An image generator for medical use includes a shape information acquiring unit acquiring shape information of a subject, a functional information acquiring unit acquiring a functional value of the subject, a polyhedron generating unit generating a polyhedron so as to have a clearance within a virtual display space on the basis of the acquired shape information, a functional information mapping unit allocating the functional information to a face of the polyhedron, and a display unit displaying and outputting the virtual display space.

In the diagnosis of a disease, it is important to observe the shapes of internal organs, etc. and a functional value. The functional value is often obtained every local part. It is desirable that a distribution of the functional value can be observed correspondingly to a local position of an internal organ mode.
Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 11-128191 shows an example in which the functional value is displayed on a three-dimensional shape model surface, a sectional image, a developing view, and a projecting view. However, when a mode and the functional value are displayed by different images, it is necessary to compare plural images. Further, when the functional value is displayed in a model view such as a developing view and a projecting view, this view does not reflect an accurate shape of the subject. Therefore, a problem exists in that an observer must judge correspondence setting of a position in the model view and a position in the actual subject.
In Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 2000-139917, it is described that a shape image showing the shape of the subject is synthesized into a functional image showing a function every local part, and is displayed. However, when the functional image is merely displayed in the shape image, the rear side of the three-dimensional subject is hidden and cannot be seen when the subject is observed from a certain one visual point. Therefore, a problem exists in that it becomes difficult to observe the entire subject at one time.
Further, in these display methods of the functional value, there is a problem unable to intuitively display the functional values of plural kinds at one time.
As mentioned above, when the mode and the functional value of the subject are displayed by different images in the prior art, it is necessary to compare plural images. Therefore, a problem exists in that the observer must judge the correspondence setting of a position in the functional value display image and a position in the actual subject shape.
Further, when the shape image and the functional image are synthesized, the rear side of the three-dimensional subject is hidden and cannot be seen. Therefore, a problem exists in that it becomes difficult to observe the entire subject at one time from a visual point of one place.
Further, it is impossible to intuitively display the functional values of plural kinds at one time.
Therefore, the present invention is made to solve the above problem points, and provides an image generator for a medical treatment and its method able to observe the mode and the functional value of the subject at one time without forcing a burden of the correspondence setting of positions upon the observer, and intuitively display the functional values of plural kinds at one time.

Image generator for medical treatment and its method


An apparatus for and a method of transcoding data in a first format, for example, MPEG (moving picture experts group)-2 data into data in a second format, for example, H.264 data. The apparatus may include a scaling dequantization unit, a coefficient transform unit, and/or a scaling quantization unit. The scaling dequantization unit may dequantize the data in the first format (e.g., MPEG-2 data) to generate a DCT (discrete cosine transform) coefficient. The coefficient transform unit may approximate a 4x4 second data format (e.g., H.264) integer transform matrix to a 4x4 DCT matrix and transforms the DCT coefficient into an integer transform coefficient using the approximated 4x4 DCT matrix. The scaling quantization unit may quantize the integer transform coefficient to generate the data in the second format (e.g., H.264 data).

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to transcoding video data, for example, to an apparatus for and a method of transcoding moving picture experts group (MPEG)-2 data into H.264 data through a combination of inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) in MPEG-2 encoding and integer transform in H.264 encoding by approximating an integer transform matrix in H.264 encoding to a discrete cosine transform (DCT) matrix in MPEG-2 encoding.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various video data encoding methods. For example, video data may be encoded into a moving picture experts group (MPEG)-2 format in high-definition (HD) televisions and digital versatile disks (DVDs) and may be encoded into an H.264 format in HD-DVD and BL-DVD. A user may be view a video by decoding encoded video data (e.g., encoding data) using a receiving device (or a reproducing device) suitable for the format of the encoded video data.
However, when the format of the encoded video data is not supported by the user's receiving device, the user cannot decode the encoded video data. For example, when the user's receiving device supports an H.264 format and the encoded data is in the MPEG-2 format, the user's receiving device cannot directly decode the encoded video data in the MPEG-2 format (e.g., MPEG-2 data). As a result, the MPEG-2 data should be transcoded into the encoded video data in the H.264 format (e.g., H.264 data).
The encoding of video data may be performed by transforming the video data using discrete cosine transform (DCT), quantizing the transformed video data, and encoding the quantized video data using entropy encoding. The decoding of encoded video data may be performed through an inverse process to encoding. Thus, the decoding may be performed by decoding the encoded video data using entropy decoding, dequantizing the decoded video data, and inversely transforming the dequantized video data.
A simple method of transforming MEPG-2 data into H.264 data based on such encoding and decoding of video data may be a pixel region transforming method in which MPEG-2 data may be transformed into pixels and the pixels may be encoded into H.264 data.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional transcoder 100.
The transcoder 100 may use a pixel region transforming method. In other words, a dequantization unit 110 may generate a DCT coefficient by dequantizing MPEG-2 data. An inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) unit 130 may generate a video signal by performing IDCT on the DCT coefficients, thereby transforming the MPEG-2 data into pixels.
An integer transform unit 150 may generate an integer transform coefficient by performing integer transform on video data that may be transformed into the pixels. A quantization unit 170 may generate H.264 data by quantizing the integer transform coefficient.
However, the pixel region transforming method may be inefficient in terms of time and/or cost because encoding and decoding in two formats is performed.
MPEG-2 data may also be transformed into H.264 data using a method of mutually combining corresponding processes between decoding in the MPEG-2 format and encoding in the H.264 format, for example, a transform region transforming method.
During encoding in the MPEG-2 format, dequantized data may undergo IDCT. During encoding in the H.264 format, video data may undergo integer transformation. In the transform region transforming method, a DCT coefficient transformed by IDCT may be transformed into an integer transform coefficient.
In general, a DCT coefficient in the MPEG-2 format may have an 8×8 matrix form and a DCT coefficient in the H.264 format may have a 4×4 matrix form. A 4×4 integer transform coefficient matrix may be obtained by approximating the 4×4 DCT coefficient matrix for integer calculation. The 4×4 integer transform coefficient matrix may have some symmetric elements, but its element arrangement may be different from that of a DCT matrix. Thus, a simple transform of the 8×8 DCT coefficient matrix into an integer transform coefficient matrix may not reduce the amount of computation.
An 8×8 DCT coefficient may be transformed into an integer transform coefficient using two or more methods. One may combine an 8×8 DCT coefficient matrix with four integer transform coefficient matrices and multiply every element of the resulting matrix by 128, thereby transforming the 8×8 DCT coefficient matrix into an integer form. This method may be characterized by processing real-number calculations into integer calculations, but may require a large amount of computation.
Another may divide the 8×8 DCT coefficient matrix into a multiplication form of several simple matrices, as in a fast DCT algorithm. This method may be characterized by approximating elements of a matrix including multiplication as the exponents of 2 that may be processed by a shift operation. However, a larger error may occur and/or the number of required addition and shift operations may increase.

