A semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus comprises a semiconductor substrate, a first well region formed in the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, a first circuit formed in the first well region, first bias voltage supply functions for supplying a bias voltage to the first well region, a second well region formed in the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate such that it does not contact the first well region, a second circuit formed in the second well region, and second bias voltage supply functions for supplying a bias voltage to the second well region.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a MOS type semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus having a well bias voltage supply circuit, and in particular to an apparatus of this type having a plurality of well bias voltage supply circuits for supplying different well bias voltages.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a MOS type semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus has a well region formed therein and is provided with various elements such as a MOS transistor. A well bias voltage of a predetermined value is supplied to the well region so as to stabilize the threshold voltage of the MOS transistor formed therein.
In the MOS type semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus, however, if the well potential of part of a circuit incorporated in the apparatus is incidentally changed during operation thereof, the change may adversely affect the overall circuit, causing the circuit to be unstable. This will hereinbelow be explained in detail.
FIG. 11 shows the waveform of an output generated from an output circuit incorporated in the MOS type semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus. As shown in the figure, where an output data D is changed from "H" level to "L" level, undershoot is caused in the output potential Vout. V.sub.BB denotes a well bias voltage, which is set to -2.0V. The well bias voltage slightly fluctuates as indicated by A where undershoot is caused in the output voltage Vout, which adversely affects operation of an element such as a memory device.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view, showing the elements of an output transistor incorporated in the output circuit. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 81 denotes an n-type semiconductor substrate, reference numeral 82 denotes a p-type well region, reference numerals 83 and 84 denote an n-type diffusion region for forming the drain and source regions of the output transistor, and reference numeral 85 denotes a gate electrode. If the output voltage Vout (the drain potential of the output transistor) becomes lower than the well potential, a pn junction consisting of an n-type diffusion region 83 as the drain region and a p-type well region 82 is forwardly biased. Thus, current flows toward the n-type diffusion region 83 and p-type well region 82, causing a change in well potential.
In the above integrated circuit apparatus, the well regions of circuits are electrically connected to one another, so that a change in the well potential of an input/output circuit adversely affects the well potential of each of circuits other than the input/output circuit, causing circuit operation to be unstable. Therefore, a malfunction may occur in a logic circuit, and data in the logic circuit may disappear in a memory circuit. In particular, operation of a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) circuit incorporating an E/R type memory cell consisting of a high resistance serving as load element is more liable to become unstable since it is inherently difficult to keep the circuit stable.
Moreover, in a MOS type semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus having a logic circuit and a memory circuit, the logic circuit must incorporate a MOS transistor of a low threshold voltage so as to achieve high speed operation, and the memory circuit must incorporate a MOS transistor of a high threshold voltage so as to stabilize the operation of the circuit. Actually, however, the well potential of the logic circuit cannot be set independent of that of the memory circuit, that is, one of the circuits cannot have an appropriate threshold voltage.

Semiconductor integrated circuit apparatus having a plurality of well bias voltage supply circuits


A method and apparatus for manufacturing a color conversion filter. The method includes forming a color filter layer on a transparent substrate. A coloring matter layer containing color conversion coloring matter and an optical radical generating agent are formed on the substrate and the filter layer. The coloring matter layer is exposed to coloring matter decomposition light applied through the substrate and the filter layer. The coloring matter layer also is exposed to auxiliary ultraviolet light applied from the side of the coloring matter layer. This forms a color conversion layer at a position corresponding to the filter layer. The optical radical generating agent is heat vaporized. The color conversion coloring matter is decomposed by light whose wavelength is outside a range that the color filter layer transmits. The coloring matter decomposition light includes a wavelength component that decomposes the color conversion coloring matter. The color conversion layer emits, through wavelength profile conversion, light that the color filter layer transmits.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing, and apparatus for use in manufacturing a color conversion filter that enables multicolor display. The color conversion filter can be used, for example, for the display provided by image sensors, personal computers, word processors, TV receivers, facsimile machines, audio apparatus, video apparatus, car navigation apparatus, desktop calculators, telephones, portable terminals, industrial measuring instruments, and related devices.
2. Background Art
In recent years, as one method for realizing multicolor or full-color display devices, a color conversion method has been studied that employs, as filters, color conversion coloring matter (or material) that absorbs near ultraviolet light, blue light, bluish green light, or white light and emits light in visible ranges through wavelength profile conversion. See, for example, Japanese Patent Publications JP-A-8-279394 and JP-A-8-2860331. Employment of the color conversion method makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom in light source selection, because the light source emission color is not limited to white. For example, green light and red light can be obtained through wavelength profile conversion by using a blue organic EL light-emitting device. Therefore, more efficient light sources can be used. A feasibility study has been made of a full-color emission-type display device using a weak energy beam such as near ultraviolet light or visible light, as is described in Japanese Patent Publication JP-A-9-804343).
In addition to realization of a high-resolution color display function and long-term stability of characteristics including the color reproducibility, provision of color conversion filters having high color conversion efficiency is an important issue for the practical use of color display devices. However, if the density of a color conversion coloring material is made higher in order to increase the color conversion efficiency, problems occur such as reduced efficiency due to what is called density extinction and decomposition with age of the color conversion coloring matter. Therefore, the current situation is such that desired color conversion efficiency is obtained by increasing the thickness of a color conversion layer including color conversion coloring matter. To prevent the density extinction and the decomposition of color conversion coloring matter, introducing a bulky substituent into a coloring matter nucleus has been studied (see Japanese Patent Publications JP-A-11-279426, JP-A-2000-44824 and JP-A-2001-164245). To prevent the decomposition of color conversion coloring matter, mixing of a quencher also has been studied (see Japanese Patent Publication JP-A-2002-231450).
To increase the resolution of a multicolor or full-color display device that employs the color conversion method, it is necessary to pattern the color conversion layers at a high resolution. However, if patterning should be performed in such a manner that the width of each pattern is smaller than the film thickness, issues such as pattern shape reproducibility and pattern deformation arise in subsequent manufacturing steps. In addition, where patterning is performed by ordinary photolithography, a coating step, an exposure step including mask registration, and a development step are needed to obtain a color conversion layer of each color. For example, to manufacture a full-color display device which has at least red, green, and blue color conversion layers, a complicated manufacturing process consisting of a large number of steps is required.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a color conversion filter


A hearing assistance system streams audio signals from one or more streaming sources to a hearing aid set and enhances the audio signals such that the output sounds transmitted to the hearing aid wearer include a spatialization effect allowing for localization of each of the one more streaming sources. The system determines the position of the hearing aid set relative to each streaming source in real time and introduces the spatialization effect for that streaming source dynamically based on the determined position, such that the hearing aid wearer can experience a natural feeing of the acoustic environment.

