A device authentication module and an encryption module can be connected via a dynamic link in a CE device.

Recently, CE (Consumer Electronics) devices are becoming increasingly popular. CE devices are audio and visual devices, such as video cassette recorders, hard disk recorders, stereos, or television sets; electronic apparatuses, such as personal computers, digital cameras, camcorders, PDAs, video game machines, or home routers; household appliances, such as rice cookers or refrigerators; and other electronic apparatuses that incorporate therein computers so as to use services via networks.
Users of CE devices can use services provided by servers, such as to download content from a server by making access to the server.
Some services provided by servers can be accessed by any CE devices, whereas other services can be accessed only by particular CE devices that have acquired device authentication.
When a server is to provide a CE device with a service that requires device authentication, the server authenticates the CE device by means of an authentication server, and provides a service only when the CE device is authenticated.
An invention related to a service server that provides a service to a terminal device in this manner is described in the following document.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-342285
According to this invention, when a request for authentication is made by a terminal device (mobile phone), the terminal device is authenticated and a one-time password is issued and transmitted to the terminal device. When the terminal device makes a request for information, the one-time password is received from the terminal device to verify that the authenticated device is indeed this terminal device.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure of a known CE device 101. The CE device 101 not only stores authentication information required for authentication, such as a device ID and a pass-phrase, but also includes a device authentication module 103 for performing processing related to device authentication and an encryption module 104 for receiving authentication information from the device authentication module 103 and encrypting a communication pathway to transmit the authentication information to a device authenticator 105.
Since the device authentication module 103 passes authentication information to the encryption module 104 as plain text, the device authentication module 103 and the encryption module 104 are coupled with a static link to prevent a third party from reading this authentication information.
The module for encrypting the communication pathway is often used for purposes other than device authentication. However, since the encryption module 104 is connected to the device authentication module 103 with a static link, the CE device 101 includes another encryption module used for purposes other than device authentication. In this manner, in the CE device 101, it is necessary to implement two encryption modules having the same function in a memory of the CE device 101. In other words, the effective amount of the device authentication module becomes large, reducing the available memory area of the CE device 101 or making it difficult to implement the device authentication function itself.
In view of the situation described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal authentication system that can realize a device authentication function where the memory in a terminal device can be used more effectively.

Abstract: A random number is generated in an authentication server (5). The device authentication module (7) combines a pass-phrase and this random number to generate a digest, and transmits this and a device ID to the encryption module (8). The encryption module encrypts a communication pathway and transmits these items of information to the authentication server (5). The authentication server (5) searches for the pass-phrase based on the device ID and combines this and the generated random number to generate a digest. This digest is compared with the digest received from the encryption module (8) for device authentication. The encryption module (8) receives from the device authentication module (7) not the pass-phrase but a digest, and therefore can be connected via a dynamic link instead of a static link.


An intelligent personalized agent monitors, regulates, and advises a user in decision-making processes for efficiency or safety concerns. The agent monitors an environment and present characteristics of a user and analyzes such information in view of stored preferences specific to one of multiple profiles of the user. Based on the analysis, the agent can suggest or automatically implement a solution to a given issue or problem. In addition, the agent can identify another potential issue that requires attention and suggests or implements action accordingly. Furthermore, the agent can communicate with other users or devices by providing and acquiring information to assist in future decisions. All aspects of environment observation, decision assistance, and external communication can be flexibly limited or allowed as desired by the user.

Individuals interact with their environments in various manners. Some people have an acute sense of awareness, while others can be somewhat oblivious to their surroundings. For any given person, unique circumstances that depend on level of importance of a particular situation can affect his/her behavior. For example, in some settings, such as during a job interview or other important meeting, one may be highly perceptive to his/her environment, including observation of reactions, behavior, and presence of others. In turn, this information naturally influences his/her behavior within in such environment. In other settings, such as during grocery shopping or other routine errands, one may not be as concerned with devoting his/her attention to especially detailed aspects of the surroundings.
In many situations, one may be too busy or otherwise unable to fully observe and interpret his/her environment. Sometimes an individual simply needs assistance with scheduling activities, navigating through directions, and coordinating with others for reasons of safety or convenience. For instance, an individual that is lost may need help with determining where he/she is currently located, in addition to planning a route to a desired destination. Furthermore, respective individuals desire different levels of assistance that should take into account their unique reactions and preferences. For example, in making a selection, such as for a cleaning service, gas station, or tourist attraction, different people presented with the same options may likely have varying opinions and make personalized decisions based on past experiences, observations, and suggestions from others. Accordingly, the marketplace (as well as life in general) comprises a vast variety of resources, services, attractions so as to meet unique demands of individuals. However, as a result of ever increasing advances in computing and communications technologies, the amount of choices available to people as grown to a point where selection and decision making can be difficult let alone a nuisance. In view of the wide selection of options presented in many aspects of everyday existence, a person can live and work more efficiently with at least some external assistance in regulating, monitoring, and advising decisions in his/her own life.

Dynamic environment evaluation and service adjustment based on multiple user profiles including data classification and information sharing with authorized other users


To reduce power loss in an intermediate bus architecture power system, embodiments of the present invention provide an intermediate bus converter which converts an input voltage to an intermediate bus voltage using a converting unit; receives a signal indicative of an output of a converting unit; determines an intermediate bus voltage to reduce power loss in dependence upon the signal indicative of an output of the converting unit; generates a control signal to control the converting unit to convert the input voltage to the determined intermediate bus voltage; and generates an intermediate bus voltage in dependence upon the control signal.

Intermediate Bus Architecture (IBA) power systems are well known systems for distributing power. An example Intermediate Bus Architecture system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. By way of example, the system shown in FIG. 1 is a pure DC system, and accordingly no AC/DC converters are included in the system.
In such power systems the Intermediate Bus Converter (IBC) 101 delivers a pre-determined voltage to the Point of Load (POL) regulators 102-104 connected to the loads (not shown).
The Intermediate Bus Converter 101 could be one of three general types, namely fixed-ratio DC/DC converter (isolated or non-isolated), line regulated DC/DC converter or fully regulated DC/DC converter. The Intermediate Bus Converter receives an input voltage Vin which is typically a DC voltage in one of the ranges of 36-75 V, 18-36 V or 18-60 V.
The Intermediate Bus Converter outputs an Intermediate Bus Voltage (VIB) which is used as the input voltage to the Point of Load regulators.
The Point of Load regulators supply the loads in the user system. These Point of Loads are typically non-isolated. It is typical that the Intermediate Bus Converter's and Point of Load Regulators' topology can be any type, namely Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost, etc. isolated or unisolated.
In such a system, the Intermediate Bus Voltage is normally fixed, but with the emerging market of digitally managed Intermediate Bus Converters and Point of Load Regulators there is now a possibility to adjust the Intermediate Bus Voltage to achieve greater efficiencies.
It is also possible to have current sharing between Intermediate Bus Converters and also between Point of Load Regulators. This is achieved using multiple Intermediate Bus Converters and multiple Point of Load Regulators. Information is traded between the different power converters (in the same stage) using Current Sharing Busses (CSBs). There is typically only one such bus in the Intermediate Bus Converter stage. However, in the Point of Load Regulator stage, there can be numerous busses. The Current Sharing Busses are not a part of the invention disclosed herein, but it should be noted that the invention is not conditioned by the presence of Current Sharing Busses.
In a traditional Intermediate Bus Architecture system, the Intermediate Bus Voltage is not regulated for an optimized system efficiency based on the actual load conditions. Instead, the Intermediate Bus Voltage remains fixed independently of the output load.
In order to enable to newer power systems to vary the Intermediate Bus Voltage, it is necessary to include a Board Power Manager (BPM) 110, as shown in FIG. 1. The Board Power Manager accepts measurements from each of the Point of Load Regulators about their respective operating conditions e.g., output current and output voltage, and calculates based on these measurements, the appropriate Intermediate Bus Voltage. The Board Power Manager 110 then instructs the Intermediate Bus Converter, via a Power Management Bus, to either raise or lower its output voltage, and hence raise or lower the Intermediate Bus Voltage, for maximised efficiency.
However, this scheme suffers from a number of problems. For example, it is necessary to have a Board Power Manager that has been programmed with an algorithm that controls the output voltage by communication to the Intermediate Bus Converter. This Board Power Manager adds to the purchase cost of the system, and also adds to maintenance requirements of the system. In addition, the Board Power Manager 110 makes the system more complex since the Board Power Manager needs to collect data from the Point of Load Regulators before adjusting the output voltage from the Intermediate Bus Converter.
In view of the problems in known dynamic Intermediate Bus Voltage power systems, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for controlling the Intermediate Bus Voltage so as to simplify maintenance and operation of the power system whilst still providing maximal power efficiency.

