A stereographic display apparatus and a vehicle headlight can include an optical modulator including a position sensor and a voltage supply. The position sensor can be configured to detect an inclined angle, and the voltage supply can be configured to apply a voltage to the optical modulator in accordance with the inclined angle output from the position sensor. The optical modulator can refract light at a refraction angle in accordance with the voltage output from the voltage supply. Therefore, when the optical modulator is incorporated into a stereographic display apparatus, the stereographic display apparatus can provide comfortable stereographic displays to viewers, even if it inclines due to hand movement and the like. A vehicle headlight incorporating the optical modulator can also form light distributions in a useful direction for drivers with a simple structure, even when it moves in various directions with reference to a road due to road conditions.

1. Field
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to stereographic display apparatuses for portable electrical equipments and to vehicle headlights including an automatic level controller. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to stereographic display apparatus, which can provide favorable stereographic displays to viewers regardless of a position thereof, even if they incline due to hand movement and the like, and to vehicle headlights, which can form light distributions in a useful direction for drivers, even when they move in various directions with reference to a road due to road conditions, etc.
2. Description of the Related Art
Stereographic display apparatuses can provide the human eye with a stereographic display by projecting an image having a disparity viewed from each of both eyes on a flat panel screen. Methods for the stereographic display may be divided into either a method using glasses or a method not using glasses. Because the method using glasses may be bothersome to beholders because of the glasses, the method not using glasses has been developed in recent years.
Conventional stereographic display apparatuses not using glasses, for example, are disclosed in Patent Document No. 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2001-66547), Patent Document No. 2 (International Publication No. WO 2004/027492), etc. FIG. 10 is a schematic structure showing a conventional stereographic display unit, which is disclosed in Patent Document No. 2.
The conventional stereographic display unit includes: a light guide 72 having a light-emitting surface 72a and a pair of light incoming surfaces, which face with respect to each other; a pair of light sources 71a and 71b located adjacent a respect one of the light incoming surfaces of the light guide 72, respectively; a prism sheet 73 having a triangular prism array and a cylindrical lens array being located adjacent the light-emitting surface 72a of the light guide 72 so that the triangular prism array faces the light-emitting surface 72a of the light guide 72, the triangular prism array extending in substantially parallel with the light incoming surfaces of the light guide 72, the cylindrical lens array located opposite the triangular prism array of the prism sheet 73, and each one of the cylindrical lens array being located in substantially parallel with a respect one of the triangular prism array; a transmission-type display panel 74 located adjacent the cylindrical lens array of the prism sheet 73; and a synchronous driving means 75 configured to emit light emitted from each of the light sources 71a and 71b from the transmission-type display panel 74 at a angle corresponding to a binocular display in synchronization with a binocular parallax image, which is alternatively displayed from the transmission-type display panel 74.
Thereby, the conventional stereographic display unit can provide the human eye with a stereographic display without glasses by projecting light emitted from each of the light sources 71a and 71b from the transmission-type display panel 74 at the angle corresponding to the binocular display in synchronization with the binocular parallax image, which is alternatively displayed from the transmission-type display panel 74.
However, when a viewer sees the stereographic display depicted on the transmission-type display panel 74 from a rightward direction or from a leftward direction relative to a front of the display panel 74, the conventional stereographic display units such as those disclosed in Patent Documents No. 1 and No. 2 may not easily perform such display because the synchronous driving means 75 freely varies positions of the stereographic display projected on the transmission-type display panel 74 in accordance with an angle of gradient, which is caused by hand movement, etc.
Especially in portable electrical equipments such as a mobile phone, a portable terminal, a portable personal computer, a portable game console, each of the display devices for the portable electrical equipment may not be always located in front of the viewer. Rather position relations between the viewer and the display devices for the portable electrical equipment should be subject to changes in accordance with hand movement, a pose of the viewer, etc. In these cases, it may be difficult for the viewer to enjoy the stereographic display under favorable conditions as usual.
In addition, problems may also be caused in headlight systems when a vehicle headlight includes an automatic level controller. The vehicle headlight including the automatic level controller may emit light in a light-emitting direction thereof so as to maintain at a constant angle with reference to various road surfaces in order to prevent giving a glare type light to an incoming vehicle and the like, even if a vehicle incorporating the above-described headlight suddenly inclines due to road conditions, etc. A conventional vehicle headlight including an automatic level controller, for example, is disclosed in Patent Document No. 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2004-314856).
FIG. 11 is a schematic structure showing a conventional vehicle headlight including an automatic level controller, which is disclosed in Patent Document No. 3. The conventional vehicle headlight includes: a high speed bus (HB) and a low speed bus (LB) used as a vehicular local area network (LAN); a gate way 81 connecting between HB and LB; an human interface 82 connecting to the HB, and also including a switch to turn on and turn off the vehicle headlight; a three dimensional gyro sensor 84 configured to detect angle rates in three dimensional directions of the headlight, and connecting to the LB; an inclined angle table 83 connecting to the gate way 81, and storing relations between inclined angles of a vehicle incorporating the headlight detected by the three dimensional gyro sensor 84 and light-emitting directions of the headlight as a data table; a lighting unit 87 including a supporting frame 71, a first gear 61, a second gear 62 and an actuator 60, the lighting unit 87 attached to the supporting frame 71, in which a first axis of the supporting frame 71 is attached to the first gear 61, and a second axis of the supporting frame 71 is attached to the second gear 62 while the first gear 61 gears the second gear 61, the actuator 60 attached to the first gear 61 and configured to rotate the second gear 62 via the first gear 62; and a controller 5 configured to operate the actuator 60 in accordance with a control signal output from the gate way 81.
As described above, the conventional vehicle headlight includes the gate way 81, which determines a light-emitting direction and an amount of light emitted from the lighting unit 87 in accordance with the inclined angles of the vehicle detected by the gyro sensor 84, and the controller 85 to receive the control signal output from the gate way 81 via the LB. Therefore, the conventional vehicle headlight enables the lighting unit 87 to vary the light-emitting direction and the amount of the light using the gate way 81 and the controller 85 in accordance with the inclined angles of the vehicle detected by the gyro sensor 84.
However, the conventional vehicle headlight varies the light-emitting direction and the amount of the light by moving the lighting unit 87 having a movable structure, and therefore should become a headlight system having a complex structure due to at least to the movable structure for the lighting unit 87. In addition, when the conventional vehicle headlight has been used for a long time under an inhospitable environment, the long inhospitable environment may result in gradual deterioration of the movable structure
The above-referenced Patent Documents and additional Patent Documents are listed below and are hereby incorporated with their English specifications and abstracts in their entireties.    1. Patent Document No. 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2001-66547    2. Patent Document No. 2: International Publication No. WO2004/027492    3. Patent Document No. 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2004-314856    4. Patent Document No. 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2011-081985    5. Patent Document No. 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2011-145571    6. Patent Document No. 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open JP2012-73370    7. Patent Document No. 7: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012-0235169    8. Patent Document No. 8: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/747,247
The disclosed subject matter has been devised to consider the above and other problems, features, and characteristics. Thus, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include vehicle headlights including an automatic level controller that can provide favorable light distributions for drivers with a simple structure such that does not include a movable structure as compared with the conventional headlight. The disclosed subject matter can also include a reflector type headlight including the automatic level controller, which can provide giving a glare type light to an oncoming vehicle and the like, even when vehicles incorporating the headlight including the automatic level controller suddenly incline in a direction with reference to a road due to road conditions, etc.

Stereographic display apparatus and vehicle headlight


A thread-producing tool for producing an internal thread includes a body forming a rear shank portion and a front cutting portion. Provided in the body is a lubricant storage chamber for storing liquid lubricant which is driven toward the cutting portion through discharge passages under the action of centrifugal force during a thread-cutting operation.

