An SOI structure semiconductor integrated circuit is disclosed that reduces the number of power supply wires setting substrate potential of a semiconductor element and reduces power consumption. With an SOI structure semiconductor integrated circuit, a first circuit block 51 does not include a critical path and a second circuit block 61 does include a critical path. First power supply wiring 28 supplies a first power supply and second power supply wiring 29 supplies a second power supply of a high-voltage compared to the first power supply. A wiring section 71 (P-channel first substrate power supply wiring and P-channel first power supply wiring) supplies the first power supply as a substrate power supply for P-channel elements of the first circuit block 51 and a source power supply. A wiring section 91 (P-channel second substrate power supply wiring) supplies the first power supply as a substrate power supply for P-channel elements of a second circuit block 61, and a wiring section 81 (P-channel second power supply wiring) supplies the second power supply as a source power supply for P-channel elements of the second circuit block 61.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit, and specifically relates to lowering power consumption of a system LSI (Large Scale Integration).
2. Description of Related Art
Technology referred to as dual threshold voltage/power supply voltage (hereinafter described as "dual Vt/Vdd") exists as a design method for lowering LSI power consumption. This technology is designed in the following manner.
With a semiconductor element forming a critical path, the threshold voltage (Vt) is lowered, and the power supply voltage (Vdd) is raised. On the other hand, with a semiconductor element that does not form a critical path, the threshold voltage (Vt) is raised, and the power supply voltage (Vdd) is lowered.
Power consumption at the time of operation of the LSI, as well as sub-threshold leakage current and sub-threshold leakage current when the system LSI is in standby, are reduced using the aforementioned design technology. A specific example for implementing the above content is disclosed in claim 2 of Japanese patent document 1 (Japanese patent Laid-open publication No. 2001-016592), for example. Further, results of reduced power consumption of 60 to 65% when applying the technology disclosed in non-patent publication 1 (David Kung, et al., "Pushing ASIC Performance in a Power Envelope", DAC 2003, Jun. 2, 2003) to actual LSI's are disclosed.
However, there are problems with LSI's of the related art where compatibility cannot be achieved when functions divided between a plurality of LSI's are mounted on a single system LSI. For example, when the process technology becomes 90 nm to 65 nm, it is possible to integrate several hundred million transistors (Tr) on a single chip of a system LSI.
To give an example, conventionally, an audio processing function, a photographic image processing function such as, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) processing, and an image processing function such as, for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 processing have been implemented using individual chips. However, it has become possible to implement these functions on a single system LSI.
Further, semiconductor integrated circuits having an SOI (Silicon On Insulator) structure have been developed and market expansion is anticipated. Currently, dual Vt/Vdd technology is effective technology for semiconductor integrated circuits employing normal silicon substrates, and is also technology exhibiting this value for semiconductor integrated circuits having an SOI structure.
However, in the event that dual Vt/Vdd technology is used in semiconductor integrated circuits having an SOI structure, specific problems exist for SOI structure semiconductor integrated circuits that do not exist in semiconductor integrated circuits employing normal silicon substrates.
For example, with SOI structure semiconductor integrated circuits, substrate potential can be set each P-channel semiconductor element and each N-channel semiconductor element. This will bring about various benefits in the future but also conversely raises a new problem of how to set substrate potential of P-channel semiconductor elements and N-channel semiconductor elements while reducing the amount of power supply wiring.

Semiconductor integrated circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing method

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An unit (317, 318) acquires identification information from a camera (101R) (left camera 101L). The unit (303, 312) checks a connection state based on the identification information, and determines the subsequent operation. A unit (305) transmits position and orientation information of the camera (101R) to an apparatus (206). A unit (308) outputs a composite image of a virtual space image generated based on the position and orientation information and a captured image input by a unit (302) to an HMD (100). A unit (313) calculates the position and orientation of the camera (101L) using position and orientation relationship information and the position and orientation information. An unit (316) outputs a composite image of a virtual space image generated based on the position and orientation of the camera (101L), and a captured image input by a unit (311) to the HMD (100).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for stereoscopic viewing.
2. Description of the Related Art
A VR (Virtual Reality) system presents a three-dimensional (3D) CG (Computer Graphic) picture created by a computer to the user to make him or her experience a virtual space as if it were a physical space.
In recent years, a technique for presenting, to the user, information which does not actually exist on the physical space by compositing a 3D CG on a picture of the physical space has been developed. Such technique is called an MR (Mixed Reality) system. This MR system draws attention as a technique that aims at the coexistence of a virtual space which could be experienced in only a situation separated from the physical space, and the physical space, and augments the virtual space.
As a representative apparatus which implements a system (VR/MR system) that allows the coexistence of the virtual and physical spaces, a head mounted display (HMD) is known. In the VR/MR system, by displaying the virtual or physical space on the HMD, the virtual space and mixed reality space can be presented to the user who wears the HMD (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-159019).
FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the user wears a stereoscopic video see-through HMD 100 (to be simply referred to as an HMD 100 hereinafter). The HMD 100 has an outer appearance shape similar to spectacles or goggles, and a display device 102R for the right eye and display device 102L for the left eye, which are such as LCDs, are arranged in the HMD 100. The display device 102R for the right eye will be referred to as a right display device 102R, and the display device 102L for the left eye will be referred to as a left display device 102L hereinafter. Upon acquiring a stereoscopic video picture by video cameras equipped in the HMD 100, a stereoscopic video camera 101R for the right eye and stereoscopic video camera 101L for the left eye are arranged in the vicinity of, e.g., the viewpoint position of the user (wearer). The stereoscopic video camera 101R for the right eye will be referred to as a right camera 101R, and the stereoscopic video camera 101L for the left eye will be referred to as a left camera 101L hereinafter.
In order to implement stereoscopic viewing (to present a stereoscopic image to the user), a pair of images having disparity like images for the right and left eyes need to be generated and be displayed on the display devices for the right and left eyes. In order to generate images having disparity, the disparity between the right and left eyes, i.e., the position and orientation of the other camera viewed from one camera need to be calculated. As a method of calculating this, a method of capturing a plurality of test images by the cameras for the right and left eyes, and calculating the position and orientation relationship between the cameras from the plurality of test images is known.
Conventionally, images for the right and left eyes are generated using one image processing apparatus. However, in order to speed up image generation, the images for the right and left eyes may be generated by independent image processing apparatuses. In such arrangement, in order to calculate the positions and orientations of the cameras for the right and left eyes, the user must define, in advance, the connection relationship between the image processing apparatuses connected to these cameras. However, when the user defines a wrong connection relationship upon actually connecting the image processing apparatuses, the connected image processing apparatuses cannot correctly calculate the positions and orientations of the cameras for the right and left eyes.

System for obtaining connection relationships between stereoscopic image processing devices


A handheld computer comprises a generally rectangular housing and a cover movably connected thereto by a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a tubular member or arm that has one end fixedly (non-rotatably) secured to an edge of the cover and an opposite end pivotally coupled to an edge of the cover. The hinge assembly enables the cover to be moved to at least three different positions. The cover provides a different function in each position. The hinge assembly comprises a pin and slot arrangement.

Handheld computers, including personal digital assistants ("PDAs") and palm-sized computers, traditionally provide the user with a wide variety of functions, such as a calendar, an address book, a task list, a notepad, and a calculator. More advanced handheld computers also provide the user with functions such as email access, real-time internet access and web browsing.
Most handheld computers, such as the PalmPilot™, Palm III™, Palm V™, and Palm VI™ organizers manufactured by the Palm Corporation, have an outer enclosure or housing consisting of mating front and back shells coupled together by screws. The front and back shells enclose the electronic components of the handheld computer. Handheld computers typically include a display and one or more application buttons accessible on the front of the computer. The display may be a touch-sensitive screen that accepts entry from a stylus or pointer device, which often can be stored in a slot formed in the housing when not in use. The more advanced handheld computers may also include components for enabling advanced functionality.
With most handheld computers, a separate flexible or rigid case is available for protecting the handheld computer, and particularly the display screens, when not in use. These cases must be stored or accounted for when the handheld computer is in use to prevent loss.
With certain handheld computers, a separate case is not required because the encasement or housing includes a hinged cover that can be pivoted from a closed position that protects the display to an open position that allows access to the display. In the most typical arrangements, the cover is hingedly attached to the computer housing by a pair of hinges that allow the cover to pivot 180° to the side of the housing or 360° to the rear of the housing. The 180° pivot arrangement (or book open style) can be disadvantageous when desk space is limited or the computer is being held in the user's hand because the "footprint" of the handheld computer is doubled in this configuration. The 360° pivot arrangement does not have the disadvantage of an increased footprint, however, the heretofore known 360° hinge arrangements are relatively complex multiple linkage structures.
Another common aspect of handheld computers having hinged covers is that the display screens and application buttons typically face directly upward when the computer is placed on a horizontal work surface. At this angle, it can be difficult to operate the computer and view the display screen. To address this problem, it is known to provide a separate stand or cradle that supports the computer housing at an angle relative to the horizontal worksurface. However, the use of a separate cradle is disadvantageous because, like the separate cases, the cradle must be separately accounted for and stored when not in use. In addition, the heretofore known cradles are relatively bulky structures and thus they are cumbersome to transport and store when not in use.
Although some recently designed handheld computers have encasements with hinged covers that can be reconfigured to function as a stand or base to position the computer housing at a desirable working angle, the hinges of these arrangements are relatively complex multi-part structures. Moreover, the hinges typically allow rotation of the cover in very limited ways.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a handheld computer with an encasement including a hinged cover having a simplified hinge structure that enables the cover to be reconfigured in multiple ways to provide multiple functions.


