A duplexer having a filter and an isolation part which are integrally formed including a substrate, a transmitter filter integrated on the substrate to pass signals only in a frequency band for transmission, a receiver filter integrated on the substrate to pass signals only in a frequency band for reception, and an isolation part integrally formed with either one of the transmitter filter and the receiver filter to isolate the signals passed through the transmitter filter and the receiver filter from each other. Since the isolation part is integrally formed with either one of the transmitter filter and the receiver filter, the duplexer can be manufactured in a small size by simplified processes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a duplexer fabricated with a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR), and a method for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a duplexer fabricated with a monolithic FBAR and an isolation part, and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the use of mobile communication devices, represented by a mobile phone, has been increasing recently, studies and efforts for higher performance of each component and miniaturization of the devices have increased.
One of the main component parts of the mobile communication devices is a duplexer which utilizes a plurality of filters. The duplexer splits signals for reception and transmission via a single antenna in a frequency division duplex (FDD) type communication system such that one antenna can effectively be shared.
Besides the antenna, the duplexer includes a transmitter filter and a receiver filter. The transmitter filter is a band pass filter which passes only a signal in a frequency band for transmission, and the receiver filter is a band pass filter which passes only a signal in a frequency band for reception. The duplexer can perform the signal transmission and reception on the same antenna by varying the frequencies passing through the transmitter filter and the receiver filter.
For the transmitter and receiver filters, which are the basic components of the duplexer, a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) can be employed since it can be mass-produced at minimum cost and can be implemented in minimum size. In addition, the FBAR enables a high quality factor (Q) which is a special feature of the filter, and can be used in a micro frequency band. Especially, the FBAR is able to realize even a personal communication system (PCS) band and a digital cordless system (DCS) band.
The FBAR element generally comprises a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode deposited in order, and resonates as an external electric field is applied. In other words, when an electric field that changes with time is induced in the piezoelectric layer from on electric energy applied to the upper and lower electrodes of the FBAR, the piezoelectric layer causes piezoelectricity where the electric energy is converted to an acoustic wave mechanic energy, thereby generating resonance. Since only signals in a predetermined band with respect to the resonance frequency can pass, the FBAR operates as a band pass filter.
For better performance of the duplexer which splits signals received and transmitted via one antenna, inter-signal interference should be prevented. Since a difference between the frequencies of the signals transmitted and received through the transmitter filter and the receiver filter is small, the signals are quite sensitive to the inter-signal interference. Accordingly, the duplexer can have an improved performance by adding an isolation part which can prevent the inter-signal interference by isolating the transmitter filter and the receiver filter from each other.
The isolation part implements a phase shifter using a capacitor and an inductor to prevent the inter-signal interference by making the phase difference between the frequencies of the transmitted signal and the received signal substantially at 90°.
The duplexer includes a Bragg reflective-type duplexer and an air gap-type duplexer according to the FBAR. When a resonance part which generates a resonance is separated from a substrate part for better resonance efficiency of the FBAR, the Bragg reflective-type duplexer uses a reflection layer while the air gap-type duplexer uses an air gap for the separation of filters.
A Bragg reflective-type FBAR is formed in a manner that the reflection layer is formed by vapor-depositing materials of high acoustic impedance and low acoustic impedance alternately, and then, a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer and an upper electrode are deposited on the reflection layer in order. The Bragg reflective-type duplexer is fabricated by integrating the Bragg reflective-type FBAR on a substrate. Therefore, the Bragg reflective-type duplexer can be implemented in a one-chip system and have a stable structure. However, the thickness of each layer is hard to minutely control, and the film easily gets cracked due to a stress caused by forming the thick reflection layer. Furthermore, the quality factor (Q) is considerably inferior compared to the air gap-type duplexer.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a conventional air gap-type duplexer adopting an air gap-type FBAR. Referring to FIG. 1, the air gap-type duplexer comprises an electrode terminal 10, a transmitter filter 20, an isolation part 30 and a receiver filter 40, all of which are integrated on the substrate. As described above, the transmitter filter 20 and the receiver filter 40 comprise the air gap-type FBAR, which is structured by depositing the lower electrode, the piezoelectric layer and the upper electrode in order on the air gap which is formed on the substrate. A plurality of the FBARs may be combined into one filter.
The isolation part 30, being separately fabricated, is integrated on the substrate part between the transmitter and receiver filters 20 and 40 in order to isolate signals passing through the filters 20 and 40. For this, the isolation part 30 operates as a phase shifter which makes the phase difference between the frequencies of the transmitted and received signals substantially at 90° by combining the inductor and the capacitor in a predetermined form, or forming a transmission line of λ/4 in length. Accordingly, a signal flow between the transmitter filter 20 and the receiver filter 40 can be prevented. The transmitter filter 20, the receiver filter 40 and the isolation part 30 are connected to the external electrode terminal through wire bonding.
According to the conventional duplexer, since the filters 20 and 40 and the isolation part 30 are separately fabricated and then integrated on a single substrate, complex manufacturing process was required. Further, the capacitor constituting the isolation part 30 is fabricated using a dielectric layer having a superior permittivity, however, since the manufacture of the dielectric layer includes a high-temperature requiring process, components may be damaged by heat.

Duplexer fabricated with monolithic FBAR and isolation part and a method thereof


Described is a system and method for managing multi-channel communication. The system includes a plurality of wireless devices communicating by utilizing at least one wireless communications channels. A network management arrangement controls allocation of the wireless communications channels and divides the wireless channels into a first channel pool and a second channel pool. The second pool including at least one channel. The arrangement utilizes the second pool only upon detection of a predetermined condition.

In a conventional wireless network, wireless communication between a transmitter and a receiver typically occurs over a single frequency channel. A throughput of the system is limited because the communication is half-duplexed in that only one of the transmitter and the receiver utilizes the channel at a single time. Thus, each has to wait for the other to cease utilizing the channel. In addition, an interruption or an interference of the communication on the channel causes a delay and prevents efficient data exchange.
A conventional method for increasing the throughput of the network includes use of a multiple-channel transceiver. For example, according to an IEEE 802.11g wireless standard, up to three non-overlapping channels may be used for simultaneous communications. However, this method fails to address the interruption and the interference, which occurs in the single frequency channel network. That is, the interruption and interference now occur simultaneously on three channels. Accordingly, there exists a need for a method which protects the wireless communication against interruption, interference, and delay while maintaining the throughput.

Method and system for managing multi-channel communication


Disclosed herein is a board capable of voluntary forward movement. The board comprises: a pair of front and rear boards, each of which is integrated with a connecting step formed on its lower surface and has a connecting hole formed within the connecting step; a connecting assembly including a connecting pipe inserted into the connecting holes, fixing blocks rotatably coupled to both ends of the connecting pipe to integrally connect the front board and the rear board, each of the fixing blocks having a track groove, and coupling pins inserted into the track grooves through the connecting pipe to be in association with the connecting pipe so that the front and rear boards are rotated within limited angle ranges corresponding to predetermined widths of the track grooves; and voluntary advancement assemblies.