Control of dynamic bus voltage in an intermediate bus architecture power system


A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene is presented. Clusters are placed in a three-dimensional scene arranged proximal to each other such cluster to form a cluster spine. Each cluster includes one or more concepts. Each cluster spine is projected into a two-dimensional display relative to a stationary perspective as a hierarchical view of the cluster spines in the display. Folder controls operating on the hierarchical view are presented. The hierarchical view includes an indicator representing each cluster spine and a line indicating the cluster spine interrelationships relative to other cluster spines. A label is generated to identify one such concept included in each cluster spine in the hierarchical view.

Text mining can be used to extract latent semantic content from collections of structured and unstructured text. Data visualization can be used to model the extracted semantic content, which transforms numeric or textual data into graphical data to assist users in understanding underlying semantic principles. For example, clusters group sets of concepts into a graphical element that can be mapped into a graphical screen display. When represented in multi-dimensional space, the spatial orientation of the clusters reflect similarities and relatedness. However, forcibly mapping the display of the clusters into a three-dimensional scene or a two-dimensional screen can cause data misinterpretation. For instance, a viewer could misinterpret dependent relationships between adjacently displayed clusters or erroneously misinterpret dependent and independent variables. As well, a screen of densely-packed clusters can be difficult to understand and navigate, particularly where annotated text labels overlie clusters directly. Other factors can further complicate visualized data perception, such as described in R. E. Horn, "Visual Language: Global Communication for the 21st Century," Ch. 3, MacroVU Press (1998), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
Physically, data visualization is constrained by the limits of the screen display used. Two-dimensional visualized data can be accurately displayed, yet visualized data of greater dimensionality must be artificially projected into two-dimensions when presented on conventional screen displays. Careful use of color, shape and temporal attributes can simulate multiple dimensions, but comprehension and usability become increasingly difficult as additional layers are artificially grafted into the two-dimensional space and screen density increases. In addition, large sets of data, such as email stores, document archives and databases, can be content rich and can yield large sets of clusters that result in a complex graphical representation. Physical display space, however, is limited and large cluster sets can appear crowded and dense, thereby hindering understandability. To aid navigation through the display, the cluster sets can be combined, abstracted or manipulated to simplify presentation, but semantic content can be lost or skewed.
Moreover, complex graphical data can be difficult to comprehend when displayed without textual references to underlying content. The user is forced to mentally note "landmark" clusters and other visual cues, which can be particularly difficult with large cluster sets. Visualized data can be annotated with text, such as cluster labels, to aid comprehension and usability. However, annotating text directly into a graphical display can be cumbersome, particularly where the clusters are densely packed and cluster labels overlay or occlude the screen display. A more subtle problem occurs when the screen is displaying a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional data and the text is annotated within the two-dimensional space. Relabeling the text based on the two-dimensional representation can introduce misinterpretations of the three-dimensional data when the display is reoriented. Also, reorienting the display can visually shuffle the displayed clusters and cause a loss of user orientation. Furthermore, navigation can be non-intuitive and cumbersome, as cluster placement is driven by available display space and the labels may overlay or intersect placed clusters.
Therefore, there is a need for providing a user interface for focused display of dense visualized three-dimensional data representing extracted semantic content as a combination of graphical and textual data elements. Preferably, the user interface would facilitate convenient navigation through a heads-up display (HUD) logically provided over visualized data and would enable large-or fine-grained data navigation, searching and data exploration.

System and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene


The present invention embodies a solid state thermionic energy converter and is directed to a method and apparatus for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy, and electrical energy to refrigeration. The present invention maintains a thermal separation between an emitter and a collector through a fractional surface contact of decreasing cross-sectional area towards the point of contact. The fractional surface contacts may be associated with the emitter, a barrier, or the collector. Maintaining a thermal separation between the emitter and the collector provides for ballistic electron transport through the barrier and reduces the transport of electrons through thermal conductivity. Hence, the efficiency is increased through the collection of ballistic electrons and the reduction of thermal conductivity electrons which cannot be collected. The inventive principle works for hole conductivity, as well as for electrons. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

This invention relates to the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy, and electrical energy to refrigeration, and more particularly to a thermionic converter of improved efficiency and power densities, which utilizes electron tunneling and thermionic emission facilitated by the reduction in the barrier height from image force effects.
The present invention was developed to fill a need for a device which efficiently converts thermal energy to electrical energy at relatively low operating temperatures and with power densities large enough for commercial applications. The present invention also operates in reverse mode to provide efficient cooling.
Thermionic energy conversion is a method of converting heat energy directly into electrical energy by thermionic emission. In this process, electrons are thermionically emitted from the surface of a metal by heating the metal and imparting sufficient energy to a portion of the electrons to overcome retarding forces at the surface of the metal in order to escape. Unlike most other conventional methods of generating electrical energy, thermionic conversion does not require either an intermediate form of energy or a working fluid, other than electrical charges, in order to change heat into electricity.
In its most elementary form, a conventional thermionic energy converter consists of one electrode connected to a heat source, a second electrode connected to a heat sink and separated from the first electrode by an intervening space, leads connecting the electrodes to the electrical load, and an enclosure. The space in the enclosure is either highly evacuated or filled with a suitable rarefied vapor, such as cesium.
The essential process in a conventional thermionic converter is as follows. The heat source supplies heat at a sufficiently high temperature to one electrode, the emitter, from which electrons are thermionically evaporated into the evacuated or rarefied-vapor-filled interelectrode space. The electrons move through this space toward the other electrode, the collector, which is kept at a low temperature near that of the heat sink. There the electrons condense and return to the hot electrode via the electrical leads and the electrical load connected between the emitter and the collector.
The flow of electrons through the electrical load is sustained by the temperature difference between the electrodes. Thus, electrical work is delivered to the load.
Thermionic energy conversion is based on the concept that a low electron work function cathode in contact with a heat source will emit electrons. These electrons are absorbed by a cold, high work function anode, and they can flow back to the cathode through an external load where they perform useful work. Practical thermionic generators are limited by the work function of available metals or other materials that are used for the cathodes. Another important limitation is the space charge effect. The presence of charged electrons in the space between the cathode and anode will create an extra potential barrier which reduces the thermionic current.
Typical conventional thermionic emitters are operated at temperatures ranging from 1400 to 2200 K and collectors at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1200 K. Under optimum conditions of operation, overall efficiencies of energy conversion range from 5 to 40%, electrical power densities are of the order of 1 to 100 watts/cm2, and current densities are of the order of 5 to 100 A/cm2. In general, the higher the emitter temperature, the higher the efficiency and the power and current densities with designs accounting for radiation losses. The voltage at which the power is delivered from one unit of a typical converter is 0.3 to 1.2 volts, i.e., about the same as that of an ordinary electrolytic cell. Thermionic systems with a high power rating frequently consist of many thermionic converter units connected electrically in series. Each thermionic converter unit is typically rated at 10 to 500 watts.
The high-temperature attributes of thermionic converters are advantageous for certain applications, but they are restrictive for others because the required emitter temperatures are generally beyond the practical capability of many conventional heat sources. In contrast, typical thermoelectric converters are operable at heat source temperatures ranging from 500 to 1500 K. However, even under optimum conditions, overall efficiencies of thermoelectric energy converters only range from 3 to 10%, electrical power densities are normally less than a few watts/cm2, and current densities are of the order of 1 to 100 A/cm2.
From a physics standpoint, thermoelectric devices are similar to thermionic devices. In both cases a temperature gradient is placed upon a metal or semiconductor, and both cases are based upon the concept that electron motion is electricity. However, the electron motion also carries energy. A forced current transports energy for both thermionic and thermoelectric devices. The main difference between thermoelectric and thermionic devices is whether the current flow is diffusive (thermoelectric) or ballistic (thermionic). A thermionic device has a relatively high efficiency if the electrons ballistically go over and across the barrier. For a thermionic device all of the kinetic energy is carried from one electrode to the other. The motion of electrons in a thermoelectric device is quasi-equilibrium and diffusive, and can be described in terms of a Seebeck coefficient, which is an equilibrium parameter.
In structures with narrow barriers, the electrons will not travel far enough to suffer collisions as they cross the barrier. Under these circumstances, the thermionic emission theory is a more accurate representation of the current transport. The current density is given by:       j    =                  A        0                          T        2                          ⅇ                                            -              e                                                  xe2x80x83                                    ϕ                    kT                      ,
where A0 is the Richardson""s constant, "PHgr" is the barrier height (electron work function), e is the electron charge, xcexa is Boltzmann""s constant, and T is the temperature. Richardson""s constant A0 is given by A0=(emxcexa2T2)/(2xcfx8022), where m is the effective electron mass and  is Plank""s constant.
The diffusion theory is appropriate for barriers in which the barrier thickness (length) is greater than the electron mean-free-path in one dimension, while the thermionic emission theory is appropriate for barriers for which the barrier thickness (length) is less than the mean-free-path. However, if the barrier becomes very narrow, current transport by quantum-mechanical tunneling becomes more prominent.
There remains a need to provide a more satisfactory solution to converting thermal energy to electrical energy at lower temperature regimes with high efficiencies and high power densities.
The present invention seeks to resolve a number of the problems which have been experienced in the background art, as identified above. More specifically, the apparatus and method of this invention constitute an important advance in the art of thermionic power conversion, as evidenced by the following objects and advantages realized by the invention over the background art.
An object of the present invention is to generate high power densities and efficiencies of a typical thermionic converter, but to operate at temperature regimes of typical thermoelectric devices.
Another object of the present invention is to maintain thermal separation between the emitter and collector.
A further object of the present invention is to minimize the effects of thermal expansion.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.
Briefly summarized, the foregoing and other objects are achieved by an apparatus which comprises: an electrically and thermally conductive electron emitter; an electrically and thermally conductive electron collector for receiving electrons from the emitter; a solid-state barrier disposed between and in intimate contact with said emitter and collector for filtering high energy electrons transferred from the emitter to the collector; one or more electrically and thermally conductive fractional surface contacts disposed between and in intimate contact with the emitter and barrier, or the barrier and collector, or a combination thereof; a thermally and electrically nonconductive space adjacent to the fractional surface contacts and the emitter and barrier, or the barrier and collector, or a combination thereof; and an electric load connected to the emitter and collector.
In the refrigeration embodiment, carrier transport is assisted by a potential applied between the emitter and collector, and the emitter is connected to a thermal load that is cooled by heat flow to the emitter. A heat exchanger dissipates the heat from hot electrons on the collector.