Systems, methods and computer program products enabling customers to communicate requests to travel experts located in a cities around the globe. A particular customer's request is received by one or more experts located in a city to which the consumer has expressed interest in travelling. The one or more experts respond to the customer request by providing the customer information or offering to help the customer with travel arrangements. Because the experts are located in travel destinations the experts have special knowledge regarding travel inquiries related to the city to which the customer wishes to travel. Communication between the customers and experts may be facilitated, coordinated and monitored through the use of a destination expert server in communication with the customers and experts via the Internet.

The number of consumers accessing the Internet has increased dramatically over the past few years, and will continue to do so, as the ease, availability and speed of the Internet continues to improve. As a result, the Internet has become an important business and consumer tool facilitating the distribution of information and the exchange of services and business. One type of business which has been available on the Internet in recent years are businesses relating to travel services. Airlines, rental car companies, travel agents, and the like have established Internet web sites, through which information can be obtained regarding travel arrangements. Through many of these websites, booking or travel reservations can be placed. For instance, a consumer wishing to fly to a particular city can make flight reservations directly via an Internet web site. Such services are very convenient for both the business and recreational traveler, who can quickly make affordable travel arrangements with a minimum of effort.
A shortcoming of conventional Internet travel services sites, however, is the inability of travelers to obtain information about a prospective travel destination interactively when lack of personal contact with travel experts coupled with the convenience of booking reservations via the Internet. For instance, many travel sites offer consumers the ability to book arrangements, though the traveler must have done all their research and decided on the specific details of their trip before going to the travel sit to book their travel arrangements without offering access to travel experts who can answer specific questions regarding travel to a particular city. Furthermore, other Internet sites, which offer travel related advice, do not necessarily offer specialized knowledge regarding travel to a particular travel destination. Even more, such sites do not enable consumers to interactively obtain information about a particular travel destination.
Therefore, what is needed are systems, methods and computer program products that enable consumers to easily and efficiently obtain travel related information and book travel arrangements.

Systems, methods and computer program products for receiving and responding to customer requests for travel related information

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.


A printing apparatus includes a head and a drive signal generating section. The head has an element performing operation for ejecting ink and ejects a plurality of types of inks, an amount of each ink ejected by the head being different depending on a designated tone value. The drive signal generating section generates a drive signal having a waveform section for operating the element and generates a plurality of types of the drive signals for a specific tone value, the waveform section of each of the drive signals for the specific tone value being different depending on the types of inks.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.
2. Related Art
An inkjet printing apparatus is an apparatus which performs printing by ejecting ink from a head. The inkjet printing apparatus includes apparatuses such as a printer, a plotter, or a facsimile. Some of these printing apparatuses control operation of elements provided in a head by drive signals and eject ink; wherein an amount of ink is different depending on a tone level (see JP-A-10-193587, for example). The above-mentioned apparatuses perform such control using four tone levels: non-formation of a dot, a small dot, a medium dot, and a large dot. Thus, four-types of drive signals are generated and are applied to elements.
Some of the above-mentioned printing apparatuses eject a plurality of types of inks whose color and color material (dye or pigment) are different. In the printing apparatuses, the types of drive signals applied to elements are the same regardless of the type of ink.
In case of control as mentioned above, there is a problem that graininess deteriorates. It can be considered that the problem is caused because the perceived size of a dot is different depending on the type of ink with which the dot is formed even if an amount of ink used for formation of the dot is the same. For example, in case of a printing apparatus which performs printing by ejecting light ink and dark ink of a same color, a dot formed with light ink tends to be visually perceived larger than a dot formed with dark ink. This tendency becomes more conspicuous at a somewhat high tone level. Therefore, if an amount of ink used for dot-formation is the same between light ink and dark ink, the difference in size between a medium dot and a large dot which are formed with light ink becomes excessively great, for example, and this causes graininess to deteriorate.


In a mobile station terminal apparatus during connection of a call, the received energies of pilot signals transmitted from neighbor base stations in a CDMA system are monitored. Upon disconnection of the call, a process of pilot signal detection is executed repeatedly and preferentially in order from an Active Set of pilot signals having great received energies, on the basis of the result of monitoring the received energies of the pilot signals during connection of the call, whereby the mobile communication terminal apparatus is enabled quickly and efficiently to receive signals from the base stations in the same CDMA system and can be quickly placed again in the waiting state ready to accept a mobile communication service.

The present invention relates to a method for detection of a pilot signal provided from a base station in a mobile communication system employing CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) for example and required for demodulating a signal from the base station, and also relates to a radio communication terminal apparatus adopting such a detection method.
In communications where a multiplicity of mobile stations share a single base station in common, it is generally customary to employ a technique of frequency division multiple access, time division multiple access or code division multiple access in order to avoid interference between the communication channels of the mobile stations. Each of such techniques has individual characteristics respectively, and an appropriate one is selectively employed in compliance with the purpose of the communication system.
For example, in code division multiple access (hereinafter referred to as CDMA), a specific code assigned to each channel, e.g., PN (pseudo-random noise sequence) code, is used for spreading modulated waves of one carrier frequency to another band wider than the original frequency band (hereinafter referred to as spread spectrum), and the modulated waves processed by such spread spectrum are multiplexed and transmitted. And the received spread spectrum signal is synchronized with the PN code supplied via a subject demodulation channel, whereby only the desired channel alone is identified.
More specifically, first on the transmission side, different PN codes are assigned to the channels individually. In this case, the PN codes are composed of pseudo-random noise sequences. On the transmission side, modulated waves to be transmitted via the relevant channels are multiplied by mutually different PN codes to be thereby processed through spread spectrum. In this stage, the modulated waves to be transmitted have already been processed through predetermined modulation prior to such spread spectrum. The modulated waves thus processed by spread spectrum are then multiplexed and transmitted.
Subsequently on the reception side, the received signal sent from the transmission side is processed through inverse spread spectrum by synchronous multiplication of the same PN code as that assigned to the subject demodulation channel, so that only the modulated waves transmitted via the desired channel alone can be demodulated.
According to such CDMA, communication can be performed directly per call only if the mutually identical code is preset on both the transmission and reception sides. In the CDMA where a process of spread spectrum is executed for modulated waves by the use of different PN codes with regard to the respective channels, the reception side is capable of demodulating only the spread spectrum signal transmitted thereto via the subject demodulation channel, and superior maintenance of privacy can be achieved since the PN codes are composed of pseudo-random noise sequences.
Also in the mobile communication system employing such CDMA, each base station on the transmission side sends PN codes repeatedly as pilot signals for attaining synchronism in the mobile stations, keeping the synchronism and further for reproducing clock pulses. And in each mobile station on the reception side, the pilot signals sent from a plurality of base stations are detected, and the timings of detection are allocated to the individual demodulators respectively. Each mobile station generates a PN code in its demodulator. The demodulator then demodulates the spread spectrum signal, which is transmitted from the desired base station, through multiplication by the generated PN code at the allocated timing.
Thus, in the CDMA mobile communication system, the base stations send PN codes of mutually different timings as pilot signals. Each mobile station detects the timing of the pilot signal supplied from the desired base station, then synchronizes the PN code, which is generated in its demodulator, with the detected timing, and executes inverse spread spectrum by the use of the PN code as mentioned, thereby properly demodulating only the spread spectrum signal transmitted from the desired base station.
Although the base stations transmit PN codes of mutually different timings as described, the PN codes themselves are in the same code pattern. That is, the timing difference between the different pilot signals of the individual base stations corresponds directly to the difference between the PN codes of the base stations.
In the mobile communication system, any mobile station such as a radio communication terminal is normally placed in a service waiting state after being switched on and synchronized with the system. In this case, a mobile communication service denotes a call or the like rendered by telephone service. The mobile station settles a call to receive a mobile communication service and, after completion of the service, disconnects the call to be thereby placed in a service waiting state again.
After such disconnection of the call, it is desired that the mobile station be reset immediately to a state ready for receiving a mobile communication service again. For example, according to the CDMA standardized as IS-95 in U.S.A., it is prescribed to receive the same CDMA system after the mobile station disconnects a call. More concretely, it is prescribed to receive a pilot signal of the same frequency provided by the same CDMA system managerial proprietor.
As for a method of detecting a pilot signal after disconnection of a call, it may be considered to employ the same pilot signal detection method as that used when switching on the mobile station. In this case, for detection of the pilot signal, an integration of 128 chips is executed, and one period (32,768 chips) of a PN code is detected. Supposing now that one chip corresponds approximately to 0.8 xcexcsecond as prescribed in the IS-95, then the time required for detecting the pilot signal is
128 chipsxc3x9732,768 chips=4,194,304 chips=Approx. 3.4 secondsxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
Thus, due to such detection of the pilot signal from the base station after disconnection of each call in the same manner as in switching on, the mobile station fails to be placed immediately in a waiting state and needs a lapse of approximately 3.4 seconds after disconnection of each call, so that no service is receivable during that time. For this reason, there is demanded an improved pilot signal detection method which enables any mobile station to receive a pilot signal fast and efficiently from the base station in the same CDMA system and further enables the mobile station to be reset quickly to a state ready for receiving a mobile communication service.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pilot signal detection method which enables a mobile station to receive a signal fast with high efficiency in the same CDMA system after disconnection of each call and is capable of resetting the mobile station to a waiting state ready for accepting the provision of a mobile communication service.
And another object of the present invention resides in providing a radio communication terminal apparatus adopting such a pilot signal detection method.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pilot signal detection method carried out in a CDMA radio communication terminal apparatus. The detection method comprises the steps of detecting, during connection of a channel, the received energies of a plurality of pilot signals transmitted from a plurality of base stations, then monitoring and storing the detected energies of the plural pilot signals and, when connecting the channel again after disconnection thereof, detecting the timings of the pilot signals preferentially in order from the pilot signal of the greatest received energy on the basis of the result of monitoring the stored energies of the plural pilot signals.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a CDMA radio communication terminal apparatus which comprises a detection means for detecting, during connection of a channel, the received energies of a plurality of pilot signals transmitted from a plurality of base stations; a monitor means for monitoring and storing the detected energies of the plural pilot signals; and a control means for controlling the detection means in such a manner that, when connecting the channel again after disconnection thereof, the timings of the pilot signals are detected preferentially in order from the pilot signal of the greatest received energy on the basis of the result of monitoring the stored energies of the plural pilot signals.
Thus, in detecting a new pilot signal after disconnection of each call, the base-station pilot signal of the greatest received energy can be preferentially searched on the basis of the result of monitoring the received energies of the pilot signals from the base stations prior to disconnection of the call, hence realizing fast and efficient re-acquisition of the pilot signal after disconnection of the call.
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which will be given with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings.