When a rider enjoys a conventional skateboard, he/she puts his/her one foot on the skateboard provided with wheels, stamps the ground with the other foot in the advancing direction of the skateboard to impart a propulsive force to the skateboard, places his/her both feet on the upper surface of the skateboard in an accelerated state, and alternates the positions of the front and rear feet in directions opposite to each other, so that the skateboard can be moved in a wave-like motion.
A general skateboard is configured to be advanced by the rider's stamping the ground with his/her foot to generate a propulsive force. With this configuration, an improvement in the forward force of the general skateboard is limited, resulting in a reduction of interest in the riding and mobility of the skateboard. Further, rolling casters provided at the lower sides of the skateboard cannot be independently steered, causing a degradation in the ability to steer the skateboard. This degradation poses safety hazards to the rider.
To overcome these problems, skateboards have recently been suggested in which a forward force can be generated by a repeated twisting movement without the rider's stamping the ground with his/her foot.
For example, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2002-25663 suggests a skateboard having a front board 10, a rear board 20 and a connecting element interconnecting the front and rear boards wherein at least one of the boards includes at least one direction-caster 13, 23 attached to the underside of plates 11, 21 and the connecting element includes an elastic member 65 so that the connecting element can be elastically twisted by application of at least one of a twisting or bending force and restores to its original shape when the force is removed.
When a rider alternately rolls the front board 10 and the rear board 20 through a shift of his/her center of gravity and localized distribution of force, the front board 10 and the rear board 20 are elastically rolled due to a restoring force of the elastic member 65, which is included in the connecting element of the front board 10 and the rear board 20 to provide torsional elasticity, so that the boards 10 and 20 are moved forward in a wave-like motion.
Casters 13 and 23 are mounted to the respective front board 10 and the rear board 20 of the skateboard to induce twisting of the front board 10 and the rear board 20 through the connecting element accommodating the elastic member. However, the casters mounted to the respective boards 10 and 20 make it difficult to maintain the balance of the skateboard, thus causing troublesome riding of the skateboard and requiring a long time to learn how to ride the skateboard. For these reasons, the skateboard fails to draw attention and interest of beginners.
Particularly, the elastic member 65 is not an element to directly provide a forward force to the front board 10 and the rear board 20, but indirectly assists in elastically rolling the front board 10 and the rear board 20. That is, since the elastic member 65 is not an element for generating a direct propulsive force to advance the skateboard, the skateboard is not sufficiently moved forward.
In the case where one caster 13 or 23 is mounted to the front board 10 and a pair of casters 13 and 23 are mounted to the rear board 200, safety of the boards 10 and 20 can be ensured but no twisting of the rear board 20 is induced due to a support force of the pair of casters 13 and 23 independently mounted to the rear board 13, causing a problem in that a forward force of the skateboard cannot be generated.
Particularly, when the rear board 20 is biased by excessive twisting during riding of the boards 10 and 20, the caster disposed opposite to the loaded caster of the pair of casters mounted to the rear board 20 is detached from the ground due to a seesaw effect.
That is, when a rider leans the boards 10 and 20 in one direction to advance the boards 10 and 20, his/her center of gravity is concentrated only on the casters 13, which are independently and rotatably installed under the boards 10 and 20, to cause a seesaw effect. The seesaw effect leads to detachment of the oppositely disposed caster 23 from the ground, causing a loss in the balance and equilibrium of the boards 10 and 20. As a result, the boards 10 and 20 are easily overturned, thus posing safety hazards to the rider.
To prevent the overturn of the boards 10 and 20, the rider cannot help riding the skateboard with a large turning radius. This large turning radius lowers the speed and instantaneous steerability of the skateboard.
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,306 discloses a torsion bar skateboard which comprises a front plate 10, a rear plate 11, a front assembly 12, to which a pair of wheels 17 and 18 are mounted, secured under the front plate 10, and a rear assembly 13, to which another pair of wheels 17 and 18 are mounted, secured under the rear plate 11. The pairs of wheels mounted to the respective assemblies 12 and 13 are secured such that they cannot be rotated for the purpose of steering. A tubing 27 is provided in the skateboard to interconnect the front plate 10 and the rear plate 11 and accommodates an elastic bar 30 therein.
The skateboard is configured to alternately roll the front plate 10 and the rear plate 11 to generate a forward force. The skateboard has a structure in which the assemblies 12 and 13, to which the pairs of wheels 17 and 18 are mounted, are secured under the front plate 10 and the rear plate 11, respectively, so that the pairs of wheels 17 and 18 cannot be voluntarily rotated. Although smooth rolling of the front plate 10 and the rear plate 11 can be achieved through the elastic bar 30 during advance of the skateboard, the wheels 17 and 18 cannot be steered along an advancing direction of the skateboard in a wave-like motion by rolling.
As a result, the steerability of the skateboard is degraded and the rolling forward force of the skateboard is reduced.
As mentioned above, the elastic bar 30 is a constituent element for indirectly supporting the rolling movement of the front plate 10 and the rear plate 11. Since the elastic bar 30 is not an element to directly generate a forward force of the skateboard, the wheels 17 and 18 having no steerability further decrease the forward force of the skateboard and degrade the instantaneous steerability of the skateboard.
Further, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002-195788 discloses a steerable in-line street ski comprising a plate 11 and a plurality of self-steerable wheels 12 and 13 mounted to both lower sides of the plate 11.
Rotating bodies 15 and 16 capable of rotating at 360° are provided at lower sides of the plate 11 so that the wheels are freely steered along the rolling direction of the plate 1. However, since the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 13 are integrated with the plate 11, the wheels 12 and 13 are steered in the same direction, depending on the rolling direction of the plate 1. This steering of the wheels 12 and 13 in the same direction weakens the forward force of the in-line street ski and increases the turning radius of the in-line street ski, causing a degradation in instantaneous steerability.
Further, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-48075 discloses a roller board which comprises a front board, a rear board disposed at a certain distance apart from the front board, a connecting body for interconnecting the front and rear boards, fixing frames fixed to lower portions of the respective front and rear boards, arms 320a and 320b for supporting respective rollers 330a and 330b, bolts and nuts for rotatably connecting the arms to the frames, and a brake unit for controlling the rotation of the rollers to generate a braking power. The brake unit has an elongated hole formed at the arms, a brake shaft moved up and down along the hole, and a pressing unit for pressurizing the rollers through the brake shaft.
In the roller board, the front and rear boards are connected to the respective rollers 330a and 330b through the arms 320a and 320b rotatably coupled to lower sides of the front and rear board, and the rollers are mounted to the arms 320a and 320b where the rollers are only allowed to be rolled. As a result, the roller board has a considerably large turning radius when cornering.
In case of emergencies during riding, this large turning radius makes quick turning of the roller board difficult without decreasing the speed, resulting in an increased danger of accidents.
Rolling operation is effected by the pair of arms 320a and 320b rotatably coupled to lower sides of the front and rear boards and torsional springs 220a and 222a, and bending operation in left and right directions is effected by a pair of horizontal springs 260a and 260b. A combination of the rolling operation and the bending operation contributes to a forward movement of the roller board. However, since simultaneous realization of the rolling and bending operations in a state in which both feet of a rider are placed on the respective boards is substantially difficult, the rider can hardly keep his/her balance on the roller board, which makes it difficult for a beginner to learn how to ride the roller board.
That is, when bending in left and right directions and rolling are effected to generate a forward force of the roller board, it is difficult for a user to maintain component forces of parallelism in the roller board, resulting in increased occurrence of minor and fatal accidents during riding.

Board where the voluntary advance is possible


A pneumatically controlled intubation mat includes laryngoscope-mounted controls. A body supporting mat is positioned beneath the patient undergoing endotracheal intubation and is dimensioned to extend beneath the patient's torso and head while in a substantially upward-facing prone position. An inflatable bladder is positioned between the base and the mat board which is adapted to elevate the mat board with respect to the base as the bladder is inflated and thereby expands. An expandable headrest is affixed to a top surface of the mat board and is positioned for placement beneath the patient's head. The headrest further includes a head support air bladder which is operative to elevate the patient's head as the head support bladder is inflated and the headrest thereby expands. A source of compressed air is in fluid communication with the torso support bladder and the head support bladder by way of an air distribution manifold. The valve means on the air distribution manifold selectively conduct pressurized air from the source to the torso support bladder and the head support bladder whereby the patient's torso/head position may be altered to achieve optimal anatomical alignment of the patient's larynx for intubation. The valve means are preferably electromechanical valves which are actuated by thumbswitches located on a housing which is snap-fit to the top of the intubation handle.