Hybrid thermionic energy converter and method


A transition control unit detects, when stochastically determining based on a temperature, energy changes, and a random number whether to accept any of a plurality of state transitions according to a relative relationship between the energy changes and thermal excitation energy, a minimum value among the energy changes. The transition control unit then subtracts, when the minimum value is positive, an offset obtained by multiplying the minimum value by a value M that is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1 from each of the energy changes corresponding to the plurality of state transitions.

In today's society, information processing is performed in various fields by using arithmetic devices such as computers. Meaningful results are obtained by calculating and processing various data, and the obtained results are used for prediction, determination, and control operations, for example. Optimization processing is one of the important techniques in the field of information processing. For example, the optimization processing is applicable to a problem in which a solver needs to minimize the resources or cost needed when certain processing is performed. The optimization processing is also applicable to a problem in which the solver needs to maximize the effect obtained by the certain processing. Apparently, solving these problems is very important.
As a typical optimization problem, there is a linear programming in which an evaluation function represented by a linear sum of a plurality of continuous variables is used. In this linear programming, values are obtained for the variables such that the evaluation function is maximized or minimized under constraints represented by the linear sum. The linear programming is used in various fields such as product production scheduling. For this linear programming, excellent algorithms such as a simplex method and an interior point method are known, and even a problem having hundreds of thousands of variables or more is efficiently solvable.
There are also many optimization problems in which discrete values are used for variables instead of continuous values. One example is a traveling salesman problem in which a solver determines the shortest possible route that a salesman takes when the salesman visits a plurality of cities sequentially and returns to the origin city. Another example is a knapsack problem in which a solver is given a set of different items and selects a set of items with which the solver fills a knapsak such that the total value of the selected items is as large as possible. This kind of problem is referred to as a discrete optimization problem, a combinatorial optimization problem, etc., and it is known that calculation of an optimal solution for this kind of problem is very difficult.
The biggest reason for this difficulty is that only discrete values are used for individual variables. Namely, an optimal solution is not obtainable by continuously changing variables in a direction in which an evaluation function is improved. In addition, there are extraordinary numbers of values that result in local extrema of the evaluation function (local minimums (maximums) or local solutions), other than the values of the variables that result in an accurate optimal value (an optimal solution or a global solution). Thus, since a method such as a brute-force method needs to be used to obtain an optimal solution certainly, the calculation time is significantly extended. Among the discrete optimization problems, there are many problems referred to as NP (Non-deterministic Polynomial)-hard problems in complexity theory. In these NP-hard problems, the calculation time for obtaining an optimal solution is expected to extend exponentially with respect to the size of the problem (namely, the number of variables). The above traveling salesman problem and knapsack problem are also NP-hard problems.
As described above, it is very difficult to certainly obtain optimal solutions to discrete optimization problems. Thus, for practically important discrete optimization problems, algorithms that use characteristics unique to the respective problems are created. As described above, in many discrete optimization problems, to obtain an exact solution, the calculation time is expected to extend exponentially with respect to the size of the problem. Thus, many of the practical solution methods are approximate solution methods in which a value of an evaluation function does not indicate an optimal value but a value close to the optimal value as a solution.
In contrast to these approximation algorithms specially designed for the target problems, there are also known other approximation algorithms in which a wide range of problems are solved without using characteristics unique to the problems. These approximation algorithms are referred to as metaheuristics, and their examples include simulated annealing (SA), a genetic algorithm, and a neural network. While these algorithms could have lower efficiency than the algorithms that suitably use characteristics unique to the problems, these algorithms are expected to obtain solutions more quickly than the algorithms designed to obtain exact solutions.
Hereinafter, simulated annealing will be described.
Simulated annealing is a kind of a Monte Carlo method and is a method in which a solution is stochastically calculated by using a random number. The following description will be made by using, as an example, a problem in which a value of an evaluation function to be optimized is minimized, and the value of the evaluation function will be referred to as energy. If the problem was to maximize the value, the sign of the evaluation function would be changed.
Simulated annealing starts with an initial state in which a discrete value has been assigned to an individual variable. Next, from the current state (a combination of values of variables), a state close to the current state (for example, a state in which only one of the variables has been changed) is selected, and this state transition is examined. By calculating change of the energy associated with the state transition, whether to adopt the state transition and change the current state or maintain the original state without adopting the state transition is stochastically determined based on the calculated value. By setting the adoption probability of a state transition that results in a drop in the energy to be greater than the adoption probability of a state transition that results in a rise in the energy, state changes occur in a direction in which the energy drops on average. Thus, it is expected that the state will be transitioned to a more suitable state over time. Consequently, an optimal solution or an approximate solution that results in energy close to the optimal solution could be obtained finally. If whether to adopt the state transition is determined in a deterministic way, for example, if state transitions that result in a drop in the energy are adopted and those that result in a rise in the energy are not adopted, the change of the energy weakly decreases over time. However, once a local solution is reached, no further changes will occur. As described above, in a discrete optimization problem, since there are extraordinary numbers of local solutions, in many cases the state is stuck at a local solution that is not very close to an optimal value. Thus, it is important to determine whether to adopt the state transition stochastically.
In simulated annealing, it has been proved that a state reaches an optimal solution with an infinite time (an infinite number of iterations) if the adoption (acceptance) probability of the transition of the state is determined as follows.
(1) When an energy change associated with a state transition is denoted by (ΔE), an acceptance probability p of the state transition is determined by any one of the following functions f(x).
                              p                                (                                          Δ                                                                                E                            ,              T                        )                          =                  f                                (                                          -                Δ                                                                                E                /                T                                      )                                              (                  1                                -                              1                )                                                      f            metro                                          (            x            )                          =                              min                                      (                              1                ,                                  e                  x                                            )                                                                                (                          METROPOLIS                                                                                METHOD                        )                                              (                  1                                -                              2                )                                                      f            Gibbs                                          (            x            )                          =                              1                          1              +                              e                                  -                  x                                                                                (                          GIBBS                                                                                METHOD                        )                                              (                  1                                -                              3                )
In mathematical formula 1-1, T represents a parameter referred to as a temperature and is changed as follows.
(2) As expressed by the following mathematical formula, the temperature T is dropped logarithmically with respect to the number t of iterations.
                    T        =                                            T              0                                                  log                                            (                c                )                                                          log                                      (                              t                +                c                            )                                                          (        2        )
In the above mathematical formula, T0 represents an initial temperature, and it is desirable that a sufficiently large value be set as T0 on the basis of the problem.
When the acceptance probability expressed by the mathematical formulas in the above (1) is used and when a steady state is reached after a sufficient number of iterations, the occupation probability of an individual state is in accordance with a Boltzmann distribution at thermal equilibrium in thermodynamics. Since the occupation probability of a lower energy state rises by gradually decreasing a sufficiently high initial temperature, when the temperature has sufficiently dropped, a low energy state is supposed to be obtained. Since this behavior resembles state change seen when material is annealed, this method is called simulated annealing. In simulated annealing, the stochastic occurrence of a state transition that results in a rise in the energy corresponds to thermal excitation in physics.
As described above, in simulated annealing, an optimal solution is reached by setting an infinite number of iterations. However, in reality, since a solution needs to be obtained with a finite number of iterations, an optimal solution is not obtained certainly. In addition, since the temperature drops very gradually in accordance with the above formula, the temperature does not drop sufficiently within a finite time. Thus, in many cases of actual simulated annealing, the temperature is dropped more quickly, instead of using the logarithmic temperature change.
FIG. 15 illustrates a conceptual configuration of an optimization apparatus that performs simulated annealing. While cases in which a plurality of state transition candidates are generated will be also described in the following description, the transition candidates are generated one by one in conventional and basic simulated annealing.