The present invention relates to an internal thread producing tool, which can be either a cutting screw tap or a non-cutting thread former. Conventionally the tool is either of high-speed steel or carbide metal. The invention also pertains to a method of forming an internal thread.
Shown in FIG. 1 is a conventional screw tap which is a cutting tool for cutting an internal thread. The tap includes a rear shank 1 for being clamped in a tool support, and a front thread cutting part, the so-called chamfer a, consisting of screw turns. The chamfer is arranged on the free end of the tool and is interrupted by longitudinal grooves for chip removal. Disposed rearwardly of the chamfer is the so-called guide or guide part b, which also consists of screw turns interrupted by grooves for chips. The guide part does not perform any cutting work, however, but serves, as the name implies, for the guiding and the uniform driving of the screw tap through the hole to be tapped. Tools producing internal thread without the use of a guide part have also been proposed recently for rigid tapping, see Swedish Patent Application 9600927-9.
In principle there are two basic types of screw taps, namely the bottoming tap (also called blind hole tap) and the straight-through tap. As the names imply, holes open on one side and closed on the other side by a bottom are involved in the first case, while bottomless holes open on both sides are involved in the second case. In the first case the chips have to be conveyed out of the hole, in the opposite axial direction to that of the tapping. The grooves for chips are consequently formed helically in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the tap, whereby they have a chip-conveying effect. Known bottoming taps are described e.g. in DE-U-86 23 509.5, Marburger U.S. Pat. No. 4,462,727 and Von Holst et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,626.
In the second case (i.e. with straight-through taps) it is more favorable if the chips are conveyed to the front, through the hole, in the same direction as the tapping direction. In this case, therefore, the grooves for chips are formed helically opposite the direction of rotation of the tap and thereby have the effect of driving the chips towards the tap tip. Examples of straight-through screw taps are described for example in DE-A-3 419 850 and DE-U-83 24 835.8.
Also known are screw taps with straight, axially extending grooves for chips, which in principle convey the chips neither to the front nor to the rear. These are particularly suitable with short-chipping material and with small thread depths. Three different types of taps with straight-line grooves are often employed, namely, a taper tap, a second tap and a plug tap.
Unlike the screw tap, thread formers do not produce any chips; they simply deform the material. With thread formers also it is the practice to speak of a "chamfer" and a guide part, although the term chamfer is strictly speaking incorrect, since thread formers do not cut. For the sake of simplicity, however, this expression will also be used here for describing the tapering front part, in which, as in the case of screw taps, the work (albeit deforming work) for producing the thread is performed. A thread former according to the state of the art is described, for example, in DE-A-2 414 635.
It is normal to use considerable amounts of coolants and lubricants when operating the thread-producing tools described above. In recent times, however, a strong trend in general towards dry machining can be noted, not only in the production of thread but also, or even in particular, in turning, drilling and milling. The main reasons for this are to save on the costs of cooling lubricants and to protect the environment.
Various machining processes can be converted to dry chipping relatively easily. The latter include, e.g.,turning and milling. Other processes present far greater problems when they are carried out dry screw tapping and thread forming are particularly problematical. In such cases the so-called minimal lubrication technique is often used as a possible solution wherein minimal lubricant is fed via nozzles from the outside or centrally through the spindle and the tool. It is therefore often necessary for the screw tapping process (or thread forming process), to install a minimal lubrication system on the machine. This naturally complicates the machine and makes it more expensive.
The invention is consequently based on the aim of saving on cooling lubricant costs and protecting the environment.
It is further an object of the invention to avoid the need for the installation of a minimal lubrication system on a thread-producing machine.

Internal thread-producing tool and method


(3n+1)th (n=0, 1, 2, . . . , M/3−1) input data is stored in a first memory 102, (3n+2)th (n=0, 1, 2, . . . , M/3−1) input data is stored in a second memory 103, and (3n+3)th (n=0, 1, 2, . . . , M/3−1) input data is stored in a third memory 104. Information bit, first parity bit, and second parity bit that have been read out by 3 bits are held in an information bit queue 108, a first parity bit queue 109, and a second parity bit queue 110, respectively, to control data supply to the rate dematching circuits 111 and 112 by these queues 108, 109 and 110.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rate dematching processor which performs rate dematching at a receiving end with respect to the data that has been subjected to rate matching at a sending end, that is, the rate dematching processor which inserts, at a receiving end, dummy data into a position of the data that has been thinned out at the sending (transmitting) end or deletes, at the receiving end, the repeated data at the sending end.
2. Description of the Related Art
As one of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) international standards relating to a mobile radio (wireless) communication system, a wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) system has been known. This system involves various processes. A rate matching process is one of the processes, which adjusts differences in rate between send data and a physical channel.
In the rate matching process, when a rate of send data is higher than a rate of the physical channel, several pieces of data are thinned out (hereinafter, referred to as "punctured") in a sending data string, thereby allowing the rate of send data to correspond to the rate of the physical channel. On the other hand, when the rate of send data is lower than the rate of physical channel, several pieces of data are repeated in the sending data string, thereby allowing the rate of send data to correspond to the rate of the physical channel.
At receiving end, a rate dematching process, which is a reverse process of the rate matching process, is performed. In the rate dematching process, dummy data are inserted into a position of the data that has been punctured at sending end, or the data repeated in sending end is deleted.
The apparatus that performs the above rate dematching process has been disclosed in JP-A-2002-199048 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-199048). The apparatus disclosed in JP-A-2002-199048 (hereinafter, referred to as "conventional apparatus") comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, information bit memory (memory for information bit) 202, first parity bit memory (memory for first parity bit) 203, second parity bit memory (memory for second parity bit) 204, switch 201 which sorts input data into these three memories 202 to 204, first parity bit rate dematching circuit (rate dematching circuit for first parity bit) 205 which applies the rate dematching process to a first parity bit, and second parity bit rate dematching circuit (rate dematching circuit for second parity bit) 206 which applies the rate dematching process to a second parity bit. This conventional apparatus performs rate dematching process to the data that have been punctured at sending end to the turbo-encoded data with coded rate 1/3. Note that the data that have been turbo-encoded are made up of three-bit strings; an information bit, a first parity bit and a second parity bit.
Next, an operation of the conventional apparatus will be described. Input data are sorted and the sorted data are stored in any of the information bit memory 202, the first parity bit memory 203 and the second parity bit memory 204. The switch 201 sorts the input data into these three memories 202 to 204. That is, when an information bit is input, the switch 201 sorts it into the information bit memory 202. Likewise, when a first parity bit is input, the switch 201 sorts it into the first parity bit memory 203. When a second parity bit is input, the switch 201 sorts it into the second parity bit memory 204.
The data stored in the information bit memory 202 are output, as device output A, to outside of the apparatus without change. The data stored in the first parity bit memory 203 are input to the first parity bit rate dematching circuit 205. The first parity bit rate dematching circuit 205 performs rate dematching process to the input data and outputs the processed data to outside of the apparatus as device output B. The data stored in the second parity bit memory 204 are input to the second parity bit rate dematching circuit 206. The second parity bit rate dematching circuit 206 performs rate dematching process to the input data and outputs the processed data to outside of the apparatus as device output C.
In 3GPP, a new function called "High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA)" will be added to W-CDMA international standard for the purpose of realizing much faster mobile radio communication. HSDPA is a technique for speeding up a downward packet transmission (that is, transmission from a base station to a mobile station). As one of the process in the HSDPA, rate-matching process called "first rate matching" has been known. The following limitations has been set in first rate matching process, as compared to the general rate matching process:
(1) Repeating is not performed (that is, only puncturing is performed).
(2) Total data amount of information bit, first parity bit and second parity bit after first rate matching is limited by constant value M.
With respect to the limitation (2), in the case where the total data amount M after first rate matching process is, for example, 30 bits, the following cases are possible. The following cases do not cover every cases, but shows typical cases.
(Case 1)
In the case of 20 bits for information bit, 20 bits for first parity bit and 20 bits for second parity bit in a state before first rate matching process, first parity bit and second parity bit are punctured by 15 bits, respectively, resulting in 30 bits in total. That is, in a state after first rate matching process, the information bit, first parity bit and second parity bit have 20 bits, 5 bits and 5 bits, respectively.
(Case 2)
In the case of 30 bits for information bit, 30 bits for first parity bit and 30 bits for second parity bit in a state before first rate matching process, first parity bit and second parity bit are punctured by 30 bits, respectively, resulting in 30 bits in total. That is, in a state after first rate matching process, the information bit, first parity bit and second parity bit have 30 bits, 0 bits and 0 bits, respectively.
(Case 3)
In the case of 10 bits for information bit, 10 bits for first parity bit and 10 bits for second parity bit in a state before first rate matching, any of these bits are not punctured, resulting in 30 bits in total. That is, in a state after first rate matching process, the information bit, first parity bit and second parity bit have 10 bits, 10 bits and 10 bits, respectively.
In the above three cases, the maximum data amount for each of the information bit, first parity bit and second parity bit after first rate matching process can be assumed as follows; 30 bits for information bit (case 2), 10 bits for first parity bit (case 3), and 10 bits for second parity bits (case 3). In this case, when first rate dematching process, which is a reverse process of first rate matching process, is performed in the conventional apparatus, capacities of 30 bits, 10 bits and 10 bits are required for the memories 202, 203 and 204 of FIG. 1, respectively. It follows that total capacity N of the memories 202, 203, and 204 is 50 bits, which is larger than the total data amount M (30 bits) after first rate matching process by 20 bits.
Since the values M and N are small in the above example, the difference between the value M and the value N is correspondingly small (20 bits). However, the value of M actually used in practical operations is considerably large (thousands to tens of thousands). Accordingly, the difference between M and N is considerably large.