Apparatus for and method of transcoding data

Seoul National University Industry Foundation


A structural clip includes two connecting legs extending from a resilient spring means with a securing loop at the end of each leg. The angles defined by the legs and by each leg and the spring means when the securing loops are connected to a bottom support member secure that member and a contacting top support member in any spatial relationship one to the other without auxiliary tools. An embodiment useful over a range of support member diameters for perpendicular or parallel reinforcement member alignment, and a method for using the clip also are disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fastener apparatus, in particular, to apparatus and a method for fastening concrete reinforcement steel members together during concrete construction.
2. Description of the Related Art
A search of the prior art located the following United States patents which are believed to be representative of the present state of the prior art: U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,399 B2, issued Nov. 4, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,460, issued Mar. 16, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,991, issued Dec. 13, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,363, issued Jan. 26, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,3888, issued Feb. 5, 1991, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,122 issued Sep. 9, 1986, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 228,119, issued Aug. 14, 1973, German Patent No. 2,126,981, issued May 10, 1973; U.S. Pat. No. 1,684,051, issued Sep. 11, 1928, U.S. Pat. No. 1,498,595, issued Jun. 24, 1924; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,025,330, issued May 7, 1912.


The present invention generally relates to control mechanisms and more specifically to a control mechanism which is adaptable to a steering wheel of a vehicle. Most control mechanisms of auto-piloting systems which must be installed on existing vehicles usually require more specific parts and more expensive installations. The control mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention includes components readily installable into the cabin of an existing vehicle and involves elements sandwiching the steering wheel of the vehicle which are operatively mounted to a motoring assembly actuatable by the user of the vehicle.

The constant need to increase productivity and to design reliable tools to accomplish various productive activities has led to a plurality of developments in many fields of technology.
In agriculture, many types of tools and working vehicles are available to accomplish the various tasks at hand. The number of tasks and the size of fields and lands which needs to be taken care often necessitate very efficient machineries and tools, especially when the laws of market and productivities are involved.
These past years, many agricultural operations have been automated to achieve more precision and to optimize time, money and product resources. As an example, auto-piloting systems have already been introduced for agricultural vehicles.
Most of these auto-piloting systems necessitate an electro-hydraulic control box mounted on the steering servo-direction of the vehicle. Even though this solution proves to be robust and reliable since the user stays in control on board of the vehicle when the system is operating, such auto-piloting systems often requires specific parts for specific vehicles and a more expensive installation involving hydraulics. Further, the installation of such systems on existing vehicle may annul the warranty of other parts of vehicles which were not initially designed to interface with the components of the control mechanisms.


A sensor obtains transverse sensitivity in a sensitivity matrix of an acceleration sensor with a uniaxial vibration generator. The acceleration is measured by vibrating the table 12. As the measurement of the main axis sensitivity, transverse sensitivity Szx associated with the X-axis is obtained from measured results of the acceleration sensor 5 and measured results of a measuring instrument for measuring the surface motion of the table 12 independently. Likewise, transverse sensitivity Szy associated with the Y-axis is obtained by fixing on the table 12 the cubical block on which the acceleration sensor 5 is mounted in such a manner that the Y-axis direction defined with respect to the acceleration sensor 5 aligns with the vibration direction of the table 12.