Hearing assistance devices include a variety of devices such as assistive listening devices, cochlear implants and hearing aids. Hearing aids are useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss by selectively amplifying certain frequencies according to the hearing loss of the subject. A hearing aid typically includes a microphone, an amplifier and a receiver (speaker). The microphone receives sound (acoustic signal) and converts it to an electrical signal and sends it to the amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signal, in proportion to the hearing loss, and then sends it to the ear through the receiver. Cochlear devices may employ electrodes to transmit sound to the patient.
Wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth provides hearing assistance devices with capability of wirelessly connecting to telephones, television sets, computers, music players, and other devices with audio output using a streaming device. Examples of wireless hearing assistance systems include wireless hearing aids and a streaming device that transmits sound from an audio source to the wireless hearing aids. Such wireless hearing aids when connected to streaming devices function like wireless headphones, which typically do not allow the wearers to locate the source of sound.
Under some circumstances, however, it is desirable for a user of a wireless hearing assistance device to identify and/or locate the source of the sound being heard. Wireless hearing aids worn by a patient suffering hearing loss is an example where the user (patient) may desire spaciousness for the sound being heard, such that the sound is heard as being from its source rather than occurring inside the user's ear.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for localization of streaming sources in hearing assistance system


A self-contained hydraulic system used with lifting mechanisms to aid in the lifting of their arms before undertaking lifting operations. The system includes a hydraulic reservoir for a liquid and a gas that share the space under pressurized conditions. A hydraulic control assembly regulates flow through the outlet of the reservoir to use from a hydraulic assembly used to lift the arm of a lifting mechanism. The hydraulic control assembly includes two normally closed, electrically activated valves, connected in series. One of them being unidirectional and including a bypass valve to graduate the flow and thus the speed at which the lifting arm moves. Optionally, a flow fuse valve can be used to limit the maximum flow through the system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a self power hydraulic system, and more particularly, to a self-contained hydraulic system for crane lifts and/or davits that utilize a reservoir for hydraulic fluid and gas, under pressure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many designs for hydraulic systems have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include a system for storing energy that can be used in conjunction with a lifting apparatus without requiring pumps to generate of maintain the pressure required for lifting loads.
Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,852 issued to Cullen P. Hart in 1977 for a constant pressure sealed fluid storage tank for hydraulic systems and U.S. Pat. No. 2,492,014 issued to T. R. Spalding et al. in 1949 for a combined reservoir and accumulator in a hydraulic pump and motor transmission system. Both patented inventions include a storage assembly for fluids. However, these differ from the present invention because they both require pumps to maintain the pressure.
Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number or more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.
It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a system for storing energy that can be used in conjunction with a lifting apparatus to aid a user in lifting loads.
It is another object of this invention to provide a self-contained system that can be used for extended periods of time without requiring replenishment or other service.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.
Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.


A dried, puffed pat food composed of farinaceous and proteinaceous materials and flavoring ingredients,, such as seasonings, smoke flavoring, and spices; and additives; such as, cyclodextrin, emulsifiers, preservatives, trace minerals, vitamins, and optionally medications, nutrients, and supplements as an inner puffed core matrix encapsulated within an outer shell composed of flavoring ingredients; such as, smoke flavoring, spices and seasonings; and additives; such as, cyclodextrin, vitamins, and optionally medications, nutrients, and supplements is disclosed. This pet food is low fat, low cholesterol and low calorie and provides a healthy, nutritional pat snack.

The field of art to which the invention pertains includes the field of edible material, particularly a pet snack food in the form of animal-shaped and bone-shaped biscuits, cookies or kibbles.
Dog and cat foods are generally prepared as either meal-type rations or canned-type rations. Such foods are generally formulated from a combination of proteinaceous and farinaceous materials. The proteinaceous material is derived from either vegetable protein sources or from meat and/or meat by-product sources, and nutritional supplements are often added. The farinaceous material is derived from grain products and contains starch as a major component. The meal-type pet foods have a hard, dry, cereal-like texture and low moisture content, typically about 10%. This hard textured product is difficult for older dogs and cats to eat. Typically these foods are high in both nutritional value and caloric value. Some pet owners are concerned that their pets are eating too many high calorie foods and snacks. These pet owners have been searching for an alternative snack food which provides their pets with a highly nutritional, low calorie, low fat and low cholesterol snack.


Disclosed is a lock assembly such as for use with enclosures and access panels. The lock assembly includes a keyhole shaped aperture in a slide portion of the locking assembly that cooperates with double-D shaped protrusions associated with a locking plug. In a locked position, the double-D shaped protrusions inhibit movement of the slide portion. In an unlocked position, the double-D shaped elements may enter a more narrow portion of the keyhole shaped aperture and permit movement of the slide. The slide is associated with additional features so that movement of the slide selectively inhibits or provides consequential movement of other elements that in turn respectively deny or create access to an enclosure.

The incorporation of locking devices into access openings for enclosures of all types yields many practical advantages. In the case of electrical enclosures such as control cabinets or other enclosures housing electrical or electronic devices, restricted access may be essential for safety reasons as well as to respond to certain legal requirements placed by certain governmental entities.
One example of a known device relating to an electrical panel lock is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,796 to Finch, entitled "Electrical panel lock with locking plug head." In such patent, a panel lock includes a housing with a pivotal face plate arranged to engage a bolt upon pivotal movement of the face plate. A rotatable plug assembly may be rotated between a locking and unlocking position to restrain or release the push plate.
The desire for the incorporation of locking devices into access openings for enclosures can arise in other, non-electrical environments. For example, McCurry, U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,357 is entitled "Key retention mechanism for mail lock box" and shows a customer key actuated lock. Such disclosed lock includes a retention mechanism that prevents counterrotation of the customer key plug to rotation from the locked position toward the unlocked position and further includes a release mechanism to disengage the retention mechanism.
Yet another circumstance that could involve incorporation of a locking device into an otherwise removable or openable element may relate to a lock for attaching a cover to a platform. Such a circumstance is disclosed in Martinez, U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,118, entitled "Scissors latch lock." In such arrangement, a lock for attaching a cover to a platform includes first and second pivotally mounted latch bars which spread to engage side walls of a strike opening in response to actuation of a key actuated rotatable plug mounted in the housing of the lock. The latch bars are mechanically spread to engage the strike in a positive manner and do not rely upon biasing means to maintain the lock in the locked position.
Additional arrangements relating to panel lock constructions include as disclosed in Craig, U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,919, entitled "Flush mounted panel lock construction" and also by Craig, U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,081, entitled "Snap-in semi-flush mounted panel lock."
All of the foregoing United States Patents involve commonly owned interests with that of the present subject matter, and the disclosures of all such patents are fully incorporated herein for all purposes.
While various implementations of panel locks have been developed, no design has emerged that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as hereafter presented in accordance with the subject technology.

Panel lock for electronic, electrical or control cabinets


Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for redundant switched communications among end users in a network. The apparatus includes an interface for coupling to a corresponding end user, a first channel for processing a communication from the end user, a second channel for processing the communication, and a multiplexer coupled to the interface and the first and second channels. The multiplexer selects at least one of the first and second channels to transmit the communication. The method includes receiving a data communication via first and second switches, each of the first and second switches having first and second channels, and routing the data communication through at least one of the first and second channels of the first and second switches.