A piezo ignition device (1) includes a piezo electric crystal (16), which is intended to generate a spark on an electrode (3) in said device when subjected to force. The ignition device (1) is mounted parallel with a mixer pipe (5) for delivering fuel to an open-air cooking apparatus, and the piezo electric crystal (16) is arranged so that the force applied to the crystal is directed parallel with the mixer pipe (5), wherein the force acting on the ingition device (1) for the ignition of said device is arranged to be applied parallel with said ignition device (1) in a direction from the electrode (3).

Piezo ignition devices fitted to open-air cooking apparatus for igniting the burner of said apparatus are known, inter alia, from Swedish Patent Specification 9603139-8 (513 251). This patent publication teaches a piezo ignition device fitted as an ancillary at right angles to the burner-mixing pipe. The ignition spark is delivered to the upper side of the burner via an electrode located on the outside of the burner. The ignition device is activated by pressing a button, it being necessary to constantly "hold against" the opposite side, which requires the provision of means to protect against the heat generated by the apparatus. It may also be necessary to surround the ignition device with diverse protective plates in order to protect against the heat generated by the burner.
The U.S. Patent Specification U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,181 teaches a piezo ignition device for igniting a gas grill, wherein the device is applied with its power-effect in a direction parallel with the burner mixing pipe. However, this ignition device is activated by pressing the device upwards with one finger, therewith moving the device to an appropriate position in the burner in a first ignition stage, and thereafter by continuing to press the ignition device in the same direction in a second ignition stage, such as to produce an ignition spark. The applied upward pressure also means that it is necessary to "hold against" the grill with this type of ignition device, so as to prevent the grill from being lifted in its entirety as a result of the finger pressure applied to the device.
It is therefore necessary with both of these earlier known gas mixture ignition devices to activate a counter-pressure device which functions to exert an oppositely directed force, in order to control ignition of the cooking apparatus.


The present invention relates to a method in which a terminal transmits control information in a wireless communication system, comprising the following steps: selecting a PUCCH resource for control information from among a plurality of PUCCH resources; transmitting, through the selected PUCCH resources, a PUCCH signal carrying the modulation value corresponding to the control information; and transmitting a reference signal for the demodulation of the PUCCH signal, wherein the control information is identified by a combination of the PUCCH resource and resources for the modulation value and the reference signal.

Wireless communication systems have been widely deployed to provide various types of communication services including voice or data. In general, a wireless communication system is a multiple access system that can support communication for multiple users by sharing available system resources (a bandwidth, transmission power, etc.). Multiple access systems are, for example, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) system, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, and a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) system.

Method and apparatus for transmitting control information in a wireless communication system


A method of processing a sample for an assembly line workstation for a body fluid test includes: receiving application information including a sample number; checking a sample of a sample rack to acquire a sample checking result; matching the sample checking result with the sample number to determine if a match succeeds; and if a match is not successful, pausing dispatch of the sample rack.

Assembly line workstations for body fluid testing require a high degree of automation, allowing for rapid testing and processing of a large number of test samples. Usually, several doctors use a particular assembly line workstation, making rapid testing a desirable feature.
Three main work models are currently used for an assembly line workstation: (1) a barcode model, which involves matching a sample barcode with patient information; (2) a sample rack model, which relies on a sample position and matching the sample position with patient information; and (3) a sequence model, in which each sample is given a number by the user, after which sample numbers are matched with patient information.
Of the three units mentioned above, the third is most common. Doctors frequently find it to be the most flexible and convenient. However, in current assembly line workstations, this model does not support testing samples in which the sample numbers are not consecutive. For example, the first batch of samples may be given sample numbers 1-100 by the user, while the second batch of samples numbers may be given sample numbers 201-300. If the two batches of samples are placed in an input area, but the user has just applied testing for samples 1-100, the samples numbered 201-300 do not have matched application information. These samples will be pushed to orbit and conveyed to a recovery area. This approach decreases efficiency, since after these samples are conveyed to the recovery area, the user typically needs to take out the samples and retest them.

Sample processing method, device and system for an assembly line workstation

SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.


An image forming apparatus includes a developer storage tank which stores a developer therein and has a developer discharger to discharge the developer therethrough, a developer receiver which receives the developer, a delivery member which is connected with the developer discharger and delivers the developer to the developer receiver through a delivery path, and a vibrator which vibrates the delivery member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present general inventive concept relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus which improves developer supply configuration.
2. Description of the Related Art
An electrophotograhic image forming apparatus forms an image on a printing medium through charging, exposing, developing, transferring and fixing processes. The electrophotograhic image forming apparatus includes a laser printer, a photocopier, a multifunction printer, etc.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, one of the developer supply methods of a conventional image forming apparatus includes an integrated type where a developer storage part 8 storing a developer T and a developing part 3 developing a printing medium are integrally provided inside a casing 2. The other developer supply method of the conventional image forming apparatus includes a separate type where a developer storage tank 10 and a developing unit 20 are separated from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
In the case of the integrated type, a plurality of agitators 9a and 9b are provided in the developer storage part 8 to prevent the developer T from being clotted and to supply the developer T to a supplying roller 7 provided therebelow. The supplying roller 7 frictionally charges the developer T and supplies it to a developing roller 5. A doctor blade 6 controls the thickness of the developer T attached to a surface of the developing roller 5, thereby developing an electrostatic latent image of a photosensitive drum 4.
In the case of the separate type, the developer T stored in the developer storage tank 10 is supplied to the developing unit 20 through a developer supplying pipe 30. An agitator 13 is provided in the developer storage tank 10 to move the developer T to the developer supplying pipe 30.
The developer T moves along the developer supplying pipe 30 and is supplied to a developer receiver 23 of the developing unit 20. Then, the developer T is supplied from the developer receiver 23 to a supplying roller 26 within a unit casing 21 by the agitator 13 which rotates along a rotating axis thereof. The supplying roller 26 frictionally charges the supplied developer T and supplies it to a developing roller 27.
However, in the conventional separate type developer supplying method, if a user does not print for a long period of time, the developer T becomes adhered to the developer supplying pipe 30, and thus is not smoothly supplied to the developing unit 20. Then, image density becomes non-uniform, and printing quality is lowered.


The invention provides a method for recording information in the form of a pattern of magnetic domains in a recording layer. The recording layer includes a material having a Curie temperature and grains, the grains having boundaries over which the exchange coupling is small. The method includes a first step of applying heat to the material, thereby heating an area of the recording layer to a temperature above the Curie temperature during a first interval. In a second step a magnetic field is applied to the area during a second interval, the second interval ending after the first interval.