An optimization apparatus 10 includes a state storage unit 11 that holds the current state S (values of a plurality of state variables). The optimization apparatus 10 also includes an energy calculation unit 12 that calculates, when at least one state transition from the current state S occurs as a result of change of at least one of the values of the plurality of state variables, the energy changes {ΔEi} of the respective state transitions. In addition, the optimization apparatus 10 includes a temperature control unit 13 that controls a temperature T and a transition control unit 14 that controls state changes.
The transition control unit 14 refers to the temperature T, the energy changes {ΔEi}, and a random number to stochastically determines whether to accept any of a plurality of state transitions according to a relative relationship between the energy changes {ΔEi} and the thermal excitation energy.
The transition control unit 14 will be described in more detail. The transition control unit 14 includes a candidate generation unit 14a that generates state transition candidates and a transition acceptance determination unit 14b that stochastically determines whether to accept each state transition candidate from the corresponding energy changes {ΔEi} and the temperature T. In addition, the transition control unit 14 includes a transition determination unit 14c that determines a candidate to be adopted from the accepted candidates and a random number generation unit 14d that generates a probability variable.
Next, an operation in a single iteration will be described. First, the candidate generation unit 14a generates at least one state transition candidate (candidate number {Ni}) from the current state S stored in the state storage unit 11 to the next state. The energy calculation unit 12 calculates the energy changes {ΔEi} for the respective state transition candidates by using the current state S and the respective state transition candidates. By using the temperature T generated by the temperature control unit 13 and a probability variable (a random number) generated by the random number generation unit 14d, the transition acceptance determination unit 14b determines whether to accept each of the state transitions with the acceptance probability expressed by the above formulas 1-1 to 1-3 based on the energy changes {ΔEi} of the respective state transitions. In addition, the transition acceptance determination unit 14b outputs transition determination results {fi} indicating whether to accept the respective state transitions (the results will hereinafter be referred to as state transition acceptance determination results, as needed). When the transition acceptance determination unit 14b has accepted a plurality of state transitions, the transition determination unit 14c randomly selects one of the state transitions by using a random number. Next, the transition determination unit 14c outputs the transition number N of the selected state transition and the corresponding transition determination result f. When there is an accepted state transition, the values of the state variables stored in the state storage unit 11 are updated based on the adopted state transition.
Starting with the initial state, the optimization apparatus 10 repeats the above iteration while causing the temperature control unit 13 to drop the temperature. When a certain number of iterations is reached, the optimization apparatus 10 ends the operation. Alternatively, when a termination determination condition is satisfied, for example, when the energy falls below a certain value, the optimization apparatus 10 ends the operation. The solution outputted by the optimization apparatus 10 is the state corresponding to the end of the operation. However, in reality, since the temperature does not reach 0 with a finite number of iterations, an individual state occupancy rate has a distribution represented by a Boltzmann distribution or the like even at the end of the operation. Namely, there is no guarantee that an optimal solution or a good solution is obtained. Thus, in a realistic solution method, the lowest energy state obtained with a finite number of iterations is stored and outputted finally.
FIG. 16 is a circuit-level block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the transition control unit used in conventional simulated annealing in which candidates are generated one by one, the configuration example focusing on an arithmetic portion needed for the transition acceptance determination unit.
The transition control unit 14 includes a random number generation circuit 14b1, a selector 14b2, a noise table 14b3, a multiplier 14b4, and a comparator 14b5.
Of all the energy changes {ΔEi} calculated for the respective state transition candidates, the selector 14b2 selects and outputs one energy change corresponding to the transition number N, which is a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 14b1.
Functions of the noise table 14b3 will be described below. For example, a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory may be used as the noise table 14b3.
The multiplier 14b4 outputs a product of a value outputted by the noise table 14b3 and the temperature T (the product corresponds to the above thermal excitation energy).
The comparator 14b5 compares the product outputted by the multiplier 14b4 with the energy change selected by the selector 14b2 and outputs the comparison result as a transition determination result f.
Basically, the function described above is implemented without change on the transition control unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 16. However, since the mechanism of accepting a state transition with the acceptance probability expressed by the formulas in the above (1) has not been described yet, the following description will be made on the mechanism.
A circuit that outputs 1 when the acceptance probability p is established and outputs 0 when (1−p) is established may be realized by a comparator that have two input terminals a and b and that outputs 1 when a>b and outputs 0 when a<b. More specifically, the acceptance probability p is inputted to the input terminal a of the comparator, and a uniform random value, which is a value in a section [0, 1), is inputted to the input terminal b. Thus, by inputting a value indicating the acceptance probability p calculated by using formula (1) based on the energy change and the temperature T to this input terminal a of the comparator, the above function is realized.
Namely, assuming that f is the function used in the formulas in the above (1) and that u is a uniform random number, which is a value in the section [0, 1), the circuit that outputs 1 when f(ΔE/T)>u realizes the above function.
The same function is realized by any of the following variations. The two numbers maintain the same magnitude relationship even when the same monotonically increasing function is applied to the two numbers. Thus, even when the same monotonically increasing function is applied to the two input terminals of the comparator, the same output is obtained. When an inverse function f−1 of the function f is adopted as this monotonically increasing function, it is seen that a circuit that outputs 1 when −ΔE/T>f−1(u) or a circuit that outputs 1 when ΔE/T≤f−1(u) is suitable. In addition, since the temperature T is positive, a circuit that outputs 1 when −ΔE>Tf−1(u) or a circuit that outputs 1 when ΔE≤Tf−1(u) is also suitable. The noise table 14b3 in FIG. 16 is a conversion table for realizing this inverse function f−1(u) and is a table that outputs a value of the next function with respect to input in which the section [0, 1) is discretized.
                                          f            metro                          -              1                                                      (            u            )                          =                  log                                (            u            )                                              (                  3                                -                              1                )                                                      f            Gibbs                          -              1                                                      (            u            )                          =                  log                                (                          u                              1                -                u                                      )                                              (                  3                                -                              2                )
To realize the circuit that outputs 1 when −ΔE>Tf−1(u), the selector 14b2 in FIG. 16 may be configured to output −ΔE by inverting the sign of the selected energy change ΔE. The comparator 14b5 may be configured to output 1 when the energy change ΔE selected by the selector 14b2 ≤Tf−1(u).
While the transition control unit 14 also includes, for example, a latch circuit that holds a determination result, etc. and a state machine that generates the corresponding timing, these components are not illustrated in FIG. 16 for simplicity.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the transition control unit according to the conventional example. In this operation, first, one state transition is selected as a candidate (step S1). Next, whether to accept the state transition is determined by comparing the energy change corresponding to the state transition with a product of a temperature and a random number (step S2). Next, if the state transition is accepted, the state transition is adopted (step S3). If the state transition is not accepted, the state transition is not adopted (step S3).
While simulated annealing is a versatile method and is very appealing, since the temperature needs to be dropped gradually, a relatively long calculation time is needed. In addition, it is difficult to suitably adjust how the temperature is dropped based on the problem. These problems will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 18.
There are many local solutions with poor approximation along state transition paths from an initial value to an optimal solution or an approximate solution. To escape from these local solutions sufficiently quickly, a high temperature that enables sufficient thermal excitation is needed. However, since the energy spread is large in a Boltzmann distribution at a high temperature, the difference between the occupation probability of an optimal solution or a good approximate solution with low energy (hereinafter referred to as a good solution) and the occupation probability of a local solution with relatively high energy and poor approximation (hereinafter referred to as a poor solution) is small. Thus, even if the state transition has escaped from a local solution quickly, the state transition will be stuck at any one of the many subsequent poor solutions. Thus, the probability that the state transition reaches a good solution is very small. To raise the occupation probability of a good solution, a low temperature that achieves sufficiently smaller thermal excitation energy compared with the energy difference from a poor solution is needed. However, in this case, since the thermal excitation energy is small, the probability that the state transition is able to go over energy hills along a path is very low, and as a result, the state rarely changes. Thus, the state transition needs to slowly experience an intermediate temperature that enables the state transition to go over some energy hills and achieves some difference in occupation probability. In this way, the occupation probability of a good solution is increased gradually. If the temperature is dropped excessively slowly, since the temperature is not dropped sufficiently within a finite time, the occupation probability of a good solution is not increased finally. In contrast, if the temperature is dropped excessively quickly, the temperature is dropped before the state transition escapes from a local solution. Thus, the state transition remains stuck at a poor solution. Thus, as the temperature drops more and more, the rate of the change needs to be decreased sufficiently, and sufficient time is needed until a Boltzmann distribution at that temperature is neared.
As described above, in conventional simulated annealing, since escaping from a local solution is sought only by thermal excitation based on the temperature, it is desirable that the temperature be gradually dropped and how the temperature is dropped be suitably adjusted based on the problem.
See, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2017-138760
As described above, in simulated annealing, it takes much time for the state transition to escape from a local solution, and a long calculation time is needed to solve the optimization problem.