Patient treatment in the medical arts often requires endotracheal intubation. Direct visualization of the larynx using a rigid laryngoscope constitutes the primary means of achieving endotracheal intubation and is called direct laryngoscopy. Integral to successful cannulation of the trachea is proper patient positioning. Frequently, this practice is overlooked by novice intubators. Even more important, proper patient positioning in the emergency setting is neglected or even dispensed with altogether due to the inherent time constraints related to emergent endotracheal intubation. Indeed, improper patient positioning is the most frequent cause of failed intubation in the difficult airway (defined as the inability to place an endotracheal tube on three attempts or within ten minutes). Manual attempts to obviate poor laryngeal view by manipulating patient position are nonstandard, unreliable and extremely time inefficient.
In the emergency setting, it is estimated that 99% of intubation attempts will ultimately be successful while in the operating room the failed intubation rate is only thought to be 5 to 35 per 10,000. Nevertheless, a difficult or failed intubation can result in death, brain injury, airway trauma, tracheal or esophageal perforation, pneumothorax and aspiration. Although direct laryngoscopy has been practiced for nearly a century, it was not until the 1990's that management of the "difficult airway" received serious attention. In recent years, there has been an attenuated need for invasive procedures like the cricothyrotomy with the advent of better training and the development of various airway adjuncts like the Combitube, Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), the Trachlite and Eschmann stylet (gum elastic bougie). Although a multitude of these airway management devices and "rescue" products are now available, methods other than direct laryngoscopy are seldom employed. In fact, proper patient positioning remains the primary means of achieving endotracheal intubation when laryngeal exposure is limited.
Successful endotracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy is contingent upon alignment of the oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal axes in what is called the "sniffing position." In this position, the patient's head is slightly extended and the occiput is elevated approximately 7 cm. Often, positioning the patient in this manner is enough to obtain a reasonable POGO (percentage of glottic opening) score that allows identification of the usual laryngeal landmarks.
However, laryngeal exposure can be limited due to a multiplicity of factors. Distortion (trauma, infection, neoplasm, edema etc.), disproportion (tongue/pharynx) or body habitus (particularly obese patients), can all compromise landmark recognition and make the sniffing position suboptimal or even inadequate. The laryngoscopist can sometimes compensate for limited laryngeal exposure by lifting the patient's head off of the bed with the laryngoscope. The human head weighs 8 to 10 lbs. and, in obese patients, such lifting of the head and shoulders may be impossible. However, the medical literature has shown that laryngeal exposure can be improved with less required force by increasing head elevation and neck flexion. Without a mechanical device to enable this, massive amounts of support must be placed under the head and shoulders. To date, virtually no equipment has been developed to optimize patient head positioning when the difficult airway is encountered.
In order to achieve proper body positioning for endotracheal intubations, body support devices have been created. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,757 issued to Watson entitled "Support Cushion" discloses a cushion for medical use to support a patient's head and neck that can be utilized to achieve the sniffing position of the patient's head and torso to facilitate endotracheal intubations. However, the cushion is for support of the head only and cannot provide any support for the patient's shoulders or torso which is desired for a full support system to achieve the sniffing position of the patient. U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,136 discloses an infant support for airway management which aligns the oropharyngeal, laryngeal and tracheal axes of an infant. This support is in the form of a cushion with cut-outs which receive the head and torso of the infant. However, this mat is not adjustable in any way. Adjustable head and torso supports are known for example as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,783 issued to Kunz et al. This patent discloses an inflatable head and torso support which is adjustable by the user whereby an air bladder can be fully inflated, partially inflated, or fully deflated as desired by the user to incline the head or the head and torso. Inflation is controlled by valves that are in turn actuated by switches located on the edge of a sheet of material positioned under the torso of the user and attached to the support. The support is wedge-shaped and contains only one bladder. Therefore, it is incapable of individually elevating the head and torso portions of the user's body independently and therefore would not be appropriate as an ideal tracheal intubation body positioning support.
There is therefore a need in the art for a patient positioning system that allows the patient's body position to be changed and controlled as needed in order to achieve the best possible position for endotracheal intubation.

Active head/neck positioning device for endotracheal intubation


A liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same include a seal line having two protrusions, one of the protrusions having a liquid crystal (LC) injection hole. Moreover, the LCD apparatus having the seal line constitutes a closed loop. The display apparatus and the manufacturing method thereof increase production yields because the number of apparatus substrates for the display apparatus obtained from a mother substrate is increased by minimizing a distance between two adjacent apparatus substrates on the mother substrate. The method of manufacturing an exemplary LCD apparatus includes a one drop filling method or a vacuum injection method.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display apparatus and method of manufacturing thereof. More particularly, the method is an improvement in drawing a seal line efficiently in order to obtain more panels from a mother substrate and reduce the process time for manufacturing a liquid crystal display ("LCD") apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a display apparatus is an interface apparatus which displays images which can be perceived by our eyes through processing of data from information sources.
There are many typical display apparatuses such as a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a plasma display panel ("PDP"), and an organic light emitting device ("OLED"). An LCD device has a matrix of liquid crystal cells arranged as light shutters using the characteristics of liquid crystal such as optical anisotropy and electrical anisotropy.
In order to accomplish this goal, an LCD comprises a pair of substrates, electrodes, a liquid crystal layer, and a seal line. A pair of substrates face each other, and electrodes are formed on one or each of the substrates. When the voltages are loaded on the electrodes, the liquid crystals of the liquid crystal layer change their alignments, control the transmittance of light, and are enclosed by the seal line which prevents escape of the liquid crystal and maintains a cell gap between the substrates. The liquid crystals are enclosed by the two methods; one is a "vacuum injection method" which injects liquid crystals into the cell gap between the two substrates through the injecting hole of the seal line, the other is a "one drop filling method" in which an amount of liquid crystals are disposed on one substrate and then the other substrate is assembled on it.
In general, as shown FIG. 1A, a plurality of display apparatus substrates 111 and 112, each of which has at least one of electrode is formed thereon, are made from a mother substrate 100. A seal line is formed on each of the substrates. The plurality of display apparatus substrates 111 and 112 is arranged regularly above and below in a line on the mother substrate 100, like a stick shape. In this specification a "stick" is referred to as a line of those display apparatus substrates 110 and 120. Therefore, a plurality of sticks is formed having the same intervals of the display apparatus substrates 111 and 112 on the mother substrate 100. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a seal line 130 is continuous to a dummy line 137 because the seal line 130 is drawn without a break. FIG. 1B depicts the seal line 130 formed by a vacuum injection method. As shown in FIG. 1B, the seal line 130 is drawn around the display apparatus substrate and has a plurality of openings as injection holes when the liquid crystal is filled. FIG. 1C depicts the seal line 130 formed by the one drop filling method, showing the seal line as a closed loop around the display apparatus substrate without an injection hole in contrast with FIG. 1B.
A breaking process is used to separate the adjacent sticks 110 and 120 from each other and from the mother substrate 100. However, a design tolerance of the distance between adjacent sticks 110 and 120 with consideration of a margin for the breaking process of the substrate needs to be considered in order to maximize production yields. Conventionally, the distance between adjacent sticks is about 5 mm, which is the distance between the dummy line 137 of the one stick 120 and the adjacent stick 110. The distance therebetween effects the yield per glass mother substrate and the process time for drawing the seal line 130.

Display apparatus comprising a seal line having a first protrusion including a cross point on a first side of the substrate and a second protrusion comprising an opening of the seal line on a second side


Techniques are disclosed for evaluating the effectiveness of a malware signature. A query tool translates a markup language malware signature definition into a database query. The query is then executed against a database of application features to identify software packages that the signature would identify as malware. The results of the query are compared with threat information stored in the database and classified as being true/false positives and true/false negatives.

1. Field
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for testing the effectiveness of a malware signature. More specifically, embodiments presented herein disclose a metadata driven approach for efficiently identifying true/false positives and true/false negatives made by a candidate malware signature.
2. Description of the Related Art
"Malware" generally refers to malicious software applications configured to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access or control of a computing system. While the effect of malware can is be relatively benign, malware is increasingly used by criminals seeking to gather private information (e.g., banking credentials) or take control of computing systems to create "botnets." Further, while malware has typically been directed to conventional computing systems (e.g., desktop and laptop systems running versions of the Windows® operating system), the dramatic rise of mobile telephones and tablets has expanded the systems targeted by malware. For example, mobile telephones and tablets provide considerable computing power and network connectivity. Further, the widespread use of online application marketplaces to distribute software (commonly referred to as "apps") has come to provide a significant vector for distributing malware to mobile devices. Once installed, such malware can exploit vulnerabilities to gain control of a device, capture sensitive information, (e.g., banking app usernames and passwords). Similarly, malware apps can be distributed as legitimate applications, and rely on "social engineering" to trick individuals into installing, using, and providing information.
Given the well-known threat of malware, significant research and development has gone into preventing, detecting, and cleaning malware from computing systems. For example, in addition to mechanisms for updating software vulnerabilities in applications obtained from online marketplaces, a variety of scanning and analysis applications are used to detect the presence of malware, as well as prevent it from being installed. Typically, such software relies on a set of signatures to detect malware. Each signature is composed to identify a set of distinct features of a given malware package. As a result, the effectiveness of malware detection tools directly depends on the quality of the signatures. As new malware packages are identified, new signatures have to be created and evaluated.