Pilot signal detection and radio communication terminal apparatus


Disclosed is an ophthalmic composition for a soft contact lens, which is characterized in that the adsorption of a terpenoid contained in the composition onto a soft contact lens is reduced. The ophthalmic composition comprises a combination of Component (A) 0.005 to 0.01 wt % of a terpenoid and Component (B) alginic acid and/or a salt thereof.

Because SCLs are made of materials having a high water content and flexibility, they can provide a more comfortable fit for wearers, and can be worn for a long period of time compared with hard contact lenses. Therefore they have been widely used. With the increase in the number of SCL users, recently, ophthalmic compositions for SCL (including eye drops and eye washes that can be used when wearing SCLs, wetting and rewetting drops for SCL, SCL care solutions, and the like) containing various components have also been proposed. Of these compositions, ophthalmic compositions for SCL comprising a terpenoid such as menthol or camphor have attracted attention, because they are expected to have an effect of alleviating stimulation, thus reducing discomfort, or providing a cool and refreshing feeling.
However, SCLs have a specific problem in that terpenoids adsorb to the SCLs. When terpenoids adsorb to and deposit on an SCL, the SCL may be deformed, and this sometimes causes a decrease in wettability, or an adverse affect on feeling while wearing, such as a foreign-body feeling or discomfort. For this reason, when a terpenoid is added to ophthalmic compositions for SCL (including eye drops and eye washes that can be used when wearing SCLs, wetting and rewetting drops for SCL, SCL care solutions, and the like), it is essential to suppress the adsorption of the terpenoid.
It has hitherto been reported that the addition of a surfactant is effective for reducing the adsorption of a terpenoid to an SCL. When a surfactant is added, however, defects such as coloring of the resulting ophthalmic composition for SCL can be caused depending on the type or proportion of the surfactant; there can also be disadvantages such as difficulty in handling during production because of bubbling. Under such circumstances, the development of a novel technique for suppressing the adsorption of a terpenoid to an SCL has been demanded.
On the other hand, alginic acid forms gel (becoming more viscous) by being partially cross-linked with a divalent or higher valent cation such as a Ca2+ ion, and it is already recognized that the alginic acid is an available component in the ophthalmic field (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, it has also been found that when an eye drop comprising alginic acid is applied to an eye, Ca2+ ions existing on an ocular mucosa are contacted with the alginic acid to make the eye drop gel (become more viscous) on the ocular mucosa, and therefore the alginic acid is useful for improving the retention of the eye drop on the ocular mucosa and maintaining effects produced by active ingredients. However, it has not been reported that 0.005% by weight or more of a terpenoid is used together with alginic acid in an ophthalmic composition for an SCL. Additionally, it is not entirely understood what effect the alginic acid exerts on the adsorption of the terpenoid within such a concentration range to the SCL.    Patent Document 1—Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-332248

Ophthalmic composition for soft contact lens comprising terpenoid


There is disclosed a number of rare-earth chelitte compounds which are useful for fluorescent thermal imaging applications over a wide temperature range. Several of these materials are ideal for particular imaging applications. Between EuTFC and EuHFC films, the entire temperature range of 30-300.degree. K. can be covered. The temperature sensitivity and other film properties may be tailored by varying the polymer in which the film is dissolved or changing from a dissolved film to a vacuum sublimated film.

Many rare-earth chelate compounds exhibit bright, narrow band fluorescence when illuminated with ultraviolet light. Thermal activation of a radiationless decay channel in some of these compounds causes the quantum yield of this fluorescence to exhibit a dependence on temperature. Thus, fluorescence micrographs of thin films of such materials contain information about the temperature field or profile of the surface of the underlying substrate which can be extracted by conventional image processing techniques. This technique can have high (sub-micron) spatial resolution as well as superior temperature sensitivity and resolution.
The aforementioned technique is particularly useful in the fabrication, testing and evaluation of solid state electronic devices whereby measurement of the temperature profiles during operation of the device is utilized as a quality control to detect elements operating below specification, as indicated by an abnormal temperature profile. It is also useful in obtaining temperature profiles of the surface of biological bodies and for the determination of the temperature of the surface of a body having a uniform temperature.
Details of the application of rare-earth chelate films for this purpose and the mode of operation, methods and apparatus embodying this technique can be found by reference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,455,741 and 4,819,658 issued to Paul R. Kolodner on Jun. 26, 1984 and Apr. 11, 1989, respectively, which patents are incorporated herein by reference. The particular films taught in those patents are films of EuFOD and EuTTA doped in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix. These films are suitable for obtaining temperature profiles near or above room temperature.

Fluorescent thermal imaging using rare-earth chelate films


Capacitor elements are connected in series and charged until a voltage between terminals of a capacitor element whose capacitance is lowest among the capacitor elements reaches a withstanding voltage. When the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor element reaches the withstanding voltage, the capacitor elements are connected in parallel, and electric charge of the capacitor element is transferred to the other capacitor elements. Hereafter, an operation of switching between series connection and parallel connection is repeated such that the capacitor elements are connected in series and charged again when the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor element is reduced to a full charge voltage due to an outflow of the electric charge, and the capacitor elements are connected in parallel when the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor element reaches the withstanding voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a charging apparatus which can rapidly charge and a charging method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, various charging apparatuses including electric double-layer capacitors have been developed. For example, in Japanese Patent No. 3738617, there has been disclosed a charging apparatus in which the control of switching between series connection and parallel connection of a plurality of electric double-layer capacitors is performed at every constant cycle. In this charging apparatus, when connected in series, the plurality of electric double-layer capacitors are charged. In contrast, when the plurality of electric double-layer capacitors are connected in parallel, a charge voltage is monitored and, when the charge voltage exceeds a reference voltage, the charge of electricity to the plurality of electric double-layer capacitors is stopped.
In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3738617, since the control of switching between series connection and parallel connection of a plurality of electric double-layer capacitors is performed at every constant cycle and the plurality of electric double-layer capacitors are charged when they are connected in series, there is a problem in that a consecutive charging operation cannot be performed and therefore rapid charge cannot be performed.