The invention relates to a method for recording information in the form of magnetic domains in a material, a recording device for carrying out the method and an antenna structure for use in the recording device.
Conventional magnetic recording, such as hard-disk recording, uses a magnetic field to write magnetic domains in a material, the domains representing information recorded. The material used in this type of magnetic recording is usually a sputtered ferromagnetic film and has typically a granular structure. The remanent magnetization is typically high. The domains are being read using a magnetic head. In general, the size of the grains is of the order of (10 nm)^3 and the thickness of the recording layer in which the grains are embedded is also of the order of some tens of nm or less. The exchange coupling over the boundaries of the grains is small. The preferred magnetization orientation is usually longitudinal.
A different type of magnetic recording is magneto-optical recording, in which domains are recorded using a light beam to heat the recording layer and a magnetic field small compared to the write fields used in conventional hard disk recording to orient the magnetisation of the recording layer at the increased temperature close to the Curie temperature where the coercivity is sufficiently low to allow a magnetization reversal in the relatively small write field and are read using an incident light beam whose reflected beam is modulated by the perpendicular magnetization due to the Kerr effect. The magnetization is typically low compared to the magnetization common in hard-disk recording. Magneto-optical recording does not use granular material but a magnetically-continuous amorphous material in which there is a long-range exchange coupling between the spins of the material, the range extending well over a 100 nm. The preferred magnetization orientation is usually perpendicular. Activation volumes in MO media take over the role of the grains in granular media. Magneto-optical media are typically made of TbFeCo or GdFeCo ferrimagnetic layers, optimised to the Kerr effect and not to a strong remanence.
For high density media in conventional magnetic recording, small grains are necessary to avoid excessive medium noise. However, the magnetization state of grains considerably smaller than (10 nm)^3 is not stable over a sufficiently-long period. The instability can be avoided by increasing the coercivity of the media. For a strong increase of the density, the coercivity must be made so high that write fields need to be higher than can practically be realized. In thermally-assisted recording, also called heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), the necessity of a high write field in a very-high coercivity medium is circumvented by increasing the temperature temporarily and thereby reducing the coercivity strongly at the location where the write field is active and the recording is taking place. It is noted that the coercivity of most materials decreases with increasing temperature. When the recording material has cooled down to room temperature after the recording process, the coercivity will be high again, providing a long-term stability of the written domain. This so-called thermally assisted recording is described in the article "Limits of conventional and thermally-assisted recording" by Jaap J. M. Ruigrok, J. Magn. Soc. Japan, 25, pp. 313–321 (2001). For very-high recording speed, i.e. magnetic field switching times well below 1 ns, another limiting factor arises, which is almost independent of the static (low speed) value of the coercivity. This limit is stated as follows, see the above cited article: the product of the time required for switching the magnetisation of a domain and the applied magnetic field cannot exceed a certain constant value, which value depends on the gyromagnetic ratio, which in turn is (almost) a physical constant. Hence, when decreasing the duration of the magnetic pulse, the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetic material during the pulse must be increased. For a field pulse far below 1 ns, the write field must be well above 800 kA/m (1 Tesla) and becomes unrealistic in practice, see e.g. the referenced article. It is explained in this article that the speed limitation also limits the improvement of the information density in thermally-assisted recording.
The disadvantage of the known thermally-assisted and conventional hard-disk recording methods is the relatively long minimum duration of the magnetic field pulse, the relatively high magnetic fields required and the limited density. It is the object of the invention to provide, amongst others, a method for recording at higher speeds and lower fields and a recording device using this method.
The above and following citations are hereby incorporated in whole by reference.

Method and device for high-speed magnetic recording


Provided is a guide wire having a novel structure, with which it is possible to improve production efficiency and to effectively prevent large irregularities from forming on an outer circumferential surface of a core wire. Further provided is a guide wire having a novel structure, with which it is possible to more meticulously set bending rigidity to a distal end portion thereof. In a guide wire having a coil externally mounted about a distal end portion of a core wire, a proximal end portion of the coil is integrally joined to the core wire during formation of the coil. Furthermore, in a guide wire having a coil externally mounted about a distal end portion of a core wire, a cross-sectional shape of a wire that constitutes the coil varies in a lengthwise direction of the coil.

Conventionally, in the medical field, medical tubes such as various types of catheters or the like have been used. For example, by inserting a catheter into a somatic lumen such as a blood vessel or the like, liquid medicine or the like can be injected, or biological fluid can be collected. In addition, treatments, inspections or the like can be performed with a device inserted into a body through that catheter. Also, with medical instruments such as a dialyzer or the like as well, catheters are used when providing passages for blood or liquid medicine outside the body.
Here, guide wires are typically used in order to insert such catheters to a prescribed position of the somatic lumen. Specifically, before insertion of a catheter, a guide wire is inserted in advance into the desired somatic lumen, and then, the catheter is slipped externally about the guide wire, for example. By inserting the catheter into the body in this state, the catheter is guided by the guide wire and configured to be introduced to the prescribed position of the somatic lumen. Such guide wires are cited in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. JP-A-2012-210292 (Patent Document 1) or Japanese Domestic Publication of International Patent Application No. JP-A-2007-503256 (Patent Document 2), which disclose a structure including an elongated core wire and a coil externally mounted about the distal end portion of the core wire.
Meanwhile, with the guide wire described in Patent Document 1, the core wire and the coil are formed as separate parts. After placing the coil externally about the distal end portion of the core wire, the prescribed positions of these parts are brazed and secured to each other, thereby producing the guide wire.
However, since the operation is required for inserting the core wire into the coil and then securing the two parts, there is a risk that production may be very troublesome. Besides, irregularities will greatly occur between these two parts due to brazing, posing a problem that the devices such as a catheter may be caught by the irregularities and find it difficult to proceed, or the like.
Also, for the guide wire, in general, it is preferable that the proximal end side thereof has sufficient pushability in order to be inserted into the lumen, while the distal end side thereof has sufficient flexibility in order to deform by following the bending or curving lumen. With the guide wire described in Patent Document 2, since the coil is externally mounted about its distal end portion, owing to the coil, the guide wire is able to flexibly deform in a direction orthogonal to the lengthwise direction as well. In particular, with the guide wire described in Patent Document 2, the portion of the core wire to which the coil is mounted becomes smaller in diameter toward its distal end, so that the guide wire is configured to deform more flexibly toward its distal end.
However, with the guide wire described in Patent Document 2, flexibility, namely change in bending rigidity, of the distal end portion is adjusted only by the diameter dimension of the core wire. This makes it difficult to meticulously set the bending rigidity to the distal end portion of the guide wire.


Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for downhole sampling or sensing of clean samples of component fluids of a multi-fluid mixture. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for, amongst other things, separating downhole multi-fluid mixtures into an oil-based fluid, a water-based fluid and/or the like and sampling and/or sensing of the clean separated fluids. Such sampling or sensing may be provided by a downhole tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention and the downhole tool may be used for production logging, formation testing and/or the like.

An issue associated with hydrocarbon recovery is that many oil producing wellbores or the like produce and earth formations surrounding such oil wells contain mixtures of fluids. Generally, such fluid mixtures may comprise a mixture of oil and/or gas, wherein the gas is often a gaseous hydrocarbon, together with water. Said mixtures may also contain reactive chemicals and may carry mineral particles, such as sand or the like. For purposes of hydrocarbon production, it is often necessary to collect samples of or test the fluids in the wellbore or the surrounding earth formations.
In hydrocarbon production from subsurface formations, it is often necessary to collect samples of or sense physical or chemical properties of fluids either downhole in the wellbore or in the formation or formations surrounding the wellbore. For example, when a wellbore is producing hydrocarbons a production logging tool may be introduced into the wellbore to either collect samples of and/or sense the physical or chemical properties of the fluids flowing downhole in the wellbore. In other situations, a wellbore tool may be equipped with a probe to provide for downhole withdrawing of fluids from earth formations surrounding the wellbore, such as collection of fluids from hydrocarbon reservoirs and the like. In yet other examples, fluids, aggregates, mud or the like may be pumped into the wellbore and/or the surrounding earth formations to provide for changing the interaction between the wellbore and the earth formation, changing the interaction between the wellbore and the hydrocarbon reservoir and/or the like and collection of samples and/or sensing of physical and chemical properties of fluids flowing in the wellbore or surrounding earth formations after such manufactured interaction changes have been initiated may be desirable.
Downhole collection or sensing of chemical and physical properties of fluids may be problematic because of fluid mixing (fluid mixtures may make accurate sensing of physical or chemical properties of the constituent fluids in the mixture inaccurate or in some circumstances impossible—presence of contaminants in the fluids to be collected and/or sensed—wherein the contaminants may be fouling contaminants, contaminants that may adversely affect sensors or the like. Furthermore, obtaining clean samples of constituent fluids of fluid mixtures downhole for sampling and/or sensing is problematic because of the physical dimensions of wellbore tools, sampling duration in dynamic wellbore conditions, adverse physical conditions, remoteness of the sampling site and/or the like.
In the first case, a knowledge of the hydrocarbon properties as a function of the position along the wellbore is useful in deciding the production strategy for the well and is presently carried out using an MDT. In this case, the fluid is drawn from the formation and passes sensors that analyze the fluids for contamination by drilling mud and water etc. After a period of time, the contamination decreases as the pumps draw fluid from deeper in the formation. Once the contamination is below a certain level, the fluid can then be diverted into a sampling chamber for bring back to the surface for more detailed analysis. It is extremely difficult to achieve zero contamination of the formation fluid sample by near wellbore invaded fluids and the wellbore fluid itself due to the nature of the flow in the formation and around the sampling probe. Existing sensors have to be sufficiently rugged to survive all possible fluid eventualities. To make real-time measurements of the fluid (hydrocarbon) properties requires low (ideally zero) levels of contamination of the wrong phase. The ability to control the phase species and quality will allow new sensors to be used in the downhole environment, and novel membrane based sensors will be expected to survive for longer periods of time than if they had to endure the full diversity of the mixed flow as it is extracted from the formation. Methods have been proposed to allow for aggregation of the mixed flow, so that slugs of the individual phases pass the sensors (Carnegie et al. 2003) and also the use of a hydrocyclone to achieve the separation and flow split (Oddie, 2002a and 2002b). In the first, the sensors still have to endure the diverse fluids and in the second, the pressure drop and the control of the fluid split would be problematic in the downhole environment.
Current production logging methods are aimed at determining the volumetric flow rates and spatial distribution of the fluids in the wellbore, as a function of position along the oil well. These measurements may be used to diagnose production problems in all types of completions—open hole, slotted liner, screened, cased and perforated etc. However, in more complex wells, such as those where the fluids are being produced from multiple zones or very thick producing layers, a detailed knowledge of the composition of the fluids as a function of position would be very useful. Identifying different qualities of hydrocarbons, for example, would allow specific interventions to produce what is desired, rather than waiting until the co-mingled flow arrives at the surface. Similarly identifying the composition of the water as a function of position would allow determination of shortcutting etc in waterflood wells, and those producing zones that are the sources of scale forming salts. Copositional analysis using PL tools would be a new service. The device proposed here would be extremely beneficial towards the quality of the results.

