A knife gate valve including a knife valve gate, a gate actuation mechanism, operatively connected to the knife valve gate, a two-part sleeve and a valve body. The two-part sleeve includes an upstream section and a downstream section with the knife valve gate being selectively insertable therebetween. The valve body includes an upper casing section and a lower casing section pivotally connected to one another. The upper casing section and the lower casing section each include a concave cavity together defining a sleeve receiving channel of the valve body. The two-part sleeve is removably engageable in the sleeve receiving channel. The upper casing section and the lower casing section are pivotable between an operative configuration preventing removal of the two-part sleeve from the sleeve receiving channel and a maintenance configuration allowing insertion and removal of the two-part sleeve from the sleeve receiving channel.

Knife gate valves are a specific type of gate valve where a knife gate with a beveled edge can be moved in and out of a path of a fluid, to selectively allow or prevent the flow of the fluid. Knife gate valves are commonly used in industrial applications to control the flow of fluid containing solid or semi-solid particles, such as powder, granules, pellets, fibers or the like. For example, knife gate valves are frequently used in papermaking, mining, chemical and sewage treatment industries.
In order to facilitate the maintenance thereof, knife gate valves are commonly equipped with a two-part replaceable sleeve in which the fluid flows, with the knife gate being moved between the two-parts thereof to selectively allow or prevent the fluid flow. Hence, the two-part replaceable sleeve, which is usually the component that is subject to the greatest wear due to abrasion resulting from the fluid flow, can be replaced when required.
Known knife gate valves however tend to suffer from several drawbacks. For example and without being limitative, with known knife gate valves, the maintenance associated to the replacement of the two-part replaceable sleeve is a time consuming process. Hence, such maintenance leads to substantially significant maintenance periods (representing downtime of the knife gate valve), as the knife gate valve commonly needs to be dismounted from a site and moved to a workshop to proceed with sleeve replacement. Such substantially significant maintenance periods lead to significant maintenance costs associated to the replacement of the sleeve, for example taking into account the salary of the worker and the loss of productivity resulting from the downtime of the knife gate valve.
In view of the above, there is a need for an improved knife gate valve which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.


The object of the invention is the provision of a semiconductor memory having processor and memory integrally mounted on one chip. To attain the object, crossbar wirings are laid on the memory cell area and crossbar switches are disposed in the sense amplifier area or word driver area. Accordingly, memory sharing is made possible without increasing the chip area and it is also made possible to take out a large number of data continuously. Hence, a memory-embedded system with a high bandwidth can be provided.

In recent years, as semiconductor devices become finer and finer in scale, an LSI constructed having processor elements and a memory integrally mounted on the same chip, the so-called system LSI or particularly embedded DRAM processor, has come to be realized. Further, for increasing processing speed and data bandwidth, a memory-embedded multiprocessor, i.e., a type having a plurality of processors and embedded memory units on one chip, is being proposed for performing parallel processing. The memory-embedded multiprocessors are classified into shared-memory type multiprocessors in which a plurality of processor elements share the access of a memory unit and multiprocessors of a type in which a plurality of processor elements each have its dedicated memory. In a microprocessor of a shared-memory type, in which all combinations of non-overlapping simultaneous access between each processor elements and each partitioned memory sub-units are simultaneously possible, such a system is sometimes used with a crossbar switch array for connections between each of the plurality of processor elements and the memory sub-units.
FIG. 16 is a drawing of prior-art example 1, which schematically shows a manner of connections between processor elements and memory units in a shared-memory type multiprocessor system. In a typical design, there are buses for data, addresses, and control signals, between processor elements and memory units. When the number of buses between a processor and memory units is N, and then if there are N buses provided as shown in FIG. 16, only one processor is allowed to access memory at a time. Which means a bus out of N buses is occupied for communication between the processor and memory. When processor elements simultaneously make requests for memory accesses, all other processors requesting memory access, but one having a current bus accessing privilege, must wait until the communications between this processor element and the memory is over and the bus becomes available. Accordingly, even when memory is divided into small capacity units, simultaneous access is limited to the maximum of available number of buses N. In FIG. 16, note that black circles at bus portions are not permanent bus connections but bus switch arrays and those connections are controlled to set up a bus route from a processor to a target memory.
FIG. 17 is a drawing which explains prior-art example 2. If M sets of N buses (here M<N) are provided as shown in FIG. 17, M processor elements are allowed to communicate with N memory units at the same time. However, since M×N buses are required, the number of buses becomes huge when the number of the processor elements increase. In the drawing, black circles at bus crossing portions are not permanent bus connections but switch arrays. Those switch arrays are controlled to set up a bus route from a processor to a target memory sub-group comprising of one or plural memory units so that the memories are interconnected.
FIG. 18 is a drawing which explains prior-art example 3. In the case of FIG. 18, crossbar areas are provided between processor elements and memory units and, by means of crossbar switches, processor elements and memories are interconnected. The typical crossbar circuit is designed literally to intersect vertical and horizontal lines to form crossbar with bus switch at the intersection point. By providing a path for direct connection between each processor element and each memory unit with the use of a bus switch, the crossbar switch system realizes simultaneous connections of all the combinations of processor elements and memories with smaller hardware size compared to example 2, though it is well known that cross-bar hardware is huge. Although it is not drawn in each figure of example 1, example 2 and example 3 described above, since a plurality of processor elements are not allowed to access the same memory unit at the same time, an arbiter circuit is provided for arbitrating simultaneous requests for accessing the same memory.
In the prior arts discussed above, since the crossbar switch areas must be provided between processor elements and memories as shown in FIG. 18, there is a problem of an increase in the chip space. This problem becomes more serious for large scale integrated system as processor elements and buses are increased in number and, consequently, the system employing the crossbar becomes expensive. If the crossbar switch kind of bus system is not used, it is impossible for a plurality of processor elements to access each target memory unit simultaneously. Therefore, especially for a memory-embedded multiprocessor, though the system performance can be improved by the increase in the bus bandwidth, the cost increases with the increase in the chip area.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,248, a semiconductor memory is disclosed, which makes it possible to provide a more complicated bit line peripheral circuit without increasing the chip size. In this US Patent, ordinary bit lines are laid on a memory cell and other bit lines are laid over the ordinary bit lines so as to intersect the same. Therefore, emphasis is placed on getting more freedom in layout rather than on increasing the bandwidth.
In another patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,253, a semiconductor memory is disclosed, which makes it possible to transfer more data without increasing the chip area by providing first data buses and second data buses intersecting each other.
Although the configurations mentioned above include the constituents of the configuration of the present invention partly, they are not such that to attain high speed massive data operation and large bandwidth.

Embedded semiconductor memory with crossbar wirings and switches for high bandwidth

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An electrophoretic mobility measurement cell includes a container having a rectangular parallelepiped internal space for introducing a sample solution, two electrodes for applying an electric field to the internal space, tubular sample injection and extraction portions in communication with the internal space, first and second caps for covering the sample injection and extraction portions and sealing the internal space, the first cap has a first side surface contacting an inner side surface of the tubular sample injection portion, the inner side surface formed so that the cross-sectional area of the tube increases with distance from the internal space, and the area of the cross section of the first side surface decreases in the direction of insertion of the first cap. The cell and electrode portions are formed integrally, the electrode portions are made disposable together with the cell, and bubbles are unlikely to remain during injection of the sample solution.

An apparatus that measures the electrophoretic mobility and the ζ (zeta) potential of particles that are contained inside a sample cell container and move under the influence of an electric field is called an electrophoretic mobility measurement apparatus.
With this measurement apparatus, a liquid (sample solution), in which a dispersion of particles is suspended, is contained in a cell-type test container having transparent walls (hereinafter referred to simply as "sample cell container"), light is irradiated on the sample solution, scattered light emitted from a certain region of the sample cell container is detected by a photodetector, the velocity of the particles is calculated by analyzing the frequency components of the scattered light, and a particle velocity distribution or an electrophoretic mobility distribution of the particles is calculated.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an electroosmosis phenomenon inside a conventional sample cell container. An electroosmotic flow is a movement, due to the presence of ions, of the liquid that supports the particle dispersion. The ions are transported by the electric field. The distribution of the ions is influenced by charges present on the walls of the sample cell container.
The liquid flows in one direction at locations near the inner peripheral walls of the sample cell container and flows in the opposite returning direction at a central region of the sample cell container. This is called the electroosmotic flow Uosm.
"Up" in FIG. 10 represents the net flow of the particles dispersed and suspended in the liquid. There exist planes at each of which a peripheral flow (a flow near a cell wall that flows in one direction) of the electroosmotic flow Uosm and a central counterflow (a flow flowing in the opposite direction at a central portion side when viewed from a cross section of the cell) contact and mingle so that the velocity of the liquid becomes zero. These planes are called "stationary planes." In an electrophoretic mobility measurement method, it is considered preferable to attempt to perform a particle velocity distribution at the position of a stationary plane (see Patent Document 1).
In injecting a sample solution into a conventional electrophoretic mobility measurement cell, an electrode is set in an opening at one side of the cell and the opening is capped. The cell is then inverted and an appropriate amount of the sample solution is injected with a pipette, etc., from an opening at the other side while inclining the cell to avoid entry of bubbles. An electrode is then inserted in the opening at the other side and the opening is capped.
On the other hand, for samples mainly in bio-related fields and pharmaceutical-related fields, disposable cells, which are discarded after measurement because of adsorption of sample and attachment of contaminants on the glass cell, are adopted.