Method and system for metadata driven testing of malware signatures


A semiconductor device for performing data processing by performing a plurality of computations in cycles includes a pipeline formed by connecting a plurality of computing units in series, each of the computing units including: a data line for receiving data; a control line for receiving a rule signal; a circuit information control unit configured to store, before data processing, several circuit information items, and to output a first one of the several circuit information items according to the rule signal received via the control line in a first cycle of the data processing; a processing element configured to construct an execution circuit according to the first circuit information item, to perform a computation using data from the data line, and to output a computation result; a data register for storing the computation result, and for outputting the computation result in a second cycle; and a control register for storing the rule signal and for outputting the rule signal in the second cycle. The semiconductor further includes a controller configured to control output timing of the rule signal to the control line of a first-stage one of the computing units in the pipeline and to control output timing of the data to the data line of the first-stage computing unit in the first cycle, so that the plurality of computing units are operated as a pipeline.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device employing dynamically reconfigurable circuit technology.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the functionality and complexity of portable electronic devices, and other devices that require low cost and power consumption, has increased. In order to maintain high performance and low power consumption, development and manufacture of dedicated hardware are indispensable techniques. However, as device complexity increases and more functionality is required of devices, the costs of development and manufacture of dedicated device hardware increases. Much attention is now being paid to semiconductor devices employing dynamically reconfigurable circuit technology, as such devices are capable of reducing such manufacture and development costs.
Semiconductor devices using dynamically reconfigurable circuit technology are equipped with a reconfigurable circuit such as an FPGA and a storage device for storing several pieces of circuit information. The circuit information is used for constructing various circuits (hereinafter referred to as "execution circuits") that are part of the reconfigurable circuit. Execution circuits can be constructed during operation by reading circuit information according to rules that are determined in advance by software or the like. Reconfigurable devices are different from conventional semiconductor devices using an FPGA in that they can change execution circuits during operation.
Reconfigurable semiconductor devices are expected not only to reduce the development cost of dedicated hardware like FPGAs do, but also to reduce the manufacturing cost of dedicated hardware. The manufacturing cost is expected to be reduced because a variety of functions can be implemented on a small semiconductor device by dynamically constructing execution circuits.
Known examples of semiconductor devices employing dynamically reconfigurable circuit technology are the DRP (dynamically reconfigurable processor) by NEC Electronics Corporation and PipeRench by Carnegie Mellon University.
The DRP has a structure using PEs (processing elements) as basic elements for computation. The PEs are arranged as a two-dimensional array, and a state transition controller is located at the center of the PE arrangement. The PEs are computing devices capable of constructing execution circuits. Several pieces of circuit information are stored in an instruction memory provided in each PE. The circuit information can include the type of computation to be performed by the PE, or information on connections between PEs. Each PE dynamically constructs an execution circuit by reading the circuit information from an instruction memory. The instruction memory is read at a location determined by an instruction pointer that is provided by a state transition controller.
In PipeRench, several PEs are used as basic elements for computation and a "stripe" (the PEs and a bus connecting the PEs) is used to connect the PEs in a pipeline. The PEs are computing devices capable of constructing execution circuits. The PEs are connected via a global bus to a control device which is located outside PipeRench. Circuit information such as the type of computation to be performed by a PE, or information on bus connections for each PE, is transferred from the control device located outside PipeRench to each PE via the global bus. Each PE dynamically constructs an execution circuit according to the circuit information.
To achieve good performance with a dynamically reconfigurable semiconductor device, it is desirable to shorten the time necessary to reconfigure the device. The steps in reconfiguring the device include: determining the circuit information to be used for construction of an execution circuit; constructing an execution circuit according to the circuit information; and performing a computation on input data that arrives approximately when the execution circuit is constructed.
In PipeRench, the external control device transfers circuit information directly to each PE in order to construct the execution circuits. Thus, there can be a long delay between when the control device determines what circuit information to use and the construction of the execution circuits in the PEs. The result is that it may take a long time to reconfigure the device.
In the DRP, each PE is configured to store several pieces of circuit information in an instruction memory. When constructing an execution circuit, each PE reads out circuit information from the instruction memory. Thus, the time taken for transferring circuit information is shortened and it may take less time to reconfigure the device.
In the DRP, the state transition controller first detects an event that input data has reached a PE. Then the state transition controller determines the circuit information necessary to construct an execution circuit in the PE, and gives the PE an instruction pointer. The PE then reads the circuit information from the instruction memory at the location identified by the instruction pointer.
Thus, the circuit information required to construct an execution circuit is not determined until the arrival of the input data at the PE. This can lengthen the amount of time that is required to reconfigure the device.
Even if dynamically reconfigurable circuits were connected to each other in the same manner as in PipeRench and the DRP approach were used to reconfigure the device, the possibility of delay would still exist.

Processing in pipelined computing units with data line and circuit configuration rule signal line


The pool cover is made of multi-layer light weight construction having a transparent top layer to permit sunlight to pass through and an opaque bottom layer for absorbing sunlight passing through the transparent layer. In addition, a plurality of pockets are formed in the opaque layer having air encapsulated therein. When in use, the opaque layer becomes heated by sunlight thereby transferring heat by contact to the body of water in the pool. The heated trapped air also serves to conduct heat to the body of water while also acting as a thermal insulation barrier during non-daylight hours.

This invention relates to pool cover. More particularly, this invention relates to a solar pool cover.
As is known, various types of pool covers have been employed for covering over swimming pools and the like. In some cases, a tarpaulin-like cover has been employed to cover over a swimming pool when the pool is not in use in order to prevent debris and the like from falling into the water contained within the pool. Typically, these covers are of relative heavy weight construction.
1. Field of the Invention
In cases where a swimming pool is heated, use has been made of covers which are constructed to retain as much heat as possible within the body of water within the pool. For example, some pool covers have used a combination of glass and aluminum in an attempt to conserve heat within the pool. However, the use of such materials can be dangerous while being difficult to handle, for example, there is a potential danger of glass breakage while the incompatibility of chlorine with aluminum dictates against the use of such a cover for swimming pool applications.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Other types of pool covers have been of the solar type. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,072,920 describes a swimming pool cover for collection or reflection of solar heat in which the cover is made of a sheet of plastic material having a bottom surface covered with a layer of dark-colored material for the absorption of solar energy and an upper surface covered by a reflective surface, such as aluminum. In addition, an over-layer of transparent plastic material is attached to the marginal edge of the plastic sheet to form air-filled compartments or pockets to increase the buoyancy of the cover. In the summer, the cover is to be turned so that the dark absorptive surface is down facing the water with the aluminized surface facing the sky to reflect the sun's radiant energy. In the winter, the cover is to be reversed so that the dark surface is exposed to solar energy.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,146,015 describes a solar pool heater which employs a membrane having a smooth side and a pebbled side wherein each of the "pebbles" is a sealed air pocket. The entire membrane is transparent to permit the transmission of radiant energy to heat the underlying water and pool bottom.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,995 describes a solar quilt for heating a swimming pool. The quilt is described as having an upper film formed of semi-hemispherical modules which abut and are sealed to a lower film. The upper film is described as transmissive of downwardly directed solar radiation and reflective of upwardly directed radiant energy in the ultra-violet range. The lower film is said to be absorptive of incident solar energy.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,688 describes an opened cell sheeting for use as a covering for swimming pool surfaces. In addition, reference is made to previously known sealed cell pool covers which include an upper plastic sheet with dimples and a plastic sheet bonded to the upper sheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,022,781 describes a heater made of plastic film layers wherein a lower layer is made absorbent to radiant energy by being painted black or by incorporating a black pigment within the plastic composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,443 describes a floating pool heater employing individual unit heaters which are capable of floating. In addition, each unit has a bottom wall with a blackened surface on the inside.
Generally, the previously known structures are of relatively thick, heavy weight construction. Further, in some cases, the covers which have been made of lightweight materials have tended to be of a transparent nature such that heat energy in a covered pool is permitted to radiate out of the pool through the cover during dark periods. Also, where the covers have been transparent, a portion of the heat band is reflected without being converted to heat in the pool water. In addition, algae growth is promoted in and on the pool surfaces due to the passage of light into the water below the cover.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a pool cover which has good insulating qualities with enhanced heat transfer into a body of water in a pool.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pool cover which is of light weight construction and which can be easily handled.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pool cover which has an efficient heat transfer quality.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pool cover which can be made of recycled plastic materials.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pool cover which eliminates algae growth while the cover is on a swimming pool.
It is another object of the invention to reduce the need for chemicals in maintaining a swimming pool.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pool cover of low cost construction.
It is another object of the invention to provide less filter run time with corresponding reduced pump run time which, in turn, reduces the amount of electric power needed.