Community-based rating information is generated about a Web site, Web page or other network-accessible content for use in Web filtering operations. The rating information may relate to the appropriateness of the content for a particular audience or audiences, such as for children or for children of different age groups. The rating information is based on feedback provided by users who have accessed the content in question. Where the group of users providing feedback is sufficiently large, the rating assigned to the content will tend to accurately reflect community standards. Also, because the rating information is based on user feedback, the rating information can change over time to reflect changing community attitudes towards content.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for controlling access to Web sites, Web pages and other network-accessible content.
2. Background
The Internet is a dangerous place for children. For example, using a Web browser, a child may intentionally or accidentally access Web sites that contain sexually explicit content (such as pornography), that contain violence or other forms of graphic or "extreme conduct," that promote bigotry or hate speech, or that promote gambling, recreational drug use, or alcohol consumption. Furthermore, many Web sites provide social networking opportunities that may expose children to sexual predators. Consequently, many parents reasonably fear for their children's online experience. Yet there is much that is good for children on the Web, too. The problem is how to let children on the Web without watching them incessantly.
Automated solutions exist in the form of Web filtering software (also referred to as "Internet filtering software" or "content control software"). Such software is designed and optimized for controlling what content a user is permitted to access on a particular machine or network. Such software may be used by parents who wish to limit what Web sites their children may view from home computers, by schools performing the same function with regard to computers found at school, and by employers restricting what content may be viewed by employees while on the job.
Web filtering software is limited in that it applies rigid algorithms to determine which Web sites will be blocked and which will not. These algorithms are often inexact. As a result, content that is entirely appropriate for children is sometimes blocked while content that is inappropriate for children is sometimes allowed to pass. Since conventional Web filtering software cannot be made to "learn" from such mistakes, there is no real way to remedy this issue.
Furthermore, the algorithms used by Web filtering software reflect only a single viewpoint with respect to what constitutes inappropriate or undesired content. A parent or other user that employs the software may have a different viewpoint. This different viewpoint may be rooted in any number of factors, including but not limited to age, upbringing, education, profession, religious affiliation and/or community standards. If the viewpoint provided by the software does not match that of the user employing the software, then the filter may be perceived as too wide, too narrow, or both depending on the subject matter being filtered.
Additionally, Web filtering software is typically binary in the sense that it will either block a Web site or pass a Web site for every user of the machine or network upon which the software is installed. However, within a household, there may be one user for which certain types of Web sites are deemed appropriate and another user for which the same types of Web sites are deemed inappropriate. For example, a parent may wish to allow a teenager access to certain types of Web sites but prohibit a toddler from accessing those same Web sites. Current Web filtering software does not provide this capability.
What is needed then is, is a system and method for controlling access to Web sites, Web pages and other network-accessible content that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings of conventional Web filtering software.


A block level data snapshot system uses agents to convert block level file commands from devices such as computer workstations intended for block level devices such as hard disks. The block level file commands are converted into instructions for a node based snapshot data system for taking snapshots at the block level. By converting the block level file commands into instructions suitable for the node based snapshot system, snapshots are able to be taken at the block level, which allows for disk storage savings and speed enhancements. One resultant feature is that the block level data snapshot system can be used as a block level storage device for one or more workstations thus allowing relatively simple integration of a snapshot system with existing workstations.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to creating a snapshot of data.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional approaches have been used to create snapshots of file system data that represent the state of the data at the time the snapshot was taken. Consequently, snapshots are static in that they do not change as the underlying file system data changes. Their utility has been proven in areas for backup and recovery of file system data and in tracking changes to data that occur over a period of time.
Conventional approaches are able to take snapshots without having to copy all the file system data thus drastically reducing storage requirements. Unfortunately, these conventional approaches typically copy all the directory information of the file system as part of the snapshot. This directory information by itself can be very large thereby lowering system performance and increasing storage requirements. More recent approaches have been able to reduce the amount of directory information required for each snapshot, however, these approaches still focus on the file level whereas much of the time, modifications do not occur on entire files but rather on portions of the files.

Block level data snapshot system and method


An in-house paging system includes a call controller connected to an in-house switching unit for providing an interfacing process in response to a call request from an extension terminal. A plurality of transmitting units are connected to the call controller through a signal line and a power source line. A pager terminal is provided for notifying a maintenance staff of a call signal from a transmitting unit on receipt of the signal. The transmitting unit comprises a detecting unit for detecting whether or not an abnormal condition arises in a signal line or a power source line to a call controller and a signal/power-source line abnormal signal transmitting unit for transmitting abnormal condition information to the pager terminal when the detecting unit detects an abnormal condition in the signal line or the power source line. A battery as a backup power supply unit is used in case of power disconnection.

The present invention relates to an in-house paging system capable of issuing a call request to a pager terminal through an in-house switching unit.
Recently, the in-house paging system has been widely used in hotels, office buildings, etc. With this in-house paging system, units and devices are connected through signal lines and power source lines. When an abnormal condition such as defective disconnection arises in these signal lines or power source lines, it must be notified immediately to a maintenance staff, etc. and monitored by a reasonably priced abnormal condition monitor.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for indicating an in-house paging system of the prior art technology. In FIG. 1, 1 is an in-house switching unit (PBX) for accommodating a plurality of extension terminals 2-1 and 2-2.
4 is a call controller connected to the in-house switching unit 1 for interfacing in response to a call request from the extension terminals 2. It comprises a plurality of a call control interface units 401, a controller 402 having its own memory 403, and a modem 404.
The call control interface units 401 are provided between the in-house switching unit 1 and the controller 402 and control the transmission of data, etc. between them. Each call control interface unit 401 comprises a PBX interface unit 4011, a voice generator 4012 for generating a voice message to the extension terminals 2, and a DTMF detector 4013 for detecting a DTMF signal issued by the extension terminals 2 from a dial or pushbutton phone unit.
The controller 402 comprises a microprocessor unit (MPU) for sending a necessary control signal to each of the call control interface unit 401 and the modem 404.
The modem 404 modulates/demodulates a signal to and from a transmitting unit 5 if necessary.
5 indicates a plurality of transmitting units connected to the call controller 4 and distributed to a number of points. One transmitting unit 5 comprises a modem 501, an encoder 502, a decoder 503, a sending or transmitting unit 504, a receiving unit 505, a controller 506, a switch 507, and an antenna 508.
The modem 501 modulates/demodulates a signal to and from the call controller 4, if necessary. The encoder 502 encodes a signal from the modem 501. The decoder 503 decodes a signal and then sends it to the modem 501. The sending unit 504 pre-processes for transmission a signal from the encoder 502 then transmits it through the switch 507 and the antenna 508. The receiver 505 pre-processes for transmission a signal received through the antenna 508. The controller 506 controls the switching operation of switches, etc. The switch 507 receives a signal from the controller 506 and switches it to the sending or the receiving units.
A pager terminal 6 receives a call signal from the transmitting unit 5 through a wireless transmission line and notifies the maintenance staff of it. A plurality of pager terminals 6 can be provided within the area of one transmitting unit 5.
In the above described configuration, a call request from an extension terminal (phone unit) 2 to the pager terminal 6 is transmitted by the in-house switching unit 1 to the controller 402 after the requesting terminal is identified through the PBX interface 4011.
The controller 402 compares the transmitted number with the contents of the memory 403 to determine whether or not the number is in active service. If yes, it controls the voice generator 4012 to make an announcement such as "Enter a message," then enters the wait state for the input of DTMF.
If not in active service, the controller 402 controls the voice generator 4012 to make an announcement such as "Not in active service", and controls the PBX interface 4011 to disconnect the line to the in-house switching unit 1 after the announcement.
On receiving a DTMF signal, the DTMF detector 4013 detects the number of the depressed button, and outputs the result to the controller 402. If the transmitted signal indicates "a standard statement code 11", for example, the controller 402 controls the voice generator 4012 to issue an announcement such as "A standard statement code 11 will be sent, please hang up and wait." The PBX interface 4011 is then instructed to disconnect the line after the announcement.
On receiving a call number and call data, the controller 402 sends the data to each of transmitting units 5 through the modem 404.
The transmitting unit 5 comprises modem 501, encoder 502, decoder 503, sending unit 504, receiving unit 505, controller 506, switch 507, and antenna 508 as described above.
A signal applied to the transmitting unit 5 through the modem 404 is demodulated by the modem 501 to call data including a call number, etc. Then, it is coded by the encoder 502 into the format of a POCSAG (British Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group) signal, and transmitted from an antenna through the sending unit 504 and the switch 507.
In this process, the controller 506 of the transmitting unit 5 controls the switch 507 to connect the receiving unit 505 and the antenna 508, then determines whether or not other transmitting units 5 are transmitting data while turning them temporarily in the receiving state. If not, the controller 506 controls the switch 507 to connect the sending unit 504 and the antenna 508.
Next, a monitoring function for monitoring whether or not an abnormal condition such as a defective disconnection arises in signal lines and power source lines is described.
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration for transmitting data by the in-house paging system. However, a power source and various detecting circuits are provided to operate a transmitting unit other than to transmit data. FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of an in-house paging system of the prior art technology.
As shown in FIG. 2, the call controller 4 and the transmitting unit 5 are connected through a signal line 7 and a power source line 8. The signal line 7 transmits a signal between the modem 404 of the call controller 4 and the modem 501 of the transmitting unit 5. An abnormal condition can be detected by the carrier detector 407 and the synchronous detector 408 of the call controller 4, and a carrier detector 512 and a synchronous detector 513 of the transmitting unit 5.
The power source 8 sends electric power from the power source 405 of the call controller 4 to the receiving unit 509 of the transmitting unit 5. The electric power is received by an electric power receiver 509, monitored for voltage by a voltage monitor 510, and applied to various parts of the transmitting unit through a DC/DC converter 511. The call controller 4 is also provided with a voltage monitor 406.
In the above described configuration, the in-house paging system of the prior art technology shown in FIG. 2 monitors for abnormal conditions of the the signal line 7 and the power source line 8 between the call controller 4 and the transmitting unit 5 as follows:
The transmission of a signal between the call controller 4 and the transmitting unit 5 is performed by the modems 404 and 501; the call controller 4 and transmitting unit 5 both perform carrier and synchronous detection; and the call controller 4 manages the monitor information collectively. The voltage of the power source is also monitored by the call controller 4 and the transmitting unit 5, and a monitoring staff monitors an abnormal condition only through the call controller 4.
In the in-house paging system of the prior art technology shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when a signal line or a power source line enters the disconnection state between a call controller and a transmitting unit, the disconnection state cannot be notified to a maintenance staff because he or she is not supposed to stay at the fixed position and are often away from the call controller. That is, in the prior art technology, a maintenance staff must stand by the call controller to monitor an alarm lamp without staying away from his or her position. Therefore, such a monitoring sytem is inefficient and costly.