Optimization apparatus and control method thereof


A floor care apparatus has a housing with a wall having a contour. A flexible membrane circuit includes an adhesive side that attaches the circuit to the wall to generally follow the contour. A controller connects to the circuit and illuminates a visual indicator as a relative function of the cleanliness or dirtiness of a signal of a dirt sensor connected to the controller. A motor is also controlled by the controller as a relative function of the dirt sensor signal. Further, the flexible membrane circuit includes a side opposite the adhesive side to friction fit the visual indicator against the housing. Preferably, the visual indicator includes a plurality of colors, from light emitting diodes, wherein the side opposite the adhesive side of the circuit connects to the light emitting diodes.

Whether canister or upright, vacuum cleaners in all of their designs and permutations have become increasingly popular over the years. In general, they incorporate a suction fan motor, attendant dirt cup or dust bag and a nozzle assembly fluidly and mechanically connected to one another that suck up dirt and dust during operator movement across a dirt-laden floor. Specifically, an agitator within the nozzle assembly rotates to beat the nap of a carpet and dislodge dirt and dust during a time when an operator manipulates the cleaner back and forth. Dirt and dust then enters the cleaner and flow in an airstream toward the motor. Often times, visual indicators are provided to show operators a relative cleanliness or dirtiness of the airstream. If clean, the operators can then manipulate the cleaner in other areas.
While useful, the visual indicators typically require manufacturing complexity. That is, they regularly require indicators or lights, dedicated printed circuit boards (PCB's) and a variety of fasteners for securing to a cleaner housing. Some even require peculiar functionality in mechanically securing wire bundles to various contours of the housing and spacing to accommodate the bulk of the PCB. In this regard, dedicated parts and peculiarity adds economic and manufacturing costs.
Accordingly, the floor care arts have need of simple, yet effective, visual indicators and arrangements therefor. Naturally, any improvements should further contemplate good engineering practices, such as relative inexpensiveness, ease of manufacturing, low complexity, etc.

Floor care apparatus having visual dirt indicator with flexible membrane circuit


The door prop apparatus disclosed herein is configured to secure a door in a partially opened position relative to a door frame defining a doorway, in various aspects. The door prop apparatus includes a mounting member adapted to attach to the door frame latch jamb and thereby secure the apparatus to the latch jamb, in various aspects. The door prop apparatus includes a latch receiving member adapted to receive the door latch therein, in various aspects. As the door is urged from an open position towards a closed position, the latch receiving member receives the door latch therein and thereby secures the door in the partially opened position, in various aspects. The door handle is operable to retract the latch into the door and thereby release the door from the secured partially opened position, in various aspects. Related methods are disclosed.

A common door frame assembly includes a door frame having a top head jamb, a side hinge jamb, a side latch jamb, and a bottom threshold that collectively define the doorway through the door frame. The door frame assembly may include a door hingedly mounted to the hinge jamb so that the door can pivot between an open position and a closed position. The door may include a latch assembly having a handle, such as a rotatable handle or doorknob, which cooperates with a latch to retract and extend the latch. The latch jamb may include a strike plate having an opening therethrough for receiving the door latch. When the door is in the closed position, the latch may extend through the strike plate opening to secure the door in the closed position. The door handle may have a home position with the latch in an extended position to maintain the latch secured through the strike plate opening and the door secured in the closed position. The door handle may be rotated to retract the latch from the strike plate opening and thereby allow the door to be pivoted open.
It some circumstances, it may be desirous to reversibly secure a door in a partially opened position relative to a door frame, for example, to allow a pet to move freely through the doorway. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved door prop apparatus as well as related methods of use for securing a door in a partially opened position relative to a door frame.


This disclosure describes techniques for generating stimulation current pulses that have differing pulse shapes in a medical device. A circuit architecture is described that is configured to charge a capacitor to an initial amount of charge, modulate the amount of charge stored in the capacitor based on a control signal, and generate a stimulation current pulse that has an amplitude based on the amount charge stored in the capacitor. The circuit architecture may be configured to generate complex pulse shapes, such as, e.g., steps, ramps, bursts, and combinations thereof.

A variety of medical devices are used for chronic, e.g., long-term, delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to patients suffering from conditions that range from chronic pain, tremor, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy, to urinary or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, obesity, spasticity, and gastroparesis. As an example, electrical stimulation generators are used for chronic delivery of electrical stimulation therapies such as neurostimulation, spinal cord stimulation, muscle stimulation, target organ stimulation, or the like. Typically, such devices provide therapy continuously or periodically according to parameters contained within a program. A program may comprise respective values for each parameter in a set of therapeutic parameters specified by a clinician. For example, a program may define characteristics of the electrical pulses defining the stimulation waveform, including pulse width, pulse frequency, constant voltage or constant current amplitude, and electrode polarity (anode or cathode). Traditional neurological stimulators generate a constant voltage or constant current output pulse that is typically programmable for a predefined constant current or voltage stimulus amplitude and pulse width.

Stimulation waveform generator for an implantable medical device


A camera unit for monitoring a spatial region has an electronic image sensor arranged on a component carrier, and a lens having a lens body. The lens body and the component carrier are connected via a first coupling piece to form an integrated structural unit. The first coupling piece has at least one limited first mobility relative to the lens body and at least one limited second mobility relative to the component carrier within the integrated structural unit. The integrated structural unit has at least one first and one second releasable clamping mechanism in order to fix the first coupling piece, the lens body and the component carrier relative to one another. Such a camera unit can advantageously be used as an imaging sensor for safeguarding a machine operating in an automated fashion.

The present invention relates to a camera unit for monitoring a spatial region. More particularly, the invention relates to a camera unit for monitoring a spatial region in front of a moving machine part of a press brake or a similar type of machine having a first machine part moving towards a second machine part.
Moreover, the invention relates to an apparatus for safeguarding such a machine. Such an apparatus is sometimes referred to in the art as a concurrently moving or mobile safety device.
EP 0 597 934 B1 discloses a mechanical construction for an electronic camera that is said to afford a large number of different application options since component carriers for electronic assemblies can be optionally supplemented. The known camera has a lens having a lens body, which can be screwed into a matching threaded hole on a front plate of the camera housing. For its part, the front plate is screwed to a housing body, in which various component carriers are accommodated. The camera has an image sensor, which is plugged onto a holding plate accommodated in the camera housing. The holding plate is connected via plug connections to a component carrier that receives further electronic components. The known camera enables relatively simple assembly by plugging together and screwing together the individual camera components. What is disadvantageous about the known camera system, however, is that the image sensor and the lens cannot be individually oriented or aligned with respect to one another. The orientation of the lens and of the image sensor with respect to one another is fixedly predefined by the dimensions and the manufacturing tolerances of the individual components.
A construction that is mechanically defined in this way may be sufficient or even desirable for many applications. For a camera unit intended to serve as part of a safety-related control unit for safeguarding a machine or installation, however, it is desirable to orient the image sensor and the imaging optical unit including a lens etc. individually with respect to one another in order to be able to evaluate individual pixels or pixel regions of the image sensor in a specific manner, for example. On the other hand, the mechanical construction of a camera unit intended to be used as part of a concurrently moving safety device on a press brake must be very robust and, in particular, withstand severe shocks and vibrations. The alignment of image sensor and lens must not be lost despite severe shocks and vibrations that might occur in some instances. Of course, it is also desirable to assemble the camera unit and align the image sensor simply and rapidly in order to keep down production costs.