The method for cleaning dental plaque biofilm from the teeth includes the steps of applying a liquid gellable composition to the teeth, the composition including a positively charged polymer such as chitosan, the liquid composition having a viscosity which results in coverage of substantially all of the exposed areas of the teeth. The liquid composition is then gelled by the addition of a second composition, such as a negatively charged compound. The resulting gelled composition has an adherence to the plaque biofilm which is greater than the adherence between the biofilm and the teeth. The gel layer with the biofilm is peeled off of the teeth, removing the dental plaque.

Various devices and methods are known for removing dental plaque from teeth, which is a critical aspect of maintaining oral health and for preventing tooth decay. These include both manual and power toothbrushes, and various other systems using air and/or water. These devices operate with varying degrees of success, often depending upon the skill and persistence of the user. These known prior art devices often fall short of complete cleaning of all the teeth, frequently leaving dental plaque on some areas of the teeth which are hard to reach by typical use. The failure to remove all the existing dental plaque creates a risk for the user relative to tooth decay and a decrease in oral health. Hence, it is desirable that a device, system or method of dental plaque removal be developed which is capable of reliably, and without undue skill on the part of the user, removing dental plaque from all exposed areas of the teeth.

Method for cleaning dental plaque from teeth using an adherent peelable gel


A method for manufacturing an acoustic wave device includes: bonding a piezoelectric substrate to a first surface of a first support substrate; thinning the piezoelectric substrate after the bonding to thus form a piezoelectric layer; forming a first electrode on a first surface of the piezoelectric layer; forming holes in the first support substrate located below the first electrode; and bonding a second support substrate to a second surface of the first support substrate opposite to the first surface after the forming of holes.

There is known a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device as an acoustic wave device using an acoustic wave. The SAW device is compact and light and is capable of attenuating signals greatly. Therefore, the SAW device is used as a filter for mobile communications such as portable phones.
Recently, a Lamb wave device and a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) that use a thin piezoelectric layer have been proposed as devices obtained by developing the SAW device (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-136317: Document 1). An acoustic wave device using a thin piezoelectric layer may have a structure in which a support substrate having a recess portion is bonded to a piezoelectric layer, and an electrode is provided to an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer or both the upper and lower surfaces thereof above a hollow portion defined by the recess portion.
There are various proposed methods for manufacturing the acoustic wave device utilizing the thin piezoelectric layer. For example, Document 1 discloses that the recess portion is formed in an area of the support substrate that is to be formed into the hollow portion, and is filled with a sacrificing layer beforehand. A piezoelectric substrate is bonded to the support substrate, and is then thinned to form the piezoelectric layer. Then, the electrode is formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer. Finally, the sacrificing layer is removed through a via hole that is formed beforehand, whereby the hollow portion can be defined.
The method proposed in Document 1 is capable of preventing an unevenness of the thickness of the piezoelectric layer, as compared with a comparative case where the piezoelectric substrate is bonded to the support substrate having the recess portion that is not filled with the sacrificing layer (see paragraph 0142 and FIG. 36 of Document 1). However, there is a room left for improvement in the manufacturing method when aspects of productivity and easy manufacturability are taken into consideration.

Method for manufacturing acoustic wave device


A tonneau cover system for a pickup truck cargo box comprising a tonneau cover sized and shaped for covering the cargo box. A side rail comprises a first clamping surface adapted to engage the first side of the downward flange. A rod has a rod axis and is mounted on the side rail. A clamp body is mounted on the rod and includes a clamp arm having a second clamping surface adapted to engage the second side of the side rail. A cam is included with one of the side rail and the clamp body. A cam follower engages with the cam. The cam follower is included with the other one of the side rail and the clamp body. Movement of the clamp body along the axis of the rod advances the cam follower along the cam to thereby move the first clamping surface toward the downward flange.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.
Tonneau cover bed rails are typically attached to sidewalls extending a length of a pickup truck box or cargo bed with two clamp bodies and a threaded fastener, which secures the clamp bodies together and applies a clamping pressure. This requires hand tools to tighten the system together. While current clamp bodies are suitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement. For example, an improved tonneau cover system that is easier to install and reduces risk of damage to the cargo bed sidewall would be desirable. The present teachings provide such advantages, as well as numerous others.

Tonneau cover system with integral side rail clamp


A smart module circuit board carries a programmable microprocessor and a plurality of relay type interface circuits for use in organizing relatively high voltage input devices and output devices into a complex system wherein a programmed combination of input device signals determines when and if to energize one or more output devices in the system. The interface circuit comprises input and output stages which operate on logic level voltages and which are decoupled by opto-couplers from a relatively high voltage energization circuit which passes through a relatively high voltage electrical device. The energization circuit comprises a triac which is operated by the output stage in response to outputs from the microprocessor, a manual switch connected in parallel with the triac so that a given electrical load device can be manually activated and a multi-colored LED for indicating the conditions of the input and output circuits individually and in combination. The smart modules are utilized in a vehicle laundry having a master computer for overall control of multiple smart modules, the microprocessor of each smart module being independently operable to control at least a portion of the laundry system in the event of a failure of the master computer.