System and method for downhole sampling or sensing of clean samples of component fluids of a multi-fluid mixture


An electronic device comprising a first pusher located in a first position on the electronic device, wherein actuation of the first pusher causes initiation of a first operational sequence; a second pusher located in a second position on the electronic device, wherein actuation of the second pusher causes initiation of a second operational sequence; an integrated circuit, operatively coupled to the first and second pushers, for selectively carrying out the first and second operational sequences; switching means for switching the operational sequences initiated by the first and second pushers such that subsequent to actuation of the switching means, the first pusher causes initiation of the second operational sequence and the second pusher causes initiation of the first operational sequence; whereby the first operational sequence is different from the second operational sequence.

The present invention is directed to a system and method for modifying and/or altering the functionality of one or more buttons or pushers on an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is preferably a timepiece and a wristwatch in particular.
One perceived problem in the art today is the fact that certain electronic devices, such as digital watches as but one example, are designed with a particular configuration. For example, in a typical digital timepiece such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,959, the functionality associated with particular buttons/pushers is non-changeable. By that it is meant, for example and as it relates to U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,959, that the S1 button is associated with the backlighting and the S3 button is the mode selector, and such functionality associated with each button cannot change. Hence, a person wearing the device on her right wrist experiences a different interaction with the device than someone wherein the device on the left wrist. For example, with the device on the left wrist, a user may need to reach across the display to actuate a particular pusher for a particular function, while wearing the device on the left wrist may not require such a reach over. Obviously, other functions may require a reach over the display if the watch is worn on the opposite wrist. It would be desirable if such a perceived deficiency, namely removing any inconvenience associated with a dependency upon which wrist the device is worn, could be overcome.
Another but somewhat related perceived problem in the art today is a lack of customizability of small electronic devices such as, but not limited to timepieces, and wristwatches in particular. For example, with the advancement of technology, such electronic devices (like digital watches) are becoming more powerful and increasingly complex, and manufacturers are trying to capitalize on this advancement by increasing the functionally of such products while actually limiting the variety of products being manufactured. In this way, manufactures are trying to simultaneously manufacture goods that appeal to a wider variety of consumers while trying to achieve this objective with a "do more with less" approach. However, to date, there is a perception that all that is being accomplished is the manufacture of products having advanced functionality not being appreciated by the novice and or intermediate users. Therefore, from an end-user's perspective, there is also a desire to try to manage and to make sense of all of the features present in today's typical small electronic devices. It would be desirable if such a perceived deficiency, namely the non-optimization of the functionality of such devices with the user's abilities/needs, could be overcome.
The present invention overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies. In a first embodiment, the present invention's novel construction and methodology is patentably different from the known uses of "soft keys" for electronic devices (where the functionality of a particular button can change depending on the operational mode or context) such as those employed in such devices as ATM's, cellphones and pagers.
In a second embodiment, the present invention discloses a novel construction and methodology whereby the user can specify her experience level with the device. She may choose the "novice" level where only the most basic modes and settings are accessible and/or actuatable and the device, e.g. a wristwatch, is simple to use. For example, all button functions may be push and release only and/or other modes (e.g. timer, chronograph) can be modified to only their most basic operation. As the user's experience with the device grows (or requirements change) the user may then set the watch for "expert" mode where all of the settings and modes are exposed. Other possibilities to modify the feature set also exist—"business" setting may turn off all sport features and add a number of alarm and appointment features; conversely a "sports" setting may do the exact opposite. More advanced devices may allow the user to customize her groups and settings.
As will be appreciated, the present invention is patentably different from known devices such as video games whose difficulty level can be modified based on a selection made at the start of the game (e.g. either "beginner" or "expert"), or a software installation program for a PC, whereby the user can select between differing approaches to downloading and storing (i.e. "normal" or "easy" vs. "custom") of the program. That is, if the user selects "custom" (or the equivalent "expert"), the user is permitted/required to specify more parameters of the installation.
Customization of the functional aspects of electronic devices, such as timepieces and wristwatches in particular, is desirable as doing so permits a wider degree of personalization of the device. Moreover, as technology develops, such functional changes become more acceptable and even expected by such users. Still further, what may have once been considered a "negative" (i.e. having the functionality of a watch change), may now be considered an "advantageous" feature and marketable. Still further, with the general public becoming more technologically "savvy," providing such electronic devices with such optional functionality will become less "scary" for the next generation of users of such devices.
Although the present invention incorporates user interface methodologies that should be generally known to those skilled in the art, the subject matter of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,283,784; 4,783,773; 4,780,864; 5,555,226; 6,420,959; 6,604,851; 6,669,361 and 6,781,923; and that of pending application Ser. No. 09/727,886 is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein for completeness.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an electronic device that can still be further customized and more particularly configured to a user's customized, convenient and desired use thereof. The present invention achieves these objectives, as well as those mentioned above and within the remainder of this document.

System and method for modifying button functionality


A covered beverage container with an internal baffle which forces aroma laden vapor between the lid and the beverage in the container out openings in the lid when the container is tipped from the level position to the drinking position, thereby allowing the user to more fully enjoy the aroma of the beverage.

It is well known that the aroma of a beverage comprises a large part of the flavor of the beverage. While the taste buds sense only sweet, salt, sour and bitter, the nose can distinguish between approximately 10,000 distinct odors.
Typically, covered beverage containers sacrifice to a significant degree the aroma of the beverage when the beverage is drunk while the lid of the container remains in place. Other covered beverage containers allow for aroma laden air vapor to travel through drink openings or other small openings for venting air. However, because the vast majority of the container must remain covered in order to achieve the benefits of a lid (such as reduced risk of spilling and retaining the heat of hot beverages), traditional lidded beverage containers have resulted in far less of the aroma laden air from the beverage reaching the nostrils of the drinker.


A method for estimating the magnitude of a back-and-forth-direction force exerted on a tire comprises: using a plurality of strain sensors fixed to a tire sidewall capable of outputting data on the magnitude of a strain occurred at the position of the strain sensor; reading the output data from the strain sensors when come to fixed measuring positions predetermined around the tire rotational axis; in relation to each of the strain sensors at the respective measuring positions, calculating the back-and-forth-direction force as an intermediate result by the use of the data read from the strain sensor and a relational expression, whereby the intermediate results are obtained from the respective strain sensors; and computing a mean value of only the valid intermediate result(s) so as to output it as the estimated magnitude of the force.

The present invention relates to a method for estimating the magnitude of a back-and-forth-direction force exerted on a pneumatic tire, more particularly to a method capable of estimating the magnitude even if not all of sensors work in order.
A method for estimating the magnitude of a force exerted on a pneumatic tire is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,249,498, wherein it is described that the magnitude of the force in the back-and-forth-direction can be estimated by the use of one or more strain sensors fixed to the tire sidewall. Indeed, it is possible to estimate the magnitude, but it is based on the premise that all of the sensors work in order.
The most important purpose of estimating the magnitude of the back-and-forth-direction force is to control a brake system of the vehicle, for example so as to construct a well-known anti lock brake system (ABS).
In such a brake system, for safety's sake, it is very important to continue to output the estimated magnitude data toward the brake controller even if not all of the sensors work in order.