Ethernet type networks have been used in communication networks for implementing communication among various network components. An Ethernet network may be used to send or route data in a digital form by packets or frames. Each packet contains a set of data, and the packet is generally not interpreted while sent through the Ethernet network. The Ethernet network is typically composed of different equipment that subscribes to the network and connects to each other through switches. Each network subscriber can send packets in digital form generally at any time to one or more other subscribers. When a switch receives the packets, the destination equipment is determined, and the packets are switched to such equipment. In a switched full-duplex Ethernet type network, the term "full-duplex" refers to sending and receiving packets at a same time on a same link, and the term "switched" refers to the packets being switched in switches on appropriate outputs.
Avionic systems generally include numerous components that may exchange data among one or more other components. For example, a variety of external sensors may gather information that is routed via an avionics network to a number of different aircraft components. In avionic systems, redundant networks are common design considerations. More recently, Ethernet networks have been used in avionic network environments. For example, Aeronautical Radio Inc. (ARINC) 664 regarding avionics full duplex switch Ethernet networks, or more commonly referred to as AFDX, sets forth an aeronautical standard that defines a dual redundant avionics network for use in an aircraft environment.
In an aircraft environment, any number of different line replaceable units (LRUs) may be connected to an avionic network. One method of connecting an LRU to a network is using either an "A" network, a "B" network, or both networks to transmit and receive messages. Messages sent on both networks, such as an original message and a redundant copy of the original message, are typically selected at the destination end system using "First Arrival Wins," and the redundant copy may be discarded.
When connecting an LRU to an AFDX network, a common method is to couple the LRU via point-to-point wiring to a switch of each of the "A" and "B" networks. This method generally creates a significant number of connections to the AFDX network that results in an equally significant cost for each port and wiring that is associated with each connection. Each of the switches may be designed to couple to more than one LRU. In the event of failure of one of the switches (e.g., the "A" network switch), communication may continue among the LRUs coupled to the other switch (e.g., the "B" network switch). In some configurations, the destination LRU is coupled to switches of the "A" and "B" network (e.g., a second switch of each of the "A" and "B" networks) that are different than the respective switches of the "A" and "B" network that are coupled to the origination LRU. These "A" and "B" network switches of the destination LRU are in turn coupled to the "A" and "B" network switches, respectively, of the origination LRU, such as via a communication bus. When one of the switches coupled to the origination LRU fails (e.g., the "A" network switch), the message may be transmitted to the destination LRU using the other switch (e.g., the "B" network switch). When both switches coupled to the origination LRU fail, the origination is prevented from communicating with the destination LRU.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a redundant avionics network having improved redundancy and capability to dispatch with one or more communication system failures. It is also desirable to method for switching communications in an avionics network having improved redundancy and capability to dispatch with one or more communication failures. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

System and method for redundant switched communications


A method, a device, an apparatus and a storage medium of displaying information on video are provided. The method includes acquiring a touchable element to be displayed in a process of playing video and configuration information of the touchable element sent from a server; determining, based on the configuration information of the touchable element, display time of the touchable element in the process of playing video and a display location of the touchable element on video interface, and displaying the touchable element based on the display time and the display location; and when a touch operation on the touchable element which is displayed is detected, responding to the touch operation based on a preset response tactic.

When a video is played, besides the content of the video, the user may also see an advertising bar which appears simultaneously with the content of the video on the playing interface at a specific time of the play, for example, the advertising bar may have a content that: please send a short message to 12345 to participate in the voting.
If the advertising bar is added into the video in post-production, the content of the advertising bar in the video cannot be changed any more once the production is finished, so that the advertising bar is not flexible and can only be implemented in a single form, and cannot provide interaction with the user.

Method, device, apparatus and storage medium of displaying information on video

BEIJING BYTEDANCE NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A vehicle may detect vehicle actions, compare the vehicle actions to first vehicle actions associated with first mode settings of a vehicle controller and to second vehicle actions associated with second mode settings of a vehicle controller, and transition the mode settings of the vehicle controller to the first mode settings responsive to the vehicle actions matching the first vehicle actions. The controller may be a vehicle body controller, and the mode settings may describe a locking behavior of the body controller. A mobile device may set vehicle actions configured to cause the controller to transition from the first mode settings to the second mode settings. The mobile device may also display an alert responsive to the controller detecting presence of an unauthorized user within vicinity of the vehicle.

Cargo vans may be used by package, flower, or other delivery services due to their carrying capacity and ease of loading and unloading. However, cargo vans may suffer from theft issues when the driver is delivering mail or other parcels, or when the driver is at an office and the van is unattended. As another possibility, the vehicle itself may be stolen while the user is making a delivery. Many of these thefts go unpunished and, in many cases, may not be covered by insurance. In many cases, the driver has no proof that a theft has been committed.


A combination bread toaster and steamer device and method includes inserting at least one piece of bread into a bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; activating at least one bread heating element disposed adjacent the bread slot and a steamer heating element disposed adjacent the steamer compartment; and activation of the steamer heating element reducing wattage to the bread heating element that would be used by the bread heating element when operating alone.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a device, such as a breakfast sandwich maker, and method for simultaneously toasting bread and steaming or cooking another food, such as an egg and/or meat, for making a breakfast sandwich while sharing wattage between the toasting and the steaming.
2. Related Art
Multi-function breakfast machines have been proposed for making several breakfast items, such as toast, eggs and coffee. Such machines include a horizontally oriented toaster oven, an egg broiler, and a coffee maker or warmer. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,252 or U.S. Des. Pat. 340,831. Some machines may have an egg receiving area or a coffee receiving area disposed over a toaster oven. Some machines may have a coffee maker disposed adjacent a toaster oven and an egg receiving area disposed over the coffee maker. In addition, some of these devices appear to utilize the heat from one device, such as the toaster oven, to cook an egg in the egg broiler or warm coffee. Other machines have been proposed that combine a vertical toaster with a horizontal toaster oven. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,831. It will be appreciated that different foods require different heating temperatures and different heating or cooking times. Therefore, many of these devices appear to utilize a plurality of separate controls, for example, separate controls for the toaster oven, egg broiler and coffee maker.

Combination bread toaster and steamer device with shared wattage and method


A vibrating screed is provided which permits selective adjustment of the angle between the axis of a rotatable eccentric and the plane defined by the bottom of the screed plate to vary the relative vertical compaction and horizontal smoothing oscillation movement imparted by the eccentric. The screed includes a frame, motor, an eccentric driven by the motor, a screed plate, and a pair of locking hinges which releasably connect the frame to the screed plate at one of a multiplicity of possible angular relationships therebetween. The screed plate includes a tension adjustment to facilitate leveling of the screed and the weight of the eccentric is positioned between two spaced-apart bearings for enhanced support and for enabling the axis of rotation of the eccentric to be varied relative to the screed plate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention broadly concerns a vibrating screed used in compacting and smoothing flowable cementatious materials. More particularly, it is concerned with a vibrating screed which provides for improved and adjustable control by the operator over the relative vertical compacting and horizontal screeding forces applied to the material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various tools for working cementatious material into a finished shape for hardening are well known in the art. Such cementatious material is most commonly concrete which includes crushed rock or gravel as an aggregate. In finishing surfaces such as roads, walkways, foundations and the like, it is often desirable to both compact the mortar around the aggregate to consolidate and thereby densify the concrete, as well as smooth the upper surface to present a finished appearance.
In addition to trowels, smoothers and bull floats, powered screeds have been developed which aid in working the flowable concrete or other cementations material. These various devices include screeds powered by an electric motor, internal combustion engine or a pneumatic oscillator which are pushed or driven across the surface of the material to compact and smooth the material to a finished surface. Examples of such screeds are shown, for example, in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,591,291, 4,340,351 and 4,752,156.
As shown in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,291 referenced above and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,305, portable screeds which may be operated by a single operator and moved along the surface of the wet concrete are useful in finishing small to medium sized concrete pours. These screeds advantageously smooth and finish the surface using lightweight motors or engines which rotate use an eccentric to impart oscillating motion and thereby provide a finished surface. However, such devices have operating limitations which have given rise to the need for an improved portable screed. For example, the forces imparted by the eccentric on these existing portable screeds may cause accelerated wear on the bearing surfaces, may lack the ability to select a setting for imparting different amounts of compaction and smoothing, or may be incapable of providing both compaction and horizontal smoothing functions.
Accordingly, there has developed a need for an improved vibrating screed which can be easily transported and positioned by a single operator.
There additionally has developed a need for a portable screed which provides both compacting force as well as a smoothing force.
There is an additional need for a portable vibrating screed with an improved screed plate for smoothing an compacting operation.
There is yet a further need for a portable screed capable of selective adjustment to provide different ratios of consolidation to horizontal smoothing operation.