There are many industrial uses of complex systems in which multiple and diverse electrical devices are electrically isolated, monitored and/or controlled by way of relay or relay-like circuits which may operate under the management control of a computer controller. By "controller" we refer to a management device such as a programmable digital processor which receives inputs in the form of electrical signals representing at least in part the conditions of a first class of real world electrical devices and which uses those inputs to create commands or outputs in the form of electrical signals which are applied directly or indirectly to a second class of real world electrical devices to determine the functional status thereof. The processor further relates or coordinates inputs to outputs according to a program defining the overall functions or function to be achieved by such devices in a complex system. By "real world" we refer to such devices as switches, solenoids and motors which are associated with work production and/or physical movement or other condition changes in an industrial system as opposed to mere calculations which might occur wholly within a data processor using only logic level signals. The controller may, as stated above, comprise at its heart a general purpose digital microprocessor chip capable of performing data processing and/or management tasks of many kinds. Alternatively, it may comprise a special purpose computer or even a hard wired circuit, the "program" portion of which is found in the form of hardware or firmware rather than the more traditional applications and operating system software. In general, however, complex systems in industrial applications of all kinds more and more typically include microprocessor chips which are not only flexible in operation and application, but are widely and inexpensively available from various sources and manufacturers such as Intel but are also widely and generally understood and used by engineers and technicians throughout the United States and the world.
An example of an industrial application comprising input type real world devices and output type real world devices operating in a complex system under the control of a data processor is a vehicle laundry wherein such operations as vehicle proximity detection, vehicle length and size assessment, soap spraying, water spraying, brushing, forced air drying, wheel washing and polishing are performed in spaced and overlapping sequences. In such a system, devices which provide condition or function-signaling inputs to a controller-programmer may include, by way of example and not by limitation, vehicle proximity detectors such as limit switches, wand switches and electric eyes, conveyor drive shaft angle encoders, emergency stop switches, keypads, coin boxes and a variety of other devices having contacts which create open and closed circuit conditions. Output or function-causing devices the excitation and operation of which are subject to a remote external control according to the management program found in a controller may include, by way of example and not by limitation, scrubbing brushes, air turbines, hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, solenoids, pumps, lights, doors, wheel washers, motors and motor starting circuits.
In a more complex but nevertheless typical vehicle laundry it may be desirable to provide a variety of proffered service packages ranging from a simple wet wash to drying, waxing, the application of anti-corrosion agents and wheel washing. The customer may directly select such combinations by way of a credit card reader and keypad or may indirectly make such selections through an attendant who enters an appropriate code from a remote station and provides the customer with a coin or token or code input to simply initiate the operation of the system.
In addition various complex functions are or may be provided in a vehicle laundry such as vehicle proximity detection and vehicle size assessment thereby to schedule the energization and deenergization of various output devices in the system for the purpose of minimizing electrical energy consumption and cost.
In addition it is highly desirable to utilize a general purpose computer as part of the controller of a complex system in order that the general purpose digital computer be available for use in peripheral but related applications such as financial record keeping, maintenance record keeping and scheduling, payroll, employee attendance, machinery usage levels and other data collection and/or coordination functions which are typically associated with the conduct of a retail merchandizing operation. The general purpose computer may, however, be placed at the top of a hierarchy which includes lower order computers which are capable of independent action in the event the master computer experiences a failure or is temporarily unavailable.
Many other industrial applications of a complex nature involving input type electrical devices and output type electrical devices the energization and performance of which are to be coordinated by means of a controller will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Again by way of example and not by limitation, examples of such systems include baggage handling, conveyor systems, automated assembly systems, medical analysis and evaluation systems, access and security systems, construction machinery and other applications characterized by multiple operations on a common workpiece in sequential and coordinated fashion.
One of the problems associated with the construction and operation of complex systems operating under management of a computer-type controller is the typical need to customize electrical circuitry, particularly the interface circuitry which ties the real world electrical devices to the controller either as input devices or output devices. The devices themselves may vary as between simple input devices such as switches, and more complex and power-consuming output devices. In addition, the devices within a single class may vary widely as to excitation voltage and power consumption; e.g., a simple 100 watt filament type light bulb presents an entirely different electrical energization interfacing requirement than an induction motor that might be used to drive a high volume, high velocity air turbine.
Another problem confronting the control circuit designer is the desirability of providing not only for coordinated or integrated automatic control of the various controlled or output devices in a given system but also of providing for independent manual operation of selected devices and, moreover, of providing for overall operation in a coordinated fashion even though the master computer associated with the system may be down as a result of a malfunction or failure. It is doubtless a fact of life that many a complex and elegant computer controlled system has been rendered unproductive by reason of the failure of an inexpensive integrated circuit in a device upon which the overall system is dependent.

Interface circuit for processor controlled system and vehicle laundry system utilizing such interface circuit


The Inventive System disclosed herein relates to an improved system for extracting metals from ore.

Ore is defined as a mineral or an aggregate of minerals from which a valuable constituent and more specifically, at least one metal can be extracted. Ore must be processed to separate unwanted organics and minerals, or other inorganic materials, from metal. Once ore is processed, it may be refined to separate metals. For example, Cupellation is a refining method used to separate silver from lead. Complex ores, as used herein, means an ore in which the ratio of metal to aggregate organic and inorganic material is low or ore in which metal is difficult to separate from aggregate organic and inorganic material.
Known methods for processing include exposing lime and/or cyanide to ore slurry or other similar leaching processes. These methods are inefficient and costly when dealing with complex ores. Consequently, metals in complex ores may not be extracted. Even if known methods for processing ore were efficient and inexpensive, they are toxic to the environment. These methods release toxic gases and chemicals and unprocessed water into the environment. Known methods may also require large energy input.
The Inventive System, described herein, provides methods and apparatus that is used to process complex ores efficiently and inexpensively. The Inventive System is also "green":                (1) The air emissions meet or are significantly below current county, state, and federal regulatory limits;        (2) Process water is treated and disposed of using Best Available Control Technology (BACT), to allow release in to the local sewer system.        (3) Power supply is regulated so that it is more efficiently used.

System and method for the thermal processing of ore bodies


A hybrid battery and full charge capacity calculation method thereof. A full charge capacity is calculated for each battery at at least two discharge voltage levels, and a total full charge capacity is calculated by adding the calculated full charge capacity of the discharging battery to a full charge capacity of a non-discharging battery. A hybrid battery includes: a first power source and a second power source; a sense resistor that senses and outputs current information of at least one of the first power source or the second power source; and a fuel gauge circuit that calculates a first accumulated discharge amount using the current information from the sense resistor when a voltage of a currently discharging one of the first or second power source reaches a first discharge voltage level, and to add a first capacity corresponding to the first discharge voltage level to the first accumulated discharge amount.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hybrid battery and full charge capacity calculation method thereof.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Generally, a portable electronic device receives a supply of power from a chargeable battery, and a usable time of the portable electronic device depends on the usable time of the battery as the power supply. Therefore, the battery is charged frequently to extend the usable time of the portable electronic device.
To maximize the usable time of the portable electronic device, one known method is to mount two batteries to a portable electronic device. For example, two batteries that have the same size and the same chemical property can be mounted to the same portable electronic device.
However, this method makes the price of the battery increase because not only the circuit used to control the charge and discharge has to be installed to each battery but also the fuel gauge circuit or the micro computer for calculating the remaining capacity of each battery is also provided.
Also, such conventional battery needs extra space because the shape and chemical property of the battery cells that are installed in each battery are typically completely the same, such that there is a problem of reduced energy efficiency per volume.
A quantity (or concept) known as the full charge capacity (FCC) is used as a standard capacity to indicate the accurate remaining capacity (RC) of the battery. In this case, the remaining capacity illustrates the relative state of charge (RSOC) as a percentage of the current full charge capacity. The full charge capacity represents the chargeable maximum capacity of the battery and it gradually becomes smaller as the number of charge and discharge cycles increases. Therefore, the full charge capacity is calculated as the number of charge and discharge cycles increases. According to a conventional calculation method, the full charge capacity is calculated by starting to discharge the battery when the battery is fully charged, and keeping track of the total amount of discharge until the voltage level of the battery reaches an end of discharge voltage level (EDV). Then, the total amount of discharge, which is calculated until very close to the full discharge, is used as the standard capacity to calculate the full charge capacity.
However, according to such conventional method of calculating the full charge capacity, the capacity is calculated at one discharge voltage level prior to the complete discharging, and the remaining capacity is calculated therefrom. Hence, it is difficult to calculate the remaining capacity of the battery when the battery is recharged prior to reaching the full discharge voltage level.

Hybrid battery and full charge capacity calculation method thereof


A hub clutch assembly is designed so that fluid pressure is used only while the driving mode is being changed over between a four-wheel drive position and a two-wheel drive position, while eliminating the necessity of holding a coupling member in position once the driving mode has been changed over. A driven member and a driving member are coupled together and uncoupled from each other by a slider which is moved under a negative or positive air pressure. A spring is used to maintain the slider in the two-wheel drive position, while a magnet is used to maintain the slider in the four-wheel drive position.

This invention relates to a hub clutch assembly mounted on each front wheel of a four-wheel drive vehicle to selectively transrat and cut off driving force between the front wheel axle and the wheel hub of each front wheel.
A part-time four-wheel drive vehicle has a hub clutch assembly mounted between each front wheel hub and the front wheel axle to selectively transmit driving force to the front wheels.
A conventional hub clutch assembly has a slide gear axially slidably mounzed on the axle. By sliding the slide gear into engagement with the wheel hub, the driving mode is changed over to the four-wheel drive position. By disengaging the slide gear from the wheel hub, the driving mode changes over to the two-wheel drive position. Fluid pressure such as air pressure is used to move the slide gear between these two positions.
The arrangement in which air pressure is used to move the slide gear has a problem in that air pressure has to be maintained at all times in order to hold the driving mode either in the four-wheel drive position or the two-wheel drive position. Since air pressure is always acting on seals of the hub and the spindle, they tend to be worn quickly. Their durability is thus extremely low.
An object of this invention is to provide a hub clutch assembly in which fluid pressure is used only while the driving mode is being changed over between four-wheel and two-wheel drive positions, thereby eliminating the necessity of keeping the fluid pressure to hold the coupling members in position once the driving mode has been changed over, to improve the durability of the seal members.