As sensors for detecting acceleration, are known acceleration sensors, inertia sensors and the like. The present invention also covers semiconductor accelerometers with gyroscopic functions and angular acceleration measuring functions. Unless otherwise specified, the following description is made using the term "accelerometer/acceleration sensor" for a sensor for detecting acceleration.
FIGS. 1A-1D each show a widely practiced calibration method of an accelerometer/acceleration sensor. In terms of international standards, they are methods described in ISO 16063-11 or ISO 5347 Part 1. FIG. 2 shows a method of measuring transverse sensitivity described in ISO 5347 Part 11.
FIG. 1A shows a calibration method carried out by mounting a single-ended uniaxial acceleration sensor (accelerometer) 1 on a table 2a of a uniaxial vibration generator 2 for generating translational motion (the table 2a vibrates in the direction of the two-directional arrow in FIG. 1A with respect to the body 2b), by measuring the motion of the table with a laser interferometer (not shown) with aligning the motion direction of the uniaxial vibration generator 2 with the sensing axis of the uniaxial acceleration sensor 1, and by comparing measured results by the laser interferometer with the output of the acceleration sensor 1. It functions as a primary calibration method. The term "single-ended accelerometer" refers to an accelerometer with only one mounting surface. On the other hand, the term "double-ended accelerometer" refers to an accelerometer for calibration, which has two mounting surfaces and can undergo back-to-back coupling.
FIG. 1B shows a calibration method carried out by mounting a double-ended uniaxial acceleration sensor (accelerometer) 3 on the table of the uniaxial vibration generator 2, by measuring the motion of the table with the laser interferometer with aligning the motion direction of the uniaxial vibration generator with the sensing axis of the uniaxial acceleration sensor 3, and by comparing measured results by the laser interferometer with the output of the acceleration sensor 3. It also functions as a primary calibration method.
FIG. 1C shows a calibration method carried out by coupling the double-ended reference acceleration sensor 3 calibrated by the method of FIG. 1B and the calibration target acceleration sensor 1 in series with aligning their sensitivity axes, by moving them with aligning their sensitivity axes with the motion direction of the vibration generator, and by comparing the output of the reference accelerometer 3 with the output of the calibration target accelerometer 1. It functions as a secondary calibration method.
FIG. 1D shows a primary calibration method of an angular acceleration detecting acceleration sensor corresponding to the method shown in FIG. 1A. The reference numeral 25 designates a uniaxial vibration generator for generating vibration angular acceleration. A disk-shaped table 25a carries out rotational vibration in the directions of the two-directional arrow in FIG. 1D with respect to the body 25b. An angular acceleration detecting acceleration sensor (angular acceleration sensor) 26 is mounted on the table 25a of the uniaxial vibration generator 25 for generating the vibration angular acceleration in such a manner that the central axis (the central axis agrees with the sensing axis) comes into the center of the table 25a and becomes perpendicular to the table 25a. The table 25a has an optical diffraction grating formed on its side. To measure the vibration angular acceleration of the table 25a, the optical diffraction grating on the outer edge of the table 25a is irradiated horizontally with the laser from the laser interferometer. The primary calibration is conducted by applying the vibration angular acceleration around the sensing axis of the angular acceleration sensor 26 by carrying out the rotational vibration of the table 25a, and by comparing the vibration angular acceleration detected from the changes in the reflected light of the laser radiating the optical diffraction grating of the table 25a with the output signal of the calibration target angular acceleration sensor 26. It is a method described in a standard being prepared now by ISO. The method enables the calibration of the reference angular acceleration sensor. Thus, it can function as the secondary calibration as the method shown in FIG. 1C by mounting the reference angular acceleration sensor and calibration target angular acceleration sensor on the uniaxial vibration generator for generating the vibration angular acceleration with aligning their axes. In the existing circumstances, no reference acceleration sensor for vibration angular acceleration exists. This is because its standard is yet to be completed, or no production is present which is experimentally demonstrated that it functions as a reference acceleration sensor for the vibration angular acceleration.
Next, a method will be described of obtaining the transverse sensitivity as shown in FIG. 2 and described in ISO 5347-11: 1993 "Methods for the calibration of vibration and shock pick-ups—Part 11: Testing of transverse sensitivity".
On a plane normal to the sensing axis of the acceleration sensor 1 for detecting the translational acceleration, vibration acceleration A sin ωt is applied (indicated by the arrow 4 in FIG. 2). Normalizing the obtained sensitivity by the main axis sensitivity gives the transverse sensitivity. According to the ISO standard, the transverse sensitivity is obtained with varying, an angle θ (the angle between the direction of the vibration acceleration 4 and a marking 5 put to the reference position of the acceleration sensor 1 on the plane normal to the sensing axis of the acceleration sensor 1). Then it instructs to report the transverse sensitivity value and angle θman when the maximum value is obtained, and the transverse sensitivity value and angle θmin when the minimum value is obtained. In a word, the number of the transverse sensitivity parameters is one in the ISO 5347-11: 1993 "Methods for the calibration of vibration and shock pick-ups—Part 11: Testing of transverse sensitivity".

Method of measuring transverse sensitivity of sensor for detecting acceleration and acceleration measuring method

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology


A printing method for printing an image on a medium, includes: performing a first printing process, wherein in the first printing process, the medium is carried in a carrying direction by a predetermined carry amount and an image is printed on the medium positioned at a print region, and wherein a carrying member used for carrying the medium is positioned upstream in the carrying direction with respect to the print region; and selecting the first printing process or a second printing process according to a position of a rear edge of the image on the medium as the printing process for printing the rear edge of the image on the medium, wherein in the second printing process, the medium is carried by a carry amount smaller than the carry amount of the first printing process and the image is printed on the medium positioned at the print region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to printing methods and printing apparatuses.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are known printing apparatuses that can perform a first printing process, in which paper is carried by a predetermined carry amount to print an image on the paper, and a second printing process, in which the paper is carried by a carry amount that is different from the carry amount of the first printing process to print an image on the paper. (Refer, for example, to JP 11-268344A.)
When the paper is carried by a carrying member that is positioned on the upstream side in the carrying direction with respect to the print region, the quality of the printed image varies depending on whether or not the rear edge of the paper passes the carrying member during printing. On the other hand, the quality of the printed image also varies depending on whether or not the carry amount changes during printing.


Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media are provided for security-aware caching of resources. An offline version of a resource may be prepared for a computing device. The offline version of the resource may include a security parameter. The security parameter may define a security rule to be enforced with respect to offline usage of the resource. The offline version of the resource may be provided for caching by the computing device. The cache of the offline version of the resource may enable the offline usage of the resource by the computing device. The security rule for the offline usage of the resource may be enforced by the computing device based on the security parameter.

Under conventional approaches, a resource (e.g., application, data) may be remotely provided to a client by a server. If the connection between the client and the server is lost or poor, the client may be unable to utilize the resource. Simply downloading the resource to the client may expose the resource to vulnerabilities of the client and may make it difficult to secure the resource.


A test interface is configured to connect to a testing device and a communications device. The communications device may be configured to receive a data signal (that includes a desired data portion) from the test machine. The interface may include a data capture device and a buffer. The data capture device may be configured to receive a framing pulse signal from the communications device, to receive a framing pulse enable signal from the testing device, and to generate a reset signal in response to receiving the framing pulse signal and the framing pulse enable signal. The buffer may be configured to store the data signal from the communications device, and to clear all stored data in the buffer and store the desired data portion in response to receiving the reset signal.

The following description relates to testing of communications devices, and more particularly to testing of communications devices with non-deterministic latency.
A communications device may be configured to transmit and receive data using a communications medium. For example, a SONET transceiver or framer may transmit and receive data using an optical network including microwave, coaxial, twisted pair, and fiber optic connections. The SONET transceiver may include a number of analog circuits, such as, for example, an automatic gain control circuit, an equalizer, a phase-locked loop, and a data recovery circuit. A SONET framer may include a number of first-in, first-out buffers (FIFOs). Data may be received at a line side of the transceiver or framer and output to a system side of the transceiver or framer.
Because the transceiver includes a number of analog circuits, and the framer includes a number of FIFOs, SONET communications devices do not have a predictable signal propagation time/phase alignment between the line side and the system side. In other words, the data that travel through the communications device have a non-deterministic latency between the time the data are received and the time that the data are output.
A communications device may be tested to verify operational performance, to certify that the device satisfies operational standards and specifications, and to ensure the quality of the device before the device is shipped or installed. When testing a communications device, a testing machine may inject or input a test data payload in the line side of the device, and receive processed test data on the system-side of the device. However, if the communication device has a non-deterministic latency between the line side and the system side, then data output at the system side after being input to the communications device must be processed to determine where a desired data portion (e.g., a data packet) in the output data is located.
The processing needed to locate a desired data portion adds a delay to the total time needed to test each communications device. As a result, the time required to test each device may be significant when testing a large number of devices.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Test interface, system, and method for testing communications devices with non-deterministic latency


A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob.

U.S. Publication No. 2012/0091051 (hereinafter referred to as 051' publication) discloses a filter with a drain valve wherein, the drain valve mounts within an opening of a housing of the filter. The drain valve has a knob mounted to a valve member thereof. At least one locking structure is disposed between the knob and the valve member to mechanically lock the knob to the valve member. The 051' publication discloses that such a configuration reduces the likelihood of the knob becoming inadvertently dislodged during operation.
However, the 051' publication and many other assemblies previously known in the art disclose little or no means for connecting the knob to a hose coupler. Although some conventional assemblies employ connectors for connecting the hose coupler to the knob, such connectors are typically formed with constructions that accomplish a weak connection between the hose coupler and the knob. Therefore, it may be possible in some cases for the hose coupler to inadvertently detach from the knob thus allowing spillage of fluid from a port of a tank.

Connector for connecting hose coupler to drain knob


An apparatus for estimating attitude using an inertia measuring apparatus comprising: a Kalman filter 3 adapted to receive a quantity of state ω(t) from the inertia measuring apparatus 1, input the quantity of state into a predetermined system equation and a predetermined observation equation and execute time update processing and observation update processing with regard to the system equation and the observation equation; a processing section 4 adapted to generate an estimated value of a time differentiation of a modified Rodrigues parameter α(t) based upon an output of the Kalman filter; an integral processing section 5 adapted to generate an estimated value of the modified Rodrigues parameter based upon an output of the processing section; a system propagation matrix generating section 6 adapted to update an observation sensitivity matrix based upon an initial value being given beforehand and an output of the integral processing section and supply the updated output to the Kalman filter; a transformed matrix generating section 7 adapted to generate a coordinate transformation matrix R based upon an output of the integral processing section; and an attitude estimation section 8 adapted to carry out an attitude estimation based upon an output of the transformed matrix generating section, is disclosed.