Embodiments of the present invention provide computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and systems. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to receive position information for one or more user devices and location information for an area. Embodiments of the present invention can predict one or more locations of the one or more user devices. Embodiments of the present invention can, in response to a request for navigation services, dynamically navigate a first user device of the one or more devices to a second user device of the one or more devices within the area.

The present invention relates generally to the navigation services, and more particularly to navigation of moving entities.
In general, navigation systems can determine the position of a user from radio signals of satellites. Typically, navigation systems receive radio signals, calculate a user's position, and route a user to an intended destination. In some instances, navigation systems have features that allow a user to sort route preferences by shortest route and fastest route. In other instances, navigation systems have features to avoid certain locations (e.g., toll roads).
In certain instances, navigation systems can receive input other than a location's physical address. For example, a navigation system can receive input for a non-specific location or a description for a set of various locations rather than the location's physical address.

International Business Machines Corporation


A magnetic head for perpendicular recording without writing from the lateral sides of a main pole and without erasing data on adjacent tracks. A magnetic disk storage apparatus using the magnetic head. The lateral side of the main pole of a magnetic head for perpendicular recording may have an inverted tapered shape obtained by forming a groove as a track portion to an inorganic insulating layer and then forming a magnetic layer and then flattening the upper surface. A leading edge, a trailing edge, or both lateral edges of the magnetic head may be tapered. The taper may be either smooth and linear or curved in profile.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns a thin layer magnetic head used for recording and reproduction, for example, in a magnetic disk storage apparatus and a magnetic disk storage apparatus mounting the magnetic head.
2. Description of the Background
In a magnetic disk storage apparatus, data on the recording media is read and written by a magnetic head. In order to increase the recording capacity per unit area of the magnetic disk, it is necessary to increase the area recording density. However, the area recording density of existing in-plane recording systems can not be increased as the length of bits to be recorded is decreased because of thermal fluctuation in the magnetization of the media.
A perpendicular recording system which records magnetization signals in a direction perpendicular to a medium is adapted to address this problem. In the perpendicular recording system, a magnetoresistive head ("MR head") and a giant magnetoresistive head ("GMR head") with a larger read output than non-perpendicular systems can be used for reading. However, a single pole head must to be used for the writing head in these systems. With perpendicular recording, it may be necessary to improve the track density and the linear recording density in order to improve the recording density. To improve the track density, the track width of the magnetic head is decreased and formed with higher accuracy.
In a perpendicular recording system, the shape of the main pole of the single pole type recording head has a significant effect on the magnetization pattern of the media. Specifically, the shape of the upper end face of the main pole, which is the end face of the main pole on the side opposite to the MR head (on the trailing side), greatly affects the shape of the magnetization pattern of the media. For example, JP-10-320720/1998 discloses the structure of a single pole type head having a main pole of a trapezoidal shape flattened at the upper end face and wider on the side of the MR head.
However, in the description in JP-10-320720/1998, a description is made of side recording tracks defined by the slope on both sides of the trapezoidal shape. These side recording tracks reduce cross talk with adjacent recording tracks, however, they hinder the improvement of the track density which therefore hinders any improvement in the area recording density. In such a magnetic disk storage apparatus, a skew angle is formed when the magnetic head scans from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of a disk, in which the trapezoidal pole shape erases signals on adjacent tracks. JP-10-320720/1998 has no specific descriptions about the pole forming method.
By using a polishing method, the upper surface of the main pole (second pole) can be flattened. However, when a polishing method such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is used, it is difficult to control the layer thickness which hinders the accuracy of the layer thickness. The thickness may vary by as much as about ±0.5 μm. This inaccuracy scatters the layer thickness of the main pole, thereby causing scattering in the intensity of the magnetic field from the main pole. Accordingly, it is preferred to adopt a flattening method for the upper surface of the main pole having improved controllability (accuracy) for the layer thickness.
In view of the above, the present invention preferably provides a magnetic head for perpendicular recording having a main pole of a shape with no side recording which does not erase signals on adjacent tracks caused by a skew angle. The invention also includes a manufacturing method of the magnetic head and a magnetic disk storage apparatus mounting the magnetic head for perpendicular recording.

Single pole type recording head with trailing side tapered edges

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Japan, Ltd.


A digital camera includes a solid-state imaging device in which plural pixel columns, each including plural pixels arrayed in a column direction, are arrayed in a row direction. The pixels of each pixel column include upper OBs, lower OBs, and PDs disposed between the upper OBs and the lower OBs. The digital camera includes: a dark current correcting unit that performs dark current correction based on a linear function for correction in order to correct a dark current; an OB average calculating unit that calculates an average of upper OB signals acquired from the upper OBs by imaging and an average of lower OB signals acquired from the lower OBs by the imaging; and a correcting linear function generating unit that generates the linear function for correction based on the average of the upper OB signals, the average of the lower OB signals, and the number of PDs.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to an imaging apparatus including a CCD type solid-state imaging device in which a plurality of photoelectric-conversion-element columns, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arrayed in a column direction on a semiconductor substrate, are arrayed in a row direction perpendicular to the column direction on the semiconductor substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
An imaging apparatus mounted of a related art with a CCD type solid-state imaging device subtracts a dark current, which is generated when electric charges are transferred from a charge transfer section corresponding to each photoelectric-conversion-element column of the CCD type solid-state imaging device, from a signal obtained from each photoelectric-conversion-element column, thereby correcting the dark current.
JP 2004-7048 A and JP 2006-94474 A (corresponding to US 2006/0092283 A) disclose a method of acquiring an imaging signal output from a solid-state imaging device in a state where the solid-state imaging device is exposed and then acquiring dark current data by driving a charge transfer section in a state where the solid-state imaging device is not exposed.
In the method described above, the imaging signal is first acquired and then driving for acquiring the dark current data is performed. For this reason, power consumption increases and a time period taken until the dark current correction is increased.