A high-voltage device structure includes a high-voltage device disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor includes an active region and an isolation region, and the high-voltage device is disposed in the active region. The high-voltage device structure includes a source diffusion region of a first conductive type, a drain region of the first conductive type, and a gate longer than the source diffusion region and the drain diffusion region so as to form spare regions on both sides of the gate. The isolation region is outside the active region and surrounds the active region. In the isolation region, an isolation ion implantation region of a second conductive type and an extended ion implantation region are disposed to prevent parasitic current from being generating between the source diffusion region and the drain diffusion region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a high-voltage device structure, particularly to a high-voltage metal oxide semiconductor (HVMOS) device structure that can prevent current leakage.
2. Description of the Prior Art
HVMOS devices are MOS devices for use under high voltage. Presently, HVMOS devices have been applied in central processing unit (CPU) power supplies, power management systems, and AC/DC converters.
Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a conventional high-voltage N-type metal oxide semiconductor (HV NMOS) structure 10. As shown in FIG. 1, an HV NMOS device 50 is formed in a P-type substrate (not shown). The HV NMOS device 50 includes a first N-doped region 12 (indicated by a cross-hatched region), a second N-doped region 14 (indicated by a cross-hatched region), a channel diffusion region 16 (indicated by a dash-dot line) connecting portions of the first N-doped region 12 and the second N-doped region 14, and a poly-silicon gate 18 covering the channel diffusion region 16.
The HV NMOS structure 10 further includes a source diffusion region 20 located in the first N-doped region 12, a drain diffusion region 22 located in the second N-doped region 14, and an isolation structure 24 located in the P-type substrate to properly isolate the source diffusion region 20, the drain diffusion region 22, and the channel diffusion region 16. The source diffusion region 20, the drain diffusion region 22, and the poly-silicon gate 18 are electrically connected with external circuits (not shown) through contact plugs 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34.
In addition, a guard ring 40 is disposed around the HVMOS device 50 to electrically isolate MOS devices. The guard ring 40 serves as a channel stop by being doped with dopants of charge opposite the source diffusion region 20 and the drain diffusion region 22. For example, in the HV NMOS device 50, the guard ring 40 is a P-doped region that is doped with boron. However, when operated at high-voltage, if the guard ring 40 contacts the source diffusion region 20 or the drain diffusion region 22 of the HV NMOS device 50, breakdown of the device may occur. In other words, if a positive voltage is provided to the drain diffusion region 22 of the HV NMOS 50, a reverse bias will be formed around the boundary of the drain diffusion region 22 and the guard ring 40, which is a PN junction. When the bias is higher than the breakdown voltage of the PN junction, the device may be damaged. Since high operation voltage is applied to the HV MOS device 50, if the breakdown voltage is not high enough, damage of the device may occur.
In order to solve the above problem, in the prior art, a space is provided between the source and drain diffusion regions 20, 22 and the guard ring, to increase the breakdown voltage and prevent the high-voltage device from breaking down. In other words, in the prior art HVMOS device 50, the channel diffusion region 16 is longer than the source diffusion region 20 and the drain diffusion region 22. In addition, spaces where the channel diffusion region 16 is longer than both the source diffusion region 20 and the drain diffusion region 22 form two spare regions 36 and 38. However, due to the ever decreasing element size in semiconductor technology, the source diffusion region 20 and the drain diffusion region 22 are so close that parasitic current may be generated in the spare regions 36 and 38, which have high gate voltages. In addition, boron segregating to an isolation strusture interface and a low boron concentration effect may cause a kink effect or other unpredictable I-V characteristic curves, or result in a snapback effect that damages the device.
Therefore, an improved HVMOS structure is needed to solve the problem of current leakage and prevent the high-voltage device from being damaged.


An injection molded article is obtained by injection molding a molten resin into a mold. The injection molded article includes: a base as a thin plate-shaped member that is connected to a gate of the mold; and a plurality of protrusions each integrally molded on the base and having a thickness greater than a plate thickness of the base. The plurality of protrusions have holes each extending through the base, and the holes in the respective protrusions are connected through another component to form a flow channel. A processed region processed to have a surface roughness greater than a surface roughness of a mirror surface region including a region between the holes on the base is formed in a projected region where a region having a predetermined thickness value is projected on the base.

There is known an injection molded article that has protrusions with different inner diameters on its substrate, and that is formed by injection molding involving separating the plurality of protrusions from a mold.
When injection molding a plastic product having a relatively thin base (plate thickness) part that is connected to a gate of a mold, and a protrusion (such as a boss and a rib) or an uneven thickness part, a sink mark is formed, for example, on the surface of a portion where the thickness of the product greatly varies. A sink mark is caused by the following reason. A molten thermoplastic shrinks while being cooled and solidified in a mold. In this process, a portion with a greater thickness than the neighboring portion is cooled more slowly, and therefore solidifies and shrinks after the neighboring portion solidifies. In particular, the core-side portion in the fixed mold defining the product visible portion of a plastic product is generally flat and more quickly cooled than the cavity-side portion in the movable mold having complicated structures such as a boss and a rib. Therefore, the core-side portion in the fixed mold is separated from the mold earlier than the cavity-side portion in the movable mold including the project invisible portion, and causes post-shrinkage, which is likely to result in a sink mark.
A sink mark is a recessed depression on the surface of a product. Sink marks not only reduce the visual quality of the product and lower the value, but also prevent uniform painting and impair the appearance. This may increase the repair cost.
To solve this problem, there is disclosed a technique that controls the location of sink marks such that sink marks are formed on the invisible surface. This is achieved by performing injection molding using a mold configured such that the mold surface on the product visible surface side that would cause sink marks has a higher adhesion force to resin than the mold surface on the invisible surface side (see, for example, PTL 1).


A computer-implemented system for monitoring the performance of an aftertreatment component in an exhaust system of a power generation system utilizes a remaining useful life (RUL) algorithm to predict its remaining operational life until it must be regenerated by a desulfation process. The RUL algorithm can utilize values such as a current sulfur accumulation value representing the quantity of sulfur currently accumulated in the aftertreatment component, a sulfur accumulation threshold representing the quantity sulfur the aftertreatment component can operationally retain, and an instantaneous sulfur accumulation rate of change representing the current rate at which the aftertreatment component retains sulfur.

Power plants such as internal combustion engines and gas turbines combust hydrocarbon based fuels and to convert the latent chemical energy therein to mechanical power that can be utilized for other work. Exhaust gasses are the byproduct of the combustion process and include various different chemical constituents that may be detrimental to the environment. Therefore, various methods and systems have been developed to purify or modify the composition of the exhaust gasses before discharge to the environment. Aftertreatment systems and methods refer to a field of emission control and modification technologies and are named because these technologies interact with the exhaust gasses after formation during combustion and discharge from the engine or turbine.
One particular aftertreatment system is selective catalytic reduction (SCR), in which nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gasses are chemically reduce to nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O) in the presence of a catalyst and an additive or reductant such as urea or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that typically contains ammonia (NH3) or a similar substance. The SCR catalyst is a physical element often made from or containing metals that facilitate the chemical reaction and that is structurally configured as a series of baffles, a honeycomb, or a mesh so the exhaust gasses and reductant added upstream can flow or pass there through. The material of the SCR catalyst, however, may be contaminated by other chemical constituents of the exhaust gasses. In particular, sulfur-containing chemicals like sulfates may deposit on the surfaces of the SCR catalyst over time leading to a degradation in the reduction of nitrogen oxides.
Accordingly, the SCR catalyst may be periodically regenerated by a process referred to a desulfation to remove the sulfur and sulfur-containing compounds from the catalytic surfaces. Various desulfation processes have been developed such as operating the engine or power plant under rich air-fuel ratios to increase the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust gasses as described in U.S. Publication 2006/0140819 and/or operating the SCR catalyst at an elevated temperature, e.g., in excess of 500° C., such as described in U.S. Publication 2016/0108791. However, because operation under the desulfation conditions may adversely affect the output performance of the engine or power plant or detrimentally affect the components of the aftertreatment system, it is desirable the desulfation processes are only run periodically. The present application is directed to a system and method to assist in assessing when desulfation should be conducted.