Electrophoretic mobility measurement cell and measurement apparatus and method using the same


A vehicle control device including a camera configured to photograph an image around a vehicle; a display unit configured to display the image received from the camera; at least one sound sensor arranged on the vehicle and configured to sense a sound generated inside or outside the vehicle; at least one sound output unit arranged on the vehicle and configured to output sound inside or outside the vehicle; and a controller configured to sense a situation of the vehicle based on the sensed sound generated inside or outside the vehicle, and control at least one of the sound sensor, sound output unit and the display unit to output information based on the sensed situation of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method thereof, which can control a vehicle by using sound information.
2. Description of the Conventional Art
Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals or stationary terminals. Mobile terminals may also be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminals. Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples of such functions include data and voice communications, capturing images and video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via a speaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Some mobile terminals include additional functionality which supports game playing, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players.
Meanwhile, with the development of electronic technologies, automation technologies of vehicles have been considerably developed. Also, various functions for assisting driver's driving have been developed together with the development of the electronic technologies. These technologies are generally called as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
In order to assist driving of a vehicle, various sensors have been developed in the vehicle field, and a technique of recognizing situation information around a vehicle through these sensors has been developed. However, these sensors are limited to sensing of visual information through a camera, etc. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a method of providing functions which assist driving of a vehicle by using auditory information sensed through a sound sensor.

Vehicle control device and vehicle control method thereof


Multi-phase electronic power converter (50) for outputting multi-phase alternating current, wherein for every phase the current converter (50) comprises a power output (52) controlled via at least two semiconductor switches (51) connected in a half-bridge circuit, wherein the electronic power converter (50) has a control device (53) which is configured for processing a target value signal of the control device (53) supplied as an input signal, each in the form of a bit stream (1, 2, 3, 30, 31, 32) of one or more bits for every phase, characterized in that the control device (53) is configured by means of space-vector modulation to generate actuation signals (P1, P2, P3) of the semiconductor switches (51) in relation to the bit streams (1, 2, 3, 30, 31, 32) supplied as an input signal.

Electrical drives are supplied nowadays from switched power sections which are usually driven with pulse-width-modulated signals (PWM signals). For this purpose, power converters are used which for each phase of the electrical machine to be controlled have a power output controlled via at least two semiconductor switches connected in a half-bridge circuit. In the prior art, there are various possibilities for generating the driving signals of the semiconductor switches, e.g. outputting a PWM signal with a fixed switching frequency with standard components using digital technology. For this purpose, control words having a word width of a plurality of bits can be written to the components. The digital logic generates therefrom the pulse-width-modulated driving signals for the semiconductor switches. What is disadvantageous here is that, on account of the synchronous logic, the switching patterns can be changed only before two points in time at the beginning and in the middle of the switching frequency period.
Proposals for controlling electrical machines are given e.g. by DE 10 2012 206 323 A1 or the thesis by Jonathan Bernard Bradshaw, "Bit-Streams Control of Doubly Fed Induction Generators", Mar. 7, 2012, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
A further disadvantage of known power converters for controlling electrical machines is that the PWM signals are generated with a fixed switching frequency that is usually in the range perceptible to human beings. Therefore, the operation of the electrical machine is then accompanied by a frequently disturbing, uniform secondary noise, e.g. high-frequency whistling. If the switching frequency is put outside the audible range, increased switching losses arise.
A further disadvantage of known power converters is that the pulse width modulation is effected in an open loop in the customary digital embodiment. The driving signals for the semiconductor switches are transmitted to the power section and, as a result of diverse effects, the voltage-time integrals actually present at the load, i.e. at the electrical machine, differ from the setpoint values at the input of the power converter. In this regard, the magnitude of the supply voltage present at the power section, influenced by fluctuations resulting from residues of the input AC voltage from the rectifier, voltage raising during generator operation of the load, etc., is incorporated multiplicatively to a full level. The prior art attempts to take account of such effects through measurements and in the form of feedforward switching in the modulation. An additional factor is that the semiconductor switches have voltage drops as soon as they carry current. For active switches and in diodes, said voltage drops are generally different and dependent on the chip temperature. Such effects cannot readily be compensated for in feedforward switching with fixed values. Significant voltage errors arise as a result of the dead times which have to be inserted between the switch-off of one semiconductor switch of a half-bridge and the switch-on of the other semiconductor switch of the half-bridge following the calculation of the switching times, in order to prevent short circuits of the DC supply. Depending on the current sign, the sign of the absent voltage-time integral changes as well. This leads to considerable nonlinear distortions of the effective voltages generated and can be compensated for only in part by feedforward control with a current-dependent table since the actual switching times of the semiconductor switches, which are temperature-dependent and subject to manufacturing fluctuations, are incorporated into the offset voltages. In addition, the switching edges of the voltage are not ideal, but rather form voltage ramps, the gradient of which is in turn dependent on the current magnitude. This effect, too, is incorporated into the output voltage as an error.

Electronic power converter and computer program


Reduces the consumption of an electronic time piece equipped with a motor 4 driving a display unit 5. A quartz oscillator 1 feeds a supply circuit 3 through a frequency divider 2. The supply circuit 3 of the motor and its control circuit 9 periodically decrease the pulse energy supplied to the motor in response to a reference signal 8.2 provided by a reference counter say every 60 seconds. The energy then supplied to the motor is regulated as a function of the presence or absence of a signal delivered by a detection switch 7 operated by the display unit. If the detection switch does not close, compensating pulses are fed to the motor to catch up the lost seconds and the pulse energy is stepped up.

The present invention concerns a method of reducing the consumption of electrical energy of an electronic time piece in which a motor supplied with electrical energy supplies mechanical energy to drive a time data display unit. The invention also concerns an electronic time piece in which the method is used and comprising a motor driving a time data display unit, an oscillator used as time base, a frequency divider coupled to the oscillator, and a supply circuit coupled to the divider and delivering electrical energy to the motor.
In a time piece of the above type, the greatest part of the energy supplied by the electrical supply source, which is generally a battery, is consumed by the motor. The mean current absorbed by the latter is in fact of the order of two microamperes while the other electronic circuits of the watch (oscillator, divider, etc.) combined in an integrated circuit together consume less than 0.5 microamperes. It is therefore important to limit the motor's consumption as much as possible to increase the life of the battery or to be able to make the volume of this battery smaller, for a given life.
The motor receives driving pulses from a shaper circuit supplied with low frequency signals by a frequency divider connected to a quartz oscillator which forms the time base of the watch. In known watches the shaper circuit is adjusted so as to supply sufficient power to make the motor function in the worst conditions that may possibly occur: low battery voltage, driving of the calendar mechanism, clogging or irregularity of the gears, shocks, etc. As these bad conditions are only rarely encountered, the power supplied to the motor is most of the time far greater than that necessary for making it function reliably. There is therefore a waste of energy involved.
The object of the present invention is to avoid this waste.

Reduction of energy consumption of electronic timepiece


A system and method for layer reconstruction from dual-energy image pairs are provided, the method including: receiving a pair of dual-energy images, one having a relatively high energy dose and the other having a relatively low energy dose; ascertaining that a first relatively motionless layer is substantially aligned between the high and low dose images; computing a preliminary image of a second layer that has non-rigid motion relative to the first layer; detecting the relative motion of the second layer relative to the first layer; generating a mask in accordance with the detected motion; filling the motion area corresponding to the mask with gradients of the high-dose image; removing the first layer; and inpainting the motion area.

