kept from producing output in the audible range, the carrier frequency must be kept at least 20 kHz above the audible upper limit for double sideband (DSB) and at the very least twice that amount with a square rooted DSB. This range forces the carrier frequency up quite high. As a result, the saturation limit is easily reached and the overall efficiency of the system suffers.
These excessive and undesirable types of distortion preclude the practical or commercial use of the uncompensated parametric arrays or even square-rooted compensation schemes in high fidelity applications. Accordingly, it would be an improvement over the state of the art to provide a new method and system for pre-processing the audio signal which would result in lowered distortion with a decreased bandwidth requirement for the ultrasonic parametric array output. It would also be desirable to use lower primary frequencies which are still above the audible range to produce less saturation and attenuation.

Modulator processing for a parametric speaker system


A transportation container includes an upper section having a plurality of sidewalls defining a space dimensioned to receive oversized cargo for transport and a base section adapted to mate with a standardized interface of a transportation vehicle for supporting the upper section.

Throughout the world, goods are shipped via a wide variety of transportation methods in metal containers. Typically, the containers used are constructed of steel or aluminum and have dimensions that comply with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization ("ISO"). Standardization allows the containers to be handled by mechanical equipment, regardless of location or manufacturer of the container or equipment.
Standardization also allows the same container to be used on various forms of transportation. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the cargo to be transferred between transportation forms without a lengthy process of unloading and re-loading the container itself. For example, a loaded container may be off-loaded from a ship by an overhead crane and loaded directly onto a truck or rail car.
While most goods can be transported in standard-dimension containers, some cargo is simply too large to fit within a standard container. Also, it has not been efficient to construct oversized containers for these goods because such oversized containers would not meet the dimensional standards for shipping containers. Typically, therefore, oversized goods are individually loaded on flat-bed rolling stock for overland transportation or individually loaded and secured on cargo ships for sea transportation. In certain cases, flat-bed rail cars have been fitted with canopies to cover the cargo. An example of such a modified flat-bed rail car is shown in FIG. 1. This approach has proven undesirable, however, because the flat-bed cars so modified are not available for general use in providing railroad-transportation services when not being used for oversized cargo. Rather, once modified, the rail cars have limited application to oversized cargo.
The inability to use containers for oversized goods has disadvantages. Specifically, the goods must be individually loaded onto rolling stock at the point of manufacture and then unloaded and re-loaded at each point of transfer between transportation forms. For example, oversized goods loaded on a flat-bed rail car must be individually unloaded from the rail car and then individually loaded onto a cargo ship for sea transportation. Also, the inability to use a container may result in the goods being exposed to weather during transport or may require individualized protection, such as canopies or tarpaulins, to be used to protect the goods from the weather.
A need exists therefore for a shipping container that would accommodate oversized goods while still meeting critical dimensional standards for standardized containers.


A vehicle includes a first sensor configured to measure a respiration temperature, a facial temperature, and a heart temperature of a user, a second sensor configured to measure a carbon dioxide concentration in a respiration of the user, and a controller configured to determine a respiration volume and a respiration cycle of the user based on the first sensor, based on the measured carbon dioxide concentration in the respiration being greater than or equal to a predetermined carbon dioxide concentration, compare each of the respiration volume and the respiration cycle with a predetermined respiration volume and a predetermined respiration cycle, and based on the comparison result, output an alarm signal corresponding to each state of an awakening state or a sleeping state in response to a determination that the user is in the awakening state or the sleeping state.

A thermal imaging camera is a device that tracks and detects heat and displays it on a screen at a glance. General cameras have the same structure as human eyes, so they capture a similar image to what our eyes see, but thermal imaging cameras are special equipment that only use the heat to capture. Taking advantage of these points, the thermal imaging cameras have been usefully used in various fields in recent years. In some cases, drones are equipped with the thermal imaging cameras to monitor forest fires and to easily determine whether livestock is diseased.
Recently, traffic accidents caused by drowsy driving are increasing. Accordingly, research is being actively conducted to prevent drowsy driving. A method of incorporating a technology for determining whether a user is sleeping using the thermal imaging camera may be considered in this technical field.
By analyzing an inhalation and an exhalation exhaled by the user through the thermal imaging camera, it is possible to determine whether it corresponds to a sleeping state, and apply this to the driving user.