We describe a LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) telecommunications light beam routing device, the device comprising: an optical input; a plurality of optical outputs; a LCOS spatial light modulator (SLM) in an optical path between said input and said output, for displaying a kinoform; a data processor, coupled to said SLM, configured to provide kinoform data for displaying said kinoform on said SLM; wherein said kinoform data defines a kinoform which routes a beam from said optical input to a selected said optical output; wherein said data processor is configured to input routing data defining said selected optical output and to calculate said kinoform data for routing said beam responsive to said routing data; and wherein said data processor is configured to calculate said kinoform data by: determining an initial phase pattern for said kinoform; calculating a replay field of said phase pattern; modifying an amplitude component of said replay field to represent a target replay field for said beam routing, retaining a phase component of said replay field to provide an updated replay field; performing a space-frequency transform on said updated replay field to determine an updated phase pattern for said kinoform; and repeating said calculating and updating of said replay field and said performing of said space-frequency transform until said kinoform for display is determined; and outputting said kinoform data for display on said LCOS SLM.

The use of holographic techniques, in particular kinoforms (phase only holograms) in telecommunications presents special problems, in particular because of the high signal-to-noise (SNR)/low crosstalk requirements as compared with display applications. For example in a display application the level of noise/crosstalk may be of order 1:300 whereas in a telecommunications device it may be of order 1:10000. other special problems which can arise are as follows:                Operation at the long wavelength of 1.5 micron necessitates the use of thick liquid layers (compared with visible light devices), making the accurate rendition of the pixel array pattern in the liquid crystal more difficult.        High diffraction efficiency and very low crosstalk are required.        Reconfigurable dynamic pixilated kinoforms rendered on LCOS devices have special problems compared with fixed kinoforms produced by photolithographic processes. They have a relatively large pixel size and the size of the pixel array is limited and they suffer from artefacts related to the liquid crystal layer.        In some cases relatively fast computation of pixel patterns is required e.g. to adaptively adjust beams or the configure new switch configurations.
Background prior art can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,227; U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,616; WO03/021341; U.S. Pat. No. 7,457,547; and "Iterative algorithm for the design of diffractive phase elements for laser beam shaping", J. S. Liu and M. R. Taghizadeh, Aug. 15, 2002, Vol. 27, No. 16, OPTICS LETTERS p. 1463; "Hologram Optimisation Using Liquid Crystal Modelling", Georgiou A. G. et al., Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals 2005 vol 434 pp 511-526; and "Fresnel ping-pong algorithm for two-plane computer-generated hologram display" in 10 Feb. 1994/Vol. 33, No. 5/APPLIED OPTICS pp. 869).

Apparatus and methods for light beam routing in telecommunication


A pressure transducer for a hammer union installation includes a lower body capable of withstanding the stresses of the hammer union installation. The lower body includes a cylindrical wall, a diaphragm, and a pressure port for exposing the diaphragm to pressure. The pressure transducer also includes one or more transducer elements mounted on the diaphragm that are operable to provide a signal related to pressure. A cap is received by the cylindrical wall and is slidable along the wall. The cap includes comprising an antenna for transmitting the signal. A spring is arranged in the lower body for dampening forces applied to the cap.

Certain operations, such as hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking"), cementing, and/or acidizing, require high pressure measurement apparatuses with specialized hammer union transducers. In the case of fracking, a well is typically drilled vertically to a desired depth, then turned approximately ninety degrees to continue horizontally for several thousand feet into the shale believed to contain minerals such as natural gas and oil. A mix of water, sand, and various chemicals may be pumped into the well at high pressure in order to create fissures in the shale through which the gas/oil can escape. Typically, natural gas and oil escape through the fissures and is drawn back up the well to the surface, where it is processed, refined, and shipped to market.
As is known in the art, fracking operations are temporary, heavy construction sites, where pressure transducers are mounted in high traffic areas and currently require cables in certain cases to transmit pressure information back to an instrument truck or similar installation. These cables are often damaged during operation, causing disruptions to the operations. Furthermore, the transducers are typically provided in a hammer union (or "wing union") configuration and may be installed with a sledge hammer, which may cause extreme shock and/or vibration to the transducer. Even glancing blows to the transducer during installation may cause damage, particularly to encasings and/or the underlying circuitry.

Ruggedized pressure transducer with integrated wireless antenna and rechargeable battery system


A connector has a coupling nut rotatable on a body and lockable by means of a locking ring mounted on the nut. When slid axially to its locking position, the locking ring engages splines on both the nut and the body to prevent relative rotation. A circular spring carried in a groove on the nut engages behind a vertical wall on the inner surface of the locking ring to prevent the locking ring being unlocked. The locking ring is unlocked by pushing a release ring axially into the locking ring so that a ramp surface on the release ring pushes the spring in and allows the locking ring to be slid back.

This invention relates to connector assemblies.
The invention is more particularly concerned with lockable connector assemblies.
Where a connector assembly is to be used in conditions where it may be subject to vibration or other forces tending to separate the two parts of the assembly, it is desirable for the assembly to have some form of means for locking the two parts together. One example of a connector assembly provided with means for resisting uncoupling is described in GB 2270805 and is sold by lcore International Limited under the trade mark Optilock. This connector assembly has splines on the outer surface of two parts and a splined locking ring that can be slid over the splines on the two parts to prevent relative rotation between them. The splined locking ring is retained in the engaged position by means of a metal spring clip that engages a V-shape groove on the inside of the ring. To disengage the locking ring, the user pushes back the locking ring with a force sufficient to overcome the resilience of the spring clip. This arrangement is sufficient in most circumstances to provide a secure locking but, in some circumstances, it can be desirable to ensure that the locking ring cannot be inadvertently displaced to the unlocked position, as might happen, for example, if it were rubbed against another member.

Smiths Industries Public Limited Company


A system and method for entering text via a numeric keypad. The keypad is logically divided into columns, with each column having four rows. The first column includes at least the keypad number associated with a particular key, the second column includes the lowercase letters associated with the key and the third column contains the shifted versions of the characters in the second column.

The present invention relates generally to a data entry systems and, more particularly, to a data entry system based on a limited number of input keys.
For many years, 12-key keypads (FIG. 1) have been used in a variety of applications. In fact, such keypads have been made ubiquitous through their availability and implementation in devices as far ranging as automatic teller machines (ATMs) to point of sales (POS) terminals. In fact, as technology has progress, ATMs have reached a degree of functionality that they are used in a multitude of ways other than for dispensing money.
Even more commonly, 12-key keypads have been fixtures of touch-tones telephones from their very inception. Naturally, the same keypads are used in telephones of all kinds, including cordless and cellular telephones. More recently, as cellular phones have increased in popularity, they have also become more multifunctional. These devices are now called upon to perform functions traditionally associated with Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), including the ability of the user to enter data or text for storage or for sending as a message. Instant messaging, which requires interactive communication with others, has exploded in popularity as a cell phone application. The ability to enter data quickly and easily is a very important aspect of usability of these devices.
Text or data entry systems, as described above, are typically implemented in at least two different ways. In one method, a multiple tap system is a way of using the conventional keypad of a telephone to write text. The multi-tap method requires the user to press the '2' through '9' keys for writing letters, the '1' and '0' keys for entering symbols and punctuation, and, optionally, the '*' and '#' keys for moving the cursor to the left and right.
For any of the alphabet letters, the user is required to press the 2 through 9 keys to scroll through the letters and number choices associated with that key. For example, the 2 key on most telephones and cellular phones have printed on them the letters 'a', 'b' and 'c'. When the 2 key is pressed once, the character 'a' is displayed. The second press of the same key displays the character 'b', the third press of the key displays the character 'c' and the fourth press of the key displays the number '2'. Subsequent key presses of the '2' key recycle the above sequence. The other keys work in a similar manner.
In another type of text entry system, pressing a number indicates the particular bank of letters being selected. For example, pressing 2 selects the bank of letters 'ABC'. Then pressing 1, 2 or 3 indicates whether A, B or C is to be entered. To effect a change in case of the letter, additional key presses are required.
In still other systems, such as those available from Tegic Communications, Inc. and Motorola, Inc., predictive text entry systems based upon dictionary lookups are provided. In such systems, words or even entire sentences may be predicted. A user presses the numbers associated with the letters of a word and an internal database is scanned to determine the intended word.
Each of the above systems has its own disadvantages. In the multi-tap method, an inordinately large number of key presses are required to create a word. For example, the word 'call' requires ten key presses. In the predictive text entry systems, the user must look down at the screen to ensure that the proper word or sentence has been predicted correctly. If not, manual intervention is required to select the correct choice from among several. Unfortunately, this can be cumbersome and distracting since the user must look at the screen and make corrections through additional key presses.

System and method for improved data entry


Provided herein are prime-boost regimens and materials used therein. The prime-boost regimens enhance the immune response to a target antigen. The vaccines used for boost are comprised of recombinant attenuated metabolically active Listeria that encodes an expressible antigen that is cross-reactive with the target antigen. In some examples, the immune response is a cellular immune response.