A driving apparatus has driving circuits that supply driving energy to driven elements which form dots. The driving circuits are controlled by driving data indicating which driven elements are to be driven, and compensation data adjusting the amount of driving energy. The compensation data are stored in compensation memory circuits coupled to the driving circuits. A single data transfer means transfers the driving data to the driving circuits and the compensation data to the compensation memory circuits. If the driven elements are located on two or more different semiconductor chips, some of the compensation data preferably compensate for chip-to-chip differences, while other compensation data compensate for dot-to-dot differences within the same chip.

The present invention relates to electronic apparatus for selectively and cyclically driving a group of driven elements such as a row of light-emitting diodes employed in an electrophotographic printer, a row of resistive heating elements employed in a thermal printer, or an array of display elements employed in a display device.
In the following description, the driven elements will be light-emitting diodes or LEDs employed in an electrophotographic printer.
In a conventional electrophotographic printer, for example, an electrically charged photosensitive drum is selectively illuminated, responsive to the data to be printed, to form a latent electrostatic image, which is developed by application of toner particles to form a toner image. The toner Image is then transferred to paper and fused onto the paper.
FIG. 46 is a block diagram of the control circuitry of a conventional electrophotographic printer. FIG. 47 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the conventional electrophotographic printer.
The printing control unit 1 in FIG. 46 comprises a microprocessor, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), input-output ports, timers, and other elements disposed in the printing engine of the printer. The printing control unit 1 receives a control signal SG1 and a dot data signal SG2 from a higher-order controller, and controls the printing operations performed by the printing engine. The dot data signal SG2 is a one-dimensional digital signal representing a two-dimensional bit map of picture elements (pixels), referred to below as dots.
Upon receiving a print command via control signal SG1, the printing control unit 1 first checks a temperature sensor 23 to determine whether the fuser 22 is within the necessary temperature range. If the fuser 22 is not within the necessary temperature range, the printing control unit 1 activates a heater 22a built into the fuser 22. When the fuser 22 reaches the necessary temperature, the printing control unit 1 activates a driver 2 that drives a stepping motor or pulse motor (PM) 3 used in the developing and transfer process, and activates a charge signal SGC that switches on a high-voltage power source 25 that charges toner particles in a developer unit 27.
The presence or absence of paper and the size of the paper are detected by a paper sensor 8 and size sensor 9. If paper is present, the printing control unit 1 activates a driver 4 that drives another pulse motor (PM) 5. This motor is first driven in reverse by a certain amount, until paper is detected by a pick-up sensor 6, then driven forward to feed the paper into the printing engine.
When the paper has been fed to the necessary position, the printing control unit 1 sends timing signals SG3 (including horizontal and vertical synchronization signals) to the higher-order controller, and begins receiving the dot data signal SG2, which the higher-order controller generates on a page-at-a time basis. The dot data signal SG2 is supplied as a data signal HD-DATA to an LED head 19 comprising a row of LEDs, with one LED per dot. The transfer of dot data into the LED head 19 is synchronized with a clock signal (HD-CLK). The dot data will be referred to below as driving data, since they determine whether each LED is driven or not.
After sufficient driving data (HD-DATA) for one horizontal dot line have been transferred into the LED head 19, the printing control unit 1 sends the LED head 19 a load signal (HD-LOAD), causing the driving data to be latched in the LED head 19. The LED head 19 can then print this line while receiving driving data for the next line.
The LED head 19 prints the line by illuminating a photosensitive drum (not visible) which has been precharged to a negative electrical potential. The potential level of illuminated dots rises, creating a latent dot image. The toner in the developer unit 27 is also charged to a negative potential, so toner particles are electrostatically attracted to the illuminated dots, creating a toner image.
The LEDs are turned on and off in synchronization with a strobe signal (HD-STB-N). FIG. 47 illustrates the timing of this signal and other signals mentioned above. The SG3 pulses shown at the top of FIG. 47 are horizontal synchronization pulses. FIG. 47 illustrates three successive line-printing cycles, for printing lines N-1, N, and N+1 (where N is an arbitrary integer).
Referring again to FIG. 46, to transfer the toner image to the paper, the printing control unit 1 activates a transfer signal SG4 that turns on a high-voltage power source 26, generating a high positive voltage in a transfer unit 28. As the paper travels through a narrow gap between the photosensitive drum and transfer unit 28, the toner image is transferred by electrostatic attraction to the paper.
The paper with the toner image is then transported to the fuser 22, which has been heated by the heater 22a. The heat fuses the toner to the paper, which then passes an exit sensor 7 and is ejected from the printer.
The printing control unit 1 controls these operations so that the high-voltage power source 26 is switched off except while the paper is traveling past the transfer unit 28, as detected by sensors 6 and 9. When the paper passes the exit sensor 7, the printing control unit 1 also switches off the high-voltage power source 25 of the developer unit 27, and stops the pulse motor (PM) 3 used in the developing and transfer process.
The above sequence is repeated for each page.
FIG. 48 shows the structure of the conventional LED head 19 in more detail. The driving data HD-DATA and clock signal HD-CLK are provided to a shift register comprising, for example, two thousand four hundred ninety-six flip-flop circuits FF.sub.1, FF.sub.2, . . . , FF.sub.2496 (this number of flip-flop circuits is appropriate for printing on A4-size paper at three hundred dots per inch). When two thousand four hundred ninety-six bits of driving data have been clocked into this shift register, the load signal HD-LOAD is activated, causing the bits to be stored in latches LT.sub.1, LT.sub.2, . . . , LT.sub.2496. When the strobe signal HD-STB-N is driven low, bits set to the high logic level (one) turn on light-emitting diodes LD.sub.1, LD.sub.2, . . . , LD.sub.2496 by way of an inverter G.sub.0, NAND gates G.sub.1, G.sub.2, . . . , G.sub.2496, and p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors Tr.sub.1, Tr.sub.2, . . . , Tr.sub.2496. The symbol V.sub.DD represents a power-supply potential.
In a printer employing the LED head in FIG. 48, all of the light-emitting diodes LD.sub.1, LD.sub.2, . . . , LD.sub.2496 that are switched on are switched on for the same length of time, determined by the strobe signal HD-STB-N. Thus if these light-emitting diodes, or the transistors Tr.sub.1, Tr.sub.2, . . . , Tr.sub.2496, do not have perfectly uniform electrical properties, the dots will be unevenly illuminated. This will lead to differences in the sizes of the electrostatic dots in the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, hence to differences in the sizes of the dots printed on the page.
Although different dot sizes are not readily noticeable on pages containing only line art or text, when photographs or similar types of images are printed, variations in dot size create density differences that can degrade the printing quality to an undesirable degree.
Typical differences in LED output are illustrated by the graph in FIG. 49. Dot position is indicated on the horizontal axis, and optical power on the vertical axis. The light-emitting diodes are disposed in a plurality of semiconductor chips, more specifically LED array chips CHP1 to CHP26, which are driven by a like plurality of integrated driver circuits (driver ICs) DRV1 to DRV26, as illustrated at the top of FIG. 49. Ninety-six light-emitting diodes are integrated onto each LED array chip. The LED array chips and driver ICs are interconnected by wire bonding. The driver ICs are cascaded to form a single shift register for receiving the driving data signal HD-DATA.
The horizontal dotted lines indicate the ranges of variability of the optical power output by the light-emitting diodes in each individual LED array. The horizontal dot-dash lines indicate the range of variability of the average optical output power of each LED array. Thus the dotted lines indicate ranges of dot-to-dot variation within each array, while the dot-dash lines indicate the range of chip-to-chip variation.
As illustrated in FIG. 49, the range of chip-to-chip variation is much greater than the range of dot-to-dot variation within any one chip. One conventional practice has therefore been to grade the driver IC chips and LED array chips according to their average output power, and assemble each LED head from chips of the same grade. Alternatively, the average current that must be supplied to each LED array chip to obtain a nominal average optical output can be calculated from measurements of the LED array chips, the average current supplied by each driver IC can be measured, the driver IC chips can be graded according to their average current output, and each LED array chip can be paired with a driver IC that supplies substantially the right amount of average current. In this way it is possible to reduce chip-to-chip differences, but the dot-to-dot differences within each chip remain uncorrected.
FIG. 50 illustrates another conventional LED head, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. 160659/1989. The first dot section of this LED head comprises an inverter 30-1, four transistors 31-1, 32-1, 33-1, and 34-1 coupled in parallel, three NAND gates 35-1, 36-1, 37-1, a light-emitting diode 38-1, three D-type flip-flop circuits 39-1, 40-1, and 41-1 for storing LED compensation data, and an AND gate 42-1. Other dot sections are similar; the letter N denotes the total number of dots printed by the head.
A strobe generator 43 outputs a strobe signal to the AND gates 42-1 to 42-N. A shift register 44 stores the driving data. The input terminals are an LED power supply terminal 45, a compensation data input terminal 46, a clock input terminal 47, a driving data input terminal 48, and another clock input terminal 49. Flip-flops 39-1, 40-1, 41-1, . . . , 39-N, 40-N, 41-N are interconnected to form a shift register receiving data from compensation data input terminal 46 and clock signals from clock input terminal 47.
When LED 38-1 is driven, for example, transistor 31-1 is turned on responsive to the driving data output from terminal Q1 of shift register 44, while transistors 32-1, 33-1, and 34-1 are turned on responsive to both the driving data from terminal Q1 and the compensation data stored in flip-flop circuits 39-1, 40-1, and 41-1. Transistor 31-1 supplies the main driving current; transistors 32-1, 33-1, and 34-1 supply additional compensating current.
FIG. 51 shows an example of the circuit configuration of one of the flip-flop circuits 39-1, 40-1, 41-1, . . . , 39-N, 40-N, 41-N that store LED compensation data. The typical flip-flop circuit 51 shown in FIG. 51 has data (D) and clock (C) input terminals and a data output terminal (Q). The flip-flop circuit comprises four transmission gates 52, 53, 54, and 55, and six inverters 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61. Each transmission gate comprises a p-channel MOS transistor and an n-channel MOS transistor coupled in parallel. Each inverter comprises a p-channel MOS transistor and an n-channel MOS transistor coupled in series. The total number of transistors in the flip-flop circuit 51 is thus twenty.
The LED head illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51 can minimize both chip-to-chip differences and dot-to-dot (LED-to-LED) differences, but the flip-flop circuits 39-1, 40-1, 41-1, . . . , 39-N, 40-N, 41-N that store LED compensation data greatly increase the size and complexity of the driver ICs. These flip-flop circuits require sixty (3.times.20) extra transistors per LED, not to mention the two extra input terminals 46 and 47. Extra circuit elements are also required to drive each LED through four transistors instead of just one.
Moreover, the three extra flip-flop circuits store only three bits of compensation diode, allowing only eight levels of adjustment of the optical output. If the step size is 2%, the eight levels are, for example, -6%, -4%, -2%, -0%, +2%, +4%, +6%, and +8%, so adjustment is possible only within the limited range from -6% to +8%. This range may provide adequate compensation for dot-to-dot variations within the same LED array chip, but does not in general provide adequate compensation for chip-to-chip differences.