Method for estimating magnitude of back-and-forth-direction force exerted on tire


A system incorporates notification aspects of a presence system with content distribution capabilities of a content delivery network to both notify subscribers of the presence of content from a host and provide relatively fast and efficient delivery of the content to the user. A content host provides content, such as streaming audio or video media, to a content delivery network. The content host also provides notification of the availability of the content to a central site or presence server. A subscriber to the content host receives, from the presence server, notification as to the availability of content by the content host. The subscriber also receives notification as to the location of the content in the content delivery network. Based upon the notification, the subscriber retrieves the content from the content delivery network.

Computer networks, such as the Internet, allow users to access information stored within, or associated with, the network. For example, a user can access information as content in the form of a file (e.g., text, audio, or video) or as a stream (e.g., a stored stream or a live stream) involving one-way delivery of a relatively large number of bits to a destination with a relatively small number of bits returning to the source as a control mechanism.
Certain networks, such as content delivery networks (CDN) allow for distribution of content to requesting users. A conventional CDN utilizes a group of servers for delivery of content to a requesting user based on the distances among the requesting user, an originating content server (content origin), and content delivery servers. The distances can be based upon geography, network topology, network performance, or other metrics. A content delivery manager (CDM) associated with the CDN copies, or coordinates the copying of, the content from the originating content server to the content delivery servers within the CDN. Such servers are usually located at geographically distinct locations, although some locations can have multiple servers. When a user requests content (e.g., a Web page) from a content origin, CDN mechanisms redirect the request in accord with CDM-determined policy so that the request is sent to a suitable content delivery server within the CDN. A suitable server is a server that is "close" to the requester in terms of the distances considered by the CDN. The CDN mechanisms for redirection can include modifying the DNS mapping so that the server appears to be the origin server, explicit redirection of a request to a different server, the interception of candidate requests at the routers near each server, or any of a number of other mechanisms of redirecting requests. By redirecting the request to a server closer to the user, the CDN provides relatively fast delivery of the content to the user. The CDN also acts to load balance multiple requests for content among the content delivery servers associated with the CDN to provide protection from large surges in traffic and overloading of a single content delivery server.
Other types of networks or systems provide a user with information (e.g., presence information) relating to the availability (e.g., whether "online" or "offline") of other users on the network. A conventional presence system, for example, allows users to subscribe to each other (e.g. place each other on a contact list or a buddy list) and receive notification or presence information relating to the availability (e.g., "online" or "offline" status) of the subscribed users within the presence system. Based on receiving notification of a first user's online status, a second user can then decide whether or how (e.g., using instant messaging) to make contact with the first user.
A conventional presence system includes a number of users in communication with a central site or presence server. When a first user wants to receive the presence information associated with a second user, the first user transmits to the presence server a request (e.g., subscription request) for presence information related to the second user. In response, the presence server transmits presence information relating to the presence of the second user on the presence system. Each time that the presence information of the second user changes (e.g., the status of the second user changes from "online" to "offline") the presence system delivers the changed presence information to the first user to indicate the change in availability or status of the second user.
Conventional presence-related systems, such as peer-to-peer file-sharing systems, utilize presence system notification relating both the presence of a user on the presence system and to the availability of files from the user. For example, assume a first user notifies a presence server of his availability within the presence system and provides a catalog or list of audio files that the first user has available for transfer or download to other interested users within the system (e.g., provides presence information to the presence server). The presence server notifies a second, subscribing user of the availability or presence of the first user and the audio files available from the first user. The second user can then retrieve any of the available audio files directly from the first user.