High-energy photons, such as X-rays, for example, can pass through objects before being significantly absorbed. Hence, high-energy photons are widely used to form images in security, medical imaging and industrial applications. Unlike normal reflection images, 3D objects are projected onto 2D images and appear semi-transparent in such high-energy images. In dual-energy X-ray imaging, two images are acquired by X-rays with relatively high-energy and relatively low energy spectra, respectively.
Images consisting of transparent layers are rarely addressed by conventional computer vision techniques. The transparency observed in emerging X-ray imaging devices in security, medical imaging and industrial inspection poses great challenges to existing algorithms.
Ongoing research attempts to address transparency in stereo estimation, image registration and layer separation. What is currently needed is a system and method for separating moving transparent layers in a dual-energy X-ray imaging scenario.

Layer reconstruction from dual-energy image pairs


A bearing unit (2), designed for attachment on a shaft of a pump assembly, has an inner sleeve (6) for receiving the shaft and a bearing sleeve (4) fixed on the outer periphery of the inner sleeve (6). At a first axial end (7) the inner sleeve (6) includes an engagement element (8), designed for positive, rotationally fixed engagement with the shaft or with a component (42) connected to the shaft. At a second opposite axial end the inner sleeve (6) includes a second contact shoulder (10), which fixes the bearing sleeve (4) in an axial direction (X). A pump assembly having such a bearing unit is also provided.

The invention relates to a bearing unit which is designed for attachment on a shaft of a pump assembly.
Bearing units are necessary in pump assemblies, in particular in multi-stage centrifugal pump assemblies, in order to mount the rotatable shaft in the radial direction, in particular also between the individual pump stages.
A bearing unit is known from German Utility Model DE 87 06 954 U. Here, a carrier bush is fixed on a shaft in a rotationally secured manner by way of driver pins. A bearing sleeve, which together with the carrier bush is fixed on the shaft in the axial direction via a screw, is arranged on the carrier bush by way of further driver pins. This arrangement, on the one hand, is not suitable to be attached on a continuous shaft, for example between individual pump stages. On the other hand, the arrangement of the driver or catch pins demands a very precise manufacture while maintaining the demanded tolerances, and leads to quite an elaborate assembly.


The invention provides a data processing system, a method, computer program product and software for operating it where the data processing system includes a number of interconnected nodes. At least one data partition resides on one of the nodes, and one or more tables reside in a data partition. One of the nodes has a catalogue containing metadata describing tables and other objects and relationships therebetween in the data processing system. There is a global instruction cache at each node having a statement portion storing instruction statements and associated executables; each of the executable is designed for a particular environment; the instruction cache includes a dependency portion which lists objects and links them to the corresponding executable entries that depend on the objects; the instruction cache includes a shipped variation portion, each entry of the shipped variation portion refers to one executable entry and identifies the node from which the statement associated with the executable was originally shipped and the identification of such executable in the node from which it was originally shipped. The cache includes an invalidations in progress portion, each entry of the invalidations in progress portion refers to an object entry in the dependency portion.