Vehicle and method of controlling the same


A monitoring control network system has at least two monitoring control devices each having at least one monitored device as a slave configuring a network, and monitoring and controlling the slave monitored device, at least one operation terminal monitoring and controlling the corresponding slave monitored device through the monitoring control device, and at least one monitoring target management server including a storage unit storing monitoring target information representing a couple of information for specifying each of the monitored devices and information for specifying each of the monitoring control devices monitoring and controlling the monitored devices, and a notifying unit accepting an acquisition request of the specifying information of the monitoring control device from the operation terminal, and notifying the operation terminal of the specifying information of the monitoring control device with the designated monitored device set as a monitoring target.

The present invention relates to a monitoring control network system enabling a load distributed management of monitoring and controlling monitored devices under a monitoring control device from an operation terminal and a monitoring target management server.
With expansions of information communication networks, there arises a necessity of monitoring the monitored devices in distribution in a way that installs a plurality of monitoring control devices for monitoring the monitored devices such as transmission devices serving as network component devices, corresponding to every type and every disposition area of the monitored devices.
A conventional monitoring control network system adopts an architecture as shown in FIG. 1 in order to monitor and control all or a part of monitored devices within a network.
Namely, (1) operation terminals (an operation terminal for A, an operation terminal for B) are installed corresponding to monitoring control devices A, B, respectively. (2) One operation terminal exists, a suite of software (software for A, and software for B) is provided for the respective monitoring control devices, and an operator switches over this suite of running software or a connecting destination. (3) There is provided an integrated monitoring server, connected to all or a plurality of monitoring control devices, for managing batch wise (centralized management) states of monitored devices a1, a2, b1, b2 and pieces of information thereof, and the operation terminal is connected to this integrated monitoring server.
The architecture of the conventional monitoring control network system described above has the following problems. The architecture (1) given above requires the operation terminal for every monitoring control device, with the result that the cost increases and a larger installation area is needed. Further, the operator needs t operate each operation terminal in order to see necessary items of information, and hence an operability declines.
In the architecture (2) described above, when switching over the suite of software for the monitoring control, connections to the plurality of monitoring control devices can not be simultaneously established, and it is therefore impossible to see the necessary items of information at one time. Moreover, in a case where plural pieces of software can be booted simultaneously, this requires a large quantity of resources (a memory, a disk capacity etc) of the operation terminal, and consequently the cost rises.
Further, though it is also the same with the architecture (1) , the operator needs to be aware of which monitoring control device monitors the monitored device and which monitored device is monitored by it, and hence this becomes a factor for a decline of the reliability.
The architecture (3) given above requires providing the integrated monitoring server separately from the monitoring control device, and therefore the cost increases. Moreover, the integrated monitoring server is connected to all the monitoring control devices and unitarily manages pieces of information on the monitored devices. Hence, there is a possibility of causing discordance with the information held by each f the monitoring control devices, resulting in the decline of the reliability. Avoidance of this problem involves a complicated scheme so as not to cause the discordance. Further, the information is converged eventually to one single device (the integrated monitoring server), and therefore it follows that the load is concentrated on the integrated monitoring server.


The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulated gene expression. In certain aspects, the invention relates to an inducible synthetic promoter that can be used for regulated gene expression or to generate mutations in one or more bacterial cells of the gut microbiota.