It is thought to be desirable to establish strong cellular immunity to specific pathogens. Repeated administrations with the same vaccine (homologous boosting) have proven effective for boosting humoral responses. However, this approach is relatively inefficient at boosting cellular immunity because prior immunity to the vector tends to impair robust antigen presentation and the generation of appropriate inflammatory signals. One approach to circumvent this problem has been the sequential administration of vaccines that use different antigen-delivery systems (heterologous boosting). This strategy is referred to as "prime-boosting".
The following are examples of heterologous prime-boost regimens. Those involving a DNA prime include: a DNA prime: DNA prime/bacterial boost (Listeria) against viral antigens (Boyer, et al. (2005) Virology 333:88-101); a DNA prime/bacterial vector (Bacillus) boost, against bacterial antigen (Ferraz, et al. (2004) Infection Immunity 72:6945-6950); a DNA prime/viral vector boost, against tumor antigens (Goldberg, et al. (2005) Clin. Cancer Res. 11:8114-8121; Smith, et al. (2005) Int. J. Cancer 113:259-266); a DNA prime/viral boost against viral antigens (Toussaint, et al. (2005) Vaccine 23:5073-5081; Cebere, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:417-425; Coupar, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:1378-1388); a DNA prime/protein boost against viral antigens (Cristillo, et al. (2006) Virology 346:151-168; Rasmussen, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:2324-2332); a DNA prime/viral boost, against antigens of a parasite (Gilbert, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:4554-4561; Webster, et al. (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:4836-4841); DNA prime/adjuvanted protein boost, against tumor antigens (Prud'homme (2005) J. Gene Med. 7:3-17); DNA prime/viral boost plus protein boost, against viral antigens (Stambas, et al. (2005) Vaccine 23:2454-2464); and DNA prime (nanoparticles)/protein boost, against viral antigen (Castaldello, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:5655-5669).
The following heterologous prime-boost regimens utilize prime compositions not involving DNA: Dendritic cell (DC) prime/bacterial (Listeria) boost, and DC prime/viral boost, against bacterial antigens (Badovinac, et al. (2005) Nat. Med. 11:748-756); bacterial vector prime (Salmonella)/protein boost, against bacterial antigens (Vindurampulle, et al. (2004) Vaccine 22:3744-3750; Lasaro, et al. (2005) Vaccine 23:2430-2438); adjuvanted protein prime/DNA boost, against viral antigens (Sugauchi, et al. (2006) J. Infect. Dis. 193:563-572; Pal, et al. (2006) Virology 348:341-353); protein prime/bacterial vector (Salmonella) boost, against viral antigens (Liu, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:5852-5861); protein prime/viral vector boost, against viral antigen (Peacock, et al. (2004) J. Virol. 78:13163-13172); Heterologous viral prime/viral boost, using different viral vectors, against viral antigens or tumor antigens (Ranasinghe, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:5881-5895; Kaufman, et al. (2004) J. Clin. Oncol. 22:2122-2132; Grosenbach, et al. (2001) Cancer Res. 61:4497-4505) Heterologous prime/boost using lipid vesicles, against bacterial antigens (Luijkx, et al. (2006) Vaccine 24:1569-1577).
A reagent that is useful for modulating the immune system is Listeria and particularly Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). L. monocytogenes has a natural tropism for the liver and spleen and, to some extent, other tissues such as the small intestines (see, e.g., Dussurget, et al. (2004) Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 58:587-610; Gouin, et al. (2005) Cum Opin. Microbiol. 8:35-45; Cossart (2002) Int. J. Med. Microbiol. 291:401-409; Vazquez-Boland, et al. (2001) Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 14:584-640; Schluter, et al. (1999) Immunobiol. 201:188-195). Where the bacterium resides in the intestines, passage to the bloodstream is mediated by listerial proteins, such as ActA and internalin A (see, e.g., Manohar, et al. (2001) Infection Immunity 69:3542-3549; Lecuit, et al. (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101:6152-6157; Lecuit and Cossart (2002) Trends Mol. Med. 8:537-542). Once the bacterium enters a host cell, the life cycle of L. monocytogenes involves escape from the phagolysosome to the cytosol. This life cycle contrasts with that of Mycobacterium, which remains inside the phagolysosome (see, e.g., Clemens, et al. (2002) Infection Immunity 70:5800-5807; Schluter, et al. (1998) Infect. Immunity 66:5930-5938; Gutierrez, et al. (2004) Cell 119:753-766); L. monocytogenes' escape from the phagolysosome is mediated by listerial proteins, such as listeriolysin (LLO), PI-PLC, and PC-PLC (see Portnoy, et al. (2002) J. Cell Biol. 158:409-414).
In contrast to the immunotherapy approaches discussed above, in which immunotherapy is used as a primary treatment, adjuvant therapy refers to the use of a secondary treatment prior to ("neoadjuvant") or following ("adjuvant") a primary therapy such as surgery or radiation, where the primary therapy is intended to remove or destroy the primary tumor. By way of example, adjuvant therapy may be given after surgery where the detectable disease has been removed, but where there remains a statistical risk of relapse due to occult disease. Adjuvant systemic therapy and radiotherapy are often given following surgery for many types of cancer, including colon cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and some gynaecological cancers.