This invention relates to database management systems, and has particular application to relational database management systems (RDBMS) and more particularly to a method and apparatus for efficiently sharing of instructions, especially cached dynamic SQL statements between applications connected at different nodes in a multiple node database while maintaining cache and application integrity across the nodes.
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the database access language most commonly used to access relational databases (such as the DB2 product sold by IBM Corporation) in an open, heterogeneous environment. Although this disclosure refers to the DB2 relational database product sold by IBM, individuals skilled in the art will recognize that the caching of database access statements is applicable to any relational database management system (RDBMS).
Within this specification including the claims, the following terms will be used:
There are two basic types of SQL statements, static and dynamic. In using static SQL the user embeds SQL requests for data in an application program. An SQL precompiler removes these statements from the application program and replaces them with function calls whose parameters indicate a specific section entry for the package corresponding to the current source file. The removed SQL statement is then sent to the database management system for compilation. Compiling (also known as preparing) a SQL statement is the process by which the database management system SQL compiler chooses and builds an access plan to efficiently resolve the SQL statement. The access plan is saved in its executable format, a section, in the system catalogues.
The parsing of the statement and building of the access plan can be relatively long and complicated. Compilation of static SQL improves run time performance by building the access plan before the application is executed.
Dynamic SQL is SQL issued by an application that is not compiled until the time the application issues the query, and is often used for ad hoc SQL requests. For example, in a database used to track sales of individual products, a dynamic SQL query may be invoked to list the top ten products sold, by sales region. Depending upon the nature of a dynamic SQL request, the time required to parse it and create an access plan to satisfy the user request can be significant. Furthermore, if the dynamic SQL request is repeated later in the application by the same agent or perhaps by a different agent, a new access plan must be created in each instance. Thus, the creation of an identical access plan may often have to be repeated, thereby impacting performance of the application.
In such a scenario, each of the nodes involved in processing the query must have a copy of the xe2x80x9csectionxe2x80x9d in order that the query runs completely. Including all the data from all the nodes. As a basic solution to this requirement, the dynamic SQL statement is compiled at the node where the application is running. The resulting section is then sent or xe2x80x9cshippedxe2x80x9d to the remote nodes. At each of the nodes xe2x80x9cagentsxe2x80x9d on behalf of the application can then execute the query using the shipped section. Similarly, applications that are running on other nodes of the database that issue dynamic SQL, require the SQL to be compiled on the resulting section be shipped to all of this remote nodes that are involved in the transaction.
Given the potentially high cost of compilation and of SQL sections, it is desirable to avoid repeated compilation of the identical SQL request, and rely on previously compiled sections.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a database system comprising:
a) a plurality of nodes
b) a plurality of databases stored on the nodes; and
c) a global dynamic SQL statement cache stored on at least one node; the global dynamic SQL cache being accessible to a plurality of applications in the database system.
In accordance with the present invention there is also provided a method of maintaining cache and application integrity across a relational database system comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of databases shared on the nodes, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing for at least some of the databases, a global cached including information to enable agents to access the databases; (b) origination a request through a coordinating node, the coordinating node sending information on the dynamic SQL request to be executed to remote nodes: (c) having each remote node receive the request and check the global cache on the respective remote node for a current copy of the dynamic SQL entry; and (d) if the remote node does not have the current entry, the remote node requesting the coordination node to send the current version of the dynamic SQL entry and its section (e) having the global dynamic SQL cache be accessible for applications that are running at any node in the database system so that an application is able to re-use a cached copy of a previously inserted dynamic SQL entry and its section regardless of the node at which it was originally compiled.
Various aspects of the invention provide a data processing system, a method, and software for operating it where the data processing system includes a number of interconnected nodes. At least one data partition resides on one of the nodes, and one or more tables reside in a data partition. One of the nodes has a catalogue containing metadata describing tables and other objects and relationships therebetween in the data processing system. There is a global instruction cache at each node having a statement portion storing instruction statements and associated executables; each of the executable is designed for a particular environment; the instruction cache includes a dependency portion which lists objects and links them to the corresponding executable entries that depend on the objects; the instruction cache includes a shipped variation portion, each entry of the shipped variation portion refers to one executable entry and identifies the node from which the statement associated with the executable was originally shipped and the identification of such executable in the node from which it was originally shipped. The cache includes an invalidations in progress portion, each entry of the invalidations in progress portion refers to an object entry in the dependency portion.
In a further aspect of the invention the data processing system a catalogue node has a catalogue containing metadata describing tables and other SQL objects and relationships therebetween in the data processing system; wherein the SQL objects may include tables views of tables, aliases of tables, functions, and user defined types among others; a global SQL instruction cache at each node having a statement portion storing dynamic SQL statements and associated executables; each the executable being designed for a particular environment; the SQL cache includes a dependency portion which lists SQL objects and links them to the corresponding executable entries that depend on the objects; the SQL cache includes a shipped variation portion, each entry of the shipped variation portion refers to one executable entry and identifies the node at which the SQL statement associated with the executable was originally compiled and identification of such executable in the node at which it was compiled; the SQL cache includes an invalidations in progress portion, each entry of the invalidations in progress portion refers to an object entry in the dependency portion.
In yet a further aspect of the invention the data processing system the global SQL instruction cache includes a statement entry which includes:
SQL instruction statement text and a list of associated environment entries;
each the environment entry includes a description of the environment and a list of variations, each the variation includes: an identification number; the executable itself; a list of required privileges; a reference available to the entry in the shipped variation list portion of the cache.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of executing an SQL request issued by an application from a node (a coordinator node) comprising: searching in a global SQL cache at the coordinator node for an executable that is associated with an SQL statement and environment corresponding to the SQL request; if the executable is not found in the global cache then the database management system compiles the SQL request at the coordinator node then inserts an executable entry into the global cache at the coordinator node; searching at the coordinator node in the global SQL cache for an SQL statement entry, the text of which matches the text of the SQL request; if the entry is not present at the coordinator node, inserting, by the database management system, a new SQL statement entry, the text of which matches the SQL request; if the entry is present then the database management system searches for environment entries associated with the SQL statement entry for an environment entry that matches the environment for which the SQL request was issued; if the entry is not present then the database management system inserts into the cache a new environment entry matching the environment of the SQL request; the database management system searches for a variation entry comprising a valid executable corresponding to the SQL request, which includes the SQL statement and environment entry, and, if a valid executable is not found then the database management system compiles the SQL request, referring to the appropriate environment, into an executable (a set of one or more executable instructions) to carry out the SQL request; inserting into a variation entry the compiled executable, including a list of required privileges, a list of dependent objects, an identification number of the variation entry, and identification of the validity of the entry; and, for each object in the list of dependent objects searching in the dependency portion of the global SQL cache for an object entry with a matching object name and object type, and if it does not exist in the cache, inserting a new entry.
The invention also provides for a data processing system having a plurality of nodes at which processing may be performed, a method of identifying an executable comprising identifying the executable by node identification and entry identification associated with the first node of the data processing system that shipped the executable to any other node in the data processing system.
Preferably the executable is identified by node and entry identification associated with the first node of the data processing system that compiled and shipped the executable to any other node in the data processing system.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of indexing data and instructions for storage and retrieval for a multi-node data processing system comprising:
storing identification of the data and instructions in a list wherein the data and instructions are identified by node identification and entry identification associated with the first node that shipped the data and instructions to any other node.
Preferably the node list comprises an entry portion and a lookup portion wherein:
the entry portion stores the following:
SQL statements;
executables;
environment parameters;
entry identification for that entry in the list; and,
wherein the lookup portion includes the following:
the entry identification;
the identification of the node that first shipped or compiled the executable;
entry identification of the executable at the node that first shipped or compiled the executable.
In still another aspect of the invention which may be used in a data base system, having a plurality of interconnected nodes, managed by a database management system, each of the nodes having an unique identification, the nodes being capable of storing or processing information, each node having a cache, the cache having a statement portion and a shipped variation portion;
the statement portion of the cache at each node for storing SQL statements, executables associated with the SQL statements, and environments with which the executables are associated, wherein the executables are each identified by an unique entry identification;
the shipped variation portion (list) for storing identification entries for the executables including:
identification (ID number) of the executable which corresponds to the identification (ID number) of the associated entry in the statement portion of the cache;
the node identification (ID number) of the node from which the executable was originally shipped from or compiled; and,
the identification (ID number) of the executable at the node from which the executable was first shipped;
a method of executing a data processing request from a node (the coordinator node) in a manner adapted to avoid redundant shipping of executables comprising:
finding a suitable executable for carrying out the request by:
searching the statement portion of the cache at the coordinating node for an executable that is associated matching the request and environment in which the request was issued; and,
if the matching statement and environment were not found in the statement portion of the cache of the coordinating node, then compiling the request and inserting the request into the cache;
sending a request to all other nodes of the data base management system that are necessary to process the request (subordinate nodes of the coordinating node) wherein the request to all other such nodes includes: the identification of the coordinator node and the entry identification of the executable, and if there is a entry in the shipped variation list associated with the executable on the coordinator node cache then the database management system also ships identification of the node and entry.
In yet another aspect the invention provides for use in a database system having a plurality of nodes, and being managed by a database management system, each node having a storage cache for indexing and storing instructions including statements, executables and environment information, a method of executing a request by an application at a first node wherein the application identifies the executable that is desired to be executed, searches at the first node for the executable, and, if the executable is not found at the node compiling the executable, then, using identification of the node by the node and entry identification of the executable on the node from which it was first shipped or compiled, requesting execution by all other nodes required for executing the executable;
the other nodes searching in their respective caches by the node and entry identification of the executable assigned by the node from which it was initially shipped or compiled; and,
if the executable is found at each the other node executing it at each node at which it is found; and,
if it is not found at one or more of the other nodes requesting that the executable be shipped from the first node to the nodes where the executable was not found; and, then executing the executable at each of the other nodes receiving it.
Another aspect of the invention also provides a method of performing data processing in a multi-node data processing system by sharing dynamic compiled (SQL) executable data processing statements between nodes of the data processing system comprising:
identifying each compiled SQL statement with a (numerical) identifier;
at a node receiving statements (a receiving node) storing a list of statements received at the receiving node listing the originating node and identifier for each of the received statements;
upon receiving a request for processing with a specified statement having the receiving node check its list of statements received for the specified statement by its originating node and identifier;
comparing the identification of the specified statement with the statements in the list of the receiving node, and if a match if found then accessing the statement stored at the receiving node;
if a match is not found, having the receiving node request the specified statement from another node, and when it is received then loading it into its local cache;
having the receiving node update its list of statements;
executing the statement at the receiving node.
In another aspect the invention provides a method for use in a data base management system having a plurality of interconnected nodes, each of the nodes having an unique identification, the nodes being capable of storing or processing information,
one of the nodes comprising a catalogue node having metadata describing tables and other SQL objects and relationships between them in the data processing system;
each node having a cache, the cache having a statement portion and a dependency portion;
the statement portion of the cache at each node for storing SQL statements, executables associated with the SQL statements, and environments with which the executables are associated, wherein the executables are each identified by an unique entry identification;
the dependency portion for storing object entries for the SQL objects including:
identification of the object which corresponds to the object name and object type;
a list of entries referring to executable entries in the statement portion of the cache whose execution relies on the definition and existence of the object;
a method of updating entries in the cache at each node when object definition entries in the catalogue are changed comprising:
updating the catalogue node by removing all invalid entries and broadcasting instructions to other known nodes of system to remove invalid entries from their respective caches, by:
making a first broadcast of instructions to the nodes to secure entries in the dependency portion of each cache by first:
finding an object entry associated with the object that is being changed in the dependency portion of the cache;
if such an object entry in the dependency portion of the cache is not found, inserting a new object entry;
securing the object entry in the dependency portion of caches of the other nodes; marking all the executables currently listed as being associated with the object as invalid;
reporting to the database management system at the catalog node that the object entry in each of the caches have been marked as secured;
examining any executable newly arriving in a cache of a node and determining if it depends on an object that has been secured, and if so, marking it as invalid;
making a second broadcast from the catalog node to all known nodes to:
mark all entries in the caches which are dependent on a secured object or an invalid object as being invalid; and,
removing the secured marking of all secured objects;
removing all invalid entries and objects.
In a further aspect of the immediately above method entries are updated in the cache at each node when a node is added to the database comprising:
when a new node is added to the database system, sending from the catalogue node a list of all secured objects to the new node;
at the new node, for all the objects in the list of the objects secured at the catalog node, creating and securing a new object entry in the dependency portion of the cache of the new node;
at the new, nodes examining any executable newly arriving in the cache of the new node and determining if the executable depends on an object that has been secured, and if so, marking it as invalid.
A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product comprising computer readable storage for storing statements or instructions for use in execution in a computer in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention described above.

Method and apparatus for cross-node sharing of cached dynamic SQL in a multiple relational database management system environment