In recent years, in the field of space development, attentions have been paid to a microsat (micro-miniaturized artificial satellite), which is monofunctional but can be developed easily, in addition to big and multi-functional artificial satellites. It is considered that easiness in the development of such microsat can reduce the cost per unit of an artificial satellite and also renders the space development more familiar. At present, a great number of microsats have been launched as piggyback satellites.
The merits of the microsat are the features of monofunctional and low cost. However, in order to provide the microsat with high performance, it is essential for the satellite to be equipped with three axial control mechanism. Because of that, an attitude observation system with high performance is required. However, considering the increase in the developmental cost for the satellite, it is not possible to use such a expensive hardware.
Conventionally, various types of sensors have been used as an attitude sensor for the three axial satellites. For example, it has been known that exact attitude estimation including rolls and yaws can be done by detecting an attitude angular velocity from a gyro, such as an inertia reference apparatus, and then integrating the attitude angular velocity. The inertia reference apparatus is an apparatus which is mounted with a rate gyro or the like in the three axial manner and packaged together. When directly integrating signals of the gyro and then using them, there is a merit for obtaining dynamical and good responsive detection. Then again, there is a demerit of accumulation of drifts during a long run. In order to compensate such accumulation of drifts, a manner of rendering feedback of the errors using a star tracker from the absolute reference to the detection system has been employed. However, because this manner requires expensive sensors, it is not possible to apply it to a microsat that is monofunctional and is required to be low cost.
The present invention was made for aiming at achieving the above-mentioned object, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an attitude estimation apparatus being provided with high accuracy and inexpensive and a method for estimating attitude, i.e., an attitude estimation apparatus using an inertia measuring apparatus and being capable of estimating the attitude of an artificial satellite by means of hardware, such as a piezoelectric vibration gyro and a fiber gyro, of which cost per unit is relatively low, and a method and a program for estimating the attitude.
With the present invention, it becomes possible to estimate the attitude only with information from the gyro without requiring sensors such as a star tracker. The conventional artificial satellites may face such a circumstance where they cannot use the sensors. For example, the present invention can be a countermeasure under a practical operation when an artificial satellite cannot use a sensor such as a star tracker in the maneuver.

Apparatus and method for estimating attitude using inertial measurement equipment


A motorcycle frame is formed of tubular members which are hollow to provide a reservoir for oil used to lubricate the motor of the motorcycle. Fittings are provided within the tubular frame for receiving an oil filler cap, an oil spill hole, an outlet to the oil pump, an oil return inlet, an oil drain, and a crankcase vent. The seating area of the motorcycle frame is dropped closer to the ground due to the elimination of the oil reservoir normally located below the seating area of the frame, while incorporating a dampened rear wheel swing arm frame.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to motorcycles, and more particularly, to a motorcycle frame structure having a lowered seating area and integral oil reservoir.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Motorcycles have been used for transportation for many years and are still popular today. A particular segment of the motorcycle market consists of high-performance motorcycles having relatively large and powerful engines. Perhaps the most well-known manufacturer of such high performance motorcycles is the Harley Davidson Company of Milwaukee, Wis.
Consumers of such high performance motorcycles have often expressed a desire for the seating area of such motorcycles to be relatively close to the ground, allowing the rider to sit "low in the saddle" in a somewhat reclining position. These seats are sometimes referred to as "drop seats" and are particularly appealing to riders of smaller stature. However, there are certain structural limitations which, until now, have precluded manufacturers of motorcycle frames from locating the seating area relatively close to the ground.
Conventional high performance motorcycles include an oil tank or reservoir, sometimes known in the trade as an "oil bag", that is typically located below the seating area of the frame. This oil reservoir serves to store oil that circulates around the pistons and other moving components of the engine under pressure applied by an oil pump. In addition, the frame structure typically includes a floating rear swingarm suspension that is pivotally secured to the central portion of the motorcycle frame by a pivot axle and bearings located directly below the seating area. A pair of shock absorbers extend between the pivot mount and rear portion of the frame to dampen rapid pivotal movements of the rear suspension as may be caused by driving the motorcycle over bumps and other irregular surfaces. This dampened rear suspension is sometimes known in the trade as a "softail" style frame. The transmission that couples the motor to the rear drive wheel must also typically fit below the seat area. Thus, in the past, there have been structural limitations which have precluded motorcycle manufacturers from lowering the seating area of the motorcycle frame.
In an effort to lower the seating area of a motorcycle frame, some manufacturers have been known to eliminate the rear suspension and rigidly attach the frame members that support the rear wheel directly to the remaining portion of the motorcycle frame. While this method of manufacturing has allowed for lowering of the seating area of the frame, it does so at a substantial cost, namely, a rough and uncomfortable ride. Even though such motorcycle frame constructions provide a rough ride, the strong desire by motorcycle riders to ride low in the saddle has persuaded some riders to tolerate such a rough ride in order to achieve their goal of sitting lower on the bike.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle frame structure which includes a seating area that is located relatively close to the ground, thereby allowing a rider to ride low in the bike.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a motorcycle frame structure which effectively eliminates the conventional oil reservoir as an obstacle toward the goal of lowering the seating area of the frame structure.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a motorcycle frame structure which achieves the objective of lowering the seating area while preserving the benefits of a floating, dampened rear suspension.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a motorcycle frame structure which more effectively cools the oil used to lubricate the moving components of the motor.
These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art as the description of the present invention proceeds.