Imaging apparatus having dark current correcting unit


A method and system for determining a QoS of a WLAN service in a backhaul network are disclosed. The method includes: distinguishing whether a WLAN service or a WLAN instruction is to be returned, if the WLAN service is to be returned, recording a QoS of the WLAN service in a WLAN; and according to a preset mapping relation between the QoS of the WLAN service in the WLAN and a QoS of an ordinary service in the backhaul network, obtaining a QoS corresponding to a WLAN backhaul service in the backhaul network.

In recent years, the WLAN technology has experienced unprecedented development, and compared to characteristics such as inconvenient construction and high costs of a wired network, the deployment of WLAN is very flexible, which is widely used in various scenarios such as at home, office area and public places and so on.
However, the traditional deployment of WLAN requires a wired backhaul, but with regard to certain places where the WLAN cannot be deployed, such as in running vehicles, due to the mobility characteristic thereof, the wired transmission cannot be implemented at all, and the user demands for WLAN cannot be satisfied. In order to solve this problem, a WLAN wireless backhaul way is introduced in the related art. In the wireless backhaul way, mobile networks such as the 3rd-Generation (3G) mobile communication network or the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network can be used as wireless backhaul networks of the WLAN, and data of the WLAN at an Access Point (AP) are used as terminal data of the backhaul networks to be transmitted to a mobile backhaul network. A schematic diagram of the WLAN wireless backhaul way is as shown in FIG. 1.
In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) protocol, all services in the 3G or LTE system should have their own QoS properties. Therefore, it is required to develop a set of methods for determining QoS properties for the backhaul services of the WLAN, so as to satisfy the transmission demands of the WLAN in the 3G or LTE network.

Method and system for determining QoS of WLAN service in backhaul network


Compounds of the formulae, ##STR1## are provided where L is a linking group of the formula, ##STR2## is --Sn(n--C.sub.4 H.sub.9).sub.3 or --Sn(CH.sub.3).sub.3, HgCl or --N.sub.2.sup.+ ; R is hydrogen, methyl, mono-, di- or oligosaccharide; and R' is methyl. The compounds are site-specifically halogenated or radiohalogenated at the A group and coupled with macromolecules such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides or other proteins.

Proteins are labeled with radioactive halogen isotopes for both in vitro and in vivo study and clinical purposes. Radiohalogenated proteins are used, for example, for in vivo investigation of protein metabolism and pharmacokinetics as well as a tool for radioimmunoassays. Antibodies are labeled with halogen radioisotopes for diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy. The following table shows the applications of various halogen isotopes:
______________________________________ Half-life Type of Energy Isotope (hours) Application emission (keV) ______________________________________ .sup.18 F 1.83 diagnostic, PET positron 511 .sup.75 Br 1.63 diagnostic, PET positron 511 .sup.76 Br 16.1 diagnostic, PET positron 511 .sup.77 Br 57.0 diagnostic gamma 239 therapeutic Auger <5 .sup.123 I 13.0 diagnostic gamma 159 .sup.131 I 193 diagnostic gamma 364 therapeutic beta 607 .sup.211 At 7.2 therapeutic alpha 6786 ______________________________________
The development of highly specific monoclonal antibodies which can localize in cancerous tissue has increased the utility of radiohalogenated antibodies for diagnosis and therapy.
Therefore, methods have been sought to attach radiohalogens to protein molecules so that the labeled molecule remains stable to decomposition in vivo without disrupting the structure or biological function of the protein.
The strength of the aromatic carbon-halogen bond relative to that of the aliphatic carbon-halogen bond has led to the development of methods for attaching halogens to proteins through aryl-halogen bonds. Proteins may be halogenated directly or the protein may be conjugated to a separately halogenated compound.
Direct halogenation involves the substitution of halogen for a hydrogen atom on the amino acid residue of the protein. For example, a tyrosine residue may be radioiodinated ortho to the hydroxy group by the reaction of sodium iodide in the presence of an oxidizing agent at neutral pH. Other amino acid residues such as histidines, tryptophans and methionines may also be iodinated depending on reaction conditions. Common oxidizing agents for iodination of proteins are Iodogen (1,3,4,6-tetrachloro-3.alpha.,6.alpha.-diphenylglycoluril), N-bromosuccinimide and Chloromine-T (sodium N-chloro-p-toluenesulfonamide). The use of oxidizing agents for direct radioiodination of proteins, however, causes denaturation and/or chemical alteration of the binding site, reducing the biological activity of the protein. Therefore, new conjugation methods for radiohalogenation have been sought.
Conjugation involves the radiohalogenation of a small molecule which is then coupled to the protein by an acylation reaction. Bolton and Hunter first reported the now most commonly used conjugation method in their article, "The Labelling of Proteins to High Specific Radioactivities by Conjugation to a .sup.125 I-Containing Acylating Agent" 133 Biochem. J. 529-539 (1973). According to the Bolton-Hunter procedure, 3-(4-hydroxypheny 1) propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester is radioiodated ortho to the hydroxy group with Chloromine-T to obtain a compound of the formula, ##STR3## which reacts with the free amino groups of proteins to form an amide bond. The principal limitation of the Bolton-Hunter method is that only 30-40% of the radioactive iodine is coupled to the protein due to rapid hydrolysis of the active ester in aqueous solution. Use of the Bolton-Hunter reagent does have the advantage that more of the biological function of the protein is retained than when proteins are directly radioiodinated.
Wood et al. reported another radioiodination method in their article, "The Radioactive Labeling of Proteins with an Iodinated Amidination Reaction", 69 Analytical Biochemistry 339-349 (1975). The Wood method involves the Chloromine-T radioiodination of methyl-p-hydroxybenzimidate hydrochloride ortho to the hydroxy group to produce a compound of the formula, ##STR4## which reacts with protein amino groups to form an amidine linkage. Use of the Wood reagent also avoids the direct contact of deleterious oxidizing agents with the protein; however, yields of radioiodinated compound are less than 20%, even after a 24 hour reaction period.
Another major problem with the Bolton-Hunter and Woods reagents is in vivo loss of radioiodine from the protein. Unassociated radioiodine accumulates in the thyroid and stomach and appears in the urine after administration of radioiodinated antibodies. Dehalogenation is believed to occur in vivo by hydrolytic and enzymatic processes as well as those mediated by binding of the protein to a cell. The Bolton-Hunter and Woods methods involve radiohalogenation of a phenyl ring which is activated by a hydroxy group, causing substitution at the ortho position. The presence of the hydroxy group ortho to the radiohalogen, however, renders the conjugate susceptible to both hydrolytic and enzymatic in vivo dehalogenation. Therefore, radiohalogenated conjugates which do not have a hydroxy group ortho to the halogen label on the phenyl ring have been sought.
Wilbur et al. European Patent 0 203 764 discloses substitution of radiohalogen on a non-activated aromatic ring for conjugation to proteins. According to Wilbur et al., a haloaryl compound is initially converted into an aryllithium compound, which, upon transmetalation with R.sub.3 SnCl (R=n--C.sub.4 H.sub.9 or CH.sub.3), HgX.sub.2, BX.sub.3 (X=halogen), or BZ.sub.3 (Z=alkyl or alkoxy), gives an appropriate organometallic derivative of Sn, Hg or B. Such organometallic derivatives are then utilized for site-specific radiohalogenation. The Wilbur et al. aryl compounds also have a non-activating short-chain substituent bearing a functional group suitable for conjugation to protein under conditions that preserve the biological activity of the protein.
Applicants have reported the radioiodination of proteins using the iodinated derivative, N-succinimidyl 3-(tri-n-butylstannyl) benzoate (Activated Tin-containing Ester, hereinafter "ATE") having the formula, ##STR5## Zalutsky et al., "A Method for the Radiohalogenation of Proteins Resulting in Decreased Thyroid Uptake of Radioiodine", 38 Appl. Radiat. Isot. 1051-1055 (1987). Radioiodination of ATE achieves 80% yield and proteins are coupled with the resulting labeled compound with greater than 60% efficiency. In vivo dehalogenation of [.sup.125 I]ATE-labeled goat IgG is reduced compared with dehalogenation goat IgG labeled using the Iodogen method.