International Business Machines Corporation


An apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a linear compressor uses a pattern recognition for operating a compressor at an optimum efficiency by recognizing a trace in a graph about relation between a current and a displacement as a pattern and sensing variation of the pattern. The apparatus for controlling operation of the linear compressor using a pattern recognition includes a displacement calculating unit calculating a displacement by being inputted the current detected in the current detecting unit and the voltage detected in the voltage detecting unit, a pattern recognition unit being inputted the displacement outputted from the displacement calculating unit and the current outputted from the current detecting unit and detecting a pattern by using a trace corresponding to the displacement and the current, a stroke controlling unit being inputted a pattern from the pattern recognition unit and outputting a switching control signal according to the inputted pattern, and an electric circuit unit being inputted the switching control signal outputted from the stroke controlling unit and outputting a certain voltage to the linear compressor. Accordingly, it is possible to perform a TDC control of a piston considering an error due to non-linearity characteristics, improve an operation efficiency of a linear compressor and have a wide and precise control region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a linear compressor which are capable of operating a linear compressor by being inputted a stroke reference value, and in particular to an apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a linear compressor using a pattern recognition which are capable of operating a linear compressor as an optimum efficiency by recognizing relation between a current and a displacement as a pattern.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, a function of a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor to help easier condensing of the refrigerant vapor evaporated in an evaporator. By the operation of the compressor, a refrigerant transports heat from a cold place to a hot place by repeating condensing and evaporating processes while circulating through a refrigerating apparatus.
Recently, various types of compressors are used, and a reciprocating compressor is used in general. The reciprocating compressor uses a method rising a pressure by pressurizing vapor by a piston moving up and down inside a cylinder, particularly when the reciprocating compressor is used for a refrigerator or an air conditioner, a compression ratio can be varied by varying a stroke voltage applied to the reciprocating compressor, accordingly it is advantageous to a variable refrigerating capacity control.
However, because the reciprocating compressor compresses vapor by converting a rotation motion of a motor into a linear motion, mechanical converting apparatus such as a screw, a chain, a gear system and a timing belt, etc. for converting the rotation motion into the linear motion are essential. Accordingly, because energy loss due to the conversion is large and a structure of the apparatus is intricate, recently a linear compressor using a linear method in which a motor itself performs a linear motion is used.
The linear compressor does not require mechanical converting apparatus by directly generating a linear operation force by a motor itself, has a simple structure, reduces loss due to energy conversion and largely decreases a noise by not including a connection portion caused friction and abrasion. In addition, when the linear compressor is used for a refrigerator or an air conditioner, a compression ratio can be varied by varying a stroke voltage applied to the linear compressor, accordingly it is advantageous to a variable refrigerating capacity control.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of an apparatus for controlling operation of a linear compressor in accordance with the conventional art. As depicted in FIG. 1, an apparatus for controlling operation of a linear compressor includes a linear compressor 3 adjusting a refrigerating capacity by varying a stroke (a distance between a top dead center and a bottom dead center of a piston) with a reciprocating motion of a piston by a stroke voltage, a current detecting unit 5 detecting a current applied to the linear compressor 3 by the variation of the stroke, a voltage detecting unit 7 detecting a voltage generated in the linear compressor 3 by the variation of the stroke, a microcomputer 9 calculating a stroke by using the current and the voltage detected from the current detecting unit 5 and the voltage detecting unit 7 and outputting a switching control signal by comparing the calculated stroke with a stroke reference value inputted by a user, and an electric circuit unit 1 intermitting AC power by the outputted switching control signal and applying a stroke voltage to the linear compressor.
The control operation of the conventional linear compressor will be described.
First, by the stroke reference value set by the user, the electric circuit unit 1 outputs a stroke voltage, the piston performs a linear motion by the stroke voltage, according to it the stroke (a distance between a top dead center and a bottom dead center) is varied, accordingly the refrigerating capacity of the linear compressor 3 is controlled.
In more detail, in the linear compressor 3, the stroke is varied by the linear motion of the piston of the cylinder, the refrigerating gas inside the cylinder is transmitted to a condenser through a discharge valve, accordingly the refrigerating capacity is adjusted.
Herein, when the stroke is varied by the stroke value, the current detecting unit 5 and the voltage detecting unit 7 detect the voltage and the current generated in the linear compressor 3, and the microcomputer 9 calculates the stroke by using the detected voltage and the current.
In addition, when the calculated stroke is smaller than the stroke reference value, the microcomputer 9 increases a stroke voltage applied to the linear compressor 3 by outputting a switching control signal lengthening an on cycle of a triac, as described, when the calculated stroke is larger than the stroke reference value, the microcomputer 9 outputs a switching control signal shortening an on cycle of triac, accordingly the stroke value applied to the linear compressor 3 is decreased.
However, because the conventional apparatus has a serious non-linearity in the mechanical motion characteristics, it is impossible to perform a precise control with the linear control method not considering the non-linearity.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a linear compressor using a pattern recognition which are capable of controlling a TDC (top dead center) by considering an error due to non-linearity characteristics and improving an operation efficiency of a linear compressor.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an apparatus for controlling operation of a linear compressor includes a current detecting unit 20 detecting a current applied to a linear compressor, a voltage detecting unit 30 detecting a voltage generated in the linear compressor, a displacement calculating unit 40 calculating a displacement by being inputted the current detected in the current detecting unit and the voltage detected in the voltage detecting unit, a pattern recognition unit 50 being inputted the displacement outputted from the displacement calculating unit and the current outputted from the current detecting unit and detecting a pattern by using a trace corresponded to the displacement and the current, a stroke controlling unit 60 being inputted a pattern from the pattern recognition unit 50 and outputting a switching control signal according to the inputted pattern, and an electric circuit unit 10 being inputted the switching control signal outputted from the stroke controlling unit 60 and outputting a certain voltage to the linear compressor 11.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a method for controlling operation of a linear compressor includes detecting a current and a voltage generated in the operation of the linear compressor 11, calculating and outputting a displacement by using the detected current and the voltage, detecting a pattern by using a trace corresponded to the calculated displacement and the detected current, comparing the detected pattern with a reference pattern and outputting a switching control signal when they coincide with each other, and operating the linear compressor 11 by applying the stroke voltage to the linear compressor according to the switching control signal.

Apparatus and method for controlling operation of linear compressor using pattern recognition


Lithium-ion battery charging method for correcting and compensating voltage, when it is charged to limited charge voltage of the battery, the battery stops charging, or start charging by constant-voltage charging and won't stop charging until the charging current is lower than 50%-99.99% of the current before constant-voltage charging; the limited charge voltage of the battery positive and negative electrodes is set as 3U0−US−USO; the battery would be rapidly charged and charged close to saturation, and have better cycle life than the battery charged by constant-current and constant-voltage charging method of the same charging rate; or with the same cycle frequency, the battery charged with the charging method of the present invention would have larger discharge capacity.

Chinese Patent CN101388477B discloses a rapid charging method which increases the limited charge voltage to compensate the internal voltage drop of the battery. During the charging of lithium-ion battery and polymer lithium-ion battery, stop charging the battery when it is charged to the limited charge voltage; the limited charge voltage between the two poles of the battery is set as U=2U0−US, wherein US is the stabilized voltage dropped from U0 which the battery is charged to by constant-current charging; wherein U0 is charge cut-off voltage and commonly recognized by the industry as the charge cut-off voltage used by the low power constant-current and constant-voltage charging method; The stabilized voltage US is selected by conducting timing when stopping constant-current charging the battery and starting to lay up the battery; from some time point, when the open-circuit voltage drop of the battery over a certain time period is smaller than a certain value, the battery voltage would reach a steady state; the voltage at the first time point is selected as the stabilized voltage US of the battery.
When the method is applied in lithium iron phosphate battery, U0 is charge cut-off voltage of 3.6V which is commonly recognized by the industry as the charge cut-off voltage used in the low power constant-current and constant-voltage charging method; the battery is charged to U=2U0−US, which is not charged to saturation, but only reaches 88% of the saturation point, thus failing to make the most of the battery. Also 3.5V, 3.65V and 3.7V are commonly recognized by the industry as the charge cut-off voltage used by the low power constant-current and constant-voltage charging method, however the battery is charged to U=2U0−US which is not charged to saturation, therefore, they all could not make the most of the battery efficiency.
When the method is applied in Lithium cobalt battery, U0 is charge cut-off voltage of 4.2V which is commonly recognized by the industry as the charge cut-off voltage used by the low power constant-current and constant-voltage charging method; the battery is charged to U=2U0−US and is not charged to saturation, but only reaches 97% of the saturation point, which could not make the most of the battery.
In order to make the most of the battery efficiency, it is necessary to make appropriate corrections to the limited charge voltage.

GUANGZHOU FULLRIVER BATTERY NEW TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A process for removing molybdenum from uranium bearing solutions reduces molybdenum contamination of uranium product. The process employs solvent extraction techniques to remove molybdenum by using a molybdenum-selective extraction reagent of the chelating hydroxy-oxime type. The molybdenum-loaded extractant is stripped with dilute alkali for reuse. Where the uranium bearing solution originates from a solvent extraction process, a pretreatment stage is applied using an agent to remove entrained uranium extractant.