Driving apparatus with circuits for efficiently transferring and storing compensation data


A lens system which is composed of at least one homogeneous lens element and at least one radial type gradient index lens element, to be used as a combination lens system or an image pickup lens system, and configured to favorably correct chromatic aberration, etc. by selecting an adequate value for a coefficient representing an Abbe's number.

a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a combination lens system (a lens system which is composed of a plurality of lens elements and used as a lens), and also an image pickup lens system which is composed of a small number of lens elements and to be used with electronic image pickup apparatus such as TV cameras.
b) Description of the Prior Art
An optical system which is to be used under a white light source, for example an optical system for silver salt photographic cameras, microscopes, video cameras or endoscopes, must ordinarily be composed of a plurality of lens elements for favorably correcting aberrations such as chromatic aberration and a Petzval's sum. In addition to the requisite for correction of aberrations, it is generally demanded for reduction of a manufacturing cost, for example, to reduce a number of lens elements or simplify a structure of a lens barrel. As means for solving such a problem, it is conventionally known to use radial type gradient index lens elements. Since a radial type gradient.index lens element has a characteristic in that it is excellent for correcting chromatic aberration and a Petzval's sum in particular out of aberrations, it is effective to ruduce a number of lens elements which are used for composing a lens system to be used under a white light source. An optical system disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Sho 60-218614, for example, is known as a conventional example of photographic lens system for silver salt photographic cameras which uses a radial type gradient index lens element. This conventional example is composed of two lens elements including a radial type gradient index lens element and equivalent to a Gaussian type optical system which conventionally reuqired six or seven lens elements. Further, a lens system disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Hei 5-107471 is known as a conventional example of objective lens system for endoscopes which uses radial type gradient index lens elements. This conventional example is composed of two to six lens elements and equivalent to a retrofocus type lens system which conventionally required lens elements in a number of six or so. However, each of these conventional examples adopts spherical surfaces for the radial type gradient index lens element and can hardly allow optical axes of surfaces with that of medium in practical working stages with high precision, thereby being not preferable from a viewpoint of obtaining a lens system which has high optical performance or can be manufactured at low costs.
In the recent years where video cameras using solid-state image pickup devices such as CCD's, TV telephones and door phones with cameras are prevailing, it is demanded that lens systems to be used in these instruments are configured compacter and manufactured at lower costs. Though three to six lens elements are generally required to obtain favorable optical performance of such a lens system which has a fixed focal point and is to be used in these instruments, it is desired to further reduce the number of lens elements.
As means for reducing a number of lens elements to be used for composing an optical system while maintaining optical performance desired for the optical system, it is conventionally known to use radial type gradient index lens elements in the optical system. For example, a lens system disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Hei 6-175016 is known as a conventional example of lens system which is composed of a single radial type gradient index lens element. However, this conventional example has an extremely large F number of 9.8 to 13.5 or small aperture for balancing aberrations or enhancing imaging performance. Further, a lens system disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Sho 60-218614 is known as a conventional lens system which is composed of two lens elements. This conventional example has favorably corrected aberrations, but requires a high manufacturing cost due to a fact that it uses two radial type gradient index lens elements. In addition, the radial gradient index lens elements used in this lens system has spherical shapes, whereby an optical axis of the surfaces and an optical axis of medium can hardly be coincident with each other with high precision in a practical working stage, and the lens system is not preferable from viewpoints of high optical performance and low manufacturing cost.
Though it is conceivable to use a radial type gradient index lens element without working its surface into spherical shapes or in a condition where the lens element has planar surfaces on both sides, such a radial type gradient index lens element is not preferable since it under-corrects a Petzval's sum more remarkably as compared with a case where it has spherical surfaces.
Further, Japanese Patents Kokai Publication No. Sho 58-59420 and No. Hei 4-114112, for example, disclose conventional examples in each of which a radial type gradient index lens element having planar surfaces on both sides is cemented to a planar surface of a homogeneous lens element having a spherical surface on the other side for enlarging freedom for correction of aberrations. However, these conventional examples are pickup lens systems which are to be used under monochromatic light sources and these Japanese Patent Kokai Publications made no reference to correction of chromatic aberration. Japanese Patents Kokai Publication No. Hei 1-28514 and No. Hei 2-284107 which disclose similar conventional examples neither make reference to correction of chromatic aberration.
Furthermore, lens systems disclosed by European Patent Laid-Open No. 609093 and Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Sho 58-184113 are known as conventional examples of lens systems each of which is to be used under white light source, and is composed of a radial type gradient index lens element and a homogeneous lens element cemented to each other on planar surfaces. These are conventional examples using the radial type gradient index lens elements in relay lens systems for non-flexible endoscopes and usable only as lens systems such as the relay lens systems for non-flexible endoscopes having narrow field angles since the lens systems have large Petzval's sums and total lengths which are large relative to diameters of the lens systems.
Moreover, a conventional example disclosed by Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. Sho 50-29238 is known as a lens system which is configured taking chromatic aberration into consideration. However, this conventional example uses radial gradient index lens elements which have refractive indices largely varying from optical axes to marginal portions and made of materials hardly manufactured in practice.