Methods and apparatus for distributing content


The present invention discloses a centralized, digital, computer-based telephone call management system for authenticating users of a telephone system in an institutional facility. The system includes the capacity to allow an institution to control, record, monitor, and bill and report usage and access to a telephone network. The telephone call management system further includes both accounting and management software for use in controlling, monitoring, billing, recording, and reporting usage and access. Also, it can operate over both a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) infrastructure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of telephone communication systems in penal institutions or similar facilities. In particular, the present-invention relates to a centralized, fully self-contained, digital, computer-based telecommunication system with the capacity to allow an institution to control, record, monitor, and report usage and access to a telephone network.
2. Background Art
Generally, the need to monitor, control, record and provide detailed records of the usage of a telephone system in a controlled institutional environment is well recognized. It is common to utilize a controlled telephone system capable of monitoring outgoing telephone connections in many types of institutional environments, including penal institutions, military institutions, hospitals, schools, businesses, specific types of government institutions, etc. The reasons for monitoring and controlling institutional telephone systems are evident. To prevent such institutions from incurring unaccountable telephone costs, the institutions must either restrict access to outbound telephone lines or employ a telephone monitoring system to charge the responsible party for making the outbound communication. Otherwise, unaccountable telephone costs would severely hinder the availability of the telephone systems in institutions.
Therefore, it is imperative for many institutions to utilize a communication system that provides an accurate identification means for administrators to determine the individual responsible for each outbound telephone call. A communication system must also provide a monitoring means for maintaining a useful record of the communication. Additionally, the system should include a means for restricting access or a means for providing options to particular users. Considering the number of users in a large institution, different payment methods available, and the excessive call volume at many institutions, it is evident that an effective telephone management system is essential.
Providing telephone systems in specific types of highly restricted institutions, such as penal institutions, results in the consideration of numerous additional complicating factors. Generally, the government heavily regulates outbound communication means in penal institutions. Therefore, communication systems implemented in penal institutions or similar facilities must meet greater security requirements often mandated by regulatory bodies affiliated with the county, state, or federal institution. Thus, the communication system used in a regulated institution must employ unique functions often unnecessary in other types of institutions.
In its most general form, a penal institution's telephone system utilizes a call processor to approve and place a call, surveillance equipment or monitoring equipment, and a recording device for evidencing the conversation. Generally, these simple systems are not equipped to restrict an inmate from calling an individual. However, it is preferable for the call system devices now, employed in such institutions to have the capability to thwart an inmate from calling certain specific individuals or types of individuals. Systems currently exist capable of controlling calls. Without the necessary constraints on an inmate's use of the telephone system, inmates have often harassed outside parties or individuals. For example, it is generally preferred that an inmate be prevented from placing a telephone call to the prosecutor who prosecuted the inmate's case or another attorney responsible for the sentencing of the inmate. In another example, it may be preferred that an inmate be prevented from contacting the victim of the inmate's crime or witnesses from the inmate's case. It has also been documented that inmates have used previous penal institution call systems to perpetrate additional criminal activities such as fraudulent schemes or specific criminal conspiracies. Specifically, inmates have been known to arrange credit card fraud attempts, the smuggling of contraband into the facility, and have even been known to arrange escape attempts over the penal institution's telephone system. Therefore, it is critical in an efficient penal institution to carefully monitor all outgoing telephone calls making a regulated penal institution telephone system a necessity.
Another concern in implementing an efficient institution telephone system is cost control. In order for a system to be cost effective the system must critically monitor and record the activities of each individual user to properly charge each individual caller for his or her outgoing calls. Typically, telephone communication systems in penal institutions provide an inmate with a telephone account upon arrival. Each individual receives an account number. There are several options for an inmate to select with respect to payment on the account. For example, an inmate may place prior personal earnings into the account. The cost of each call is then deducted from the total amount in the inmate's account until no balance remains. The inmate may also choose to utilize collect call means. In addition, an inmate may be assigned a commissary account, where funds are added to the account based on work performed by the inmate. As the funds increase, the inmate may apply these funds to the cost of placing telephone calls. The inmate debit account may be located onsite, at a central office facility, or at a third-party site.
The inmate's family may alternatively control the inmate debit account. For example, the inmate's family may control the inmate's access to the debit account either remotely (e.g., by using the Internet, accessing a toll-free/pay to dial telephone number, using a mail form, etc.) or by visiting the prison facility. The inmate's family may add funds to the debit account and thereby control the call volume allowed to the inmate.
Another requirement of a secure telephone management system in a penal institution is the accurate identification of the telephone call participants. Generally, it is common in a penal institution to assign each inmate a personal identification number ("PIN"). When an inmate attempts to place a telephone call, the inmate must supply a valid PIN to gain access to the telephone system. However, a primary problem with this identification method is the ease of obtaining another inmate's PIN. For example, individuals who commonly forget their PIN may write it down, increasing the possibility that an unauthorized individual will view the PIN and use it.
In addition, if a PIN number is compromised and utilized by an unauthorized inmate, the unauthorized inmate may then be able to call certain individuals who are restricted to that inmate, since the unauthorized inmate is no longer using the proper PIN associated with that inmate. In known systems, the PIN identification method is incapable of verifying that the individual who supplies the PIN is the actual specified inmate. Some systems have attempted to improve security by requiring the use of a debit card in conjunction with a PIN. The use of the debit card will only allow access to an inmate's account if the correct associated PIN is supplied. This method, however, provides only minimal additional protection because a debit card and its associated PIN can often easily be taken from another inmate, or given to another inmate. For example, one inmate may threaten another inmate in order to obtain such information. Alternatively, one inmate may provide certain services in exchange for the use of another inmate's telephone privileges. The possibility that two inmates will exchange accounts also exists, thereby allowing them to contact people that would normally be restricted to them.
Further attempts to obviate security concerns include requiring personal information in addition to a PIN to be supplied by the inmate/user. For example, a user might be prompted to supply a PIN as well as certain information that may only be known to the user. A common example is a request by the call system to provide their mother's maiden name. This provides an additional security measure, but again is minimally secure because such information can easily be obtained in a correctional facility. It would therefore be desirable to develop a telephone management system that incorporates an improved method of identification or verification.
Another required feature of a telephone management system for a penal institution or similar facility is a means for restricting calls placed by a user (e.g., an inmate). It is well documented that inmates often try to harass individuals related to their arrest or confinement, such as judges, prosecutors or witnesses, etc., through telephonic communications. Penal institutions have attempted to prevent this by restricting the telephone numbers each inmate is able to access. For example, a system may utilize a PIN or other identification means to access a list of telephone numbers that the inmate may not call, or alternatively, the system may access a list of numbers that the inmate is authorized to connect to (i.e., the inmate can only call the numbers appearing on the list). Telephone numbers placed on the restricted list can include any individual related to the conviction (e.g., the arresting police officer, the prosecuting attorney, etc.), while telephone numbers placed on the permitted list may be, for example, close family relatives. The system may also limit the amount of time each inmate/user is permitted to conduct each outbound telephone call through the system. Furthermore, restrictions may be regularly updated. For example, if an inmate misbehaves, the inmate's telephone privileges may be further limited or revoked completely.
Penal institutions are also concerned with monitoring the activities and communications of inmates. Monitoring telephone activities is necessary to restrict connections to illegal activities outside of the institution.
Three existing types of call monitoring techniques are known in the art. The first technique is live monitoring. Live monitoring requires an operator or other individual to listen to each telephone call-and-alert the proper authorities if necessary.
The second type of monitoring involves recording the telephone conversation via a common recording device. A common example of this is a recording device such as a magnetic tape drive or a computer hard drive. This type of monitoring may be continuous or intermittent depending on the degree of security required for each inmate.
The third type of monitoring is known as passive monitoring. Passive monitoring may be activated when certain keywords are spoken. In addition, passive monitoring may be activated if the telephone call at the termination end is transferred to a third party via certain known detection means such as silence detection, hook-flash detection, etc.
Penal institutions currently record most inmate telephone calls, with the exception of lawyer-inmate communications, which are generally prohibited by law. Typically in the art, monitoring may occur using any combination of the three methods (e.g., live monitoring, electronic recording monitoring, or passive monitoring). However, it would be desirable for a telephone management system to embody a means for determining which level of telephone monitoring should be employed for each telephone call. For example, it can be advantageous to flag certain individuals in an inmate's profile as highly suspicious. If the inmate initiates communication with the flagged individual, the system will alert a live operator to monitor the system. In such a system it is essential that the system correctly identify the called individual to avoid unnecessary expenditure of live operators.
Alternatively, the inmate telephone call system may utilize a remote alert notification system wherein the system contacts an operator when a violation has occurred. The system may contact the operator utilizing telephone means, paging means, computer means, etc. This notification system may be set to call the operator a limited number of times or until the alert has been noted in the inmate telephone call system. The operator may then access information about the alert remotely using the telephone, Internet, or any other such remote access means.
In order to alleviate some of the problems and concerns discussed herein, many penal institutions have implemented certain task-specific advanced systems. Generally, these "advanced" systems known in the art comprise several features.
For example, it is known in current systems to employ permanent call blocking. Specifically, it is known in the art to block an inmate or group of inmates from dialing certain telephone numbers. Most systems also prevent inmates from talking directly to live operators. This prevents inmates from requesting that the operator forward a call or provide additional telephone numbers allowing inmates to harass or locate additional parties. Furthermore, current systems block "1-800," "1-900" and other like telephone numbers including toll-free and pay-to-dial telephone numbers. In addition certain institutions may elect to block country codes, specific area codes, or other third-party numbers.
Current systems known in the art may also utilize a feature commonly referred to as "selective" call-blocking. As discussed, "selective" call blocking may be employed to thwart inmates from establishing a connection with a selected group of individuals (i.e., with the home telephone of prison guards, wardens, indictment witnesses, trial witnesses, police officers, judges, etc.). It is also foreseeable that the telephone numbers of the family members of these specific individuals may also be blocked.
Some current systems also limit the use of specific long-distance carriers. This feature proves useful in limiting unnecessary costs incurred by employing alternate carriers.
Several current systems utilize features commonly referred to as "hook flash" prevention or "click" and "pop" prevention modes. These systems prevent inmates from extending the current outgoing telephone call and entering a new telephone call with a new number without fully terminating the original telephone call. For example, this prevents an inmate from utilizing common call forwarding features and the like.
In addition, some current institutional telephone systems electronically or manually disable the keypad after a telephone number is dialed and the telephone-call is connected. This feature prevents inmates from interacting with telephone games and lotteries, and in certain older systems, prevents the inmate from achieving an unrestricted dial tone.
Another common feature employed by institutional, systems is three-way call prevention. This feature prevents an inmate from instructing the called party to bridge the telephone call to another telephone number.
Other known systems in the art may exhibit other regulatory features. For example, telephone communication systems generally allow an institution to limit the duration of a telephone call or to limit the cost of the telephone call. These types of features further allow a facility to customize the telephone call systems thereby preventing unrecoverable expenditures.