Motorcycle frame having lowered seat and integral oil reservoir


According to one embodiment, a memory system including a key-value store containing key-value data as a pair of a key and a value corresponding to the key, includes a first memory, a control circuit and a second memory. The first memory is configured to contain a data area for storing data, and a table area containing the key-value data. The control circuit is configured to perform write and read to the first memory by addressing, and execute a request based on the key-value store. The second memory is configured to store the key-value data in accordance with an instruction from the control circuit. The control circuit performs a set operation by using the key-value data stored in the first memory, and the key-value data stored in the second memory.

In recent general computer systems including memory systems, many data operations, particularly, operations of processing data sets frequently occur. For example, an operation of searching for data containing two keywords A and B in a full text search system is to obtain the intersection of a data set containing A and a data set containing B.
A presently most widely used general computer system is a memory system that manages data by using addresses. When processing data in this manner, data and addresses are managed in one-to-one correspondence with each other. To process data sets as described above, therefore, software processing based on a complicated algorithm is generally essential.
On the other hand, some memory systems manage data by using their contents themselves instead of addresses. From the viewpoints of the cost and the compatibility with the existing systems, however, these memory systems are used in special applications but rarely used in general computer systems.
When processing data sets in the conventional computer systems, complicated software processing is necessary owing to the limitations on memory systems. This degrades the performance and makes the systems difficult to handle.


An equipment for excimer laser ablation machining provided a laser (11), a main body (14) housing a mirror (12) for reflecting an ultraviolet ray emitted by the laser and an optical system (13) for arranging the ultraviolet ray to a parallel ray, and a means (15) for moving the relative position of an object to be machined and the parallel ray, the means (15) being a supporter of an object to be machined and having a means (16) for arranging a dielectric mirror mask (7), leaving a space of 0.1 mm through 50 mm, preferably 0.1 mm through 1 mm, between the object to be machined and the dielectric mirror mask (7), the equipment to be employed specifically for producing a via hole of a multi-layered circuit board, and a method for excimer laser ablation machining conducted by employing the foregoing equipment.