The human gut is populated with enormous bacterial populations that impact many aspects of host physiology. While the ability to describe these communities by high-throughput sequencing has expanded dramatically, parallel tools to manipulate or engineer the microbiota have significantly lagged behind. Such tools are critical for experimental dissection of these poorly understood microbial consortia in the short term, and for future efforts to leverage the microbiota to predict, report on, and ameliorate disease.
Synthetic biology approaches provide an attractive means to address these obstacles, but genetic parts developed and validated in model organisms such as Escherichia coli are typically nonfunctional in Bacteroidetes or Firmicutes, which together account for ˜90% of the microbiota in most individuals (The Human Microbiome Project Consortium, 2012, Nature, 486:207-214). Members of the most abundant and stable genus in healthy U.S. humans, Bacteroides (The Human Microbiome Project Consortium, 2012, Nature, 486:207-214; Faith, J. J., et al., 2013, Science, 341:1237439-1237439), are typical in this regard. These gram-negative, obligate anaerobes are associated with a range of host phenotypes in mouse models, from modulating normal physiological processes (mucus production, villus development, immune maturation) to shaping interactions with invading pathogens and even behavior (Hsiao, E. Y., et al., 2013, Cell, 155:1451-1463; Ng, K. M., et al., 2013, Nature, 502:96-99; Wexler, H. M., 2007, Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 20:593-621). However, several features of Bacteroides preclude the use of standard synthetic biology tools. First, the RNA polymerase (RNAP) σ70 holoenzyme recognizes a unique −33/−7 consensus sequence, TTTG (N19-21)TANNTTTG (SEQ ID NO: 96), in promoter DNA (Bayley, D. P. et al., 2000, FEMS Microbiol. Lett., 193:149-154; Mastropaolo, M. D. et al., 2009, Microbiology, 155:2683-2693). Second, standard reporters of gene expression such as green fluorescent protein or ß-galactosides do not work well due to the oxygen requirement or high background from native enzymes. Third, ribosome binding site (RBS) strength is correlated with a complex set of features and not with the presence of a canonical Shine-Dalgarno sequence (Wegmann, U. et al., 2013, Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 79:1980-1989).
Native Bacteroides promoters that respond to plant-, fungal-, or mammal-derived polysaccharides or sugars can provide approximately 102-fold range of activity and have been employed for regulated gene expression in B. thetaiotaomicron, B. fragilis, and B. ovatus (Hamady, Z. Z. R. et al., 2008, Microbiology, 154:3165-3174; Horn, N. et al., 2016, Front Microbiol., 7:207-209; Mimee, M. et al., 2015, Cell Syst., 1:62-71; Parker, A. C. et al., 2012, Plasmid, 68:86-92). However, even in the absence of inducer, these promoters are significantly activated in mouse models, possibly because of background from the host or its diet (Horn, N. et al., 2016, Front Microbiol., 7:207-209; Mimee, M. et al., 2015, Cell Syst., 1:62-71). Further, plant-, fungal- and mammal-derived polysaccharides are known to be actively consumed by the microbiota and have a large impact on microbiome composition and gene expression (Sonnenburg, J. L. et al., 2005, Science, 307:1955-1959). Lastly, the performance of these native promoters in heterologous species is not known.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved, functional synthetic biology components that are operable within the microbiota. The present invention addresses this unmet need.

Compositions and methods for regulated gene expression


The present invention relates to a method for sizing of paper by using a particular vinylamine polymer as a size-fixing aid. By the use of the vinylamine polymer as a size-fixing aid, it has become possible to obtain a paper having superior sizing properties by papermaking at a pH around neutrality using a hitherto known acidic sizing agents without using a neutral sizing agent. The method of the present invention further has effects that operating efficiency of papermaking is greatly improved since contaminations of a papermaking machine due to a neutral agent can be avoided, and therefore, the prices of paper can be greatly lowered. The present method has further advantages when it is applied under acidic papermaking condition of a pH of less than 5.5. In such a condition, the addition amount of alum can be decreased and the life of a papermaking machine can be prolonged. In spite of a small amount of alum added, a considerably good sizing effect can be obtained by the present method.

The present invention relates to a novel method for the sizing of paper.
Hitherto, as the method for the sizing of paper, there have mainly been used the so-called acidic sizing methods in which acidic sizing agents such as rosin sizing agents, synthetic sizing agents, etc. and alum are employed. In recent years, the so-called neutral sizing methods in which neutral sizing agents represented by alkyl ketene dimer and alkenylsuccinic anhydride are employed have been developed in order to overcome the defects caused by alum in the acidic sizing methods or to use calcium carbonate, which is a low price filler. However, the neutral sizing methods are disadvantageous in the stability and the costs of the neutral sizing agents. Recently, in the manufacturing industry of the regenerated papers such as white boards, raw papers for gypsum boards and the like from wasted paper containing calcium carbonate, is required in order to meet the needs of conservation of resources a novel papermaking method which can provide papers showing an excellent sizing properties at a low cost by making a paper at around neutrality of pH range from 5.5 to 7.5.
As the acidic sizing methods using rosin sizing agents, there has been known a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (KOKAI) 14807/78 in which a paper with good sizing properties is obtained by using a particular Hofmann rearrangement-reaction product as a size-fixing aid. However, this method has defects in that size-fixing is insufficient in the papermaking at around neutrality.