This invention relates to the removal of molybdenum from uranium-bearing solutions. Typically these solutions contain high concentrations of uranium and low concentrations of molybdenum.
Extraction of uranium from its ores is commonly carried out by processes which include leaching the ore or a concentrate thereof. Many uranium ores also contain molybdenum and, in such cases, leaching yields a solution which contains both uranium and molybdenum along with other impurities such as iron, aluminum, calcium, colloidal silica, etc. The dissolved uranium is usually separated from the leach solutions by an ion exchange or solvent extraction process. This produces a purified uranium-containing solution from which uranium is recovered by precipitation.
It is often difficult, however, to obtain an uncontaminated uranium product when the leach solution also contains dissolved molybdenum. The molybdenum is coextracted with the uranium in both the ion exchange and solvent extraction processes and is subsequently coprecipitated with the uranium.
Various proposals have been made and employed by the industry to deal with the problem of molybdenum contamination, but such proposals have various disadvantages. For example, both uranium and molybdenum may be stripped from the loaded resin or extractant by sodium carbonate solution and the uranium may be selectively precipitated by sodium hydroxide. Although the precipitated uranium product obtained is relatively free of molybdenum, the sodium content in the product can render it undesirable. Furthermore, the presence of sodium in the resulting effluent can present an environmental problem.
Another proposal is to selectively strip uranium from a loaded resin or extractant by an acidified sodium or potassium chloride solution. Although adequate separation of uranium and molybdenum can be achieved in this way, the resulting effluent of this process contains an undesirable amount of sodium chloride.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,566 (Weir et al.) discloses a process for recovering uranium values from a sulphate solution containing dissolved uranium and molybdenum and with a pH not exceeding about 5.5. It includes reacting the solution with ammonia at a pH in the range of from 8 to about 10, with resultant precipitation of uranium values relatively uncontaminated by molybdenum. This process, however, requires large amounts of ammonia and elaborate ventilation facilities.
The most commonly used method of extracting uranium from an ore is a sulphuric acid and oxidant leach process followed by either filtration or counter-current decantation washing of the leach residues. Ion exchange or solvent extraction is used to selectively recover uranium from the leach solution. Subsequently, the uranium is stripped from the loaded resin or extractant and precipitated and separated from the strip solution as a solid uranium compound. If the ore and subsequent leach solution contain molybdenum, it is extracted, stripped and precipitated together with the uranium, thus contaminating the uranium product.
A typical extraction process, involving solvent extraction, is carried out as follows. The uranium-containing ore is leached with sulphuric acid to produce an acidic solution containing dissolved uranium and impurities. The acidic solution, which is an aqueous phase, is then mixed with an immiscible amine phase. The amine phase is comprised of a trialkylamine, for example Alamine 336 (trade-mark), dissolved in kerosene and a small amount of isodecanol. Mixing of the aqueous and amine phases exposes the amine phase to most of the uranium dissolved in the aqueous phase. Since the uranium has a greater affinity for the amine phase than the aqueous phase, the uranium, but not most of the impurities, is extracted from the aqueous phase into the amine phase. After mixing, the mixture is allowed to settle whereby the amine phase containing dissolved (extracted) uranium separates from the aqueous phase by rising to the top of the aqueous phase. The amine phase is then removed, leaving behind the aqueous phase containing impurities which were not extracted by the amine phase. Since the extraction by the amine phase does not completely remove all of the uranium from the aqueous phase, the aqueous phase remaining after extraction is subjected to further similar extraction steps, each of which removes more uranium from the aqueous phase. After four such extraction steps, over 99% of the uranium has been extracted from the aqueous phase.
The amine phase containing dissolved uranium and now fewer impurities is then subjected to an extraction step with a weak acid solution in order to remove arsenic impurities. After the amine phase has settled away from the acid solution containing extracted arsenic, the amine phase is subjected to a further extraction step wherein a slightly acid solution of ammonium sulphate is mixed with the amine phase. This extracts the uranium. After mixing, the acid solution phase separates from the amine phase. The acid solution containing the extracted uranium is referred to as the "loaded strip solution". This is treated with ammonia to precipitate uranium yellowcake product. Such product is, however, contaminated with molybdenum if the ore contained molybdenum.

Removal of molybdenum from uranium-bearing solutions


Disclosed are a method of and an apparatus for extracting a dotted line from an binary image of a document, and a storage medium thereof. The isolated points are extracted from the binary image. The isolated points configuring a candidate of the dotted line are extracted based on a positional relationship between the extracted isolated points. A validity of the isolated points configuring the candidate of the dotted line is checked. The dotted line from a positional relationship between groups of the extracted isolated points of the candidate of the dotted line. The dotted line can be thereby precisely extracted even if some isolated points are lost due to an. under-density of the image etc.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a method of and an apparatus for extracting a dotted line from a binary image of a document and to a storage medium thereof, and more particularly to a method of and an apparatus for extracting the dotted line on the basis of a positional relationship between the isolated points configuring the dotted line to a storage medium thereof.
2. Related Background Art
In recent years, a character recognizing apparatus has been utilized for reading characters of the document. It is required for reading the characters of the document to detect a character region defined by a rule. What is exemplified as a method thereof may be a method of registering the character region beforehand, and a method of automatically analyzing a table format on the basis of a positional relationship between the rules.
In any methods, the character regions described above is required to be detected. Line segments for defining this character region are dotted lines in addition to solid lines. A method of precisely extracting the dotted line is therefore desired.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sheet of document using the dotted line. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the prior art.
FIG. 9 illustrates a money transfer sheet in a financial institute. In this example the transfer sheet is formed with entry columns for entering a name of bank, a name of branch office, a classification, an account number, a name of receiver, an amount of money and a fee. Then, the name of bank and the name of branch office are sectioned by a dotted line. Similarly, the column for the amount of money is sectioned by the dotted line. The dotted line is required to be extracted for recognizing the columns sectioned by the dotted lines.
As shown in FIG. 10, according to the conventional dotted line extracting method, isolated points A, B, C and D are extracted from an image. The isolated points each have a predetermined size and are isolated from each other. Then, the isolated points, which are consecutively arranged and have a fixed value ┌d┘ as a spacing between the isolated points adjacent to each other, are collected as those configuring the dotted line. Referring again to FIG. 10, if an isolated point E is not detected, the isolated points A, B, C and D configure a dotted line 1, and isolated points F and G configure a dotted line 2.
Thus, according to conventional method, the dotted line is extracted by seeking out the consecutively arranged isolated points between which the spacing has the fixed value.
FIGS. 11 through 14 are explanatory diagram showing problems inherent in the prior art. FIG. 11 is the explanatory diagram showing a case where an under-density occurs in a result of reading the image. FIG. 12 is the explanatory diagram showing a case where a character comes into contact with the dotted line. FIG. 13 is the explanatory diagram showing a case where a solid line intersect the dotted lines. FIG. 14 is the explanatory diagram showing a case where other dotted lines intersect the dotted lines.
The conventional dotted line extracting method has such a problem that if some of the isolated points configuring the dotted line are lost, the dotted line is unable to be precisely extracted.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, if the under-density of the line occurs in the result of reading the image, the dotted line also falls into an under-density. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, it follows that the isolated point E of the dotted line configured by the isolated points A-G, is lost due to the under-density. Therefore, according to the conventional dotted line extracting method, it follows that the dotted line is segmented into the first dotted line 1 configured by the isolated points A-D, and the second dotted line 2 configured by the isolated points F and G. This makes it difficult to accurately extract the dotted line.
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12, if the character comes into contact with the dotted line, a size of the point positioned at the contact portion increases. Therefore, the isolated points configuring the dotted line are not extracted as the normal isolated points. Consequently, the isolated points disappear. The dotted line is thereby segmented in the same way as the above-mentioned, and it is also difficult to precisely extract the dotted line.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, if the solid line intersects the dotted line as illustrated in FIG. 13, and if other dotted lines intersect the dotted lines as shown in FIG. 14, the sizes of the points positions at the intersections increase. The isolated points configuring the dotted line are not therefore extracted as the normal isolated points. The dotted line is thereby segmented as in the previous case, and it is difficult to accurately extract the dotted line.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a dotted line extracting method and a dotted line extracting apparatus which are capable of precisely extracting a dotted line even if some of isolated points configuring the dotted line are not extracted, and a storage medium thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a dotted line extracting method and a dotted line extracting apparatus which are capable of precisely extracting a dotted line even if some of isolated points configuring the dotted line are not extracted due to an under-density of an image, and a storage medium thereof.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dotted line extracting method and a dotted line extracting apparatus which are capable of precisely extracting a dotted line even if some of isolated points configuring the dotted line are not extracted due to an intersection with a character, and a storage medium thereof.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dotted line extracting method and a dotted line extracting apparatus which are capable of precisely extracting a dotted line even if some of isolated points configuring the dotted line are not extracted due to intersections with other solid or dotted lines, and a storage medium thereof.
To accomplish the above objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a dotted line extracting method comprises a first step of extracting isolated points from an image on the document, a second step of extracting the isolated points configuring a candidate of the dotted line on the basis of a positional relationship between the two adjacent isolated points, and a third step of judging a validity of the candidate of the dotted line from a positional relationship between groups of the extracted isolated points of the candidate of the dotted line.
Roughly observing the positional relationship between the isolated points, the isolated points configuring the candidate of the dotted line are extracted. For example, even when a spacing between the isolated point and the isolated point is not only a fixed value but also a multiple of the fixed value, the isolated points are extracted as those configuring the candidate of the dotted line. Next, the validity of the dotted line is checked with respect to the extracted dotted line in terms of a regularity of the spacings between groups of the isolated points.
Thus, after extracting the candidate of the dotted line on the basis of the positional relationship between the two isolated points, the validity of the dotted line is checked on the basis of the positional relationship between the groups of the isolated points. Hence, even when the isolated points are partially lost, the dotted line can be precisely extracted. Namely, if some of the isolated points essentially configuring the dotted line are lost due to an under-density of the image, a contact with a character, and intersections with solid lines or other dotted lines, the dotted line can be accurately extracted.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the third step includes a step of judging the validity of the candidate of the dotted line by judging a regularity of spacing between the isolated points.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the third step further includes a step of judging the validity of the candidate of the dotted line by calculating a gradient of a line segment configured by the group of the isolated points.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the third step includes a step of calculating a difference between distances between the isolated points adjacent to each other, and, based on this difference, judging the validity of the candidate of the dotted line.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the second step includes a step of calculating a distance between the isolated points adjacent to each other, and a step of comparing the distance with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the second step includes a step of calculating a deviation between the isolated points adjacent to each other, and a step of comparing the deviation with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the second step includes a step of calculating a difference between sizes of the isolated points adjacent to each other, and a step of comparing the difference between the sizes with a predetermined threshold value.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the second step includes a step of counting the number of the isolated points configuring a candidate of the dotted line, and a step of comparing the number of the isolated points with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a dotted line extracting apparatus comprises a reading unit for reading an image on the document, and a processor for extracting isolated points from the image, thereafter extracting the isolated points configuring a candidate of the dotted line on the basis of a positional relationship between the two adjacent isolated points, and then judging a validity of the candidate of the dotted line from a positional relationship between groups of the extracted isolated points of the candidate of the dotted line.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the processor judges the validity of the candidate of the dotted line by judging a regularity of a spacing between the isolated points.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the processor judges the validity of the candidate of the dotted line by calculating a gradient of a line segment configured by the group of the isolated points.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the processor calculates a difference between distances between the isolated points adjacent to each other, and, based on this difference, judging the validity of the candidate of the dotted line.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the processor calculates a distance between the isolated points adjacent to each other, and thereafter compares the distance with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the processor calculates a deviation between the isolated points adjacent to each other, and thereafter compares the deviation with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the processor calculates a difference between sizes of the isolated points adjacent to each other, and compares the difference between the sizes with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the processor counts the number of the isolated points configuring a candidate of the dotted line, and thereafter compares the number of the isolated points with a predetermined threshold value.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a storage medium comprises a first information for extracting isolated points from an image on a document, a second information for extracting the isolated points configuring a candidate of the dotted line on the basis of a positional relationship between the two adjacent isolated points, and a third information for judging a validity of the candidate of the dotted line from a positional relationship between groups of the extracted isolated points of the candidate of the dotted line.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method of and apparatus for extracting dotted line, and storage medium thereof