Methods and compositions using listeria for adjuvant treatment of cancer


A first phase plate and a third phase plate, which constitute a polarizer structure, cooperate to impart a phase difference of a ¼ wavelength to linearly polarized light that emerges from a first polarizer plate. A second phase plate and a fourth phase plate cooperate to impart a phase difference of a ¼ wavelength to linearly polarized light that emerges from a second polarizer plate. Slow axes in planes of the first phase plate and the second phase plate are substantially parallel. A crossed-axes angle between slow axes in planes of the first phase plate and the third phase plate is 60°, a crossed-axes angle between slow axes in planes of the second phase plate and the fourth phase plate is 60°, and a crossed-axes angle between slow axes in planes of the third phase plate and fourth phase plate is 60°.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particular to a circular-polarization-based vertical-alignment-mode liquid crystal display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display device has various features such as thickness in size, light weight, and low power consumption. The liquid crystal display device is applied to various uses, e.g. OA equipment, information terminals, timepieces, and TVs. In particular, a liquid crystal display device comprising thin-film transistors (TFTs) has high responsivity and, therefore, it is used as a monitor of a mobile TV, a computer, etc., which displays a great deal of information.
In recent years, with an increase in quantity of information, there has been a strong demand for higher image definition and higher display speed. Of these, the higher image definition is realized, for example, by making finer the array structure of the TFTs.
On the other hand, in order to increase the display speed, consideration has been given to, in place of conventional display modes, an OCB (Optically Compensated Birefringence) mode, a VAN (Vertically Aligned Nematic) mode, a HAN (Hybrid Aligned Nematic) mode and a π alignment mode, which use nematic liquid crystals, and an SSFLC (Surface-Stabilized Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal) mode and an AFLC (Anti-Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal) mode, which use smectic liquid crystals.
Of these display modes, the VAN mode, in particular, has a higher response speed than in the conventional TN (Twisted Nematic) mode. An additional feature of the VAN mode is that a rubbing process, which may lead to a defect such as an electrostatic breakage, can be made needless by vertical alignment. Particular attention is drawn to a multi-domain VAN mode (hereinafter referred to as "MVA mode") in which a viewing angle can be increased relatively easily.
In the MVA mode, for example, mask rubbing and pixel electrode structures are devised, or a protrusion is provided within a pixel. Thereby, the inclination of an electric field, which is applied to the pixel region from the pixel electrode and counter-electrode, is controlled. The pixel region of the liquid crystal layer is divided into, e.g. four domains such that the orientation directions of liquid crystal molecules are inclined at 90° to each other in a voltage-on state. This realizes improvement in symmetry of viewing angle characteristics and suppression of an inversion phenomenon.
In addition, a negative phase plate is used to compensate the viewing angle dependency of the phase difference of the liquid crystal layer in the state in which the liquid crystal molecules are oriented substantially vertical to the major surface of the substrate, that is, in the state of black display. Thereby, the contrast (CR) that depends on the viewing angle is improved. Besides, more excellent viewing angle/contrast characteristics can be realized in the case where the negative phase plate is a biaxial phase plate having such an in-plane phase difference as to compensate the viewing angle dependency of the polarizer plate, too.
In the conventional MVA mode, however, since each pixel has a multi-domain structure, a region, where liquid crystals are oriented in a direction other than a desirable direction, is formed. For example, liquid crystals are schlieren-oriented or orientated in an unintentional direction, at a boundary of the divided domains, at a protrusion in the multi-domain pixel, or near a pixel electrode slit.
The transmittance Tlp(LC) of a liquid crystal layer, under crossed Nicols, of a liquid crystal display device, which uses a linear polarizer plate and executes a linear-polarization-based birefringence control, is expressed by
                              T                                                              1                                p                                      (              LC              )                                      =                              I            0                    ·                                    sin              2                                                  (                              2                                θ                            )                                ·                                    sin              2                                                  (                                                                    Δ                                                                                n                                                                          (                                                      λ                            ,                            V                                                    )                                                                    ·                      d                                                        λ                                                π                            )                                                          (        1        )
In equation (1), I0 is the transmittance of linearly polarized light that is parallel to the transmission axis of the polarizer plate, θ is the angle between the slow axis of the liquid crystal layer and the optical axis of the polarizer plate, V is a voltage applied, d is the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and λ is the wavelength of incident light to the liquid crystal display device.
In equation (1), the refractive index anisotropy Δn(λ, V) depends on an effective application voltage in the region and the inclination angle of each nematic liquid crystal molecule. In order to vary T(LC) to 0 to I0, it is necessary to vary Δn(λ, V)d/λ in a range of 0 to λ/2 and to set the value of θ at π/4(rad). Consequently, in the region where the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in a direction other than π/4, the transmittance decreases. As mentioned above, in the MVA mode, the multi-domain structure is adopted and thus such a region is necessarily formed. Hence, in the MVA mode, a problem, such as low transmittance, occurs, compared to the TN mode.
In order to overcome this problem, a circular-polarization-based MVA mode has currently been studied. The above problem is solved by replacing the linear polarizer plate with a circular polarizer plate, which has a phase plate, that is, a uniaxial ¼ wavelength plate that provides a phase difference of a ¼ wavelength between light rays of predetermined wavelengths that travel along the fast axis and slow axis. The transmittance Tcp(LC) of a liquid crystal layer, under crossed Nicols, of a liquid crystal display device, which uses a circular polarizer plate and executes a circular-polarization-based birefringence control, is expressed by
                              Tcp                                (            LC            )                          =                              I            0                    ·                                    sin              2                                                  (                                                                    Δ                                                                                n                                                                          (                                                      λ                            ,                            V                                                    )                                                                    ·                      d                                                        λ                                                π                            )                                                          (        2        )
As is understood from equation (2), the transmittance Tcp(LC) does not depend on the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules. Thus, a desired transmittance can be obtained only if the inclination of liquid crystal molecules can be controlled, despite the formation of a region where liquid crystals are oriented in a direction other than a desirable direction, for example, a region where liquid crystals are schlieren-oriented or orientated in an unintentional direction at a boundary of the divided domains and near the multi-domain structure.
In the prior-art circular-polarization-based MVA mode, however, there is such a problem that the viewing angle characteristic range is narrow.
FIG. 7 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of a prior-art liquid crystal display device of a circular-polarization-based MVA mode. As is shown in FIG. 7, a first substrate 13 has a common electrode 9 of ITO (indium tin oxide) on an inner surface thereof. The common electrode 9 is provided with a protrusion 12 for forming a multi-domain structure within a pixel. A second substrate 14, which is opposed to the first substrate 13, has a pixel electrode 10 of ITO on an inner surface thereof. The second substrate 14 has slits 11 (where no pixel electrode is provided) for forming the multi-domain structure within the pixel. A nematic liquid crystal 7 with negative dielectric anisotropy is sandwiched between the common electrode 9 and pixel electrode 10. An orientation process is executed such that liquid crystal molecules 8 are aligned substantially vertical to the major surface of the substrate in a voltage-off state.
The liquid crystal cell with the above structure includes phase plates 3 and 4 and polarizer plates 5 and 6, which are provided on both outer surfaces of the liquid crystal cell. The phase plate 3, 4 is a uniaxial ¼ wavelength plate having refractive index anisotropy (nx>ny=nz). The slow axis of the phase plate 3, 4 has an angle of π/4 (rad), relative to the transmission axis of the polarizer plate 5, 6.
In the above structure, the paired phase plates 3 and 4 are configured to have slow axes that are intersect at right angles with each other, and thus function as negative phase plates. For example, a negative phase difference of about −280 mm is imparted to light with a wavelength of 550 nm. On the other hand, in order to obtain a phase difference of ½ wavelength by an electric field control, the liquid crystal layer 7 needs to have the value of Δn·d of 300 nm or more, which is obtained by multiplying the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the material by the thickness d of the liquid crystal layer. Consequently, the total phase difference of the liquid crystal display device does not become zero, and the viewing angle characteristics at the black display time deteriorate. In addition, since the uniaxial ¼ wavelength plate is used, a viewing angle dependency occurs in polarization characteristics of circularly polarized light that enters the liquid crystal layer, owing to the viewing angle characteristics of the polarizer plate.
As described above, in the prior-art circular-polarization-based MVA mode, substantially circularly polarized light is produced as the incident light that enters the liquid crystal layer. Thereby, the above-mentioned problem of low transmittance is overcome. However, there is such a problem that the contrast/viewing angle characteristic range is narrow because of lack of means for compensating the viewing angle dependency of circularly polarized light, which enters the liquid crystal layer, or the viewing angle dependency of the phase difference of the liquid crystal layer.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the measurement result of isocontrast curves of the liquid crystal display device having the structure shown in FIG. 7. The 0 deg. azimuth and 180 deg. azimuth correspond to the horizontal direction of the screen, and the 90 deg. azimuth and 270 deg. azimuth correspond to the vertical direction of the screen. As is shown in FIG. 8, the viewing angle with a contrast ratio of 10:1 is ±40° in the vertical direction and horizontal direction, and is narrow. Practically tolerable characteristics are not obtained.
An approach to address this problem has been proposed, wherein the uniaxial ¼ wavelength plate is replaced with a biaxial ¼ wavelength plate having refractive index anisotropy (nx>ny>nz) as shown in FIG. 10, thereby compensating the viewing angle dependency of circularly polarized light that enters the liquid crystal layer, and improving the viewing angle characteristics.
FIG. 9 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of the circular-polarization-based MVA mode liquid crystal display device that uses biaxial ¼ wavelength plate 15 as shown in FIG. 10. In this structure, the ¼ wavelength plate has a refractive index ellipsoid of nx>ny>nz, as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the in-plane phase difference is ¼ wavelength. If the upper and lower ¼ wavelength plates are disposed such that their in-plane slow axes intersect at right angles with each other, they function as negative phase plates. If their phase difference value is controlled, the phase difference in the normal direction of the liquid crystal layer can be compensated, and the viewing angle characteristics are improved.
FIG. 11 shows an actual measurement result of isocontrast curves of the circular-polarization-based MVA mode liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 9. Compared to the result shown in FIG. 8, it is understood that the viewing angle is slightly increased and the characteristics are improved. However, the viewing angle with a contrast ratio of 10:1 or more is about ±80° and is wide in the oblique directions, but the viewing angle with a contrast ratio of 10:1 or more is about ±40° in the vertical and horizontal directions, which fails to satisfy practically tolerable viewing angle characteristics. The reason is as follows. The phase difference in the normal direction of the liquid crystal layer is improved to some degree by the above-described biaxial ¼ wavelength plates. An actually usable film, however, is a high-polymer film, and it is difficult to match it with wavelength dispersion of the phase difference of the liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, the film, as a circular polarizer plate, does not have such a structure as to have sufficient viewing angle characteristics, and this leads to the above-mentioned viewing angle characteristics of the contrast ratio.
To solve the problem, a circular-polarization-based MVA mode liquid crystal display device has been proposed, which uses a biaxial ¼ wavelength plate having a refractive index anisotropy as shown in FIG. 13, in place of the biaxial ¼ wavelength plate shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 shows an example of the cross-sectional structure of a circular-polarization-based MVA mode liquid crystal display device that uses the biaxial ¼ wavelength plate 16 shown in FIG. 13. In this structure, the ¼ wavelength plate has a refractive index ellipticity of nx>ny<nz, as shown in FIG. 13. Like the structures shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the ¼ wavelength plates 16 and polarizer plates 5 and 6 are disposed on the outer surfaces of the MVA mode liquid crystal cell.
In the structure shown in FIG. 12, the ¼ wavelength plate that is used has a refractive index of ny<nz. Thus, even in the case where nx>nz and the ¼ wavelength plates are disposed above and below the liquid crystal cell so as to have slow axes perpendicular to each other, the effect of the negative phase difference is weakened, compared to the structure shown in FIG. 7 in which the upper and lower uniaxial ¼ wavelength plates are disposed to be perpendicular to each other. In the case where nx<nz, a positive phase difference occurs. Consequently, the contrast/viewing angle characteristic range becomes narrower than in the structure shown in FIG. 7, unless the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal layer is set to be very small, that is, unless the variation in phase difference of the liquid crystal layer is set below ½ wavelength and the transmittance of the liquid crystal cell becomes insufficient.
FIG. 14 shows an actual measurement result of isocontrast curves of the circular-polarization-based MVA mode liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 14, there occurs a region where the contrast ratio is 1:1 or less, and it is understood that the viewing angle characteristic range is narrower than in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11. This is partly because the structure of the polarizer plate, like the structure shown in FIG. 9, is not configured to obtain sufficient viewing angle characteristics as a circular polarizer plate.
Each of the structures shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12 uses the biaxial ¼ wavelength plate. The biaxial phase plate is formed by biaxial-drawing a high-polymer film, which leads to an increase in manufacturing cost. In addition, the refractive index is controllable only in a limited range, and it is difficult to realize a desired refractive index ellipsoid. Moreover, the range of selection of material for obtaining biaxiality is narrow, and it is difficult to match the material with the wavelength dispersion characteristic of the refractive index of the liquid crystal (see, for instance, T. Ishinabe et al., A Wide Viewing Angle Polarizer and a Quarter-wave Plate with a Wide Wavelength Range for Extremely High Quality LCDs, IDW '01 Proceedings, p. 485 (2001), and Y. Iwamoto et al., Improvement of Display Performance of High Transmittance Photo-Aligned Multi-domain Vertical Alignment LCDs Using Circular Polarizers, IDW '02 Proceedings, p. 85 (2002)).

Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.