Another control used by current institution telephone systems is the use of certain aspects of biometric recognition for the identification of users or inmates. (i.e., the calling party). However, systems known in the art have only used biometrics to a limited extent. It is highly beneficial for communication systems in penal institutions to incorporate biometrics as an additional security device. Biometric recognition is commonly available in a number of fields. For example, biometrics recognition has found a number of security uses, including common usage, in credit card systems and building security systems. Biometric information includes fingerprints, hand geometry, voiceprints, retinal patterns, iris scans, signatures, infrared facial patterns, and all other sources which constitute unique physiological characteristics and which can assist in establishing a person's identity. Various devices exist which can scan one or more biometric characteristics and digitize the information.
One system known in the art discloses an automatic account number validation and billing management system. The system prompts a user for an account number and compares the number inputted to a number stored in a database to determine validity. If the account number is valid and found in the database, the system completes the predetermined telephonic connection. If the number is riot in the database, and therefore invalid, the system will utilize voice prompts to request re-entry of the number or provide further instructions. The system attempts to locally automate and simplify the process of payment for routing calls without live operator assistance, but does not address additional security concerns that may exist in specific facilities, such as in a penal institution. Furthermore, it does not provide for protection measures to confirm that the individual supplying the account number is the individual entitled to the use of the account. In such a hostile environment as a penal institution, an account number may easily be obtainable through coercion or by force. Additionally, the system does not provide any means of monitoring the conversations taking place or restricting which individuals are accessed by the user.
Another system discloses a call management system enabling prepayment of telephone calls utilizing a debit system. Specifically, a user of the system obtains a special code by depositing a prepayment. The prepayment is stored in a database on the call management system for use in verifying calling party calls. To access the system, a user dials a special number and inputs a user-specific code for verification followed by the number of the party to be called. Next, the code is verified by the system. If verification is successful and sufficient funds are available, the call is connected. The prepayment amount, minus deductions for the running cost of the call, is tabulated as the call progresses. The call-terminates either when the prepaid funds are exhausted in the user's account or when either party disconnects. The invention also includes steps to prevent the same access code from being used at different terminals. However, the system does not teach a means for selecting the call type or a call monitoring means. It also fails to teach an advanced verification means specific to a user.
Yet another system teaches a multilingual prepaid telephone system capable of interfacing with a public switched telephone network ("PSTN"). In the system, each user of the system is assigned a PIN and a credit account. To access the system, a user first dials a number to access the telephone system and chooses a language for all subsequent voice prompts. The user then supplies a PIN which is compared against a list of numbers in a database. If sufficient credit is available for the duration of a telephone call to the destination number, the connection is completed and a timer is set for the available duration of the call. The call terminates either when the allowed amount of time for the call expires or if one party member hangs up the telephone line. If the latter situation occurs, the system computes a new available credit balance for the user's account. The system fails to provide a selection means for the user, such as the ability to choose the type of call to be placed (e.g., collect, debit, international, etc.). It also fails to teach any call monitoring means and would therefore be unacceptable as a communication system for a penal institution.
Still another system discusses an integrated commissary system for receiving and processing orders in an institutional setting. The commissary system is designed for use without access to a PSTN. According to the system, user status and inventory status are stored in an onsite database. To access the database, a user provide's identifier information and item selections through selected telephones. The selections are compared against the onsite database using a processor. If the user is authenticated and the requested items are available, the processor generates transaction records, updates user commissary information, and correctly adjusts inventory. The updated information is stored in a file that may be used for record keeping or archival purposes. However, it does not teach a commissary system for use with a PSTN. This system also fails to teach multiple authentication means and would therefore be unacceptable for use in a penal institution.
Still a different system known in the art discloses a software process for real-time call rating and debiting so that a subscriber's account balance is not exceeded. The method disclosed estimates the time when the user's balance will expire by using the total charge per second average. The process then determines the time remaining by dividing the account balance by the average charge per second of all telephone calls, and the time limit for the call is then set accordingly. This method is useful if the rate for long distance calls is not known locally. However, the system does not allow for other types of calls, such as collect calls, to take place. Furthermore, it fails to provide an advanced call monitoring apparatus with an advanced authentication apparatus.
There is also a system that depicts an automated public telephone control for charge or collect call billing. The apparatus embodies a microprocessor system controlling voice prompting, recognition of responses, network signaling, recording of calling details, and verification of account numbers. The disclosed invention provides for an automated telephone billing for public telephone systems. The system offers a plurality of billing methods, such as billing to a credit account number, to the called party (collect calling), or to a third party. An additional aspect of the invention describes the recognition of voice utterances from other signals and called party spoken words (i.e., the system can recognize the word "yes" when spoken by any individual). However, it does not identify or verify the individual speaking. Furthermore, this system does not provide a means to identify the user or verify that the user is not partaking in fraudulent activities. It also fails to teach of a monitoring and call control means.
Yet a different system discloses a system for a detection and a reaction to "hook flash" events occurring during a telephone communication. This system is, primarily concerned with the detection of "hook flash" events caused by the initiation of a three-way conference call. The system monitors the calls for particular sounds in intervals and tests if the sound is constant within other intervals. For example, if a sound is detected in the second interval that did not exist in the first interval further analysis will ensue. The system may then compare the total number of dialed digits with the original number of dialed digits to determine if an additional digit was dialed. The additional digit identified may cause the new sound in the second interval. Additional forms of analysis are also contemplated. If the additional sound cannot be explained through further analysis, the system may terminate the call. However, the system fails to disclose a means for incorporating biometric recognition in an institution telephone call system. Furthermore, it fails to disclose a means for incorporating a WAN-based institution telephone control system.
Yet still another system depicts a collect call system which can automatically route long distance calls without intervention of an outside service or operator. This feature enables private public telephone owners, as opposed to primary telephone companies, to receive revenue for completion of the call. The invention comprises the steps of providing the calling party with voice prompts, receiving voice or dialed signal information about the calling party in response to the voice prompts, locally recording the information about the calling party, providing the called party information about the calling party, and reacting to a variety of provided signals by either the called or calling party. The system only provides a method and apparatus for placing collect calls. In addition, it avoids consideration of providing other possible payment methods. The system disclosed is further limited by its lack of telephone call monitoring ability and calling party identification means, and is therefore unsuitable for use in penal institutions.
A different system discloses a system utilizing biometric verification means for determining if a user is authorized to use a credit or identification card. The invention introduces a method embodying the steps of receiving biometric data from a cardholder, scanning the card to obtain user information, and retrieving authorized card owner information stored in a database. The information obtained from the three sources (i.e., cardholder, card, and database) is analyzed and compared to verify that the cardholder is the authorized card owner. The system describes a number of possible biometric features that may be used such as voiceprints, fingerprints, digital photography, and retinal scans. It is an improved verification method because it compares the user information to an already existing database, which lessens the possibility of incorrect identification. It provides a reliable means for verifying a user in a credit or debit card system. However, the system fails to implement additional biometric means useful in identifying a called party and fails to apply these features to specific institutional functions.
Still a different system exemplifies the need for a control management and monitoring system in institutional settings. This system discloses a system for controlling, monitoring, recording and reporting telephone communications. The system deals primarily with the identification of a user through use of a PIN and restricting telephone communications through a profile accessed by the PIN. The system further contemplates means for monitoring and recording communications.
Even another system is primarily concerned with incorporating an improved method of monitoring calls. The method includes a means for detecting tones commonly associated with call bridging and call forwarding attempts. For example, the system is directed to the detection of tones such as ring signals, busy signals, special information tones ("SIT"), dual tone multi-frequency, ("DTMF") tones, call progress tones or other similar tones characteristic of the placement of a telephone call. It is limited by detection of certain sounds which may not be readily machine-recognizable. For example, it is foreseeable that interference, background noise, or compressed voice data may inhibit the detection of the tones.
Another system describes a system for the verification of a calling party, called party and a secure connection. The invention includes the costly requirement of secure telephone devices known in the art. Specifically, the invention teaches a system wherein the calling and called parties supply voice data which is encoded and transmitted over a telephone network. Both users hear the alternate party's recorded voice data and verify that the supplied voice data is correct. The call is established only if both parties verify that the called party has provided the correct voice data. However, it would be too costly to implement such a system in a penal institution or similar facility. Additionally, the system does not consider possible payment methods for calls or call management. For example, certain inmates may be entitled to call only a few particular individuals. A system within penal institutions, or similar facilities, must include a means for limiting the number of potential called parties and the specific parties to which inmates can call and provide a means for monitoring inmate call transactions.
Additionally, a system known in the art teaches the ability to utilize voice recognition as an identification means. One aspect of the invention introduces a speaker recognition method and system using two processing units. The first unit receives voice characteristic information by recording specific words spoken by the user. The information is analyzed and stored in a database. The system prompts the user for additional information, which is then received by a second processing unit. The results of the analysis of the second processing unit are sent to a first processing unit with the previously stored information. A comparison of the analyses determines if the user is authorized. Although it contemplates other voice recognition methods, the system fails to address any other field of biometric recognition. The invention is further limited by its inability to manage call restrictions and lacks monitoring capabilities.
Further, a different system discloses a system to permit users repetitive access to a multitude of systems. The system requires an initial enrollment phase for access. The enrollment phase consists of extracting biometric data to be stored for future use. The format of the data is compatible with a plurality of verification/identification systems. For example, in one embodiment, it describes a biometric recognition means including voice recognition, fingerprint identification, and retinal scan identification. However, it does not address restrictions to the system or further monitoring means during use of the system, which are essential for systems within a penal institution.
There is also a system known in the art that discloses the utilization of acoustic and non-acoustic attributes to identify users of a system. An initial profile is created by both utterances spoken by a user and non-acoustic information, such as keying in a user's customer number or social security number. The acoustic recognition contemplates the usage of a plurality of voice recognition methods. The system is limited in its ability for use in a telephonic system in a penal institution by the lack of monitoring or call management abilities.
Finally, a system discloses a method and system for routing calls between an internet protocol ("IP") network and a PSTN. In this system, a first signaling protocol at a first network is routed to a second network that uses a second signaling protocol. It receives requests from a calling party at the first network and translates the request. The system additionally determines the route for processing the request over the second network and generating signals specifying the route.
In view of the foregoing, there clearly exists a need for an improved method and apparatus for managing an institutions telephone call system. Furthermore, there clearly exists a need for an improved telecommunication system for use in penal or similar institutions that incorporates new technologies found in telecommunication systems while maintaining the quality of service and capabilities of current systems. Additionally, a system is needed that supports pre-existing telephony devices already owned and utilized by the institution. Further, the system should also take advantage of the new opportunities afforded through the use of IP telephony. In particular, there exists a need in the art to provide a fully self-contained, digital, computer-based telecommunication system with the capacity to allow an institution to control, record, monitor, and report usage and access to a telephone network.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Digital telecommunications call management and monitoring system