A color selection electrode device mounts: a color selection electrode composed of filaments for regulating the position which an electron beam of the cathode ray tube reaches on a pair of U-shaped frame bodies between which the color selection electrode is stretched. Support pieces are provided for connecting both end portions of the pair of frame bodies and holding the frame bodies at a predetermined space. The color selection electrode is a metal electrode which is composed of, for example, a multiplicity of filaments. The support pieces are composed of an elastic material and are bent due to the load which is applied to the frame bodies, thereby shortening the distance between the frame bodies. In this state, the color selection electrode is stretched between the frame bodies and both ends thereof are welded to the frame bodies. Thereafter, when the load is removed, a predetermined tension is uniformly applied to the color selection electrode by the elastic restoring force. The pair of frame bodes may have either a large rigidity or an appropriate elasticity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a color cathode ray tube and a color selection electrode device of a color cathode ray tube for restricting the position which an electron beam reaches.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a general color cathode ray tube, a panel portion (panel glass) 3 is welded through frit to the open end of a funnel portion 2 having a neck portion 1 so as to constitute a vessel 4, as shown in FIG. 30. A phosphor screen 6 is formed on the inner surface of a face plate 5 of the panel portion 3, and a color selection electrode device 7 is disposed opposite to the phosphor screen 6. Electron beams respectively corresponding to red, green and blue, for example, are landed on the corresponding phosphors after they are regulated by a color selection electrode device 7.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a conventional color selection electrode device of a cathode ray tube. In FIG. 31 an opposing pair of longitudinal frame members 10a and 10b are provided and the gaps therebetween are bridged by left and right arm portions 10c and 10d. A multiplicity of filaments which constitute a color selection electrode 11 are stretched between the top end surfaces of the opposing longitudinal frame members 10a, 10b. Several damper wires 12 are provided between the left and right arms 10c and 10d as a damping material in such a manner that the damper wires 12 intersect the filaments 11.
The color selection electrode device 7 is attached to the inside of the panel portion 3 by three- or four-point holding.
In manufacturing the conventional color selection electrode device 7, the pair of arm portions 10c, 10d composed of an elastic material are first welded to the opposing pair of frame members 10a, 10b at the vessel points or in the vicinity thereof. A load is applied to the welding points of the opposing pair of longitudinal frame members or at predetermined points in the vicinity thereof by two-point support so as to shorten the distance between the supporting points by bending the pair of arms 10c, 10d by a predetermined amount within their elastic regions, as shown in FIG. 32. In FIG. 33, the broken lines and the solid lines respectively show the longitudinal frame members 10a, 10b and the arm portions 10c, 10d before and after the load is applied. As shown in FIG. 33, when a load is applied to the longitudinal frame members 10a, 10b in the vicinity of both ends, namely, at the vessel points or two points in the vicinity thereof, each of the longitudinal frame members is bent and the distance therebetween is shortened. In this state, a color selection electrode 11 which is composed of a multiplicity of metal filaments are stretched between the longitudinal frame members 10a, 10b and welded thereto, as shown in FIG. 32. Thereafter, when the load between the supporting points of the longitudinal frame members 10a, 10b is removed, the shortened distance between the longitudinal frame members 10a, 10b is restored to the original distance by the restoring force of the arm portions 10c, 10d each of which is made of an elastic material, and a tension is applied to the stretched color selection electrode 11. Several damper wires 12 are provided between the arm portions 10c, 10d by spot welding in such a manner that the damper wires 12 intersect the color selection electrode 11, as shown in FIG. 31, thereby completing the color selection electrode device 7.
In a conventional color selection electrode device having the above-described structure, since it is important to apply a predetermined tension to the filaments, which constitutes the color selection electrode, in order to prevent the screen from vibrating due to the resonance of the filaments with an external vibration, the frame is disadvantageously required to have a complicated structure, a large size and a great weight. In addition, since the points of each longitudinal frame member at which the load is applied are two points in the vicinity of both ends thereof, it is difficult to obtain a predetermined tension which is uniform at any point in a plane, as shown in the tension distribution in FIG. 34. It is therefore necessary to provide damper wires as a damping material for filaments as the color selection electrode have an insufficient tension, and the shadows of the wires are disadvantageously projected onto the screen, thereby making it difficult to obtain a high-definition picture.

Color cathode ray tube and color selection electrode device of color cathode ray tube


A memory device (10) for use in an electronic system (12). The system (12) includes a processor (16) that produces a plurality of control signals. The memory device (10) includes a memory array (18) coupled to receive control signals from the processor (18). The memory device (10) also includes a pulse generator (22) that receives at least one of the control signals from the processor (16). The pulse generator (22) includes a latch formed from, for example, a cross coupled pair of NAND-gates (32 and 34). A delayed signal from the latch is coupled to control the reset of the latch such that the latch of the pulse generator (22) outputs a modified control signal for the memory device (10) that has a pulse with a width that is at least as long as the delay.