Camera unit for monitoring a spatial region, in particular for a safety device on a press brake


A master guide table for a digital broadcast protocol, and a method of broadcasting and updating an electronic program guide using the table, uses identification information included in a bit stream syntax of the master guide table to classify whether contents of an event information table are merely shifted in time, or are actually changed. The master guide table is transmitted in accordance with a program and system information protocol (PSIP) for an advanced television system committee (ATSC) defined standard digital television broadcast protocol. A digital television receiver of a receiving party, or a digital cable broadcast receiver, can determine whether the contents of the event information table EIT are merely shifted in time or actually changed by parsing the identification information in the master guide table MGT. If the parsed contents of the identification information indicate that the event information table contents are merely shifted in time without any change, then a database maintaining previous event information table is not updated. Accordingly, time wasted in unnecessarily updating the database can be decreased.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a master guide table for a digital broadcast protocol and a method of broadcasting using the table.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The Advanced Telephone System Committee (ATSC) has defined a program and system information protocol (PSIP) as a standard for digital television broadcast. In the program and system information protocol (PSIP), the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and System Information (SI) are defined as one. Namely, the program and system information protocol (PSIP) is the ATSC standard for terrestrial and cable digital broadcast and is defined to provide various information about programs by parsing encoded messages using Moving Picture Experts Group standard ISO/IEC 13818-1 System (MPEG-2) (ATSC Document A/65, 23 Dec. 1997). "Program and System Information Protocol For Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable," ATSC Document A/65, 23 Dec. 1997 is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
That is, the program and system information protocol is used to transmit or receive audio/video data according to the MPEG-2 video format and AC-3 audio format. Also, the program and system information protocol includes a plurality of tables for transmitting channel information corresponding to each broadcast station, and program information for each channel.
The program and system information protocol can support a main function of selecting a desired channel and for providing audio/video data of the selected channel, and a supplementary function of performing a broadcast guidance service such as an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for the broadcast programs.
The channel information for selecting the desired channel and packet identification number (PID) for receiving the audio/video data is transmitted to the receiving party through a virtual channel table (VCT), while the information for the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for the broadcast programs of each channel is transmitted to the receiving party through one or more event information tables (EIT). Further, the program and system information protocol (PSIP) includes a System Time Table (STT) for providing time information, a Rating Region Table (RRT) for forwarding information of geographical region and a corresponding organization and the like to provide a program rating level, an Extended Text Table (ETT) providing an additional description for the channel and broadcast program, and a Master Guide Table (MGT) for managing a version and program identifier for the tables mentioned above.
The tables are transmitted by a data structure called a "section." That is to say, each table has a section as a basic unit, and a table may be constructed by combining one or more sections.
Each event information table (EIT) has event information for one virtual channel i.e., title, starting time, ending time, caption, and the like. Here, one event generally means a typical television program. Each event information table can be expressed in a general format as EIT-k (k: 0, 1, . . . , 127), and a maximum number if 128 event information tables can be created and transmitted. Each event information table EIT-k may have multiple instances, each of which contains information for one virtual channel. Specifically, the program and system information protocol PSIP may have at least 4 and a maximum of 128 event information tables EITs, and each event information table EIT provides event information for a specific time zone.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a bit stream syntax of a general master guide table (MGT). The master guide table (MGT) is transmitted in a single section format as a table, listing version number, length, and program identifier (PID) for all of the tables of the program and system information protocol (PSIP), except the System Time Table (STT).
With reference to FIG. 1, the master guide table (MGT) has a table identifier field "table_id" of "0xC7," and a section length field "section length" which represents the section length. A version number field "version_number" represents a version value of the master guide table (MGT), the version value is increased by 1 module 32 when the contents of the master guide table (MGT) are changed.
Meanwhile, a section number field "section-number" represents a corresponding section number, a last section number field "last_section_number" represents a last section number of the master guide table (MGT), and the two fields each have a fixed value of "0x00", since the MGT is always one section long. A table definition field "tables_defined" defines a number of tables (0-65535) which will appear in a "for_loop" statement afterward.
A table type field "table_type" in the "for_loop" statement represents the type of table. For example, a value of each table information type field "table_type" for the event information tables EIT0-EIT127 is 0x0100-0x017F. A table type program identifier field "table_type_PID" defines the program identifier (PID) for the table type field "table_type", and a table type version number field "table_type_version_number" designates the version number defined in each table type field "table_type." For instance, a next event information table (EIT) has a value increased by 1 with respect to the value of the present event information table (EIT).
A descriptors length field "descriptors_length" represents the whole length in bytes for representing a descriptor of the master guide table (MGT). An error correction field, CRC—32, represents a 32 bit cyclical redundancy check (CRC) value for error correction.
Here, the program identifier (PID) of the general format EIT-k event information table must have an equivalent value as specified as the master guide table (MGT), and has to define a unique value in the table type program identifier field "table_type PID" contained in the master guide table (MGT).
For instance, a broadcast station can transmit broadcast information from the present time through the next 16 days to the digital television receiver by means of the event information tables EIT-0, EIT-1, EIT-2, . . . , EIT-127. That is, an event information table (EIT) has contents for events corresponding to a period of 3 hours, and a total of 128 event information tables (EITs) can be transmitted in the field. Here, the event information table EIT-0 means a table for an event of the present time, and is shifted every 3 hours (i.e., 0:00, 03:00, 06:00, etc.).
At this time, if an electronic program guide EPG service is to be performed, the digital television receiver has to store the contents of the event information tables by parsing the event information tables. To achieve this, the digital television receiver constructs a database for performing the electronic program guide (EPG) service by gathering the event information tables (EITs) received from the broadcast station.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schedule information table for programs broadcasting over four virtual channels of one physical channel.
In FIG. 2, 1-A, 1-B . . . , 1-E designate program titles which will be broadcast in a channel 51-1, and 2-A, . . . , 4-F designate other program titles for the virtual channels.
In the figure, the lines with the dot at the end designate the current time zone, while the lines with the arrows designate the absolute time at which the general format EIT-k (k=0-127) event information table is shifted in FIG. 2, respectively.
According to the ATSC standard within a 24-hour day, there are 8 absolute times for shifting the contents of the event information table, i.e., 0:00, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00.
Meanwhile, the present time zones in FIG. 2 are divided into 5 zones based on the absolute time for shifting the general format EIT-k of the event information table. At this stage, the contents of the general format EIT-k event information table are shifted to the other general format EIT-(k−1) event information table according to each time zone. Here, k is a positive integer of between 0 and 127.
For instance, if the data in the event information table EIT-0 based on the absolute time for shifting the contents of the event information table EIT is expired because the data belongs to a past program, the contents of the event information table EIT-1 are shifted to the event information table EIT-0.
As described, when the present time zone is the absolute time for shifting event information table EIT-k, the digital television receiver has to receive the entire event information tables (EITs) all over again, in order to perform the service of the Electronic Program Guide EPG.
That is, the version number of the master guide table MGT is changed whenever the contents of the tables defined in the table type of the "for_loop" statement are changed. For example, if the contents of the event information table EIT-k are changed, the version number of the master guide table MGT is changed. Also, if the contents of the event information tables EIT, i.e. the program contents, are shifted without change, the version number of the master guide table MGT is also changed.
The television receiver performs an update operation with the contents of the event information table EIT-k by receiving the event information table EIT-k again and receiving the contents of the database again when the version number of the master guide table MGT is changed, while the table type program identifier field "table_type_PID" defines the event information table EIT-k.
This description clearly means that the database should be updated perfunctorily at every absolute time shifting of the event information table.
Accordingly, there is a drawback in the related art in that unnecessary time for updating the database is consumed, even if the contents of the database for the program constructed in a previous time zone are not changed. This time consumption places a heavier burden on the digital television receiver or the cable broadcast receiver, which operates as the receiving party.
Further, viewers have to wait for a long time with patience to receive the service of the Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

Master guide table for a digital broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the table


A microlens structure and a method of fabrication thereof are provided. The method comprises forming a layer of microlens material over a substrate, which has photo-sensitive elements formed therein. The microlens material, which comprises a photo-resist material, is exposed in accordance with a desired pattern a plurality of times. The energy used with each exposure process is less than the energy required if a single exposure is used. Furthermore, the masks used for each exposure may differ. In an embodiment, the masks are varied so as to create a notch in the upper corner of the microlens.