A system for allocating resources across equipment that operate to serve one or more loads of a building. The system includes one or more memory devices storing instructions that cause one or more processors to receive operational data defining at least one of planned loads to be served by the equipment or utility rates for one or more time steps within a simulation period, determine whether the operational data define the planned loads or the utility rates for each time step within the simulation period, and in response to a determination that the operational data do not define the planned loads or the utility rates for each time step within the simulation period, identify one or more time steps for which the planned loads or the utility rates are not defined and initiate an action to define the planned loads or the utility rates for the identified time steps.

The present disclosure relates generally to a central plant or central energy facility that serves the energy loads of a building or campus. The present disclosure relates more particularly to systems and methods for viewing utility consumption data corresponding to a central plant or central energy facility.
A central plant typically include multiple subplants that serve different types of energy loads. For example, a central plant can include a chiller subplant that serves cooling loads, a heater subplant that serves heating loads, and/or an electricity subplant configured to serve electric loads. A central plant purchases resources from utilities to run the subplants to meet the loads.
Utility usage can be an important aspect in determining total utility cost for a particular central plant. As one example, energy consumption rates can change depending upon the load type, season, year, plant location, etc. To determine a total utility cost for a specified time frame, utility consumption data must generally be known for that time frame.

Quantitative monthly visual indicator to determine data availability for utility rates


A quick-stop mass retail system for ordering and purchasing articles from a remote location for pickup at an article pickup area at an automated store, comprising an interactive system for communicating a customer's purchase order for at least one article; a host computer adapted for receiving the customer's purchase order, processing the customer's purchase order, and storing the customer's purchase order in a database; a system for rapidly retrieving the article ordered by the customer from a storage location for the article at the automated store in response to customer purchase order information received from the host computer; and a system for retrieving identification information from the customer and communicating the same to the host computer; whereby the host computer enables the system for retrieving the article to provide the article to the article pickup area upon obtaining the identification information and comparing the identification information with the stored information in the customer's purchase order.

The present invention relates to a computer controlled mass retail system and method for ordering and purchasing articles. In particular, the system and method enables a customer to order one or more articles via an interactive telephone or data network communicating with a central processing center, where the article(s) are automatically retrieved from inventory and rapidly delivered to an article pickup area at an automated store. The system further permits a customer to order items in stock from an access terminal for immediate delivery to the article pickup area.
With the advent of modern telecommunications and computer systems, it has been found possible to enable consumers to shop for a variety of items without ever having to leave the home. In this regard, systems have been devised which enable the purchaser to call up a processing station or store and have orders filled and ready for customer pickup at a later time. An automated store system of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,746,130 ("the '130 Patent") issued to Bullas, which covers a computer controlled automated store system for dispensing stored articles from dispensers into specific containers that are identified with specific purchase orders. The containers are carried on a conveyor and identify themselves to the computer at each dispensing station and, under computer control, the ordered items are released from the dispensing stations into the containers. Attendants located at a packing station at the end of the conveyor pack the contents of each container for shipping and physically attach the invoice to the delivery cart in a bag. The packaged order is directed to an appropriate area in accordance with the shipping instructions contained on the invoice, such as a pickup station, delivery station, or "hold for future pickup" station, The customer either prepays for the order, or treats it as a charge or COD basis which will appear on the invoice and is addressed in a conventional manner at the time of pickup.
Another system for ordering articles from a remote location is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,195 issued to Herman, et al. ("the '195 Patent"). The '195 Patent teaches an automated video cassette dispensing system which permits the customer to automatically reserve a particular video cassette title via modem communications with a computer at a video cassette store. Alternatively, the customer can reserve a title via a telephone communication with a store attendant or by entering a coded title number on the telephone keypad. The video cassette is then held for pickup by the customer. As disclosed in the '195 Patent, the customer retrieves the reserved title by providing a membership card to an automated dispensing terminal located at the exterior of the video store.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,873 issued to Rex ("the '873 Patent") describes a closed transportation system for the handling and sorting of material such as mail. The system of the '873 Patent consists of self powered trolleys which run on a continuous track network. The destination and return routes of the trolleys of the '873 Patent are programmed by an operator at the point of package loading and the trolleys are guided around the network by track-side signposts.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,857 ("the '857 Patent") issued to Kissel also describes a transportation system consisting of specially constructed vehicles which have the ability to travel unidirectionally through a grid-patterned network of guideways. The system of the '857 Patent has the ability to transport an individual passenger or a unit of cargo.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,424 ("the '424 Patent") issued to O'Neill describes a method and apparatus for ground-based high speed transportation of passengers and/or freight in tunnels. In the transport system of the '424 Patent, passengers and/or freight are transported in vehicles containing a pressurizable cabin which are magnetically levitated as they move through the tunnels.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,119 ("the '119 Patent") issued to Nord describes a system for transporting, storing and retrieving goods within a warehouse. In the system of the '119 Patent, goods are loaded onto vehicles designed to move on a track system from a loading point to and from a multi-tier, multi-lane rack storing areas.
None of the prior art teaches a system which permits a customer located at a remote location such as his/her residence or business to automatically order articles and have them retrieved and automatically delivered to an article pickup area for customer pickup upon automated verification of the customer's identification and purchase order.