This invention relates to an equipment for laser machining and a method for laser machining. Specifically, this invention relates to employable for laser a method and apparatus for laser ablation machining. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for laser ablation machining using a dielectric mirror mask. Particularly, the invention relates to employable for laser ablation machining conducted for the purpose to produce a via hole to the insulator layer of a multi-layered circuit board and a method for laser ablation machining for the purpose of producing a via hole in the insulator layer of a multi-layered circuit board.
Infrared ray laser machining employing YAG lasers, or CO.sub.2 lasers or the like rays one of the infrared rays is widely known. Since laser machining employing infrared rays depends on thermal energy, such machining has a drawback in that it may cause thermal damage to objects; in the neighborhood of the machined area. Moreover, since infrared ray laser machining involves the use of a laser beam having a small cross-sectional area which is scanned along a surface to be machined, it is difficult to increase the machining rate. Furthermore, since it is difficult to confine infrared rays to; a beam having a small cross-sectional area, laser machining employing infrared rays is not suitable for micro machining of the sort necessary for producing via holes.
In order to achieve micro machining, a laser ablation machining procedure employing an excimer laser was developed. An excimer laser is a gas laser which emits strong ultraviolet rays depending on excitons of a rare gas and a halogen. The ordinary strength of an excimer laser is approximately 100 MW/cm.sup.2 at the peak of pulse. Since ordinary substances readily absorb ultraviolet rays, irradiation with ultraviolet rays generated by an excimer laser generally may result in the instant dissolution and vaporization of; the surface of the irradiated substance. Laser ablation machining employs this phenomenon. Excimer lasers such as KrF lasers are widely employed laser (248 nm), XeCl lasers (308 nm) and ArF lasers (193 nm).
Laser ablation machining has the following advantages:
1. Since laser ablation does not employ thermal energy but rather depends on dissolution of chemical bonds by the generated excimer laser ultraviolet rays, the finished shapes are arcuracte and beautiful;
2. Since laser ablation does not employ a laser beam but rather employs a broad laser flux which is assisted by a mask, accurate machining is readily achieved;
3. In particular, ArF lasers are suitable for machining polymers such as polyimide resins and the like.
Production of via holes in the insulator layer of multi-layered circuit boards is one of the promising uses for laser ablation machining.
A multi-layered circuit board which is available in the prior art is illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, insulator layers 22 and conductor layers 23 are piled alternately on a substrate 21, and the conductor layers 23 are connected with each other through via holes 24. Although a serial process has been developed for producing multi-layered circuit boards, such serial process has not yet been completely accepted, because of difficulty in forming via holes when such process is used. This is because certain types of polymers for example polyimide resin and the like, are preferably employed as the construction material for the insulator layers of such multi-layered circuit boards and these polymers are difficult to machine for the following reasons.
1. When such polymers are exposed to light, they do not necessarily allow light to penetrate all the way to the bottom of the layer, and as a result the accuracy of the via hole thus produced is unsatisfactory.
2. Such polymers do not allow for the production of via holes having an; aspect ratio greater than 3 when a wet etching process is employed.
3. It is difficult to obtain suitable photoresists for use in etching such polymers, and such etching processes are extremely complicated.
On the other hand, when excimer laser ablation machining is employed via holes having a high aspect ratio may be produced by a fairly simple process.
Excimer laser ablation machining is classified into two categories, one is known as the contact mask process, e.g. Siemens' "7500H90" process and the other is known as the projection process, e.g. IBM's "ES9000" process.
An example of the contact mask process will be described below with reference to the drawing.
Referring to FIG. 2, a polyimide resin layer 22a and a copper film 25 are laminated on a ceramic substrate 21a.
Referring to FIG. 3, a photoresist is coated on the copper film 25 to thus produce a photoresist layer 26. The photoresist layer 26 is selectively exposed to ultraviolet rays through a mask 27.
Referring to FIG. 4, the photoresist layer 26 is converted to an etching mask 26a by a developing process.
Referring to FIG. 5, the copper film 25 is converted to an etching mask 25a by an etching process employing the etching mask 26a of the photoresist layer 26 as a mask.
Referring to FIG. 6, a strong ultraviolet ray beam emitted by an excimer laser 11, e.g. a KrF laser, is irradiated into the polyimide resin layer 22a via a mirror 12, a lens 27 and the etching mask 25a of the copper film 25.
In this process, the intensity of each pulse of the ultraviolet ray beam irradiated onto the polyimide resin layer 22a must exceed 0.5 J/cm.sup.2. Therefore, the etching mask 25a is required to be a metal plate having a thickness larger than 0.2 mm. On the other hand, the required diameter of a via hole is 10 to 200 micrometers, in order for the produced via hole to have; a high aspect ratio. It is well known that via holes having high aspect ratios are difficult to produce. Moreover, the foregoing complicated lengthy process necessary for the contact mask process is a considerable drawback which can not be ignored.
An example of the projection process will next be described with reference to the drawings.
Referring to FIG. 7, a polyimide resin layer 22a is coated onto a ceramic substrate 21a, and an object to be machined is produced.
Referring to FIG. 8, an electric discharge machining process or photolithography is employed to convert a metal plate having a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm into a metal mask 28 having an enlarged pattern consisting of openings 28a.
Referring to FIG. 9, the metal mask 28 is arranged in parallel to a lens 27a and to the object to be machined consisting of the ceramic substrate 21a with the polyimide resin layer 22a, and a mirror 12a which reflects a strong ultraviolet ray beam emitted by an excimer laser 11, e.g. a KrF laser, moves along a plane parallel to the metal mask 28. When the mirror 12a moves along the metal mask 28, the strong ultraviolet ray beam emitted by the excimer laser 11 is scanned along the surface of the polyimide resin layer 22a through the metal mask 28. In this process, the enlarged pattern of the metal mask is reduced by the lens 27a before being copied in the polyimide resin layer 22a by the excimer laser ablation phenomenon.
In this process, it is not easy to produce the metal mask 28 because such a metal plate is readily warped during the production process. Further, this process has a drawback because the maximum dimension of a frame in which one scanning pass of excimer laser ablation is allowed can not exceed 40 mm in diameter, thus requiring a large number of steps to be repeated for patterning the entire surface of the polyimide resin layer 22a.
The foregoing description clearly shows that both the contact mask process and the projection process are involved with drawbacks which need to be removed.
A thin mask which has a small absorption factor and a large reflection factor and is durable against irradiation by the strong ultraviolet ray beam emitted by an excimer laser, is assumed effective to improve the excimer laser ablation machining process.
In the meantime, it is known that a mask which is durable against a strong ultraviolet ray beam due to the large reflection factor is a dielectric mirror mask which is defined as a mask made of a dielectric mirror which is further defined as a piled plate in which two kinds of layers having refraction factor different from each other are alternately piled.

Method and apparatus for laser machining


A display device includes a pixel region, a pixel electrode in the pixel region, and a capacitor electrode having at least first and second segments, where the first segment extends along a first direction with respect to the pixel electrode, and the second segment extends along a second direction with respect to the pixel electrode, and the first direction is angled with respect to the second direction. A transistor has an electrode with an extending portion overlapping a portion of the pixel electrode and a substantial portion of at least one of the first and second segments of the capacitor electrode. The transistor electrode and the pixel electrode together provide a counter electrode to the capacitor electrode.

Various types of flat panel display devices are available, including LCD (liquid crystal display), PDP (plasma display panel), ELD (electroluminescent display), and VFD (vacuum fluorescent display). Of these flat panel display devices, the LCD has been the most actively researched recently because of relatively good picture quality and low power consumption.
An LCD has an array of pixels associated with respective thin film transistors (TFTs) that control the application of pixel voltage to respective pixels. Unlike conventional monolithic transistors that are formed in a semiconductor substrate, TFTs are fabricated by stacking several thin films on a substrate. Therefore, TFTs have a simple and easy-to-fabricate configuration as compared to the monolithic transistors. As a result, TFTs have been in widespread use, including for example, as switching elements in an electronic device such as an LCD.
To obtain uniformity of an image displayed on the TFT LCD, it is desirable that the voltage of a signal applied through a data line to each pixel of the LCD during a writing operation be held constant for a certain time period until a subsequent signal is received. Therefore, a storage capacitor is usually formed in each pixel region to improve the image quality of the display.
FIG. 1 shows a pixel layout of a portion of a conventional TFT LCD, which includes gate or scan lines 2 and data lines 5 arranged in a matrix on a substrate 1. Pixel regions are defined as regions bounded by adjacent gate lines and data lines. Each pixel region is provided with a pixel electrode 4 connected to a semiconductor layer 3 via a drain electrode 7. The semiconductor layer 3 is formed on the gate line 2 and connected to the data line 5 via a source electrode 6. The source electrode, drain electrode, and semiconductor layer are part of a TFT. Also, a capacitor electrode 10 that is parallel to the gate line 2 is formed in each pixel region. Because the capacitor electrode 10 is typically formed of an opaque electrically conductive metal such as aluminum, chromium, tantalum or molybdenum, the aperture ratio (i.e., light transmittance ratio) of the LCD is reduced by overlapping the capacitor electrode and pixel electrode in the manner depicted in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the pixel electrode 4 is typically designed to be close to the respective data line 5 to achieve a better aperture ratio. However, arranging the pixel electrode 4 too close to the respective data line 5 may cause capacitive coupling (crosstalk), which, in turn, leads to the phenomenon of partial darkening in the corresponding display pixel.
In addition, to realize the coloration of the LCD, a color filter substrate (not shown) is provided that has a light shielding matrix (e.g., black matrix (BM)), color filters for displaying colors, and a transparent electrode as a common electrode. Since it is very difficult to accurately align the color filter substrate with the substrate 1, the light shielding matrix and the pixel electrodes should overlap by some amount to provide for manufacturing process tolerance to prevent misalignment, which may cause light leakage. However, this requires widening the light shielding matrix thereby reducing the aperture ratio of the LCD.