Digital imaging systems such as digital cameras utilize semiconductor chips equipped with photo-sensitive electronic components, such as photo-diodes. The digital imaging systems typically capture light information in a series of pixels. Commonly, the pixels are arranged in an array of rows and columns, such as 1024×768 pixels. Each pixel is represented by at least one photo-sensitive component. In applications requiring the capture of color, color filters may be used to capture the specific colors of the received light, and each pixel may be represented by more than one photo-sensitive component.
Generally, a microlens guides the light to the photo-sensitive component, essentially acting as the collection point for the digital imaging system. A microlens is a tiny lens formed on a semiconductor chip above a photo-sensitive component. Because the collected light passes through the microlens, it is important that the microlens be shaped such that it accurately guides light to the photo-sensitive component.
Microlenses are generally formed by applying a layer of microlens material on a semiconductor chip. The microlens material, which is typically a photo-resist material, is exposed in accordance with a desired pattern and developed to remove unwanted microlens material. After the microlenses have been patterned, a reflow process is performed to cause the microlenses to form a substantially uniform symmetrical lens shape.
Problems, however, may be incurred during the fabrication of the microlenses as the design sizes are reduced. For example, as the design size is reduced, the microlenses are positioned closer together. As the microlenses are positioned closer together, the microlenses have a tendency to merge during the reflow procedure. The reflow procedure, which uses high temperatures, is difficult to control and, thus, it is difficult to prevent the microlenses from merging as the distance between microlenses decreases.
Another problem often seen is related to the focal length. Many times the thickness of the device will increase due to, among other things, additional layers (e.g., metal layers) as more circuitry is integrated onto a single chip. The additional layers in turn increase the focal length, which requires a thinner microlens. The reflow procedure to create thinner microlenses generally uses a higher temperature, which further increases the possibility of the microlenses merging.
Therefore, there is a need for a method for fabricating microlenses to reduce the critical dimension between microlenses and to reduce the thickness of the microlenses.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A system for connecting housing elements of a device for heat transfer having a housing with a first housing element and a second housing element which are connectable with one another with face sides oriented toward one another and via a connection under form closure. Housing elements are herein in contact on another with side margins developed in proximity of front faces. The first latching elements are implemented as recesses each with a flat surface oriented in parallel to front face. On an outer side of side margin of first housing element between each first latching element and front face, a shaping is developed protruding from side margin, which comprises on a side facing first latching element a flat surface disposed in the plane spanned by flat surface of first latching element. Flat surfaces of first latching element and the shaping form a contiguous bearing area for second latching element.

Heat transfer devices of the above described class serve primarily for cooling exhaust gas, particularly of internal combustion engines, which is mixed with the fresh air to be supplied to the combustion process in order to reach, on the one hand, a reduction of the oxygen content. On the other hand, the heat energy of the exhaust gas is also utilized. The heat transfer device is utilized, for example, at the suction side of internal combustion engines or in connection with fuel cells.
For this reason, a so-called charge air cooler or intercooler disposed at the suction side of an internal combustion engine is a heat transfer device serving for the decrease of the temperature of the combustion air supplied to the engine. The heat transfer device is herein developed between a compressor element, such as a turbocharger, and an inlet valve of the internal combustion engine and serves for discharging at least a portion of the heat generated through the compression of the air.
EP 0 285 504 A1 describes a heat exchanger with a two-part housing with a receiving element (tank) and a cover element. The receiving element comprises connection fittings for the air-conducting connections. The housing is implemented such that it encloses a bank of heat exchanger tubes and a passage for the air to be cooled between the connection fittings of the air. In the closed state of the housing the two housing elements are braced together using, for example, tension straps or staples. The tension straps are herein bolted together.
Prior art also discloses welding, soldering or adhering the housing elements together depending on the material of the housing elements.
DE 10 2008 001 660 A1 discloses a heat exchanger for the exhaust tract of a motor vehicle with a separately implemented exhaust gas carrying heat transfer tube which is disposed in a closed housing.
The housing through which flows a coolant is formed of a housing cover and a case part which are connected with one another with the aid of mechanical securing means, such as bolts or rivets or with the aid of connections that are free of auxiliary means, such as flanging.
The intercoolers or exhaust gas coolers known in prior art are of a highly complex structure and comprise a multiplicity of components, for example for closing the housing, such that particularly the housing can often only be fabricated involving elaborate and costly expenditures and be assembled requiring extensive lengths of time.
Housing elements of heat exchangers that are connected with one another across auxiliary means-free connections, such as latching connections, for closing the housing provide only a limited installation space for a suitable depth of the latching elements. Too shallow a depth as the dimension of a bearing area of the latching elements leads to an inadequate, in particular form-closure, connection and therewith to an increased risk of the undesirable releasing of the latching connection, especially during operation of the heat exchanger under high pressure application and high pressure pulse loading.
A greater depth as the dimension of the bearing area of the latching elements could be achieved by widening the bearing area in the direction toward the interior of the housing. However, the installation space in the direction of the volume enclosed by the housing and thus the utilizable interior installation space is extremely limited. The widening of the latching connection, especially of the bearing areas, in the stated direction would, in addition, lead to a highly extensive form change of at least one of the housing elements, which, in turn, would increase the risk of fatigue and consequently would lead to a destruction of the latching connection and therewith of the housing.

System for connecting housing elements of a device for heat transfer


A system for assessing an indoor space for favorable conditions for the transmission of a viral particle is disclosed. A set of sensors measure a set of environmental parameters, and a processor is configured to combine the measured set of environmental parameters into a single scale of numerical or descriptive value representing the favorability of viral transmission in the indoor space.

Viral disease transmission mostly occurs in indoor spaces where a group of people assemble. This is especially true of airborne viruses such as COVID-19 and SARS. Several factors aid in the transmission of the virus from one individual to the next when they are present in the same enclosed air space. These factors include occupancy to air volume ratio, occupancy to fresh air intake, relative humidity, temperature, and fine particulate concentration in the air. Public and private establishments can significantly reduce the chances of viral transmission among the occupants by optimizing these parameters through better building and HVAC design as well as control of occupancy loading.
To be able to fully assess the quality of an indoor space for viral transmission a single numerical value, herein referred to as Viral Transmission Score (VTS), is required that would consider not only each of the above-mentioned factors but also their combined affect. The single numerical number would be corelated to the probability of transmission of airborne viruses between occupants if any occupants were contagious. This viral transmission score can aid in: determination of occupancy load in real-time; providing alarm for highly contagious environments; and, allowing regulators to set limits to force establishments to improve HVAC/building design.
There are currently no instruments on the market that will provide a viral transmission score or equivalent. All previously developed systems focus only on detection of an infectious person or a specific virus within a monitored environment. This does not consider any of the parameters that would aid in the transmission of the infection from one person to the next within the monitored space.
By monitoring for contagious persons or an airborne virus, the current available systems are a reactive solution that will not aid in better building design or be compatible with a regulatory framework. These systems are also complicated and impractical to be widely used.
The present invention uses a network of electronic sensors to monitor parameters that can be used to determine the key factors that would affect the viral transmission score of an indoor space. These parameters such as occupancy load, fresh air intake rate, and particulate filtration, can be monitored directly or indirectly using proxy parameters. These proxy parameters may include but are not limited to carbon dioxide (CO2) and ultrafine particulate matter. The proposed system would collect continuous data on the measured parameters and fuse the data to create the single numerical value to represent the viral transmission score.