A cooking appliance including a cooktop incorporates a plurality of control element arrays for regulating spaced heating zones, a downdraft venting system that includes a grill provided on the cooktop, and a timing device. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, electronic control components are utilized and openings are formed in a ceramic-based face plate portion of the cooktop to accommodate mounting of the electronic control components generally flush with an exposed surface of the face plate portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to the art of cooking and, more particularly, to a control system for regulating the activation state of various heating elements, as well as a timer and downdraft fan, associated with a cooktop of a cooking appliance.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Both gas and electric cooking appliances are widely available in today""s marketplace. The cooktops associated with electric cooking arrangements employ either coiled, electric resistance burner elements which project slightly above the upper surface of the associated cooktop, or smooth cooktops. Smooth cooktops are formed of glass or ceramic-based, i.e., ceramic and glass-ceramic, materials.
Due to material characteristic limitations, care must be taken when forming a ceramic-based cooktop as the material can be subject to cracking and the like when stressed. This potential problem is of particular concern given that the ceramic-based cooktop must be free to flex during use. For at least these reasons, a ceramic-based cooktop will almost invariably be made as a plate extending in a single plane and without any openings. However, it has been proposed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,079, to create a bend at a rear section of a cooktop. Although controls for various heating elements are arranged adjacent to the bent zone of the cooktop, the controls are actually carried by a frame upon which the cooktop is supported. The upper surface of a ceramic-based cooktop is generally provided with a grid pattern to diminish the inherent transparent nature of the material. In the ""079 patented arrangement, small transparent regions are maintained to provide visual clarity of illuminated displays mounted below the cooktop.
In order to enhance the use and versatility of ceramic-based and other types of cooktops, it would be desirable to enable heating element control devices to be mounted in a convenient, readily available and effective manner to the cooktop. In addition, there exists a need for an efficient operator control system which is unobtrusive to the use of the cooktop, particularly when the controls are located along a front portion of the cooktop. Furthermore, a need exists for a versatile control system which extends beyond regulating heating elements to controlling other devices associated with the overall cooking appliance.
The present invention is directed to a cooking appliance including a cooktop, adapted to be mounted on a countertop or upon an appliance cabinet, which defines varies spaced heating zones, and a control arrangement for regulating the operation of heating elements arranged in the heating zones. The cooktop also preferably incorporates a downdraft venting system including a grill provided in a generally, laterally centered portion of the cooktop, with suitable controls for the downdraft venting system. Additional controls for a timer unit are also preferably provided. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, electronic control components are utilized and openings are formed in the cooktop to accommodate mounting of the electronic control components. Most preferably, the electronic control components are generally flush with an exposed surface of the cooktop to avoid the components being any type of obstruction during use of the cooktop.
Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent below from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.


A 3D result image of an object is reconstructed from a set of X-ray two-dimensional projections of the object. A 3D reference image of the object is reconstructed by employing a compressed sensing technique based on at least some of the 2D projections at a reference motion state of the object. By employing an algebraic and/or analytic reconstruction technique, 3D intermediate images are reconstructed for various motion states of the object. The 3D intermediate images are registered with the 3D reference image to obtain spatial transformations for the various motion states of the object. Based on the spatial transformations, the 3D intermediate images are transformed to a joint phase and combined to obtain the 3D result image.

Techniques are known which acquire X-ray two-dimensional projections of an object by employing an X-ray device. Such 2D projections of the object find application in various medical fields, including, but not limited to visual guidance during interventions.
Often, a three-dimensional reconstruction is desirable to further obtain depth information of the object. In such a case, a given pixel of a 3D image may be associated with a 3D position in space. Techniques are known which enable to reconstruct the 3D image from a plurality of 2D projections, e.g. the so-called Feldkamp-Davis-Kress(FDK)-algorithm, see "Practical Cone-Beam Algorithm" by L. A. Feldkamp, L. C. Davis, and J. W. Kress in J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 1 (1984) 612. The FDK algorithm and various derivations thereof are sometimes referred to as analytic reconstruction techniques. Furthermore, different kinds of algebraic reconstruction techniques are known for the 3D reconstruction, see "Simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (SART): a superior implementation of the art algorithm" by A. H. Andersen and A. C. Kak in Ultrason Imaging (1984) 6 (1984) 81-94. Typically, a considerable number of 2D projections needs to be acquired for successfully reconstructing the 3D image. This may lengthen measurement time and/or increase an X-ray dose exposure. Furthermore, so-called compressed sensing techniques have evolved, see, e.g., "Improved Total Variation-Based CT Image Reconstruction Applied to Clinical Data" by L. Ritschl et al. in Phys. Med. Biol. 56 (2011) 1545 and "Prior Image Constrained Compressed Sensing (PICCS): A Method to Accurately Reconstruct Dynamic CT Images from Highly Undersampled Projection Data Sets" by G-H. Chen, J. Tang, and S. Leng in Med. Phys. 35 (2008) 660. Such compressed sensing techniques typically rely on a limited underlying data set of 2D projections on which the reconstruction is based, sometimes referred to as sparsified image data. Here it is possible that comparably fewer image pixels of the 2D projections have significant image values and/or that comparably fewer 2D projections are used for the reconstruction. In such a scenario, employing conventional algebraic and/or analytic reconstruction techniques may not be possible or only possible to a limited degree; such that, in effect, the compressed sensing techniques enable to shorten the measurement time and reduce the X-ray dose exposure if compared to the conventional algebraic and/or analytic reconstruction techniques.
Yet, such compressed sensing techniques face certain restrictions. E.g., employing compressed sensing techniques may result in the reconstructed 3D image to have an artificial look and being smoothed if compared to conventional analytic reconstruction techniques, such as the FDK algorithm. Sometimes, the 3D images obtained by a compressed sensing technique are referred to as being piecewise constant in homogeneous regions and as omitting small structures. For example, fine structures and features of the object may be lost in the 3D image. This may limit the medical applicability of compressed sensing techniques.


In an illumination (or front light) system based on an optical waveguide for e.g. LCD devices, Moirxc3xa9 artefacts due to internal reflections in the optical waveguide are minimized by using microstructures (grooves) which have a curved shape or are pre-arranged at an angle.

The invention relates to a display device comprising an image display panel having a first substrate which is provided with electrodes at the area of pixels, and an illumination system comprising an optical waveguide of an optically transparent material having an exit face facing the image display panel and a plurality of end faces, at least one of said end faces, being an entrance face for light, while light can be coupled into said and face of the optical waveguide.
The image display panel may comprise an electro-optical medium (between two substrates) such as a liquid crystal material or an electrochromic material. It may also be based on electrostatic forces (deformable mirrors).
Such reflective display devices are used in, for example, portable apparatus such as laptop computers, mobile telephones, personal organizers, etc. With a view to saving energy, it is desirable that the light source can be switched off in the case of sufficient ambient light.
The invention also relates to an illumination system for use in such a display device.
A display device of the type mentioned above is described in xe2x80x9cCompact Front Lighting for Reflective Displaysxe2x80x9d, SD) 96 Applications Digest, pp 4346. This document shows an optical waveguide having a groove structure at the area of a first main face remote from the image display panel. The groove structure is necessary to deflect light rays into the direction of the image display panel. A problem in this case is that Fresnel reflections occur on various surfaces. In the relevant example, light is reflected on the side of the image display panel but also on faces of the underlying image display panel Qolarizers, retardation filters). Together with the groove structure, the light thus reflected gives rise to Moirxc3xa9 effects (artefacts). Such effects also occur in other optical waveguides with regularly spread parallel reflection patterns. These may be optical waveguides having a groove structure at the area of a second main face facing the image display panel. The optical waveguide may also have integrated reflection patterns, for example, when polarizing means are integrated in the optical wavegaide, in which an unpolarized beam from the light source is split up by polarization into two mutually perpendicularly polarized beam components. Such a polarization separation is obtained, for example, by causing the unpolarized beam to be incident on an interface between an area of isotropic material having a refractive index np and an area of anisotropic material having refractive indices no and ne, in which one of the two indices no or ne is equal or substantially equal to np. When an unpolarized beam is incident on such an interface, the beam component which does not experience any refractive index difference at the transition between isotropic and anisotropic material is passed in an undeflected form, whereas the other beam component is deflected or reflected.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to this problem. To this end, a display device (and an optical waveguide) according to the invention is characterized in that the optical waveguide has reflection patterns in the light path, which reflection patterns extend at least partly at an angle to the end face.
The phrase stating that the grooves xe2x80x9cextend at least partly at an angle to the end facexe2x80x9d does not necessarily exclude the presence of parallel grooves.
A first embodiment of a display device (and an optical waveguide) according to the invention is characterized in that the reflection patterns are curved with respect to the end face. Viewed in a direction parallel to the end face, the reflection patterns may have an iterative pattern, for example, a pattern of corrugations.
A second embodiment of a display device (and an optical waveguide) according to the invention is characterized in that the optical waveguide has a plurality of short reflection patterns which are mutually oriented in an arbitrary and different way.
Such reflection patterns do not only considerably reduce Moirxc3xa9 artefacts caused by the above-mentioned reflections but also Moirxc3xa9 patterns which are caused by interference phenomena due to reflection of light on a regular pattern in the display panel and transmission of light through an optical waveguide having parallel grooves. It is to be noted that EP-A-940 706 provides a solution to the last-mentioned problem (namely, by suitably choosing the mutual spacing between the grooves).
These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Display device with image display panel and illumination system