Display device having a transistor electrode overlapping and disposed within the boundaries of a capacitor electrode


A battery saver module for controlling courtesy and illuminated entry lamps having inputs for receiving input signals from door handle sensors, a trunk sensor, and an ignition switch and first output connected to illuminated entry loads and a second output connected to courtesy lamp loads. A control circuit selectively activates the first and second output responsive to input signals and includes a first timer for deactivating the first output after a first time period and a second timer for deactivating the second output after a second time period.

Lighting for present day automobiles generally includes illuminated entry (IE) lamps which are simultaneously activated to facilitate entry into the vehicle and a number of lamps referred to as courtesy lamps which may be individually switched or activated by the operator. Common courtesy lamps include map lamps, a vanity mirror lamp, a glove box lamp, and an engine lamp.
IE lighting generally includes a plurality of interior lamps and a key cylinder lamp. The IE lamps are usually positioned under the instrument panel and/or along the lower side panels and are activated by a door handle switch upon movement of the door handle. Upon activation by the door handle, the IE lamps remain on for a predetermined period such as 25 seconds to aid the operator in unlocking the car door, entering the automobile and locating the ignition. The IE lamps also provide a safety feature in that the interior of the automobile is illuminated before the operator opens the door. Often times the dome lamp is connected into the IE lighting scheme so that the interior is fairly well illuminated. The IE lights remain on until the predetermined time period has elapsed or until operation of the ignition.
With courtesy lamps, if the operator inadvertently leaves the lamp on for an extended period of time, the battery function may be impaired. Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a lighting system which ensures against unintended, extended operation of courtesy lamps.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved courtesy lamp system which prevents battery drain due to unintended courtesy lamp operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved battery saver module for controlling both courtesy and IE lamps so as to prevent or limit unintended battery drain.
A further object of the invention is to provide such a battery saver module which is economical to manufacture and durable and reliable in use.
Accordingly, it has been found that the foregoing and related advantages are attained in a battery saver module for controlling courtesy and illuminated entry lamps which has inputs for receiving input signals from door handle sensors, door sensors, a trunk sensor, and an ignition switch and first and second outputs for connection to lamp loads. The first output connects to illuminated entry lamp loads for providing power thereto and the second output connects to courtesy lamp loads for providing power thereto. A control circuit selectively activates the first and second outputs responsive to input signals and includes a first timer for deactivating the first output at a first time period after receiving an input signal from a door handle sensor and a second timer for deactivating the second output at a second time period after receiving an input signal. The second time period is greater than the first time period.
In a preferred embodiment, the first timer is a timer-counter integrated circuit connected to the illuminated entry loads through a first relay for providing power thereto. The second timer is a timer-counter integrated circuit connected to the courtesy loads through a second relay for providing power thereto, but with a trunk lamp and trunk switch connected to the timer-counter and to the second relay such that the trunk lamp line functions as an input to the timer-counter and an output from the second relay.

Battery saver module for automobile courtesy and illuminated entry lamps


A vehicle control system includes a recognition unit that is configured to recognize nearby vehicles traveling around a subject vehicle, an automated driving control unit that is configured to implement a plurality of automated driving modes in which at least one of speed control and steering control of the subject vehicle is automatically implemented, the plurality of automated driving modes having different degrees of surroundings monitoring obligation of the subject vehicle imposed on an occupant of the subject vehicle, and a management unit that is configured to manage the surroundings monitoring obligation of the subject vehicle, the management unit being configured to reduce the surroundings monitoring obligation of the subject vehicle when vehicle platooning in which the subject vehicle travels while following a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the subject vehicle among the nearby vehicles recognized by the recognition unit is implemented by the automated driving control unit.

In recent years, research on a technology for automatically controlling at least one of acceleration/deceleration and steering of a subject vehicle (hereinafter referred to as automated driving) has been performed. In connection therewith, a technology for executing automated driving control in any one of a predetermined standard control mode and a specific control mode different from the standard control mode has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Vehicle control system, vehicle control method, and vehicle control program