System for monitoring the probability of viral disease transmission


A method for correcting measurements of conventional flow meters is provided. Using prior determination of fundamental behavior parameters, flow meter measurements are iteratively calculated to improve their accuracy and eliminate the need for dissimilar momentum meters or moving parts in multiphase flow metering. In some applications, corrections to meter readings are made by using an algorithm having a generic model for the entire system and validating the converged solution against realistic bounds on fluid properties.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to apparatuses for measuring two-phase flow (liquid/gas) and three phase flow (liquid/liquid/gas) and related methods for reducing errors in the flow rate measurements.
2. Description of the Related Art
The application of the invention is to multiphase flow measurements in general. The teachings of the present invention can be particularly attractive for multiphase flow systems, where gas, oil and water are flowing simultaneously in the same pipe, at different velocities and concentrations.
In the last few years, many methods and apparatuses for multiphase flow metering were developed. These methods can be divided into two main groups:                Group A: Multiphase meters which are not relying on any separation devices.        Group B: Multiphase Meters where the flow is separated between gas and liquid streams, and a single-phase meter is used to measures each individual stream.Continuous developments evolved, where the separation devices' size (hence performance) was reduced and multiphase meters are used in the mostly gas and the mostly liquid lines as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,977 "High void fraction multi-phase fluid flow meter" Agar Joram, Farchi David, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. This eliminated the need for perfect separation.
The measurement of the multiphase flow in group A, utilizes an array of sensors in a single line. They rely on their difference in response to the flow, and therefore provide enough independent measurements for solving the unknown phases (oil, water and gas). A combination of momentum meters (ref. 1) is an attractive method for measuring two phase flow of liquid and gas because momentum meters (e.g. Venturi meters) measure the integral of fluid momentums (liquid and gas), and therefore are less sensitive to the homogeneity of the fluid stream. Momentum meters are also very accurate since the measurement is based on the differential pressure. Differential pressure sensors are known for their high accuracy and integrity. However, the requirement to use dissimilar momentum meters in order to get independent equations, is hard to fulfill. In reality, most momentum meters are quite similar in their behavior, since they are all based on Bernoulli's equation:
                              Δ                                                              P                =                  k                                                                          ρ            tp                                                        Q              tp              2                                      2                                            A                2                                                                                (                              1                -                                  β                  4                                            )                        .                                              Equation                                                  1
Thus, what are needed are methods and systems for measuring multiphase flow rates that eliminate the need of making flow rate meters dissimilar. What are also needed are flow rate meters that do not use nuclear devices or moving parts.

Method and apparatus for measuring multi-streams and multi-phase flow


A method and apparatus for treating uterine tissue with ultrasound energy. The method manipulates the position of the patient's uterus to decrease its distance from an ultrasound therapy transducer while simultaneously engaging a partially filled bladder such that the bladder is compressed to force any bowel tissue out of an acoustic window between the patient's abdominal wall and uterus. Ultrasound energy is then applied to the uterine tissue.

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can be used to treat various pathologies within the uterus. HIFU ablation of fibroids and adenomyosis have been reported, and various additional procedures may also be amenable to HIFU treatment, including endometrial ablation, ablation of polyps, et al.
When HIFU is applied transabdominally, it is important to ensure that the patient's bowel does not intervene in the beam path. Otherwise, the gas that is naturally present in bowel will tend to reflect the HIFU, resulting in reduced treatment efficacy and/or dangerous burns of the bowel tissue. If transabdominal imaging ultrasound is used to guide the HIFU treatment, bowel gas will tend to block its transmission as well, resulting in poor quality images of the uterus. The anatomical aperture through which ultrasound may pass safely and unimpeded by the bowel is herein termed the "acoustic window".
In addition, the target uterine tissue must remain within a treatable depth range, i.e. at a depth below the skin surface that is within the focal range of the HIFU and/or imaging transducers (which are typically limited by practical design considerations).
In an attempt to increase the acoustic window, users of commercially-available HIFU systems have reported catheterizing the patient's bladder and filling it with fluid to help displace bowel laterally away from the HIFU beam path. In doing so, the acoustic window becomes defined largely by the lateral dimensions of the bladder. Ultrasound is readily transmitted through the bladder (i.e. since the fluid is relatively transparent to ultrasound), but not through the surrounding bowel.
Yet as the bladder fills and expands laterally, it also tends to expand posteriorly away from the abdominal wall. This pushes the underlying uterus in the posterior direction as well, since the bowel and rectum behind the uterus tend to be easily compressed. As the uterus is pressed deeper by the filling bladder, it may eventually move out of range of the abdominally-placed ultrasound or HIFU transducer. Thus, filling the bladder can actually be counter-productive when used as a standalone technique for enlarging the acoustic window.
Furthermore, as the bladder fills, it assumes a more spherical shape and becomes less pliable. This results in a decreased contact area at the interfaces of the bladder-uterus and bladder-abdominal wall, allowing loops of bowel to slip in between these interfaces from the periphery.
Given these problems, there is a need for a technique that can reliably increase the size of the acoustic window by displacing the bowel from the intended beam path, while minimizing the required focal depth to reach uterine target tissue.

Optimization of acoustic window and target depth for transabdominal ultrasound treatment or imaging of the uterus


An enveloping material for a baler for enveloping a lateral surface of a bale includes a piece of material having at least one entrainer.

Conventional enveloping devices are used on round balers in order to wrap a round bale formed in a pressing chamber of the round baler with an enveloping material such as, for example, a net, a film or a similar, optionally also semipermeable, breathable or water-repellent material, before said bale is discharged from the round baler after enveloping is complete and then laid on the ground or is transferred to a further device, for example, a wrapping device.
Round balers of this kind are used both in the agricultural and the industrial sectors. Corresponding agricultural balers serve, for example, to form bales of harvested material and produce frequently at least substantially round cylindrical bales from harvested material, for example, of the straw, hay, chopped material etc. Industrial balers are used in the compaction of waste, textiles or other materials, and in the pressing thereof to form bales.
When a bale is enveloped with enveloping material, it is possible, in particular under unfavorable harvesting conditions, for the enveloping material not to be grasped or not to be grasped correctly by the bale at the start of an enveloping operation, or for the enveloping material to wrap around pressing means of a baler. As a result, it is possible for obstructions to arise or for the bale not to be enveloped or to be enveloped only incompletely, this frequently being noticed by an operator only after the bale has been discharged from the baler.


A portable dual flashlight assembly includes a flexible and deformable elongated body member for wrapping and retaining the assembly around an object, a battery compartment mounted to each end of the body member and providing a source of electrical power at each end thereof, a light bulb enclosure mounted to each battery compartment, a light bulb mounted in each light bulb enclosure and generating a beam of light at one end of each battery compartment and a mechanism associated with each light bulb enclosure for switching each light bulb on and off. The deformable body member includes an elongated deformable member and a flexible tubular covering enclosing the deformable member. The flexible covering extends around and along the deformable member and has a longitudinal central channel receiving the wire therethrough.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to portable light devices and, more particularly, is concerned with a portable dual flashlight assembly having an elongated bendable twistable deformable body member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Portable light devices generally provide a source of light in areas where it is not convenient or possible to use a light device powered by a source of electricity such as from an electrical outlet of a home or building. A common type of portable light device, generally known as a "flashlight" is powered by one or more batteries. These devices generally have a light bulb portion at one end connected to an elongated handle portion for housing one or more batteries.
Variations have been developed over the years in the general structure of the common portable flashlight device as described above. One recent variation, sold under the trademark "The Snake" by Black & Decker Inc. of Newark, Del., provides a flexible flashlight having a light bulb at one end, a compartment for one or more batteries at the opposite end and an elongated flexibly deformable handle disposed therebetween having conductor means disposed therein for electrically connecting the light bulb portion with the battery compartment. The deformable handle which apparently employs a flexible assembly of connectors, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,206 to Lockwood, can be wrapped around an object for retaining the flexible flashlight in a desired position. U.S. design Pat. Nos. identified as Des. 361,399 to Carbone et al, Des. 364,935 to deBlois, Des. 366,948 to Carbone and Des. 368,539 to Carbone et al assigned to Black & Decker Inc. are directed toward flexible flashlight designs.
A problem exists, however, with these prior art portable light devices in that none of them appear to satisfy a need for more than one beam of light in areas where a source of electricity is not readily available and where it is desirable to have a device providing more than one beam of light with each light beam being easily movable in relation to the other light beam. Also, a problem appears to exist particularly with the above-described prior art device having the elongated flexible handle in that the electrical connection which is disposed within the handle is vulnerable to being damaged upon flexing of the handle.
Consequently, a need remains for a portable light device which overcomes the aforementioned problems in the prior art without introducing any new problems in place thereof.

Portable dual flashlight assembly with elongated deformable body member