A zoom compact camera arranged such that, during a zooming procedure, the relative amount and speed of movement along the optical axis of a first movable barrel with respect to a second movable barrel are set to be substantially equal to the relative amount and speed of movement along the optical axis of the second movable barrel with respect to a third movable barrel. A linear guide barrel integrally moves with the third movable barrel, and is provided with a lead-in groove that runs parallel to the optical axis and the lead-in groove has a through-hole at the rear thereof. A flexible printed circuit board is arranged such that it extends rearward from an electrical unit, extends around the rear of the second movable barrel, extends inside the lead-in groove on the inner face of the linear guide barrel, extends around the front of the lead-in groove to be fixed to the outer face of the linear guide barrel, further extends along the outer face of the linear guide barrel, and then passes to the inner face of the linear guide barrel via the through-hole.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom compact camera. In particular, the present invention relates to a zoom lens barrel structure and flexible printed circuit board that is provided within the zoom lens structure.
2. Background of the Invention
In a lens-shutter type of camera having a zooming function ("zoom compact camera"), a lens barrel, and, in particular, a zoom lens barrel, is often provided with at least one movable barrel that moves away from and toward the camera along the optical axis. If an electrical unit, such as a shutter unit, is housed in the movable barrel, the shutter unit must be connected to the camera in order to receive control signals. Thus, the lens barrel is provided with a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) between the shutter unit and the camera to allow movement of the movable barrel with respect to the camera. However, a problem arises in that, as the movable barrel moves toward the camera, the flexible printed circuit board becomes slack and can interfere with the movement of the barrels or with the light coming through the camera aperture.
One conventional measure to control the above problem is to provide an area for taking-up and paying-out the slack part of the flexible printed circuit board. However, this method requires an extra mechanism for taking-up or paying-out the slack or requires extra space for storage of the slack.
Another measure is to provide a flexible printed circuit board that is formed with a spiral spring-like shape that is arranged around the inner diameter of the lens barrel such that, as the movable barrel extends, the flexible printed circuit board expands like a spring, and as the movable barrel retracts, the flexible printed circuit board also retracts like a spring under compression. However, this method requires that the lens barrel have a diameter that is sufficient to accommodate the flexible printed circuit board such that the flexible printed circuit board does not interfere with the light coming through the camera aperture.


Human Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has the formula: H-Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Pro- Ala-Glu-Asp-Met-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile- Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg -Tyr-NH.sub.2. Porcine and rat NPY have the same sequence except for Leu instead of Met in the 17-position. Porcine PYY is homologous having 11 different residues. NPY analogs and N-terminally-shortened fragments, e.g. NPY(18-36), which contain one or more specific D-isomer substitutions for the naturally occurring residues (as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof), dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or solid carrier, can be administered to mammals, including humans, to substantially lower blood pressure over an extended period of time or to counteract hypertension.

Experimental and clinical observations have supported the concept that neuropeptides play central roles in neurotransmission as well as the regulation of secretory functions of adenohypophysial, pancreatic, adrenalcortical and gut cells. Among the thirty or so neuropeptides that have been implicated in neuronal function in the mammalian central nervous system, several have also been suggested to function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators primarily in afferent neurons.
NPY is a 36-residue, amidated peptide hormone which was first isolated from porcine brain and characterized. NPY is anatomically co-distributed and co-released with norepinephrine in and from sympathetic postganglionic neurons. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system under physiologic circumstances, e.g. exercise, cold exposure, surgical stress, etc., promotes an elevation of plasma concentrations of NPY. NPY is believed to participate along with norepinephrine in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone and maintenance of blood pressure. In addition to the post-synaptic action to increase vascular smooth muscle tone, NPY may also act presynaptically to inhibit both its own release and that of norepinephrine. This mechanism is similar to the presynaptic actions of norepinephrine that, acting through certain receptors, facilitates a local feedback regulation of the neurohumoral regulation of blood pressure. Over the past 30 years, knowledge of norepinephrine's role in regulation of blood pressure has resulted in increasing our understanding of cardiovascular regulation and the successful development of a variety of pharmacotherapeutic substances used clinically to treat disorders of cardiovascular function. These compounds are, in general, structural analogs of norepinephrine and serve as either agonists or antagonists of norepinephrine to treat hypotension or hypertension, respectively. These drugs, however useful, have not solved the problems of management of a variety of cardiovascular disorders.
An additional action of NPY is to decrease cardiac contractility (inotropy). This is an extremely important action of NPY, because it is known that, under many circumstances in which inotropy is decreased, diseases of life-threatening importance, e.g. congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock, are associated with probable increased release of NPY into the blood. Prevention of NPY release, using a presynaptic NPY agonist, or NPY's action, using a postsynaptic NPY antagonist, may be beneficial in these disease states.
NPY has also been reported to produce coronary artery vasoconstriction and thereby may decrease myocardial blood flow resulting in myocardial ischemia. Such a circumstance can result in angina pectoris or, under more severe circumstances, may result in myocardial infarction and death. In recent years, several classes of drugs have proven effective in dilating coronary arteries to prevent such events. The use of analogs of NPY are expected to prove useful in treatment of such problems.
Porcine NPY has the formula (SEQ ID NO:1): Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Pro-Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu-Ala-Ar g-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg -Tyr, wherein the C-terminus is amidated. The formula of Human NPY has been deduced from clones obtained from total RNA by preparing cDNA and then employing DNA sequencing technologies and is accepted to be (SEQ ID NO:2): Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Pro-Ala-Glu-Asp-Met-Ala-Ar g-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg -Tyr, wherein the C-terminus is amidated.
Peptide YY (porcine) (PYY) has the formula (SEQ ID NO:3): Tyr-Pro-Ala-Lys-Pro-Glu-Ala-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Ser-Pro-Glu-Glu-Leu-Ser-Ar g-Tyr-Tyr-Ala-Ser-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Val -Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr, wherein the C-terminus is amidated.

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