When a software program runs on a computer, the computer downloads instructions and data from a disk or hard drive and stores some data in a memory device under the direction of a microprocessor. In recent years, many advances in computer technology have increased the speed of both memory devices and microprocessors. Further, the size and complexity of software programs such as word processors, spread sheets and operating systems has increased dramatically. Thus, it is common for a computer user to purchase and install additional memory devices to a computer after a period of time to avoid the expense of buying a new computer. Unfortunately, the expanded memory increases the load on control lines in the computer from the microprocessor to the memory devices and can adversely affect transition times for control signals, thus preventing proper operation of the memory devices.
In dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, for example, a control signal is used in receiving the address of a memory cell from the microprocessor of the computer. A DRAM device stores data in memory cells arranged in an array of rows and columns. To read data from or write data to a memory cell, a processor provides the address of the desired memory cell to the DRAM device. The address contains at least two pieces of information: the row and the column of the desired cell. The processor informs the DRAM device when the row address is ready to be used by the DRAM device by bringing a control signal, referred to as Row Address Strobe ("RAS"), to a specified logic level. The processor then uses a second control signal, referred to as Column Address Strobe ("CAS"), to inform the DRAM device when the column address is ready to be used by the DRAM device. To increase the speed of DRAM devices, many DRAM devices successively access cells in the same row using a pulse train for the CAS control signal. DRAM manufacturers specify acceptable pulse widths for CAS control signals used with their memory devices. The CAS control signal provided to a DRAM device may not meet these specifications because the width of the pulse may be too short in either the high or low logic levels due to higher speeds of processors and the load created by expanded memory. Thus, the DRAM device will not function properly.
There is a need in the art for a memory device that operates properly irrespective of the load on the control lines from the microprocessor.

Circuit and method for controllng the duration of pulses in a control signal from an electronic system


A battery holder assembly (219) includes a cavity structure (CS), a screw plate (SP), a spring electrical contact (SEC), an insulator cup (IC), and a pin (402). CS (392) defines a cavity (210) in a chassis panel (CP) of an electronic device (ED). SP (320) snugly fits within an opening in CP (212). SP has a base (702) forming a cover for enclosing the cavity. SP forms a connection with CS and a first terminal of a battery (318), when battery is positioned in the cavity and SP is fitted within the opening. SEC (802) provides a connection between battery and SP. IC (322) snugly receives battery therein. IC fits within the cavity and electrically insulates a second terminal of battery from CS. A battery contact (BC) is disposed on IC. BC (716, 412) provides a connection to the second terminal. Pin forms a connection between BC and ED.

1. Statement of the Technical Field
The invention concerns battery packaging systems. More particularly, the invention concerns low profile hold up battery packaging systems for use in a variety of electronic devices having various internal configurations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electronic devices which comprise internal circuit components are typically powered by external primary batteries. These external primary batteries are often housed in a battery compartment of the electronic device in a manner enabling an electrical connection between the battery and the internal circuit components. However, it is increasingly desirable to provide these internal circuit components with a back-up battery. The back-up battery can generally be provided for assuring continued retention of stored information in the event of a power loss from the primary power source.
The back-up battery may be housed in a battery package system configured to be coupled to the electronic device. Despite the advantages of the conventional battery packaging systems, they suffer from drawbacks. For example, the conventional battery packaging systems often have a relatively large profile. The conventional battery packaging systems are typically not designed to provide an environmental seal to two (2) meters below the surface of the water. The conventional battery packaging systems are typically not designed to be used with electronic devices having a variety of internal configurations. The conventional battery packaging systems have relatively complicated assemblies.
In view of the forgoing, there is a need for a battery packaging system having a low profile and a relatively easy assembly. The battery packaging system shall provide an environmental seal to two (2) meters below the surface of the water. The battery packaging system shall have the capability to be used with electronic devices having a variety of internal configurations.


A multiposition shelf attaching is disclosed, which device is adapted for use with shelving standards or with wire-grid walls. The device is a wire formative and is constructed from either a round or a square wire extrusion. The anterior portion of the device, when installed in a first position, that is, usually with the shelf-being-attached horizontal (or normal to the face plane of the grid or standard), lies in a plane substantially parallel to the face plane. The posterior portion has two or more clips or stops connected serially to the anterior portion. Each clip has a load-bearing portion and a descender portion connected at substantially right angles to the load-bearing portion. When installed, the load-bearing portion of the selected clip means rests upon the lower edge of the opening in the standard or grid and the descender abuts the rear plane thereof. The first in the series of clips may be dimensioned to hold the shelf horizontally with the descender thereof substantially parallel to the anterior portion. The successive stops tilt the shelf downward to the extent limited by the dimensions of the wire form and the dimensions of the bracket. The wire form is dimensioned so that the draft required for placement within the standard is less than the opening therewithin.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a retail display unit that includes a variably positionable shelf, and more particularly, to an attaching device therefor, especially one constructed from a wire formative. The attaching device is incorporated into a shelf bracket in a manner that enables the retailer to alter the position of the shelf without requiring loading and unloading of merchandise stored thereon.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
In preparing for this application, a pre-examination, patentability search of U.S. and foreign patents was conducted. In performing the search, the following fields were examined:
______________________________________ CLASS/SUBCLASS ______________________________________ 211/187 U.S. only 248/242, 249, 302, 303 U.S. and foreign ______________________________________
Upon search, the following patents were uncovered:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Inventor O.C. Issue Date ______________________________________ 279,810 A. Richards, Sr. 248/302 06/19/1883 449,134 C. Porter 248/249 03/31/1891 597,016 McC. H. Parker 211/59.1 01/11/1898 1,200,361 W. M. Johnson et al. 248/302 10/03/1916 1,898,781 H. H. Leiter 248/302 02/21/1933 2,797,058 A. J. H. Packham 248/302 06/25/1957 3,133,147 E. C. Auld Jr. et al. 248/302 05/12/1964 3,167,287 W. F. Collins, Jr. 248/302 01/26/1965 3,220,680 L. R. Williams 248/302 11/30/1965 4,008,873 Travaglio et al. 248/242 02/22/1977 4,108,085 C. G. Shepherd et al. 108/108 08/22/1978 4,324,380 Rothenberg 248/302 04/13/1982 ______________________________________
In considering the various patents uncovered, U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,085 to C. G. Shepherd et al., issued Aug. 22, 1978, discloses a display gondola with a perforated display panel on which either a light- or heavy-duty shelf can be supported. The heavy-duty shelf is shown with a two-position, sheetmetal bracket. U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,680 to L. R. Williams, issued Nov. 30, 1965, discloses a wire hose support with dual bends for frictional contact with washtub sides. While the configuration has some similarities to that shown in the present disclosure, the Williams '680 device is not a two-position bracket and there is nothing in the teaching thereof that would suggest combining in a manner to provide one. Other patents on the search were considered to be of interest only.

Attaching device for variably positionable display shelf


An internal combustion engine fitting containing a thermostatically controlled valve regulating the flow therethrough is formed by two parts interconnectable by relative rotation through a bayonet type connection. The bayonet connection utilizes two stages wherein the first stage maintains the parts connected but a bypass passage defined between the parts permits the flow of coolant through the fitting around the valve to initially permit the engine coolant system to be filled. After the coolant system is filled, the fitting parts are rotated to a final closed position sealing the bypass passage permitting the thermostatic valve to control flow through the fitting during normal engine operation. The fitting parts remain sealed to the atmosphere during both stages of interconnection.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to thermostatically controlled fittings for internal combustion engine coolant systems which includes a closable bypass passage which permits coolant flow therethrough during filling of the engine coolant system to eliminate trapped air pockets.
2. Description of the Related Art
Internal combustion engines utilize thermostatically controlled valves to regulate the coolant temperature for various purposes. Such thermostatic valves are closed when the engine is cold to prevent coolant circulation and accelerate the heating of the engine block to improve engine operating characteristics, and accelerate the heating of the vehicle occupant climate control system. Upon the engine coolant reaching a predetermined elevated temperature, the thermostatic valve begins to open permitting the coolant to circulate through a cooling radiator to achieve the desired coolant temperature during normal engine operation.
Such thermostatic valves may be incorporated into various parts of the engine coolant system. Usually, thermostatic valves are incorporated into hose lines or hose fittings for ease of assembly and replacement.
When an internal combustion engine is initially assembled, it is, of course, cold and the thermostatic valves in the coolant system will be closed. As the coolant is introduced into the coolant system, the closed thermostatic valve will cause air to be trapped within the coolant system preventing the coolant system from being fully charged with coolant, and it is often necessary to use expensive "bleeding" procedures to permit entrapped air to escape from the coolant system during the initial engine coolant charging. Due to the complexity of modern internal combustion engines, the confinement and clearance problems existing in the engine compartment, especially in front wheel drive vehicles, the loosening of components within the coolant system to permit the bleeding of entrapped air is difficult and time consuming, and once the bleeding has been completed, it is possible for the mechanic to overlook the need to fully restore the coolant system to its liquid tight condition resulting in liquid loss during engine operation.